FROM THE EDITOR: Shared memories make a city so help us make them last

Next week marks VE Day and The Star wants to celebrate by sharing your memories of that remarkable event.

I have no doubt that many of you will say it is hard to believe that it has been 75 years since those parties in the street.

That is exactly why we hope you will get in touch and tell us what you remember.

How was your road decorated, did you do special things at school and what do you remember most?

We all know the terrible story of war and have seen some of the photos to mark the end of it, but there is nothing quite like hearing personal accounts of life in Sheffield.

One of the great privileges of being a journalist is being able to listen to people in this city talk about their lives and their experiences.

Usually they don’t think anybody cares or wants to hear, but I know from my own interest and the feedback you give me that nothing could be further from the truth.

Remembering our Sheffield of the past in all its glory and gloom is something we all enjoy to do. It is shared experiences such as these that make us into the people we are and shapes our city.

It is the childish thoughts of toys and cakes, the heartbreak of those who couldn’t be there to share it and the joy of the reunions which had been so long coming.

After all, there are no excuses for not having enough time these days.

Let’s lift our spirits with memories of celebrations which pulled the whole of Sheffield and the country together. You never know, we might even get some inspiration for what to do when we mark the end of lockdown – whenever that might be.

You can email me [email protected] or call me on 0114 2521340.

We are also still doing our best to collect post from The Star offices as often as possible so write to Nancy Fielder, Editor, The Balance, 2 Pinfold Street, Sheffield, S1 2GU.

We might not be able to dance in the streets or hug our neighbours in the wonderful celebrations originally planned for VE Day 75 but, by golly, we will do what we can to mark this monumentous occasion and I do hope you will join us.