People across Caerphilly County Borough took to their front gardens on Friday to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic that has cast a social cloud over the country, people did their best to celebrate and mark the occasion with social distancing in force.
Community spirit was on show up and down the Valleys with period costumes, bunting, 1940s inspired food, and listening to Churchill (albeit on a 21st century smart speaker).
On Caerphilly town’s Pontygwindy Road, a terraced block of neighbours pulled out all the stops with a magnificent display.
Leanne Stone, 46, has lived on the block of six houses for 25 years and said plans to celebrate VE Day were a collaborative effort with her neighbours.
She said: “This is just a proper community spirit. We couldn’t have better neighbours.
“We have all done an amazing job. We’ve been talking about it every Thursday when we have been out clapping. It’s been really good fun and kept us sane.”
The neighbours couldn’t buy enough bunting so had to make their own – in the end they made too much and donated some to other street parties.
Resident Moira Thomson, 65, has lived on the street for 30 years.
She said: “I’m the vulnerable one in this block and my neighbours are being really helpful – it just shows the spirit that goes on here.”
Park Road in Bargoed 
Park Road in Bargoed 
Lisa Clapham from Cefn Hengoed 
Cherrie Clapham in Cefn Hengoed 
Caernarvon Court in Hendredenny, Caerphilly 
Ellie Jo Williams from Bargoed 
Trevelyan Court in Lansbury Park Caerphilly 
Mandy Sutton, left, and neighbour Moira Thomson of Pontygwindy Road 
TEA FOR TWO: Mandy Sutton, left, and neighbour Moira Thomson of Pontygwindy Road GIRL NEXT DOOR: Mandy Sutton with Ian and Luke Stone 
Pontygwindy Road residents celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day FAMILY DINERS: Leanne, Ian and son Luke Stone 
Resident Mandy Sutton 
Kevin and Allison Burnett – Jiving for Plasturtwyn Terrace, Llanbradach 
VE Day in Llanbradach with the sun shining 
Kevin Burnett giving it some by singing to residents 
Kevin Burnett giving it some by singing to residents 
Kevin and Allison Burnett – Jiving for Plasturtwyn Terrace, Llanbradach 
Sing-sing-sing: Sebastian, two, and mum Kathryn James 
Neighbour Glenys and Maureen from Bonfield Park 
Claire Griffiths and residents of Bonfield Park
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