Women's Auxiliary Air Force veteran thanks neighbours who arranged surprise gifts for her on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

Neighbours in Cathedral View, Houghton joined forces to give 95-year-old Joyce Dixon a special surprise on the 75th anniversary of VE Day last week.

Joyce served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during World War II – and even met her husband during the conflict.

Her neighbours created a hamper of treats which would have been common during the Second World War era, as well as some flowers and even a poppy which is now on display.

Joyce told the Echo about how surprised she was to receive the gifts.

She said: “I just speechless. The last few weeks have been an amazing time and it was a lovely thing for them to do.

“I have lived here since 1952 when the estate was built and watched so many people grow up, all my neighbours have been wonderful.”

The anniversary of VE Day marked a time where Joyce was able to recall some great memories of her time during the war – including how she met her husband Tom.

She added: “During my time at Stanmore, where I was working as a motor mechanic, I would write to the soldiers on the front.

“One of the men asked me to write to their brother-in-law Tom, who was serving in Italy at the time, so I did.”

“When he returned home on leave, he proposed to me and we bought an engagement ring the next day.

“Tom then had to go back to Italy and I wasn’t able to see him again for almost another year.”

Joyce also spoke of the memories she has when victory was announced in Europe, 75-years ago.

“It was amazing, the comradeship among everyone was great,” Joyce recalled.

“We all looked after each other during the war, it was a lovely time for everyone being able to work together.

“You could even go out in the blackout without any fear, that’s how much we cared for one another.”

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