South Yorkshire Times August 18, 1945
Early Rejoicing
Conisbrough Well Off the Mark
There was the expected area of anticipation on Tuesday evening in Conisbrough and by midnight when the Prime Minister made the official announcement of the end of the world war, many who were asleep were roused from their beds by excited neighbours breaking the news to them.
The object of the “knocking up” was twofold. In addition to giving the news, it also gave an intimation that there would be no need to rise early for work that morning.
Huge bonfires had been built during the preceding day or two in preparation for the big event, and although there will were no signs of any been lit in Conisbrough at the time of the announcement by the Prime minister, it could be seen from the top of the Crags that at least one fire had been lighted in the region of Blyth Street, and the tinkle of a piano could be heard accompanying singing and dancing.
During the morning of Wednesday, shopkeepers were to be seen decorating their window, and flags appeared on the flagpoles on the Bank, the church and at many other places.
The banks were open during the morning, but most of the shops were closed.
Thanksgiving services were held at the Parish Church in the afternoon and in the evening.