OLD women kicking and punching an effigy of Hitler before it was set alight are among a Maidstone church magazine editor’s memories of VE Day.

Sixty years ago, Gwen Howe, now 77, of Greenfields, Willington Street, was Gwen Dobell, a 17-year-old secretary living with her parents in Kemsing, near Sevenoaks.

Even as a teenager, Gwen, editor of Maidstone’s United Reform Church magazine, kept comprehensive diaries.

"VE Day was terribly important, eventful, joyous and memorable," she said. "It was a red letter day – and, because it was so important, I wrote my diary entry for that day in red ink."

The entry for Tuesday, May 8, 1945, records that, because it was VE Day, everyone was officially allowed two days holiday but all the butchers – Gwen’s father Stan was Kemsing’s – agreed to have theirs later.

After breakfast, Gwen and her sisters, Barbara and Valerie went for a cycle ride.

Gwen married accountant Derrick Howe in 1956 and has two children.

Gwen's VE Day diary entry:

"All the shops and house are gaily decorated with flags, banners and bunting and the women and children are all wearing red, white and blue ribbons and rosettes.

"I wear a red, white and blue ribbon round my head and Jock (her dog) has a rosette on his collar. When we get home I put up our flags."

Gwen recorded that after the Prime Minister’s 3pm speech to the nation, "church bells are rung everywhere and we hear some recordings of them on the wireless, also recordings of the huge crowds in the big towns and cities.

"They are all shouting, laughing, cheering and singing everywhere."

After a service of thanksgiving at Kemsing Church and listening to the King’s speech at 9pm "we all walk up road to meet the effigy of Hitler, and the coffin following behind.

"Dad is in front, dressed in a long black cloak and top hat, and carrying a huge axe. The procession stops in the village and old women kick Hitler about, punch him and throw beer in his face."

The effigy was put in the coffin and burnt on "the biggest bonfire I have seen".