Tipton Town Libraries Local History Group came up with a wonderful idea to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day by delivering Peace Cards to pupils at local schools.
The exciting idea came about when one of the history group’s members, Betty Johnson, unearthed a card she received when she was seven in 1938 from the old Urban District Council of Tipton.
So, the history group – with sponsorship from local firm A&A Walters Funeral Directors – have worked together to create a similar card to the one Betty and lots of children in Tipton would have received.
The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Syeda Khatun MBE, helped deliver the cards to pupils at St Paul’s C of E Academy today (Wednesday 7 May).
Betty, now 93, was there too, passing on the memories to today’s children of the moment she received her ‘Borough Card’ at the old St Mark’s school in Spring Street.
This time, for VE Day 80, the card has a poem for peace written by local poet Barbara Fletcher.
Over 4,000 Peace Cards are being distributed to Tipton schools and groups, with copies also being sent to the King, the Prime Minister, and to anyone who still holds their or their parent’s 1938 Borough Card.
Robert Hazel, a member of Tipton Town Libraries Local History Group, said: “The history group was set up to promote, preserve and protect our local history.
“The Peace Card being created as a tribute to the Borough Card from 1938, owned by one of our group Betty Johnson, gives a nod to the past whilst looking forward to the future and we hope to do many more projects with local schools.”
Anna McGuire, Principal at St Paul’s C of E Academy, said: “We are thrilled that our pupils have been gifted beautiful Peace Cards to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
“The Peace Card message carries the spirit of hope and unity, reminding us all of the importance of peace. A sincere thank you to the history group for their generosity.”
Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Syeda Khatun MBE said: “This is such a wonderful idea from the history group to commemorate VE Day 80 this year and it was an honour for me to be asked to help deliver them to children.
“We hope some of these Peace Cards may turn up years into the future in the same way the original card turned up.
“This is one of the many ways in which Sandwell is celebrating VE Day 80. We are reflecting on the sacrifices made by the Second World War generation, to honour them for what they achieved and to celebrate their legacy.”
When Tipton became a borough on 1 October 1938, every child at school was given a Borough Card from Councillor Albert Parker JP, then Chairman of the Education Committee of the Urban District Council of Tipton.
The card featured an image of the Borough Arms with a description. It also bore the message “Always remember it is your privilege and duty to uphold the honour and dignity of your Borough”.
The message this time, in a nod to the past, the Peace Card includes the message “Always remember it is your privilege and duty to uphold the honour and dignity of your Town”.
Go to or VE Day webpage to find out more about VE Day 80 celebrations in Sandwell.