Do you remember Victory Queen?

Victory in Europe Day on May 8 will mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Seventy years ago, Lisburn celebrated the occasion by crowning a ‘Victory Queen’ and the Star is hoping to find out more about the women who helped to mark this special occasion.

Back in 1945 the local newspaper was the Lisburn Standard and it carried details on the selection and crowning of the Victory Queen, who would help the town to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany.

The Lisburn Standard reported that the crowning was held on a Friday night at the Lisburn Picture House.

Seven Lisburn ladies were nominated for the honour - Miss Doris Clarke, Miss Irene Ellis, Miss Barbara Martin, Miss Nan Mulligan, Miss Margaret McCarthy, Miss Monica McNally and Miss Jean Rodgers. The contest was whittled down to the final three, with Miss Irene Ellis in third place, Miss Doris Clarke became runner up and Miss Jean Rodgers was crowned as the Victory Queen, winning the top prize of £5. A local man was also invited to the Victory Visit by King George, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Elizabeth at Botanic Gardens in Belfast. Whilst researching the VE Day celebrations, the Ulster History Hub uncovered an invitation addressed to G Topping, 3 Mercer Street, Lisburn.

The Star would like to track down the families of the Victory Queen nominees and the family of Mr Topping.If you have any information, contact the Star on 028 9267 9111 or [email protected],