Being the youngest member of the team here at H.R. Higgins, I’m always eager to listen and learn from my colleagues – especially Mr Tony, whose stories never fail to fascinate me. Every conversation with him reveals something new and unexpected, and it’s clear that history lives vividly through his memories.
One story that particularly stayed with me was about his sister, Audrey Higgins. During one of our chats, Tony spoke fondly of Audrey and mentioned a blog he had published, which featured a diary entry she had written about her experiences in 1945.
I’ve always been drawn to the rich history surrounding this company, but hearing Tony’s memories makes it feel even more personal and alive. When he talks, it’s impossible not to feel transported to another time.
As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, I’ve found myself reflecting on its significance. It’s not just a date in the history books – it’s a collection of personal stories, like Audrey’s, that bring it to life.
Reading her words felt like stepping back in time. Audrey paints such a vivid picture of the celebrations in London – the joy, the relief, the overwhelming sense of unity. Even though I wasn’t born anywhere near that era, her story made that day feel incredibly real to me:
“The whole city was fluttering with flags of nearly all nationalities. Crowds surged along the streets wearing every kind of decoration imaginable! Ribbons, streamers, comic hats, flags and flowers.”
What struck me most is how relevant her reflections still feel today. While I haven’t experienced anything close to the hardships of war, Audrey’s words reminded me of a different moment of collective challenge in our own time — the COVID-19 pandemic. Though a very different crisis, it, too, shaped our world and brought about small acts of resilience and unity. For my generation, it’s perhaps the closest we have come to living through an event that reshaped history.
The world may have changed, but the human need for hope, resilience, and connection remains constant.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a company that holds stories like Audrey’s at its heart. Eighty years on, VE Day isn’t just a date to commemorate — it’s a powerful reminder of everything we can overcome when we stand together.
Olivia Fairbank
