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Anthony Victor Ridley from Ponteland in Northumberland was born on 8 May 1945 as Britain was celebrating VE day.

He was born in Dilston Hall Maternity ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in Corbridge. The staff there asked that all the girls who were born on that day were given the name Victoria, and all the boys Victor. Hence he became Anthony Victor Ridley.

His parents were quite elderly to become parents for the first time especially for that era. His father was already in his 40s and his mum was about to turn 40. Anthony – or Tony as he was known – was their only son and he says they were always very pleased that he had been born on such a momentous day.

However he says the name Victor was the source of some embarrassment during his childhood. It was not a popular name at the time, and the only person who had the name was the popular bandleader Victor Silvester. Tony felt his middle name was something of a joke and something to be concealed at all costs.

Later in life he has come to appreciate the link between his name and his history and to realise the significance of the moment to his parents, who had come through two World Wars.

Image: Anthony with his mother

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