It was important for us to mark the 77th anniversary of VE Day (8 May 1945) at Loose Valley Care Home.
On Sunday 8 May we chatted in our garden and a group of our residents shared their memories of the war and VE Day – people faced hard times during the war, but challenges often brought people together.
Gwen’s story
Gwen was 11 years old when the war ended and she wrote down all her childhood wartime memories and experiences; copies of her diaries are at the Imperial War Museum in London.
She also spoke on a radio show back in 2016 on radio Kent when she was interviewed on air.
Celebrating together
As part of the celebrations, we decorated our Home with Union Jack flags and wartime memorabilia to create a party atmosphere on Monday 9 May.
Paula from our Recreation and Well-Bring Team became an Army Officer for the day and our cat Billy was her new recruit! Our resident June wore a green cardigan, received a medal and became a member of Paula’s team too!
First Class Act
Our bubbly sweetheart ‘Miss Holiday Swing’ (Holly) sang with a retro feel; like Dame Vera Lynn, she boosted morale and brought a smile to our residents’ faces, as they joined in waving Union Jack flags and singing along.
Favourite songs included ‘We’ll Meet Again’, ‘In The Mood’, ‘Kiss Me Goodnight’, ‘Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree’, ‘White Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square‘.
We served VE Day themed cakes and afternoon tea after Holly had finished her set.
Such a poignant day to celebrate for those in care homes who have first hand accounts of wartime.
