On Thursday, May 8, Care UK’s Liberham Lodge, on Rectory Lane, and Milner House, on Ermyn Way, are welcoming local people to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day with their very own 1940s-themed street parties.
VE Day was celebrated on May 8 1945, after Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an announcement on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end. This emotional news sparked celebrations across the country, with many taking to the streets for spontaneous parties.
The teams at both homes have been hard at work organising their own special commemorative events, which will see residents and guests enjoy delicious food, entertainment and dancing as they embrace the spirit of the 1940s.
At Liberham Lodge, which will open its doors from 1pm-3pm, the team is hosting a traditional street party followed by a sing-along to 1940s songs.
Resident Peter Baillie, 89, said: “It’s wonderful that we will get to celebrate such a brilliant occasion with our friends and families. The songs are definitely going to take us all back to the day!”
Meanwhile, at Milner House, from 3pm onwards, team members will turn back the clock as they host children from a local school who will be interviewing relatives and residents about their own personal experiences during the war. This will be followed by live entertainment from a local singer.
Guests can also enjoy a special 1940s-themed makeover, complete with a photobooth giving residents the opportunity to remember how life was 80 years ago.
Gary Nash, Home Manager at Milner House, said: “We’re passionate about building and maintaining relationships within our community, so we’re pleased to be opening our doors to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day for a special day of sharing memories and a fantastic street party celebration.
“Reminiscence activities are a great way for older people, especially those living with dementia, to connect with those around them and help maintain a sense of identity.”
Jagpal Singh, Home Manager at Liberham Lodge, added: “In the run up to the day, residents have been sharing their own stories and it’s been inspiring to hear everyone’s experiences and memories from wartime Britain.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming our friends and neighbours into Liberham Lodge for a day to remember. We ask people to RSVP to the event online, so we can ensure we have enough food and chairs on offer.”
Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Liberham Lodge and Milner House incorporate plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The homes provide full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The layout of the buildings is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.
To find out more about Liberham Lodge or Milner House, and for further details about their upcoming VE Day events, visit the website.