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Meals on wheels delivered on wartime wheels to mark VE Day

Harrogate’s longest established car garage, Newnham Street Garage, provided a 1944 Willy’s Jeep to The Cutting, Harrogate Neighbours extra care scheme, which brought back memorable moments for residents celebrating VE Day.

Sue Cawthray CEO of Harrogate Neighbours with volunteers

CEO of not-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours donned her finest land girl outfit as she, alongside long-standing volunteers delivered their daily run of hot meals into the community on a genuine wartime Jeep. 

Sue said, “On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we wanted to do something that would take our residents and clients back to a happy and memorable moment.

Sue Cawthray, CEO of Harrogate Neighbours with volunteers
Sue Cawthray, CEO of Harrogate Neighbours with volunteers Credit: Harrogate Neighbours

“It was great to see the excitement from both residents as well as staff and volunteers as the Jeep arrived – a big thank you to Simon Roberts from Newnham Street Garage for his support.”

Residents at Harrogate Neighbours enjoying wartime music at The Cuttings
Residents at Harrogate Neighbours enjoying wartime music at The Cuttings Credit: Harrogate Neighbours

On a daily basis, Harrogate Neighbours and its team of volunteers deliver over 150 hot meals to older and vulnerable people – a vital lifeline for many in the community. 

 

Alongside the Jeep, residents and members of the community who use Harrogate Neighbours services, enjoyed a fun-filled day of music, including a wartime singalong with all the classics and an afternoon tea prepared by the chefs at The Cuttings. 

 

Resident at The Cuttings, Noel Cork said, “I was born in 1935, I can remember VE day. The songs brought back lots of memories from my childhood. I also saw the Jeep and put the helmet on!”

 

Another resident, Colin Prest said, “Yesterday afternoon was brilliant. It brought back memories from younger days, I really enjoyed it.”

 

Resident Margaret Boreham added, “Yesterday was very good. I could remember all the songs!”