Sutton Coldfield care home invites community to honour VE Day

A Sutton Coldfield care home is opening its doors to the community to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two. 

On Thursday 8^th May, from 12pm–3pm, Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, is welcoming local people to honour the 80^th anniversary of VE Day with its very own 1940s-themed street party.

VE Day was celebrated on 8^th May 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.

At Mercia Grange, the team has been hard at work organising their own special commemorative event, which will see residents and guests enjoy an afternoon of delicious barbecue food, live entertainment from Dave Devereux and dancing as they embrace the spirit of the 1940s. 

99-year-old resident Alan Beckley, said: “I am a Veteran and overjoyed to celebrate VE day at Mercia Grange. It’s important we remember the wartime and celebrate the freedom we fought for. I love sharing my stories to others and in the up-and-coming weeks a local school are coming here to Mercia Grange to hear all about my stories”  

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “We’re passionate about building and maintaining relationships within our community here at Mercia Grange, 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 fabulous garden party.

“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. 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 Mercia Grange for a day to remember.” 

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and café.