Dorset care homes invite community to honour VE Day

Three care homes around Dorset are opening their doors to the community to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. 

On Thursday 8^th May, Care UK’s The Potteries, in Broadstone, Ferndown Manor, in Ferndown, and Anning House, in Weymouth, are welcoming local people to honour the 80^th anniversary of VE Day with their very own 1940s-themed celebrations.

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.

The teams at all three 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 The Potteries, from 2pm-4pm, team members will turn back the clock as they adorn fancy dress from the wartime era, while vintage singer Heather Williams will get everyone’s toes tapping with songs from decades gone by. Local veterans from the community will be wearing their medals and there will be a raffle raising funds for The Stronghold Group. 

Resident Arthur Wright, 98, said: “It is very important to remember and reflect on such a momentous day in history.

“I was only young at the time, but I just remember everyone cheering and dancing everywhere.”

From 2pm-4pm, the team at Ferndown Manor will be welcoming singer Sally Agar, who will get the community dancing with a host of vintage tunes.

Ferndown Manor resident Lawrence Shields, aged 90, said: “We need to remember to keep history alive – it would be very sad if we didn’t. 

“I remember the day it was announced the war had ended. It was my fifth birthday, and I was in the fields picking blackberries with my brother. I asked my brother when he thought the war would end, and he turned around and said: “It has! Today!”

At Anning House, visitors are invited to join in the celebrations from 2pm-4.30pm, including a 1940s themed menu and entertainment, as well as traditional English games in the garden. 

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our doors to the community to mark the 80^th anniversary of VE Day. 

“The event is a chance to re-awaken old memories and offers a meaningful way for older people, and those living with dementia, to connect with others and celebrate a momentous event in our history.”

Heidi Williams, General Manager at Anning House, added: “As we approach VE Day, residents have been sharing their cherished stories from wartime Britain – it’s been so inspiring to hear their experiences and learn from one another. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces into Anning House for a nostalgic and heartwarming day to remember!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Ferndown Manor, The Potteries and Anning 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.