Enfield care home invites community to honour VE Day

An Enfield care home is opening its doors to the community to mark 80 years since the end of World War II.

On Thursday 8^th May, from 1pm-4pm, Care UK’s Elizabeth Lodge, on Pennington Drive, is welcoming local people to honour the 80^th anniversary of VE Day with its very own 1940s-themed celebration.

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 Elizabeth Lodge, the team has been hard at work organising their own special commemorative event, which will see residents and guests enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, entertainment and dancing as they embrace the spirit of the 1940s. 

Team members and residents will turn back the clock as they dress in traditional clothes from the wartime era, while a vintage entertainer will get everyone’s toes tapping with songs from decades gone by at 3pm. Traditional buffet-style refreshments, including cake and tea, will also be available. 

Retired British Army veterans from the Chelsea Pensioners will also attend the event to present special recognition awards to eight residents who raised more than £800 for the March Dog Walking Challenge for Dementia UK.

Resident Vivianne, 82, said: “We always need to celebrate this special day and remember lives that were lost, families separated and people who provided comfort and support. Let us raise our glass and commemorate all those fallen soldiers and all those who lived through these times.’’

Michelle Sampang, Home Manager at Elizabeth Lodge, added: “We’re always grateful for an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with the community, so we’re looking forward to welcoming people for a special event marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. 

“This is an incredibly important milestone for many residents, and we’re keen to honour all those involved. Music and food are a fantastic way to bring back memories for older people and a wonderful way to bring communities together. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and familiar faces into Elizabeth Lodge as we mark such a significant moment in history.”  

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Elizabeth Lodge incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies – offering its own cinema room, music room and hair and beauty salon. The home provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care.