Suffolk care homes invite community to honour VE Day

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

Care UK’s Kentford Manor, in Newmarket, Mills Meadow, in Framlingham, and Cleves Place, in Haverhill, 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 timings of each event are as follows:

At Mills Meadow, guests are invited to join residents for a singalong and dancing at their VE Day street party, where musician Christina Bee will be serenading her audience with 1940s wartime songs, including music from Vera Lynn, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Guests will also be treated to a quintessentially English afternoon tea and, at 4pm, a special poetry reading by Vivia from Framlingham Library, who will also be sharing accounts from VE Day.

Over at Cleves Place, the team and residents will be marking VE Day with an afternoon of traditional games, refreshments and singalongs, while also celebrating the grand opening of the home’s new day centre. The Mayor of Haverhill, David Smith, will also be in attendance.

A lantern will be lit in memory of all those who lost their lives in the war, and the home will also be hosting a raffle to raise money for local veteran’s group Haverhill Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, as well as creating a piece of artwork entitled Tree of Hope made up of the fingerprints of residents and attendees. 

Kentford Manor’s VE Day celebration will be hosting a 1940s inspired celebration, with guests invited to join residents to commemorate VE Day. 

Kat Rayment, General Manager at Kentford Manor, said: “Here at Kentford Manor, 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.”

Kate Smith, Home Manager at Mills Meadow, added: “Reminiscence activities are a great way for older people, and 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 memories and it’s been fantastic to hear everyone’s experiences and learn from one another. We have an exciting day of activities planned and can’t wait to celebrate VE Day with residents and guests.”

Clare Mooney, Home Manager at Cleves Place, said: “This milestone holds great significance for many of our residents, and we are eager to honour all those who were involved. We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces into Cleves Place as we mark such a significant moment in history by lighting our memorial lantern and creating a moving piece of art.”  

Kentford Manor, Mills Meadow and Cleves Place have been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The homes provide full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short term respite care, and offer luxurious facilities including a cinema room, café and hair and beauty salon. In addition, Kentford Manor and Cleves Place offer nursing care.