Dursley care home welcomes special guests for Remembrance Day

A care home in Dursley held a special commemorative event for the community, with the support of a VIP guest. 

Care UK’s The Hollies, on Drake Lane, welcomed Major Colin Smith, from Tidworth Barracks to mark Remembrance Day with veterans living at the home. 

During his visit, Major Smith spoke to residents who served in the Armed Forces, including former Army Sergeant Alma Adams, 105, WRENS member Fay

 Le Coyte, 94, WRAF Nurse Muriel Hardy, 98, as well as Nevill Spires 87 and Charles Rogers 86, who both completed their national services in Cyprus and the RAF respectively.

As is customary, the home held a minute of silence, before treating attendees to a World War Two-themed afternoon tea, specially prepared by the home’s head chef.

Resident, Neville Spires said “It was a special surprise to meet Major Smith and our Remembrance Day celebrations were very meaningful.” 

Wojciech Kuczkowski, Operations Support Manager at The Hollies, said: “It was an honour to welcome Major Smith to our Remembrance Day event. 

“Remembrance Day is a poignant time for all of us, especially for residents at the home. Many have served in the forces, lived through World War Two or heard stories from their parents or older siblings, so we always make a point to commemorate the event with the community. 

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who joined us on the day.”

The Hollies is a state-of-the-art care community that provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care across two homes: The Hollies and Holly Oak. Both buildings incorporate plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies and includes their own café, hair and beauty salon and bar.