Stockport community joins VE Day celebrations at care home

A care home in Stockport has stepped back in time to mark the 81st anniversary of VE Day.

Care UK’s Ladybrook Manor in Bramhall pulled out all the stops to commemorate the poignant anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe.

The Dairyground Road home was transformed for the occasion, with team members and guests dressing in 1940s attire as they enjoyed a day of reminiscence. 

Visitors were entertained by singer Natalie Ciufo, who filled the home with songs from the era, and treated to a special tea party complete with freshly baked cakes.

Penny Barton, 90, said: “The celebrations reminded me of VE Day. The war in Europe had just finished and there was a feeling of excitement. We were given the day off from school, and my classmates ran races in the local field. I remember running barefoot because none of us had sports shoes to wear!”

Susan Cameron, Home Manager at Ladybrook Manor, said: “We had such a fantastic time honouring VE Day with residents and the Stockport community. 

“Enabling residents, especially veterans who live at the home, to foster meaningful connections and reminisce with local people is an important part of life here. Our VE Day celebrations gave everyone the perfect opportunity to share their memories of times gone by and reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.

“I’d like to thank everyone who joined us to celebrate in style and our team, who worked so hard to make the day special.”

Ladybrook Manor provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home has its own couple’s suites, café and hair and beauty salon, while the building is configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.