Over 100 Veterans march into a Basingstoke care home for a special celebration

A care home in Basingstoke opened its doors to veterans and other VIP guests for a special garden party. 

120 veterans walked into Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, as part of a special event organised in partnership with Basingstoke Veterans Hub and The Not Forgotten Association.

They were joined by representatives from the Chelsea Pensioners, who made a spectacular entrance in army jeeps, before sitting down with attendees and residents to reminisce over the vehicles. 

There was also live entertainment from The Not Forgotten Association, where Annie and Lloyd from the group did a variety of songs from old to new.

Resident Roger from Dashwood Manor, aged 86, said: “It was wonderful to spend an afternoon chatting and sharing experiences with people who understand. It was a really nice afternoon.”

The MP of Basingstoke, Luke Murphy, the Mayor of Basingstoke, Councillor Jacky Tustain, and the Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs Bella Birdwood, also attended to honour the veterans and thank them for their service.   

Anna Maria Bieniek-Nawala, Deputy Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “It was fantastic to welcome everyone to the home to celebrate the veterans in Basingstoke. It is important to give communities the chance to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces and have served our country.

“The Chelsea Pensioners put on a fantastic display, arriving in the army jeeps, and residents thoroughly enjoyed meeting them. Events like this are a wonderful way to recognise the contribution of those who have served, while also bringing different generations together to learn from one another.

“I would like to thank the MP of Basingstoke, Luke Murphy, the Mayor of Basingstoke, Councillor Jacky Tustain, and the Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs Birdwood, for making this celebration even more special!”

Dashwood Manor provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, with luxury facilities including a hair and beauty salon, cinema, bar and gardens.