Over the last couple of weeks, the team and residents at Hunters Down Care Home have been busy preparing for their VE day celebrations, which happened on 8th May.
This years VE day celebrations were especially important to the residents, as it marked the 75th anniversary of the momentous day. So the team and residents collaborated to make sure they were prepared and could celebrate the day properly.
The team made British themed bunting that would be used to decorate the home and add some patriotism ahead of the day.
This theme extended to the homemade cupcakes, which were decorated with union jack flags as well as traditional foods from the time to aid with reminiscence.
As well as these preparations at the home, members of the community and relatives also donated items to help out. A team member's relative delivered some homemade scones and Mary, the Regional Head of Care, brought a large strawberry sponge she had baked, adding to the British themed spread.
Everyone was happy to see the sun shining down on the morning of VE day. With all the build-up and preparations in the previous weeks, all of the residents were excited to celebrate and honour the special occasion.
Team members came dressed in traditional clothing from the era and styled some of the residents hair using blue and white ribbons. This got everyone engaged with the celebrations and eager to get outside for the garden party.
Activities on the day included a reminiscence session watching Churchill's victory speech and singing old wartime songs. This brought back many memories for the residents, which they enjoyed sharing with friends and members of the team.
There were some emotional moments, but also those of happiness as memories of street parties and community celebrations were recalled.
After some singing and dancing in the afternoon, the residents tucked into the pre-prepared British themed treats.
The weeks of preparation certainly paid off and VE Day at Hunters Down Was a huge success. The residents thoroughly enjoyed celebrating and thinking back to that life-changing day, 75 years later.