On Wednesday 7th May, from 2.30pm, Care UK’s Rush Hill Mews, on Clarks Way, is welcoming local people to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day with its very own celebration.

VE Day was celebrated on 8th 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.

At Rush Hill Mews, the team has been hard at work organising their own special commemorative event. Guests will have the opportunity to take part in activities that include reminiscence and memorabilia, as well as hearing residents' personal stories around VE Day. Richard Meunier, from Bath Record Office will be attending to deliver a talk about the evacuation of children during the war, Air Raid Precautions, the Bath Blitz and the Admiralty’s presence in the city from 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm.

The D-Day Dollies will be performing wartime songs from 5:30 pm to kick off the evening celebrations, which will run until 7.30 pm.

93-year-old resident, Mary Guyett, said: “It is important for the community to come together to remember VE Day because of what it meant to us, it was lovely to see the end of the war and we didn’t want it to happen again.”

91-year-old, June Over, added: “It’s something so big that we should never forget. We must celebrate these men and women who gave their lives. My father worked in Weybridge on the spitfires and I remember going to school with a tin of biscuits and a gas mask.”

Caroline Carter, General Manager at Rush Hill Mews, said: “We’re passionate about building and maintaining relationships within our community here at Rush Hill Mews, so we’re pleased to be opening our doors to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day for a special day of sharing memories and a fabulous street party.

“Reminiscence activities are a great way for older people, especially those living with dementia, to connect with those around them and help maintain a sense of identity, so we’re looking forward to Richard’s talk on Bath during World War II, and the performance from the D-Day Dollies which will be a fabulous opportunity for a singalong and dance. In the run up to the day, residents have been sharing their own stories and it’s been inspiring to hear everyone’s experiences and memories from wartime Britain. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our friends and neighbours into Rush Hill Mews for a day to remember.” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Rush Hill Mews incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and has its own café, hair and beauty salon and library. The home provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, and the layout is configured into a series of suites to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

For more information on Rush Hill Mews, please contact Customer Relations Manager Millie Haines on 01225 685 751, or email millie.haines@careuk.com.

For further information, visit: careuk.com/rush-hill-mews