On Thursday 8th May, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Heathlands House, on Bullen Close, is welcoming local people to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day with its very own 1940s-themed celebration. 

VE Day was celebratedon 8thMay 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 Heathlands House, the team has been hard at work organising their own special commemorative event, which will see residents and guests enjoy an afternoon of delicious traditional food, entertainment and dancing as they embrace the spirit of the 1940s.  

Guests are invited to join residents for a dance and singalong during a live performance from Andy and Helen, and other activities will also be on offer, including a variety outdoor games. 

Resident Olive Scotchford, age 93,reflected on her memories of VE Day, saying: “My father, Charlie,was a Veteran and was part of the D-Day Landings – and now has a commemorative bench at Dunkirk. I have very vivid memories of the war and of being in Leicester Square celebrating on VE day.”  

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Heathlands House, said: “We’re passionate about building and maintaining relationships within our community here at Heathlands House, so we’re pleased to be opening our doors to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day for a special day of sharingmemories and a fabulous afternoon of entertainment. 

“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. 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 Britian.  

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our friends and neighbours into Heathlands House for a dayto remember.” 

Heathlands House offers full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, both indoors and out. The layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities, and the home has its own cinema room, hair and beauty salon and pub. 

For more information on Heathlands House, please call Customer Relations Manager Johan Molloy-Cruden on 01223 631945, or email johan.molloy-cruden@careuk.com  

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/heathlands-house