At Bourley Grange, the team has been hard at work organising their own special commemorative event, which will see residents and guests enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, entertainment and dancing as they embrace the spirit of the 1940s.  

On the day, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, buffet and refreshments. Guests will also have the opportunity to listen to residents recite poetry, as well as meet veterans.

Resident, Bernard Potter, aged 95, said: “It's important that we all come together to stop another war, it’s also important for our younger generation to learn all about it.

“I remember watching the military patrol the streets. As there were no street lights, they took turns patrolling. My Dad was in the National Fire Service at the time.”

Racquel Merdegia, General Manager at Bourley Grange, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our doors to the community to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.  

“The event is a chance to re-awaken nostalgic memories and offers a meaningful way for older people, and those living with dementia, to connect with others and celebrate a momentous event in our history.  

“As we approach VE Day, residents have been sharing their cherished stories from wartime Britain – it’s been so inspiring to hear their experiences and learn from one another.  

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces into Bourley Grange for a nostalgic and heartwarming day to remember!” 

Bourley Grange has officially received ‘Veteran Friendly’ status for meeting eight standards laid out in the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF), a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion, and NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

The VFF framework involves noting Armed Forces status within residents’ care plans, addressing social isolation, and signposting residents and their relatives to relevant support services, such as their local Royal British Legion branch and other charities that provide support for veterans and their partners.