On Thursday 8th May, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Hartismere Place on Castleton Way, is welcoming local people to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a party.

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 Hartismere Place, the team has been hard at work organising their own special commemorative event. The theme of the celebration is farming during the wartimes, and the home will be hosting two vintage tractors and a jeep.

Visitors will be invited to enjoy refreshments in the coffee shop made using recipes from the war, while team members will be dressed up as land army girls as they embrace the spirit of the 1940s. Additionally, the home’s beacon will be lit while local singer Justine will serenade guests with wartime songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s so guests can dance the afternoon away.

Resident Marie Still, aged 101, said: "During the war, I served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). After completing my training, I worked in an ammunition factory in London. In that role, we wrote letters and placed them in the ammunition boxes for the troops. The soldiers would often write back to express their gratitude for our letters.

“I always understood that some of them might never return, which is why I believe it is important to celebrate VE Day. It's crucial for the younger generation to recognise the sacrifices made by the troops."

Claire Martin, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, said: “Here at Hartismere Place, we’re always grateful for an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with the community, so we’re looking forward to welcoming people for a special event marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. 

“This milestone holds great significance for many of our residents, and we are eager to honour all those who were involved. Music is a wonderful way to evoke memories for older individuals and to bring communities together. We are excited to have Justine join us to get everyone’s toes tapping and we can’t wait to see the vintage tractors and jeep pull up outside for people to enjoy.”

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces into Hartismere Place as we mark such a significant moment in history.”  

Hartismere Place, rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, dementia, and short-term respite care. The team also operates a day centre, the Hartismere Place Day Club, which is open to the community throughout the week.

To book a spot at Hartismere Place’s VE day celebrations, please contact Senior Customer Relations Manager Angela Hodge on 01379 888 276, or email angela.hodge@careuk.com.

For further information about Hartismere Place, visit careuk.com/hartismere-place