On Thursday 8th May, from 2.30pm-4.00pm, Care UK’s Lonsdale Mews, on Farley Way, is welcoming the community to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day with its very own 1940s-themed garden party. 

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 Lonsdale Mews, 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, 1940s-themed dress and fabulous entertainment.  

The home’s residents’ choir will also be performing an array of songs from the era. 

Resident Mary Beresford, age 94, said: "It is not only important but necessary for people to remember the sacrifices made during that time. We must try not to repeat the tragedy. " 

Resident Joan Herring, age 95 added:"It is important to remember the ordinary people who went to war. The soldiers, civilians, the different nationalities, and religions. They were all part of it through no fault of their own and therefore we need to remember periodically, especially as the last participants have died." 

Toby Sturgess, Home Manager at Lonsdale Mews, said: “Here at Lonsdale Mews, 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 is an incredibly important milestone for many residents, and we’re keen to honour all 

those involved. Music is a fantastic way to bring back memories for older people and a 

wonderful way to bring communities together, so we’re thrilled to welcome a 1940s singer and the Lonsdale Mews choir to get everyone’s toes tapping. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces into Lonsdale Mews as we mark sucha significant moment in history.” 

Lonsdale Mews 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.  

Lonsdale Mews offers full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite. The home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.  

For more information on Lonsdale Mews, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Jenny Cartwright, on 01509 801 587, or email jenny.cartwright@careuk.com  

To find out more, visit careuk.com/lonsdale-mews