On Thursday 8th May, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Sway Place, on Church Lane, is welcoming local people to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day with its very own 1940s-themed 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 Sway Place, 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.
Team members will turn back the clock as they adorn fancy dress from the wartime era, while singer Ana Leon will get everyone’s toes tapping with songs from decades gone by. Buffet-style refreshments will also be offer, along with vintage cars and a raffle in aid of the Royal British Legion.
Resident Margaret Howard, aged 99, said: “I was in London when Winston Churchill stood and announced the war was over — it was an incredibly exciting moment.
“We must celebrate the day peace was declared, but above all, we must remember those who gave everything so that we could live in freedom, including my own father, who was killed in France. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten, and I am delighted that we are hosting a tea party to highlight and honour their memory.”
Francis Owusu Bosompin, General Manager at Sway Place, added: “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 old 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 Sway Place for a nostalgic and heartwarming day to remember!”
Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Sway Place incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, and 14 independent living cottages, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.
For more information on Sway Place, please call Customer Relations Manager Laura Blake on 01590 607 371, email laura.blake@careuk.com, or visitcareuk.com/sway-place