Ipswich care homes invite local community to honour D-Day

Ipswich care homes are opening their doors to the community for a commemorative ceremony.

On Thursday 6^th June, Care UK’s Asterbury Place, on Aster Road, and Prince George House, on Mansbrook Boulevard, are welcoming local people to honour the 80^th anniversary of D-Day with its very own lamp lighting ceremony. 

To commemorate the Normandy Landings on 6^th June 1944, Care UK is partnering with royal pageant master Bruno Peek, CVO OBE OPR, coordinator of ‘D-Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace’. Along with charities supporting the three forces and the Merchant Navy Association, over 100 Care UK homes will take part in this nationwide tribute.

At Asterbury Place, the team has been hard at work organising the special event, which will take place from 2.30pm-4.30pm and see residents and guests enjoy a 1940s-themed party, complete with bunting, flags, and popular wartime songs. Team members will be dressed in wartime-inspired clothes and the culinary team will create a delicious afternoon tea. 

The lamp, which represents the peace that followed the end of World War Two, will be lit at Asterbury Place at 2.30pm.

While at Prince George House, from 11am-4pm, there will live 40s entertainment from Brian Shaw, a street party complete with bunting and decorations, and an afternoon tea. The lamp of peace will be lit at 3pm by members of the British Legion.

Victoria Barber, Home Manager at Asterbury Place, said: “Here at Asterbury Place, we’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted to be joining a nationwide initiative by opening our doors to mark the 80^th anniversary of D-Day.

Luminita Tiff, Home Manager at Prince George House, added: “Reminiscence activities are a great way for older people, and those living with dementia, to connect with those around them and help maintain a sense of identity, and in the run up to the day, residents have been sharing their own stories and memories – it’s been fantastic to hear everyone’s experiences and learn from one another.

 “We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces into Prince George House for what we anticipate will be a heartfelt day for everyone involved!”  

To find out more about how Care UK is supporting the initiative, please visit: careuk.com/dday-80th-anniversary

Asterbury House and Prince George House are designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the home has plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation. The home has a comprehensive activity programme, offering a mix of themed events, group activities and days out.