Poole care home invites community to honour D-Day

A Poole care home is opening its doors to the community for a 1940s-themed tea party and commemorative ceremony.

On Thursday 6^th June, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s The Potteries on York Road, Broadstone, is welcoming local people to honour the 80^th anniversary of D-Day with its very own wartime era-themed community celebration.

To commemorate the 80^th anniversary of 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 the three Forces Charities and the Merchant Navy Association, over 100 Care UK homes will take part in this nationwide tribute.

At The Potteries, the team has been hard at work organising a unique event that will see residents and guests enjoying a nostalgic day full of music, memories and refreshments.

A red, white and blue-themed tea party is set to delight attendees, who are being encouraged to dress in their finest period clothes and share their memories from decades gone by. A sing-along to favourite songs from the wartime era will also get toes tapping throughout the afternoon.

The special lamp, which represents the peace following the end of World War Two, will be lit at 4pm by residents at The Potteries, John Bull and Arthur Wright, who are both proud veterans.

Both John and Arthur said they “were very honoured and delighted to be chosen”. Having both served in the forces, the day is hoped to be a nostalgic moment for them. 

John and Arthur both agreed that “it’s such a grand anniversary and a mark of history” and they’re both delighted the community are joining them for this special event.

Along with tea, cake and music, the home’s event will also see the staging of a raffle to raise money for Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust, a local charity that helps veterans and serving military personnel.

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, added: “We’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted to be joining a nationwide initiative and opening our doors to mark the 80^th anniversary of D-Day.

“This is an incredibly important milestone for many residents, and we’re keen to honour all those involved. 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. 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 The Potteries as we mark such a significant moment in history.”

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

The Potteries has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care and also boasts plenty of space – both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.