Chester care home honours D-Day anniversary

A Chester care home hosted a unique commemorative event to mark 80 years since D-Day.

Care UK’s Deewater Grange, on Chester Road, welcomed pupils from Dee Banks School for a 1940s-themed party on Thursday 6^th June. 

To commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on 6^th June 1944, Care UK partnered 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, more than 100 Care UK homes took part in this nationwide tribute.

At Deewater Grange, RAF veteran Pauline Corner, 85, shared her memories of the war with the children, and explained the meaning behind the special lamp she lit. She told them it represented the bravery and sacrifices of all the men who took part in D-Day, while also celebrating the way countries worked together to restore peace. Upon finding out Pauline was in the RAF, the children also saluted her.

There was also a wartime-themed buffet to be enjoyed by all, plus entertainment from the D-Day Dollies, who sang some classic tunes from the 1940s. 

Pauline said: “I felt privileged to be asked to light the lantern; it was an emotional day. In that moment, I reflected on those who lost their lives that day, but also remembered those who survived and are still here to tell their tales.”

Sally Cooper, Home Manager at Deewater Grange, said: “It was an honour to join this nationwide initiative and mark the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. 

“Many residents, including Pauline, have vivid memories of the war, so major anniversaries like these are extremely meaningful to them. Commemorating the anniversary gave everyone a valuable opportunity to reminisce, while sharing their stories with the younger generation – which was beneficial for both sides. 

“It really was a heartfelt day for everyone involved. We’d like to say a big thank you to Dee Banks School for joining us!” 

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

Deewater Grange is a state-of-the-art home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care. The home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own café, bar, cinema as well as a hair and beauty salon. 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.