Darlington care home invites local community to honour D-Day

A Darlington care home is opening its doors to the community for a commemorative ceremony.

On Thursday 6^th June, from 12pm to 9:30pm, Care UK’s Ventress Hall, on Trinity Road, is 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 Ventress Hall, the team have been hard at work organising a special event which will see residents and guests enjoy a 1940s-themed party, complete with bunting, flags, popular wartime songs and a talk from local veterans. Team members will be dressed in wartime clothes and the culinary team will serve a delicious wartime menu. 

The lamp, which represents the peace that followed the end of World War Two, will be lit at 9:30pm by the Army Cadets.

Resident Michael Walls commented on the significance of the day and the importance of the community coming together. He said: “To remember the sacrifices of those who came before us so that we can live in a free society. To share the responsibilities of different nations to come together for the better good.”

Diane Encinias, Home Manager at Ventress Hall, said: “Here at Ventress Hall, 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.

“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 Ventress Hall 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

Ventress Hall provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The care home has 91 bedrooms, along with attractive lounge areas; all designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, whilst promoting independence. The care home also incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including outdoor courtyards and has its own café.