Hythe care home hosts 1940s garden party to honour D-Day

A Hythe care home hosted a 1940s-themed garden party and commemorative ceremony to mark 80 years since D-Day.

Care UK’s Carpathia Grange, on Southampton Road, held the unique outdoor celebration and lamp lighting ceremony for residents and their loved ones on Thursday 6^th June. 

To commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, 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 Carpathia Grange, the team worked hard to organise a nostalgic day of live music, speeches and buffet refreshments. Guests were encouraged to dress in their finest 1940s-style clothes for the event and share their memories from decades gone by.

A special lamp, representing the peace following the end of World War Two, was lit by resident Moira Wilde, 87, who remembers ships returning to the harbours after the war.

Moira said: “I was absolutely honoured and thrilled to be asked to light the lantern in remembrance. I can remember when the ships returned all over the country – especially in Hythe, Southampton and Portsmouth, with many men and women coming home from the battles.”

Pupils from Noadswood School also attended the event, avidly listening to all the memories being shared.

Moira added: “It is so important to continue to celebrate and remember D-Day to honour the memories of all the forces. I was thrilled to see so many from the younger generation joining in.”

Pooja Dhoot, Home Manager at Carpathia Grange, said: “We were delighted to join this nationwide initiative and 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. The residents have been sharing their own stories and memories – it’s been fantastic to hear everyone’s experiences and learn from one another.

“It really was a heartfelt day for everyone involved.” 

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

Carpathia Grange is a three-storey care home which provides residential, dementia and nursing care. The home features 62 en-suite bedrooms and has been designed to enable its residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.