Local care homes host 1940s celebrations to honour D-Day

Care homes across Windsor and Maidenhead hosted special commemorative events to mark 80 years since D-Day.

Care UK’s Queen’s Court, on Dedworth Road, Windsor, and Clara Court, on Courthouse Road, Maidenhead, both held 1940s-themed celebrations and lamp lighting ceremonies for residents, their loved ones and the wider community 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 Queen’s Court, the team worked hard to organise a lively evening full of music, memories and traditional 1940s buffet-style refreshments. An exclusive performance of wartime songs by retro singer Adina delighted attendees, who were encouraged to dress in their finest period clothes and share their memories from decades gone by.

The special lamp, representing the peace following the end of World War Two, was lit at Queen’s Court by resident Gaynor Duggan, aged 81, who was in the Army and the RAF and used to commemorate D-Day every year while serving in the forces. 

Gaynor said: “I was so excited and surprised to be chosen to light the beacon. It was a very special day for everyone in the UK as it gave us our freedom and independence, and to invite the community to this special occasion was wonderful. We are one big community and it meant so much to celebrate 80 years.”

Debbie Winwood, Home Manager at Queen’s Court, added: “It’s been fantastic to hear everyone’s memories and learn from one another. 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.

“We were proud to invite the community to celebrate with us at Queen’s Court. It really was a meaningful day for everyone.” 

Meanwhile at Clara Court, everyone enjoyed a nostalgic day of music and dancing – with a traditional buffet on offer to top things off. 

A speaker from Maidenhead Heritage Centre also gave a lecture on the memories of local people who were involved in D-Day and its aftermath, before showcasing a long video showing old footage from the war and D-Day.

Gladys Chironga, Home Manager at Clara Court, said: “We were delighted to join this nationwide initiative and mark the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. It was a moving day, with many emotional memories shared. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who joined us, especially the Maidenhead Heritage Centre.”

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

Queen’s Court has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite. 

Outstanding-rated Clara Court also offers plenty of space for leisure and hobby activities, a namaste room and a large garden, as well as a hair salon for residents to enjoy