Middlesbrough and Billingham care homes invite local community to honour D-Day

Middlesbrough and Billingham care homes are opening their doors to the community for a commemorative ceremony.

On Thursday 6^th June, Care UK’s Hadrian Park, on Marsh House Avenue, and The Willows, on Cavendish Road, are welcoming local people to honour the 80^th anniversary of D-Day with their very own lamp lighting ceremonies. 

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 Hadrian Park, from 2.30pm-4.30pm, the team has been organising a special event which will see residents and guests enjoy a 1940s-themed party, complete with bunting, flags, and popular wartime songs. Team members will be dressed in 40s-inspired clothes and the catering team will serve a traditional wartime menu. Members of the Royal British Legion, the army and navy cadets, boys brigade and scouts will also be joining the ceremony. The lamp, which represents the peace that followed the end of World War Two, will be lit by the Lord Provost.

While at The Willows, from 11am-5pm, there will be a medal making competition, where visitors and residents can get creative creating medals out of recyclable items found around the home. They’ll be a performance from the Singing Veterans at 2pm, followed by a reminiscence session and afternoon tea. Guest of honour, Father Dominic will light the lamp of peace, with other special guests including St Johns ambulance, the British Legion, and army cadets.

Jessica Brown, Home Manager at Hadrian Park, said: “Here at Hadrian Park, 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, including 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.

Julie Gregory, Home Manager at The Willows, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming new friends and older faces into our homes for what we anticipate will be a heartfelt afternoon for everyone involved!”  

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

Hadrian Park and The Willows have been designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the home has plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation. The homes also have a comprehensive activity program, offering a mix of themed events, group activities and days out.