Southampton care home hosts 1940s tea party to honour D-Day

A Southampton care home teamed up with schoolchildren for a 1940s-themed event to mark 80 years since D-Day.

Care UK’s Ancasta Grove, on Barnes Lane, held its very own intergenerational tea party and lamp lighting ceremony 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 Ancasta Grove, the team worked alongside pupils from Sarisbury Infant School to organise a special commemorative event, including making their own bunting and tablecloths for the occasion. The outdoor celebration saw residents and their loved ones enjoying an array of 1940s-themed entertainment – including a retro singer, refreshments and wartime games. 

Joel Ignacio, Home Manager at Ancasta Grove, said: “We’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we were delighted to join this nationwide initiative and team up with local youngsters 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. 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

Ancasta Grove has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as respite and end of life care, and is proud to be able to offer a ‘home for life’ if an individual’s needs change over time.