Windsor care home residents share memories on D-Day

A Windsor care home hosted a special commemorative ceremony to mark 80 years since D-Day.

Care UK’s Mountbatten Grange, on Helston Lane, held an 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 Mountbatten Grange, the team worked hard to organise a nostalgic evening of music, speeches and refreshments. Cadets from the 18^th battalion also attended the occasion, parading into the home and meeting with residents.

A special lamp, representing the peace following the end of World War Two, was lit by resident Sonia Sayed, 94, who has vivid memories of the war.

Sonia said: “I remember when I was 14 and had just finished my swimming lesson. I was walking past the school hall and I could see everyone listening to Richard Dimbleby broadcasting from a plane above the French beaches, describing the soldiers landing. The French teachers were all crying. We were all sent home after lunch that day.”

Another resident who shared moving memories from the wartime era was Norma Hoskins, 94.

She said: “I remember when it was over and everyone was dancing in the streets. I’ll never forget meeting my husband just after the war had finished and going for a date night to the movies.”

Debbie Winwood, Home Manager at Mountbatten Grange, added: “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 was 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

Mountbatten Grange is a care home that provides residential, nursing and short-term respite care, as well as specialist dementia care. The home features 72 en-suite bedrooms and enables residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. Mountbatten Grange has its own café, hair and beauty salon and cinema.