Sutton Coldfield care home honours Armistice Day with local school children

 

A Sutton Coldfield care home commemorated Armistice Day with local primary school children. 

Residents and team members at Care UK’s Bishops Manor, on Jockey Road, welcomed children from St Nicholas Catholic Primary School for a special history lesson with residents to commemorate Armistice Day. 

On the day, the children listened to wartime stories shared by residents who lived through World War Two, before asking them questions about what life was like back then. 

Leading the class was 103-year-old Bill Stockton, a resident at Bishops Manor and a former medic in the war, who told the students of his experiences, before laying a poppy wreath in the home’s garden with the school children. 

Bill volunteered to serve as a medic in World War II. During his service, he travelled across the world with his fellow soldiers. Looking back, Bill reflected on the positive experiences he had travelling, saying: “We learned to appreciate what we had and found joy in discovering new cultures and traditions.”

Commenting on the event at Bishops Manor, Bill added: “This day was a chance to remind the next generation why peace matters. We’ve seen the cost of war, the bravery, the resilience, but also the losses. By remembering Armistice Day, we keep those stories alive, hoping others won’t have to face the same hardship."

Thomas Bampfield, General Manager at Bishops Manor, said: “It was incredibly moving to see the   residents and children spend time together as we remember those who served in the forces. Afternoons like this help build relationships between the generations while offering an insight that can’t be taught in a classroom. 

“We are thankful to Bill for his involvement in the session and his heroism as an RAF member during WW2. We’d like to say a big thank you to St Nicholas Catholic Primary School for joining us. It really was a heartfelt day for everyone involved.” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Bishops Manor incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.