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This year, Engelberg Care Home marked a very special occasion, the 80th anniversary of VE Day. For our residents, many of whom have vivid memories of wartime Britain, VE Day is more than a date in history; it’s a deeply personal day that stirs reflections of resilience, unity, and triumph in the face of hardship.
Our Wellbeing Lead, Karyn, was determined to make the day extra special for our residents this year. She carefully planned a morning full of meaningful activities that brought back memories and celebrated the spirit of victory and peace that VE Day represents.
The lounge was filled with nostalgia as residents gathered around wartime memorabilia, from ration books and pamphlets to other treasured items from the 1940s. These keepsakes sparked conversations and stories, and soon, the room was alive with memories shared over cups of tea and coffee.
To add to the fun, a large cardboard cut-out of Winston Churchill (affectionately known as Winnie by our residents) stood proudly in the lounge. Residents had great fun posing for photos with Winston — with plenty of smiles and laughter as they remembered the man they still hold in great respect.
Throughout the morning, memories flowed:
June C recalled,
"I remember lining up for bananas in Wolverhampton with mum. It had been so long since we saw bananas — the line was huge!"
Noreen F reflected,
"I spent more time in the air raid shelters than at home. I was a child evacuee."
Doreen C shared,
"We all knew the different sounds of the planes … whether it was a good plane or a bad one."
And Ellie C told us,
"My father was part of the fire brigade who went to Coventry. They were bombed very heavily, and Father somehow managed to get back home to us."
As the day continued, singer Gerry joined us to entertain everyone with patriotic favourites and wartime classics, taking us back to the good old days. His rousing songs filled Engelberg with joy and pride, and even got a few feet tapping along!
Thank you to Karyn, Gerry, and all our wonderful residents who made this 80th anniversary of VE Day at Engelberg so special. It was a day of smiles, stories, and celebration, a tribute to the enduring spirit of our residents, who continue to inspire us every day.
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