Residents who remembered the end of the Second World War first-hand were among those taking part in VE Day celebrations at Broughton House Veteran Care Village.
The Veterans’ Mess at the Salford care home was decked out in bunting as residents tucked into a fish and chips lunch, rounded off with Arctic Roll.
Staff dressed in 1940s outfits while music from the era filled the room.
Carer Donna Leigh even handmade personalised hats for the veterans, using adverts and images inspired by residents’ favourite memories from the time, including one decorated with vintage chocolate brands for sweet-toothed resident Renee Briggs.
Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, said:
“VE Day is always an important occasion for us at Broughton House.
“Our team did a wonderful job creating such a special atmosphere for our residents. A lot of care, effort and thought went into the celebrations, and everyone had a lovely day filled with good food, good company and plenty of reminiscing.
“Donna really went out of her way to make the hats, and deserves special recognition for her creativity and dedication.”
Resident Babs Stagg, aged 90, was 10 years old on VE Day in May 1945 and remembers it well.
She said:
“The previous evening, my sister and I had gone to bed together, taking our protection suits with us in case of an air raid.
“We woke to the sound of sirens and people shouting: ‘It’s over! It’s over! It’s over!’
“We thought there were planes overhead and rushed to put on the suits, but then realised everyone was so happy. Our mum in particular was celebrating, saying: ‘My boys are coming home’.
“At the time, three brothers were in the Royal Navy and one was in the Merchant Navy. Everyone was elated.”
Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex-service community in 1916. It is the only home offering veteran-specific residential, nursing, specialist dementia and respite care in the north west.
Following redevelopment, it is now a 64-bed care home, with two 16-bed households dedicated to veterans with dementia and six independent living apartments.
