Primary school youngsters were enthralled by veterans when they visited a Salford care home to learn about the Battle of Britain on its 85th anniversary.
A group of 15 pupils from nearby St Philip’s RC Primary School visited Broughton House Veteran Care Village, which is home to World War Two veterans as well as those who served in later conflicts.
The children, accompanied by headteacher Ruth McNamara and office administrator Michelle Bell, enjoyed an interactive session with Broughton House museum curator and historian Owen Hammond, during which they pored over military artefacts and learned about the epic aerial battle between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, which began in September 1940.
Over juice and biscuits, the youngsters met residents and heard stories about their military service.
Among the veterans taking part was former army major Mike Winstanley MBE, who proudly showed them his collection of medals.
Mike, 77, said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the morning. Sharing this history with younger generations is really important.”
He began his army career as a teenage cadet in a detachment linked to the Cheshire Regiment. He later served in West Germany, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Hong Kong and Bosnia.
Mike was awarded an MBE in the 1989 New Year’s Honours for his devotion to duty.
Jane Green, Broughton House’s director of care, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the children once again, looking so smart and enthusiastic following their return to a new school year.
“Reaching out to the local community to develop links like this has enormous benefits for young and old, while allowing us to remember our military history, which is so very important for our residents.”
Ruth McNamara said:
“The children all really enjoyed the experience of meeting actual veterans and to be taken on a tour of the museum. They were mesmerised by the medals. It was fantastic that Broughton House was able to provide an opportunity for these two generations to connect.”
Broughton House was established in 1916 to care for soldiers and sailors injured during World War One. Since then, it has cared for more than 8,000 veterans.
It was recently redeveloped into a complex with a 64-bed care home, including two 16-bed households dedicated to veterans with dementia, as well as independent living apartments, an array of modern facilities, a museum, gym, hairdressing and barber’s salon, and a restaurant and bar for residents.
There is also an Armed Forces Support Hub, which provides support for elderly and working age veterans living in the community.
The museum houses hundreds of military medals along with other artefacts and items including memorial plaques which are known as the Dead Men’s Pennies, 19th century battle swords, model ships, uniforms and other military gear.
