Broughton House Veteran Care Village hosted celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of VE Day last week for residents, including those who remembered the end of the Second World War first-hand.
The Veterans’ Mess at the Salford care home was decorated in bunting as residents enjoyed a lunch of fish and chips, finishing their meal with Arctic Roll.
Staff dressed in 1940s attire as music from the era was played throughout the celebrations.
Carer Donna Leigh created handmade bespoke hats for the veterans, using adverts and images inspired by each resident’s favourite memories from the time. One hat was embellished with vintage chocolate brands for confectionery-loving 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, recalled her memories of VE Day in May 1945 when she was just 10 years old.
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 over 8,000 veterans since opening its doors to the ex-service community in 1916. It is the only home offering residential, nursing, specialist dementia and respite care tailored to veterans in the North West.
Following redevelopment, Broughton House is now a 64-bed care home, with two 16-bed households devoted to veterans with dementia and six apartments for independent living.
More information about Broughton House care home is available here.
