Haverhill care home invites local community to honour D-Day

A Haverhill care home is opening its doors to the community for a commemorative ceremony.

On Thursday, June 6, from 2pm to 4pm, Care UK’s Cleves Place, on Millfields Way, is welcoming local people to honour the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a lamp lighting ceremony.

To commemorate the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944, Care UK is partnering with royal pageant master Bruno Peek, CVO OBE OPR, co-ordinator of “D-Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace”.

Along with charities supporting the three forces and the Merchant Navy Association, over 100 Care UK homes will take part in this nationwide tribute.

At Cleves Place, the team have been hard at work organising a special event which will see residents and guests enjoy a 1940s-themed party, complete with bunting, flags, and popular wartime songs.

Team members will be dressed in wartime clothes and the culinary team will serve themed refreshments. In attendance will be veterans from the local community and the Haverhill mayor Dave Smith.

The lamp, which represents the peace that followed the end of the Second World War will be lit at 2.30pm by Dolly Biginton, who was an evacuee in the war and Frank Gibson, an ex-RAF veteran and member of the Haverhill Armed Forces Breakfast Club.

Dolly said: “I will be happy to do it, to remember the end of the war and everyone that served.”

As part of the celebrations, residents will take part in a D-Day themed dance class, hosted by Frederick Douglas from the Performing Arts Academy, and on June 7. There will also be a 1940’s show by popular entertainer Brian Shaw.

Clare Mooney, home manager at Cleves Place, said: “Here at Cleves Place, we’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted to be joining a nationwide initiative by opening our doors to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“Reminiscence activities are a great way for older people, and those living with dementia, to connect with those around them and help maintain a sense of identity and in the run up to the day residents have been sharing their own stories and memories – it’s been fantastic to hear everyone’s experiences and learn from one another.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces into Cleves Place for what we anticipate will be a heartfelt day for everyone involved!”

To find out more about how Care UK is supporting the initiative go to careuk.com/dday-80th-anniversary

To find out more about Cleves Place or to book your place on the event, contact Clare Mooney on 01440 857909 or email clare.mooney@careuk.com