Transporting Back to 1945 For VE Day Celebrations

On the 8th May, we proudly hosted a special event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Caraway House Care Home. Eight decades on from the end of the Second World War in Europe, our care home in Selsey became a place of remembrance, celebration, and connection.

The home was beautifully decorated for the occasion with patriotic bunting, colourful balloons and Union Jack flags, all carefully arranged to set the tone for a lively and thoughtful day. Residents and guests alike stepped into a setting that evoked the spirit of 1945, and from the moment the music started, the buzz of celebration could be felt throughout our entire home.

Our head chef, Dom, prepared a stunning array of treats for the event, including a showstopping Union Jack Victoria sponge that was topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Alongside this, residents enjoyed traditional favourites such as crackers, sausage rolls and quiche. There was a real sense of community, and the afternoon tea was a highlight for many.

To help transport everyone back in time, team members dressed in 1940s-style clothing such as dungarees, polka dots and stripes, which added to the sense of fun and nostalgia. Throughout the day, residents had the opportunity to share personal memories of VE Day, and all the stories were brilliant to hear. Some recalled street parties, others remembered listening to Churchill’s speech on the radio, and a few spoke with deep emotion about the relief of hearing their loved ones would finally be coming home.

Many of our residents and team members brought in photos and medals of their relatives who had served during the war. It was interesting to be able to look at them up close and allowed us to pay even more respects to those individuals as these cherished mementoes sparked rich conversations and touching memories.

One of the most meaningful moments of the day was the wreath-laying ceremony, which took place just outside the home. A boat planter called HMS Caraway Dreams was painted in naval colours and placed in the garden as a symbol of remembrance. Residents, families and team members gathered while we laid wreaths on and around the display in a quiet tribute to those who served and those who sadly didn't return. We then held a two-minute silence, which was a powerful moment of reflection, made even more special by the sense of togetherness that surrounded it.

Later in the afternoon, entertainment came courtesy of the Gainsborough Singers, who performed a wonderful selection of wartime favourites. Residents clapped, sang along and tapped their feet as songs like “We’ll Meet Again” and “White Cliffs of Dover” filled the room. Special guests Sue and Kerry also performed, adding their own delightful twist to the classics and keeping spirits high throughout the event.

No celebration is complete without something sweet, and residents were delighted when the local ice cream van pulled up outside to serve traditional Mr Whippy cones. The sound of laughter and the sight of smiling faces perfectly captured the warmth and community feel of the day.

Life at Caraway House is built around meaningful moments, shared connections and a deep sense of community. If you’d like to discover more about our home, meet our team or enquire about our availability, we warmly invite you to get in touch. We are here for you every step of the way.