Residents, staff, families, and local community members at Longview Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, came together on Thursday 8th May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a heartfelt and engaging celebration. The event featured a performance by a local ukulele band, who delighted attendees with classic wartime songs, and a moving talk by guest speaker Trevor, a former member of the Royal Artillery.
The occasion offered a meaningful opportunity for residents to reflect on the past, celebrate peace, and enjoy the power of music and storytelling.
Resident Iris W shared, “I found it very interesting hearing the talk that Trevor gave. The singing was very fun. It’s always nice to celebrate VE Day with a sing-song.”
Chris G, another resident, added, “I found it very moving. It brought back happy and sad memories about the war. I appreciate everything our staff do for us, like bringing in entertainment and guest speakers.”
The ukulele band’s performance brought joy and energy to the event, while still honouring the significance of the day.
The atmosphere at Longview was vibrant and reflective, with a strong sense of community spirit. A standout moment was the two-minute silence held to honour those who gave their lives during the Second World War, allowing everyone to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made.
VE Day is a deeply important occasion for many of the residents at Longview, especially in this milestone year marking eight decades since Victory in Europe. The event provided a meaningful way to celebrate, remember, and connect across generations.
