Manchester care home invites local community to honour D-Day

On Thursday 6th June, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Abney Court, in Abney Hall Park, is welcoming local people to honour the 80th anniversary of D-Day with its very own lamp lighting ceremony.

To commemorate the Normandy Landings on 6th June 1944, Care UK is partnering with royal pageant master Bruno Peek, CVO OBE OPR, coordinator 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 Abney Court, the team have been hard at work organising a special event which will see residents and guests enjoy a 1940s-themed party, complete with popular wartime songs from the 40’s, a trumpet player, and British themed cupcakes. Veterans in the local community will also be in attendance.

The lamp, which represents the peace that followed the end of World War Two, will be lit at 3pm by veterans in the home.

On the first Thursday of every month, Abney court also hosts a veteran breakfast club, which is accredited by Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs. The community are invited to the free event where they can meet and chat to veterans who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces, over a delicious breakfast and a hot drink.

Max Gillapsie, aged 86, said: “It will be a privilege to take part in this event and to remember the past. D-Day should be celebrated to ensure future generations don’t forget what our generation went through.”

Zoe Smart, Home Manager at Abney Court, said: “Here at Abney Court, 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 Abney Court for what we anticipate will be a heartfelt afternoon for everyone involved!”

To find out more about how Care UK is supporting the initiative, please visit: careuk.com/dday-80th-anniversary

Abney Court has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Abney Court and to book your place at the event, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Erminia Anglesea on 0161 660 5713 or email [email protected]