Afternoon of remembrance marks launch of Veterans’ Club in Ferndown

Kings Park Care Home welcomed more than 50 members of the local community for a special afternoon of remembrance, reflection and fellowship, marking the launch of its new Veterans’ Club.

A Time to Remember was held on Monday 9 November, bringing together local veterans, community members, residents and representatives from across the Armed Forces community. The afternoon was also supported by colleagues and friends from Barchester Healthcare’s sister homes, Hyacinth House and Moors Manor, demonstrating the strength of community spirit across the homes.

The RAF Air Cadets attended, led by Sergeant Jack Shefford, who gave an engaging presentation about life as a cadet, sharing their own experiences and explaining the opportunities that being part of the air cadets can offer young people.

A special highlight was the presentation by Wayne Barker, known as Ronnie, a former army medic. Alongside a standard bearer and bugler, Wayne shared a fascinating insight into military history and remembrance, including the story of the Unknown Soldier.

Guests also heard about the royal tradition of laying a wedding bouquet at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey. This began when Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, laid her bouquet there on her wedding day in 1923, in memory of her brother Fergus, who had been killed during the First World War.

The afternoon concluded with a moving Act of Remembrance, as the bugler played the Last Post, bringing a moment of reflection and respect to all those who had served and sacrificed.