On Remembrance Sunday, D-Day veteran Geoffrey Scovell, 97, laid a homemade poppy wreath in front of a crafted cenotaph at the Great Oaks care home in Bournemouth.

Each year, Geoffrey addresses his fellow residents on Remembrance Day to talk about his time in the Royal Navy and his experiences of keeping positive in the face of adversity.

On D-Day, Geoffrey’s ship operated as landing boat headquarters. Earlier this year, he received a special veteran’s lapel badge marking his years of service in defence of the country.

Asked what advice he’d give to residents facing time away from family, friends and loved ones during the current lockdown, Geoffrey said, “Keep your chin up and take each day as it comes. If some people get pleasure out of something I say, it’s worth it. After lockdown, I will be looking forward to just getting out to do some shopping.”

Residents from across Encore Care Homes’ four purpose-built homes have been enjoying a host of crafts in recognition of Remembrance Day. A large handmade poppy wreath was created using recycled plastic bottle caps during crafting sessions with residents at Great Oaks and at Oakdale in Poole where residents created a home-made cenotaph decorated with tissue paper poppies to brighten the windows.

Relatives have been able to visit their loved ones during lockdown at Great Oaks and Oakdale care homes following the introduction of screened Visiting Lounges. These meet new government guidance for visiting older people in care homes, with an airtight floor-to-ceiling Perspex screen, intercom system and hearing loop, which is cleaned by staff between visits.