Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on August 18th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset care home celebrates VJ Day 80

Hyacinth House in Wimborne Minster marked Victory over Japan Day with a 1940s-style afternoon tea party.

A care home in Wimborne Minster marked Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on Friday 15 August by throwing a 1940s afternoon tea party.

Hyacinth House was decorated in red, white and blue flags and enjoyed an afternoon of big band music and dancing.

Residents celebrated the occasion with a delicious selection of freshly baked biscuits, sandwiches, cakes and pastries, all washed down with pots of tea and a celebratory glass of fizz.

Held annually, VJ Day remembers the end of World War II when US President Harry S Truman announced on 14 August 1945 that Japan had surrendered unconditionally and war-weary citizens around the world erupted in celebration. Due to time differences, the initial announcement of Japan’s surrender took place on the 15 August 1945 in Japan.

Kamila Gagala, general manager at the care home said: “Many of our residents can remember the end of the war and we all know what it meant for the country, so we wanted to celebrate the date and listen to our residents’ memories of the war and the experiences they lived through.”

One of the residents, Jean, said: “I remember all the family gathering around the radio to listen to Truman’s announcement telling us the war was finally over. It still gives me goosebumps now, such an important date. It was wonderful to reminisce and to celebrate with all the staff and residents here, we’ve all had such fun, and lots of cake.”

Hyacinth House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare and provides residential, dementia and respite care.