Culture, Events & Entertainment, Ringwood | Posted on May 9th, 2025 | return to news
Ringwood care home hosts VE Day commemoration
Residents and staff at St Ives House enjoyed an afternoon tea and a wartime singalong to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
To mark Victory in Europe Day on Thursday 8 May, a Ringwood Care Home enjoyed an afternoon tea and a wartime singalong.
The team at St Ives House care home, on Horton Road in Ashley Heath, held a ‘Remembrance and Reflection Service’ in the morning, followed by the afternoon tea. They welcomed members of the local community to join them for this special event to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
On the day, resident Sue, a former civilian member of several military bands, played the ‘Last Post’ on the bugle to signify a one-minute silence. Afterwards, a host of songs were performed for visitors and residents from St Ives House and the neighbouring assisted-living apartments, St Ives Place, to sing and dance along to.
Rosemary, who lives at St Ives House, said: “It was very good. I enjoyed the music. We always have very nice singers at St Ives House. I enjoy singing along.”
Another resident, Jeane, remembered joining her local VE Day party as a teenager: “I was about 14 or 15, living in Hayes, Middlesex. We had a party on the local green with lots of people, including six school friends. I remember it was the first time I learned to ‘do the Lambeth Walk’. I loved it. There was lots of jubilation. We had blancmanges, jelly and tinned pears and pineapple. Those that grew lettuce and tomatoes brought those along too. Everyone brought whatever they could.”
Emma Cotton, Home Manager at St Ives House, said it was a ‘privilege’ to honour VE Day with residents and the community. She added: “Many of our residents have personal memories of the war, so our event gave them a chance to reflect and remember together. Seeing everyone singing, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company reminds us how important it is to cherish and learn from those who lived through a time in history that we will never forget.”
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