A Bracknell care home is opening its doors to the community for a commemorative ceremony.
On Thursday 6th June, from 7.30pm-9.30pm, Care UK’s Bickerton House on Warfield Road is welcoming local people to honour the 80th anniversary of D-Day with its very own lamp lighting ceremony and barbecue.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of 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 the three Forces Charities and the Merchant Navy Association, over 100 Care UK homes will take part in this nationwide tribute.
At Bickerton House, the team has been hard at work organising a special commemorative event that will see residents and guests enjoying an evening of live entertainment, complimentary drinks and a barbecue prepared by the home’s talented chefs.
A special lamp, which represents the peace which followed the end of World War Two, will be lit at 9.15pm by resident Elizabeth Smith, age 97, who remembers the war clearly.
Elizabeth said: “I’m greatly honoured to have been chosen to light the beacon of peace.”
Elizabeth remembers D-Day with both happy and sad memories and has shared many inspiring stories with the team. Elizabeth is still deeply saddened by the solders that lost their lives but happy that it brought us peace eventually.
“Life goes on and times change,” Elizabeth said. “I feel it’s good for the community to honour those that fought for us to be who we are today.”
Dorothy Pye, Home Manager at Bickerton House, said: “We’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted to be joining a nationwide initiative and be 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 Bickerton House for what we anticipate will be a heartfelt evening for everyone involved!”
To find out more about how Care UK is supporting the initiative, please visit: careuk.com/dday-80th-anniversary
Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care and features a bar and café, cinema, hair salon, activities room and garden.
