Wisbech Park D-Day 80th anniversary beacon lighting service

Orchard House care residents and staff were very proud of the effort that went into organising the event at Wisbech Park.

Sarah Watson, home manager, said: “This was really important for our residents to be a part of this event and I am incredibly proud of the team of staff who were willing to help make this happen for our residents.”

Miranda Robinson, lifestyle lead, added: “I believe it is very important to get our residents out as much as possible and this was a perfect example of why.

“The feedback from our residents and families of how much this meant to them was priceless.

"We had been watching the coverage on the BBC in the care home and it has been quite emotional for some.

"To have this opportunity to take the residents out to see this was so important and we felt, as a team, it couldn’t be missed."

Honey Berry, dementia ambassador, said: “It was lovely getting out in the community and being made to feel so welcome.

“This was a great way to reminisce with our residents about D-Day”.

The speech that was made by Winston Churchill all those years ago was still a clear memory for many residents.

Hilda, aged 99, said she remembers hearing it like it was yesterday.

Mavis, aged 95, said she was really moved by all it. She remembers being a teenager when this happened.

Most of the residents remembered the music played by the cadets and hummed or whistled along with them.

Wally, aged 90, and John, aged 83, were really enjoying drumming to the beat with the drummers and Roy, aged 89, whistled all the way with them.

Pat, aged 85, said it was a lovely day.

"We felt very welcomed by the community and felt very much part of it," added Miranda.

"The mayor came over to share his gratitude for us attending along with other councillors and veterans.

"We hope to attend and support more of our local community events."

(Image: RCH Care Homes Ltd.)

(Image: RCH Care Homes Ltd.)