Celebrating VE Day at Seaview: Reminiscence, Community and Joy

At Seaview Nursing Home in Hastings, part of the Cardinal Healthcare family, we believe that life in a care home should be rich with meaning, connection and celebration. This year, our residents and team came together to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a momentous occasion that resonates deeply with many who call our home, their home.

Honouring a Remarkable Generation

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. For many living in care homes across the UK, including Seaview, this day is not just a chapter in a history book, it’s a lived memory. Several of our residents were children or young adults in 1945 and their recollections bring the past vividly to life. As we prepared for the celebration, our team listened to stories of street parties, ration books and the relief that swept the nation when the war ended.

One resident shared how her family hung bunting from their window and joined neighbours for a makeshift tea party in the street. “There was so much joy and yet, a sense of reflection for those who didn’t come home,” she recalled. These personal histories are treasures and our care team is committed to creating opportunities for reminiscence and sharing, which are so vital for wellbeing in later life.

Creating a Festive Atmosphere

The home was transformed for the day, with staff and residents working side by side to decorate lounges and gardens in true 1940s style. Union flags, hand-crafted bunting and vintage memorabilia set the scene, while classic wartime songs played softly in the background. Our Activity Co-ordinators, specially trained as Dementia Champions, ensured everyone could participate, whether by helping to make decorations, choosing their favourite songs, or simply enjoying the company of friends.

The kitchen team prepared a traditional afternoon tea, complete with homemade scones, finger sandwiches, and Victoria sponge. For many, these familiar tastes evoked powerful memories of family gatherings and community spirit during the post-war years.

Music, Memories, and Meaningful Moments

Music is a universal language, and nowhere is this more apparent than in a care home on a day like VE Day. Residents and staff joined in singalongs of Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn classics, with some even taking to the floor for a gentle dance. Wartime favourites such as “We’ll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover” filled the room with nostalgia and joy.

Throughout the afternoon, residents were encouraged to share their own VE Day memories. Some recalled listening to Winston Churchill’s speech on the radio, while others remembered the sense of hope that swept through their communities. These stories were met with laughter, a few tears and a deep sense of gratitude for the resilience and courage of the generation who lived through the war.

Reflection and Remembrance

While VE Day is a time for celebration, it is also an opportunity for reflection. At Seaview, we paused to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the friends and loved ones who were lost. A moment of silence was observed, followed by the reading of a wartime poem chosen by the residents. For many, this was a poignant reminder of the importance of peace and the enduring value of community.

Reflection and Remembrance

While VE Day is a time for celebration, it is also an opportunity for reflection. At Seaview, we paused to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the friends and loved ones who were lost. For many, this was a poignant reminder of the importance of peace and the enduring value of community.

The Importance of Celebrating in Care Homes

Events like our VE Day celebration are more than just a date on the calendar. They are a vital part of life in care homes, supporting emotional wellbeing, encouraging social interaction and reinforcing a sense of identity and purpose. At Cardinal Healthcare, we are committed to providing person-centred care that recognises each resident’s unique history and contributions. Our approach is rooted in respect, compassion and a genuine desire to create a nurturing, home-like environment.

A Day to Remember

As the sun set on our VE Day celebration, there was a tangible sense of togetherness and contentment. Residents lingered over their tea, sharing stories and laughter with staff and visitors. For our team at Seaview Nursing Home, days like these are a reminder of why we do what we do: to create a true home-from-home, where every resident is valued, heard and celebrated.

We are grateful to everyone who helped make our VE Day celebration so special from the residents who shared their memories, to the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, to the local community who joined us in marking this historic day. Together, we honoured the past, celebrated the present and looked forward to the future with hope.

Seaview Nursing Home is part of Cardinal Healthcare, dedicated to compassionate, person-centred care in Hastings and beyond. To learn more about life at Seaview or to arrange a visit, please contact us via our website.