Five care homes across Kent are opening their doors to the community for commemorative ceremonies.

On Thursday 6th June, five Care UK care homes, Foxbridge House, Harrier Lodge, Invicta Court, Montfort Manor, and Weald Heights are welcoming local people to honour the 80th anniversary of D-Day with its very own lamp lighting ceremony.

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.

In each home, the teams has been hard at work organising special commemorative events which will see residents and guests enjoy 1940s-themed parties, with team members dressed in the decade’s attire.

At Foxbridge House in Orpington and Harrier Lodge in Whitstable, guests will be able to enjoy garden parties from 3pm – 5pm, while in Maidstone, the team at Invicta Court will be hosting a 1940s street party from 12:30 – 4pm, with local army cadets, who will be lighting the home’s lantern.

In Sevenoaks, at Weald Heights, the local community can enjoy live entertainment from local entertainers, Lest We Forget, from 2pm – 4pm, while in Ashford at Montfort Manor, guests can enjoy a 1940s style party from 2:30 – 5pm.

Amelia Moore, contact Customer Relations Manager, at Weald Heights said: “Here at Care UK, we’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted to be joining other Kent homes in a nationwide initiative, 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. In the run up to the day, residents have been sharing their own stories and memories and it’s been fantastic to hear everyone’s experiences as we learn from one another.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces across Kent for what we anticipate will be heartfelt afternoons for everyone involved!” 

To find out more about how Care UK is supporting the initiative, please visit: careuk.com/dday-80th-anniversary

Harrier Lodge, Foxbridge House, Invicta Court, Montfort Manor and Weald Heights are purpose-built care homes designed to deliver luxury hotel-style comfort for residents, complete with a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and beautiful gardens. The homes are divided into separate residential, nursing and dementia care suites, encouraging close-knit communities where residents can get to know each other, and where people with similar needs can be cared for together.