A Clacton-on-Sea care home is opening its doors to the community for a commemorative ceremony.

On Thursday 6th June, from 2pm-9.30pm, Care UK’s Haven Lodge, on Reckitts Close, is 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 charities which support the three forces, including the Merchant Navy Association, over 100 Care UK homes will take part in this nationwide tribute.

At Haven Lodge, the team have been hard at work organising a special commemorative event which will see residents and guests enjoy a 1940s-themed tea party complete with live entertainment from Tuppence Halfpenny who will be performing classic 1940s tunes.

The lamp, which represents the peace which followed the end of World War Two, will be lit at 9:15pm by Haven Lodge resident, Mr John Stansfield, a 98-year-old D-Day veteran and a member of his family.

Jeffrey Stansfield, John’s son, added: “It will be a great honour to help my dad light this lamp that commemorates so much bravery and sacrifice.”

Anthony Densley, Home Manager at Haven Lodge: “We’re passionate about building and maintaining relationships within our community here at Haven Lodge so we’re pleased to be opening our doors to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day for an evening of sharing memories.

“Reminiscence activities are a great way for older people, especially 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 – it’s been inspiring to hear everyone’s experiences and memories from wartime Britian.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our friends and neighbours into Haven Lodge as we mark this milestone by joining the nationwide lamp lighting initiative.”

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

To find out more about Haven Lodge or book your place at the event, please contact Home Manager, Anthony Densley, on 01255 807817 or email tony.densley@careuk.com

Haven Lodge is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services including residential care, specialist dementia care and respite care.