STAFF and residents at a care home in Ringwood welcomed the community to join in with special celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

The team at St Ives House care home, on Horton Road in Ashley Heath, held a ‘Remembrance and Reflection Service’ in the morning, followed by a wartime singalong and afternoon tea.

It was a chance for residents and visitors to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The event began with resident Sue, a former civilian member of several military bands, playing the Last Post on the bugle to signify a one-minute silence.

Afterwards, a host of songs were performed for visitors and residents from St Ives House and the neighbouring assisted-living apartments, St Ives Place, to sing and dance along to.

Rosemary, who lives at St Ives House, said: “It was very good. I enjoyed the music. We always have very nice singers at St Ives House. I enjoy singing along.”

Another resident, Jeane, remembered joining her local VE Day party as a teenager: “I was about 14 or 15, living in Hayes, Middlesex.

“We had a party on the local green with lots of people, including six school friends. I remember it was the first time I learned to ‘do the Lambeth Walk’. I loved it. There was lots of jubilation. We had blancmanges, jelly and tinned pears and pineapple.

“Those that grew lettuce and tomatoes brought those along too. Everyone brought whatever they could.”

Emma Cotton, Home Manager at St Ives House, said it was a privilege to honour VE Day with residents and the local community.

She said: “Many of our residents have personal memories of the war, so our event gave them a chance to reflect and remember together.

“Seeing everyone singing, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company reminds us how important it is to cherish and learn from those who lived through a time in history that we will never forget.”