The 75th VE Day celebration this year marked a huge moment in history, while we celebrated in a less traditional way this year, we took it as an opportunity to look back on the rich history of Benenden through the war and joined the nation in two very emotional tributes. We also decorated the hospital atrium window for the celebration to raise spirits of staff, patients and reached out to the local community.
We sent a range of resources to local care homes such as quiz questions, links to websites which offered support to patients, residents and carers alike. We also invited them to share their celebrations with us and we’d like to thank them for the kind messages and images.
Abbotsleigh Care Centre celebrations
“We were lucky enough to have the amazing talents of Jasmin to sing and entertain our residents in the morning from a distance. Her beautiful voice captured our hearts as she sang wartime classics.
Our ladies and gents enjoyed cakes, sandwiches and a good old cuppa. One of our residents and his family shared a special story. Reg R was actually in Belgium when VE Day was announced and he took the picture he's holding up; he told us that he climbed up the lamppost to get the best shot!” recalled Alina Abagiu at Abbotsleigh Care Centre.
Iden Manor Nursing Home decorations
“The local community is very important to Benenden Hospital, having been established in the area for over 100 years. During the current COVID-19 situation, we are striving to keep the community spirit alive with regular posts and virtual events on our website, encouraging our staff and communities in the surrounding areas to get involved.” Jane Abbott, Hospital Director added.
Published on 17 May 2020