Care homes across country mark Remembrance Day

With lockdown and social measures in place across the UK, care home staff and residents have found other ways to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in war.

The residents would usually visit a nearby church or attend an event at a local memorial to lay a wreath to commemorate Remembrance Day, however, this year, all events across the UK will not be able to take place due to government restrictions designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.

This year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has led the support for the doorstep two-minute silence.

Mr Johnson said: “Unfortunately, this year, it is with a heavy heart that I must ask the public not to attend the ceremony at the Cenotaph in order to keep veterans safe and reduce the spread of the virus."

Care homes have gone above and beyond to ensure their residents can remember the fallen whilst still adhere to the social distancing measures.

The poppies featured have been handcrafted by residents and staff

Residents, staff and their families at a Surrey care home have created more than 200 hand-crafted poppies for their art installation to mark this Sunday’s Remembrance Day.

Installed at Huntington & Langham Estate in Hindhead alongside the iconic silhouette of a First World War soldier, the 10ft by 15ft display is set to honour those who died, with many of those living in the home having vivid memories of the wartime period.

Charlie Hoare, director of the Huntington & Langham Estate said: “Remembrance Sunday is always an important occasion here on the estate. Many of the people living here experienced the war, with even more living through the aftermath, including rationing and the post-war rebuilding process. Consequently, we’re keenly aware of the sacrifice of previous generations, and we want to do what we can to honour their memory.

"It really was a team effort. Everyone wanted to contribute where possible – and we’re delighted with the result."

The poppies featured in the memorial have been handcrafted by both residents and staff using a variety of techniques. Some have been laminated from paintings, while many have been fashioned using the bottom of a Coca-Cola bottle, which served to form the perfect shape of a poppy.

Mr Hoare said: “We’re so privileged to be able to hear first-hand stories from the war, and it’s important for those who experienced it to be able to talk about it if they wish, particularly if they lost someone close to them. Taking an active involvement in remembering those who have gone before helps to keep their memories alive and this is something we’re very keen to encourage.”

’Thank you to the Royal British Legion volunteers for making it special for us’

Meanwhile, the residents of in Little Weighton were visited by volunteers from the Royal British Legion.

The Last Post was played, and a two-minute silence was held to allow the residents to honour lost loved ones from the forces. The Legion also brought a wreath for the veterans at the home to sign in time for it to be laid at Cottingham war memorial on Remembrance Day.

Leanne Hatch, home manager at Manor House, said: “It was very kind of the Royal British Legion to come to visit us here at Manor House. Many of our residents were concerned that they wouldn’t be able to formally mark Remembrance Day this year, an anniversary which is personally close to many of their hearts.

“We would like to say thank you to the Royal British Legion volunteers for making it such a special event for us.”

Audrey Yeaman, 80, a resident at Manor House, said: “Remembering the members and veterans of the British Armed Forces is very important, and it was brilliant to meet with the British Legion volunteers, even though everything was socially distanced.”

The event was held at a social distance this year due to COVID-19, but staff and residents did not want the pandemic to prevent them from taking part in the community’s remembrance proceedings.

Major Gary Fraser (Retd)AAC, RBL secretary, said: “The residents were brought out to watch myself and Major Jerry Cross RLC, standard bearer and chairman of Cottingham RBL say the Exhortation, play the Last Post, observe a two minutes silence and lay a wreath.

"It was quite cold, so we started as soon as possible. Full Covid-19 measures were taken to ensure the safety of the residents.”