Flixton care home to host month of VE Day celebrations

HC-One’s De Brook Lodge Care Home in Flixton, Manchester, is set to host a month of celebrations throughout May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Victory in Europe, which marked the end of World War II, on May 8.   On the lead up to VE Day, De Brook Lodge will be hosting a range of arts and crafts sessions with residents and their local community to create bunting and posters to showcase throughout their VE Day celebrations.   On Thursday, May 8, the home will be hosting a street party style lunch between 12.30pm – 3pm, with entertainment from local singer, Steve Flynn. On Monday, May 12, the home will be hosting a day full of fun at their indoor fairground mobile games from 2pm – 3pm.   On Wednesday, May 21, the home is hosting a ‘We’ll Meet Again’ production by Tickled Pink at 2.30pm – 3.30pm who perform wartime songs including ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye’.   Residents at De Brook Lodge Care Home have been sharing their memories of what life was like during World War II.   Resident Beryl O’Neil, who was born on December 29, 1933, now aged 91 years old, was six at the start of World War II and aged eleven at the end of World War II. She lived in Weaste in Salford, Greater Manchester, with her mum, dad, and older siblings, Sheila and Eric.   Beryl’s father was in the Royal Air Force and her mum helped make parachutes to aid the war efforts. Beryl’s great aunt, uncle and gran came to live with them in Weaste during World War II as they were bombed out.   On VE Day, Beryl celebrated by having a party with her family and local community. Beryl remembers being sent coconuts from her father who was in Africa at the time with messages on them in celebration of World War II ending.   Beryl remembers feeling relieved and delighted when her Dad finally arrived home from fighting in the war in the Royal Air Forces. During World War II, Beryl remembers the sweet rations and her great aunt and uncle spoiling her.   Beryl recalls the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) wardens coming round to the house to check curtains and using the bomb shelter at the Buile Hill Park.   Beryl grew up and worked at the Co-operative Bank in Manchester as a Secretary. She married Gordon in 1955, and they were married for 58 years. Beryl and Gordon had two daughters – Julie and Carol. Beryl moved into De Brook Lodge in April 2023.   Beryl O’Neil, resident at HC-One’s De Brook Lodge Care Home, said:   “Everybody would bring some food, I remember crying and missing my Dad so much when he went away so much as he was in the Royal Air Forces and then being in tears because he could finally come home.”   Resident Fay Kitt, who was born on May 4, 1935, now aged 90 years old, was aged four at the start of World War II and ten at the end of World War II. Fay lived with her mum, dad in Irlam in Salford, Greater Manchester and her younger brother who was born during World War II.   Fay’s dad has a protected occupation at the steelworks whilst her mum stayed at home to look after the children. During World War II, Fay recalls hearing the loud sounds of the bomb warning sirens and finding shelter under the stairs.   On VE Day, Fay celebrated by having a street party with her community. Fay remembers tables donning the Union Jack, small buffet spreads on display and lots of singing and dancing.    Fay worked as a dress maker and sewed garments. Fay married Peter at Boundary Road Methodist in 1960, and they went on to have two children – Beverly and Malcolm. Fay moved into De Brook Lodge in October 2022.   Fay Kitt, resident at HC-One’s De Brook Lodge Care Home, said:   “I remember all the tables being out in the street and everywhere was decorated with flags.   “We went to Grandma's house, and I remember coming home in the pitch-black singing.”

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