A BASINGSTOKE care home opened its doors to the community for a 1940s-themed celebration and commemorative ceremony.

On Thursday, June 6, from 10.30am-5pm, Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, in Bradley Way, welcomed people to honour the 80th anniversary of D-Day with its very own wartime era-themed soiree and lamp lighting ceremony.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944, Care UK partnered with royal pageant master Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR, coordinator of ‘D-Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace’. Along with the three forces charities and the Merchant Navy Association, over 100 Care UK homes took part in this nationwide tribute.

At Dashwood Manor, the team has been hard at work organising a unique commemorative event that saw residents and guests enjoying a lively day full of music, memories and traditional food – as the home’s café is transformed into a 1940s tearoom, serving vintage cakes and treats.

An exclusive performance at 11am by retro singers The DD Dollies delighted attendees, who were encouraged to dress in their finest period clothes and share their memories from decades gone by.

The special lamp, which represents the peace which followed the end of World War Two, was lit at 9.15pm by Dashwood Manor resident Roger Marshall, aged 84, who served in the army for 25 years.

Roger joined the army at just 16 years old, as he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father who had fought in the Second World War.

Roger said: “It is such an honour to be asked to light the lamp, in recognition of past and future service personal, without them we wouldn’t be here today. So I am honouring my father and all those that served.”

Dil Perera, home manager at Dashwood Manor, added: “We’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted to be joining a nationwide initiative and be opening our doors to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“This is an incredibly important milestone for many residents, and we’re keen to honour all those involved. Music is a fantastic way to bring back memories for older people and a wonderful way to bring communities together, so we’re thrilled to welcome The DD Dollies to get everyone’s toes tapping.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces into Dashwood Manor as we mark such a significant moment in history.”