Woodpeckers residents welcome military veterans for armed forces afternoon
Woodpeckers care home residents rekindled wartime memories during an afternoon garden party in honour of the armed forces.
The home welcomed veterans, military enthusiasts and members of the Lymington Royal British Legion for the special event.
Several visitors came dressed in uniform with medals while an RAF jeep and other military equipment and memorabilia were brought along for residents to see first-hand.
It was an opportunity for those with service connections to share and reflect on their experiences of the Second World War.
They included Maureen Miller, 97, who spoke about being a Land Girl in Wales for two years, Frank Coombes, who served in the Royal Navy, and John Denby, who was in the armed forces for two years before spending 25 years in the Metropolitan Police.
Resident Diana Creasey, who celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year, was presented with a book about military history by veteran and senior nurse Andrew Turley on behalf of The Imaginarium Bookshop in Lymington.
Other guests included representatives of St Nicholas Church in Brockenhurst and residents from fellow Colten Care home Kingfishers in New Milton.
The event was hosted by Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker and team member Sian Harris.
Sian said: “Our residents enjoyed the afternoon, chatting to our guests and sharing stories and memories from a time still vivid in their minds.
“We have now been invited to help knit some of the 20,000 poppies required for a display being unveiled by the Lymington Royal British Legion at the end of October ahead of Remembrance.”
