A Frome care home is opening its doors to the community to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. 

On Thursday 8 May, from 10:30am–3pm, Care UK's Rossetti House, on Welshmill Lane, is welcoming local people to honour the 80^th anniversary of VE Day with its very own 1940s-themed garden party.

VE Day was celebrated on 8^th May 1945, after Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an announcement on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end. This emotional news sparked celebrations across the country, with many taking to the streets for spontaneous parties.

At Rossetti House, the team has been hard at work organising their own special commemorative event, which will see residents and guests enjoy an afternoon of reminiscence, delicious food and music entertainment and dancing as they embrace the spirit of the 1940s.

Nostalgic memorabilia and boards displaying residents' stories and VE Day memories will be dotted around the home, with the community invited to sit with residents to engage in conversations and reminisce. 

Children from St Louis Primary School will also be coming along to join residents and learn more about VE Day, while the Royal British Legion will also be attending to deliver a commemorative service to mark the occasion.

Resident, Eileen Pike, said: "I was almost 16 when the war ended. My father was too old to be called up, but my uncle had to go. When the end of the war was announced, we were living in Bath and we all walked up to Beechen Cliff to look out over the city, all lit up. It was so pretty after years of blackouts. There was a lot of excitement in Bath and the celebration went on for a couple of days. I remember going into the city where everyone was having a good time."

Phil Vale, General Manager at Rossetti House, said: "We're passionate about building and maintaining relationships within our community here at Rossetti House, so we're pleased to be opening our doors to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day for a special day of sharing memories and a fabulous garden party.

"Reminiscence activities are a great way for older people, especially those living with dementia, to connect with those around them and help maintain a sense of identity. In the run up to the day, residents have been sharing their own stories and it's been inspiring to hear everyone's experiences and memories from wartime Britain. 

"We're looking forward to welcoming our friends and neighbours into Rossetti House for a day to remember." 

Rossetti House provides full time residential, dementia and nursing care in a luxury setting, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies and has its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and café. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

For more information on Rossetti House, or to book a spot at the VE Day event, please call Customer Relations Manager Helen Cross on 01373 887 988, or email [email protected].

Further information can be found online at: careuk.com/rossetti-house