Tarring Manor Marks VE Day 80th Anniversary With A Lunch For Blind Veterans Group
Caring Homes is a committed supporter of the veterans community and the team at Tarring Manor were delighted to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day by hosting a special lunch for a group from Blind Veterans UK.
Tarring Manor Care Home in Worthing is home to several residents with memories of wartime, with some experiencing World War 2 as children and others who have seen active service. VE Day’s 80th anniversary provided an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the landmark date by welcoming members of Blind Veterans UK for a sociable lunch.
Blind Veterans UK
Blind Veterans UK was founded 1915 by publisher and newspaper owner Sir Arthur Pearson, who was blind himself. The charity was initially set up to help the many veterans losing their sight during the First World War, and it continued to support those blinded in subsequent wars and military engagements. Since 2000, Blind Veterans UK offers help to all vision-impaired ex-Servicemen and women, regardless of how or when they lost their sight.
Part of the rehabilitation provided is designed to support blind veterans in regaining their independence after sight loss. May suffer from social isolation so helping them to feel that life can be fulfilling and that they are not alone is key.
A Popular Dish Based on Wartime Plenty
The Tarring Manor team liaised closely with Blind Veterans UK Community Support Worker, Hollie Saul, who suggested a menu with wartime significance. During the conflict, neither fish nor potatoes was in short supply so fish and chips – Britain’s favourite dish – stayed firmly off the ‘rationed’ list for the duration of World War 2.
With the main course chosen, the chefs decided to create individual classic strawberry trifles for dessert – by contrast, an unattainable luxury for most throughout the war, but a delicious treat for the lunch party.
Bowler Hats, Bunting and Banter
On a fabulously sunny day, a group of 15 veterans, partners and volunteers, met at Tarring Manor and were shown to the 2nd floor dining room, which had been gaily decorated with flags and bunting. Union Jack bowler hats were available to wear and there was a buzz of chatter as the veterans exchanged news. One particularly lively table was occupied by four gentlemen who regularly meet to play bowls at a local club.
As the party settled, Hollie marked the occasion by reading from a VE Day proclamation, then without further ado, lunch was served. Everyone remarked how tasty the fish and chips were (offered with either regular or mushy peas, of course) and the individual trifles were given a very definite thumbs up by the group.
Positive Feedback and Future Opportunities Ahead
The event was pronounced a huge success with lots of positive comments from the veterans. Michael, a long-time volunteer with Blind Veterans UK praised the Tarring Manor staff who he said “… have been amazing” and veteran John grabbed Group Executive Head Chef, Steve, to give him some feedback - with a cheeky twist. “They’re the best fish and chips I’ve had …… “today”, he laughed!
After such a positive experience, Hollie and Mario, Tarring Manor’s Customer Relationship Manager, are working on opportunities for the veterans to visit the care home for afternoon tea and to join the residents in activities sessions. Hollie added, “At Blind Veterans UK we believe that vision-impaired veterans should be able to lead independent lives and also, importantly, be given the chance to interact and engage with others, rather than being isolated. Connecting members is a huge focus for us.”
Giving veterans the chance to engage in a safe space is something that the team at Tarring Manor are keen to offer, and alongside future events, there’s an open invitation to local veterans to drop in anytime for a cup of tea and a piece of cake in the bistro or the sunny garden.
Discover Tarring Manor Care Home
Tarring Manor is a purpose-built luxury care home located next to the picturesque Tarring Park, offering residential and dementia care. The home offers numerous activities, plenty of space and tranquil surroundings where you can relax or welcome friends and family. If you would like to learn more about the types of care and services available from Caring Homes, please visit our website page. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
