Whittington House Marks Remembrance Day As A Member Of The Veteran Friendly Framework
Having proudly gained Veteran Friendly status, the team at Whittington House acknowledged the achievement at a special Remembrance Service for residents, veterans and guests from the wider community.
Building Relationships with Local Veterans Groups
Caring Homes have embarked on a group-wide mission to attain Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) accreditation and Whittington House Care Home in Cheltenham was among the first to achieve this. Keen to further develop relationships with veterans’ groups in their local community, Wellbeing Coordinator Andrea Williams, the home’s VFF Champion, has connected with individuals and organisations including the RAF Benevolent Association, retired WRENS, the British Army and the Royal British Legion.
Gathering for a Special Remembrance Service
A special Remembrance Service took place on 12th November, an event which would also mark the official opening of the care home’s Remembrance Garden – an area of the grounds created as a place where people can come to reflect on those they have lost, both recently and in the past. It was the perfect occasion for a gathering of residents, friends and local veteran-focused groups.
The Whittington House team and residents welcomed Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller KBE and Branch President of the Cheltenham Royal Air Forces Association; Command Sergeant Major Paul Steel and two colleagues from the Imjin Barracks in Gloucester; nine retired WRENS (Women’s Royal Navy Service); local representative for the Royal British Legion, Roy Stevens and two colleagues, and parish councillor, Emma Nelson.
Local Community, Armed Forces and Veterans Groups Come Together
Kirsty had begun by thanking everyone for attending, and the service which followed included readings from Resident Ambassador Bernard, Emma Nelson and Wellbeing Coordinator, Andrea. Afterwards, Andrea commented, “The service today was about meeting people and reminding ourselves why we have remembrance services. Remembering my dad who served in the Devon and Dorset Regiment of the army. My heart has burst with pride to see the respect that our veterans who live at Whittington House have been shown. “
The home was also delighted that children from the Belmont School choir were able to attend and sang three songs beautifully: ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman; ‘Sing’, written to commemorate Queen Elizabeth 11’s Diamond Jubilee and resident favourite, ‘Bring Me Sunshine’, famously performed by Morecambe and Wise.
The service concluded with a remembrance reading and the Lord’s Prayer, led by local priest, Brian Dunlop
Remembrance Garden Dedicated to Reflection, Gratitude and Connection
Reflecting on the day, Home Manager and VFF Champion, Kirsty Hopton, said, “It was a great honour to open our Remembrance Garden today, a space dedicated to reflection, gratitude, and connection. As a veteran friendly accredited care home, we are deeply committed to recognising the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. Today’s remembrance service of young and old reminds us that remembrance is not only about the past, but also about ensuring future generations understand the value of peace and the price of freedom”.
Someone who understands the price of freedom is 94-year-old resident John Ayres. John served in the RAF as Aircraftsman Class 1 and was active in the Korean War where sadly, he lost many friends and his cousin. John has always had a love for aircraft and worked for Rolls Royce Airlines as an engineer. Although he has lived a full life - he appeared as an extra in films (including being on set with Clark Gable) and has travelled to the North Pole - John will never forget the sacrifice made by so many, and said, “It is so important that we remember those no longer with us. I feel lucky to be still here.”
Veterans Come Together for Support and Camaraderie
The Whittington team is working with all their current veteran’s group contacts, including SSAFA, the armed forces charity, to set up a regular veteran’s coffee morning at the care home. Kirsty explained, “Making sure the veterans in our home are acknowledged is very important to us and we’d like to host a group so they can meet with other veterans and members of the armed forces community for support and camaraderie”.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
When searching for the right care home for your loved one, you’re looking for more than professional support, you’re seeking reassurance, warmth and peace of mind. At Whittington House Care Home in Cheltenham, we provide personalised Residential, Nursing, Dementia, Palliative and Respite Care within a safe, welcoming environment that feels like home from the moment you arrive.
Life here is about comfort, connection and choice. Residents can share stories over homemade cake in the bistro, enjoy a favourite film in our cosy cinema room, or unwind with a visit to the hair salon. Whether your loved one needs gentle day-to-day assistance or more specialised nursing or dementia care, our compassionate team is here to support them, and you, every step of the way.
