St Marys care home create a unique VE Day museum

To commemorate VE Day, Anchor’s St Marys care home in Ipswich has curated a unique museum filled with residents’ astounding memories and artefacts from the Second World War.

Staff have collaborated with residents and their families to collate letters, nostalgic photographs, military uniforms and rousing posters, to display in the care home and recapture the spirit of wartime Britain. 

The moving installation evolved from St Marys’ initial plans to organise a VE Day street party, which was adapted due to government guidance on social gatherings. Staff remained determined to commemorate VE Day with residents, many of whom remember the landmark moment in history with fondness.

The museum is uniting residents in shared memories of their colourful WWII experiences during this challenging time – including Bernard ‘Sam’ Lambert, age 79, who was born under a table during an air raid.

On VE Day (8th May), St Marys will be marking the occasion with a host of activities for residents including wartime food, films, dances, and poetry readings. Uplifting audio clips and commentary from the period will also be played as residents experience the museum, to help evoke memories and create a nostalgic atmosphere. Follow the St Marys Twitter page to see all of the days events.