Wetherby Manor care home celebrates 80th anniversary of VE Day

Residents and colleagues at Wetherby Manor care home in Wetherby came together in celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Decorated with vibrant poppies and patriotic bunting, Wetherby Manor was transformed into a nostalgic indoor street party where memories of wartime resilience and post-war celebration came alive.

Local singer Albert Stott delivered a performance of wartime classics, including Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll meet again’, prompting spontaneous sing-alongs and even a few dance steps from residents who had lived through the historic end of World War II.

Among those celebrating was 102-year-old Daphne Turner, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) as a teleprinter operator during the war.

I remember the night before VE Day so clearly. I was working the teleprinter night shift when suddenly the busy communication lines fell strangely quiet. That silence was actually the first sign of peace, though we didn't realise it then.

For those of us at Wetherby Manor who lived through the Second World War and other conflicts, these aren’t just moments from history - they're our memories. It's wonderful to celebrate this 80th anniversary together with friends, family and a community who understand what that day truly meant to us all.

Wetherby Manor’s transformation into a 1940s street party allowed residents to reminisce about their personal connections to this key moment in history, with many sharing stories of where they were when peace was declared in Europe.

As part of the celebrations, residents, including Daphne, Ivy May, Arnold, Rita and Eddie shared personal reflections in inspirational interviews, recounting their connection to a pivotal moment that shaped the course of their lives and the nation's history.

Rob Martin, Managing Director of Care Services at Anchor, said:

VE Day celebrations are incredibly important to all of us at Anchor, not only to commemorate such a historic moment but also to honour the personal experiences of our residents who lived through those times.

We understand the importance of creating meaningful activities that connect our residents with their memories and celebrate their contributions. The stories shared by residents like Daphne and Eddie are precious living history, and we're privileged to help keep these memories alive.

With an increasing number of our care homes, including Wetherby Manor, proudly accredited with Veteran Friendly Framework status, we are committed to providing environments where those who have served are recognised, respected and feel fully supported.

For more information about Anchor’s VE Day activities, please visit here. 

Daphne's personal reflections on VE Day

Daphne Turner
Age: 102

Daphne Turner was just 22 on VE Day, serving in the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) as a teleprinter operator. Armed with touch-typing skills, she had joined at age 20 and was initially stationed in Plymouth before transferring to Portsmouth.

The night before VE Day, Daphne was working the night shift when she and fellow operators noticed something unusual - the typically busy communication lines had fallen strangely quiet. Little did they know this silence signalled the approaching peace. After completing her shift, Daphne returned home, only to discover when she woke up that the war in Europe had officially ended.

While many celebrated with street parties, Daphne marked this historic occasion with a special meal at the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). She remembers feeling a twinge of disappointment at missing out on the street celebrations happening across Britain.

Looking back from the vantage point of her 102 years, Daphne reflects on her wartime service with pride. Though initially reluctant to leave home for naval service, her experience proved transformative. Working alongside people from diverse backgrounds, the most significant lesson she learned was that we are all equal, and despite our differing ideas, we must learn to coexist and get along. 

The quiet teleprinter lines on that historic night shift now stand as Daphne's personal prelude to peace - an ordinary moment before an extraordinary day that would change history.

Eddie's personal reflections on VE Day

Eddie Parkinson 
Age: 96

Eddie Parkinson was just 16 years old on VE Day, living in Meanwood, Leeds, with his parents and three sisters. Born in June 1929, Eddie had spent his formative years during wartime, experiencing its hardships firsthand. He remembers many nights huddled in the family's Anderson shelter in the back garden. 

Unlike many children from Leeds who were evacuated to the Yorkshire Dales, Eddie's mother refused to let him go. By the time the war ended, Eddie had already begun working as an electrical apprentice for Black and Decker in Leeds. There he developed the mechanical skills that would serve him when he was conscripted at 18 to join the Royal Army Service Corps. 

On VE Day, Eddie remembers a street party organised by a local resident in his neighbourhood. He recalls how neighbours pooled their precious rationing coupons to provide food for the celebration - a true community effort during a time when resources were still scarce.

Eddie remembers his parents' relief that the war was over and their entire family - including his three sisters and brothers-in-law in London - had all survived safely.

Though Eddie didn't wear a uniform on VE Day, his family had contributed significantly to the war effort. His father served as an Air Raid Protection warden in Leeds. Eddie vividly remembers him patrolling the streets of Meanwood, ensuring no lights were showing when air raid sirens sounded. His two younger sisters joined the Women's Voluntary Service, while his eldest sister Joan moved to London and did something "secretive" for the war effort – many years later, Eddie was proud to discover she had worked at Bletchley Park.

Eddie would go on to serve for two years, with postings in both the UK and Germany - experiencing firsthand the aftermath of the conflict that had ended on that spring day in 1945 when communities across Europe came together to celebrate peace.