VE DAY Celebration

This year marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe,  and to mark the occasion, the Forest Gate and Ilford communities came together on the 8th May to celebrate. The sun was shining and most of the staff were able to join in the fun.

The day began with a WWII quiz, followed by watching the Westminster Abbey remembrance service on TV. The plan for lunch was to have a BBQ in the garden, but this was slightly hampered; not by the weather, but by garden renovations!  This did not stop us, and we used the small area outside the community room to set up a table with our disposable barbecue trays.

The refectory was decorated with Union flags and the dining tables were laid out with an array of food and drink. Some staff had gone all out and dressed up for the occasion. Elizabeth and I were land girls in our overalls, and scarfs in our hair. Paul was an air raid warden in his overalls, hat, torch and makeshift gasmask bag. I would go so far as to say, if prizes were given for best dressed it would definitely have gone to Paul!

The day ended with a classic cream tea; scones, jam, clotted cream and pots of tea.  

As the day drew to a close, Elizabeth and I were keeping our eyes on the Vatican chimney in Rome!  When we realised the smoke was white, we got all the Forest Gate sisters together and we all sat, with cups of tea,  watching and waiting, to see our new Holy Father. 

In all it was a very joyous day. 

by Marina Gaudoin, Forest Gate House Manager