Heartwarming celebrations at South Lanarkshire care homes to mark VE Day 80th anniversary

Residents from McKillop Gardens attended a commemorative event at East Kilbride British Legion on May 8, where they were entertained by the East Kilbride Pipe Band and a vocalist performing timeless favourites by Dame Vera Lynn.
Care homes across South Lanarkshire paid tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day with joyful, community-spirited celebrations that brought residents, families and staff together in remembrance and reflection.
A variety of events took place across care homes run by South Lanarkshire Council and managed by South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership.
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Meldrum Gardens in East Kilbride hosted a vibrant street party, where residents and their loved ones were treated to classic wartime songs by a live performer. Flags, bunting and heartfelt singalongs brought the spirit of 1945 back to life in a joyful celebration of peace and community.
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Meanwhile, residents from McKillop Gardens attended a commemorative event at East Kilbride British Legion on May 8, where they were entertained by the East Kilbride Pipe Band and a vocalist performing timeless favourites by Dame Vera Lynn. The music stirred cherished memories, sparking conversation and reflection.
At David Walker Gardens, Rutherglen residents marked the day with reminiscence activities, wartime-themed decorations and time spent honouring those who served.
Further celebrations took place across South Lanarkshire, including at Lady Home Hospital, where staff created a classic 'street party' atmosphere with live music, bunting and plenty of smiles. Some staff even dressed in 1940s-style nurse uniforms, adding an extra touch of nostalgia to honour the past and bring joy to the community.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: 'Moments like these highlight the power of connection, memory and shared history. It was deeply moving to see our care homes mark this milestone anniversary with such creativity and compassion. These events remind us that honouring the past can be a powerful way of enriching the present for those in our care.'
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Mary Tedford, community living manager for Older Adult Residential and Care and Support, added: 'VE Day means so much to many of our residents and we were proud to help them mark it in a way that was personal and meaningful. From wartime songs to cherished conversations, these events sparked joy, reflection and community spirit in equal measure.'
Professor Sengupta added: 'I'd like to thank our dedicated staff for marking the occasion in a way that not only respected the profound significance of VE Day but made it truly meaningful for our residents.'

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