Residents of Thorngate Churcher Trust came together in a heartwarming celebration to commemorate VE Day, with events taking place at both Russell Churcher Court and the Trust’s retirement housing across Gosport.
Trustees and staff at Russell Churcher Court (RCC) transformed the dining room into a nostalgic scene, arranging two long, street party-style tables adorned with bunting and flags. Residents enjoyed a traditional fish and chip lunch, a firm favourite, followed by a delicious array of homemade cakes and desserts.
The festivities continued with live entertainment from performer Debbie C, who delighted residents with a selection of classic 1940s songs.
Earlier in the day, residents gathered to watch the national commemorations broadcast from Westminster Abbey. They observed a two-minute silence and shared personal stories and reflections from the wartime era. One resident recalled a vivid childhood memory of travelling to London with her mother, sandwiches in hand, to sleep on the street in anticipation of the VE Day parade marking the official end of World War II.
RCC resident Phil enjoys his fish and chips lunch
Elsewhere, residents from Thorngate’s retirement flats also embraced the spirit of the day, with people from three different properties coming together to enjoy afternoon tea and commemorate VE Day with neighbours and friends.
Thorngate retirement flat residents get together at a street party
Thorngate Chief Executive Anne Taylor said, “VE Day is an important day for us to mark with our residents, who collectively have so many memories of wartime and how it affected their nearest and dearest. Eighty years is a lifetime, but for some it can still feel like only yesterday and it’s important for us to cherish these memories and support our residents in marking such a momentous day in our history. It’s been a joy to see people from different properties come together in true British spirit today.”
For further information about the charity, please visit www.thorngate.org.uk
posted 12 May 2025