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PICTURES: Wick care home’s Victory in Europe celebration





Some of the guests and staff gather for a group photo.
Some of the guests and staff gather for a group photo.

Residents, staff and guests at Wick’s Seaview House care home recreated the spirit of 1945 as they joined together in a Victory in Europe 80th anniversary celebration.

The main lounge was decked out with Union flags, banners and balloons, while staff embraced the occasion by dressing in vintage military uniforms.

The VE Day commemoration began with a performance by 90-year-old tenor Ian Swanson, uncle to the care home’s head chef Pam Jack.

Next up was resident Nancy Nicolson with her squeezebox. Her lively set of wartime tunes had everyone singing along.

At lunchtime Seaview’s newest chef, Faye Campbell, put on a themed menu that paid homage to the 1940s.

The afternoon’s festivities began with a moving speech by ex-serviceman Kevin Stewart. He gave a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the importance of remembrance.

Activities coordinator Carina McLauchlan (left), volunteer Eileen Perry (centre) and nurse Rea Ramos.
Activities coordinator Carina McLauchlan (left), volunteer Eileen Perry (centre) and nurse Rea Ramos.

Music continued to be a highlight of the day, with a return visit from much-loved entertainer Willie Mackay along with Conor Buchan from Enable. Their spoon-playing had the residents clapping along from the moment they began.

Then came a show-stopping performance by the Portland Jazz Trio, featuring Michael Rochon on piano, Tich Bremner on drums and Will Mackay on double bass.

A traditional afternoon tea followed, courtesy of head chef Pam, complete with traditional treats and Prosecco.

War veteran Bruce Player and ex-serviceman Kevin Stewart.
War veteran Bruce Player and ex-serviceman Kevin Stewart.

The day’s most honoured guest was Seaview’s very own Bruce Player, who will be turning 100 in July. Bruce joined the Royal Navy in 1943 at just 17, serving aboard HMS Kimberley until the end of the war.

Seaview House activities coordinator Carina McLauchlan said: “Bruce continues to inspire everyone with his warmth, humour and zest for life.”

She added: “It was a day to remember, a vibrant celebration filled with joy, laughter and a deep sense of respect.

“We honour all those who served and continue to serve with gratitude, pride and hope.”

Seaview House has won an award for the best Facebook page out of all the Barchester Healthcare homes for the north-east and Scotland.

The Portland Jazz Trio performing at the VE Day 80th anniversary celebration in Seaview House.
The Portland Jazz Trio performing at the VE Day 80th anniversary celebration in Seaview House.
Carer Chelsea Steven, head chef Pam Jack, nurse Rea Ramos and carers Angela Johnson and Caity Crowe.
Carer Chelsea Steven, head chef Pam Jack, nurse Rea Ramos and carers Angela Johnson and Caity Crowe.
Two of the residents, Peter Davis and Malcolm Moodie.
Two of the residents, Peter Davis and Malcolm Moodie.
Afternoon tea at the Seaview House VE Day celebration.
Afternoon tea at the Seaview House VE Day celebration.
Volunteer Eileen Perry (left) and resident Carol Shard with general manager Gayle Magennis.
Volunteer Eileen Perry (left) and resident Carol Shard with general manager Gayle Magennis.
Bruce Player with daughter Marion and her husband Phil Staples.
Bruce Player with daughter Marion and her husband Phil Staples.
Visiting singer Ian Swanson and musician Nancy Nicolson, who is one of the residents.
Visiting singer Ian Swanson and musician Nancy Nicolson, who is one of the residents.
Willie Cuthbertson and activities coordinator Carina McLauchlan take to the floor.
Willie Cuthbertson and activities coordinator Carina McLauchlan take to the floor.
The main lounge at Seaview House care home decorated for the VE Day anniversary.
The main lounge at Seaview House care home decorated for the VE Day anniversary.

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