VE Day 80 at Abbeyfield

Celebrating 80 Years of Victory in Europe 

Abbeyfield communities nationwide marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, with memorable celebrations ranging from traditional street parties to creative crafts and baking.

Victory in Europe: 80 years on

May 8th 1945 was a memorable occasion marked by widespread jubilation and relief across Britain and the world.

The announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender the previous day had filled people with anticipation, and the official declaration of Victory in Europe created an outpour of emotion after nearly six years of war.

As soon as the news broke, people came together in the streets as cities, towns, and villages emerged in impromptu street parties. Neighbours who had endured years of hardship together celebrated with shared joy. Flags and bunting adorned houses and streets, transforming the familiar landscape into a pool of colour. Crowds gathered in central London, particularly around Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the Mall. People sang, danced, and cheered with enthusiasm, and makeshift bonfires were lit in the streets.

King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and their daughters, Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret, appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to acknowledge the overjoyed crowds. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who had led the nation through its darkest times, also joined them, strengthening the sense of national unity and triumph. Churchill addressed the nation via radio, his powerful words resonating with a population that had long awaited this moment. He acknowledged the victory but also paid tribute to the fallen and recognised the ongoing war in the Far East.

For those who lived through it, including many of our residents at Abbeyfield, VE Day remained a powerful and unforgettable memory. It was a day when the weight of war lifted, and the hope for a peaceful future shone.

Celebrations across our houses

Residents and staff embraced the VE Day 80 commemorations, with some houses welcoming visitors from the local church, community members, and even the local MP at Winnersh to join their vibrant celebrations, and others celebrating with quieter activities like crafts and baking.

Take a look at how we celebrated:

Richard Carr-Gomm: A WWII Veteran

The declaration of World War II coincided with Richard's final year of schooling, prompting his immediate volunteer enlistment in the army. Despite being only 17, he joined the Young Soldiers Battalion of the Royal Berkshires before transferring in 1941 to his family's regiment, the esteemed Coldstream Guards.

Following two years of service in the Suez Canal Zone in Egypt, Richard's return to England in 1953 was a stark contrast to military life. His journey via a slow train through Malta, Sicily, and Naples exposed him to a different kind of hardship. Washing in the sea, sleeping under the open sky, subsisting on meagre scraps, and drinking from public taps, he experienced firsthand the sting of feeling unwelcome due to his appearance and demeanor.

Crucially, this journey also illuminated the profound deprivation of loneliness. A pivotal moment occurred when he paused his travels to visit the Turin Shroud, discovering The Little House of Divine Providence. This remarkable community of over 8000 individuals, founded in 1827 by St Joseph Benedict Cottolengo to support the lonely and destitute, deeply resonated with Richard's growing concern for the treatment of vulnerable older people in Britain.

His path towards dedicating his life to others found its definitive direction when he attended a rally led by the American evangelist Billy Graham at Harringay Stadium.

His experiences highlighted the impact of loneliness for older people, inspiring him to create a different kind of housing.

Richard envisioned communities where support, companionship, and independence went hand in hand, allowing residents to stay connected within their local areas. His innovative approach laid the groundwork for the Abbeyfield you see today.

His legacy as a social reformer continues to guide our mission, ensuring that the values of community and genuine care remain central to everything we do.

Read more about our founder's story.

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