Residents at HC-One Defoe Court were joined by members of the local community to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.
Defoe Court created a special Remembrance Garden in the home’s grounds in partnership with local school children from Woodham Academy and Woodham Burn who generously made freestanding poppies to populate the garden.
A special Service commemorating the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War One was held with relatives and members of the local community including the schoolchildren who had made the poppies. The blessing was conducted by the Reverend Christopher Pearson from St Clare’s Church.
Hand-decorated jars containing tealights were lit by Residents and placed in the Remembrance Garden to remember those who sacrificed their lives in conflict.
Defoe Court’s Residents, relatives, friends and staff also knitted poppies which were sold with proceeds going to the British Legion.
These events and initiatives coincide with HC-One’s involvement in the Flame of Forgiveness Fortnight which is a national campaign to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War and to collectively reflect upon the values of forgiveness.
HC-One Defoe Court Care Home Manger, Lisa Knight, said: “We were really pleased to have been able to share our Flame of Forgiveness Fortnight activities with members of the local community. We would like to thank everyone who came along and contributed to our events and made the occasion all the more poignant.”
HC-One Regional Managing Director, Liz Whyte, said: “It is great to see Defoe Court marking such an important event with the local community. It is a testament to the strong bond that Defoe Court has locally.”
