Airthrey Care Home Hosts Heartwarming VE Day Street Party

Residents, families, schoolchildren, and members of the local community came together in a joyful celebration at Airthrey Care Home in Airth for a special VE Day Street Party on Monday, 5th May 2025. The event, packed with wartime nostalgia, laughter, and community spirit, marked the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and honoured the lives and memories of those who lived through the Second World War.

Hosted by our team at Airthrey Care Home, the event was created to foster intergenerational connection, promote dementia-friendly community engagement, and give residents the chance to share memories in a lively, respectful setting.

An Afternoon of Nostalgia and Togetherness

The care home's gardens were transformed into a traditional 1940s street party scene, complete with picnic benches, bunting, and Union Jack flags fluttering in the breeze. Music from the wartime era played throughout the afternoon, including live performances and crowd-favourite karaoke sessions that had both residents and visitors singing along.

A variety of nostalgic games brought joy and activity to the afternoon. Children from Airth Primary School, alongside families and visitors, joined residents for hopscotch, skipping, and even axe throwing – all in the spirit of friendly competition and shared fun.

The Airth PTA and Airth Parish Community Council also played a key role in making the day extra special, showing the strength of local partnerships in supporting care home residents.

Remembering and Reflecting

One of the most moving elements of the celebration was the WWII memorial tent, a temporary exhibit filled with wartime memorabilia, vintage photographs, and stories from those who lived through the war – including a collection focused on former prisoners of war. Residents, including many living with dementia, were able to reflect and reminisce with family and younger generations alike, bringing history to life in a deeply personal way.

A barbecue provided by the Airthrey hospitality team served delicious food throughout the day in exchange for donations, raising over £200 for the Royal British Legion.

Community Spirit at Its Best

Speaking after the event, Michelle Ruiz-Beltran, Care Home Manager at Airthrey, shared her pride and gratitude

“It was truly a brilliant day. Seeing our residents, their families, and the community come together in remembrance and celebration was incredibly special. Events like these bring history to life and create bonds that cross generations.”

At Meallmore’s Airthrey Care Home, person-centred care is more than a service - it’s a way of life. The VE Day Street Party is just one example of how the home goes above and beyond to provide meaningful, dementia-friendly activities that support wellbeing, memory, and connection.