RESIDENTS of The DurhamGate Care Home were treated to a performance by their very own front of house manager Samantha during a special indoor ‘street party’ celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Samantha, who has a professional background as a singer, took the stage in authentic 1940s attire, evoking memories of the era for the delighted residents.
She said: “It was an honour to perform for my residents for such a special event and to hear the stories they have to tell about their connections to the day itself back in 1944.
“In the past I worked professionally as a singer and performed at a lot of 1940’s events including a gala performance celebrating Vera Lynn’s 100th birthday with Scarborough Spa Orchestra, but this is the first time our residents have seen me in my 1940’s outfits, it caused quite a stir, they loved it.”
The event gave residents an opportunity to reminisce about their loved ones who took part in the World War II Operation Overlord.
One of the residents, Norah, aged 96, shared a touching story about her cousin who served in the Navy. She recalled with pride his vital role, in charge of landing a vessel and getting everyone to shore.
Similarly, Renee, also 96, remembered her brother who served in the medical corps. Although he rarely spoke about the battle, she poignantly remembered him telling their mother “I wasn’t religious, but I prayed that day.”