In the early morning on the 6th June 75 years ago ‘Operation Neptune’ as it was codenamed began in earnest. D-Day as it is more commonly known became the largest seaborne invasion in history & firmly laid the foundations of the Allied victory on the Western Front.

75 years later the team at Cavendish park hatched a plan to celebrate this major turning point & organised an event fit to honour our heroes. Entertainer Maggie O’Hara helped to lift spirits and create a great atmosphere, but it was the sight of the 3 veterans dressed in medals & ribbons that really gave the celebration its true meaning.

Steve Reynolds (aged 90 – RAF), Netta Gisbourne (aged 91 – WAAF) and Geoff Brereton (aged 98 – RAF) were the true stars of the afternoon & joined in with all the fun. Steve even took to mic at one point to sing with vocalist Maggie O’Hara. Also in attendance & wearing their medals were ex mayor Fred Kaler & Phillip Speed who was representing the Royal British Legion.

Dan (home manager) said “It is such a privilege to honour our heroes and at the same time put on an event that the whole community can attend. This has really reminded me how important it is to embrace our history & we are already working on plans for something bigger next year to involve more of the community”.

Donations totalling over £70 were collected for the Royal British Legion