As part of our commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Abbey Gate College was delighted to host a traditional afternoon tea for residents from two local care homes – Deewater Grange and Grosvenor Manor.

Held in our Refectory, the event brought together generations in a moving and memorable celebration of peace, remembrance and community. Guests were served a selection of freshly baked treats, prepared with real care by our catering partners, Chartwells.

In a truly special moment, our Year 9 pupils had the privilege of speaking with residents who shared their wartime memories – not from the pages of a textbook, but from personal experience. Stories of rationing, blackouts and the relief and joy of VE Day itself brought history vividly to life.

The impact of these conversations was clear. As one member of staff from Deewater Grange shared:
“Thank you so much for your kind invitation to attend your VE Day afternoon tea with our residents yesterday – it was a brilliant afternoon and our residents loved it! We find that some of them can become a bit reticent to talk, but with the interest from your students, they really opened up and didn’t stop chatting when they came back to Deewater Grange. We were all treated exceptionally well and they’re already looking forward to seeing you all again soon.”

As we began our week-long programme of VE Day activities, this inter-generational afternoon reminded us of the power of conversation and the value of listening. With each passing year, the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of wartime Britain becomes rarer – and all the more precious.

We are deeply grateful to the residents and staff of Deewater Grange and Grosvenor Manor for making the time to visit us. It was an honour to share tea, cake and conversation with such remarkable guests.