Lest we forget

‘Thank you… if it wasn’t for you I may not have lived the life I have been able to live, and do all the amazing things I have done in my life.’ Audrey, 93 from Southampton.

Lovely words from one of our Southampton day centre members when asked what she would say to a military veteran.

Here at SCA we understand the importance of Remembrance Day to many of our members and staff.

It is a time to reflect and think about our service men and women who have fought for our country.  Our members and staff that come to the day centres need that time to remember their loved ones, young and old. Some of our members have served in our armed forces or were evacuated as children.  The heartache from those times can still be felt today.

Our day centres off a space for people to freely talk about their war experiences or listen to stories and join in if they wish. As part of this work we often have craft days centered around poppies as a powerful remembrance image.

The Brook Day Centre in Southampton is attended by Valerie who has close relations that were involved in both world wars. Valerie enjoyed the opportunity to share those memories this week and her husband John accompanied her to share those memories.

Valerie with medals received by her grandfather, Private John Hewer of the Royal Gloucestershire Regiment in the 1914-8 war.

Valerie and John with a photograph of Valerie’s mother and uncle. Her uncle sadly lost his life in the 1939-1945 war. Valerie and John are proud of the medals he was awarded.

June, a day centre member from Southampton, enjoyed taking part in craft activities this week and wrote a special message on her poppy: