"We must never forget": Rotherham care home residents share moving wartime memories ahead of Remembrance Day

From emotional reactions to the Last Post to a special veterans' brunch bringing the local community together, a Rotherham care home is honouring those who served and ensuring their stories live on.

As the nation prepares to mark Remembrance Day on November 11, residents at Cherry Trees Care Home in Greasbrough have been sharing deeply personal wartime memories, remembering loved ones who served and reflecting on the sacrifices made by previous generations.

The familiar sound of the Last Post, played at the home, brought emotions flooding back, prompting residents to recall childhood memories of Remembrance Day, fathers who went to war and the impact of conflict on families and communities.

For 81-year-old Susan Sheehy, the music was particularly poignant. Gently moving her hand in time with each note, she was visibly emotional when it finished. "Thank you, my dad would have loved it," she said, with tears in her eyes.

Susan recalled how her mother lived with the fear of receiving bad news about her father, who had been called up to serve on the front line during WWII.

Whenever someone knocked at the door wearing a hat, her mother feared the worst. Thankfully, he returned home safely.

She also remembered the remarkable community spirit in Wickersley during the war, when neighbours came together to grow vegetables and support one another.

For Susan, Remembrance is about more than looking back at history. "Remembering the war is celebrating humanity. It brings people together to listen and tell war stories," she said.

For Sheila Carpenter, aged 84, this time of year transports her back to her childhood, remembering visits to the Cenotaph in Clifton Park, where she watched soldiers march, observed the two-minute silence and sang wartime songs.

83-year-old Wendy Bell also shared personal family connections to the conflict. Her father served in the Navy and spent a considerable time stationed in Australia. She remembers the happiness of seeing her father return home safely, a moment that has stayed with her even though the exact details of his homecoming have faded.

Margaret Allott recalled the relief and celebrations when the war finally ended. "When it ended, we all clapped and had the party of a lifetime," the 82-year-old said.

Residents were also keen to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of those who kept the country going on the home front.

Patricia Lee, aged 74, highlighted the vital role played by the Women of Steel, who took on jobs traditionally carried out by men while they were away fighting. "We should not forget the Women of Steel," she said, remembering how women learned new skills and stepped into essential roles to keep industries and communities running.

Roger Hall, 80, shared memories of his grandfather, who worked as a butcher, helping with meat rationing, while also serving as an air raid warden. His duties included helping people reach safety and ensuring curtains were drawn at night during blackouts.

Margaret Hall, aged 91, recalled another sacrifice made on the home front, remembering how her grandfather had to dig up his beautiful garden to make room for an air raid shelter.

The home in which Susan, Sheila, Wendy, Margaret H, Patricia, Margaret A and Roger live has been accredited under the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) since January 2026.

A spokesperson for the home said the accreditation reflects its “commitment to recognising, celebrating and supporting veterans and the wider Armed Forces community, ensuring their service, experiences and contributions are acknowledged and valued.”

And the home is putting that commitment into action this Remembrance Day. Alongside a two-minute silence on November 11, residents and care colleagues will come together for further Remembrance activities to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in conflict and honour all who have served.

Cherry Trees Care Home will also organise a special Veterans' Brunch, bringing together veterans who live at the home and veterans from the wider Rotherham community. The event will provide an opportunity to share stories, enjoy good company and, most importantly, celebrate and recognise the men and women who have served their country.

For the home, supporting veterans is not simply about one day of the year. It is about ensuring those who have served feel recognised, respected, valued and supported throughout the year.

As the nation pauses for the two-minute silence, the residents' stories bring a deeply personal meaning to Remembrance Day. Behind every poppy, memorial and moment of silence are real people, families and lives changed forever by conflict.

With fewer people able to share first-hand memories of wartime Britain, the residents' stories are a powerful reminder of why it is so important to keep talking, listening and passing these experiences on to younger generations.

Their message this Remembrance Day is simple: remember the sacrifices of the past, honour those who served and make sure their stories are never forgotten.

Cherry Trees Care Home on Simmonite Road in Rotherham is part of the Orchard Healthcare Group, which operates 23 care homes in the Midlands and North of England.

It offers residential care, residential dementia care and short-term respite care. The home holds a ‘good’ rating with the Care Quality Commission