WW1 – Ealing House

Ealing House took time to reflect on the centenary of the beginning of WW1.

This began with the residents painting poppies to display in the windows at the front of the home. Along with artificial poppies on the windowsill’s (these were placed in various old pots, milk jugs and measuring pots depicting the era. Then ‘poppy’ bunting was added to complete the display inside, and union jack bunting on the railings outside. (We had attempted to grow some poppies in tubs but unfortunately these were a disaster so we didn’t put them on show!!)

During the week we joined forces with the children from ‘Jenny and Sara’s childminding services’ for some of the events that took place in the activity programme of events.

There was an array of 1914 – 1918 Daily Sketch newspapers courtesy of: www.historic-newspapers.co.uk/ these were provided by Thomas Walker and provided us with a wealth of information on the key events that took place around, and during that time. Both young and old alike found these very informative.

We are fortunate enough to have other interesting items and artifacts from around that period of time; this prompted much conversation and reminiscence about peoples families and war time experiences.

Jacqui held a special WW1 reminiscence session; which all those who took part thoroughly enjoyed. Some even tried on our army hat (which was very heavy indeed).

There was a WW1 menu designed for the week. Recipes were sourced from that time and included: ‘Trench’ stew, Trench cake and ‘Zepps in acloud’ (sausage and mash!) to name a few! There is a full copy of the menu for that week in the Ealing House WW1 book that is on display in the lounge.

There was also an activity morning spent painting poppies, and then laminating the pictures to make place mats, the children came along for this and then stayed for lunch as a reward for all their help.

These were then used when we held a ‘Tea at the Ritz’ luncheon. As you can see by the photos it was a great success, with both Elaine and Krissy making a special effort and really looking the part when they dressed up in ‘Silver’ service outfits. Tea was served in style,using our newly acquired bone china. The residents listened to music from the war, it goes without saying that Vera Lynn was a firm favourite. Wally enjoyed a ‘Tea Dance’ with Elaine, before going for a rest!

Having made boxes to resemble those that would hold a gas mask, holding a replica ration book and air raid information card; the children dressed up and visited the residents. Many of whom told them tales of their families experiences during the war years. Although none of the residents were actually involved in the first world war evacuations, some were actually born during this time, and still had a tale to tell.

We finished the week off with Fish & Chips. Having chosen what everyone wanted these were then ordered and collected from the local fish & chip shop.There was no better way to present them than by using some of the newspapers we’d printed off earlier in the week, and enjoying a glass of Guinness!! Just like in the olden times.

Whatever will we get up to in 1918? (we’d better start planning it now!!)