Two military veterans from a Sanctuary Care home in Chester paid their respects on Remembrance Sunday, joining the community for the annual Ellesmere Port Parade.
Tom Parker and Tony Roberts, who live at Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home, were invited to attend the poignant event at the Cenotaph in Civic Square by friends of the home, the Armed Forces Community Support Charity.
For the occasion, the gentlemen wore berets bearing their regiment badges, along with regiment ties, kindly sourced for them by the charity.
The day was particularly meaningful for the pair, whose military service remains an important part of their lives.
Their service
Tom Parker, 102, served with the Royal Corps of Signals between 1944 and 1947, spending time stationed in Malaysia and Singapore, where he transported personnel and supplies. He continues to regularly take part in veterans’ events and community activities.
Tony Roberts, 79, joined the RAF at just 16 years old and trained as a photographer at RAF Cosford. As an air camera fitter, he installed, serviced and repaired cameras on RAF aircraft and downloaded aerial footage, completing four tours in Germany during his service.
Reflections on the day
Reflecting on the day, Tony said:
"Attending the event brought back so many memories for me, both good and bad. Both of my parents were also in the RAF, so this was very touching and a nice opportunity to reflect."
Kirsty Wood, Lifestyle and Wellbeing Coordinator at Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home, who accompanied the pair, said:
"I felt incredibly proud to be there with Tom and Tony. They looked so smart in their berets, complete with their regiment badges and ties, which the charity had very kindly sourced for them.
"You could see how much it meant to them to be part of the parade and pay their respects alongside fellow veterans and the local community. Their military service remains such an important part of their lives, so it was a real privilege to share such a special day with them."
Supporting veterans
The day reflects the home's wider commitment to supporting and celebrating its Armed Forces community.
Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home is accredited through the nationally recognised Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF), recognising its dedication to meeting the practical, emotional and social needs of the Armed Forces community.
The home has also built strong links with local veterans’ groups, helping residents maintain those important connections.
As part of this commitment, Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home hosts a free monthly Veterans’ Breakfast Club, welcoming military veterans from the surrounding community for breakfast, refreshments and conversation.
The club takes place on the last Wednesday of every month from 10 am to noon, with veterans welcome to simply drop in. The next event is on Wednesday 25th November, at the home in Caldecott Close, Chester, CH2 1FD.
