At Orchard House Care Home in Wisbech, we believe in celebrating the lives and achievements of our residents. On Friday, 28th February, we had the privilege of welcoming esteemed guests from the Armed Forces Community and family members of our residents who have served in the Armed Forces for a very special event. 
In the months leading up to this occasion, our Lifestyle Lead, Miranda Robinson, engaged with residents to learn more about their personal connections to the military. Through these heartfelt conversations, we identified five veterans within our home—three of whom had completed National Service, one who had served in the regular Army, and our very own Head Chef, Dave Wright, who had served in the Royal Navy. Miranda then worked closely with the Ministry of Defence to ensure that each eligible veteran received their official veteran’s badge and accompanying certificate.
The atmosphere was one of pride and appreciation as Councillor Susan Wallwork, Armed Forces Covenant Champion for Fenland District Council, and Councillor Nick Meekins, Armed Forces Covenant Champion for Wisbech Town Council, personally presented the badges and certificates to our veterans. These badges serve as a visible symbol of their service, allowing them to be proudly recognised within the community.
Speaking about the event, Orchard House Home Manager, Sarah Watson, shared, “It is an absolute honour to celebrate and recognise the incredible service of the veterans who live and work here at Orchard House. This event has been a moment of
deep pride, reflection, and appreciation for all they have done for our country.”
Councillor Nick Meekins echoed this sentiment, adding, “It was both an honour and a privilege to meet the veterans and present them with their badges and certificates. Well done to Orchard House for organising this wonderful event to recognise these men and their service to the country.”
Councillor Susan Wallwork also praised the care home’s efforts, saying, “As the Armed Forces Covenant Champion for Fenland District Council, it was an honour to be invited to present the badges and certificates. It was truly heart-warming to see how much effort had gone into making this day special for the veterans.”
At Orchard House, we are proud to support those who have served and are committed to strengthening our ties with the Armed Forces Community. In partnership with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant, we continue to explore new ways to provide meaningful recognition and support for veterans within our home and across RCH Care Homes.
Tommy Kelly, Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Coordinator for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, highlighted the significance of these efforts, stating, “Across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, we estimate that we have over 30,000 veterans, many of whom now reside in care facilities. Recognition through the veteran’s badge means so much to those who have served and their families. I welcome care facilities to reach out for support in ensuring veterans receive the recognition they deserve.”
At Orchard House Care Home, we will always honour and cherish the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to service. This special event was a testament to the incredible bravery, commitment, and sacrifices made by our veterans—reminding us all of the importance of recognising and valuing their contributions.
