A CARE home team in Dorset found a creative solution to allow residents to enjoy the live music planned for their celebration of Dame Vera Lynn’s 103rd birthday.

Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road enjoyed a tea party, with patriotic food and bunting inside the care home lounge.

With all but the most essential visitors having to stay away to reduce the risk of infection, the residents were serenaded with war time songs by entertainer Steve Linn who sang to them from the patio outside the coffee shop window.

The forces’ sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn, celebrated a milestone birthday of 103 on Friday March 20. Vera is well loved by the whole country, who were kept strong during the wartime with her popular song, “We’ll Meet Again”.

Jan Cresdee, home manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “We were thrilled to be able to enjoy a special performance under these very unusual circumstances.

“Vera Lynn is a favourite among the residents and team members here at Ferndown Manor, so it was great to be able to celebrate her birthday in style.”

Singer Steve Linn has been performing in the gardens on the patios of a number of care homes in the Bournemouth area that are in lockdown.

Three team members from Ferndown Manor joined in the make do and mend spirit by providing the backing harmonies to a host of vintage songs.

Jan added: “Music therapy can be incredibly important for older people, and even more so for those living with dementia.

“Even when memories become particularly hard to remember, often music can still be recalled, so listening to songs from the past can often be very calming and can encourage memories from younger years.

“In such unusual times, it was wonderful to have a good old sing-along, and enjoy the wonderful entertainment.”