The story of a very special VE Day 80 commemoration book…
On 8 May 2025, Castle View Retirement Living in Windsor marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a full day of remembrance and celebration, entirely devised and led by a core group of seven homeowners known affectionately as the ‘G7’.
A year on, that remarkable community effort has been captured in a beautifully produced volume, The Castle View VE Day 80 book, which is now being shared with residents, local partners and national institutions.
From February through to VE Day, the ‘G7’ – a dedicated group of homeowners – planned a detailed programme of morning and evening events, extensive decorations and a major display of wartime memorabilia. Their aim was simple but profound: to honour those who had gone before them, many at huge personal sacrifice, and to protect the living memories of the Second World War still held within the Castle View community.
The day itself brought together a carefully balanced mix of commemoration and celebration, including the official Proclamation, the Tribute, wartime singalongs, a Victory Dinner and symbolic acts such as Lighting a Lamp for Peace and observing a reflective Minute’s Silence. As plans took shape, the ‘G7’ invited fellow homeowners to share their own stories and artefacts, amassing a sizeable collection of letters, photographs, ration books, poems and childhood and family memories of life on the Home Front in Windsor, London and beyond.
It soon became clear that this material was too rich and too important to be left in the moment, explains Patricia, co‑lead of the ‘G7’. “The book concept grew from a shared feeling that these memories should not fade away unnoticed. The book provides a permanent record, not only of our efforts but of heartfelt gratitude to those who served and sacrificed. It is very pleasing that it has been received as a local and national history contribution.”
Steered by homeowners and fully supported and published by LMS Retirement Living, the project evolved into a substantial community publishing effort. The finished book weaves together eyewitness stories, historical context, images and programme details from the VE Day 80 commemorations at Castle View, preserving the memories of those living for future generations and helping to ensure that the courage, sacrifice and resilience of wartime civilians and service personnel are never forgotten.
“When the ‘G7’ first came together to plan Castle View’s VE Day 80 commemorations, our focus was simple: to mark the 80th anniversary with dignity, warmth and authenticity,” says co‑lead Kate “We organised the day’s programme, decorations, menus, music, ration books, wartime‑themed refreshments, costumes and, most importantly, the memorabilia and personal reflections of our homeowner friends. After months of planning, 8 May dawned. It was an honour to have taken part in such an important and memorable day, whilst also making our own piece of Castle View history. We certainly did justice to the occasion!”
The book captures a wide range of perspectives: childhood recollections of bombing raids, evacuation and rationing; insights into daily life in Windsor and elsewhere during the war; and reflections on how VE Day itself was experienced in Britain and abroad, including references to places such as Malta. Alongside its historical value, the VE Day 80 programme and resulting book had a strong charitable dimension, raising funds for Alzheimer’s Dementia Support and generating substantial donations of wartime‑style tins and packets of food for Windsor Foodshare.
To underline its significance, Castle View has commissioned two very special hardback limited editions of the VE Day 80 book in addition to the main run. Copies are being sent to His Majesty The King, Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Prime Minister, as a record of remarkable community action and inter‑generational remembrance rooted in Windsor. Every Castle View homeowner has received a copy, reinforcing that this is their story, told in their own words, while presentation copies have been given to Windsor’s MP Jack Rankin and to the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Councillor Mandy Brar. Further copies have been lodged with the Imperial War Museum, Windsor & Royal Borough Museum and Windsor Library.
In addition, the book has been deposited with the British Library, ensuring that the contribution of Castle View homeowners forms part of the nation’s permanent historical record. For managing director Karl Hallows, this speaks directly to the spirit of the community he leads. “As Managing Director of Castle View, I am immensely proud of what our homeowners have created with this VE Day 80 book,” he says. “It began as a day of commemoration, led entirely by a small group of residents, and has become a permanent record of their memories, experiences and gratitude. This was never a commercial project; it was about doing the right thing – honouring those who went before us and preserving stories that might otherwise be lost, for the benefit of our community and for future generations.”
“Our homeowners gave their time, their family archives and their hearts to this project,” he adds. “To see their work now in the hands of every resident here at Castle View, lodged safely with the British Library and shared with national leaders is incredibly special. It speaks to the strength, generosity and ongoing contribution of older people in our society.”
Taken together, the VE Day 80 events and the Castle View VE Day 80 book stand as a powerful example of the spirit, togetherness and community mindset that define life at Castle View – and a moving tribute to those whose service and sacrifice made that life possible.
