A STOCKTON care home has celebrated becoming the first in the borough to be commended for their continued veteran friendly care.
The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, held a special party to honour its elderly veterans after achieving Veteran Friendly Framework VFF) Continued Commitment accreditation.
Armed Forces veterans, civic guests, residents and family members attended the party to mark the achievement, which recognises the home’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans living in its care.
The Continued Commitment accreditation is awarded to care homes that continue to develop activities and connections with the wider Armed Forces community after achieving their initial VFF status – which The Beeches received in February 2025.
To secure the accreditation, The Beeches continued organising veteran-focused activities and strengthening links with local military and veterans organisations.
Among the initiatives completed over the past two years were military history sessions with Tony Quantrill from Stockton Library Services, museum-inspired activities with Tees Valley Museums, and visits from local veterans and cadet groups including 266 Stockton Squadron Air Cadets, local paratroopers and representatives from tri-service military charity SSAFA.
In May, the home also hosted a VE Day-themed afternoon at Elm Tree Social Club’s monthly community social event.
The celebration to mark The Beeches Care Home’s latest VFF accreditation featured entertainment from Claire Louise, who performed a selection of popular wartime songs as residents and guests waved flags and sang along.
Guests included Cllr Bob Cook, Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Sandra Cook, Mayoress of Stockton-on-Tees, Lee Moore, project lead for Veterans for Veterans in Care, and Jules Walker, VFF programme support officer at Royal Star & Garter.
There are currently six veterans and one veteran spouse living at The Beeches Care Home, who were presented with veteran pin badges by the Mayor at the event. The Mayor also unveiled a new plaque at the front of the home recognising it as a Veteran Friendly Care Home.
Among those who received pin badges were resident veterans John Collier, 82, and Barrie Legg, 86.
John served for 10 years as a signals operator with the Royal Marines between 1961 and 1971, travelling extensively during his military career, including postings in Singapore, South Africa and Borneo.
Barrie served for 22 years in the British Army, including time as a sergeant with the Green Howards regiment. His service included tours in Germany, Cyprus and Northern Ireland.
Fellow resident veteran Ted Hart, 87, also received a pin badge at the celebration. He said: “It was lovely to receive a veteran pin badge off the Mayor and to feel special in front of all the guests at the party.
“I served 22 years in The British Army. Three of those years were in The Royal Artillery and the rest in The Royal Engineers where I reached the rank of Sergeant.
“I was a postal worker. It was a special and sometimes emotional job because I was responsible for giving out letters from loved ones at home.”
Resident veteran champion Ann Briggs, 80, was also presented with a badge by the Mayor in recognition of her dedication to helping organise Armed Forces-themed activities within the home.
Nicola Bowes, activities coordinator and veteran champion at The Beeches Care Home, said: “We are very proud of our achievement and to be the first home in Stockton to achieve this is even better.
“Not only is it a huge achievement for our home and veteran champions but also our six veterans who are so proud to be recognised for their years of service, with most having served the full 22 years.
“I enjoy speaking with our veterans and hearing the passion they have about their time serving for our country.
“It has been a pleasure to learn more about our Armed Forces and to be given the tools to be more confident when talking to our veterans and the wider veteran community.”
Jenny Hall, home manager, added: “Well done to all of our staff and a special thanks to Nicola for all the hard work they have put in to the Veteran Friendly Framework over the past two years. We are proud to receive this accreditation and be a Veteran Friendly Care Home.”