SPAM sandwiches, bunkers, victory rolls and a good old knees-up – the Spirit of the 40s was certainly in the Holmes Chapel air last week.

On Wednesday March 19, The Westbourne Care Home stepped back in time to celebrate its second anniversary.

Staff, residents and relatives got on-board with the 1940’s theme, donning an array of props and clothing, from army uniforms and pinnies to moustaches and land-girl dungarees.

The MCCG Home Manager Caron Ratcliffe, who dressed as a war-time nurse, said: “We asked people what they wanted to do to celebrate our second anniversary and the 1940s kept coming up.

“It just grew from there. Everybody got onboard and the residents were involved in the planning of the day.

“It’s very much about memories and everyone really threw themselves into it – it’s been brilliant.”

The home itself was also transformed for the day. The entrance was made into a war bunker, old newspaper clippings adorned the walls, medals earned in the war were on full display and photos of residents in their hey-day took pride of place.

Special guests provided entertainment from yesteryear. The Golden Girls, along with their male companion, serenaded the residents with some well-know songs such as ‘Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner’ and ‘I’ll be seeing you’.

Before Cockney Carol arrived for an old-time sing-a-long and comedy performance in the afternoon, residents were treated to a ‘Street Party’ prepared by chef Rose Barnett.

“I put together a spread of all the stuff they would have eaten as children - spam sandwiches, corn-beef hash, Victoria sponge, apple pies and bread baskets,” she said.

“It brings back memories for them and they really enjoy it.”