26 Quantum Care care homes for older people took part in this year’s WW1 Centenary Celebrations by making their own tributes.

The care group launched a project where all homes would involve residents, care teams and families in making a tribute to say a big thank you to those who were either in active service or supporting the war during WW1.

Residents wanted to be able to pay their respects to relatives or friends who served, some who returned and some who didn’t.

Maria Ball, chief executive of Quantum Care, said: “I was incredibly moved by all the tributes created by our homes. It was an extremely emotional experience to be part of such a meaningful project and reading some of the personal memories of our residents.”

At the beginning of this month, the care homes bought their tributes to the company head office, and then judged by Ms Ball and relative Veteran Ernest Large on visual impact, relevance, personal involvement and creativity.

It was announced there were two winners; Willow Court from Harpenden and Fosse House from St Albans.

“It was also enormously difficult to make the final decision about the winners as the standard was so high. I am hugely proud of all our Quantum Care homes and this is another example of the passion and creativity of our wonderful care teams.”

The tributes were returned to the homes and formed a centrepiece on 11 November.

2018 marked the 100 year since the war ended.

Quantum Care is a not-for-profit care provider which offer specialist residential, respite, dementia and day care services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex.