Joan, now 96 years old, moved into our assisted living accommodation, Queen Elizabeth Court, in 2015 after she had a fall while chasing off a burglar at her home – she was 90 years old at the time!

The old men gather between hallowed walls,
On village greens and in lofty,  grandeured halls.

They speak in whispers, their eyes and voices dim
They meet with comrades, friends, each one a pilgrim.

There was laughter and banter ‘tween opposing groups
Individually they carried their colours; but together they were troops.

Boys to men, they’d come of age when needed by their land,
Marching proudly; behind their chosen band.

And now these men, with bodies bent, all answer a greater call.
For men and women no longer here. But family all.

To come together, and remember the cause.
The men in scarlet lead, to echoing applause

And then, came the quiet command, “Parade!”
And bent backs and broken limbs each, an effort made.

Standing tall and straight, a tear falls here and there.
But everyone there that day, did their poppy proudly wear.

As they remembered, those who no longer live.
But gave us everything, that they had left to give.