On 11th July the Mayor of Chesham, Emily Culverhouse, came to present not one but two of our residents with the highest French Order of Merit, the ‘Ordre National de La Légion d’Honneur’ for their part in the D-Day Landings of 1944. Mrs Culverhouse made a moving speech in which she thanked the men for what they had done for their country. Members of both Bert’s and Bill’s families and friends were able to attend. Bill said “if you had never prayed in your life, you prayed that day”. We are honoured to be able to care for two such distinguished people.

Both gentlemen were invited by the Mayor to be guest of honour at a remembrance event at Lowndes Park later in the month, and although they were unable to attend on the day, nevertheless Mrs Culverhouse mentioned both in her speech and this now appears on her Facebook page under Chesham Mayor dated 30th July 2017.

So many of our residents past and present have led such interesting lives, but as is typical of their generation they are modest, almost shy about discussing it. At The Willow we realise each resident has a unique story and without wishing to pry we aim to bring it out and celebrate it with them, their family and friends.