Special VE Day As Oakbank Resident Recieves Restored Miltary Medals
Residents and staff at Oakbank Care Home, Crieff, came together to celebrate VE Day today but with an extra special touch from a local business. Resident Stewart McCheyne, a retired army veteran, who lives at Oakbank care home, proudly wore his restored military medals during the home’s afternoon tea celebrations.
The touching moment came after Activities Coordinator, Julie Davies, noticed that one of Stewart’s medals had become damaged, with the medal separating from its ribbon, preventing him from wearing them properly. Knowing how important the medals were to Stewart and the remarkable history they represented, staff were determined to have them repaired in time for VE Day.
After asking for recommendations on Facebook, local business, Shilling and Fitz was suggested as the ideal specialists for the job. Following discussions with the team, arrangements were made for the medals to be carefully restored.
Amanda, the home’s Deputy Manager, personally delivered the medals to the Perth Military tailors on her day off. During their examination, the experts discovered that one of the medals displayed on the board was a replica, while the original had been stored separately in another box. The team replaced the replica with the genuine medal, repaired and soldered the damaged piece, professionally polished the medals, and court mounted them.
The restored medals reveal Stewart’s distinguished military service across several major conflicts and campaigns. The collection includes medals linked to 28 years of service, where he was promoted to Captain, and then Sergeant during the Korean War, as well as campaigns in the Near East, Borneo during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, and service connected to The Troubles. The medals reflect decades of dedicated military service and commitment.
Activities Coordinator Julie said: “Seeing how much the medals meant to Stewart, I knew we had to do everything we could to get them repaired. Once we learned more about the incredible history behind them, it made it even more important to have them restored properly. With thanks to ‘Shilling and Fitz’, seeing Stewart wear them with such pride on VE Day was incredibly special for all of us.”
Keeping their promise, the medals were returned in time for VE Day celebrations, with Amanda once again collecting them on her day off to ensure Stewart could proudly wear them for the special occasion.
When the restored medals were returned, Stewart proudly wore them throughout Oakbank Care Home’s VE Day celebrations, sharing stories and memories with residents and staff. The restoration not only preserved an important part of Stewart’s personal history but also provided a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and service recognised on VE Day.
Owner of Shilling and Fitz, Lee Fitzpatrick commented: “As a veteran myself, I feel it is important to honour the generation of veterans that served and fought before us. To hear how emotional Stewart was when he was presented with his restored medals makes what we do even more worthwhile.”
For more information on Oakbank Care Home, please visit www.oakbankcare.co.uk
