Resident Ted switches on the Waltham Abbey Christmas lights

Ted, aged 99, is living with dementia and is cared for at our home. He is one of just a handful of veterans still alive to have flown the Spitfires that defeated Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe in air attacks during the Battle of Britain.

VIP Ted was asked to switch on the cavalcade of lights by the Waltham Abbey Town Mayor, Councillor Maria Markham.

The veteran, who lied about his age to sign up at just 17 years of age, wore his uniform and medals for the special occasion and wished everyone “Merry Christmas” as he flicked the switch to illuminate the town centre.

“What an honour,” said Ted, “it’s not every day that you’re asked to switch on the Waltham Abbey Christmas lights!”

Ted was able to fulfil this special duty thanks to the support of our team at Honey Lane who accompanied Ted and made sure he was layered up with blankets against the cold of the evening.

Lisa Gammalliere, our lifestyle manager, said we were determined Ted should be able to go. She said: “Ted received such a warm welcome from the community, everyone cheered and applauded him as he was introduced, and Ted kept saluting everyone all night.

“It’s a wonderful experience for Ted and his family to treasure.”

Cllr Markham and her son, Cllr Shane Yerrell who represents Waltham Abbey West and was the Town Mayor for the two previous years, hosted Ted and his family in the Town Hall for drinks prior to the big event.

“Having our lovely local veteran Ted switching on the Christmas lights is a highlight for me of my first term as Mayor of Waltham Abbey,” said Cllr Markham, “it means so much to our local constituency and residents.

“The team at Honey Lane Care Home are so very supportive and went out of their way to ensure Ted was comfortable and happy on the night. To see him smiling when he turned on the lights was priceless and will be such a precious memory for us all!”

Cllr Yerrell added: “It was such an honour to have Ted as our guest of honour and to start the festive season. It made it extra special as he will be turning 100 in February!”

The light switch on was followed by entertainment and a parade through the town, led by the Epping Brass Band. Other special guests included Freddie Bentley from The Only Way is Essex, and Father Christmas.

Ted has been a resident at Honey Lane since December 2022. His daughter, Tracey Evans, said: “What an amazing night, we are all so proud to have watched Dad switch on the town lights. It was an honour for him to be asked!

“He has always been so proud of his service to the country, and this was just the cherry on the top!”

Honey Lane Care Home is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The 38-bed care home was a finalist at the Care Home Awards 2025 for Best for Wellbeing and finalists at the Dementia in Care Awards 2025 for Intergenerational Activity.