As the nation commemorates 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, Goodson Lodge care home in Trowbridge honors one of its most inspiring residents, 103-year-old Alice Moody.
Born in Bermondsey, London, in July 1921, Alice was just 18 when World War II erupted. Training to be a teacher, she took her first role at Stamford Hill Boys School in Hackney. Amid the relentless bombings of the Blitz, Alice was evacuated alongside her pupils to Hardington Mandeville in Somerset.
In Somerset, Alice continued her vital teaching duties and provided support to host families, ensuring the children’s safety and smooth transition. She also helped coordinate the children’s return to London after the war ended. During this challenging period, she met her future husband, Leslie; they married in 1945 and later had a daughter, Pam.
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Alice devoted her post-war life to education, retiring from Staverton Church of England Primary School in 1981. Her passion for teaching endured as she volunteered to help children learn to read and remained an active advocate for social causes on both local and national levels.
At 102, Alice’s lifelong dedication was honored with an honorary doctorate from the University of Greenwich. She has also penned a memoir, sharing her unique wartime experiences and resilience as an evacuee teacher.
Reflecting on her wartime role, Alice recalled, “It was a difficult situation as an evacuee teacher. I was a link between school and home for two years. Thankfully, I encountered no cases of ill treatment.”
Alex Damon, events manager at Goodson Lodge, remarked, “Alice embodies the bravery, selflessness, and commitment of her generation. We are proud to celebrate her remarkable life as part of our VE Day events.”
On Thursday, May 8, Goodson Lodge, run by The Orders of St John Care Trust, will host a day of remembrance and celebration including live music, games like croquet and carpet bowls, refreshments, and a general knowledge quiz. A luxury picnic hamper with Bucks Fizz will also be awarded to a lucky winner during the event.
Residents, families, and local community members are warmly invited to join in the VE Day commemorations at Goodson Lodge, honoring a life of courage and dedication.