Abbeyfield Wells Society resident Joy Trew was invited to the VE day parade celebrations in May and found herself sitting next to King Charles!
The 98-year-old World War Two veteran, who served in WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force) and at Bletchley Park, said she "had no idea" that she was going to be seated next to His Majesty. Her daughter had been asked if Joy would be ok sitting next to a very important person - she said "absolutely!" Joy didn't know who this very important person would be until the very last minute and then realised it was King Charles. She said that he was very kind to her and they spoke about lots of different things - he even helped her with her blanket to make sure she kept warm.
Lest We Forget
RAF Chicksands in Bedfordshire, where Joy worked, was part of a large network of signals intelligence collection sites known as Y stations. The stations fed any encrypted messages back to the code breakers at Bletchley Park to be deciphered. All Y station listeners are classed as Bletchley Park veterans and were issued with a specially-made medal in 2009 - but Joy missed out on receiving one due to living abroad. She was finally awarded a medal after her family told her story to the author and historian Tessa Dunlop, the author of Lest We Forget.
Joy then appeared on the "Lorraine" show with Tessa Dunlop (Joy's story is featured in the book) and was awarded the Bletchley Park medal on the show.
"Joy came to me through the medium of Instagram - when her great-grandson got in touch to ask why she wasn't in one of my books," said Dr Dunlop. I had just finished a book on how we commemorate war and the different veterans voices in 100 memorials... when up pops the best veteran of the lot in Joy," she added.
Dr Dunlop was able to arrange a medal for Joy, which she received after her very special day sitting next to the King.
Discover Abbeyfield House, Wells
Abbeyfield House, Wells is managed by the Abbeyfield Wells Society and provides comfortable and homely accommodation within Wells city centre. Residents are able to enjoy independence and friendship whilst living in a happy and secure environment.
Each of the nine spacious and well lit rooms has en-suite facilities and views on to the large and private garden.
Every effort is made to ensure the residents needs are met.
More news and stories from Abbeyfield
18/09/2026
Celebrating and making a difference in Belfast!
Read about the amazing celebrations held by The Abbeyfield Belfast Society in collaboration with Age NI, to honour the 70th anniversary of The Abbeyfield Movement.
Read More
17/09/2026
International learning and the Abbeyfield spirit
We were delighted to recently welcome Oscar Lustin, Co-founder of Domani in France, to Father Popieluszko House in Acton, part of the Abbeyfield London Polish Society. The visit was a fascinating exchange of ideas and experiences, and a reminder that while housing and care systems may look different from one country to another, the values that underpin them can be remarkably similar.
Read More
28/08/2026
July at Friars Mead!
Friars Mead had a busy month of July. From games to BBQ's, see what residents and staff have been up to!
Read More