War veteran honoured in documentary film

Staff and residents at The Warren care home in Sprowston are celebrating after their war hero fellow resident Ray Parke became the subject of a film.

During the war, Ray flew on 40 missions over Germany and Holland as a Lancaster f light engineer. The average was 30 missions with a two-week life expectancy, so this was no mean feat.

They carried out crucial bombing raids in an area of West Capelle, Holland, that was overrun with Nazis and saved the village.

When UEA student Finlay Brown suggested making a documentary about Ray, 99, and his time flying in the Lancaster bombers, everyone agreed it was a brilliant idea. Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of helping make Finlay’s idea come true.

With many hours of travelling to various places to interview Ray, filming him at ceremonies and even flying to Holland for one segment, this was no easy feat. After a year of hard work the film, entitled Ray’s Last Mission, was completed.

Staff at the home were delighted to be able to get the chance to show it to residents and the local community at a special film screening. With red carpet in place, chairs set out and drinks ready for the guests’ arrival, the scene was set.

At 6pm on the dot, Ray arrived in his best suit and tie and was so surprised that he got to walk the red carpet ready for his premiere.

VIP: Ray Parke on the red carpet with his son Andrew

Also pictured is the scene as residents settled down to watch the film.

Elizabeth Tacliad, General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Warren care home.

“It is testament to the hard work of Finlay and his co-helpers in capturing Ray’s life on the silver screen just how fantastic this film is.

“It was wonderful to see how happy Ray was – and the staff loved seeing the film too as Ray is so well loved within the home.

“He is so humble about the work he did during the war but we know he played a huge part in the war effort and we tell him he’s our hero every day.”
Ray has lived at The Warren, which is run by Barchester Healthcare, for five years.