Headley Court, a former rehab centre for injured soldiers, marked D-Day with an 80th anniversary commemoration hosted by Audley Group, the new owners of the centre which will become a retirement community
Headley Court, which was most recently a rehabilitation centre for injured members of the British Armed Forces, was an important centre for the Canadian 1st and 2nd Divisions during the war effort, serving as the senior field headquarters for the majority of the Second World War.
The event was hosted by retirement operator Audley Group, which now owns Headley Court. Some 80 guests were invited to mark D-Day and the historic role Headley Court played in the war effort by planting a Maple Tree in the grounds.
Speakers on the day included the Canadian defence attache Brigadier General Parsons, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Petransky of Army Headquarters South East, and historian and Epsom College head teacher, Sir Anthony Seldon.
Effingham Schools CCF Combined Cadet Force alongside members of the Irish Guard and the local community welcomed guests and a commemorative book was gifted to the Canadian High Commissioner.
Councillor David Preedy was presented with a ceremonial flag which will eventually fly from the Grade II listed mansion once work has completed on the site.
Audley Group acquired Headley Court in 2022 and the restoration of the Jacobean style Grade II listed historic mansion house and stables, as part of a new retirement village, is well underway.
Nick Sanderson, CEO, Audley Group, pictured (left) with The Honourable Ralph Goodale PC, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom and His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Mr. Michael More-Molyneux, said: “Events are taking place across the country to mark D-Day and I am so proud we hosted one of them here at Audley Headley Court, with so many esteemed guests.
“The Maple Tree will mark this occasion, and serve as a reminder of the pivotal role Headley Court played in the war effort for years to come.
“It’s incredible to see the restoration of the mansion house and stables and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to the village once it’s complete to mark the next chapter for Headley Court.”
