Celebrations have taken place to mark Royal Star & Garter’s 106^th birthday.

Tea parties were held in each of the charity’s three Homes, which were decorated with bunting and banners.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.

It was established on 14 January 1916 to care for severely injured young men returning from the battlegrounds of the First World War, following concern expressed by Queen Mary. She charged the British Red Cross Society with the task of finding a ‘permanent haven’ for severely disabled young men returning from the trenches in Europe.

Last year, the Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe held low-key celebrations to mark the anniversary due to Covid restrictions, but this year staff were able to throw tea parties which followed current guidelines, on Friday 14 January.

Residents also tucked into delicious birthday cake and played special anniversary-themed bingo and other games.

Director of Care Pauline Shaw said: “January 14 is a special date for Royal Star & Garter. We have been providing compassionate care, offering meaningful activities and supporting wellbeing for 106 years, and I’m glad residents were able to join in and help us celebrate our birthday.”

Royal Star & Garter is welcoming new residents. For more information, go to www.starandgarter.org