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Bagpipes, haggis and traditional Scottish country dancing help veterans enjoy Burns Night

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Residents tucked into haggis as part of a traditional Burns Night supper at The Royal Star & Garter Homes.

 

It was part of a string of events which took place at the Charity’s two Homes in Solihull and Surbiton to celebrate Burns Night, on Friday, 25 January.

 

Staff and residents also got into the spirit by wearing tartan and taking part in a quiz about Scotland.

Residents dancing with Surbiton & District Caledonian Society

Burns Night celebrates the anniversary of the birth of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns.

 

Residents at both Homes were greeted by bagpipers when they arrived for their supper, which included haggis, neeps, tatties and a healthy supply of whiskey. Poems from Burns – including his famous Address to a Haggis – were read out.

Bagpiper Stuart MacLaughlin and drummer Peter Tonks at Solihull

At Surbiton, there was also a Scotland talk and quiz, followed the next day by a visit from the Surbiton & District Caledonian Society. The traditional Scottish country dance group was accompanied with a bagpiper and entertained residents.

 

Pat, a guest at the Star & Garter Club day care centre, said: “It’s never boring in here! It was wonderful to hear the bagpipes and drums. And the haggis was really tasty, I couldn’t fault the food or the entertainment.”

Pat Bagwell, from Surbiton & District Caledonian Society, said afterwards: “It was wonderful, we love performing at the Home. It represents such a can-do attitude. I know the dancers were inspired by the residents. It was a wonderful uplifting experience for us all.”

 

The Royal Star & Garter Homes which looks after ex-Servicemen and women and their partners living with dementia or disability.

The Surbiton & District Caledonian Society in action
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