Residents at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton were given the chance to see birds of prey up close, during a talk about the winged wonders.

The care home welcomed the Birds of Prey Trust on Monday 4 July, with founder Colin Sutherland bringing owls and hawks for residents to look at, stroke and hold.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. The charity also has Homes in Solihull and High Wycombe.

Residents gathered in the reception area for the talk, and saw an African spotted eagle owl, a barn owl, a tawny owl and Harris hawk. Colin spoke at length about the birds, before taking the barn owl to visit residents cared for in the Home’s award-winning dementia care house.

‘Really enjoyable morning’

Afterwards, Surbiton resident Vera said: “I thought the birds were beautiful, especially the African spotted owl. And the barn owl was so soft. It was a really enjoyable morning.”

Birds of Prey Trust helps people living with disabilities, dementia and special needs, and aims to improve their quality of life through interaction and activities with the birds.

Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton is welcoming new residents. For more information on this, or to work for the charity, go to www.starandgarter.org/surbiton