The taste of rum, the smell of delicious seafood and the sound of steelpans were among the exotic treats enjoyed by residents at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton during a Caribbean party at the veterans’ care home.

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

The charity’s care home in Upper Brighton Road was given a makeover for the celebration, with exotic backdrops, decorations and props used to help veterans get in the Caribbean spirit.

Staff also dressed up for the event, wearing leis, dressing as pirates and donning seashell tops!

The party took place over three days from Tuesday 18 August to Thursday 20 August, allowing all residents in the Home’s three floors to take part and enjoy while observing social distancing.

The Caribbean party was organised by Activities Manager Raquel Pena Aristizabal. She said: “We had a good time dressing up and being silly, having fun, listening to fabulous music and eating delicious food. It was great!”

And a resident added: “I’m amazed at how much effort staff put into organising these fabulous events. There’s always something to look forward to. This was good fun. We really enjoyed ourselves and so did the staff.”

The charity also has Homes in Solihull and High Wycombe. All the Homes are once again accepting new residents. Please visit www.starandgarter.org to find out more.