Singing Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery has performed at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton.

The 93-year-old, who served in Korea with the Royal Artillery and won Britain’s Got Talent in 2019, sang for fellow comrades on Wednesday, 18 October.

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.

After singing, Colin was taken on a tour of the award-winning Home, and officially opened the newly created General Store in the dementia care area. He then joined residents, including others who served in Korea, for sandwiches, tea and cake.

He had earlier wowed residents with songs including ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’, ‘Moon River’, ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Thank You for the Music’.

‘A privilege to sing at Royal Star & Garter’

Colin said: “Because of my Army career I’ve heard lots about Royal Star & Garter and the good work it does, so to visit this wonderful Home and to sing for veterans there was a privilege. I look forward to singing here again.”

The concert was organised by the Home’s dedicated Wellbeing Team, which deliver activities, companionship, outings and exercise for residents seven days a week.

RAF veteran Vera is a Royal Star & Garter resident. She said: “We’re very lucky to have Colin come here and sing for us.”

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