Festive fun and Christmas cheer has arrived in abundance at Royal Star & Garter.

Residents have been busy singing carols, making wreaths, baking gingerbread and watching classic films in the run-up to Christmas.

It is part of a packed programme of activities that veterans are enjoying at the charity’s Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe Homes throughout the month.

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

At the beginning of December residents helped staff with decorations, putting baubles and tinsel on trees in the Homes. They also participated and watched the charity’s annual Starlight service, which this year took place online and celebrated the lives of residents past and present during the Christmas season.

Since then, the Homes have been filled with Christmas carols and classic seasonal songs as residents take part in singalongs. Mince pies and Christmas cakes are being baked, while gingerbread men and houses are also made and decorated. Some residents have enjoyed safe minibus drives out to see local Christmas lights.

Quizzes, bingo, card-writing, wreath-making and other games are taking place, with veterans making traditional Christingles.

The Homes have received support from their local communities. In Surbiton, children from St Matthew’s Primary School wrote letters wishing the residents well, while fundraisers RBKares gave presents to staff at the Home. Veterans were also paid a visit by Kingston Rotary Club, who pulled up outside in their Christmas wagon to sing carols to residents watching inside the Home. In High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Ltd Chief Executive Neil Macdonald gave a box of goodies to staff.

On Christmas Day, residents will receive bespoke gifts from Santa, which will be followed by a traditional dinner.

Pauline Shaw, Director of Care at Royal Star & Garter, said: “Despite all the challenges faced in 2020, staff in the Homes are delivering the best possible Christmas for our residents. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

To find out more information about residential or respite care at Royal Star & Garter, please see www.starandgarter.org.