Veterans are soaking up the Christmas cheer at Royal Star & Garter. 

Residents at the charity’s four Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing have been enjoying a feast of festive events, visits, activities, outings and carol concerts with lots more still to come. 

They have also been showing off their creative side, helping dress trees, and making wreaths and other decorations. 

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care and support for veterans and their families, living with disability or dementia. The charity also provides services reaching into the community, including Lunch Clubs, Day Care and a national Telephone Friendship Service. 

At the Solihull Home, Army and RAF personnel from Queen Elizabeth Hospital helped with decorations. Residents donned festive attire for Christmas Jumper Day on 11 December, and they also attended the Lest We Forget Christmas Ball in nearby Walsall. On 23 December, the Home will host a carol service, with Solihull Council Mayor Annette Mackenzie attending. 

Mince pies and mulled wine 

In Surbiton, residents took part in Christmas cookery sessions, went on outings, enjoyed pantomimes and live music from local schools and the Chelsea Pensioners Choir. Relatives were also invited to the Home to enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine evening, and there have been visits to Hampton Court Palace. 

At High Wycombe, residents have been participating in arts and crafts activities, and Christmas baking. They will go to nearby Little Kingshill School to watch pupils perform a panto, and the Home will host a Christmas Fair for residents and relatives. The veterans have also been tucking into festive meals at The Spindle and Thread pub, and will be attending a community lunch at RAF High Wycombe.   

At Care for Veterans, a Royal Star & Garter Home in Worthing, residents have enjoyed pantomimes, singalongs and craft making. They will also make Christmas cake cupcakes on Christmas Eve. 

On Christmas Day residents will receive a bespoke gift from Royal Star & Garter. The Homes will be filled with visitors, many of whom will stay to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner. 

Royal Star & Garter is welcoming new residents. For more information on this, the new services we provide or to work for the charity, please go to www.startandgarter.org