Caribbean calypso came to Surbiton when a care home hosted a Carnival Open Day.

A steel pan drum band, Jamaican food and carnival procession and Carnival Queen were all part of Royal Star & Garter’s Caribbean-themed Carnival Open Day, on Tuesday 22 August.

The event was part of the Surbiton Home’s 10^th anniversary celebrations, and also tied-in with the 75^thanniversary of HMT Empire Windrush docking in England in 1948.

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.

The event was open to members of the public and those who wished to tour the award-winning care home. Among guests attending were Cllr Richard Thorpe the Deputy Mayor of Kingston, local Police and the Fire Brigade service. Children from nearby Child’s Play Nursery also attended and dressed for the carnival celebration.

The Caribbean-themed Open Day took place days before the Notting Hill Carnival. It was organised after veterans at the Home told staff of their wish to attend the famous West London street-party. This is not possible as the Home’s residents live with complex care needs, so staff brought the festivities to them.

Army veteran Bob said: “It was the perfect afternoon. I really enjoyed all of it, especially dancing to the steel pan drum band, who I thought were fantastic.”

‘Marvellous, colourful, wonderful’

Karen spent the day with her father Arthur, an Army veteran. She said: “I thought it was a marvellous event. It was very colourful, with wonderful music and a lovely atmosphere. I thought everyone enjoyed themselves and credit must go to the staff for arranging such a great day.”

‘Celebrating the Windrush generation’

Home Manager Helena Maher said: “This was a really memorable way for us to celebrate our 10^th birthday together with residents, their relatives and guests from the wider Surbiton community, which we love being part of. I’m grateful we were also able to use the day to celebrate the Windrush generation and the contribution they’ve made to this country, and show visitors around our beautiful Home.”

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