Residents from Royal Star & Garter met and chatted to His Majesty The King when they attended a national service at Westminster Abbey marking the 80^th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.

Veterans from the charity’s Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe were at the service, on VE Day, Thursday, 8 May, which was also attended by senior members of the royal family, prime ministers past and present, and other leading dignitaries.

Royal Star & Garter’s Homes also marked the anniversary of VE Day, when Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied Forces in 1945, with music, festivities and VIP visits. There was also a Guinness World Record attempt for largest ever virtual cream tea party.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe, and now in Worthing, having recently merged with the military charity Care for Veterans. The charity also has services reaching into the community, including Day Care, Lunch Club and a free-to-use Telephone Friendship Service.

Residents from the three Homes attended the Westminster Abbey service. After it finished, members of the royal family, including Royal Star & Garter’s Patron HRH The Princess Royal, spent time speaking to guests at the Abbey. Residents and staff from all three Homes shook hands and chatted to King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Other Royal Star & Garter residents present at Westminster Abbey included Solihull resident Bill Wheeler, who was 17 on VE Day and serving in the RAF, and Ken Pusey, who was in the Army from 1944-1947.

‘A privilege to be part of’

Ken, who was also interviewed by the BBC as part of the broadcaster’s coverage of the service, later said: “I never dreamt I’d attend a service like this at Westminster Abbey. It was absolutely beautiful and a privilege to be part of. It was wonderful.”

Bill added: “To be part of such a special day in such a beautiful setting was something I will never forget. It was an honour to be at Westminster Abbey for the service.”

In the Homes, residents enjoyed street parties reminiscent of those that took place on VE Day 80 years ago, with live music, visits from cadets and delicious food.

In Solihull, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Solihull West and Shirley MP, joined veterans on VE Day afternoon, and participated in a World Record attempt to be part of the largest cream tea party. He said: “It’s always a pleasure to come and visit residents and staff at Royal Star & Garter. Today had a particular poignancy being on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It was wonderful to join in the celebrations over a splendid cream tea and a sing-along with residents.”

Kingston & Surbiton MP Sir Ed Davey was among the guests at Surbiton. The Home had vintage band D-Day Dollies providing live nostalgic entertainment. It also had a projector and big screen showing celebrations and footage from VE Day in 1945. The special day started with WWII Wren Connie raising the Union flag, at the front of the Home.

‘Very honoured’

Sir Ed, also the Liberal Democrat leader, later said: “I feel very honoured to be able to celebrate VE Day with my veteran constituents here at Royal Star & Garter. I received a warm welcome as ever and appreciated being able to spend time with the residents on this historic day, especially meeting Amy, a WAAF veteran, who remembers VE Day clearly.”

The High Wycombe Home was visited by High Wycombe Mayor Nathan Thomas, and Mimi Harker OBE, the Chair of Buckinghamshire Council and the Armed Forces Champion for the county. Squadron Leader Paul Armstrong from RAF High Wycombe was also at the Home to join in festivities. Residents enjoyed a barbecue and drinks for lunch, before a VE Day party, which included singer Emily Yarrow providing the entertainment.

The world record attempt was arranged by caterers Signature Dining. While not yet confirmed, early indications suggest a new record has been set.

Royal Star & Garter is welcoming new residents into its Homes. For more information on this, its new services or to work for the charity, go to www.starandgarter.org