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