Care home veterans join royal revelry for The King’s Coronation
Veterans at Royal Star & Garter have had a long weekend of celebrations and parties to mark the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Residents at the charity’s three Homes, in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe, enjoyed street parties, live music and treats as they marked the historic event. Coronation celebrations on the bank holiday Monday 8th May 2023 coincided with VE Day.
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity helped prepare for the revelries, by contributing toward coronation bunting for each of the Homes, as well as sweet treats and goody bags which included a coronation pen and pin badge for all residents. Royal Star & Garter caterers Signature Dining also provided cupcakes for residents and staff members in the Homes.
Royal Star & Garter veterans had helped gear up for the weekend by taking part in a range of activities, including arts and crafts and cookery.
The festivities kicked off at High Wycombe on Friday 5th May 2023 when residents took part in a King Charles III quiz.
On Saturday 6th May 2023, residents in the Homes gathered to watch the coronation service together in communal areas, before tucking into a celebratory lunch.
Later on Saturday afternoon, the High Wycombe Home hosted an indoor street party with residents enjoying Prosecco and a homemade buffet they had prepared themselves.
The festivities continued on Sunday, with live music and relatives coming to the Homes for the Coronation Big Lunch, before they tuned in to the concert at Windsor Castle. The Bank Holiday Monday coincided with VE Day and saw more entertainment and celebrations take place.
Pauline Shaw, Director of Care at Royal Star & Garter, said: ‘I’m delighted we were able to celebrate this special and historic occasion with our residents. They have a deep love and affiliation for the royal family, and it was important for them that they could be part of the national festivities. The fact that VE Day fell during the long weekend made everything that little bit more special for us.‘
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: ‘We treasure our close relationship with Royal Star & Garter and the veteran care home community, and are delighted to help residents mark the King’s coronation in style. It is a time for great celebration and excitement, and it’s lovely to share this with the Royal Star & Garter family.‘
Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe Home is welcoming new residents. Further information on this or about working at the Home can be found on the Royal Star & Garter website at www.starandgarter.org.
*Source of information : Press release from Royal Star & Garter.