Family fun at summer fete

The community fun day took place in the grounds of the Upper Brighton Road home, which cares for ex-servicemen and women and their partners living with disability and dementia. Hugely popular despite the tropical temperatures, the event raised over £2000 for the charity.

Among those who enjoyed the day was guest-of-honour Kingston Mayor Councillor Margaret Thompson, the home’s residents and their relatives and members of the local community. Kingston Sea Cadets and an army of volunteers helped to support the event.

Highlights included singing from The Star & Garter Singers – a choir made up of residents and relatives, staff and volunteers, Second World War Jeeps, a tombola and a raffle. The family-focussed fun saw kids enjoy garden games like Hook-a-Duck and skittles. The chocolate fountain was especially popular with youngsters, while Pimms proved a favourite among adults.

Live music throughout the afternoon from local band Baz & Dave, The Woodbury Bell Ringers, Kingston & Malden Scout & Guide Band, had visitors dancing.

Kingston’s Mayor Margaret Thompson said: “The home is wonderful and the fete looks lovely with lots of items made by the residents. I’m very proud to see our community here supporting our veterans on Armed Forces Day, as they support us.”

Andy Cole, chief executive at The Royal Star & Garter Homes, says: “It was great to open our doors to the Surbiton community and we had a fabulous day with our neighbours and friends. We were delighted to receive such warm feedback from both visitors and our residents, and are so grateful for their support. The money raised will make a real difference to the award winning care we provide.”

Local resident Jo was at the fete with her daughter Sophie. She says: “It is a great fete, there’s lots of different things here. We’ll be back again next year.”

The fete took place on Armed Forces Day and was the culmination of a week of activities at the charity’s homes in Surbiton, Solihull and High Wycombe.