Care home Royal Star & Garter celebrated its 10th anniversary yesterday with a Caribbean-themed Carnival Open Day.

 A steel pan drum band, Jamaican food and carnival procession and Carnival Queen were all part of the Surbiton care home's open day on the 22 August. It also tied-in with the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush docking in England in 1948.

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."

Iraq veteran Stephen with Royal Star & Garter staff Natalie and Sam. (Photo: Royal Star & Garter)

The event was open to members of the public and those who wished to tour the 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.   

Local police, who visited the Carnival Open Day at Royal Star & Garter, with Air Force veteran Lily. (Photo: Royal Star & Garter)

RAF veteran Vera with Leading Firefighter Ben from Surbiton Fire Station. (Photo: Royal Star & Garter)

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." 

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. 

Home Manager Helena Maher said: "This was a really memorable way for us to celebrate our 10th 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." 

Carnival Queen Jenny, with her friend from Child's Play Nursery. (Photo: Royal Star & Garter)

Royal Star & Garter provides compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.

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