15th January 2009
Royal Star & Garter Celebrates 93rd Birthday
The Royal Star & Garter's Richmond Home celebrated the Charity's 93rd birthday with an afternoon concert and tea attended by the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Helen Lee-Parsons. In addition to the Mayor, the home's residents, staff, and volunteers were joined by the Lest We Forget Association which has been attending these birthday celebrations almost continuously since 1924.
In her welcome speech the Charity's Chief Executive, Lynn McDougall, said "While it is sad that this is one of the last birthdays we will be celebrating in this wonderful old building which has served us well, we are all looking forward to our 96th anniversary which will see us ensconced in our new home at Hampton Court Station with state-of-the-art facilities to support our high standards of care".
The concert opened with a rousing version of Mack the Knife, and the five multi-talented performers went on to sing and play songs made famous by Matt Monro, selections from musicals such as The Pyjama Game, My Fair Lady, Carousel, and The Phantom of the Opera, more contemporary tunes such as Unchained Melody and Beatles songs and, of course, wartime favourites concluding with We'll Meet Again.
Then it was time for staff and volunteers to swing into action serving residents with sandwiches, cakes and multiple cups of tea. It may have been foggy and cold outside, but this in no way interfered with a happy and convivial birthday party.