8th June 2009
Volunteers Honoured At The Royal Star & Garter Home
The Royal Star & Garter Homes Charity celebrated the 25th anniversary of Volunteers' Week with an Awards Ceremony and Strawberry Tea at its Richmond Home last week.
On a gloriously sunny afternoon over 100 volunteers gathered in the home's elegant Queen's Room, which was decked out in a pink and white "Strawberries & Cream" theme. They were welcomed by the Charity's Chairman, Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt, who thanked them all for everything they do to help the disabled ex-Service residents cared for at the Royal Star & Garter Homes in Richmond and Solihull.
24 of the volunteers received an award from Falklands veteran Simon Weston, OBE, a Vice President of the Charity. Simon told the volunteers: "You make this the most comfortable and considerate home to those who live here. It is a lovely place where people are happy".
Angela Webster, Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Richmond Home, read out the names of this year's award recipients. Certificates went to 7 volunteers for over 1 year's service, 8 received a Bronze award for 5 years' service, and 9 were awarded silver medals for 15 years' service to the Charity. The medals are replicas of an illustration which hangs in the Richmond Home showing an angel with a wounded man by Pre-Raphaelite artist, Eleanor Brickdale, who was a member of the Charity's original fundraising committee back in 1916.
Guests then enjoyed a splendid Strawberry Tea and before they all departed, the Charity's Chief Executive, Mike Barter, reiterated how important volunteers are, giving invaluable support in all areas from fundraising activity to escorting residents on outings, running clubs to befriending, and helping in everyday activities. Everyone agreed we would be lost without them.
Photo Caption: Simon Weston with ex–Royal Navy supporters and volunteers L to R: Gordon Appleby, George Kitcatt, and Gordon Mustard who help in the Charity’s Fundraising department, running supermarket collections and other activities.