July 2006
THE ROYAL STAR & GARTER 90TH BIRTHDAY BALL
Over 200 guests joined residents at The Royal Star & Garter Home, Richmond last Saturday for the celebratory 90th Birthday Ball. Revellers enjoyed a glass or two of champagne in the terrace garden overlooking the Thames on what was a glorious summer’s evening.
Special guests, the Mayor of Richmond Upon Thames, Cllr Bill Treble and the Mayoress were greeted by the Home’s Chief Executive, Lynn McDougall and Vice President Simon Weston.
The Royal British Legion (Romford) Marching Band gave an excellent performance of popular songs in the garden, rounding off with the Sunset Ceremony. Falklands veteran Simon Weston, a Vice president of the Home, took the salute.
Guests then moved to the elegant Queen’s room for a sumptuous three course meal with wine. Entertainment during dinner included a spectacular drumming display by the Corps of Drums, Romford. The display was very well received by guests who demanded a repeat performance!
After dinner Simon Weston addressed the gathering with a poignant reminder that the 1st July was also the 90th anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, when the British Army suffered20,000 killed and 40,000 injured on that first day, some of whom were cared for by the Home in their later life.
The auction, featuring some unique prizes including a winter wonderland safari in Lapland and a trip aboard HMS Bulwark, raised nearly £8000. This along with the Tombola and Birthday Balloon Gold prize draw, brought the total raised for the evening to over £17,000. This splendid sum will help support the disabled ex-Service men and women residents of the Home.
The evening continued with a Casino and dancing to the Band STAR.
Alistair Holmes, Event Manager, said, “The 90th Birthday Ball was enjoyed by all and we are very grateful to all those who supported us and donated prizes.”
About the Royal Star & Garter Charity
The Royal Star & Garter Home, an independent registered charity based in Richmond, has been caring for disabled ex-Service personnel since 1916. The Charity offers the best in nursing and residential care plus a range of therapies. There are also a wide variety of leisure activities available for our residents to enjoy, both inside and outside the Home. In future years, The Royal Star & Garter Charity intends to build new homes, in the Richmond area and elsewhere, in which to provide specialist care for the elderly disabled, and for those with dementia for whom there is very little provision at present.
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FURTHER INFO: Rebecca Spencer, Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator TEL: 020 8439 8118 or EMAIL: rebecca.spencer@starandgarter.org