A NIMBLE-FINGERED Army veteran has put his creative skills to the test and has made a Nativity scene.
Stan Pell built the cardboard scene and staff got out their knitting needles to help with the build at Royal Star and Garter in Solihull.
It took the 91-year-old around a week to build the scene, complete with a thatched roof and lined with straw.
Staff at the Home knitted characters including a Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Angel Gabriel, Three Wise Men, little donkey and cattle. Stan also made Baby Jesus’ manger, and added lights.
The finished Christmas scene is now proudly on display in the home, which cares for veterans and their loved ones with dementia and disability.
Stan, who was in the Royal Signals for two years to complete his National Service between 1949 to 1951, said: “I like having something to do, it keeps me busy. I like doing things and making things.”
Stan had been a DIY enthusiast throughout his life – previously he built a skittles alley for other Royal Star and Garter residents to use.
The Wellbeing Team at the Home helped Stan with his project. Dawn, one of the Wellbeing Coordinators, said: “Stan really enjoyed building the Nativity scene.
“It’s very important for Stan that he keeps busy and active. He’s a very physical man, and these tasks give him a really good sense of purpose – it picks him up tremendously.”
