THE Christmas season started with a service to honour veterans at the Royal Star and Garter Home in Solihull.
The annual Starlight service which celebrates the lives of residents past and present was held online this year due to the pandemic.
However, residents at the Monkspath Hall Road home and their relatives were still able to join in with carol singing and listen to readings.
The Starlight service, traditionally takes place at St Alphege Church and is attended by residents, staff, volunteers and the relatives of those who have been cared for by the charity.
There is also the chance for attendees to hang star-shaped messages to loved ones on the Christmas tree.
This year a 22 minute service was recorded with a special message from Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, who has been the charity’s President since 1964.
She acknowledged this has been a year of many challenges, but it has also been a year that has shown us how much the country and our communities can achieve together.
Royal Star and Garter chief executive, Andy Cole, said: “Starlight means a great deal to our charity. It allows us to remember those residents who are no longer with us at the start of the festive season.
“It was important that despite all the challenges posed by the pandemic, we were still able to come together virtually with the Royal Star & Garter family and local communities for this service.”
