Day 17
Today we have three inspiring stories from Royal Star & Garter
‘A pint of Guinness saved my life’ – WWII soldier dodged a deadly Nazi rocket attack
Ken Pusey, a WWII veteran, narrowly escaped death 80 years ago when he chose to visit The 21 Club in Antwerp, Belgium, instead of Cinema Rex. A Nazi V2 rocket hit the cinema, killing over 500 people, including many Allied soldiers. Ken, then 18, was saved by a coin toss. Now 98, living at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe, he reflects on his lucky escape and his gratitude for surviving the attack. Read more here.
Soldier recalls cooking Christmas dinner for 200 men in South Korea
Army veteran Bob Sewell, now 89 and living at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, recalled cooking Christmas dinner for 200 soldiers in South Korea in 1954. With limited culinary experience and basic equipment, Bob faced challenges preparing meals. On Christmas Day, he was given two turkeys to cook and, with help from colleagues, they built a makeshift oven from oil drums. Despite the primitive setup, the food was edible, and the soldiers had a memorable meal. Bob later worked as a cook for children with Down’s syndrome and now enjoys festive meals at Royal Star & Garter. Read more here
London Fashion Week: Former Chanel model takes to the catwalk at care home fashion show
Residents at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe recently took part in a vibrant fashion show to coincide with London Fashion Week. The event featured residents with rich fashion histories, including Carolyn, a former model who worked with Chanel and Balmain, and Ross, a Navy veteran who later worked in a fashion house on Regent Street. Kay, a 105-year-old WWII veteran and former fashion photographer, also participated. The event celebrated the idea that beauty and glamour are for everyone, regardless of age or dementia. It aimed to connect residents to their past, enhancing emotional well-being and quality of life. Read more here.
