Care home receives a visit from Chelsea Pensioners

Southlands Place care home in Bexhill has played host to a visiting group of Chelsea Pensioners.

The iconic faces of the UK’s veteran community, the Chelsea Pensioners reside at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in the heart of London.

The Grade I and II listed site is a beautiful legacy left to the pensioners by Charles II and Christopher Wren and is home to former soldiers of the British army over the age of 65 years who would otherwise spend their advanced years alone.

Travelling down from London, the special guests called in on the Caring Homes’ newly-opened Bexhill home to enjoy a day in the seaside town.

The veterans, dressed in their traditional uniform of scarlet long coats and shako caps, met with home manager Brigid Sedour, residents and team members, as well as members of the public and the mayor of Bexhill, Cllr Simon Elford.

After a seaside treat of fish and chips, the Chelsea Pensioners headed to the home’s landscaped gardens to make the most of the September sunshine.

Southlands Place home manager, Brigid Sedour, said: “We were delighted to welcome these special guests.

"It was fascinating speaking to all of the pensioners about their life histories and their time in the armed forces.

“The Royal Hospital Chelsea is 300 years old, while Southlands Place has not yet been open a year, but the pensioners enjoy many of the same pastimes as our residents, so there was lots to talk about.”