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MAYOR HOSTS HEART-WARMING WELCOME FOR SEAFARERS CARE HOME RESIDENTS

MAYOR HOSTS HEART-WARMING WELCOME

Mayor hosts heart-warming welcome for Seafarers care home residents. Historic visit strengthens community bonds and engagement for retired seafarers.

On 15 January 2025, the Mayor and Mayoress of Reigate and Banstead warmly welcomed residents and tenants of The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society’s care home, Belvedere House, at the local Town Hall – strengthening the bond between the Society and local officials.

The visit featured a tour of the historic building, including the distinguished Council chamber and the Mayor’s office, reinforcing the Society’s commitment to supporting community involvement.

Attendees were also treated to a presentation on the Town Hall’s history, discovering Reigate’s rich heritage and tracing its lineage of mayors back to the early 1900s. The Mayor added a special touch by showcasing official regalia, including the mayoral chain and robe, typically reserved for ceremonial occasions.

Beyond its educational value, the visit lifted residents’ and tenants’ spirits through social interaction and cognitive engagement, both key factors in maintaining the mental and emotional well-being of older adults.

Kevin, a resident who attended the visit, shared his thoughts:

“It was a privilege to meet the Mayor and Mayoress. You could see how great a team they are and how they support each other. At the same time, they were very down-to-earth and genuinely interested in each one of us. It was fantastic to see and learn about the history of Reigate and the region going back to the early 1900s.”

David Dominy, CEO of the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, commented:

“Our team are committed to providing a vibrant and engaging environment for our residents and tenants. Activities and outings like this visit to the Town Hall are crucial in maintaining their connection to local life. The ongoing support from the Mayor is invaluable, bringing a sense of validation to our work and reinforcing to our residents that they remain an integral part of the wider community. We look forward to future trips and activities such as this one that make life at Royal Alfred so unique.”

The Mayor and Mayoress of Reigate and Banstead have been long-standing supporters of the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, frequently attending events at the care home and lifting the spirits of residents, tenants and staff alike. Their contributions include presiding over the opening of the Society’s sensory room, a thoughtfully designed space to enhance cognitive skills and social interaction for residents living with dementia. Their involvement not only brings joy to the residents but also plays a crucial role in raising awareness of the essential services the Society provides for retired seafarers and the local community.

About The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society
The award-winning Belvedere House has provided nursing, respite and dementia care to former seafarers, their widows, dependants, and the local community for nearly 160 years.
To find out more about the work of The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, please visit its website at www.royalalfredseafarers.co.uk. To keep up to date with the latest news from the Society, follow the Facebook page.

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