Thomas's School supporting the Chelsea Pensioners Thomas’s Kensington School has generously named us as their Charity of the Year. The funds raised by pupils, teachers and the PTA will go towards the health and social care needs of the Chelsea Pensioners. This includes a broad range of activities that are vital for maintaining their wellbeing. - which is vital for the Chelsea Pensioners community life within the Royal Hospital. Latest Updates: Chelsea Pensioners at the Christmas Market on 21st November Chelsea Pensioners Alan and Jan greatly enjoyed joining other stallholders at the wonderful Christmas Market, which was brilliantly organised and hosted by the members of the PTA. The Royal Hospital Chelsea’s mascots and Xmas tree decorations proved popular, but they were no match for the colourful pom poms and young vendors on the stall next to them!, whilst the array of prizes at the Tree of Gifts was magnificent and created a buzz throughout the evening. Our thanks to Alia, Reme and everyone on the PTA for providing such a special evening - including a warm welcome and delicious food! – and to all the parents who supported the event so generously. Meet the Chelsea Pensioner Rugby Team, The Scarlett Warriors As the Rugby World Cup drew to a close, the members of our own walking rugby team - the Scarlett Warriors - have already had some fantastic game successes against their competition. Made up of Chelsea Pensioners and some staff members, the team have been training weekly since their foundation in April of this year. Walking rugby is one of many activities available to the Pensioners as part of our Active Ageing programme. As one of them says, “It certainly keep us young”. Chelsea Pensioners Visit the Pupils of Thomas’ School On September 21st, 2023, Chelsea Pensioners Mike Simmons and Barbara Meyers, alongside staff from the Fundraising Team, attended Thomas’ School’s morning assembly. Mike and Barbara spoke to the pupils about their life as a Chelsea Pensioner, including the activities that they enjoy part taking in alongside their fellow Chelsea Pensioners. They also took questions from Deputy Head Allie Barnes-Wright and pupils, answering a wide range of questions including about their life in the army, their iconic Scarlet uniform and the plethora of hats that they can choose to wear! Philanthropy officer, Tricia Monro, then spoke to pupils about how the money they will raise this year will support the Chelsea Pensioners’ care and the activities they take part in. She held up some pieces from the Pottery Group to show and discussed with the pupils how both the Chelsea Pensioners and Thomas’ share similar activities that they both enjoy. The Assembly concluded with everyone enjoying the beautiful singing from Thomas’ Chamber choir, who we hope very much to hear more of. Thomas's Kensington Parents Visit Royal Hospital As the school term got underway in September, we were delighted to welcome a group of Thomas’s Kensington parents for a tour of the Royal Hospital with one of our tour guides, Chelsea Pensioner Mick Skerrett, who takes great pride and enjoyment in his role. We look forward to posting further updates on our partnership with Thomas’s Kensington and we are again, very grateful, to be their Charity of the Year. If you would like to make a donation to support the Chelsea Pensioners, please choose "Thomas’s Kensington" in the "Why are you donating?" dropdown menu. This helps us track and update you on the funds raised by parents and pupils.