The Brighton Belles invited the Chelsea Pensions to join them for a picnic and fun afternoon at the races. 

As you can see from the photo’s we really did have a great time. 

One of the Chelsea Pensioners, Stanley, is Jean’s Uncle. When they got home around 7.30pm he phoned and thanked us for a super day and said they had not enjoyed themselves so much for ages. We were really pleased. Lots of people came up to talk with them and they let the children try on their hats. Absolute Brighton TV interviewed them, as one of them had a share in a horse that was running. Unfortunately it did not win. John, who is 94 (pictured with me above) has only been in the Royal Chelsea Hospital for 6 weeks, so he was the “new boy” He had been very lonely at home since his wife died 2 years ago so was very happy to be invited along to join us. He had 6 wins so was very pleased with himself. 

This is an excerpt from The Argus: No one could miss the Brighton belles, assembled in one corner of the enclosure, resplendent in an array of grand crimson hats and purple dresses. The twenty Belles were hosting a visit from the Chelsea Pensioners, whose scarlet uniforms enabled them to blend perfectly.