The book which Royal Star & Garter residents are reading has taken on extra poignancy following the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore on Tuesday.

The Surbiton home for disabled veterans and their partners launched a book club recently for its residents living with dementia  – and they chose centenarian and national hero Captain Tom’s autobiography Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day as their first read.

Photos from the book by Captain Tom, who touched the nation’s heart when he raised nearly £33m for NHS charities by doing laps of his garden during lockdown, have been enlarged and placed around the book club room.

Residents at the home in Upper Brighton Road are encouraged to pop in, enjoy a hot drink and listen to activities co-ordinator Dawn Cherrill, pictured above, or resident Maureen, 84, pictured left, who is living with dementia, read extracts from the book.

Both have experience of working in libraries and are hoping Captain Tom’s autobiography will trigger memories and lead to lots of reminiscing over tea and biscuits.

The launch of the book club also coincides with National Storytelling Week this week which promotes the importance of storytelling for learning, wellbeing and the enrichment of life.

Dawn said the idea for the book club came about when she was talking to Maureen about a Christmas present she had received: “It was Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day. The book looks at 100-year-old Captain Tom’s life and how he grew up in Yorkshire on the foothills of the Dales.

“I told Maureen it is inspiring, and she suggested we start a book club. The book has many photos which we have enlarged to show residents, and because of Captain Tom’s military background I think it’s a great choice to launch with.”

Maureen said: “There is a book for everyone. For some they just haven’t found it yet. Book clubs are important to explore different books together.”

On Captain Tom, the home said: “We are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore. His fundraising walks around his Bedfordshire garden raised millions for the NHS, and helped cheer us all during those frightening months at the beginning of the pandemic.

“He was, and still is, an inspiration to millions of people around the world. And as a charity which has cared for veterans such as Captain Tom, for over 100 years, he will always be an inspiration to our residents and staff.

“We send our condolences to his family and friends.”

For more about the Royal Star & Garter home visit www.starandgarter.org/our-homes-and-care/surbiton/

Picture by the Royal Star & Garter.