Barbara Windsor opens £336k wing for ex-Servicemen at the 'Queen Vic'
09 June 2011
The queen of the East End, Barbara Windsor MBE, returned to the 'Queen Vic' to open The Royal British Legion Wing, a 14-room residential wing for ex-Servicemen at the Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest (QVSR) in east London today.
Barbara Windsor unveiled a plaque with
the Legion's National Chairman John Farmer to officially open the
new wing in front of residents and supporters.
The 'Queen Vic', as the QVSR is locally known, is a charity providing accommodation and support to men in the East End of London. It received funding of £336,000 from The Royal British Legion's External Grants scheme to open the Wing, which is part of a major re-development programme.
New residents of The Royal British Legion Wing also attended the opening event in the Queen Vic's garden which was full of bunting and balloons in recognition of the Legion's 90th anniversary.
Among those enjoying the outdoor party with Barbara Windsor was new resident David Waymark, 56, a former Private in the Scots Guards.
David arrived at the Queen Vic in 2007, following difficult periods of homelessness. He currently suffers from mobility problems following an accident at work in 2010.
"QVSR has helped me access physiotherapy after I lost feeling in my arms and legs, but now I can move around with a walking stick and take part in activities such as making hanging pots for the garden," David said.
"I'm looking forward to moving into my new room in The Royal British Legion Wing, because the lift and en suite bathroom will give me easier and more convenient access.
"I would like to thank QVSR and The Royal British Legion for its support to ex-Service people like me, their support has made all the difference to my life."
The Legion's National Chairman John Farmer said:
"Our External Grants give the Legion an opportunity to support
other charities which share our aims in providing welfare for those
who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their
dependants.
"We're delighted Barbara Windsor could open The Royal British Legion Wing at QVSR today, she brought so much warmth and charm to our occasion because she's so connected to East London and its residents."
QVSR Chief Executive Alexander Campbell said: "We are delighted to work with The Royal British Legion, both organisations are about people and helping them reach their full potential. The provision of these new 14 rooms will make a real difference to the lives of the men who call the newly created Royal British Legion Wing home."
The new Wing of 14 rooms, was project managed by HBW Partnership and designed by architect Ayshford Sansome, all come with en suite facilities to provide contemporary and comfortable surroundings for residents some of who would have experienced homelessness.
Established over 168 years ago, the 'Queen Vic' provides accommodation and support for up to 170 seafarers, both active and retired, ex-Servicemen and other adults in need of accommodation.
The Legion's External Grants programme provides funds for eligible charities or serving units that deliver welfare to members of the Armed Forces community.
