The Chelsea Pensioners’ pottery club is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The group doesn’t just provide a forum to learn or develop a skill, it’s also a creative outlet, a therapeutic pastime and an opportunity to enjoy comradeship and mutual support 

This Christmas, we’re delighted to be sharing the Royal Hospital’s first-ever handmade advent calendar. From the photograph of the our colonnade – which forms the backdrop of the calendar – to the treasures hidden behind each door, every part of the calendar has been made by a Chelsea Pensioner. 

The Royal Hospital’s weekly pottery club, run by Emily Hall, is very popular with the Pensioners – particularly at this time of year, as they plan their festive projects. 

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Chelsea Pensioners stood in a line in scarlet uniform
New research into the Royal Hospital’s Model of Care suggests Chelsea Pensioners are showing the way for living longer and healthier lives

New research, carried out by Northumbria University, sheds light on the Hospital’s Model of Care. It may give clues as to how to better deal with an ageing population in Britain – with the need being ever more pressing.

Chelsea Pensioner Billy in scarlet uniform
Meet Chelsea Pensioner Billy Knowles

Chelsea Pensioner, Billy, discusses his 25 year career in the British Army after joining at 15 years old, becoming a drummer and how he is continuing his love for music at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.