Chelsea Pensioner, Mick Gue, talks about his athletic triumphs in the Army, and what he is doing now to stay fit in retirement. 

There are many benefits to leading an active lifestyle. We caught up with some of the Chelsea Pensioners to find out more about what activities they are involved in and how this benefits their health and wellbeing.

Last week, members of the Chelsea Pensioners Fishing Club gathered to mark the end of the season and enjoy a small awards ceremony organised by the club’s organiser, Chelsea Pensioner Peter Turner. 

The ‘Vivid Art Exhibition’ was a recent showcase of our Chelsea Pensioners' incredible artistic skills. Organised by our Artist in Residence Grace Holliday alongside our Activities team, the exhibition featured an array of captivating works.

With an exciting month ahead as the Rugby World Cup final draws closer, we caught up with some of our own walking rugby team – the Scarlet Warriors. Made up of Chelsea Pensioners and some staff members, the team have been training weekly since their foundation in April 2023 and have already had some fantastic game successes against their competition. 

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 

The Soldiers’ Arts Academy links serving and veteran Army personnel and their families with professionals from the creative arts. Through a range of workshops, projects and productions they give participants the opportunity to discover new interests, recover from difficult experiences, transition into civilian life and even find new careers. 

Chelsea Pensioner Paul Whittick, who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, has always been keen on keeping fit. In the light of lockdown, he says staying physically and mentally active is more important than ever.

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 Pensioner in scarlets and shako looks at the camera
Ferrets, Saladins and Radio Operations – Meet Chelsea Pensioner Roger Hall

Joining the British Army at 15 years old, Chelsea Pensioner, Roger, has had a varied military career. Initially, he joined the Junior Leaders Regimental Royal Armoured Corps and later served with The Life Guards, Royal Logistic Corps as well as the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Roger shares more on his time in the Army.

Two Chelsea Pensioners opening the gate to the Soane Stable Yard
Royal Hospital Chelsea joins the Chelsea Heritage Quarter and Chelsea History Festival this September with special previews of the Soane Stable Yard

We are delighted to announce that the Royal Hospital Chelsea will be part of the Chelsea History Festival once again this year, from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 September 2024 and part of the new Chelsea Heritage Quarter – London’s new heritage destination.