Veterans Update

VETERANS UPDATE

January 16, 2026 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

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13 Jan 26. BATTLESPACE Publications is delighted to announce that the organisers of the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown to be held on February 6th 2026, have agreed to accommodate the BATTLESPACE Raceday, sponsors, delegates and guests as part of the Grand Military Day in 2027.

Julian Nettlefold, BATTLESPACE Military Raceday Organiser since its inception in 2013 to raise money for military veterans their families said, “I am so honoured that the Grand Military Gold cup organisers and the Jockey Club have agreed to let our various sponsors and guests join in on the venerable Grand Military Gold Cup first run in 1841. Our team will broaden the already extensive guest list of military personnel and companies to provide much needed fund raising for the military charities.”

Sarah Drabwell of the Jockey Club said, “Sandown Park is deeply honoured to add BATTLESPACE Technologies, who raise funds for SSAFA, the armed forces charity, to the list of partners it is working with to deliver its Grand Military Gold Cup Day from 2027. Since the late 1800s Sandown Park has hosted military racing, offering not only a chance for military riders to compete, but also for serving and veteran personnel to connect and, for the public to see the very best of what our military has to offer. The day is delivered in partnership with our headline sponsor, Army Sport, who showcase the leisure opportunities on offer for those serving, and the Army Engagement team who deliver a youth inspiration event and a veteran engagement programme including everything from the Chelsea Pensioners choir to military bands and classic military vehicles. In short, there is something for everyone. We hope that alongside Army Sport, Old Gold Racing, The Royal British Legion, The Chelsea Pensioners, Walking with the Wounded, The Cavalry and Guards Club and many more, Battlefield Technologies enjoy everything that this day and Sandown Park have to offer.”

Sir Simon Bollom, National Chair of SSAFA said, “SSAFA is absolutely delighted to continue to work with Battlespace Technology and to be part of the race day as it moves to join the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown in 2027. We are very much looking forward to this relationship continuing and are grateful for the many years of support- not to mention the thousands of pounds raised- that Julian Nettlefold has given SSAFA.”

For the last two years The Grand Military team have been working to establish the Grand Military Gold Meeting as an Army outreach event, focusing on all three generations of the military family; serving, served and those yet to serve.

We currently have a veteran’s outreach event and a youth engagement programme which this year sees 850 young people in attendance, but we also want to offer something to the serving.

Tickets are available for FREE via tickets for troops, the Jockey Club can provide a £10 ticket using code SSAFA26 at check out and the Jockey Club will make a donation to SSAFA.

The Jockey Club has very kindly offered to provide a table at the event for BATTLESPACE sponsors and delegates at the 2026 event to be held on February 9th 2026 for £50+VAT per seat. Please email

Not only is it a cracking day out, there is also the opportunity to see a host of Army Sport stands and opportunities, be part of a great day of racing including two races for amateur military riders and there is even a chance to buy a share in a racehorse being campaigned for good military causes.

The Grand Military Meeting is to be held at Sandown Racecourse on February 9th.

For further details contact:

Jockey Club:

Julian Nettlefold, BATTLESPACE:

Verity Harding, SSAFA:

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currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

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VETERANS UPDATE

January 9, 2026 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

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05 Jan 26. Chepstow Military Raceday Ends After Twelve Years and £440,000 Raised. It is with great regret that we have to announce the end of the Chepstow Military Raceday. Julian Nettlefold acting as chief fundraiser and organiser was unable to come to an agreement with the management of Chepstow Racecourse and Arena Leisure to run the 2026 event.

Julian Nettlefold said, “It has been a pleasure working with the charities since 2013 to raise vital funds to support vulnerable veterans and their families in Wales and elsewhere. I’d like to thank all the individuals and companies who have supported the day since 2013 to make the day the success it has grown to from one race and 15 guests in a box in 2013 to the record year in 2023 where we hosted over 180 people.”

However, expect good news in the near future for a new venue for our Raceday!

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VETERANS UPDATE

December 18, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

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16 Dec 25. Gregg Stevenson, paralympic gold medallist, joined military charity, Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), on Monday 15th December as it arrived at the Manchester Cenotaph, 423km into its mammoth 18-day, 700km trek from The Cenotaph in London to Newcastle, pulling a symbolic pulk (Arctic sled) ‘home’ in time for Christmas.

The intrepid teams have faced poor weather, Storm Bram, mud, multiple punctures and equipment failures, but determination has kept them walking.
Each team takes on one day of the challenge, averaging 40kms per day during ‘Long Way Home’, with the Manchester leg being 37km.
The pulk (sled) represents the burdens that many veterans have to carry every single day.
Long Way Home is WWTW’s own entry into annual Walking Home For Christmas event.

At 8am on Friday 5th December, military charity Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), set off at the start of an epic walking challenge launched by veteran and star of TV’s ‘Hunted’ and ‘Celebrity Hunted’, Nichola Tidd. A mammoth 18-day, 700km trek from The Cenotaph, London began, bringing the symbolic pulk home to Newcastle by 22nd December, in time for Christmas. The trek – Long Way Home – is part of WWTW’s popular annual Walking Home For Christmas event. Gregg Stevenson, a trustee of the charity, joined for the final rain-drenched kilometres into central Manchester. On the challenge and the charity he said: “The special thing about Walking With The Wounded is they do exactly what they say…it’s about supporting people who have come across hard times, so thank you very much for your support. This whole mission represents the veteran community WWTW supports – its resilience, pushing ourselves and having a bit of fun and camaraderie along the way.” Walking With The Wounded’s annual Christmas fundraiser challenges the charity’s supporters to take on a sponsored walk with family, friends or colleagues. Every penny raised goes to support veterans and their families. For many, winter and Christmas are a time to celebrate with loved ones, but for some of the veterans WWTW supports, that isn’t their reality. Instead, winter can be a difficult time for them. For over 10 years, Walking Home For Christmas has connected communities throughout the UK, all with the same aim: to support those who served. At the launch at The Cenotaph in London on 5th December, Ambassador Nichola Tidd said: “I wanted to give something back and I’m delighted that myself and my daughter, Elodie, can be a part of Walking Home For Christmas this year, and also Long Way Home, which so gets to the heart of what WWTW stands for.” Nichola and Elodie have joined Long Way Home for a number of legs, and will be joining as it reaches the end in Newcastle on 22nd December.

05 Dec 25. It’s coming home! Aldershot and Farnborough will host UK National Armed Forces Day celebrations 2026. Rushmoor borough has today (5 December 2025) been awarded the prestigious honour of hosting the 2026 National Armed Forces Day celebrations. The event was awarded to the borough, which includes Aldershot, the Home of the British Army and Farnborough, the birthplace of British aviation, following a highly competitive UK-wide bidding process. The programme will culminate in a weekend of spectacular events and celebrations on 27 and 28 June 2026 profiling our armed forces and bringing the community together through a range of free festivities and family fun, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors from the surrounding area and across the country.

Alex Baker, MP for Aldershot and Farnborough, said: “I’m proud that, working alongside Rushmoor Borough Council, we’ve brought Armed Forces Day home. As the Home of the British Army and the birthplace of British aviation, it is entirely fitting that Aldershot and Farnborough lead the nation in renewing our bond with the men and women in the military, and with the cadets and veterans who are part of our story. This is our chance to honour the generations who have served, celebrate those who protect our country today, and inspire the young people who will follow in their footsteps. It will feature a spectacular weekend of free events, displays, and family activities that will draw our whole community together and attract thousands of visitors from the surrounding area to leave a legacy of pride and renewal. Aldershot and Farnborough will welcome visitors from across the nation to show what makes our towns so special – places where service is woven into everyday life, and where the country’s thanks will be expressed here, at home.”

Talavera Junior School in Aldershot was treated to a special visit by the British Armed Forces for the announcement. A Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter landed on the school field, and students were entertained by a performance from the British Army Engagement Ensemble and given the opportunity to explore the helicopter and speak with the crew.

The Armed Forces Day flag was also raised at Rushmoor Borough Council offices in Farnborough and at Princes Hall in Aldershot to mark the exciting news.

Joining forces: Tidworth soldiers and veterans take on multi-day fundraising challenge

Three challenges tackled, to support veterans facing challenges every day

17 Dec 25. Walking With The Wounded (WWTW)

Serving soldiers, reservists and veterans have taken on a multi-day fundraising challenge in support of military charity Walking With The Wounded
Fifth consecutive year for team taking part in WWTW’s popular annual ‘Walking Home For Christmas’ campaign
Three challenges tackled, including a 48-hour finale to support veterans and their families

A team of serving soldiers, reservists and veterans took on a mammoth fundraising challenge in aid of military charity Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) between November and 11th December as part of Walking Home For Christmas campaign.

Andrew White, who served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 31 years and is now a Full Time Reservist, and friend Jamie Clibery, who began his military career in 2002 as a Vehicle Mechanic and now serves in the Defence Accident Investigation Branch, were joined by colleagues and friends to take part in the charity’s annual Walking Home For Christmas campaign for the fifth year running.

Determined to make their fundraising bigger and better each year, this year the team took on not one but three challenges. Beginning with a charity football match on 8th November at Tidworth Oval followed by a charity golf day on 11th November, with the two events already raising over £600. The team then ended their fundraising by returning to Tidworth Oval to walk 48 miles in 48 hours from the 10th – 12th December.

Speaking on their reasons for taking on the challenge, Andrew said: “Over the last 31 years, I have served in locations around the world where I have lost friends and colleagues and known some to have life-changing injuries. I was chatting with Jay (Clibery) four years ago about Walking With The Wounded and he asked if I would like to take part in fundraising for them. I didn’t hesitate and haven’t looked back since. I feel immensely proud to be able to do something for this amazing charity and we want to raise as much as we can for them. For anyone thinking about doing something for WWTW, the key message is to stop thinking and start doing! It doesn’t matter if the event is small or large, the point is doing something for our veterans who have given so much to our country and every penny really does count.”

Teammate Jamie added: “This is a charity which has been close to my heart for the last five years having held a fundraiser every year since 2021. The work they do supporting serving personnel transitioning out of service or just giving them a helping hand is, in my opinion, invaluable. Sometimes all it takes is someone to talk to and give you a steer to get you back on your feet and that is what WWTW does, with the people working for them who are not only fully engaged and supportive but understand. If you’re able to, join in and support WWTW in whatever capacity you can, every little helps raise much needed funds and helps promote the work the charity does.”

For many, winter and Christmas are a time to celebrate with loved ones, but for some of the veterans WWTW supports, that isn’t their reality. Instead, winter can be a difficult time for them.

Please contact Su Delve, Communications Manager, on or call her on 07741 570 130 or 07799 578 840 to arrange an interview, or to request copies of the images.

About Walking Home For Christmas:

Walking With The Wounded’s annual Christmas fundraiser challenges the charity’s supporters to take on a sponsored walk with family, friends or colleagues at any time throughout December. Every penny raised goes to support veterans and their families.

There is still time to get involved:

Walking With The Wounded

Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) supports those who have served in the military with mental health, employment and wraparound care coordination programmes. Through bespoke and interconnected services, the charity helps those who have fallen the furthest to get back on track and moving forward once more.

WWTW stands side-by-side to help their beneficiaries on their path back to civilian life, dealing with any physical, mental, social or financial challenges along the way. Specialised caseworkers deliver face-to-face support tailored to each person’s unique needs, backgrounds and challenges.

The charity’s approach and services continue to evolve to meet the real needs of those who have served and their families. Known for their trusted programmes, and with data showing their value and impact (externally validated).

WWTW has unique expertise in providing support for ex-Forces with complex needs across the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Visit: www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk

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VETERANS UPDATE

November 20, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

19 Nov 25. First ever government female veterans’ forum to put ex-military voices at the heart of support. Female veterans are to be put at the heart of government support, through a new women veterans forum announced today.

Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP speaking at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

* New forum which will ensure the voices of women veterans are heard on issues such as housing, employment and health

* New oral history project to improve public understanding and recognition of the experiences and contribution of women veterans to keeping the nation safe

* Projects backed by up to £350,000, part of transformational new Veterans Strategy which recognises veterans as a national asset

Female veterans are to be put at the heart of government support, through a new women veterans forum announced today.

It comes after the Government published the Veterans Strategy last week, resetting how the nation supports and celebrates those who have served.

The UK’s estimated 270,000 female veterans will also gain better recognition for their crucial role in keeping the country safe through a new oral history project. The project will give the public a better understanding of the vital role women in the armed forces have played in keeping the nation safe and their experiences and life before, during and after service.

The initiatives will be unveiled today by Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. She previously served in the British Army’s Intelligence Corps, with deployments in the UK, Germany and Afghanistan.

Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP said: “As a veteran, I know first-hand the unique challenges women face in military service and the extraordinary contributions they make. With women now making up 13% of the UK veteran community, we need to make sure that they have a strong voice at the heart of Government. This government is renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served. Whether it’s accessing healthcare, housing or employment, I am especially proud of these initiatives to ensure that all women veterans feel respected, heard and catered for. The forum will provide a direct channel for women veterans to raise issues, and share their lived experiences on the topics that affect them – from housing and health and wellbeing, to employment and community support. The initiatives will also complement the launch of a new toolkit which will help service providers such as charities and health services to better cater to the needs of women veterans. To sit alongside the toolkit, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs has funded photography of female veterans, short films and a theatre production. ”

The announcements form part of the Government’s new Veterans Strategy, the first in seven years. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

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currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person ? any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

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VETERANS UPDATE

October 31, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

31 Oct 25. Staff from the Capita-run British Army Assessment Centre in Glencorse have been supporting Edinburgh-based Poppyscotland and military veterans in their preparations for Remembrance Day. As part of the Recruiting Group’s annual charity efforts, the team recently chose Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh as the focus of their volunteering efforts. The visit allowed the Assessment Centre staff to immerse themselves in the factory’s rich history and take part in the poppy-making process, guided by veterans from across the three military services. The team – which included military personnel and Capita colleagues who support British Army recruitment – joined veteran employees to learn about the evolution of poppy-making, and pledged to help raise the profile of Poppyscotland’s work. The visit highlighted the enduring value of care, community-driven effort, and reinforced the importance of remembrance as a living tradition. Established over 120 years ago, the factory continues to produce every poppy and wreath used in Scotland for remembrance; relying solely on charitable donations and the dedication of its veteran workforce.

“It was an honour to meet the veterans and see first-hand the incredible work being done at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory,” said Captain Sean Hamilton, SO3 at Assessment Centre Glencorse. “The humility, humour, and kindness of the staff left a lasting impression on us all. Supporting organisations like Poppyscotland is not just an obligation – it’s a privilege.”

Capita has recently re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and as part of its commitment to the Armed Forces community, the organisation encouraged team members who work with the Recruiting Group to use their company volunteering days as a means of supporting veteran charities and Army Cadet forces.

“Lady Haig’s Poppy factory is an impressive operation steeped in history; the team were deeply moved by the visit and made a commitment to continue raising awareness of the amazing work they do,” said Nicola Mackay, Assessment Centre Glencorse Manager.

31 Oct 25. Veterans and families get safe homes as £4.5m awarded to housing providers. Veterans who bravely served our country will get the homes they deserve, as £4.5m is awarded to 19 housing providers across the UK, to build 45 new homes and make critical common area improvements.

£4.5m has been awarded to 19 organisations across the UK to build 45 new homes and make critical refurbishments for veterans and their families as part of the Government’s wider £20m Capital Housing investment.
Announcement made at funding recipient in Fulham delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change commitment to provide homes for heroes.
This builds on the removal of local connection requirements for all veterans applying for social housing in England.

Veterans who bravely served our country will get the homes they deserve, as £4.5 million is awarded to 19 housing providers across the UK, to build 45 new homes and make critical common area improvements.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, announced the funding at The Stoll Foundation’s Kings Road Park development in Fulham yesterday [30 October 2025], where she opened Valour House. Valour House will provide secure, long-term accommodation for veterans and their families and the new funding will enhance shared facilities in the building.

The Veterans Capital Housing Fund provides grants to organisations that house veterans in every nation and region of the UK. Nine organisations, including in Wales, the South-East of England and London will receive major grants totalling over £3.9m, whilst a further ten organisations already undertaking projects will receive top-up grants of over £500,000. In addition to building new and affordable homes for our heroes, the funding will enable important refurbishments such as replacing roofs, boilers and windows and improving accessibility. To date, Veterans Capital Housing Fund has awarded over £12.5 million in grants, benefiting thousands of veterans and their loved ones. The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming publication of the Defence Housing Strategy. As part of the forthcoming Strategy, veterans and service personnel will see improved homeownership opportunities via a ‘first-dibs’ priority access to purchase new homes built on surplus MoD land.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, said: “Every veteran deserves a safe, secure place to call home. That’s not just a moral obligation – it’s a promise this Government is determined to keep. Today marks another significant step towards delivering the Prime Minister’s pledge to provide homes fit for our heroes across the United Kingdom. We’re delivering real change through the Veterans Capital Housing Fund and it was fantastic to see first-hand how these homes are providing veterans and their families with the security and support they need.”

Will Campbell-Wroe, Chief Executive for the Stoll Foundation, said: “The Stoll Foundation was delighted to have the minister officially open Valour House which will provide accommodation for veterans and their families for years to come. As the only specialist veteran housing provider that is registered with the Regulator of Social Housing we are proud to provide these high-quality homes at social rent in conjunction with the Greater London Authority and the Berkeley Group.”

In September 2024, The Prime Minister announced an ambition to ensure that “homes will be there for heroes.” To assist with this, regulations to exempt all veterans of the Regular Armed Forces from local connection tests in England were made. In addition, the government extended Op FORTITUDE and the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme with £3.5m additional funding until March 2026. Since its launch, Op FORTITUDE has taken over 4,100 referrals and supported over 1000 veterans into housing. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

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VETERANS UPDATE

October 24, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

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16 Oct 25. GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM) focused on advanced solutions for defense and government customers, and the Medal of Honor Foundation (MOHF) will celebrated a new strategic partnership at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition.

A Joint Commitment to Valor and Innovation

This week at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition, leaders from GM Defense and the Medal of Honor Foundation came together to announce a strategic partnership, joined by Medal of Honor Recipients Earl Plumlee and Florent Groberg. The strategic alliance establishes cooperation to preserve the Medal of Honor’s legacy, promote its core values, and integrate the MOHF mission—to Educate, Connect, Inspire, Preserve, and Support—with GM Defense’s dedication to national service and technological innovation.

“The Medal of Honor Recipients represent the pinnacle of courage, sacrifice, and selfless commitment—values that are deeply embedded in the mission of GM Defense and General Motors,” said Steve duMont, President of GM Defense. “This partnership allows us to align our corporate commitment to national service with the Medal of Honor’s enduring legacy. We are honored to support the Recipients in sharing their powerful stories of citizenship, integrity, and valor, which inspire our employees and the communities we serve.”

The MOU details four key objectives for the collaboration:

Supporting the Mission: Providing direct support to Medal of Honor focused activities, ensuring the continuation of programs that align with its core mission pillars.
Celebrating Medal of Honor Recipients: Leveraging GM Defense’s communications platforms, events, and resources to promote initiatives dedicated to celebrating Recipients and highlighting their service.
Sharing the Recipient Legacy: Creating unique opportunities for Medal of Honor Recipients to associate with GM and GM Defense brands, sharing their lived experiences of valor to foster a renewed sense of purpose and commitment among company teams.
Highlighting Innovation for Warfighters: Increasing awareness of GM Defense’s advanced technologies by strategically aligning Recipient narratives and engagements with the development and deployment of solutions, demonstrating their direct impact on warfighter safety, mobility, and mission success.

“Medal of Honor Recipients continue their service long after their military careers end, engaging with communities nationwide to share the Medal’s enduring values of courage, sacrifice, and service above self,” said John Shertzer, Executive Director of the Medal of Honor Foundation. “The vital support from GM Defense strengthens that mission, enabling us to extend the Medal’s reach beyond classrooms and into boardrooms, neighborhoods, and communities. Together, we are connecting lessons forged in combat with the innovations shaping today’s armed forces and ensuring that the legacy of service continues to inspire, educate, and unite Americans from every walk of life.”

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VETERANS UPDATE

October 17, 2025 by

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16 Oct 25. Chepstow Military Raceday November 5th 2025.

FREE MILITARY TICKETS: Please feel free to share the below link for free access to all serving and ex-Military or they can arrive on the day with id or in uniform.

Please see below the link and the codes is FORCES25 which will show the following from the website

https://tickets.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk/shop/cart.pl?myaction=choose_package&event_id=9999000082513896&voucher_name=FORCES25

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, the currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

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VETERANS UPDATE

September 12, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

03 Sep 25. General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB, OBE, DL, to Speak At Royal Hospital Chelsea Outreach Gala Dinner. The organisers of the Chepstow Military Raceday are delighted to announce the inaugural Royal Hospital Chelsea Outreach Gala Dinner, hosted by General Sir Adrian and Lady Bradshaw, the Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and his wife Sally. The dinner is to be held on November 4th at The Celtic Manor Hotel.

https://www.celtic-manor.com/

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw will give a talk at the dinner addressing Future Security Challenges for the UK and NATO From Heightened Russian Aggression
General Sir Adrian Bradshaw said, “The Royal Hospital is delighted to continue our support for the Chepstow Military Raceday and to launch our Gala Raceday Dinner this year. We are indebted to the Reuben Foundation for the wonderful donation of £10,000 this year, which will support our Veterans’ Outreach activities. We look forward to involving the Reuben Foundation and Arena Leisure in our UK-wide Veterans’ Outreach programme.
“The Chelsea Pensioners’ Veterans’ Outreach program is designed to extend to Veterans from all three of our Armed Services, some of the comradeship and social life enjoyed by our In-Pensioners, resident here in Chelsea. Spending time together socially is so important for Veterans and contributes significantly not only to their well-being and mental health, but also through the activities and the benefits of the Royal Hospital Active Agung program, their physical health. Furthermore, whilst spending time with us we may become aware of problems and frustrations with their daily lives with which we can help through connecting them face-to-face with representatives of a variety of government, charitable and other organisations who can provide professional assistance.”
Julian Nettlefold of BATTLESPACE Publications says, “My original intention in launching our event at Chepstow in 2013 was to draw attention to not only the Veterans but their carers as due to limited facilities, families are split apart when specialist long-term care is required. The very generous donation of £10,000 by the Reuben Foundation this year, takes the total amount raised by the Chepstow Raceday’s to over £340,000 for The Royal Hospital, SSAFA and Combat Stress since 2013.”
“The inclusion of this Gala Dinner will give our guests more networking opportunities, and the chance to relax in the excellent surrounding of the Marriott after a hard day at the Conference. The auction, managed by Steve O’Leary, now retired, will be held during the dinner, together with whisky tasting and other activities. A portion of the ticket revenues will be donated to the charities.”
Jilly Carrell of the Royal Hospital said, “The issues my family were faced with by the sudden and tragic onset of my late husband’s brain tumour required constant contact with him and my girls, at a hospital which was near home so we could carry on life as near as normal, particularly as both my girls were at school.”
Luke Admans, General Manager – Chepstow Racecourse “ We’re delighted to be yet again partnering with Battlespace to host another raceday raising funds and awareness for veterans of the military services. We’re thrilled to be working with Julian and the wider team to help launch this inaugural Gala Dinner. Chepstow Racecourse are proud to be associated with a great cause and are pleased to be renewing that support for this event in an even bigger way this year. We’re looking forward to November, and the involvement we have with the conference, gala dinner and hosting the raceday event.”
The cost of a dinner ticket including a donation to charity is £75.00 + VAT including drink on arrival. Please contact: Vanessa Hathaway: ;
Hotel Reservation: ttps://deltahotelsbymarriott.reservationscenter.com

For further details:
Amanda Skouse: ;
Julian Nettlefold:
Vanessa Hathaway: ;
“As a veteran of campaigns in Northern Ireland, The Balkans, The Gulf, and latterly two prolonged and very demanding wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, I have seen many comrades leave the Services carrying injuries both mental and physical that will be with them in some form for life.
When interviewed by the Commissioners for the post of Governor I therefore stated that if I got the job I would not only do my utmost to ensure that the 300 or so Pensioners continue to be cared for to the highest standards, and to preserve our glorious buildings for them and for the Nation, but that I would seek to leverage the influence and reputation of the Royal Hospital Chelsea to provide more direct support to veterans, particularly the elderly, living outside our Chelsea home.
This important programme will deliver on the aspiration to provide Outreach services to tens of thousands of veterans from all three Services who live outside the Royal Hospital.”
General Sir Adrian Bradshaw
KCB OBE DL – Governor
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SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, the currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

September 9, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

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General Sir Adrian Bradshaw will give a talk at the dinner addressing Future Security Challenges for the UK and NATO From Heightened Russian Aggression

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw said, “The Royal Hospital is delighted to continue our support for the Chepstow Military Raceday and to launch our Gala Raceday Dinner this year. We are indebted to the Reuben Foundation for the wonderful donation of £10,000 this year, which will support our Veterans’ Outreach activities. We look forward to involving the Reuben Foundation and Arena Leisure in our UK-wide Veterans’ Outreach programme.

“The Chelsea Pensioners’ Veterans’ Outreach program is designed to extend to Veterans from all three of our Armed Services, some of the comradeship and social life enjoyed by our In-Pensioners, resident here in Chelsea. Spending time together socially is so important for Veterans and contributes significantly not only to their well-being and mental health, but also through the activities and the benefits of the Royal Hospital Active Agung program, their physical health. Furthermore, whilst spending time with us we may become aware of problems and frustrations with their daily lives with which we can help through connecting them face-to-face with representatives of a variety of government, charitable and other organisations who can provide professional assistance.”

Julian Nettlefold of BATTLESPACE Publications says, “My original intention in launching our event at Chepstow in 2013 was to draw attention to not only the Veterans but their carers as due to limited facilities, families are split apart when specialist long-term care is required. The very generous donation of £10,000 by the Reuben Foundation this year, takes the total amount raised by the Chepstow Raceday’s to over £340,000 for The Royal Hospital, SSAFA and Combat Stress since 2013.”

“The inclusion of this Gala Dinner will give our guests more networking opportunities, and the chance to relax in the excellent surrounding of the Marriott after a hard day at the Conference. The auction, managed by Steve O’Leary, now retired, will be held during the dinner, together with whisky tasting and other activities. A portion of the ticket revenues will be donated to the charities.”

Jilly Carrell of the Royal Hospital said, “The issues my family were faced with by the sudden and tragic onset of my late husband’s brain tumour required constant contact with him and my girls, at a hospital which was near home so we could carry on life as near as normal, particularly as both my girls were at school.”

Luke Admans, General Manager – Chepstow Racecourse “ We’re delighted to be yet again partnering with Battlespace to host another raceday raising funds and awareness for veterans of the military services. We’re thrilled to be working with Julian and the wider team to help launch this inaugural Gala Dinner. Chepstow Racecourse are proud to be associated with a great cause and are pleased to be renewing that support for this event in an even bigger way this year. We’re looking forward to November, and the involvement we have with the conference, gala dinner and hosting the raceday event.”

The cost of a dinner ticket including a donation to charity is £75.00 + VAT including drink on arrival. Please contact: Vanessa Hathaway: ;

Hotel Reservation: ttps://deltahotelsbymarriott.reservationscenter.com

For further details:

Amanda Skouse: ;

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“As a veteran of campaigns in Northern Ireland, The Balkans, The Gulf, and latterly two prolonged and very demanding wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, I have seen many comrades leave the Services carrying injuries both mental and physical that will be with them in some form for life.

When interviewed by the Commissioners for the post of Governor I therefore stated that if I got the job I would not only do my utmost to ensure that the 300 or so Pensioners continue to be cared for to the highest standards, and to preserve our glorious buildings for them and for the Nation, but that I would seek to leverage the influence and reputation of the Royal Hospital Chelsea to provide more direct support to veterans, particularly the elderly, living outside our Chelsea home.

This important programme will deliver on the aspiration to provide Outreach services to tens of thousands of veterans from all three Services who live outside the Royal Hospital.”

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw

KCB OBE DL – Governor

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VETERANS UPDATE

September 5, 2025 by

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03 Sep 25. General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB, OBE, DL to Speak At Royal Hospital Chelsea Outreach Gala Dinner. The organisers of the Chepstow Military Raceday are delighted to announce the inaugural Royal Hospital Chelsea Outreach Gala Dinner, hosted by General Sir Adrian and Lady Bradshaw, the Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and his wife Sally. The dinner is to be held on November 4th at The Celtic Manor Hotel.

https://www.celtic-manor.com/

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw will give a talk at the dinner addressing Future Security Challenges for the UK and NATO From Heightened Russian Aggression

The cost of a dinner ticket including a donation to charity is £75.00 + VAT including drink on arrival. Please contact: Vanessa Hathaway: ;

Hotel Reservation: ttps://deltahotelsbymarriott.reservationscenter.com

For further details:

Amanda Skouse: ;

Julian Nettlefold:

Vanessa Hathaway: ;

This important programme will deliver on the aspiration to provide Outreach services to tens of thousands of veterans from all three Services who live outside the Royal Hospital.”

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw

KCB OBE DL – Governor

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VETERANS UPDATE

August 22, 2025 by

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20 Aug 25. Armed Forces community invited to Free Chepstow Military Race Day 2025. Free tickets are now available for this year’s Chepstow Military Race Day, taking place on Wednesday 5 November 2025 in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. A highlight in the Welsh racing calendar since 2013, the event brings together the Armed Forces community, supports and racegoers for a day of sport and fundraising.

Founded by Julian Nettlefold, publisher of BATTLESPACE and Chepstow Events, the Chepstow Military Race Day has raised over £400,000 for charity. Proceeds have helped SSAFA continue its life changing work supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. This year’s programme includes the first Chepstow Military Drone Raceday on Tuesday 4 November, hosted in association with the British Army Drone Sport Association. The day will feature drone racing and live C-UAS demonstrations (subject to safety clearance). Entry is free for all 5 November race day ticket holders.

Chepstow Racecourse will once again offer free entry to all past and present military personnel.

Julian Nettlefold, event founder, said: “We’re delighted to announce the inaugural Chepstow Military Drone Raceday on November 4 in association with the British Army Drone Sport Association. Subject to the safety case, we hope to have a number of close combat shotgun and rifle Counter-UAS systems displayed live. This builds on the success of the Military Raceday and continues to support SSAFA, The Royal Hospital Chelsea and Combat Stress.”

More information is available at: www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/military-raceday-2025

18 Aug 25. Terminally ill veteran’s benefits stopped by Department for Work and Pensions. CEO of Fighting With Pride on terminally ill veteran’s benefits stopped. Veterans awarded compensation under a government reparations scheme have seen their benefits wrongly stopped by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), according to a charity. Fighting With Pride, which supports LGBT veterans, says three of its members – including one who is terminally ill – have been affected since May. Under the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, payouts are meant to be ringfenced from assessment by the DWP and HM Revenue and Customs, meaning benefit entitlements should not be affected. Talking exclusively to BFBS Forces News, Fighting With Pride’s chief executive Peter Gibson said the minister responsible needs to “get a grip.”

“What needs to happen is somebody – the minister – inside the DWP needs to get a grip and make sure people in his department are not stopping veterans’ benefits,” Mr Gibson said.

He explained that incidents involving benefits being stopped first occurred in May. That case, which involved a terminally ill person, was rectified and the department gave assurances it would not happen again. However, Mr Gibson said that last week his organisation was alerted to two further instances in which benefits were stopped — which he described as “just not right.”

“What’s happened in the last few weeks is as these sums or reparations have arrived with individuals, the DWP has then stopped their entitlement to benefits.

“That’s just not right. This scheme, these monies, [veterans] are entitled to them without any deduction from their benefits. It’s ringfenced from consideration by DWP, and it’s ringfenced from consideration by HMRC.

“It’s just not right and it needs sorting out now,” Mr Gibson said.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme was announced by the government in December 2024 and is one of the key recommendations made by the judge-led inquiry into the experiences and treatment of LGBT people in Britain’s Armed Forces before the year 2000. Veteran explains why he won’t be wearing new Etherton Ribbon yet That inquiry, led by the late Lord Etherton, resulted in then-prime minister Rishi Sunak apologising on behalf of the state to all who had been impacted by the ban on LGBT people serving in the military. Since its launch, the scheme has faced criticism over delays in issuing payments. In July, Veterans Minister Al Carns announced he was increasing the number of staff working on the scheme and that the Office for Veterans’ Affairs was introducing a new automated payment system “to eliminate processing delays and administrative bottlenecks”. Mr Gibson said his organisation has received a high volume of phone calls and emails from veterans about the scheme since it was announced, adding that this latest problem will do nothing to ease concerns.

He said: “This just increases people’s anxiety.

“I can tell you from the correspondence we are getting, there is real anguish about how this scheme is being delivered. And every time something is a misstep for one or two veterans, it causes angst, anxiety and real unrest for those other veterans who are still waiting for their money to come through.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We are deeply proud of our veterans, and the contribution they make to our country. Compensation payments from the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme should not affect the amount of means-tested benefits. We have issued guidance to staff and are working closely with stakeholder groups to make sure DWP customers are aware of the rules.” (Source: forces.net)

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July 4, 2025 by

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27 Jun 25. Tyron Runflat Signs Commitment to Support Ex-Service Men and Women. Inventor of the world’s only multi-piece rubber Runflat system, Tyron Runflat, has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment demonstrating its dedication to supporting ex-service men and women. Headquartered in Loughborough, the firm is marking its support for the Armed Forces community by signing the pledge, which highlights the business’s support through future employment opportunities for veterans and their families. Tyron Runflat, known for its innovative run-flat tyre systems, has worked extensively within the defence industry around the world, with its products fitted on both military and civilian vehicles. The firm’s staff are based at its Thailand factory, in Pattaya, as well as its Loughborough headquarters.

Director at Tyron Runflat, Peter Simson, said of the news: “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a proud moment for everyone associated with Tyron Runflat. It emphasises our commitment to offering fair employment opportunities and support for those leaving the Armed Forces, which can be something many workplaces often overlook. We’re proud to be supporting armed forces veterans and their families by signing the Covenant. For us, this is a way to acknowledge the sacrifices made by service men and women, all while reinforcing our commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all members of our team. We’d love to see more businesses following suit and supporting this important pledge by signing it as well.”

Since 2001, Tyron Runflat has made it its mission to provide reliable and cost-effective tyre safety solutions. For example, the Tyron MultiBand locks the tyre onto the wheel rim in the event of a blowout, preventing catastrophic loss of control, giving the vehicle’s occupants the ability to get to a safe location. Tyron’s products are supplied throughout the world for police, fire and ambulance services, military, defence and security vehicles, civilian cars and leisure vehicles plus commercial and coach/minibuses.

26 Jun 25. Capita signs Armed Forces Covenant in Tower of London ceremony as part of its commitment to Armed Forces personnel. Capita plc (‘Capita’) has reaffirmed its pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, a charter that commits signatories to take steps to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces are treated fairly in their place of work. The Covenant focuses on ensuring members of the Armed Forces community have the same access to Government and commercial services and products as any other citizen. Support is provided in a number of areas including employment, healthcare, education, housing and financial services. Signatories of the Covenant include the UK Government and Devolved Administrations, the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Forces. Leading business process outsourcer Capita, which has considerable expertise across the defence sector and longstanding contractual partnerships with the MoD and Royal Navy, first signed the Covenant in 2016. Since 2021, Capita has led a consortium of defence and technology companies to transform shore-based training for Royal Navy personnel across fourteen sites – more than three m training days. Capita proudly partners with the British Army to recruit personnel and provides fire and rescue services for the MoD at 53 sites across the UK and Cyprus. The company also offers an employee network group for colleagues who have served in the Armed Forces and actively encourages former service personnel to apply for roles.

Adolfo Hernandez, CEO Capita, said: “Signing the Covenant is more than a symbolic gesture – it reaffirms our support for those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces. Capita is a major employer of former service personnel, and I am immensely proud to work with colleagues who have served their country. They bring a wide range of transferable skills that are helping to make Capita a better company, and this renewal is part of our commitment to create a supportive workplace where everyone is valued.”

Richard Holroyd, CEO of Capita Public Service, commented: “As a proud veteran who served in Britain’s Armed Forces for more than twenty years, Capita’s decision to re-sign the Covenant during Armed Forces Week means a tremendous amount to me both personally and professionally. The work Capita colleagues carry out on behalf of our clients positively impacts ms of citizens every day, and the work of our Defence businesses in partnership with the Government bolsters National Preparedness at a critical time. At Capita, we hugely value the skills and experience of those who have served in the Armed Forces.”

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June 6, 2025 by

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05 Jun 25. The Editor was honoured to be invited to the Royal Hospital Chelsea Founders Day Parade by the Governor General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, on a wet and soggy Thursday. It was so moving to see those brave old comrades inspected by The Duke Of Edinburgh, the parade in their red tunics marching in perfect Order unfazed by the torrential rain, to the band of the Irish Guards. Founder’s Day takes place every year around the same date and is an occasion that honours the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s founder King Charles II. The day is also known as ‘Oak Apple Day’ which marks the birthday and the date of the restoration of King Charles II. The story behind the Oak Apple symbolises the future King’s escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 when he hid in an oak tree, evading capture by the Parliamentary forces and to this day, this historic event is honoured by the Chelsea Pensioners who sport oak trees leaves on their iconic vibrant scarlet uniforms. There are 280 In-Pensioners, five of them are over 100 and the average is 82. There are veterans of the many campaigns that took place after 1945, with 10 having served in World War2

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23 May 25. Many congratulations to Chelsea Pensioner Patrick Cody of the Royal Hospital who once again won First Prize in the Royal Hospital Garden Allotment Competition at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show. Patrick is a friend of Harkness Roses. Here was recently photographed in his garden on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, showing his beautiful Remembrance rose planted in one of his 3 rose plots in the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea. An avid rose enthusiast, Patrick is often found in his garden tending to his collection of Harkness roses with utmost devotion and care. Patrick has an abundance of Harkness roses in his garden, all so lovingly nurtured: ‘Ena Harkness’, ‘Chandos Beauty’, ‘Claire Marshall’, ‘Guys Gold’, ‘Remembrance’, ‘Chelsea Pensioner’, to name a few. It is always a pleasure to visit Patrick, the roses are looking lovely. Rose ‘Remembrance’ is available to buy at roses.co.uk

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VETERANS UPDATE

May 9, 2025 by

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08 May 25. VE Day boost for veterans’ healthcare.

Government announces £1.8m investment to transform NHS care for veterans, serving personnel and their families.

New training for NHS workers to improve healthcare support for veterans.
Programme will improve access and outcomes for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Regional trainers will work with GP practices and mental health services to embed expertise where it is needed most

Armed forces veterans and their families will benefit from improved and targeted healthcare, the government has announced as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day. A new training programme will ensure NHS staff across the country are supported to meet the unique health needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families. The new programme will see NHS staff across England receiving dedicated training to help them identify and support patients with military backgrounds. GPs, doctors and NHS nurses will work with regional trainers to make sure they embed this support into their services. Veterans can require specialised care for injuries sustained in combat, as well as mental health support for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Many also struggle to navigate civilian healthcare systems and may not self-identify as veterans to NHS staff, putting them at risk of missing out on the additional services and bespoke services that are already available.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we’re honouring our Armed Forces not just with words, but with action. Too many veterans face a system that doesn’t fully understand their needs – that changes today. This new training programme will help NHS staff across England give our veterans the personalised care they deserve. Through our Plan for Change the NHS will deliver for those who have delivered for Britain.”

As of April 2025, every NHS Trust in the country became officially ‘Veteran Aware’, a status which means they have been recognised for demonstrating their understanding of military healthcare needs. The three-year training programme will build on this success and will be rolled out from October 2025 across England. The programme, backed by £1.8m, will support NHS bodies to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged because of their military service. The training will support healthcare providers to improve identification of Armed Forces personnel, deliver more personalised care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for veterans and their families. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

04 May 25. Prime Minister’s open letter to veterans ahead of VE Day.

An open letter from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to veterans ahead of VE Day celebrations.

In an open letter to veterans, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

To our veterans,

As we approach the VE Day anniversary, I want to salute your ongoing dedication to keeping our country safe.

This week, we celebrate the greatest victory our armed forces ever secured. And like so many families across the country, my relatives served and fought in the Second World War. Therefore, it is the highest honour of my role to meet veterans of that conflict. I think of people like Stanley Fisher and Mervyn Kersch, two Jewish veterans of the Normandy landings, who went on to become eyewitnesses to the horrors of the Bergen Belsen concentration camp in the early days of its liberation by British forces. Their stories – and countless others we will hear this week – are a reminder that our victory was not just for Britain. It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil. VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid.

Yet as the nation falls silent on Thursday, I know that my mind will also turn to those who carry the torch of their legacy in our armed forces today – people like you. As time marches on, we all have a responsibility to renew the bonds of our history so that future generations inherit our national story as their own. But alongside our history and our values, service is the other great force that binds a nation together. So this week, I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example. It is not just that you keep us all safe. It is also that you represent the best of who we are. A living link of service that unites the values we must stand for in the present, with the stories we must pass down from our past.

Furthermore, I know that this is not without sacrifice. I will always remember the conversation I had with a sub-mariner in Faslane, who brought home exactly what over 200 days a year underwater means for the simple things most families take for granted. Missing birthdays, weddings, anniversaries. Not being there in the photographs. From the Carrier Strike Group at sea, to our postings in Estonia, Cyprus and here in the UK, every service man and woman I have met has had a version of this story. And I recognise that this too is a debt that can never fully be repaid. But this week, the country will show you just how thankful we all are. Because we know, that without your service, the freedom, peace and joy that these celebrations embody, would not be possible.

So, wherever you are, wherever you serve, have a wonderful VE Day. And on behalf of a proud and grateful nation: thank you for your service. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

04 May 25. Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network. Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system being announced today, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.

As nation prepares to celebrate VE Day, the Government announces new UK-wide veteran support system, called VALOUR.
New VALOUR network will deliver easier access to care and support with new regional networks connecting housing, employment and health services in every corner of the UK.
Backed by £50m of funding, VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is truly data driven.

Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system being announced today, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.

£50m of funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres across the UK and and deploy Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional and national services – while harnessing the power of data to shape better services.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP and Veterans Minister Al Carns are announcing the new service during VE week, marking a major milestone in meeting this government’s manifesto promise to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant.

The new Regional Field Officers will bring together charities, service providers and local government to provide more evidence and feedback driven support for veterans, across housing, employment, health and welfare.

The first VALOUR support centres will be operational next year, tailored to the specific needs on the ground and focused on the demands for each location. This could include advice on how to book GP appointments, access welfare or support with housing issues.

The Ministry of Defence is announcing today it will invite veterans to help design VALOUR through research, focus groups and feedback. While VALOUR will initially focus on veterans, the service is designed to be scaled up to support the wider Armed Forces community in the future.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “The nation owes a duty to those who’ve served to defend our country, and it is only right that the Government steps up our support to them. The Armed Forces set most people up for success in life but when veterans need help then support is too often a postcode patchwork. Our plan to develop a UK-wide veterans support service will work with enterprising health, employment and housing charities and it is backed by the one of the largest ever Government funding commitments to veterans. This Government is delivering on our Plan for Change and renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve.”

VALOUR will harness the power of data to shape better service provision and ensure the right type of support is available for veterans at a local level.

As the delivery arm, field officers will work with local services including local government bodies, to share best practice and guidance. This will include applying the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, the nation’s promise to support the armed forces community and their families, which will soon gain legal footing as part of the manifesto commitment.

Veterans Minister, Al Carns, said: “As a veteran who served for 24 years, I recognise the unique challenges they’ve faced and the skills they possess. This new investment will ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support services in the way they need it. We are creating the UK’s first ever data-driven framework for veterans’ services, ensuring our resources are channelled to where they’re most needed and can make the greatest difference to those who have courageously served their country.”

Director General of the British Royal Legion, Mark Atkinson, said: “The Royal British Legion welcomes today’s announcement to improve and better coordinate government support for veterans under VALOUR. Whilst there are a range of government services already in place for veterans, these services can vary depending on where you live and your access to information about the services available. Improved coordination across health, housing, employment, and mental wellbeing services is crucial to helping veterans lead successful lives. We look forward to working closely with government and partner organisations to help turn these commitments into meaningful change. Over the past year, the Government has delivered for veterans, including by removing the local connection requirement for veterans seeking social housing and awarding £3.5m of new funding for homelessness services. The recent launch of Op ASCEND has been critical in ensuring veterans can get onto the career ladder and access meaningful jobs.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

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VETERANS UPDATE

May 2, 2025 by

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02 May 25. Launch of the Royal Hospital Chelsea Outreach Gala Dinner. The organisers of the Chepstow Military Raceday are delighted to announce the inaugural Royal Hospital Chelsea Outreach Gala Dinner, hosted by General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, KCB, OBE, DL, the Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and his wife Lady Sally Bradshaw, to be held on November 4th at the Marriott Hotel Delta Hotels St. Pierre Country Club St Pierre Park, Chepstow NP16 6YA.

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw said, “The Royal Hospital is delighted to continue our support for the Chepstow Military Raceday and the addition of our Gala Dinner this year. We are indebted to the Reuben Foundation for the incredible donation of £10,000 this year which will reinforce our Outreach activities and look forward to involving the Reuben Foundation and Arena Leisure in our UK-wide Outreach programme.

“Re-launched in April 2025, our comprehensive active ageing programme here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea encourages Chelsea Pensioners to support each other, just as they did in the British Army. This includes spending time together socially, accompanying each other on visits and activities, going with fellow Pensioners to external medical appointments, and visiting comrades in hospital.”

Julian Nettlefold of BATTLESPACE Publications says, “My original intention in launching our event at Chepstow in 2013 was to draw attention to not only the veterans but their carers as due to limited facilities, families are split apart when specialist long-term care is required. The very generous donation of £10,000 by the Reuben Foundation this year, takes the total amount raised to over £340,000 for The Royal Hospital, SSAFA and Combat Stress since 2013.”

“The inclusion of this Gala Dinner will give our guests more networking opportunities to relax in the excellent surrounding of the Marriott after a hard day at the Conference. The auction, managed by Steve O’Leary, now retired, will be held during the dinner, together with whisky tasting and other activities. A portion of the ticket revenues will be donated to the charities.”

Jilly Carrell of the Royal Hospital said, “The issues my family were faced with by the sudden and tragic onset of my late husband’s brain tumour required constant contact with him and my girls at a hospital which was near home so we could carry on life as near as normal, particularly as both my girls were at school.”

For further details:

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General Sir Adrian Bradshaw To Speak At Royal Hospital Chelsea Outreach Gala Dinner

April 25, 2025 by

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25 Apr 25. The organisers of the Chepstow Military Raceday are delighted to announce the inaugural Royal Hospital Chelsea Outreach Gala Dinner, hosted by General Sir Adrian and Lady Bradshaw, the Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and his wife Sally. The dinner is to be held on November 4th at The Celtic Manor Hotel.

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General Sir Adrian Bradshaw will give a talk at the dinner addressing Future Security Challenges for the UK and NATO From Heightened Russian Aggression

The cost of a dinner ticket including a donation to charity is £75.00 + VAT including drink on arrival. Please contact: Vanessa Hathaway: ;

Hotel Reservation: ttps://deltahotelsbymarriott.reservationscenter.com

For further details:

Amanda Skouse: ;

Jilly Carrell Nettlefold:

Vanessa Hathaway: ;

This important programme will deliver on the aspiration to provide Outreach services to tens of thousands of veterans from all three Services who live outside the Royal Hospital.”

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw
KCB OBE DL – Governor

VETERANS UPDATE

April 4, 2025 by

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03 Apr 25. Babcock elevates decade-long partnership with major armed forces charity. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the international defence company, has elevated its nearly decade-long support by becoming an official Corporate Partner of the armed forces charity, Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airman’s Families Association (SSAFA). As a UK-headquartered international defence company, we stand side-by-side with the armed forces, providing engineering, support, and critical systems around the world. Given the nature of our work, we are proud of our longstanding history of recruiting and developing ex-services personnel both in the UK and around the globe. Our size and breadth enable us to offer a range of career paths to veterans where their unique skills and experience are valued. Every year we recruit around 1,000 people into our business who have a connection to the armed forces, whether as a veteran, reservist, cadet-instructor, or as a member of an armed forces family. Our partnership with SSAFA focuses on supporting the mentoring service, helping to fund the training of volunteer mentors who will provide support and guidance to service personnel transitioning back into civilian life, some after many years in their military roles.

John Howie, Babcock’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said: “SSAFA’s invaluable work supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families aligns perfectly with our commitment at Babcock to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the armed forces community. We’re incredibly proud to elevate our long-standing relationship with SSAFA to an official Corporate Partnership.”

The Head of Corporate Engagement for SSAFA, Jenny King, added: “Supporting our mentoring service through an initial donation of £15,000 is an amazing way to launch our corporate partnership with Babcock. The mentoring service has a proven and successful track record of long-term support during transition and, for up to two years, post discharge, and it’s down to the invaluable backing of companies like Babcock that we can deliver it.”

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VETERANS UPDATE

March 7, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

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04 Mar 25. Cenotaph draped in Union Flags, Westminster Abbey service, concert and Flypast among plans unveiled to mark VE Day 80.
Four day celebrations will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe in May
* Commemorations will kick off on Bank Holiday Monday, which will see the Cenotaph dressed in Union flags, a Military procession and a flypast in London
* Street parties will also be held across the country and ceremony on HMS Belfast will kick off community celebrations
* 8 May will see a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey followed by a concert
* Service planned to mark VJ Day and the end of the war in the Far East in August
The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day will be marked this year with a series of events and celebrations that will share stories of the Second World War generation.
Victory in Europe (VE Day), which takes place on 8 May, marks the Allied victory in Europe. The news resulted in ms celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country. The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945 with VJ Day (Victory Over Japan).
The commemorations will pay tribute to the ms of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.
The early May Bank Holiday will see the beginning of the events to mark VE and VJ Day 80 with events planned including a Military procession and flypast of current and historic military aircraft, the return of the poppies to the Tower of London and a nationwide call for families to delve into their lofts and discover their own Second World War stories:
Monday 5 May:
* To ensure the commemorations act as a point of remembrance of the ms who lost their lives in the conflict as well as a celebration of peace, the commemorations will begin in Whitehall. The Cenotaph, the nation’s focal point of remembrance, will be dressed in Union Flags for the duration of the four day commemorations, echoing the 1920 unveiling of the monument to the fallen. From Monday 5 May, it will provide a focal point for the commemorations and a place to pay silent tribute to all those who died, both at home and abroad, during the Second World War.
* To honour and remember those who fell during the Second World War, there will be a Military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace followed by a flypast of current and historic military aircraft including the famous Red Arrows.
* The VE Day 80 commemorations will continue with a street party on HMS Belfast. HMS Belfast fired some of the opening shots on D Day in 1944 and protected Arctic convoys during the Second World War and is the most significant surviving Second World War warship.
* Street parties, barbecues and community get togethers, supported by ideas and inspiration from The Together Coalition and The Big Lunch, will be held by communities across the country, echoing the celebrations 80 years ago as the population welcomed the end of the war.
Tuesday 6 May:
* An installation of ceramic poppies will return to the Tower of London to mark the anniversary. Nearly 30,000 of the original poppies from the 2014 display at the Tower, which commemorated the centenary of the First World War, will be displayed in a new installation within the walls of the fortress. This poppies installation will resemble a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz and still bears some of those scars today. It will mark and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many during the Second World War.
* Historic landmarks across the UK will be lit up this evening.
Wednesday 7 May:
* On the evening of the 7th May 1945, a newsflash announced that the following day would be Victory in Europe Day. To commemorate this important moment in the nation’s history, the Parliament Choir will host a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert in the famous Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster, eighty years to the day that victory was declared.
Thursday 8 May:
* A service will take place at Westminster Abbey that will be both an act of shared remembrance and a celebration of the end of the war. It will be a moment to give thanks and to honour a generation that showed extraordinary courage and resilience.
* The events will conclude with a concert at the historic Horseguards Parade to finish the VE Day 80 commemorations in a celebratory tone, echoing how the nation reacted to the news 80 years before. With more than 10,000 members of the public in attendance, the concert will feature stars of stage and screen and military musicians and tell the story of victory and the legacy of the Second World War in Europe.
Friday 15 August:
* To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in the Far East, a service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum. In partnership with the government, the Royal British Legion will lead the nation in honouring and remembering those who fought and died during the War in the Far East.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day are important opportunities for communities to come together to pay tribute to all those who served in the Second World War and to reflect on the values that they were fighting for.
By taking part in these significant commemorations, people across society will be able to hear our veterans’ stories first hand, to reflect and remember, and ensure that their stories of sacrifice and service are remembered for generations to come.
Ruth Bourne, 98, a Second World War Wren working as a link in the chain of codebreakers who intercepted Nazi messages at Bletchley Park said:
There was an electric buzz among everyone and eventually the Royals came out and waved, and we cheered like crazy waving whatever we had on us. People climbed on every available lamppost, lit bonfires in Hyde Park and we sat around singing songs. Not many went to bed that night!
In partnership with Imperial War Museums, Letters to Loved Ones will encourage the public to delve into their family history to find letters sent by their relatives to loved ones during the Second World War. It is hoped that this will bring together first-hand testimonies from soldiers on the front line, and the women and children on the home front. Letters to Loved Ones will culminate in an event in May, bringing together school children and their families from across the UK.
From April through 2025, Arts Council England will work with arts organisations to join with their communities and creatively commemorate, celebrate and reflect on the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day. Funding will also be made available through the National Lottery Community Fund Awards For All programme for organisations to bid for grants to host events, activities and projects this year for communities to come together to commemorate the war and its impact on individuals and communities across the country.
Resources and educational material will be made available for schools and youth groups to help young people learn about the Second World War and the importance of the role played by their forebearers in securing the peace we enjoy today.
The Royal British Legion, the nation’s largest military charity, will be making resources available for schools and local communities across the country and working through its network of membership branches to mark the anniversary.
The commemorations will be UK wide with activities across the nations and regions. Further details on the fly past, national events and plans to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day across the UK, and how the public can get involved, will be announced in due course.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
80 years ago, the freedoms we enjoy today were defended by our remarkable Second World War generation.
Our duty today is to safeguard the British values they sacrificed so much to uphold.
As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, our grateful nation looks forward to joining our brave Armed Forces and veterans to reflect, rejoice and remember.
Dr Tara Knights, the Royal British Legion’s Head of Remembrance, said:
The Royal British Legion is proud to be marking the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day and will put Second World War veterans at the heart of these commemorations. These are significant anniversaries, and we owe it to all those from the Second World War generation to thank them for their bravery and sacrifice in the defence of freedoms we still enjoy to this day. We will be running educational and community engagement programmes to encourage everyone to get involved in this momentous occasion. The RBL is inviting veterans, or their family or carers on their behalf, to come forward and register to join in the commemorations.
Caro Howell MBE, IWM Director-General said:
As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we are reminded that this devastating conflict will soon pass from living memory. Through ‘Letters to Loved Ones’, we want a new generation of children across the UK to learn about the Second World War and its aftermath, through the stories and memories of their own families and the voices of those who were part of the fight against tyranny.
2025 marks the 80th anniversaries of some of the most significant moments in our history. The anniversaries that we are marking this year serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made across the world, and the events that have shaped our lives ever since.
Brendan Cox, co-founder of the Together Coalition which is helping to organise the community celebrations said:
We spend a lot of our time focusing on the things where we might disagree. VE day 80 is a great opportunity to celebrate what we have in common, and to use the celebrations to reach out to neighbours, friends and our wider communities.
A dedicated interactive website has been launched with latest information and ways to get involved at ve-vjday80.gov.uk (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

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SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, the currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
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VETERANS UPDATE

February 7, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

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04 Feb 25. Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT UK is delighted to reaffirm its commitment to the Visually Impaired Veterans Ski Club (VIVSC) by sponsoring another incredible skiing experience for visually impaired veterans in Canazei, Italy. This year, HENSOLDT UK donated £2,000 to the VIVSC, continuing its long-standing commitment to the armed forces community. The funding helps make the annual trip possible, allowing veterans to participate in a unique experience combining challenge, achievement, and camaraderie. The trip, which has been running for over 45 years, gives blind and visually impaired veterans the opportunity to ski with the guidance of experienced ex-military volunteer guides. Over the course of the week, participants push their limits, build confidence, and develop a deep trust with their guides and fellow veterans.

Marc Condon, Head of Internationalisation at HENSOLDT Optronics, participated again this year as a guide. As a British Army veteran himself, he was warmly welcomed back and immediately got involved. Reflecting on his time on the slopes, Marc said, “The level of trust between the veterans and their guides is incredible. Watching them conquer the slopes with such determination was truly inspiring. One of my most memorable moments was assisting the team working with a veteran using a sit ski. Seeing his resilience and progress firsthand was a reminder of just how impactful this trip is. Beyond the physical challenge, it has a huge positive psychological impact on our veterans and the entire support team. It prepares and recharges their mental battery and the ‘I can do this’ mindset that will sustain them over the coming year.”

A guide’s role extends far beyond skiing. From meeting at Heathrow Airport, they manage everything – equipment checks, logistics, and ensuring veterans are prepared for the slopes. Once skiing, they navigate busy areas, provide continuous verbal feedback, and ensure safety at every step. It’s physically and mentally demanding, but the trust between guides and veterans is absolute.

Veterans participating in the trip face significant challenges, from adapting to a new environment to overcoming the physical demands of skiing. Many described the experience as both exhausting and exhilarating, with some pushing their limits beyond what they thought possible.

Arthur Bloomfield of the VIVSC expressed his gratitude, stating, “HENSOLDT UK’s continued support has made a real difference to the club. The funding allows us to provide these veterans with an experience that is not only enjoyable but also life-changing. Having Marc on board as a guide has been fantastic, and we hope to see him again next year.”

Managing Director of HENSOLDT UK, Adrian Pilbeam, added, “This ski trip is an incredible example of teamwork, trust, and perseverance. The impact on visually impaired veterans is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to support such a meaningful initiative. Our ongoing support for this initiative reflects our wider commitment to the armed forces community, which is recognised by our Gold Employer status under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.”

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