FrontLine Magazine: The Commemoration Issue

Issue No. 18 | December 2018

The Commemoration Issue In this issue: ◆

Commemoration and Reflection

A look at the challenges of postWorld War One Britain ◆

Freedom and Independence

How our help gave Joseph Connor a new lease of life ◆

Enduring Support

The impact of our grants at Broughton House ◆

Supporter Stories

Eileen Prior recounts the WWII experiences of her late husband, Tom ◆

Mark Ramprakash

The England cricketer opens up about supporting our charity

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the ‘Commemoration Issue’ of FrontLine.

As we approach the end of the WWI centenary years, it seems wholly appropriate that this issue should carry the theme of ‘commemoration’. The 2014-2018 period has provided a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that were made by the Great War generation, as well as offering an opportunity to make tributes, both public and personal, to the fallen.

Such tributes range from the breathtaking ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ installation at the Tower of London, which captured the attention of the global media in 2014; to challenges such as Lizzie Rosewell’s ‘In the Footsteps of the Fallen’ (featured in the ‘Inspiration Issue’ of FrontLine earlier this year), which saw her complete 15 marathons in 15 days and raise thousands of pounds for our charity in the process.

Though our charity wasn’t established until 1944, in observing the end of the First World War, one can trace a dotted line to the reasons for our charity subsequently being founded. The Army Benevolent Fund, as we were then known, was set up by the Army as their national charity so that soldiers returning

from World War Two received the welfare support that had been so sorely lacking for those returning home in 1918 at the end of World War One. As such, our formation was, and continues to be, one of the many legacies of ‘the war to end all wars’ (see pages 6-7).

Also in this issue: a look at our brand new Big Curry campaign, which will be encouraging you all to ‘make your curry count’ with a Boxing Day Big Curry; the stories of Joseph Connor, Andrew ‘Ossie’ Osbourne and Jack Pilkington – all veterans who have benefitted from our support; and the usual updates on news and events from our offices around the country. In keeping with the theme of this issue, we will also be looking back at the astounding success of our WWI battlefields tour event, the Frontline Walk, which has now raised more than £1 million since its inception in 2014!

I hope you enjoy the issue.

Yours, in commemoration.

Tom Cuff-Burnett

Contents 02 National News

08 Paving the Way to Independence

A look back at some of the head office headlines from the past six months

Hear how resurfacing a WWII veteran’s driveway has given him licence to roam

One of our flagship events reaches a fitting milestone in 2018

04 Regional News

10 Broughton House

18 Make Your Curry Count

We round up some of the sterling work that’s taken place around the country since June

We bring you the stories of two residents enjoying life at one of the oldest established care homes in the North West

Raise money with a Boxing Day Big Curry this Christmas

12 The Big Picture

The story of Tom Prior’s WWII service, as told by his wife, Eileen

06 The End of The Great War We look back at what happened after the guns fell silent on 11 November 1918

Archive imagery showing the scenes of elation following the announcement of the end of the war in 1918

16 WWI Frontline Walk Raises £1,000,000

20 D-Day Survivor

22 VIP Interview: Mark Ramprakash We speak to the England cricketer about his support for our charity

FrontLine Issue No. 18 Cover: Darren Keightley taking in the graves at Honnechy British Cemetery during the second Frontline Walk of 2018, which followed the route of the Hundred Days Offensive.

The Commemoration Issue, First published 2018. © ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Whilst every effort is made to check the information in FrontLine, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

Editor

Special Thanks

Design and Art Direction

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity

Tom Cuff-Burnett

Mark Ramprakash Professional Cricketer’s Association Broughton House Velmead Junior School

Pete Black Ltd

Registered Office: Mountbarrow House 12 Elizabeth Street London SW1W 9RB T 020 7901 8900 E info@soldierscharity.org

Contributors Helen Carter Carole Holbrook

Guest Photography Ed Smith Photography Naomi Gabrielle Imperial War Museum National Army Museum

Chief Executive’s Welcome In writing this foreword, my first thought is ‘where on earth has the year gone?’ Perhaps it is age catching up with me, or just the pace of modern life, but I do find the months spin by very quickly here in the charity. As much as anything, this reflects just how busy this year has been for all of us in our various roles.

This edition captures again the sheer breadth and variety of our work, but of course this year has been especially poignant given the 100th anniversary of the events in 1918. As our editor rightly points out, our existence and current work can absolutely be traced back to the Army’s determination in 1944 not to repeat the failures to adequately care for our people in 1918, as they became overwhelmed by the sheer scale of need following the First World War. Many of our events have accordingly had a centenary flavour and some examples are described in this edition. It has certainly helped remind us of the continuing fundamental purpose of our work. For me personally, the highlight has been attending the Service of Commemoration in Westminster Abbey on 11th November followed by watching the huge column of people marching past the Cenotaph. Many others have made the trip out to Flanders to pay their respects to past members of their family, or comrades from their Regiment or Corps.

This year, we have had a further look at our grants programme to see how we might continue to develop it and, in particular, improve our support to those who are in need but are perhaps too proud to ask for help. Good governance remains another critical area of our work, not only to stay on track with the increasingly complex regulations but also to make sure we behave in an entirely appropriate way towards our many supporters.

Next year we will mark the 75th anniversary of the charity’s creation. This is certainly not the time for lavish events to mark the occasion, but we do want to use the opportunity to re-state our fundamental purpose, reflect on the work we do and continue to expand our supporter base. It is also timely to reflect on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, which was another important catalyst for our existence.

The charity remains in very good shape and every day we either deal with, or see, the direct impact of our work, whether that be through grants to individuals or the many charities and organisations that we fund.

None of that could happen without all of our supporters and, as ever, this publication captures the remarkable energy and dedication of all those who have helped us in their various ways. Thank you!

Martin Rutledge Chief Executive, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity

Commemoration is entirely appropriate but the charity must also keep an eye on the future.

Grants & Welfare update Since the start of the new financial year in April 2018, we have seen increasing demand for our support from across the Army community.

We have helped more individuals in the first six months than in the same period last year, awarding more than 2,200 grants to individuals. While the number of cases is, in some cohorts,

declining – such as the wounded, injured and sick veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts – the complexity of these cases drives the costs up; a trend on which we must maintain a close eye to ensure we are able to continue to provide for these individuals over the years to come.

Awarding grants to other charities

and organisations that support the Army family remains a significant component of our grants programme.

Already this year we have awarded 55 grants, totalling more than £2.2m, supporting a wide range of organisations delivering essential services to the Army family, whether serving or retired.

Case numbers

Grant costs

Time

Although individual case numbers are dropping, grant costs are increasing due to the complexity of cases

2,200

£2m

55

£

Individuals have received financial assistance so far this year (first six months)

Has been disbursed to individuals in need over the last six months

Charities and other organisations have received grants so far this year

Our grants to other charities and organisations have ranged from £15,000 to £350,000

National News The Big Curry is back!

It’s that time of year again and our Big Curry campaign is back with a new look. We’ve built a brand new website and scoured the globe to bring you a host of fresh recipes to get the tastebuds tingling. Whether it’s a tikka for two or a bhuna big enough to feed a battalion, having a Big Curry is a BIG opportunity to raise money for the

Lights, camera, action!

While our grants team has been busy making sure our help is delivered to where it is needed most, we’ve been scurrying around the country with a video camera to find out, first-hand, what those who have been on the receiving end of our support have to say!

We’ve been working alongside AWOL Media – a production company owned and run by three ex-service personnel – to bring you our collection of videos; visiting the men and women 02

soldiers, veterans and their families who need our help.

Turn to page 20 to find out how you can get involved and make your curry count!

Check out our new website at

soldierscharity.org/bigcurry to find out more.

we have helped and listening to the truly inspiring ways in which your support has positively impacted theirs, and their families’, lives.

You may already have seen a few of the videos published via our social media channels, including that of Al Hodgson. Despite losing both legs in an IRA bomb blast whilst serving as a 21-year-old Paratrooper in Northern Ireland, Al went on to represent Great Britain in the skydiving World Championships, competing against able-bodied rivals in a sport that has no separate disabled category.

We will continue to bring you more videos next year, so keep your eyes on our social media pages for the latest instalment, or head over to our YouTube channel where you can watch them all to your heart’s content youtube.com/

soldierscharity

Supporting employment with £380,000 grant to RFEA Earlier this year, The Soldiers’ Charity awarded RFEA - The Forces Employment Charity, a grant of £380,000 towards providing comprehensive employment support to Army veterans and reservists.

Of this grant, £125,000 will go towards the Bridging the Gap project, which provides employment advice, guidance and mentoring to Wounded Injured and Sick (WIS) Army veterans.

Currently, WIS Service leavers receive two years of employment support from the government.

For some, this duration of support is not enough. The individuals being supported through Bridging the Gap are often highly vulnerable veterans with many complex

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity receives £15,000 to help Army families In September, we gave Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity a grant of £15,000 to help Army families that are caring for a seriously ill child. Rainbow Trust is a national charity based in Surrey, with eight care teams of Family Support Workers across nine locations in England.

Our grant will provide a vital boost to the Trust’s South West Care Team, based in Chippenham, enabling them to deliver greater support to Army families in the area, while also reaching out to more families who might be in need of support.

Rainbow Trust Chief Executive, Zillah Bingley, welcomed the grant,

75 Not Out! We’re sure it won’t have escaped your notice, but 2019 will mark an extra special year for our charity as we turn 75 years old! Since the very first meeting of trustees, held on 15 August 1944, we have remained steadfast, with

challenges in their lives. Most have been long-term unemployed and have a variety of issues that include physical impairments and mental health challenges, which make it difficult for them to obtain – and maintain – employment. The Bridging the Gap project provides expert vocational case-working support through three Specialist Vocational Advisors (SVA’s), ensuring that Army WIS veterans receive seamless employment support, irrespective of where they are on their recovery journey.

In the first phase of Bridging the Gap, 118 individuals received support, with just over a third achieving their employment objectives within a year and 100% of beneficiaries reporting an increase in their motivation and aspiration. John was one of the beneficiaries struggling with PTSD following an incident while serving in Cyprus when he turned to RFEA and The Soldiers’ Charity for help.

John said: “I found transition very difficult and like many ex-soldiers found it hard to even ask for help.

RFEA and The Soldiers’ Charity have helped me no end and are still helping me move on with my transition into civilian life”.

Following the success of the first phase, RFEA and The Soldiers’ Charity are now commencing the second phase of Bridging the Gap, expanding the project with the aim of supporting an additional 40 individuals in more regions.

We are extremely grateful for the support of The Garfield Weston Foundation, who have generously made a contribution of £30,000 towards this next phase.

saying: “We are extremely grateful to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for its generous grant. Living in a camp or community environment can be challenging and isolating, especially if one parent is away on active service at times of crisis. This money will help our Family Support Workers deliver vital support in response to families’ specific needs.”

Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity added: “Tough times in families are hard, especially when it involves an ill child, and therefore we must do our upmost to help make every minute spent together precious. Rainbow Trust is an amazing charity which really helps those in need. The support it gives is tremendous and The Soldiers’ Charity would like to thank you for the work you do.”

one core purpose at our heart: to ensure that all soldiers, veterans and their families have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity. We’ll be bringing you a few special events and some limited-edition goodies to mark the occasion, so keep an eye out for announcements.

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Regional News Tower of London hosts WWI Commemoration Dinner On 25th June 2018, our London office hosted a splendid black-tie evening at the Tower of London, to mark the centenary of World War One. On a warm, sunny summer’s evening, guests were treated to a private viewing of the Crown Jewels before a champagne reception, with entertainment provided by awardwinning electric violinist, Sarah Mallock. Before dinner, the Band of The Irish Guards performed a

Intu Trafford Centre continues support in the North West Last year, our charity was selected as one of three Fountain Fund Charities supported by the Intu Trafford Centre, following an online vote by the Greater Manchester public. One of the ways in which this supports our work is by donating a share of the funds thrown into one of the seven fountains in the Trafford Centre.

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rousing Beating Retreat in front of our President, General Sir Mike Jackson, with the Chief of the General Staff, General Mark Carleton-Smith CBE, taking the Salute.

Our host was The Constable of the Tower, General The Lord Houghton, who had kindly nominated us as charity of the year for 2018 in order to support this commemorative event. A delicious five-course dinner was served, with charming music by a quintet from The Band of The Irish Guards playing throughout and stunning silver centrepieces adorning each table, kindly lent to us by the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC).

Since the start of the partnership in November last year, we have held six coin-counting days and, with the support of soldiers and volunteers from the Army Foundation College Harrogate, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment and The Royal Dragoon Guards, we have counted a total of ÂŁ15,563. This money will go towards our important work in the North West, as well as contributing to our wider charitable grants around the UK. Thank you to the generous Manchester public!

A silent auction ran during the evening, with some wonderful prizes donated by many generous supporters. After dinner, guests enjoyed a special talk from our guest speaker, Sir Max Hastings, followed by an entertaining live auction hosted by Nick Bonham, with some fantastic lots donated by friends of the charity, including Masterchef, Cyrus Todiwala.

All told, a wonderful evening was had by all and we owe a huge debt of thanks to Artemis Investment Management for sponsoring the event; to Pol Roger for providing the champagne; and to caterers, Jackson Gilmour, for laying on the delicious five-course feast.

Wheels on the Western Front 2018 tops £100k This summer saw the third instalment of our hugely popular cycling event, Wheels on the Western Front. Once again, the event was a roaring success, with more than 60 riders completing the demanding 428-mile route in just six days.

Battling extreme weather conditions – from blistering heat and highs of 36°C to torrential rain, hail and thunderstorms – the riders maintained their camaraderie and determination as they cycled to pay homage to the soldiers who fought in The Great War. A huge thanks to Green Jersey French Cycling Tours for providing excellent guidance and logistical support throughout.

2019 sees a special Wheels on the Western Front to mark the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Normandy landings. The route will pass places of huge significance, providing opportunities to pay your respects to the sacrifices made by British and other Allied Forces. For more information, visit soldierscharity.org/wotwf

of which Andy is also an ambassador.

Additional sponsorship also came from Totally Wicked UK. The fundraising target for the challenge was originally set at £5,000, but the total ended up far exceeding that, with more than £7,000 in donations being collected both online and throughout the journey. As well as the major garrisons of Colchester, Aldershot and Catterick, Andy and Glen’s route took in the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, where Andy laid a wreath at the memorial to the men and women that have been lost in conflict since the Second World War. Andy and Glen

were also joined on the route by Ollie Ollerton: former Special Forces soldier and one of the stars of Channel 4’s ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’.

Reflecting on the challenge, Andy said: “The first day was very emotional after laying the wreath and seeing friends’ names on the wall at the Arboretum. The next few days were hard going, trying to grip, steer and accelerate at the same time, so I was incredibly sore at the end of each day, but thinking of who I was doing this for – those who have lost their lives, including some of my friends, and their families – kept me going.”

Andy Reid raises more than £7k in Garrisonto-Garrison Challenge Our intrepid ambassador, Andy Reid, has completed yet another epic journey in aid of our charity, alongside fellow veteran Glen Hughes (who joined Andy on the Warrior Challenge in 2017).

In 2009, whilst on patrol with 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in Afghanistan, Corporal Andy Reid stood on a pressure plate improvised explosive device. As a result of the explosion, he lost his right leg below the knee, left leg above the knee, and right arm.

The Garrison-to-Garrison Challenge, set by Andy and Glen themselves, saw Andy pilot a 1600cc trike along an 800-mile route that stretched between three of England’s largest Army garrison towns: Colchester, Aldershot and Catterick. The expedition was generously supported by Morson International, a recruitment and technology company based in Salford,

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FrontLine | The Commemoration Issue

The Great War: 1914-1918 The end of the First World War brought about innumerable changes to society. Those lucky enough to return from the fighting came back to a drastically altered UK landscape – one that was economically, socially and politically unprepared for their homecoming. We asked former colleague and history enthusiast, Helen Carter, for her summary of the challenges faced by the men and women post-1918, and how they in turn led to our charity being established towards the end of the Second World War.

The jubilation of the signing of the Armistice on 11th November 1918 was certainly short-lived. Even as the church bells rang out at the eleventh hour, telegrams were delivered informing parents and partners of the death of a beloved son, daughter or spouse. The poet Wilfred Owen’s mother was one such unfortunate to receive the news of her son’s death as the nation celebrated.

In addition to the 953,104 British and Empire dead, there were more than 2.1 million wounded and sick men and women. Many more would succumb to the Spanish influenza epidemic that swept across every theatre of war and at home. The welfare of the veterans and their many dependents was to be a significant

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challenge for British society in the aftermath of the war.

Many veterans endured extended medical treatment – some had limbs replaced at Roehampton, others were to receive cutting-edge plastic surgery at Sidcup. Blinded veterans were supported by St Dunstan’s (now Blind Veterans UK), but those with mental health injuries were less fortunate.

Suicide among male and female veterans was not uncommon.

For those struggling in their darkest hours, comradeship and understanding were often found in the newly-formed British Legion, or in regimental associations. Most returned home simply hoping to resume normal civilian life and to forget the war.

Prime Minister David Lloyd George’s

planned “land fit for heroes” was a short-lived dream. Whilst the political franchise was extended to many returning ex-Servicemen and women, practical change was slow in a country severely in debt as a consequence of the war effort. War pensions were granted but cut for most a few years after the war, leaving many veterans struggling in a culture where the disabled were not seen as employable.

Issue 18 | December 2018

Opposite page: Carrying a wounded soldier to a first aid post, Passchendaele, Belgium. Above, clockwise from top left: Men of the 11th Battalion, The Cheshire Regiment, man a trench near La Boisselle; North-country troops bring rations up to the frontline during the Battle of Menin Road; convalescent soldiers of the 8th Hussars, some holding examples of occupational therapy, and nurses, in a hospital in 1915; a medic tends to a wounded soldier on the Western Front. All images ©️ NAM.

Even for the able-bodied, many found that their old jobs were filled by those who had not fought, or that the jobs had simply ceased to exist. Private Frank Richards, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was frequently out of work, recounting stories of former officers and soldiers selling matches on street corners to earn pennies to feed themselves.

The Great Depression of 1929 to the late 1930s coincided with a growing anti-war movement that threw doubt on the sacrifices made for victory in 1918. The anti-war movement was not anti-warrior, but there was little political appetite to focus on the needs of the veteran community in the face of wider economic challenges.

There was a great call on regimental associations and charities for funds to support many veterans.

In the absence of an effective welfare state, it was fortunate that many of the hundreds of charities created to support the war effort between 1914 and 1918 were able to support veterans in need after the war.

The British public was as unstintingly generous in peace as it had been in

war, in spite of economic hardship.

The Service charities evolved from simply providing grants and welfare support to actively campaigning for the rights of veterans.

Conflict continued after the Armistice – in Russia: pre-partition Ireland: the newly-formed countries of the Middle East and the Balkans: and on the old battlefields of India’s North-West Frontier Province.

Meanwhile, in a politically violent and unstable Europe, the ground was being laid for the next war.

When the Second World War broke out in 1939 there was, perhaps, a better understanding of the challenges to be faced. Not only were veterans of the Great War stepping up to re-enlist for Regular service or service with the Home Guard, but many that had served as young officers and soldiers between 191418 now held senior military, civil service and political appointments.

Field Marshal the 1st Earl Haig had established the Haig Fund, the Haig Homes, and lobbied the government for financial support for veterans of the war. It was his men and women –

military, ex-military and the kin of the dead and veterans – who were now in a position to ensure there was support in place for the next generation of veterans.

In 1944, around three million British soldiers were at war in Europe, Africa and the Far East. With the end of the war in sight, the Army Board realised that the state would not be able to provide for all the needs of those who would soon return to civilian life. The Army Benevolent Fund came into being on 15th August 1944 to help meet those needs.

Since the end of the Second World War, the scale of charitable need has been sustained despite the emergence of the welfare state and National Health Service. That need has been matched by enduring public support for military charities throughout peace and conflict.

There is possibly no greater act of commemoration than a donation to a military charity by the descendants of the grateful nation who listened to the church bells ring out at the eleventh hour on 11th November 1918.

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FrontLine | The Commemoration Issue

A Lifetime of Support As the Army’s national charity, we are proud to uphold our commitment to the men and women of the British Army, regardless of when or where they served. ‘For Soldiers. For Veterans. For Families. For Life’ is not merely a strapline – it is our promise. The stories outlined in the following pages feature individuals who have had the benefit of that enduring support when they have needed it most. On the eve of our 75th anniversary in 2019, we remain as steadfast as the day we were founded, ready to respond to whatever challenges may face the Army family in the years to come.

Enabling independence and freedom for a WWII veteran Joseph Connor is a sprightly 94-yearold WWII veteran. At the age of just 18, Joseph served as a Trooper with the 15th (Scottish) Reconnaissance Regiment, driving a Humber lightarmoured vehicle.

Joseph served from 1942 to 1945 and was involved in frontline action in France, including the Allied invasion

of Normandy. Here his job was to go forward as part of the recce team, fire and pinpoint enemy positions and report back to his unit, often ending up in the front vehicle going towards German-held positions. However, in true, understated military fashion, he simply describes these missions as “a bit dodgy”!

“Even though I left the Army nearly 70 years ago, The Soldiers’ Charity helped me like it was just the next day.”

Our mobility grants ensure that practical financial assistance is given to soldiers, veterans or members of their immediate family when they need it most. Whether it’s vital home adaptations, like those we made to Joseph’s driveway, or providing funds for items such as specialist electrically-powered vehicles (EPVs), our funding helps to prevent isolation and provide independence and dignity to the Army family.

More recently, Joseph was proud to be one of the British veterans awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur by the French government, for the part that he played in the liberation of France during the Second World War. Joseph lives in his own home on the outskirts of Glasgow but now has limited mobility, so uses an electrically-

Issue 18 | December 2018

powered scooter to get around. However, due to the raised front court of his driveway, he often had difficulty getting from the house to his car or scooter, having to negotiate a set of steps down to the pavement. This became hazardous in the winter, when the steps and driveway became covered in ice and snow. It also meant that Joseph had to store his mobility scooter in a lock-up a few streets away.

Upon hearing of his situation, our charity funded a new driveway in June 2017 that allowed Joseph to drive his car and mobility scooter right up to his front door. This has turned his life around and he can now get to and from town with ease. Speaking about how much it has helped him, Joseph says: “When The Soldiers’ Charity helped me, it really did make a big, big difference.

Without their grant, I would have actually had to move home. I now have my independence again, so thank you.”

Top right: Joseph with a picture of himself as a young soldier alongside the clipping of an article in his local newspaper about his exploits in the 15th (Scottish) Reconnaissance Regiment. Right: Joseph, pictured left, as a young man in the Army in 1943.

Your support enables us to be there for other veterans like Joseph, allowing them to enjoy their independence in later life.

Donate online at

soldierscharity.org/donate Or send a cheque made payable to ‘ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’ to: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity,

FrontLine Commemoration Issue, Mountbarrow House, 12 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB Joseph proudly standing outside his house, demonstrating the improved access he now enjoys thanks to the new driveway.

Or call us on 020 7901 8912 09

FrontLine | The Commemoration Issue

Supporting veterans at Broughton House Last year, we provided grants to 85 other charities and organisations, to enable them to provide specialist support to the Army family. These partner organisations work across a wide spectrum of need: from care for the elderly, family support and housing to education and training, mobility and vital psychological health services.

One such organisation is Broughton House. Established in 1916, it provided treatment to the thousands of soldiers returning from the trenches of WW1. It has since evolved into a dedicated charity and nursing home

for veterans, enabling them to live their remaining years among friends.

The Soldiers’ Charity has provided long-term support to Broughton House, with our most recent grant to them being £90,000. Our grant covers the difference in cost between what is provided to a resident by the state plus any personal contribution they are able to make, and the actual cost of being a resident. This enables Army veterans like Jack and Ossie (whose stories are detailed below) to live in dignity and safety in a residential care home that meets their needs.

Andrew ‘Ossie’ Osborne, formerly of The Parachute Regiment Ossie Osbourne, 91, joined the Broughton House family five years ago and is a much-loved character in the home. Ossie joined the Army when he was 17, as a Para in the Parachute Regiment. He was trained at Ringway, which is now Manchester Airport, and the drop zone was Tatton Park.

The Second World War had just ended so Ossie’s battalion was sent to Palestine on a peacekeeping mission on the Gaza strip. Following Palestine, the Regiment was 10

disbanded and they became a Territorial Army unit. Ossie then took on the role of Lance Corporal Cook in A Company, 4 Para. He was asked to change his insignia to that of the Army Catering Corps, but, loving jumping too much, he refused.

In order to keep his wings, he used to leave the cook house, undertake a jump, then go back to the cook house and continue making the meals!

Ossie served for 40 years, completed hundreds of jumps and is visited weekly by his regiment at Broughton

House. Due to our charity’s funding support, Ossie and many other Army veterans enjoy a varied and fulfilling life at Broughton House. Ossie enjoys going on excursions, including going to church and to the local pub once a week. As part of the treatment programme on offer to residents at Broughton House, Ossie receives weekly chiropody and physiotherapy. Our charity is giving Ossie the opportunity to live out his twilight years with dignity, comfort and fun.

Issue 18 | December 2018

Jack Pilkington, formerly of The Royal Engineers Jack Pilkington, 84, is a former Royal Engineer from Salford. Prior to undertaking National Service, Jack worked in the drawing office in Trafford Park at a firm that manufactured buildings. Jack spent two years on National Service between 1956 and 1958. Aged 23, he headed to Malvern and did a couple of weeks training. Jack says: “It was ‘square bashing’, stand-by-your-beds stuff... instilled discipline in you that you carried with you for the rest of your time in the Forces.”

Jack was then posted to Farnborough, where he undertook training with plastic explosives. From there he was posted to Maidstone in Kent, where he saw out the rest of his training and had the opportunity to spend some time studying at Maidstone Technical College, to pursue his interest in engineering.

In 1957, he was posted to Christmas Island as part of Operation Grapple.

Op Grapple was the name of four series of British nuclear weapons tests of early atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs, carried out in 1957 and 1958.

In total, nine nuclear explosions were initiated, two of which were detonated from balloons. A moratorium on testing came into effect in October 1958 and Britain never resumed atmospheric testing.

Looking back on his time on Christmas Island, Jack says: “We had to build our own water tanks so the bowsers could provide us with the essentials. At the time, I was with the Headquarters Branch and we were tasked with building shelters at certain crucial positions on the island. We also built aircraft hangars, putting concrete down so the aircraft could land there and be parked up. Before

we left, we were invited to assemble at one end of the island in our tropical gear, complete with goggles and we were given a two-minute countdown and then there was this blast. It turns out a balloon had flown over the island and out to sea, where subsequently there was a hydrogen bomb dropped.

The heat from that was such that even with the goggles on you had to put your hands over your eyes. It was quite a blast and an experience.” When testing ceased, Jack sailed back home via the Panama Canal, Venezuela and across the Atlantic Ocean, bringing to an end his eventful time in National Service.

Jack never married and has now been at the home for six years. He says: “I am grateful for the work of The Soldiers’ Charity in supporting me and the other veterans here at Broughton House.”

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FrontLine | The Commemoration Issue

The Big Picture: Armistice Celebrations The signing of the Armistice on 11th November 1918 sparked scenes of jubilation across Europe, with thousands of people taking to the streets to celebrate the end of the hostilities. The images below give a sense of the relief and joy expressed by the crowds outside Buckingham Palace in London, as well as the truly allied nature of the war effort, as American and British soldiers and nurses celebrated together in Paris.

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Issue 18 | December 2018

Left: The “Cease Fire”: a copy of the message sent to the Artists’ Rifles notifying them of the end of hostilities.

Euphoric crowds cheering outside Buckingham Palace.

A group of happy, smiling women in an American automobile in London on 11th November 1918.

An American soldier and an American nurse, flanked by two British soldiers, celebrating the signing of the Armistice near the Paris Gate at Vincennes in Paris on 11th November 1918.

Right: Revellers sit and stand atop a London bus during the Armistice Day celebrations.

All images ©️ IWM

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Corporates, Trusts & Partnerships Soldiers’ Charity XI reclaims the City Invitational Cup trophy The third annual City Invitational Cup returned to the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) on 12th September this year, to raise funds towards our charitable partnership with the HAC – the HAC1537 Partnership.

Our invitational teams were once again captained by two England cricketing legends: Matthew Hoggard – one of England’s heroes in the famous 2005 Ashes victory (who also played in this inaugural fixture in 2016) – took the helm of The Soldiers’ Charity XI, while Dominic Cork – who made 37 Test appearances for England, taking 131 wickets – led out The City Select XI. The latter elected to bat first, finishing with a respectable total of

Our ‘Influencers in Business’ network hits new heights with Barclays in Canary Wharf Barclays was the generous host of our third ‘Influencers in Business’ networking event, inviting guests to enjoy the views from the top of their offices at One Churchill Place.

Our guest speaker for the evening was charity ambassador, Major Kate Philp, who shared her experiences of dealing with change and adversity.

As a former Royal Artillery officer, Kate was the first British female

A growing partnership with Vitax As 2018 draws to a close, we celebrate the first year of our partnership with Vitax Limited, one of the UK’s leading garden and horticulture manufacturers.

As part of the partnership, Vitax has donated 20p to our work from the sale of every 2.5kg pack of their Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser sold in garden centres throughout the UK. We are delighted to report that Vitax has raised a fantastic 14

139-6 after 20 overs. Afternoon tea gave players and spectators alike a chance to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the HAC, before play resumed with The Soldiers’ Charity XI taking their turn at the crease. Despite a slow start, some impressive batting through the middle order saw The Soldiers’ Charity XI reach the required total of 140 in just 17.5 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.

Following the on-pitch man-of-thematch trophy presentations, a gala dinner was held in the HAC’s Prince Consort Rooms, hosted by Daily Mirror

soldier in recent operations to lose a limb in combat and was part of the Walking With The Wounded 2013 South Pole Allied Challenge, completing a 335km trek to the South Pole alongside other wounded veterans from the USA, Canada and Australia.

The event also celebrated our partnership with Barclays, through which 80 soldiers were supported last year with access to education and vocational training courses, assisting their transition into civilian employment. Our thanks go to Kate for relaying her experiences and to Barclays for hosting the evening and for their commitment to our Armed Forces community.

total of more than £10,000 to date, and that our partnership will be continuing for 2019.

Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, says: “The use of gardening to aid recovery was employed during WW1 and can be seen in our grants programme today, for example, helping medically-discharged soldiers with the courses they need to start a new career in horticulture. We are most grateful to Vitax for their continued commitment to this vital work.”

cricket correspondent, Dean Wilson.

Guests were treated to a live Q&A with both captains, who shared some entertaining anecdotes from their respective playing careers. The stage also played host to a successful auction held by Lord Jeffrey Archer and an engaging talk from Les Binns, one of our charity ambassadors.

The event raised more than £15,000, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to all who helped make it such a success.

The HAC1537 Partnership has now raised a total of £150,000 since its inception in 2015.

To find out more about the network and our events in 2019, please email cstrawa@

soldierscharity.org

For more information about Vitax and their support for our charity through the Q4 range visit gardenworld.co.uk

Issue 18 | December 2018

Red, White & Blue Day 2018 This year’s Red, White & Blue Day campaign was a resounding success, with more than 127,000 pupils taking part across 358 schools – some from as far afield as New Zealand!

This year’s campaign focused on the centenary of the end of WWI, with participating schools all receiving free lesson plans, teaching resources and materials for a special Pebble Painting Challenge.

One of those schools, Velmead Junior School in Fleet, took on the challenge of creating a Remembrance Garden as part of their Red, White & Blue Day celebrations. We caught up with Carole Holbrook, the school’s PSHE Coordinator, to find out how it all went.

So, Carole, this is the first time your school has taken part in our Red, White & Blue Day campaign. What tempted you to register? Velmead are always looking for new and exciting ways to engage our children in their learning. We have a Remembrance themed week each year. Our children are very keen to support charities and make a difference, so this was an ideal opportunity for them to enjoy your engaging activities whilst raising money for an excellent cause. The resources I found on your website were exciting, easy to access and relevant to children today.

Does your school feel it is important that young people remember the past conflicts and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country?

Can you tell us a bit more about what you did for Red, White & Blue Day and how you commemorated the centenary of the end of WWI?

Absolutely. This is why Remembrance Week is a themed week of study each year at Velmead across the whole school. For example, in the past we have created a poppy installation in our grounds, displayed artwork, children have researched and shared family history, even bringing in medals awarded to grandparents/great grandparents. Our Year 6 children lay a wreath at the Thiepval Memorial in France whilst on their yearly residential trip, as well as visiting the Armistice Museum in Compiègne.

This year, our children and adults created a Remembrance Garden, incorporating pebbles painted with World War One images and symbols as detailed in your Pebble Painting Challenge resources. Our garden also included stones with the names of those who fell in the Great War from our town (Fleet, Hampshire) and the neighbouring village of Church Crookham. We were supported with donations of pebbles from our local Garden Centre, Redfields, and art supplies from Rymans the stationers.

In addition, children took part in a ‘mile run’ here at school to raise money for the Red, White & Blue Day charities.

Did your staff find our presentations and learning resources useful in delivering lessons? The lesson plans were particularly useful (saving us lots of planning time!) and the children really enjoyed the Red, White & Blue Day video ­– ‘100 Years Since the End of WWI’ – with its black-and-white footage from 100 years ago. I particularly liked the Pebble Painting Challenge and was very grateful to find instructions and ideas within your lesson plans. The quiz was also very useful, particularly whilst waiting for the pebble paint to dry!

Finally, what would you say to schools that were thinking about getting involved in the campaign? Apart from supporting an excellent cause, with the resources and lesson plans provided by the campaign, it is easy to incorporate Red, White & Blue Day into your school week. Children can make a difference whilst enjoying creative activities that make learning fun.

15

FrontLine | The Commemoration Issue

World War One centenary sees another breakthrough year for our National Events team!

2018 has been another bumper year for our National Events team: we have launched two new flagship events – Rifle Run and the Virtual Frontline Walk – and had more sign ups across our runs, skydives and treks than ever before! It was also hugely fitting that, in the same period as the centenary years, we witnessed our Frontline Walk streak past the £1 millionpound mark in money raised since its inception in 2014.

2019 promises to be another special year, as it marks not only our charity’s 75th anniversary but also the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. As a taste of what you can look forward to, we are offering a special Normandy Beaches edition of the Frontline Walk in October; the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch will be hoping to break the £2 million-pound

barrier in its 12th year; and Rifle Run will return to the West Wycombe Estate and E.J. Churchill’s majestic shooting grounds in April, with registrations on track to exceed this year’s event.

To all of you that have run, jumped, swam, sang, baked, trekked and more for our charity this year, I’d just like to say a huge thank you for your tireless, unstinting support.

You are making a life-changing difference to all of our beneficiaries and we couldn’t do the work we do without you.

We look forward to seeing what you can achieve in 2019!

Steve Oatley, Head of National Events

Frontline Walk raises £1,000,000!

It is as if we had written the script when we launched the event in 2014, that it should reach this amazing milestone just four years later. To celebrate this remarkable achievement and reflect on the amazing funds raised by our intrepid walkers, we’ve pulled together some fun facts about their incredible feat:

raised, on average, by each participant

walked - more than the circumference of the globe!

Our Frontline Walkers have built such a fun community to be a part of; full of good cheer, friendly chit-chat and shared motivation to keep each other training in preparation for the event (and a constant source of banter!).

participants have taken part

We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every walker for the hard work and commitment they have shown in raising vital funds for our charity. Without them, the Walk wouldn’t be the success it is today.

steps taken by our Frontline Walkers

Every step taken has provided an opportunity to contemplate 100 years of sacrifices made by the Army for our security and prosperity, to pay homage to those who returned, and to help us be here for their tomorrow.

The Frontline Walk group from Week Two in 2018 pictured at the Carnières Communal Cemetery Extension, with the Mayor of Carnières at the front wearing the French tricolour sash, holding our charity flag.

16

Issue 18 | December 2018

Places on next year’s Frontline Walks are filling up fast. Whether you’ve always wanted to visit the historic monuments of the WWI battlefields, or are looking to pay your respects to those involved in the D-Day landings, we’ve got a walk to suit you. Don’t miss out: find more information and sign up today at soldierscharity.org/frontlinewalk

Virtual Frontline Walk delivers international appeal The Soldiers’ Charity is fortunate to have supporters not just from the UK, but further afield too.

Our newest event, The Virtual Frontline Walk, gives everyone – from Chesterfield to Canada and from Fulham to Fiji – the chance to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War while supporting soldiers, veterans and their families.

Capturing the essence of our successful Frontline Walk, this virtual event asks participants to walk a 100km route of their choosing between 1st October and 11th November. Launched in October this year, we’ve seen people from Canada, Denmark and New Zealand sign up to make their own tribute to the fallen from WWI. While the strapline for the walk is ‘Your Route. Your Pace’, one of our more extreme participants, Chris Burman-Day, chose to take on the 100km challenge in just 24 hours

along The Cotswold Way, while carrying a loaded Army bergen of some 45.5lbs!

An experienced hill-walker and endurance athlete, Chris says that taking part in the Virtual Frontline Walk was a no-brainer: “I had been looking for something a little out of the ordinary, but that had real significance and resonated with me. There is a War Memorial near the start of the trail and one outside our local church in Dursley – points

which are 100km apart along the route. It was meant to be.”

Like many, Chris has family links to the First World War so, at the local war memorial where he finished his Virtual Frontline Walk, he held an act of remembrance alongside supporters of his challenge. “The work The Soldiers’ Charity does for Army veterans is vital to them and their loved ones’ well-being and I’m proud to be able to do something to help this wonderful organisation.”

17

Big Curry inspiration with the great Gary Rhodes

THAI GREEN CHICKEN, PRAWN, NOODLE AND PAK CHOI CURRY Serves 2-4 INGREDIENTS 250g coconut cream 3 tbsp Thai green curry paste 3 tbsp clear honey Juice of 1 large lime Cornour, loosened with water to lightly thicken 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced or diced Peeled prawns 50g cashew nuts, chopped 3 spring onions, sliced 1 red chilli, halved, de-seeded and sliced 1 nugget stem ginger, cut into sticks or grated Olive oil or sesame oil 1 tbsp chopped coriander, optional Pak choi, shredded Beansprouts - pre washed Pre-cooked egg noodles MINT CREAM 150ml coconut cream or Greek yoghurt 3 tbsp mint jelly - loosened 1-2 tbsp lime juice

Blitz all the ingredients together until smooth.

Method Heat together the coconut cream, curry paste, honey and lime juice before whisking in a little loosened cornour to lightly thicken.

Heat a wok with olive or sesame oil. Season the chicken and prawns with salt and pepper before adding to the pan and fry quickly for 30-60 seconds.

Add the spring onions, sliced chilli, ginger, cashew nuts, pak choi and beansprouts cooking for a further 30 seconds. Stir in the egg noodles and stir through, loosening the stir-fry with the Thai green curry sauce.

Serve with a dollop of mint cream on top and a sprinkling of chopped coriander.

soldierscharity.org/bigcurry

Show your support for soldiers at home and abroad this Boxing Day Go to soldierscharity.org/big-curry to ďŹ nd out just how easy it is to make your Christmas Curry Count!

Supporter Stories: Eileen’s Story You may have seen The Soldiers’ Charity refer to our ‘Army family’. We use this term not just in reference to the soldiers and veterans that we help, but also to you: our supporters.

Our supporters share some incredible stories with us and we love hearing about their Army connections.

Above: Eileen Prior, one of our supporters, holding photos of her late husband Tom.

June

Recently, we went to visit Eileen, a regular supporter of our annual raffle. Over tea and cakes, Eileen regaled us with stories of her husband Tom’s service during World War Two. His story demonstrates the true grit of our Army veterans and it brings us great pride to share it with you.

1944

He was deployed to France for D-Day, June 6th, where the regiment suffered severe casualties. Their company was split and Tom went on to serve with the Wiltshires.

October

1944

Stalag XI-B was a prisoner-of-war camp in North West Germany, and it was here that Tom would live out the rest of the war. He and his fellow soldiers were tasked, whilst near starvation, with repairing the nearby railway lines that were regularly bombed by the RAF.

December

1945

Tom and Eileen married on the 22nd December 1945. Tom only had three days of leave to celebrate before returning to serve with the Royal Military Police.

1942

Tom volunteered for the Army aged just 18 and was sent to train with the Somerset Light Infantry.

September

1944

Tom made his way through Europe as far as Nijmegen, where he fought to reach the Allied soldiers trapped at Arnhem after Operation Market Garden. Unfortunately, they were well outnumbered and Tom was taken prisoner by German forces. His family were informed that he was missing, believed killed, until 5 months later they received a card via the Salvation Army.

April

1945

Prisoners in the camp were released at the end of April 1945. Tom returned home to his family after some time in hospital.

May

1947

Tom was stationed in Aldershot with the Military Police until he was demobbed in May 1947, by which time Tom and Eileen had welcomed a three-week-old son. Tom’s story continues across the page, where we have mapped out his journey across Europe.

A photo of Tom’s Army Will, which Eileen was keen to show us. Legacy gifts are so important to us as a charity, because they allow us to plan for future need.

Our promise is to be here ‘For soldiers. For life’ and in many cases, this truly is a reality. If you are interested in leaving The Soldiers’ Charity a gift in your Will, visit soldierscharity.org/legacies

Tom’s Journey

Above: The postcard that Tom’s family received from him during his time at Stalag XI-B. This was their first indication that he had survived Arnhem.

Brentwood, Essex, U.K.

Nijmegen Bridge, Netherlands

Brentwood, Essex: Tom trained with the Somerset Light Infantry.

He met and befriended a fellow soldier called Arthur, who sadly did not survive the war.

Nijmegen Bridge, The Battle of Nijmegen: 17th – 20th September 1944.

Romford, Essex, U.K. Romford, Essex: Tom visited Arthur’s family when he left the hospital, where he discovered that Arthur had been killed. He had planned to ask him to be his best man.

Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield, U.K. Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield, where Tom would spend his 21st birthday. He returned from the war weighing just eight stone and suffering from abscesses the size of hen’s eggs.

Normandy, France Normandy, France: The D-Day Landings on June 6th 1944.

Arnhem, East Netherlands Arnhem, East Netherlands, where the British 1st Airborne Division and Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade were surrounded by German forces.

“

Stalag XI-B, Germany Stalag XI-B. Tom remembered the RAF Pilots who bombed the nearby railway as a great source of comfort: always giving them time to get clear of the railway tracks before dropping their bombs, at great personal risk, and dipping their wings in salute as they returned home.

It means so much to me that Tom is getting recognition for what he did all these years later. Our soldiers deserve our support – and to be able to access help whenever they need it. That’s why I support The Soldiers’ Charity.

”Eileen

Tom’s Medals Left: 1939-1945 Star Centre: France & Germany Star Right: War Medal 1939-1945

FrontLine | The Commemoration Issue

Batting for The Soldiers’ Charity Arguably one of the most technically-gifted batsmen of his generation, Mark Ramprakash MBE began his career at 17 and was the first cricketer in history to score over 2,000 runs in two consecutive seasons. Aside from his exploits on the cricket pitch, he was thrust in to the spotlight after winning BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2006.

In 2016, Mark agreed to be involved in our inaugural HAC City Invitational Cup event as the captain of The Soldiers’ Charity XI, in which his side overcame the challenge of Matthew Hoggard’s City Select XI to claim the maiden trophy. We’ve enjoyed his continued support ever since, so we thought it was about time we got to know the man behind the bat a little better, and get his thoughts on all things cricket, our charity and, of course, dancing.

First of all, you’re on tour with England in Sri Lanka right now – how is the tour going so far?

At the time of writing the tour of Sri Lanka is proving enjoyable and challenging. There is the constant heat and humidity to contend with.

However, our biggest challenge is

having to adapt to the dry, dusty, turning wickets. The ground/practice facilities and hotels have been first class with the Sri Lankan people always friendly and helpful.

In your playing days, you played alongside and against a number of world-class cricketers, but is there one in particular that stood out for you, either a teammate or an opponent?

In my early days at Middlesex County Cricket Club I was incredibly lucky to have Mike Gatting as captain and Desmond Haynes as our overseas player. These were two of the best batsmen in world cricket and there I was, as a teenager, with the privilege of batting alongside them, hoovering up all their tips and listening to their experiences. It was pivotal in my development.

In terms of an opponent, I would have to say Courtney Walsh, the West Indian fast bowler, was my toughest.

He was 6ft 7inches tall and when he put his arm up to bowl the ball came down from a very high trajectory.

This made his deliveries bounce uncomfortably high and he was quick, accurate, bowled long spells and always seemed to be on when I came into bat!

Following the retirement of Alistair Cook earlier this year, there has been an opportunity for a host of exciting young players to make their mark on the England set up. What are your hopes and ambitions for this next generation of England players?

My hopes and aspirations for the exciting young players that are coming through the England pathway are Left: Mark executing one of his signature cover drives during the HAC City Invitational Cup in 2016.

Right, pictures clockwise from top left: Mark – front row, 2nd from left – with the victorious Soldiers’ Charity XI from 2016; watching his shot no doubt run away for another boundary during his innings in 2016; Mark being presented with the City Invitational Cup ‘urn’ by Brigadier (Retd) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity; enjoying the live Q&A at the Gala Dinner.

Photo credit: Hugo Philpott

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Issue 18 | December 2018

many. However, players such as Sam Curran, Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes already embody what I hope to see, and they have come into international cricket looking totally at home.

This is not easy given the amount of scrutiny they face from the media and public. They go out to play with an attitude to have fun whilst still being open minded to learn. It’s so impressive to see them strike a balance between being focused but also relaxed. If they can retain this mindset, then there is no reason why they cannot have long and successful international careers.

Tell us a bit more about how you first came to be involved with our charity in 2016?

It was through the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) that I was first connected with The Soldiers’ Charity and their event at the HAC. Every current and ex-professional cricketer is a member of the PCA and we are incredibly lucky to be represented by a well-organised and highly-motivated organisation. They provide invaluable support in many areas to ex-players, for example, those who fall on hard times, have medical

issues or want to re-train to move into other employment. The parallels this has with the work of The Soldiers’ Charity made doing this event a nobrainer for me, and I feel very proud to have been able to help, even if just in a small way.

2018 has obviously marked the end of the WWI centenary years – what are your thoughts on the role our Army plays in securing the safety and prosperity of our country?

I don’t come from a military family, but one of the most humbling experiences of my life was just before I was awarded my MBE at Buckingham Palace by Her Majesty The Queen. As we were waiting for the awards ceremony to begin, I had the honour and pleasure of meeting some real-life heroes who had seen combat in different parts of the world. They were typically modest but did divulge enough details for me to realise that they had either saved colleagues in life-threatening situations or been permanently physically and/or psychologically damaged as a result of their service.

Their stories helped me understand the true horror of war and I have great

respect for the brave men and women that serve our country.

Finally, we have to ask about that Strictly win in 2006: did you expect the reaction and publicity you received after you won to be so big?

When I was asked to appear on Strictly Come Dancing I didn’t know much about the show. However, I knew Darren Gough had won it the previous year and, on talking with him, he was very encouraging and said I must give it a go. In hindsight I didn’t realise what I was letting myself in for!

It turned out to be an amazingly enjoyable time in my life. My dance partner, Karen Hardy, really helped me through the 14 weeks of being completely outside my comfort zone: having to wear tight black trousers, more sequins than you can imagine, Cuban-heeled dance shoes and dancing live on TV in front of audiences of more than 11 million! It was physically very demanding as well, but I think the natural competitiveness that comes with playing any sport professionally massively helped!

Special thanks to the PCA for facilitating the interview.

23

Support the Army family while you shop Whether you need gifts, toys, clothing, cards or accessories, The Soldiers’ Charity online shop has something for everyone. Explore our products today at soldierscharityshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order when you register!

Brodie Bear

Soldier Duck

Meet our newest recruit! £7.50

Make bath time even more fun! £5.00

Child’s Camouflage Watch Fully-adjustable velcro strap, quartz movement £7.99

Mini Jokes-in-a-Tin 5 practical jokes for ages 5+. £6.99

Soldier Book Ends Keep your books tidy.

Lead-free paint. £19.99

Historic Cap Badge Tea Towel Made in England from 100% soft cotton. £7.50

Cap Badge Apron Made in England.

100% cotton £15.00

Cap Badge Oven Glove Made in England.

100% cotton £15.00

Cap Badge Giftwrap Two sheets & two tags. £5.00

Cap Badge Notelets Ten notelets & white envelopes per pack.

Blank inside £6.00

Hooded top Available in navy, red & grey. Unisex, sizes XS-XXL. £20.00

Coolmax Cycle Jersey High performance, half-zip technical jersey. £30.00

Jogger’s Water Bottle 750ml, non-drip spout & built-in handle. £4.00

Heritage Keyring Keep your keys in one place!

Quality webbing/leather keyring. £10.00

Heritage Watch Strap New for Autumn 2018, our quality webbing strap for your watch. £10.00

... and many more items online!

Don’t forget our Christmas cards are on sale all year round at massively reduced prices!

Boxed Cufflinks Nickel engraved bar cufflinks. Box included. £15.00

Frontline Handkerchief Boxed Set 100% cotton, red/blue & blue/white pair in smart presentation box.£15.00

All profits from our online shop go towards supporting soldiers, veterans and their immediate families. Place your order at – www.soldierscharityshop.org or by phone – 0845 293 2744 Our online shop uses the trading subsidiary of the charity: Soldiers’ Trading Ltd. Company no. 07243995, VAT registration no. 125500944

10% off all purchases.

Simply register when visiting our shop!

Thank You Huge thanks must go to our former Head of Grants, Alan Crawford, who retired from his role in September. Alan first joined our charity in June 2011, bringing with him a tremendous personality with a unique sense of humour and dry wit, a veritable wealth of military experience, and bucket loads of common sense. Whilst certainly not a ‘push-over’, he always had the interests of our beneficiaries at heart and undoubtedly made an enormous difference to countless deserving individuals at critical points in their lives. We feel privileged to have had Alan in the team and we are enormously grateful to him for all his efforts.

After seven and a half years’ sterling service to our charity, first as Regional Director West and, more recently, as Regional Director of the South West (our newest ‘Super Region’), Richard Miller will be hanging up his Glengarry and leaving us at the end of 2018. A former Queen’s Own Highlander with a passion for military history, Richard has stimulated the enthusiasm of many Army units in his region to participate in and win the Carrington Drum, similarly encouraging cadets to compete for the Revision Trophy. We would like to wish Richard all the best in his retirement.

Having been on the front line of all-things digital comms for nearly two years,

we bade a fond farewell to James Holloway in October this year. During his tenure, James propelled the charity to new digital heights: vastly improving our presence and sophistication across social media; developing greater online capabilities for our regional offices; and curating and refining our website.

He was also a passionate fundraiser for the charity and is signed up to take part in next year’s Rifle Run and the Cateran Yomp, so we haven’t seen the last of him just yet!

We wish him all the very best in his exciting new role at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

After more than 36 years as a soldier in the Argyll &

Sutherland Highlanders (subsequently the Royal Regiment of Scotland) we said goodbye to Alex Braceland after a further five and a half years as BLO Scotland. Having created the job almost from scratch, Alex’s passion for the cause has been clear to all. Supported by soldiers every year at Glasgow and Edinburgh’s main railway stations, Alex has built up a programme of collections which raised over £60,000 last year. We wish Alex and Margaret well in their new life in Cyprus.

From our many and varied county committees, we must just say a word of thanks to Brigadier John Palmer DL and Colonel Chris Sharwood-

Smith MBE, chairmen of our Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Committees respectively. John led the Hertfordshire Committee admirably for 10 years, while Chris has stood down after four years in the role to focus on his commitments as Vice Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. We wish them both well for the future.

As well as departures, we have had a number of new arrivals across the charity, reinforcing our regional offices in the South East, South West, Scotland, Northern Ireland and West Midlands. We have also recruited replacements throughout various head office functions.

Dates for your Diary

__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ East Anglia London South East 17 May

22 Jun 21 Jul

The Soldiers’ Charity and Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Clay Pigeon Shoot, Euston Hall, Suffolk 75th Anniversary Dinner, Colchester Officers’ Club D-Day 75th Anniversary Concert & Tea Party, Woodbridge School, Suffolk

23 Jan

Burns Night with MasterChef Cyrus Todiwala, Café Spice Namasté 26 Feb Opera Dinner, Leathersellers’ Hall 21-25 May Chelsea Flower Show collection, Royal Hospital Chelsea 09 Oct Clay Pigeon Shoot, West London Shooting School

__________________________ __________________________ East Midlands North East 04 May Bog Commander Mud Run & Obstacle Course, Hollingsclough, Derbyshire Jun (TBC) Summer Reception, Helmswell Court, Lincolnshire 13-15 Jun Celebrating Soldiers Festival, Catton Farm, Derbyshire 13 Jul Clay Shoot, Brandon Wood Clay Ground, Stubton, Newark

__________________________ Home Counties

10 Mar

7 Apr

__________________________ North West 23-28 Apr St George’s Festival, 11 May

26 Apr

Berkshire Big Curry, The Hilton, Reading 15-16 Jun Heritage Day, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Camberley 13 Jul Spinnaker Tower Abseil

Dishforth Dash 10km Airfield Race, Dishforth Airfield, Thirsk, North Yorkshire Adrenalin Shock OCR, Richmond, North Yorkshire

25 May 08 Jun

Lytham St Annes Born Survivor, Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield Haydock Park Armed Forces Race Day Preston Military Show

09 Apr 31 May 07 Jul TBC Jul

__________________________ South West 09 May 03 Jul

TBC Mar Chepstow Spring Day

at the Races, Chepstow Racecourse 18 Apr Langland Bay Golf Day, Swansea 23 Jun Swansea Half Marathon 28-30 Jun Snowdonia Challenge

__________________________ West Midlands 17 Feb 17 Mar

12 May

04 May

16 May 06 Jun

Bristol Charity Golf Day, Bristol & Clifton Golf Club Sedgemoor Battlefield Tour, Sedgemoor, Somerset

__________________________ Wales

__________________________ Scotland Clay shooting competition, Fife Golf competition, Edinburgh Charity/D-Day 75th Anniversary Dinner, Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh

Chevening Dinner, Chevening House D-Day Lunch, Hove Military Reception & Tattoo, Herstmonceux Castle Reception & Beating Retreat, Benenden School

5-11 Aug

Worcestershire Curry Lunch, Army Reserves Centre, Worcester (TBC) Hereford Curry Lunch, Stirling Lines, Hereford (TBC) Stoke Military Tattoo, King’s Hall, Stokeon-Trent Wheels on the Western Front 2019 - Ride to Normandy, France

Head Office

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Mountbarrow House, 12 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB T. 020 7901 8900 E. fundraising@soldierscharity.org

East Anglia

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Building PO4, Room 6, Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, Essex CO2 7UT T. 01206 817 105 E. eastanglia@soldierscharity.org

East Midlands

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 5HA T. 01159 572 103 E. eastmidlands@soldierscharity.org

Home Counties

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Wellington House, St Omer Barracks, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2BG T. 01252 348 270 E. homecounties@soldierscharity.org

London

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Wellington Barracks, London SW1E 6HQ T. 0203 903 6030 E. london@soldierscharity.org

Northern Ireland

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Building 115, Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn BT28 3NP T. 02892 678 112 E. ni@soldierscharity.org

North East

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Hipswell Lodge, Smuts Road, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire DL9 3AX T. 01748 874 127 E. northeast@soldierscharity.org

North West

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Fulwood Barracks, Preston PR2 8AA T. 01772 260 356 E. northwest@soldierscharity.org

Scotland

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, The Castle, Edinburgh EH1 2YT T. 0131 310 5132 E. scotland@soldierscharity.org

South East

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Brompton Barracks, Chatham, Kent ME4 4UG T: 01634 822 408 E: southeast@soldierscharity.org

South West

(Bulford office) ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Bldg 750, Picton Barracks, Bulford Camp, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 9NY T. 01980 672 337 E. southwest@soldierscharity.org (Exeter office) ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Wyvern Barracks, Exeter, Devon EX2 6AR T. 01392 496412 E. southwest@soldierscharity.org

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity (“the/our Charity”) is an incorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales with Charity No.1146420, and in Scotland with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator with Scottish Charity Register No.SC039189.

Wales

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609) and was incorporated on 2nd March 2012

West Midlands

We would like to keep in touch but we respect your privacy rights. For full details about how and why we collect, use and store your data, visit www.soldierscharity.org/privacy/.

Remember, you can change your mind at any time about how we contact you, or tell us to stop contacting you altogether. Call on: 0207 901 8912; email: supportercare@soldierscharity.org; write to: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Mountbarrow House 6-20 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB; online: www.soldierscharity.org/updatemypreferences

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Maindy Barracks, Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3YE T. 02920 726 132 E. wales@soldierscharity.org ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Building V5, Venning Barracks, Donnington, Telford, Shropshire TF2 8JT T. 01952 674 369 E. westmidlands@soldierscharity.org