2015 News
Our last Social Inclusion trip of 2015 was to watch the 'Last Night of the Proms' at the Guild Hall in Preston. We were given 10 complimentary tickets and it was a very enjoyable for our members who went and saw the New Year in a performance that many had never experienced before.
As we are aware every year can be difficult for veterans if they are living alone, so this year we decided to open the the Centre over the Xmas period, had a selection of films and board games, and one night we held a quiz. It also gave other members the opportunity to come in for a few hours and have a brew.
On the 22nd December the VIC Singing Group performed for the last time in 2015 to the customers and staff at Tesco's in Haslingden.
On Saturday the 19th December, the VIC Singing group performed to the customers at Tesco's in Rawtenstall.
On the 19th December the Creative Community Hub held their final art exhibition for 2015 at Pendleton Church in Salford. It was the Salford Veterans Breakfast Club Xmas childrens party and had a total of 65 veterans and other adult guests attended as RSM Santa handed presents out to 30 veteran's children or grandchildren!
We had our Xmas day meal on the 16th December at the Game Cock in Great Harwood. We had 34 members who could attend and some who due to personal circumstances couldn't make it, this was the largest turnout to date and it was a very enjoyable few hours. We said thanks to Dorothy Mitchell for her support over the last four years and VIC wouldn't have developed as it has without her. Jimmy won the raffle for the hamper and a number of presents were handed out some of members children,
But the whole meal couldn't have gone ahead without Ivy Limbrick who organised everything, so on behalf of everybody a very very very big thank you.
But the whole meal couldn't have gone ahead without Ivy Limbrick who organised everything, so on behalf of everybody a very very very big thank you.
On the same day as the VIC Xmas dinner, we were invited to another Xmas dinner organised by Tesco's. Liz Hamilton represented VIC and around the table were many other representatives from community groups in Rossendale.
On the 10th December the VIC Singing Group were asked to perform at the Haslingden Official Xmas Light Switch on. They gained an extra member, Ted Robbins was asked to join them and sing some carols to the crowd.
On the 8th December, Claire Wright started as Project Worker and will be mainly working on the NHS England Overcoming Barriers pilot across Greater Manchester for the next four months. Claire will working closely with Steve Butterworth and Tony Stubbs. She comes to VIC with a great deal of experience and brings new ideas that that take VIC into 2016
On the 7th December 20 of our veteran members were invited by the Whitaker Arms in Accrington to a complimentary Xmas dinner. The wanted to use some of the money collected this year to provide a meal to local veterans.
The Creative Community Hub launched it's latest art exhibition at the Touchstones Art in Gallery in Rochdale on the 21st November, the exhibition runs for 11 weeks. This is a well known art gallery in the local area, {Read more}
On Friday 20th November VIC were guests at the Bridgewater Lodge in Heywood, an Anchor Trust Home for those 50 years of age. The Manager Janet asked VIC to help with some maintenance and landscaping of a large border area. Tony Stubbs our volunteer outreach worker in Heywood put together a small team and completed the task within two weeks, just in time for an open day.
The Mayor of Heywood was invited along with a number of other local organisations.
The Mayor of Heywood was invited along with a number of other local organisations.
On the 19th November 7 VIC members enjoyed a day at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The highlight of the visit was the cascade of poppies from the bridge into the lower lake.
VIC members have started work on another community project. They are stripping out a false wall and relocating, plastering and doing a first electrical fix. The project they are helping on is an ambitious one, to renovate and reopen Haslingden Baths.
HAPPI are looking for many more volunteers with a variety of trade experience. We will continue to provide help when our members are free.
HAPPI are looking for many more volunteers with a variety of trade experience. We will continue to provide help when our members are free.
On the 13th November VIC held their second workshop introducing Colouring For Adults where those working in the community such as nursing homes and community nurses were invited to attend. The aim was to show the benefits of colouring for those suffering from demnetia. Tracey Gilbertson assisted by Dave Goss are running these sessions which have already proved successful.
On November 11th, Haslingden fell silent for 2 minutes. Veterans and residents stood shoulder to shoulder at Haslingden’s cenotaph to mark Armistice Day.
A short service was delivered by member of Veterans In Communities Alan Willetts and more than 30 people observed the two minute silence at 11am.
We were surprised how many stopped when they saw us there, so will be holding a short service every Armistice Day and any residents are welcome to attend.
A short service was delivered by member of Veterans In Communities Alan Willetts and more than 30 people observed the two minute silence at 11am.
We were surprised how many stopped when they saw us there, so will be holding a short service every Armistice Day and any residents are welcome to attend.
On Sunday 8th November VIC attended at number of Remembrance services across the North-West, Steve Butterworth also laid a wreath in the Falklands as he was there on only his second visit to the Islands since 1982.
The Singing Group were also asked to perform at the Festival of Remembrance at St James Church in Haslingden.
The Singing Group were also asked to perform at the Festival of Remembrance at St James Church in Haslingden.
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Rossendale Free Press article on our latest project in Greater Manchester
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VIC are involved in an NHS England Pilot scheme with the Military Veterans Service, Walking With The Wounded and Inspiration NW. The pilot ends at the end of March 2016.
Improving access to mental health services for military veterans Military veterans living in Greater Manchester will be given extra support to access mental health services, thanks to a pilot partnership scheme. The scheme will develop various projects to help veterans overcome barriers to accessing mental health services. These will include increased use of peer support, the development of veteran champion roles in services, production of emotional wellbeing resources tailored to veterans’ needs, and improved routes into training and employment – all of which will be developed with the direct input of veterans and the wider armed forces community. [read more] |
On Thursday 5th November VIC members walked a circular 4 mile walk from Brungerley Bridge to Grindleton Bridge around Clitheroe.
On Monday 2nd November we started a small WW1 cemetery project today ahead of Armistice day, a team of VIC members led by Adam Butterworth and the team from Accrington College on their Military Preparation Programme cleared, located and tidied a number of WW graves at the cemetery at St John's Stonefold.
The task was to relocate a number that had been lost due to cemetery becoming overgrown. The boys and girls worked incredibly hard over a few hours but there are still a few more to locate and tidy.
The task was to relocate a number that had been lost due to cemetery becoming overgrown. The boys and girls worked incredibly hard over a few hours but there are still a few more to locate and tidy.
At the end of October the Singing Group performed at Helmcroft Court in Haslingden. VIC was nominated as their charity of the year and we collected a donation of £1000 from their fundraising. This was a great effort by all those involved.
We started another of our community projects at the Bridgewood Lodge in Heywood at the beginning of November. We were contacted a few weeks ago to see whether we could help clear and landscape a border. Tony Stubbs and Keith are leading this project with VIC members from the Heywood and Middleton areas. It is expected to be completed by the 20th November for their open day.
On Wednesday 14th October we met with the Military Academy at Accrington College to brief their students on VIC and our WW1 projects, these students are on a Military Preparation Programme.
We'll be working on a number of community projects with them during this academic year as the students complete the Volunteering section of their Bronze & Silver DofE awards - starting with the restoration of some Commonwealth War Graves in Accrington in time for Remembrance in November.
We were contacted by a local Councillor last Friday who had received a letter asking for the cemetery at Stonefold to be cleaned up. There are a number of Commonwealth War Graves in this cemetery. As part of our WW1 projects and with Remembrance next month, we will clean these up. It is a good joint project between VIC and the College.
We'll be working on a number of community projects with them during this academic year as the students complete the Volunteering section of their Bronze & Silver DofE awards - starting with the restoration of some Commonwealth War Graves in Accrington in time for Remembrance in November.
We were contacted by a local Councillor last Friday who had received a letter asking for the cemetery at Stonefold to be cleaned up. There are a number of Commonwealth War Graves in this cemetery. As part of our WW1 projects and with Remembrance next month, we will clean these up. It is a good joint project between VIC and the College.
On Saturday 10th October, the VIC Positive Art stand was at Stubbylee Hall.
Our first walk of October was to Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham, it was only an 8km circuit. Unfortunately we couldn't take any pictures of the hall as it was undergoing some work but they managed to take them on the walk through the wood and the riverbank.
East Lancashire CCG have been shortlisted for the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Clinical Commissioning Group of the Year Award. VIC were asked to meet the judges to answer some of the questions about how they have helped organisations like us by funding our services and activities.
On Tuesday 15th September VIC members spent a day at Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale with Alternate Forces. The team building day was a great success and not only did they have to build a raft but they had to take it out on the water. There was always some other water tasks arranged for them on the day.
We plan to do a lot more with the team from Alternate Forces. [More]
We plan to do a lot more with the team from Alternate Forces. [More]
On Friday 11th September at Bacup Cemetery we held a dedication service to remember the 135 soldiers who died in the First World War that had new headstones laid at Bacup Cemetery as part of the funding we received from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2014. We invited a number of family members, dignatories and the public.
Our official photographer on the day was Liz Henson who has been present on many of our activities and events. The story was published in the Rosendale Free Press and the Lancashire Telegraph
[Read more]
Our official photographer on the day was Liz Henson who has been present on many of our activities and events. The story was published in the Rosendale Free Press and the Lancashire Telegraph
[Read more]
The Positive Art Shop joined the Rossendale 1960's weekend by decorating the shop windows with pictures our art group painted at the art group on Friday.
Over the 9th, 10th and 11th September, VIC provided the venue and support for a Virtual Dementia Experience. it was a two hours session training that gave those working in the community an opportunity to experience what dementia is like.
The training was organised by REAL and was very well received by VIC members and those who attended.
The training was organised by REAL and was very well received by VIC members and those who attended.
On the 10th September VIC members enjoyed a walk around Haslingden Grane in glorious sunshine. Both Jameston and Troy Quarries were walked around showing the damage done to the countryside by the quarrying and the slow recovery by nature to leave a stunning environment which included water lilies and fish in the waters of Troy Quarry
On Sunday the 6th September VIC members took part in the Haslingden Street Fair; we had our information stand, a face painting stand, an art stall and our Singing Group performed a number of songs on stage. They even joined the band and sang a melody of WW1 songs which many of the public joined in with and our members ran the Bouncy Castle for the organisers.
On Saturday the 5th September, we held a Boss Ross painting class at the Positive Art shop in Rawtenstall. This is a wet-on-wet oil painting technique, in which the painter continues adding paint on top of still-wet paint rather than waiting a lengthy amount of time to allow each layer of paint to dry. The paintings produced from the day will be exhibited at any future VIC Art Exhibitions. It was a great success and another is planned. The cost was only £25 and it included all the materials and teaching methods.
For more information on future classes please contact Darren on 01706 833180 or call into the Positive Art shop and speak one of the team.
For more information on future classes please contact Darren on 01706 833180 or call into the Positive Art shop and speak one of the team.
Merchant Navy Day will be celebrated on 3 September 2015 by the raising of the Red Ensign across all the boroughs Townships at 10am, and the public is being encouraged to attend. VIC members who served in the Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy will be attending this service and raising the flags.
We have had three family walks around Pendle and Barley in August..
We organised a family walk around Brockholes near Preston in August, Brockholes is a Nature Reserve. Weather kept nice, good trails and sculptures hidden in different areas. Well worth a visit. Also an excellent café.
Veterans In Communities and the 'Positive Art' shop have been nominated for an award at the Rossendale Business Awards in November. The VIC Singing Group is also performing on the night.
On the 8th August a Family Fun day was held in Haslingden with the proceeds donated to VIC. There were a number of activities for the children, the VIC Singing Group performed and we had our very own Shrek (Alias Tony Stubbs) with a donkey.
VIC spent three days at the Royal Lancashire Show in August, the assault went down well and the VIC crew bus was used as the stand where we had some prints and crafts on sale. We made some very good connections over the three days.
The new signs for the Positive Art shop
Darren Horsnell with the first crop of vegetables from the 'Dig for VIC' garden
At the beginning of August the first crop of vegetables are ready to harvest. We didn't expect the 'Dig for VIC' garden to look so green this year.
In July we had a donation of some coarse fishing equipment from an RAF veteran. A great donation and it will be used at the next fishing trip.
On Friday 17th July we laid the last headstone at Bacup Cemetery, this was one that was particularly poignant for one of our members Steve Butterworth as he was his great uncle.
Last year Steve painted a picture from an old photograph that now hangs in the hide at the VIC Centre. We decided that it needed something special for Steve and his family so whilst the family had some refreshments, two members Bill and Mick laid the headstone and the family had a small gathering around the family plot.
Last year Steve painted a picture from an old photograph that now hangs in the hide at the VIC Centre. We decided that it needed something special for Steve and his family so whilst the family had some refreshments, two members Bill and Mick laid the headstone and the family had a small gathering around the family plot.
On the 19th July VIC marshalled the Rossendale Hospice Fancy dress day. We also had the VIC assault course, we made a few adjustments from the last time it was used at the Bacup Carnival in June and the finish point was with the Rossendale and Pendle mountain rescue team. They got the opportunity to use some of their equipment.
In July VIC members have completed a garden project for a local resident home in Helmshore; Westbourne Home is an Anchor Trust Managed home and a few months ago, we were asked to build some raised beds.
A small team of our members used their experience gained at the VIC Centre on the Dig For VIC project to complete this garden project in four days. We have had enquires from a number of other residential homes and Rossendale Hospice to build raised beds and to do some general garden maintenance.
A small team of our members used their experience gained at the VIC Centre on the Dig For VIC project to complete this garden project in four days. We have had enquires from a number of other residential homes and Rossendale Hospice to build raised beds and to do some general garden maintenance.
The VIC Crew bus has had a roof rack and awning fitted by David Fishwick in Colne. Next week we had a tow hook fitted. Once finished this vehicle will have many roles and with the new additions it will be used for future projects and it will become the VIC stand when we are outside at events.
On Sunday the 28th June we also had the Singing Group performing at the Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival.
On Sunday the 28th June VIC unveiled the assault course at Stubby Lee Park in Bacup where the Annual Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival finishes.
We had over 70 young children take up the challenge, we are looking to develop this further so it can be set up at the Lancashire Show in August.
We had over 70 young children take up the challenge, we are looking to develop this further so it can be set up at the Lancashire Show in August.
On Saturday 27th June Armed Forces Day the Singing were performing at ASDA in Rawtenstall
On the 27th June Armed Forces Day, VIC were invited to set up a stand in the TESCO car park in Rawtenstall with a number of other organisations; Air Cadets, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Sea Cadets.
On Saturday 20th June VIC members were invited to join KartForce - Karting for Injured Troops at Daytona Sandown Park to raise money for Injured Troops. The Harley Street Skin Clinic organised a sponsored
event- Back on Track, where celebrities and injured soldiers went head-to-head in a day of go-karting races.
event- Back on Track, where celebrities and injured soldiers went head-to-head in a day of go-karting races.
VIC Outreach worker Steve Butterworth receiving a donation from the Princes Trust Team in the garden at the VIC Centre.
We had a Princes Trust Team from Haslingden spend a week at the centre. They helped VIC Members working at Bacup Cemetery laying the last few headstones and joined us on one of the walks around Grain Road Resevoir.
This team had decided to help two local organisations; VIC and Sophie Lancasters, where they laid a stone in Victoria Park in Haslingden.
This team had decided to help two local organisations; VIC and Sophie Lancasters, where they laid a stone in Victoria Park in Haslingden.
The Positive Art Shop was opened on the 13th June 2015, it is the first Social Enterprise that VIC has developed.
Positive Art is a one stop shop for all your art materials. We also have a wide range of crafts on offer.
We will be holding work shops, inviting professional artists to share their amazing skills, painting lessons and learning to paint in the style of American artist, the late great Bob Ross.
Positive Art was formed as a result of the success of the Veterans In Communities art groups that have grown in both numbers and popularity.
The shop opening story made news in the Lancashire Telegraph and the Rossendale Freepress
Positive Art is a one stop shop for all your art materials. We also have a wide range of crafts on offer.
We will be holding work shops, inviting professional artists to share their amazing skills, painting lessons and learning to paint in the style of American artist, the late great Bob Ross.
Positive Art was formed as a result of the success of the Veterans In Communities art groups that have grown in both numbers and popularity.
The shop opening story made news in the Lancashire Telegraph and the Rossendale Freepress
The VIC Singing Group performed at the Edenfield Village Fete in June. Although the weather turned, everyone had a great day.
The Creative Community Hub is launching it's new ventre on the 13th June. VIC are opening up an art retail shop in Rawtenstall. The 'POSITIVE ART' shop will sell a range of art supplies and will offer the framing service to the members of the public.
The VIC Singing Group performed at the Tesco`s in Haslingden, this is the second time they have been asked to perform there.We raised over £360 on the day.
Local MP Jake Berry visited the VIC Centre in May to help with some legal requirements for the opening of the latest project VIC are supporting.The 'Postive Art' is due to open it's doors on the 13th June.
VIC members walked up 'Indians Head' at Dove Stones Resevoir on the 21st May, the last walk was 'Pots & Pans' and this one was slightly higher. A tough climb down, but the views were stunning looking across Dove Stones
VIC members had a stand in Ramsbottom for the annual 1940s 'wartime' weekend on the 24th & 25th May. the event is organised by the East Lancashire Railway (ELR).
Ronnie Barker the Chair of VIC receives his MBE for services to the community from Prince William at Buckingham Palace in May. This story was covered by the Rossendale Free Press .
On Saturday 21st May, we organised family day trip to Pendle View Fisheries. Some of the members spent a day fishing and the other group went for a short walk. To end the day we had a BBQ
VIC were among special guests of Rossendale School in May at a service of dedication and thanksgiving for the men and women of Rossendale who gave their lives during WW1 and WW2.
Reverend Hugh Bearn, Chaplain to the Queen conducted the service and Sir David Trippier was guest speaker.
Other guests included Jake Berry MP, the Mayors of Rossendale and Bolton, school governors, staff and pupils from Rossendale School.
A memorial Stone was laid in the grounds. The pupils researched two local brothers who died during WW1, and this was the inspiration that led to this tribute.
Reverend Hugh Bearn, Chaplain to the Queen conducted the service and Sir David Trippier was guest speaker.
Other guests included Jake Berry MP, the Mayors of Rossendale and Bolton, school governors, staff and pupils from Rossendale School.
A memorial Stone was laid in the grounds. The pupils researched two local brothers who died during WW1, and this was the inspiration that led to this tribute.
VIC members from Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale outreach lead by Tony Stubbs has started to work on the Old Sea Cadets building on Hollingworth Lake. Alternative Forces have recently been awarded some MOD funding and VIC members are helping to get the building ready for opening.
VIC plan to work closely with Alternate Forces for some of our outdoor activities; Sailing, kayaking, Bushcraft, mountain bike riding and some Navigation courses.
VIC plan to work closely with Alternate Forces for some of our outdoor activities; Sailing, kayaking, Bushcraft, mountain bike riding and some Navigation courses.
On Saturday the 17th May, VIC organised a Social Inclusion trip to Leeds Armouries.
VIC joined the other groups at a celebration event at Burnley Football Club on the 13th May for those organisations who received funding from East Lancs CCG as part of the Social Prescribing . They funded the DIG project in the back garden.
The Celebration Event also included some of the challenges facing GP's and the benefits of these funded projects to the community.
The Celebration Event also included some of the challenges facing GP's and the benefits of these funded projects to the community.
We held a one-day photography course at the VIC Centre at the beginning of May. Liz Hall who has already joined us on to other Social Inclusion days; an outdoor adventure day at Simonstone and the Martin Mere Wildlife trip.
Steve Butterworth one of our Outreach workers painted a picture of the ship HMS Euryalus that was involved in the Galllipoli Landing in 1915. Oldest member of HMS Euryalus Asc. 91 yr.old John Kay Scott, signed the picture of The 1st. World War Cruiser HMS Euryalus. John served on the light cruiser of the name during the 2nd World War.
A lot has been happening in the VIC garden this week, we have planted some vegetables, fruit and flowers. The workshop is getting ready for the tools and we have had a general tidy up.
Starting on the 18th May at the VIC Centre, a new Dementia Group for Veterans and their families living in East Lancashire is being run by the Admiral Nurses from the Royal British Legion. It will be run every third Wednesday of each month up to Xmas.
Please contact either the VIC office on 01706 833180 or Zoe the Admiral Nurse on 07584 508620 for more information.
You can read about the work the Admiral Nurses on the Royal British Legion website
Please contact either the VIC office on 01706 833180 or Zoe the Admiral Nurse on 07584 508620 for more information.
You can read about the work the Admiral Nurses on the Royal British Legion website
VIC members were presented their Bronze Awards for navigation from Alternate Forces.
On Sunday the 19th April, there is a production at the New Millennium Theatre in Bacup called 'Early One Morning'. This performance and box office taking is dedicated to VIC. Tickets are priced at £8. VIC will have presence on the evening.
The other performances are dedicated to Combat Stress. Please can you support these performances.
The other performances are dedicated to Combat Stress. Please can you support these performances.
We had a great day on Sunday 19th April, we organised a trip to the National Arboretum in Stafford and so everybody who went got something out of the experience. In the evening we were alos invited to watch the play 'Early one morning' at the Milenium Theatre in Waterfoot, so some members went and paid their respects at the memorial to those who were 'shot at dawn'..
A team made use of the warm weather on the 14th April and painted half the remaining fence panels at Dave Fishwick Van Sales in Colne.
VIC came to the rescue of the charity 'Bury Gateway' on the 13th April. Some of their group with Learning Difficulties wanted to vist Dunham Massey Park and had difficulty getting their so they joined some of our members who were also visiting the park for the day.
On Thursday 9th April our walking group walked up to Pots and Pans War Memorial, Saddleworth. The walk is about 4-5 miles, and with stunning views. This will one of many more we are planning over the summer months.
More photographs of our walks...... more
More photographs of our walks...... more
The VIC Singing Group peformed at Lacy Court in Haslingen on Thursday 9th April. It was the largest group assembled since it was formed last year.
On Wednesday 8th April, members of the VIC singing Group passed a Grade Music Theory Course.
On Good Friday the 3rd of April VIC were invited to a local Rugby League game at Rochdale where Rochdale Hornets were at home Oldham Roughyeds. The day was arranged by Rochdale Council Armed Forces Covenant Group.
VIC, the Lancashire Veterans Association, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, and a number of veterans were guests of Rochdale Hornets.
VIC, the Lancashire Veterans Association, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, and a number of veterans were guests of Rochdale Hornets.
The CCH has some of the art work exhibited at Whalley Library and Higham School over April.
On 31st March the Creative Community Hub organised a trip to Martin Mere Wetland Centre, this povided a great opportunity for photography, sketching and painting.
It was also one of our planned Social Inclusion trips.
In addition to our members taking pictures on the day, Liz Henson who is a professional photographer took some fantastic photographs and they can be found on her website by logging on using your email address address.
It was also one of our planned Social Inclusion trips.
In addition to our members taking pictures on the day, Liz Henson who is a professional photographer took some fantastic photographs and they can be found on her website by logging on using your email address address.
We had a good turnout on Thursday 26th March for the One-day First Aid course. The course was delivered by Accrington and Rossendale College (ACCROSS).
We had 3 tonne of soil delivered last week for the back garden, so we pick up the compost next week then we are ready to plant. The compost is being donated by Rossendale Borough Council
The shed is in the process of getting the electrics wired up for the tools and equipment that will be used by our members in the manufacture garden furniture, picture framing, and their own projects. The shed's security system is getting installed over the next few weeks.
At the end of March we said goodbye to Suzanne Preston who is moving up to Bonny Scotland.
Unfortunately Suzanne's role as Outreach and Development Worker was only funded for 11 months and we weren't in a position to refund this post. She has worked tirelessly as both volunteer and member of staff since VIC formed in September 2012, and she has played a big part in our growth over the last three years and will be very much missed
Thank you for all your hard work over the last few years.
Unfortunately Suzanne's role as Outreach and Development Worker was only funded for 11 months and we weren't in a position to refund this post. She has worked tirelessly as both volunteer and member of staff since VIC formed in September 2012, and she has played a big part in our growth over the last three years and will be very much missed
Thank you for all your hard work over the last few years.
Our first walk in March started at Crown Point in Rossendale and the route took us to Clowbridge Reservoir. We were joined again with two members of the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue with 'Doc' the search dog. The exercise involved searching for one of our members Ivy. The casualty was found and treated, and we were able to experience a search in operation. A great day and we would like to thank both Ivy, Bob and 'Doc' for planning the day.
VIC were asked to assist the Princes Trust Pendle team at the beginning of March to help with raised beds and putting up a fence at Barrowford Heritage Centre. The raised beds and the vegetables grown will be for the benefit of the local community.
Some of the team were invited to join them at the handover presentation today.
The VIC crewbus funded by the MOD has already given us the opportunity to help out in the Pendle area, and we are planning many more this year.
Some of the team were invited to join them at the handover presentation today.
The VIC crewbus funded by the MOD has already given us the opportunity to help out in the Pendle area, and we are planning many more this year.
The Creative Community Hub's art group that meets every Friday is building its membership, we are having to consider adding another day for new members and those just beginning to learn about art. We are booked in to exhibit the work at a number of local venues over the next three months.
One of our members got the keys to his new flat in February. This was only possible with working in partnership with a number of organisations. Grahams story was picked by the Lancashire Telegragh, Rossendale Free Press and Valley at Work
On Monday 23rd February VIC received confirmation that VIC has been accepted as a Full Member of COBSEO. This is great start to the New Year.
On Friday 20th February we made use of a break in the weather and started on painting the gates at Dave Fishwick's Van sales in Colne. The next phase will be to paint the remaining 38 sections of railings.
The Creative Community Hub is increasing in membership, there are more painting styles being used now and a number of paintings are ready to be exhibited at our future Art Exhibitions planned for this year.
The mounting and framing service is being developed further, and day trips are planned over the next few months; Martin Mere Wildfowl Trust and the National Arboretum.
The mounting and framing service is being developed further, and day trips are planned over the next few months; Martin Mere Wildfowl Trust and the National Arboretum.
The Dig for VIC garden has had some extensive work carried out over the last two weeks; the shed has had the roof felted, the doors and the raised beds have been manufactured on-site, and the work benches installed.
On Thursday the 18th February, Peter Carruthers continued the filming at the VIC Centre. This involved interviewing our members, filming of the Creative Community Hub and working on the DIG for VIC project.
Once complete it will be used to raise awareness of the AFCC, the benefits of it, and the impact it has had on the North-West. The finished film can be then be used as a model for the rest of the country and is also looking at lessons that have been learnt along the way. The film will be shown all over the country at conferences and seminars, and hopefully it will be shown on TV.
Once complete it will be used to raise awareness of the AFCC, the benefits of it, and the impact it has had on the North-West. The finished film can be then be used as a model for the rest of the country and is also looking at lessons that have been learnt along the way. The film will be shown all over the country at conferences and seminars, and hopefully it will be shown on TV.
On Wednesday the 17th February, a team from Dig In North West came across to show us to build our raised beds for the back garden, this joint project was filmed by Peter Carruthers who is putting a film together funded by the Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant.
The VIC Singing Group has increased its membership since we came back in January, there are now 21 members, This is great start to 2015, as this time last year there were only 6.
On Thursday 12th February VIC members and their dogs, were joined by two members of the Rossendale Mountain Rescue with their search dog today on our first walk of this month. We walked up to Hog Lowe Pike, it was not an easy walk as the ground was quite soft and boggy, and quite challenging for some. But still a very enjoyable walk with some great views across the hills.
We had a break in the weather on Tuesday 10th February and we managed to get the roof of the shed covered and sealed against the rain. With the roof covered work was started on the work benches.
Our oldest VIC member Staff Sargent James Burge of the RAOC was cremated at Accrington Crematorium on the 3rd February..
He joined the Merchant Navy at 15 and enlisted in the Royal Navy at the start of WW2 where he fought on the Atlantic Conveys and in the Mediterranean.
After he was demobbed he re-enlisted into the RAOC and served for a further 18 years, during his service he fought in Korea and Malaya. He was awarded the LSGC
He was joined on his final parade by VIC members and standards from the RN Association and the Fusiliers.
RIP James, your stag is over and you can fall out to mess where your mates have a drink ready for you on the bar.
He joined the Merchant Navy at 15 and enlisted in the Royal Navy at the start of WW2 where he fought on the Atlantic Conveys and in the Mediterranean.
After he was demobbed he re-enlisted into the RAOC and served for a further 18 years, during his service he fought in Korea and Malaya. He was awarded the LSGC
He was joined on his final parade by VIC members and standards from the RN Association and the Fusiliers.
RIP James, your stag is over and you can fall out to mess where your mates have a drink ready for you on the bar.
On Saturday 31st January we sent out a small recce team to the Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue Team assessment day at Barley near Pendle Hill. The day involved being shown the kit and equipment, the vehicles used, some exercises and the opportunity to talk to the team.
It was a great day and the RPMR Team really gave us a day to remember. They were recruiting for new team members and VIC will be working together with them on a number of ideas we discussed.
We would like to thank the team of Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue for giving us the opportunity
It was a great day and the RPMR Team really gave us a day to remember. They were recruiting for new team members and VIC will be working together with them on a number of ideas we discussed.
We would like to thank the team of Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue for giving us the opportunity
The new VIC Crew Bus has been working in Colne over the last few weeks, we are building a retaining wall and painting some railings at David Fishwick minibus sales. This is first project in the Community of 2015, and we have had 6 VIC members working on site. Unfortunatly the weather has prevented us from painting the railing as planned and work will start shortly on this second phase..
Last year VIC were successful in another application to the Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Scheme, this application was to fund a crew bus and they provided a grant of £21,200.
We approached David Fishwick, from TV’s Bank Of Dave notoriety, and he was able to supply a suitable vehicle from his Colne-based minibus company. When we explained what VIC does he was able to convert a 17 seater minibus to a crew bus configuration, and included the VIC livery at no cost.
The crew bus has 11 seats and has had the rear space converted so we can carry tools, equipment, materials for community projects, paintings and crafts for the exhibitions, and personal kit.
The Crew bus will have many purposes and allows us to do more of the community projects, social inclusion projects, outdoor activities, drive the Singing Group to their performances and any fundraising activities.
This crew bus will allow us to continue to build on the achievements we have had over the last the two years.
We took delivery of the crew bus on Monday 19th January and it starts it's first community project next week.
We approached David Fishwick, from TV’s Bank Of Dave notoriety, and he was able to supply a suitable vehicle from his Colne-based minibus company. When we explained what VIC does he was able to convert a 17 seater minibus to a crew bus configuration, and included the VIC livery at no cost.
The crew bus has 11 seats and has had the rear space converted so we can carry tools, equipment, materials for community projects, paintings and crafts for the exhibitions, and personal kit.
The Crew bus will have many purposes and allows us to do more of the community projects, social inclusion projects, outdoor activities, drive the Singing Group to their performances and any fundraising activities.
This crew bus will allow us to continue to build on the achievements we have had over the last the two years.
We took delivery of the crew bus on Monday 19th January and it starts it's first community project next week.
The VIC Singing Group has started the New Year with its first two rehearsals, we have increased the Singing Group to 16 members now and have started to practice a number of new songs.
The Creative Community Hub has started the New year with a new range, they have a number of scented candles ready to sell at their next Exhibition or through the shop. Contact Darren on either 01706 833180 or email darrenhorsnell@veteransincommunities.org if you are interested in any of the candles.
On Monday 19th January the VIC Centre hosted a workshop delivered by the Counter Terrorism Prevent team from the Greater Manchester Police to 11 VIC members.
WRAP (Workshop Raising Awareness of Prevent)
The workshop was is an introduction to Prevent and covered issues such as crime, normal social processes that are used to influence and manipulate, extreme right-wing and Al Qa’ida case studies, terrorist ideologies and factors which may contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to a terrorist ideology.
WRAP gave an overview of Prevent and how to recognise the initial signs of individuals vulnerable to radicalisation as well as those who radicalise.
VIC offersed this courses to all our members so they have a better understanding and could identify when veterans who may be vulnerable to being radicalised by extremist groups.
WRAP (Workshop Raising Awareness of Prevent)
The workshop was is an introduction to Prevent and covered issues such as crime, normal social processes that are used to influence and manipulate, extreme right-wing and Al Qa’ida case studies, terrorist ideologies and factors which may contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to a terrorist ideology.
WRAP gave an overview of Prevent and how to recognise the initial signs of individuals vulnerable to radicalisation as well as those who radicalise.
VIC offersed this courses to all our members so they have a better understanding and could identify when veterans who may be vulnerable to being radicalised by extremist groups.
We have made some alterations to the outreach services offered across the Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton area.
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Rochdale outreach will be moving from Heywood Sports Village to two other locations, Forward Together café in High Level, Champness Hall from 10-12 with Steve Butterworth.
Middleton outreach services are now at The Angel Project Community Café, in Langley Middleton every Wednesday 10-12 with Tony Stubbs
Outreach in Heywood will be by appointment please telephone either Steve Butterworth or Tony Stubbs on 01706 833180
More information on these new outreach venues can be viewed on the new Outreach Locations page
..
Rochdale outreach will be moving from Heywood Sports Village to two other locations, Forward Together café in High Level, Champness Hall from 10-12 with Steve Butterworth.
Middleton outreach services are now at The Angel Project Community Café, in Langley Middleton every Wednesday 10-12 with Tony Stubbs
Outreach in Heywood will be by appointment please telephone either Steve Butterworth or Tony Stubbs on 01706 833180
More information on these new outreach venues can be viewed on the new Outreach Locations page
On Sunday 11th January VIC were invited as guests to annual Rossendale Lion Xmas dinner, they presented to VIC member Peter Webster a cheque for £200.
We would like to thank the Rossendale Lions for this generous donation.
We would like to thank the Rossendale Lions for this generous donation.