2018 News

We had a welcome boost to our 2018 Xmas appeal Best in Bury made a donation of fresh meat and eggs on the 26th December. VIC members have benefited from this very generous donation.
We would also like to thank Rob O'Riordan for putting us forward
On Saturday 22nd December the Singing Group made their last performance of 2018. We would like to thank the generosity of staff and customer for their donations.
This wouldn't have been possible without the volunteers of the Singing Group and our volunteer collectors.
On Wednesday 19th December we held our annual Xmas meal for our members at the Sandbrook Stonehouse Carvery in Rochdale.

This year we had over 70 members sit down for a three course meal, this was our highest turnout to date. We chose Rochdale as we could get our members from Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale join those from Rossendale. It was good to see so many from the Sandbag Cafe, four came over from Kemple View and many made the journey to Rochdale from a Rossendale and surrounding areas.
Mitch won the second raffle prize.
On Tuesday 18th December there was an amazing turn out at the Sandbag Cafe in Heywood, 33 veterans came to our final coffee morning of the year. As always there was a fantastic atmosphere as everyone enjoyed the Christmas theme... mince pies, Christmas crackers, Dundee cake and Christmas tunes as well as the usual bacon butties.
VIC members started to break down the recently delivered pallets, between the 10th and 18th December we have stripped down over half. Whilst we had a gang breaking down the pallets, one of our members made up an order for a log store and planter.
On Sunday 16th December the Singing Group raised over £360 at TESCO in Bury. 
On Saturday 8th December the Singing Group raised over £590 at ASDA in Rawtenstall.
On Friday 7th December we took another load of pallets for our Veterans In Production (VIP) project. We would like to thank JJO plc once again. These are great pallets for planters, log stores, benches, and other garden furniture. We will be breaking these down over the next few months
On the 23rd November VIC members went down to Challenge for Change in Manchester, a converted warehouse in Trafford Park which offered a range of hire wire activities. This was the last of our activities for 2018
In two weeks in November we were joined by the students on the National Citizenship Service through Bury College. They helped to raise some money through fundraising in Bury Town Centre, individual sponsorship and by winning the 'pitch' on a Dragon's Den type event.

They helped on our allotment and as part of the activities laid on VIC, they drew their representation of the poppy.

As with other groups we've had, they once again excelled themselves.
The VIC Centre has got a new addition, thanks to David Joddrell for fabricating the frame, Graham Riley for getting the sheet steel, Chris Jones for the sign writing and Simon Peace for the fitting of the new sign.
Totally homemade by VIC members
VIC members had a very busy few days over this years commemoration of the Centenary of the Armistice of the First World War.
On the evening of Thursday 8th November 20 veterans attended the Manchester Airport Festival of Remembrance.
On Friday 10th November it was particularly busy; members went to three schools as part of their Remembrance contributions starting at Alder Grange School, Fearns School and at St James Primary School. The VIC Singing Group performed at the Stacksteads Remembrance Service, Members laid a wreath at Bacup Cemetery and in the evening members attended the Tri-Service Festival at Preston Guild Hall.
On Remembrance Sunday our members laid wreaths at Helmshore, Haslingden, Whitworth, Bacup, Heywood, Burnley and Rawtenstall.
In addition to the wreath laying many of our other members attended their local services across greater Manchester and Lancashire.
On Saturday 10th November the VIC Centre was opened for a complimentary Remembrance haircut for the veterans and some beauty treatments for the ladies.
We would like to thank Barbers at Work for offering this to VIC and our members. It was a great day with 15 haircuts and 4 beauty treatments.
We had members from the Sandbag Cafe and a few called in for a brew and piece of cake.
Great day and can't thank Andy and the guys enough, the Company was only formed recently and wish them every success
On Thursday 8th Novmber VIC members went on the last walk of the year from Clowbridge Reservoir taking in the Singing Ringing Tree.
The Wednesday art group that is being delivered by Lancashre Adult Learnng at the VIC Centre is being well attended by VIC mmembers.
On Wednesday 7th November we hosted a community IT course aimed at women with little or no IT skills. However two of our members were able to join them to make the numbers up.
On Saturday the 3rd November the craft group held a stall at the Bacup Trinity Baptist Church in Bacup. We had a lot of our Xmas crafts out as well as the Lest We Forget items.
On Saturday 3rd November our Project Worker Bev Fowler held an Information stand at the Flu Clinic at the Longford Street Group Practice in Heywood.
On the evening of the 2nd November VIC members Bill and Mick went along to Bacup Natural History Museum as part of their Centenery event. On display was a number of exhibits from the First World War.
On Friday 2nd November we celebrated Lewis Banhams 96th birthday.
We wish him many more.
On Friday 2nd November VIC members laid the picket fence and memorial crosses at Bacup Cemetery. This is the fourth year we have laid the 135 crosses for all those either buried or named on a family plot's headstone.Lest we forget ...
On Thursday 1 st November VIC members were invited to the official opening of the Burnley Community Kitchen this afternoon. We started on the stripping out of the old shop fittings at the beginning of March and they have done an amazing job to get it to what it is now.
Good effort all round and so many organisations and volunteers have supported this community venture.
In the 22nd October Veterans In Production dropped off the first three street planters for Haslingden Civic Pride, This is situated at the top of Deadengate outside Lindens Rest Home. They do a great job in keeping the area clean and tidy, and adding colour around the town.
Veterans In Production project have made two large planters using recycled pallet wood for a member of the local community. They were collected from the VIC Centre on the 22nd October.
On the 19th October VIC members carried out a recce for a future outdoor activity at the Belisama's Retreat on the banks of the River Ribble.

It is a woodland and wildlife project to promote health and well-being for veterans and other groups.
On the 11th October VIC members visited the Blue Johns Mines
On Saturday 6th October the VIC Singing Group performed at the TESCO in Haslingden.
On Friday 5th October VIC Trustee Barry Hyde and Operations Manager Bob Elliott, collected a share of the £2500 that was raised through the sales of used and unwanted books over the Summer period.
On the weekend of  the 29th and 30th September the VIC Centre was open for the Rossendale Art Trail. We held a number of workshops and a Bob Ross Art group. We were joined by the the High Sheriff of Lancashire Tony Attard and his wife Patricia and the Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale Councillor Ann Kenyon and her sister Susan Kapler.
At the end of September we took one of the crops from our allotment in Helmshore. Work will start shortly to prepare the ground for next year
On the Saturday 22nd September VIC members enjoyed another of our Social Inclusion trips, this time they went to the Canal Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.
In September one of our WW2 veterans Lewis Banham returned to  Eindhoven in Holland as a special guest to celebrate the Liberation 74 years ago.
This was the second time he's returned to Holland and we would like to thank all those who made it possible, especially to VIC member Bill Ogden who looked after Lewis.
On Thursday 13th September VIC members went on a walk from Barley Village. The walk was split into two; one group decided to walk the sculpture trail and the second group enjoyed a 7,5 mile walk taking in Pendle Hill and Fell Wood then meeting up for refreshments afterwards
We opened two art pop-up exhibitions in September; one in Pendle Rise Shopping Centre and the second was at the Burnley FC Community Kitchen in Burnley Town Centre.
Both were well received by the the public and we would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who helped to make the VIC arts and crafts exhibition a huge success. 
The pop up shop was so well received that the management have invited us back again. This could never have been possible without the team effort of everyone including the lads from the Pendle Armed Forces Group,
On Sunday 9th September the Royal British Legion Haslingden Branch held their second annual fun-day.
It was a shame the weather put people off coming out but it was still a good day though and good to see the Living Museum’s latest addition ‘their shooting range’.
Picture
Picture by Catherine Smyth
On the 30th August VIC members enjoyed a days canoeing on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. The team stared at Foulridge and canoed the one long Foulridge Tunnel.
Over a four day period at the end of August and start of September one of our members' Simon who is a joiner and his builders mate Jason constructed a new bench using the pallets from J & J Ormerod for the back garden of the VIC Centre. The old bench had seen a fair bit of action and was unsafe, and it was at the centre when we moved in January 2014 so we were due for a change.

At the end of August we were donated a number of large pallets from J & J Ormerod in Bacup. Over a two week period our members broke them down. we will start to make raised beds and planters as part of our Veterans In Production (VIP) project
On Sunday 26th August the arts and crafts stall was set up again at the Cherry Tree Children's Nursery fundraising event.

There was a good variety of what VIC does on show.
On Saturday 25th August had an arts and craft stall at the Rossendale Makers market in Rawtenstall.
One of our members John fitted a number of new steel kickplates to the doors downstairs of the VIC Centre on the 20th August.

The Plates were supplied by FilterFabs
On the 17th August the Surgery medical practice in Haslingden asked for a veterans notice board. We hope many more will find space for a similar notice board that can provide veterans with general contacts and services.
On the 16th August we had a delivery of pallets from J J Ormerod in Bacup, slightly more than we were expecting but it will be used once broken down to make garden furniture, new gates for the VIC Centre, used down the allotment to finish off the decking, and what ever we can think off.

We estimate once broken down we'll be able to recycle about 80%.
The VIC van has needed some general work to clean and remove some rust spots before the bad weather comes.

We were given a grant from the Armed Forces Community Covenant Scheme in 2015 to get a crew bus for our community projects. It has been a good runner and has been used for so many of our projects, outdoor  activities, social inclusion trips, outreach and general use.
VIC members Steve Butterworth and Pat Rothwell made our resident Robin at our allotment a new home. The nest is an old army DMS boot that Pat has drawn some flowers in the canal art style. Steve made the holder from recycled pallet wood. 
More pictures of our Veterans In Production (VIP) products.
On the 14th August we took the last two trolley loads of books to the Tesco Haslingden Book Stall. They asked for more paper books as they were running low.
We would like to thank all those who gave their unwanted books to us over the last 2 months.
On Sunday 12th August VIC had a stand at the annual Trawden Agriculture Show. The children and adult tombolas was kept busy and Darren Horsnell sold some of the Lest We Forget mugs.
VIC were invited to join Sally Naden on BBC Radio Lancashire on the 8th August to give an update on what VIC have been doing over the last 12 months.
Steve Butterworth was able to explain the song Pale Maiden that he wrote on returning from his first visit to the Falkland Islands in 2014, 32 years since the Falklands War ended.
Darren Horsnell was able to give an update on the art group and how VIC has helped him.
Bob Elliott was able to give a general update on our activities.
VIC members Ivy and Carol re-arranged the layout of the Hide, with the vinyl stencils removed from the front windows there is much more light coming in.
VIC members enjoyed a walk up to Blackstone Edge in Oldham. The route they took went from Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale and encountered the impressive wildlife made from wood at Animal Elegance.
One of our members Brian Thorpe has been volunteering in the kitchen of the Burnley FC in the Community Kitchen in Burnley. Brian is hoping to return to work in the catering industry and is working with Gill Hughes on our Building Better Opportunities project.
VIC members popped up to the opening of the Burnley FC in the Community Kitchen on Monday 8th August. It looks great.
We are also going to exhibit our art work there in September on the18th after we finish at Pendle Rise shopping Centre.
VIC member Ivy Limbrick made another variety of Bug House using an old cheese, some recycled pallet wood and some toilet rolls. To see more of our Veterans In Production (VIP) products.
On the 3rd August we had a visit from Laura, the Community Champion from Asda. As a result of their Green Token Giving campaign VIC were presented with a cheque for £200. Thank you to all the customers of Asda who supported us.
At the beginning of August volunteers Mel and Ivy gave the reception area at the VIC Centre a make over. Over the years we have tried many ways to make best use of the space and this has to be the best.
At the end of July we saw some some general improvements to the VIC Centre; the old VIC window vinyls were removed to allow more light into the rooms, Chris has been painting the reception area ready for new carpets and Alan has been resealing some of the front windows.
On Saturday 28th July the VIC Singing Group performed at the Tesco in Bury to help raise money for Bury Hospice Corporate Challenge.
On Saturday 28th July we held our 25th painting in the style of Bob Ross. This was a difficult painting this time but the results were still amazing.
The allotment bench has had a coat of paint.
The VIC Centre is having some general TLC and one of the first rooms was the IT Room, where the vinyl stencils were removed from the front windows and a small art display can be seen.
On Thursday 26th July VIC members enjoyed a trip out to see the Antony Gormley statues at Crosby beach, this is one of the trips we do every year.
Towards the end of July we started to harvest some of this years crop at the allotment. It has been a bit of a battle because of the hot weather we've had but we have been able to pick some potatoes and courgettes.
On Friday 20th July, our two regular WW2 veterans Doug and Lewis who attend the VIC Centre on Fridays were joined by some of the members of the Sandbag Cafe in Heywood.

The combined age was 365 years, and we had three Legion d'Honeur medal holders in one place.
On the 18th July VIC members helped one of our older veterans David Hoyle with repairing his gutters.

​This is one of the reasons we set up our community projects to help our older veterans with some of smaller type jobs they need around the house.
At the start of July VIC members have helped one of older members Doug Hocken who served at the end of WW2 in the RAF. He has not been able to do any work on his garden for a number years and it has become very over grown.
The first part of the project is to clear the front garden, the second phase is to clear the patio area which is underway now. The garden has three tiers and the remaining two will be done in the New Year when everything has died back.
Particular thanks to Mel and Paul who have spent their weekends on the garden.
In June we has a visit from Graham Jones MP and one of our old members Dave Bloor. In June 2016 Dave asked whether we could build a gate and put some fencing up in his back garden as he was getting a specially trained assistance dog from Hounds For Heroes. They couldn't place the dog with Dave until his back garden was secure.
Unfortunately we couldn't post anything about his dog Ace at that time. Ace can perform 67 tasks and can combine those tasks.
Hounds for Heroes provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women of both the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services. Through this provision, they aim to provide help and practical support leading to an enhanced quality of life.
If you want to donate (or know more) go to; www.houndsforheroes.com/
On the 10th July we took a further 2 trolleys of books to Tesco Haslingden for the book stall. This now makes a total of 9 loads we have taken down. VIC is one of the beneficiaries of any money raised on this book stall.
Project worker Jaqui Collins joined NHS staff in Middleton on the 4th July to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS, this was only one of the events VIC staff attended across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale
We visited the Burnley FC in the Community Community Cafe in Burnley. Amazed at the difference from when we went in to strip out out the old shop fittings and clean up the walls in January. There are plans to have a veterans breakfast club when it opens.
On the 1st July we held our 24th Bob Ross style painting group.

To book onto the next course please call the office on 01706 833180 and speak to Darren
On Thursday 28th June, VIC members had the third team building at Whitehough Outdoor Centre in Barley. Activities involved using the high ropes, Z bars, leap of faith and archery.
Another great day was had by all. [More pictures]
The VIC allotment welcomed a couple nights of rain. the plants are growing well now and we should get a good crop this year.
We celebrated Armed Forces week this year with members attending a number of ceremonies across Blackpool, Llandudno, Rochdale, Rawtenstall, Bury, Pendle and Preston. 
On Saturday 23rd June the Singing Group performed at ASDA's in Rawtenstall as part of Armed Forces Week, an outstanding performance by the Singing Group and the collectors at ASDA in Rawtenstall.
A grand total of £701 was raised on the day.
On the 20th June we took another three trolleys of books to Tesco's Haslingden for the book stall. We are still taking donations of books as the book stall is expected to run over the next ten weeks.
Another two days were spent at the allotment in Helmshore on the 18th and 20th June, the plants are growing and although we have a few more jobs to do. We should get a good crop of vegetables this year. 
VIC members enjoyed an afternoon at the Drumming Circle & BBQ Open Day organised by Carers Link on the 15th June . The event was held at Bowley Scout Camp and a BBQ finished the day.
The art room has gone through a few changes over three days during the middle of June, the walls has been boarded out so that the pictures can be hung without damaging the walls.
Thanks to all those who helped out on these days days.
Guy Walker, Darren Horsnell, David Joddrell, Jim Smith, Steve Butterworth, Jaqui Collins and Phil Mills.
Over two days 12th & 13th June VIC members have spent a lot of time at the allotment. [More pictures of the work we have done in June]
Tesco in Haslingden are once again having a book stall in their store to run over the Summer. We have been collecting unwanted books and on the 13th June we took down 4 trolleys of books, this meant they were able to start to start the book stall early. As with last year any money raised is being donated this year to local Charities Groups and Organisations. VIC is one of the local charities that will receive a share of any money raised. 
We would like to thank all those who have donated their unwanted books to us.
On Sunday 10th June some VIC members went to the Khizra mosque in Manchester. They were shown round by Sandra and took into the prayer room, the community room and the peace garden.
In the peace garden there is a plaque, a rose bush and a maple tree presented to the mosque a year after the Manchester bombing.
This was all followed by a delicious meal to break the fast.
It was a lovely evening whereby the mosque have opened their doors to the communities.
On Saturday 9th June VIC members went on another Social Inclusion trip the National Arboretum, for many it was their visit.
On Friday 8th June the Veterans and Voices concert at St Marys Church was huge success, we had over 100 people in the audience who bought tickets enjoying a selection of songs sung by our VIC Singing Group and music played by the Haslingden and Helmshore Band.

[More pictures and videos]
Our Project Worker Jaqui Collins who attends many of the Integrated Neighbourhood Team (INT) meetings was handed a Donation of £270 from Helen Blackhurst. The money was in memory of her Mother, Elizabeth Denvir, who recently sadly passed away. RIP Elizabeth and thank you Helen for giving us this donation.
On Wednesday 6th June we delivered the two raised beds we made for Only Foals & Horses. These were made by veterans on our 'Veterans in Production' project which received a grant from the ABF Soldiers Charity.
Members of Haslingden-based Veterans In Communities visited the sanctuary at the end of April as we were offered a taster session on what they can offer around equine therapy, and were asked if they could help with some of the work they were having done.
On Tuesday 5th June we has a small work party at the allotment in Helmshore. Every Tuesday is now the 'allotment day'. The allotment is a community project and we encourage our members and those those from the local community to call down for a few hours. For more information please contact Steve Butterworth on 01706 833180 or email stevebutterworth@vic.org.uk
On the weekend of  the 2nd and 3rd June we held two Bob Ross style painting classes at the VIC Centre. It was a difficult topic the finished pictures were amazing. For more information on these classes and how to book yourself a place ring Darren Horsnell on 01706 833180 or email darrenhorsnell@vic.org.uk.
On Friday 2nd June Jaqui Collins our Project Worker for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale held an information stand at the "Men's Health Event" at Castleton Medical Centre
On Friday 2nd June, the second raised bed was finished for the Only Foals and Horse Sanctuary. Both are ready for delivery.
On the 31st May VIC members enjoyed a few hours on the Social Inclusion trip to Brockholes Nature Reserve, The weather was very good and our members were able to take some pictures of the birds and insects.
The first of the two raised beds for the Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary was completed at the end of the May
At the end of May the allotment in Helmshore has seen a great improvement from the start of May. The VIV members have worked hard over the last few weeks.
On the weekend of the 26th and 27th May VIC members along with other veterans joined the clay modelling group in Manchester. This weekend involved sculpting self portraits as part of a project to see how veterans see themselves in a different form and how it makes them feel. Members worked with clay for the first time ever and achieved such great results. Looking forward to working with Bravo 22 on the next project.
On the 22nd May the first of the large raised beds was been finished and positioned in the back garden of the VIC Centre.
The VIC allotment in Helmshore is really taking shape now, and members have spent a good day getting it ready. The work is ongoing and over the next few weeks all the plants will be in the beds.
New VIC member Keith being introduced to some of the other members of VIC for the first time at the Rochdale Veterans Breakfast Club on the 17th May.
On the 17th May VIC members enjoyed the walk from Towneley Park to the Singing Ringing Tree.
On first crop of vegetables have gone into the raised beds at the allotment in Helmshore. We were joined by some veterans from Kemple View. [More]
On the15th May, another party led by Steve Butterworth spent a few hours down at the allotment in Helmshore. [More]
On the 12th May VIC members attended the launch of the Armed Force Breakfast Club in Great Harwood. They meet at the Cross Axes Public House.
On the 11th and 16th May, VIC members completed a two day Mindfulness course organised by the Acorn Academy.
VETERAN despatch rider Lewis Banham made an emotional return to the Netherlands 74 years after he visited to deliver vital messages to the front line. 
Lewis was invited to be part of a special parade for veterans as a thank you for their part in liberating the country.

Lewis said: “It was fantastic. We were treated like VIPs. They held a special parade for us and there were 75 Second World War vehicles, along with 25 motorbikes including BSM20s, the same type of bike I rode across Europe when I was a despatch rider.”

He said: “I had a marvellous time. They put the windscreen down and we could see everything. People were cheering like mad and when we stopped they would come over and shake my hand and pat me on the back. 
“People said thank you very much for our liberation, I told them they had done a lot for me and they told me I had done even more for them. 
“One man gave me an envelope and kept saying thank you, thank you; when I opened it inside was 100 Euros, about £90.  

“It was a trip that I will never ever forget. It was very emotional and they were speaking from the heart.” 
The veterans met and had lunch with the Inspector General of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Hans van Griensven.

Lewis said: “While there we went to a museum and the man who ran it began collecting items when he was just eight and he picked up ammunition from the First World War and added shell casings and rifles.  
“From the Second World War he added bullets and clothing and they had even given him a plane that was outside his house. 
“Among the rifles was the first gun I was ever given – a Lee Enfield .303 calibre – known as the ‘elephant gun’.” 
Bill said: “It was a privilege to accompany Lewis on his return to Dutch soil for the first time since 1944. 
“We were met at the airport and from that stage onwards the veterans were treated like gods. The hospitality of the Dutch people is beyond words. They couldn’t do enough to show their gratitude to the veterans who helped liberate them.” 
On the 9th May, VIC members started on the allotment in Helmshore. The beds have been filled with top soil, the site was given a general tidy up and we moved some of the beds around ready for planting of the vegetables. [More]
On the afternoon of the 8th May, VIC were invited to the Armed Forces Covenant session at Gorton Monastery. One of the guest speakers was Andy Burnham who gave an overview of what Manchester is doing for the armed forces community.
Our CEO Liz Hamilton, Outreach Worker Steve Butterworth and project Worker Jaqui Collins attended.
On the May Day Bank Holiday, the VIC centre was opened to our members. As with previous opening of bank holidays our staff provided a meal for our members
On the 3rd May, WW2 veteran Lewis Banham left Manchester Airport for a five day organised trip to Holland. VIC member Bill Ogden and his son Gregg joined Lewis.

The trip was organised earlier on in the year, the Dutch people wanted to thank all those who liberated their country in 1944 and 1945.
On the 3rd May VIC received a cheque for £1500.

Year 9 students of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School visited local charities & prepared a presentation pitching for funds to be awarded to their chosen charity. Veterans in the Community was awarded £1,500 & Annabelle's Challenge £500.

We would to thank the students and the school for this generous donation. The cheque was presented by the Mayor of Rawtenstall Colin Crawforth and was received by Mel Fitzgerald one of our volunteer outreach workers.
During the month of May and June, VIC are one of the three local charities that ASDA in Rawtenstall have chosen. The shoppers put a green token in the box they want to want to win.
eOn Saturday 28th April, VIC were given tickets to watch Burnley play against Brighton one of the last home games of the season.
These tickets were given to us by 'Burnley FC in the Community' as a thank you for helping out with the refurbishment of their Community Cafe.

We were joined by other veterans who attend the Thursday veterans group held at Turf Moor.

​One of our members Degs is currently undergoing treatment for a rare cancer. He is a keen supporter of Burnley FC and Naomi Greene one of their Health and Welbeing team organised him to sit in the press room after the game and meet the manager and players.
On the 27th April VIC members spent a couple of hours at the 'Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary' in Oswaldtwistle. Being around horses can be very therapeutic especially for those with poor mental health. It gave some of our members the opportunities learn about horses and to meet some of the horses at the Sanctuary who had been rescued.
Picture
Photo by Catherine Smyth
On Wednesday 24th April VIC members went to Whitehough Outdoor Centre in Barley for our second team day. The day was organised by Burnley FC in the Community. The The day involved climbing Jacobs Ladder, the Z beam, some team building games and high ropes. [More]
On Monday 23rd April VIC and the Pendle Armed Forces Covenant Group held a 'Veterans Advice week'  in the Colne Market Hall with information stands offering information, advice and support to veterans and their families in Pendle. 
Along with VIC and the Armed Forces Support Group (AFSG), there were members of the Colne Veterans Breakfast Club and the Forces Support Team from Burnley FC in the Community.
The information included opportunities for leisure, health, housing concerns, training, volunteering in the local community, some advice of employment or just to meet other like-minded people.
The stand was open from 10am to 4pm each day.
On Saturday 21st April the VIC Singing Group held their third public performance of 2018. They were performing at the Tesco store in Bury, and we would like to thank the customers and staff for their generous donations. We would also to thank the members of the Singing Group and collectors for their efforts on the day.
On Saturday 21st April we received a cheque for £2000 that was raised during the RING OF RED M60 (MANCHESTER) - A RIDE FOR THE RIDE OF RESPECT ORGANISATION that went around the M60 on Armistice Day.
On Friday 20th April Tony Stubbs joined the other finalists at the Soldiering On Awards ceromony at the Park Plaza Westminster in London.

Tony was a finalist in 'Inspiration Award' category, Unfortunately he wasn't the overall winner of the category. Better luck next year.
A change to the planned walk on the 19th April, it was the hottest day this year so far so the walk started at th e VIC Centre. The walk took in Musbury Heights and eventually had lunch at Clough Head before walking back. All enjoyed he walk.
VIC outreach worker Steve Butterworth was joined at the Rochdale Armed Forces Breakfast by other VIC members and three of our older members; Bernard, David and Jack on the 12th April. 
On the 10th April the Sandbag Café was particularly busy with plenty of banter and birthday cake to celebrate three members birthdays. We also had some lovely guests from Angie's Angels. Some of our members were treated to a mini Reiki session.
On the 7th April was a very special painting in the style of Bob Ross class. it was the 23rd class and we had 9 year old Elizabeth Deegan. It was a very full on class with lots of hard challenges but everyone had great results. Here is 9 year old Elizabeth with her painting and our very own Administrator Amanda.
On the 5th April VIC over 25 VIC members enjoyed a 3 hour Canal cruise that included a 3 course lunch. The canal boat left from Riley Green Marina in Blackburn. VIC subsidised the trip for our members and they only had to pay £10 towards the cost of the trip. [More]
During the Easter holidays, we kept the Sandbag Cafe open to members. The members who attend are local to Heywood and one of the WW2 veterans travels in from Rochdale.

The Sandbag Cafe is open 10 - 12 every Tuesday at Sandon House in Heywood. For more information you can contact Liz Davies on the main office number 01706 833180.
During the Easter holidays we put the childrens shed into St James' CE Primary School. We started this small project last year but due to acts of vandalism we had to put this off. The original shed was destroyed and the school had to get additional security fencing around the grounds.

We had a generous donation to cover the cost of this new shed, the previous shed was repaired and renovated at the VIC Centre by a former pupil, but over a period of weeks and the damage that kept getting done meant we could no longer make it safe for the children to use so we had to look at fitting a new one.
The VIC Centre opened up over the Easter Bank Holiday period again this year. The art group was well attended and over 20 members came into the centre. Two of our staff Amanda and Jaqui made a meal for those days we were open.
VIC launched our first Art Exhibition of 2018 at the Haworth Art Gallery on the 31st March in Accrington. The exhibition will be on until 20th May, the art work has all been done at the VIC Centre in Haslingden during the art groups that runs every Tuesday and Friday. [More]

The art group was one of the first activities VIC set up in 2011 and was the inspiration of Darren Horsnell, whose effort over the last 7 years has seen the art group develop into what we have today.

We would like to thank Graham Jones MP, the staff from the Haworth Art Gallery, VIC members who turned up to support the opening and members of the public. Well done all.

For more information on the art group or VIC please contact the office on 01706 833180
The third day of the 6 week wood working course is going well. At the end of the course they will all have completed a piece to keep. For more information on the next course please contact the office on 01706 833180
David, pictured on the left with VIC members Peter and Bernard has not left his House for the last year since he lost his Leg. Thanks to the intervention of VIC, David has attended the Sandbag Cafe on Tuesday 27th and the Rochdale Breakfast Club on the 29th March.
Thanks to Peter for helping him into the Transport on Tuesday & Tony Wolfenden for taking him to the Rochdale breakfast club.
On Wednesday 28th March, VIC members visited the Helmshore Textile Museum. Although it is currently closed they are open to pre-booked organised tours. The tour lasted about two hours and our members could see the history and the machinery used.
This was one of our social inclusion trips identified by our our members.
On Tuesday 27th March, ten VIC members went to Whitehough Outdoor Centre in Barley for a team day. The day was organised by Burnley FC in the Community and the first of two such days we have planned up there. The second day will be the 24th April. The day involved climbing Jacobs Ladder, the leap of Faith and a walk around Aitken Woods.
The ages of veterans who attended ranged between 28 and 76, everyone had a great time. [More]
On the 17th March, VIC members completed a one-day First Aid course run by 1st Aid Training (North West) Ltd.
Great start to the 2018 VIC Choir Public performances.

On Saturday 24th March performed at the Official Opening of the Clod Lane Park when the Choir aired many new songs for their first test with an Audience.
Picture
Picture by VIC member Alan Willetts
Steve Butterworth has started on his new project, he is planning to make two wooden horses. One to be a family heirloom and the other will be auctioned off to raise money for VIC.

​The templates that are now cut will mean any of our members can make one as part of the Veterans In Production project.
The second day of the 6 week wood working course is going well. At the end of the course they will all have completed a piece to keep. For more information on the next course please contact the office on 01706 833180
VIC members led by Ivy enjoyed a 7 mile walk on the 22nd March around the hills above Crawshawbooth. Everyone had a great time even though the route description was a bit hit and miss.
On the 14th March we had a delivery of some chipping for our allotment in Helmshore, a small works party started to spread them around the raised beds. A few weeks ago we were given large machine packing cases from a local company, so we made another two raised beds.

Over the coming weeks we will have a delivery of soil which will fill all the raised beds. Stubby Lee Greenhouses in Bacup are cultivating our crop for the this year and once the raised beds are full then we shall start the growing phase.
VIC started a short six week wood working course on the 15th March at the VIC Centre in Haslingden. The aims of the course will be teach how to sharpen and use a range of chisels safely, and produce a piece of work by the end of six weeks.
The course runs Thursday 10-3pm and there is a small cost of £3 per session. The course is being run by one of our volunteer members Dave Joddrell.
For more information or to book yourself onto the next course please contact Amanda Walton on either amandawalton@vic.org.uk or call the main office on 01706 833180.
We were asked by an older veteran living in Colne last week to build a screen for his wheelie bins. He was unable to do this himself due to his health. So we put a small works party together on the 13th March and built the screen that now mean his wheelie bins are put in a position where the other residents could get to their homes without causing an obstruction.
Steve Butterworth was invited to the Apnar Ghar Centre in Rochdale on the 8th March to commemorate the ending of the First World War and the different faiths and cultures that fought alongside each other.
Steve was asked to speak for twenty minutes about what VIC is and some of my own experiences. 
On the 8th March one of our new members 94 year old Ex-Royal Signals Bernard Munton was invited to meet the Rochdale Mayor (also ex Royal Signals) and have a guided tour of the famous town hall and parlour.

We have already introduced him to the Sandbag Cafe, Rochdale Armed Forces Breakfast Club and he recently attended the Rossendale Armed Forces Breakfast Club where he met Lewis Banham and Bill Ogden both Royal Signals for the first time. Bernard has been a regular user of the Sandbag Cafe and Rochdale Armed Forces Breakfast Club.over the last few weeks.  

Bernard has been talking about his wartime experiences in the Middle East with the Royal Signals and showing us the many photos he took along the way. Bernard recently lost his wife after 70 years and needed to start getting out again.

Steve was heard to say 'This is why I do what I do. Thanks to those who made it possible'.
VIC members were treated to a complimentary meal at the Bombay Grill in Barrowford on Monday 26th February. We were joined by other veterans from the Colne Breakfast Club. Everybody enjoyed the evening.
On Saturday 24th February we held the 22nd Bob Ross painting day at the VIC Centre. Well done to Amanda and Guy for their brilliant effort, both did amazingly well for their first painting in the Bob Ross style.
On Thursday 22nd February VIC members enjoyed a 7.5 mile walk around Barnoldswick.
The Crafty Chatters have been busy since Christmas making a range of crafts for Easter. You can see what they have made at the VIC Centre.
On Monday the 19th February we launched our new outreach location in Accrington. The offices we used in the Market Hall is now being used by Veterans Association UK (VAUK) full-time so we couldn't use it but we decided to keep our outreach in the Market Hall and it is now a Pop-Up stand manned by Carole Mills and Guy Walker.
The stand will be there every Monday between 1pm and 3pm. 
On Tuesday 13th February we had another works party led by Steve Butterworth to help out with the painting at the Burnley FC in Community Cafe.
On Thursday the 8th February 8 VIC members visited the Yorkshire Mining Museum just out Wakefield. It was great experience and part of the visit included the underground tour, the tour underground lasted over an hour.
Everybody had a good day and learnt so much about the Coal Mining Industry
On the 1st February we had a visit from some students from Alder Grange School in Rawtenstall who presented us with a cheque for £200 that was raised last year during Remembrance. We would like to thank the students and staff of Alder Grange School for this donation.
 
Picture
Picture by Burnley FC in the Community
Over three weeks during January, VIC were asked by Burnley FC in the Community to give some help at their new Community Cafe in Charter Walk Shopping Centre in Burnley. 

VIC members were asked to strip out the old shop fittings, replace some of the wall panels, prepare the walls for painting and to generally clear the shop of any rubbish and unwanted fittings. Once we had completed the work then other teams would come in and do the decorating and refurbishments for the cafe to be be open to the public before March.

When the Cafe is open to the public it is expected that VIC would hold an weekly outreach and possibly look at whether a veterans breakfast club in the future could be developed to run from there.
VIC held the first Bob Ross art class of 2018 on Saturday 27th January, this is the 21st Bob Ross we have held at the VIC Centre. For more information on these classes contact Darren on 01706 833180.
VIC has six members attended the two day Armed Forces Mental Health First Aid held at Burnley Football Club on the 25th & 26th January. The course was organised by the Defence Medical Welfare Service in partnership with the Burnley FC Community Trust.
VIC members enjoyed a walk around Ribchester. Although the bad weather held off it was muddy under foot. They found a war memorial on the route they took.
One of our VIC quiz teams 'VIC Pickleballers' won the BASCO 2018 quiz held at the Rose and Bowl in Stacksteads on the 24th January.
The first Rossendale Armed Forces Breakfast Club of 2018 started in with Style. Although a number of regulars were absent for various reasons there was still a good turn out with 19 members present. This included new member Jimmy Elsworth and his lovely daughter Lucy.
Pat O’Reilly and Mark Culshaw very kindly brought along their Living Military Museum. For many Veterans they were like children in a sweet shop. The opportunity to get hands on and exchange stories of... daring exploits and exchange banter added to the great success of the morning.
We also had a visit From Stuart Collins Who is the Veterans Co-Ordinator for Age UK in east Lancashire. Stuart is looking to sign post some new veterans to the Breakfast Club and has been assured they will be most welcome.

A raffle was held to raise monies for Scotty’s Little Soldiers.

The next breakfast club will be held on Saturday 10th February.

​Remember it is open to all veterans of the armed forces and emergency services. If you fit the criteria and you haven’t already attended or you know of someone else that fits the bill, please encourage them to come along.
Our first Social Inclusion trip of 2018 was on the 11th January to visit the Hack Green Nuclear bunker  in Nantwich. Sorry can't show any pictures because it was a secret bunker.......... We did find the NAAFI though. it was good to see all the equipment that would've been used during WW2 and Cold War. There were 27 rooms which showed how it would've looked when manned. 
We are pleased to announce that Tony Stubbs, our volunteer outreach worker for Middleton has been nominated in the 'Inspiration Award' category in the 2018 Soldiering On Awards.

The winner of the award will be the person or group judged to have overcome significant challenges, injury or disability and whose achievements are an inspiration to others; embodying the spirit of Soldiering On. 

There are six other finalists in the category. 

​Speaking on behalf of all Awards Judges Lord Dannatt said: “What a privilege to have judged the Finalists from such a rich list of nominations – all of whom were undoubtedly winners in their own way.” 

Overall winners will be announced at a Black Tie gala reception, dinner and Awards’ ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, London, on April 20. 

Last year VIC was nominated in the 'Working Together' category. We wish Tony every success at this years awards.
We welcomed our new Administrator Amanda Walton to VIC by introducing her to as many of the VIC team who could attend whilst having a team meal at Shore Hey Farm in Burnley. 

It was a good opportunity to meet everybody outside of the VIC Centre.
The VIC centre was opened again over the Xmas period, our core team and trustees prepared a hot meal every day for those who were on their own over Xmas. We had over 60 members making use of the centre.

VIC this year was also one of the designated centres for those who needed an emergency food parcel over the Xmas period. The food was donated by Tesco in Haslingden and RAFT.

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