VIC NEWS 2019

The last Bob Ross class of 2019 was held on the 29th December at the VIC Centre. The VIC Centre was open throughout the Xmas and New Period.

The final Christmas Performance at Haslingden Tesco’s on Saturday 21st December and raised a Magnificent Record of £737.59.
Thanks to the Tesco Customers, Staff and Colette Butler for their Fantastic support.
A GRAND TOTAL of £1600 has been raised over the 3 Performances at ASDA , thanks to Laura Saxton & Tesco’s thanks to our Collectors & The Choir Members who have personally donated in lieu of Christmas Cards.

The Accrington drop-in had a visit from the new MP for Hyndburn Sara Britcliffe. VIC had a good relationship with the previous MP Graham Jones and hope this relationship will continue.

Phil Chamberlain & Cllr Dale Ferrier from Burnley Conservative Association called into the Accrington Veterans Drop-in to hand over a Cheque for £500 to Bill Buckley (VIC) from their recent sponsored memorial walk.

​We would like to thanks them for this generous donation.

We had some little visitors with big hearts from Greenhouse Farm Nursery. They have done a reverse advent during December and brought some beautiful things to put in our hampers. 

We had some outstanding donations of food this year for our Xmas Hampers that are being handed out to single veterans and vulnerable families. We would like to thank all those who have supported and making these donation. 

On the 17th December the Trustees, staff, volunteers and VIC members were invited to the Christmas lunch at Old Mother Redcap. Everyone had a really great time.
And thank you also to Chris Smethurst who donated a luxury hamper for us to raffle. The raffle raised in excess of £100. Congratulations to the winner - Vinnie Houghton.

​Jack Riley one of our WW2 veterans we have supported over the last few years was presented with his medals we framed by our art group Co-ordinator Darren Horsnell. As with many veterans the medals are kept in drawers and we thought they would look better and something that would be passed down the family. Was an absolute pleasure Jack.

On Saturday 7th December the VIC Choir held their first Xmas performance at ASDA in Rawtenstall. A good effort by all concerned and we raised £420.

VIC members, family, friends and veterans said our last goodbyes to Carole Mills on the 19th Novembers at Accrington Crematorium. RIP Carole  

On the 21st November Project Worker Bev Fowler held an information stand at the health and wellbeing event at Rochdale Football Club

The curry and quiz night held at the North Street Indian in Rawtenstall on the 17th November was a sell-out and a huge success. Many thanks to everyone who came and supported us. We raised a total of £461. Vintage Asda were the winners this time.

On Saturday 16th November the VIC Choir performed in Tesco, Haslingden. They raised £447.79. Thanks to our four collectors also, Jacko, Barnsey, Eileen and Gary, who supported throughout the performance.

Members of VIC paid their respects at Remembrance Services held across East Lancashire and Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. At the service in Haslingden many veterans and staff paraded to the cenotaph on Remembrance and the VIC Centre was open to all. The VIC Choir sang at Rawtenstall and Stacksteads Remembrance Services and representatives were also at the services across Rossendale, Todmorden, Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton, Bury, Accrington and Tottington. There was also a special Remembrance Armed Forces Breakfast Club on Saturday November 9.

On the 2nd November members of the Conservative Association completed a sponsored walk, money raised is being donated to VIC. We thank the team of walkers  for this outstanding effort.

At the start of November we received some devastating and unexpected news over the weekend, one of our volunteers Carole Mills sadly passed away at home.
Carole served in the Royal Navy with the QARNNS (Queen Alexander Royal Navy Nursing Service). She served at RNH Haslar in Gosport Hampshire from 1977- 1980. On Leaving the Navy, she continued her nursing career in the NHS.
Carole joined VIC in 2015 as she was looking at volunteering after semi-retiring from the NHS. After initially getting involved in the VIC activities she decided to become a volunteer outreach worker, as she liked to help with supporting veterans and their families and being involved with integrating them back into the wider community. She also helped with the VIC Singing Group with the fundraising and providing refreshments during the rehearsals. Carole became one of our volunteer outreach worker working across Rossendale, Hyndburn and Blackburn.
She helped so many veterans in the four years she's volunteered with VIC and has changed so many lives. She was compassionate, always ready to talk, a selfless commitment to others, nothing was to much trouble for her, supportive towards veterans she came into contact with including VIC members and staff and there are so many that have benefited by knowing her.
We pass on our thoughts and condolences to her family and friends.
Carole’s funeral was on Tuesday 19th November.
There was a short service at St Johns Church in Accrington, followed by a short service at Accrington Crematorium where Standards and vets formed a guard of honour.
RIP Carole The world is a poorer place without you.

At the end of October we lost one of our members David Thorpe, he had been suffering from oesophageal cancer. He was an accomplished bass guitar player who played with and for many famous people, including Cliff Richards and the Shadows. 
David was one of the drivers for the Positive Start food run last year, he never missed a day, and was very well thought off by all those he came into contact with. Not only was he an accomplished musician but was in the process of writing his life and memoirs of a coach driver. Dave was an firefighter and RNLB crewman, even though he couldn't swim

The service was held at Grace Pentecostel Church in Blackburn, followed by a short service at Pleasington Cemetery & Crematorium.
​RIP David, a true gentleman and sadly missed.

On the 31st October VIC members enjoyed a 6 mile walk today to Darwen Tower

Veterans in Communities would like to send huge thanks to Community Defibs for Rossendale for their donation of a defibrillator which has been fitted to the outside of our building.
We would also like to thank William Dyer Ltd for the installation
Community Defibs have helped to facilitate the process of us acquiring this for the use of the community and will shortly be providing a free CPR and De-fib familiarisation session in the near future.

On the 24th October ​Philip Chamberlain was the first one to get a Lest We Forget wallet. This will be one of many items using the new sublimation process at the Accrington Veterans Drop-in..
Other items will include mugs, travel mugs, water bottles, coasters, key rings, place mats, ladies purses, mouse mats and xmas baubles.
We are also able to do these using any images you might have; pictures, pets and family photos.
All are reasonably priced. Contact Darren Horsnell for more information and prices.

On the 17th October VIC members enjoyed a walk up Great Hill and over to Belmont Reservoir. The weather couldn't have been better

On Saturday 5th October the VIC Centre was opened to the public as part of the Rossendale Art Trail. We held our art and craft groups where the public could take part in the groups.

On the 3rd of October Project Worker Bev Fowler held an information stand at the Information morning at Wellfield Surgery Rochdale.

At the start of October VIP finished off a project at St James’s School in Haslingden. Planters made, laid a base for the greenhouse and built the greenhouse. Took a couple of weeks due to the weather, the children can now make use and start to grow.

On Saturday 28th September the VIC Choir performed at Tesco in Haslingden. We raised £406 and we would like to thank customers and staff.

Picture by Liz Henson Photography

On the 26th September VIC received a share of the money donated from fund raised from the Tesco Haslingden book stall.

​The other 10 beneficiaries were: Kids In Rossendale The Red Box Project - Rossendale - Lancashire Positive Start Crawshawbooth Youth & Community Centre Made In Haslingden Haslingden and Helmshore Civic Pride up Now, Rossendale 60's Festival 6th - 8th September 2019 and Cancer Research UK Bacup Committee

We would like to thank all those who donated money to the book stall over the summer period.

VIC new CEO Amanda Walton, Finalists Outreach Worker Steve Butterworth and Volunteer Liz Davies attended the English Veterans Awards evening at the Mercure Holland House in Bristol on the 25th September.

Darren Horsnell was awarded the silver in the Community category, Liz Davies was awarded the bronze in the Volunteer category. [More]

Picture by Catherine Smyth Media

Bernard Tighe, has joined the VIC team as a sessional worker on the Veterans In Production. volunteering with VIP for about six months, and is now employed part-time from September for a 12 months period to develop VIP further.
He said: “Being a part of VIP has got me out of the house and stopped me vegetating. I am a bit of a ‘Bob the builder’ and whatever needs making I can do it. In my new role I want to expand the range of items VIP makes as well as pass on my skills and teach others.”
Bernard served in the Royal Air Force from 1976 to December 1987 and was based on Harriers and served on detachment all over the world. He said: “After I left, I was building microlights and then I went on to build scale models of planes – including one with a 23ft wing span. “I have been stuck in a rut for 20 years and although I tinker a lot, really it is just me and my rescue animals.”
Bernard is looking forward to getting more veterans involved with VIP and also offering opportunities to students to learn new skills. 

On Tuesday 24th September VIC launched the new Coffee Club at the Lighthouse Project in Middleton Shopping Centre. This group will meet every Tuesday 1pm - 2.30 pm.
For more information please contact either Steve or Bev on 01706 833180

On Tuesday 17th September Steve Butterworth and Bev Fowler launched the VIC outreach in Middleton. The VIC bus and stand was parked in Middleton Gardens to promote the new coffee club at the Lighthouse Project in the Middleton Shopping Centre.

VIC held their AGM on the 11th September at the VIC Centre in Haslingden. Our outgoing CEO Liz Hamilton and chair Ronnie Barker gave an overview of our activities, achievements and accounts for 2018/2019.
LCC Armed Forces Champion Alf Clempson presented the Tom Davies Trophy again.
Our new CEO Amanda Walton introduced herself and asked for examples of some of positive experiences, what we don’t do well and ideas for keeping VIC moving forward.
All felt it was positive AGM and how supportive our partners and members are towards VIC.
These accounts will be published on our website in the next few weeks.

Another great day at VIC Hyndburn on the 10th September. The Art group was buzzing, lots of great work being done. Glad to see George back at the art group. Darren managed to get in some teaching. 

On the 9th September we launched a new outreach venue in Colne. ASDA have very kindly allowed us in to provide an outreach service once a month

On Sunday the 8th September the VIC Choir were asked to perform at St Mary’s Church Osbaldeston - some lovely feedback regarding the VIC Choir in their Ribble valley debut at the invitation of Stella Brunskill the Mayor.

What a wonderful way to finish off their Celebration of Communities Flower Festival with Songs of Praise.

The 6th September was the last day for Liz Hamilton who was our CEO for the last four years. She is starting her new role as a trainee Baptist Minister. Liz has taken VIC to another level in our growth and the future is looking good. We miss her every success in her new career. We all had a lovely lunch together today - beetroot soup made from the allotment produce followed by apple pie and custard.

On the 5th September although the numbers were low VIC members enjoyed a canal boat starting at Stretford Marina.

The Hyndburn art group that meet every Tuesday making use of the new tables and chairs. We had a record number attend. 

On the 3rd September Project Worker had a stand at the Rochdale Exchange giving Information to the local Community. 

On Sunday 1st September we held another Bob Ross class at the VIC Haslingden. It was a busy weekend as we had additional people wanting to join this month.

On Saturday 31st August we held another Bob Ross class at the VIC Centre in Haslingden.

The back room of the Accrington shop has some new furniture. Thanks to Carol Duckworth, these have been donated by Clark & Clark in Haslingden and all ready for Tuesday art group

​We would like to congratulate Waterfoot Health Centre in Rossendale on their Accreditation for being an 'Armed Forces veteran friendly accredited GP practice'. If not the first heath centre to achieve this accreditation in Rossendale then one of the first.
In addition to this accreditation they are putting together a veterans notice board.

On the 8th August VIC members walked up Pendle Hill, the weather was lovely and views outstanding.

Outreach worker Steve Butterworth and members of the Sandbag Cafe attended the dedication of the WW1 100th anniversary memorial on the 1st August. This was meant to be a temporary memorial for the anniversary last year but after repeated requests from the public and Veterans alike, it was removed and re- erected in the memorial gardens near to the cenotaph in Rochdale.
Steve said after a very moving service, I stood and watched with a lump in my throat as Tony Wolfenden placed a cross in the garden on behalf of WW2 Veteran and friend Bernard. The cross was for Bernard's brother who was lost at Monte Casino and has no known grave, understandably a very emotional moment for him but nothing a friendly arm around the shoulder and a cup of tea afterwards in Rochdale's beautiful Town Hall didn't put right.

On Sunday 28th July the Haslingden Branch of the Royal British Legion held their annual Fun Day at St Mary's Football Club in Haslingden. Although the weather put people off there was still a good turnout considering.

On Saturday 27th July we held another Bob Ross class.This months subject was this Tiger painting which proved to be a long and challenging day but ended up with these great results. Well done all those who took part.

On the 26th July VIC Project Worker Bev Fowler held an information stand at the Peterloo Medical Centre in Middleton

On the 23rd July the Accrington Veterans Drop-in had some new window signs. Thanks to Reece at PixelOne outstanding job.

On Saturday 20th July the VIC Choir performed at Tesco in Haslingden, another good effort by the singers and collectors.

VIC member Julie Davies took on another challenge in July, September 2017 saw her complete a tandem skydive to celebrate her 55th birthday.  This time she completed a Triathlon which included a 200 metre swim, 9 kilometre cycle and a 2.5 kilometre run.

The event was held at York Sport Village and Julie again raised money for VIC as well as making a donation to Cancer Research UK through entering the event. 
She completed the 8 length swim in 7 mins 58 seconds, 9 9 km bike ride in 35 mins 28 secs and the 2.3 km run in 19 mins 354 seconds 
Julie raised over £465, which totals £562 after Gift Aid. Outstanding effort Julie REspect.

The fish tank in the main reception of the VIC Centre has a few more fish, as the first goldfish tiger was feeling lonely.

Outstanding day at the Accrington Veterans drop-in on the 16th July, we've new members join the art group, at least 25 veterans and public dropped in to talk to us and look at the art work on display, we've sold some Lest We Forget items and we now have some art materials for sale to the pubic.
If you haven't yet come to see us at the shop, we are open Tuesday and Fridays 10-3pm

​Lesley is a regular member of the Bob Ross group and art group and over the last few months she has been painting a picture of black wolves. She wanted to present it to a young client of hers. He had very definite ideas of what he wanted . A pack of black wolves with red eyes and the leader breathing fire so she said it was quite a challenge. The painting is of seven black wolves with red eyes and the leader breathing fire. She was chatting with Steve Butterworth at the VIC art group where she goes and he knew a lot about wolves and said the leader is always in the middle so he can keep an eye on the front and the back wolves so it was lucky that my wolf breathing fire was placed in the middle as I knew nothing about that. My clients mum is very pleased with it and Lesley has presented it to him on his birthday.
​Well done Lesley

On the 6th July we held another 'painting in the style of Bob Ross' and it went very well. Long day but well worth the effort. Everyone produced some great work and they are already looking forward to next month.

One of the first veterans who came into the Accrington drop-in came back into the shop on the 5th July to thank one of our Volunteers Gary. 
Ronald served in the Loyals during National Service and wanted his old cap badge.
Gary managed to find his cap badge on EBay and ordered it. 
He has added it to his collection on his hat. Gary had also found an old book on the Loyals.

Rochdale Outreach Worker Steve Butterworth was presented with a cheque from Michelle from Rochdale Job Centre. The staff had had a dress down day to commemorate Armed Forces Day and donated their collection to Veterans in Communities.

Massive thanks to all of the staff

At the beginning of July we fitted the new sign to the Accrington Veterans Drop-in. Many thanks to Gareth and his team from Sign It Up in Haslingden

Week two of the Accrington art group. We had another two drop-in to find out more. 
At this rate we’ll have to get more tables and chairs. We also sold two prints, a good day in Accrington

On the 28th June VIC members from Rossendale and Heywood had a lovely walk yesterday taking in Lunds Tower and Cowling Pinnacle. Weather was lovely and the views spectacular. Good company and banter.

The VIC Accrington  Veterans Drop-in held their first art group on the 25th June and it was very busy. It was great to see some new members join.

VIC has received a top honour at the launch of Armed Forces Week on the 25th June.In a ceremony at County Hall in Preston, we were awarded Lancashire County Council’s Tom Davies Trophy for ‘outstanding contribution to the Armed Forces Community in Lancashire’.
Admin Officer Amanda Walton and member Jim Smith were delighted and surprised when it was announced the organisation had won the accolade, only the second time the award has been presented. [More]

Project worker Bev Fowler had a stand at the Heywood Sports Village Information Event on the 25th June.

VIC held a BBQ this evening to celebrate the start of Armed Forces Week. The weather was superb, the food was fantastic and we had a brilliant turn out. Many thanks to Whittakers butchers, Asda (Rawtenstall) and Tesco (Haslingden).

On Saturday 22nd June the VIC Choir performed at the ASDA in Rawtenstall, Thanks to the members of the choir and to Carole & Jacko for their collecting and verbal support.
Special thanks to Laura Saxton and the ASDA Customers for their generosity.🎶🎵🎶

On the 22nd June the Crafty Chatters at a stall at Tor View School Summer Fair, Haslingden

The allotment is coming on nicely now. All this rain is working its magic. Got rid of another load of rubbish and planted all the plants donated from Dig in at Preston. Just a few more carrots yo put out and then sit back and wait.

We received this message from one of the customers who wanted two planters for their house in Chorley.
Hey there folks. My Mother sends many thank you's to the team at the VIC for the two planters that were made to specific dimensions. The more rectangle planter hides a metal grate that Mum got fed up looking at from the kitchen window.
A very satisfied customer.

Steve Butterworth has been working on his latest fish tank creation to go in the reception area of the VIC Centre.

Outstanding effort in tidying up the back yard of VIC Centre over two days 19th and 20th June. We had the good weather and have been able to get the bulky stuff loaded in the van and taken to the tip. It’s all set for Saturday’s BBQ. 
Thanks Jo, Jacko, Brian and Bernard. The bench has been relocated to its new position which was a bit of a task. ​

Sandbag Café members were invitation to join the veterans at the Veterans Garage for breakfast on the 17th June. 15 members were able to make it over and in addition to a fantastic breakfast overlooking Barton Airfield, we received a very warm welcome and an invitation to return for another visit with a tour of the airfield.
A great morning was had by all.

On Wednesday 12th June the works party at the Accrington Veterans drop-in hung the art work on the wall ready for the opening on the 18th June.

The planters Veterans In Production made for JJ Ormerod has a tree, it is one of two situated in the main reception area.

We had a works party at Accrington Veterans Drop-in on the 10th June arranging the furniture we've had donated, the walls were painted and over the next two weeks the art work will be hung on the wall. 
​We are on target to open officially on the 18th June, there is still some furniture to go in but this will be in place ready for the 18th June

On the evening of the 9th June VIC organised a fundraiser curry and quiz night at the North Street Indian Restaurant in Rawtenstall. It was great success and 47 attended the quiz was won by the Cheshire Cats.

On Saturday 8th June VIC had our stand at the Preston Military Show, unfortunately it was a very damp day which affected the turn out. It was a shame the weather wasn't good as it meant many of the displays were cancelled. But soldiered on in true tradition.

As part of the National Volunteers' week in June, VIC wanted to say a massive Thank You to all of our volunteers.
Our volunteers run or help to run the art groups, Crafty Chatters, the Sandbag cafe, the allotment, the VIC Choir, Veterans in Production and our outreach programmes. Without the help of our volunteers VIC would not be as successful as it has become.
Wednesday 7th June, many of our volunteers attended our Thank You lunch, which we held at The Beach in Littleborough. 

Unfortunately Jack Was unable to travel to Normandy. Ian Rosales and Jack were at the National Arboretum where he laid the wreath on behalf of the Army. REspect 

Photograph by Catherine Smyth Media

As part of the D-Day commemorative events to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landing one of our members Jack Cunnane was interviewed by Granada TV. REspect Jack 

On the 4th June VIC members were given a Free Scam talk by Paul Geary one the Nat West Community Bankers. It was a very worthwhile and very informative, and if any other groups want Paul or one of the Community Bankers in your areas to come out then you can contact him by email paul.geary@natwest.com.

Tesco in Haslingden started their book stall again at the beginning of June. Last year we had an outstanding response when we asked for any used books; paperback and hard backed. 
If you have any unwanted hardback and paperback books you can drop them off at the VIC Centre in Haslingden and we will take them to the store. 
Any money raised gets shared between local charitable groups, and VIC is one of them again this year. 

On the 30th May VIC members enjoyed a very soggy walk on the moors to Hog Lowe Pike. Then back to Clough Head cafe for a dry out and refreshments

VIC Have a new range of Fleeces, Polo and T shirts in Burgundy or Navy in all sizes. Fleeces are £22.50, Polo's £12.50, T shirts £7.50 and VIC Cap's at £5.

The Accrington Shop is coming together. Walls painted and we have put some of the donated furniture in. We picked up some office stuff from VAUK and Tony Hayes. Tables and chairs from North Lancs Training and blue chairs from Argos. 

​Busy day for VIP on the 28th May, two orders are almost ready. One for a local school; 2 patio planters, bird table and one standard with poppies. The second is for eight standard planters for a children’s play in Stacksteads.

At the end of May we started painting the Accrington Drop-in. Thanks to Brian and Gary.

One of our Members Brian finished his first first project. Brian said.
​Thank you to my friend Kelly and her family for donating the original bench.

This project was completed with help from Bob, Simon and Bernard (also known as Anthony to a lady in Haslingden).

I had some moments of "Damn, what have I started?" and when the wood didn't line up properly I felt the beginnings of a panic attack. Having experienced guys helping soon solved the issue.

Now, with a slight sense of nervousness, I'm ready for my next project which is either building a planter for my Mum or a dog wheelchair for a neighbour...... all mixed in with decorating the Accy branch.

On Saturday 25th May we held another Boss Ross course at the VIC Centre.  Congratulations to Denise on your first class and to everyone else. 

We took delivery of our first donation for the Accrington Veterans Drop-in shop on the 22nd May, Argos have kindly donated some chairs. 
We are being donated some tables from North Lancs Training Group. Work is starting tomorrow morning on the painting of the shop.

On Tuesday 21st May, VIC members at the Sandbag Cafe had a visit from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue who gave a talk on fire safety.

​VIC crafts, have now gone international.

This is Sheila from Canada, a keen artist who is proudly displaying the clock one of our members sent her as a present.

The clock can be made with a small easel attached to the rear making it ideal for desks or tables.

​VIC members completed a three day first aid at work today. The course was run by Peter Ashworth with some support from John Watters on the defibrillators today.

On Saturday the 18th May the VIC choir performed at ASDA in Rawtenstall.
We raised £533:32, thank you to the customers and staff who donated. 🎶🎵🎶
Outstanding effort by the members of the choir and collectors on the day.🎵🎶

On the 17th May, our Project Worker Bev Fowler had a stand at the Lighthouse Project in Middleton Event 

On the 15th May the allotment had four tonne of soil delivered for the raised beds. Many thanks to Ivy and Jacko for your help. 

Productive afternoon at the allotment on 14th May, the seeds are growing well and the polytunnel was a good investment. 

On Saturday 11th May the craft group had a stall at a craft fair in Rawtenstall. 

We had a new member join the art group at the VIC Centre on 10th May. Robert is very talented and is going to give classes on doing portraits to the group.
Here is one he did earlier.

On the 8th May we collected the keys for our new project: VIC Hyndburn.

This will be a shop selling arts and crafts plus second hand books. There will be a drop in area to have a brew and there is a separate area in the back for one to one support. Downstairs is the most amazing workspace area.

A recce is planned in the few days to look at the layout and what the shop will need before it opens to the veterans.

St Mary's Chamber in Rawtenstall dropped off some donated food they have received.  ❤️
Special thanks to Matt Oldham for thinking of us.

Another very productive afternoon at the allotment on 8th May. Some of the seeds have been thinned out, first cabbages of the year planted out. Graham has been weeding, and Ivy for the daily watering of the seeds.

We have a new edition to the reception at the VIC Centre, Steve Butterworth has excelled himself by this creation to remember those who have fallen.

The cenotaph is a replica of the one in London and is spinkered with poppies. 

Veterans In Production delivered another planter and bird table to a customer in Darwen.

Lewis Banham was one of guests of Honour in Holland at this years celebrations for the liberation of Holland 

On the 3rd May we launched our latest art exhibition at the Chetham Arm's in Chapletown, Edgworth.
You can view the paintings anytime at the Chetham Arm's for the next 4 weeks. 

The raffle to win the beautiful chenille throw has now been drawn. The throw was made by a member of the Crafty Chatters group.
The winning ticket was number 88 and was won by Jane Harvey. Congratulations

At the beginning of May a small works party spent a very production day at the allotment in Helmshore.

Veterans In Production has launched another style of planter. This one is the first of two that is going to St James School in Haslingden.

On the 28th April VIC held another Bob Ross art course at the VIC Centre.

On the 25th April VIC members paraded with other veterans at the Anzac and Gallipoli Remembrance Service at the cenotaph in Rochdale.  

We have started to use the poly tunnel at the allotment in Helmshore to cultivate a range of seeds.

On the 23rd April the Sandbag Cafe in Heywood organised a St Georges Day brunch. Members of the Heywood veteran groups joined us. 
After the brunch many of them went to the Cenotaph and raised the St George Flag in the gardens. [More]  

On the 20th April, the VIC arts and crafts groups had a stall at Bacup Market. ​We sold some products and took details of possible new members, even the Coconutters, and some Stormtroopers paid a visit. 

On 13th April the VIC Singing Group performed at Tesco in Haslingden. Although smaller in numbers we still raised £360 and a fabulous start to our new year of fundraising, they managed to raise over £360. Our thanks to all the performers and collectors plus staff and customers at Tesco.

Veterans In Production have been given an old school woodworking bench.

Rossendale-based The Now't Poncy Food Company support VIC, a small donation from every jar sold is being given to VIC. These were seen in Ulverston.

Over the 11th and 12th April we assembled an aviary in the back  garden of a house in Blackburn. This was the largest commission to date for the Veterans In Production project. Over the few weeks prior VIC volunteers have been building an aviary in the back garden of the VIC Centre.
The aviary will be the home for a kestrel.
Well done to all those who helped out, especially Simon and Grace who have been working on it from the start.

At  the Sandbag Cafe in Heywood on the 9th April, the group were joined by Healthwatch Rochdale who spoke to the group about the changes they want to see in the NHS.

On the 4th April VIC members walked around the Pendle Sculpture Trail, this is the first visit since 2018 and there are a number of new sculptures.

On the 3rd April VIC members from the Sandbag Cafe in Heywood organised a Social Inclusion trip to the Imperial War Museum North. This is one of many planned.

At the end of March we held another Bob Ross art class at the VIC Centre

During March the Veterans In Production team built an aviary at the VIC Centre in Haslingden. We were commissioned to build this bespoke aviary by a family in Blackburn to house a Kestrel. This will be reassembled in the garden of the house in the near future.

One of the planters VIP delivered earlier in march to a house  in Haslingden has seen a great transformation

At the end of March, we were helped by a team from Kemple View to put the polythene on the poly tunnel. It also gave the opportunity to tidy up the allotment.

The Veterans In Production team have been commissioned to make a patio vegetable Trug. These will go on sale for £80

On the 22nd March VIC received a cheque for £1500 from the Longridge Cluster Schools project. VIC is one of the armed forces charities that are a beneficiaries of money raised during the evening's performance.
On 12th November 2018 the Longridge Cluster Schools Armistice Project performed at the Preston Guild Hall their 'Armistice - The Great War Remembered'. It involved over 500 children and staff from the schools in Longridge. A DVD has been produced of the evening.

On 20th March VIC members Simon and Grace delivered two planters to the main reception area of JJ Ormerod in Bacap as a small appreciation for the pallets they donate to the Veterans In Production project. These planters were made completed using the pallets.

During the month of February customers and staff at NatWest Bank in Rawtenstall collected donations for VIC. On the 19th March Rosie presented a large hamper and a collection of £82.

On the 19th March Crafty Chatters members were delighted to hand over 20 cuddly trauma teddies to fire fighters in Rawtenstall. These will be taken out on shouts and given to children suffering trauma

Veterans In Production (VIP) delivered another two order on the 8th March; one went to Heywood and two went over to Warrington

At the beginning of March we had a break between the bad weather and a lot of work has been done in the back yard, orders of planters completed, a garden bench finished off, a general tidy up (although you wouldn't think so), re-organising and removal off the potting table, more wood de-nailed, and time for a sausage butty on the chimera.

Another Veterans In Production VIP project. One of our members at the end of February finished refurbishing old cast iron end garden bench. There is lot of work goes into this but well worth the end result. We will be selling these for £150 but can refurbish existing benches for between £80-£100.

The Bob Ross art classes are getting very popular. We held another on the 24th February.

On Saturday 23rd February we held another Bob Ross art course at  the VIC Centre.

On Thursday 22nd February VIC members enjoyed a 5 mile walk from Lydgate going past Bridestones Rocks. It was nice to see the rocks and view this year as last year we had gales and horizontal rain together with fog.

On the 14th February VIC members Simon and Andy relaid one of the cellar floors at the VIC Centre. This will give us some much needed storage space.

On 7th February VIC members and some of the students from the Military Academy walked around Read and Altham taking in Martholme Viaduct, followed by refreshments and cake .

On Wednesday 6th February and Thursday 7th February we had the guys from the Military Academy with us again. Outstanding effort by the all the students and we had a visit from Radio Lancashire who wanted a catch up and talk to us and some of the students.
VIC members Simon and Guy had the largest groups; one group worked out in the back garden, de-nailing and stripping down pallets whilst the other have been painting the skirting boards in the Centre.
Steve Butterworth had a smaller group at the allotment where we have started to lay the footings and building a poly tunnel.
One group joined Ivy Limbrick and other VIC members on the walk around Read and Altham taking in Martholme Viaduct
Outstanding effort and great bunch.

We had a new member attend our team meeting on 5th February, Bruno works on the Building better Opportunities with Gill. He kept everyone in check................

On Friday 1st February we said goodbye to Dave Goss, a member of VIC since 2013. The service was held at Accrington Crem and we would like to thank all those who could not make it due to the weather affecting the roads.
Dave kept himself to himself and little was known about his life; he served in the Coldstream Guards from 1971 - 1975, served in Northern Ireland, was Parish Councillor and was married three times. Unfortunately Dave died unexpectedly and had no Next of Kin so VIC made sure he had a good send of befitting a veteran. Two members of his family were at the service; a previous wife Bev and Step Mum Karin but unfortunately his dad was not well enough to travel. Both said that Dave would've appreciated all the effort that had gone in to make this possible.

We would especially like to thank Leigh at Rossendale Council Bereavement Services, Rev Philip Norris and the funeral directors Fred Hamer Funeral Services.

RIP Dave

Outreach Worker Steve Butterworth went on Radio Lancashire on 28th January to be interviewed by Sally Naden in relation to the new outreach programme at Burnley Community Cafe.
The Armed Forces Breakfast club is held on Tuesdays between 9 and 11am

On 24th January VIC members from Rossendale and the Sandbag Cafe enjoyed the walk from Rivington to the WWII memorial in Lead Mine Valley. There was even a rendition of Happy Birthday for one of our members and CAKE.

VIC ran four training sessions for people who want to volunteer with us or are already volunteering with us.
The sessions ran Thursday afternoons from 1 - 3pm over 4 weeks. We had 20 members on the sessions.

On Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th January we had students from ACCROSS who were part of the Military Academy. One group worked with Steve Butterworth on the allotment and the other group with Simon Peace in the back garden of the Centre. The group with Simon stripped down the pallets and started on wood store.
Steve's group raised the beds, collected and shifted manure and generally tidying up.
On Thursday afternoon one our members Craig gave them a talk on the army and showed them some of the kit he uses.
A fun and productive two days with plenty of banter. A great group of young people. They are back with at the end of the month.

Part order of raised beds dropped off on the 10th January to an allotment in Bacup. Made by Veterans In Production members. 

What an amazing start to the New Year at the Sandbag Cafe in Heywood. We had 51 people attend our New Year's Day Brunch and dished out 48 full English breakfasts. It was a fantastic team effort from everyone on the committee who all pulled together and worked really hard to make the event an enjoyable occasion for everyone there. We had some great raffle prizes donated by some of our veterans as well as 5 hampers provided by VIC. Some of the veterans hadn't seen anyone over the Christmas period, so putting on this event on New Years Day meant the world to them and they had a great time. A huge thank you to everyone who came to support us and to everyone who helped to make it such an amazing success.