2022 News

2022 VIC News

Over the last week before we break up for Xmas we have made and distributed over 50 hampers for some of our vulnerable veterans across Rossendale, Rochdale, Heywood, Burnley, Clitheroe and Hyndburn.
Many thanks our members who have helped with the packing and distributing. The final ones will be dropped off on Friday.
We were fortunate to have some funding from ASDA Foundation and money donations to buy food. We also received food donations and a big thanks to Trevor and Katie who donated a substantial amount of food, they do this every year to local charities and this year they chose us.

On Tuesday 20th December we held the last outreach of 2022. Ron put together Xmas quiz. After the veterans Coffee Morning and Quiz we joined the Ribble Valley Community Living Room at Trinity for Hot tomato soup and turkey and cranberry sandwiches, very welcome indeed. After the food we had a very special visitor arrive for the younger generation (AKA Ron).

Our VIC Choir have been out in force this festive period. They performed in Tesco Haslingden on 10th December raising £342.27, and also Asda Rawtenstall on 18th December raising £276.12.
We would like to thank you for your continued support throughout 2022 and we’ll see you in 2023 with lots more performances to come!

On Wednesday 14th December VIC members enjoyed their annual Xmas meal, this year we had it at the Holden Arms in Haslingden. We had slightly less members join us this year due to the sickness and the extreme weather but all those who went had a a great time.
Thanks to Catherine Smyth again for taking some of the pictures.

On the 13th December the Sandbag Café in Heywood held their Xmas party, Santa made a guest appearance and gave each of the regular members a little present.
Everybody had a great time and it was good to see so many people there considering the weather.
[More pictures]

Another full house at the Greggs RV at the Haslingden VIC Centre on the 8th December, the resident quiz master Ron was replaced by Bob.
Watch your back Ron a quiz master is in town.....

A new master piece from the VIC Railway Club, this diorama was built by some off the members and is now on display in the back room of the Accrington outreach branch.

We got into work on the morning of the 7th December to hear the very sad news that our oldest member Lewis Banham passed away in the early hours. I think we can safely speak on the behalf of all our members in sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Lewis was a gentleman and will be sadly missed, not only to VIC but all the other veteran groups he's been a regular at over the last few years. Lewis celebrated his 100th birthday last month. RIP Sir, it has been a pleasure to have got to know you over the last few years. REspect Lewis your duty is done and you can stand down now.

We have teamed up with Asda Foundation and are delighted to announce that Veterans in Communities is a 'Warm Place.'
Open to all to pop in for a hot drink and some soup Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm, starting on the 6th December.
Many thanks to Asda Foundation for allowing us to put this on for the community.
Laura Saxton

On Friday 2nd December we had our usual stall selling our crafts and sublimation items at the Kemple View Xmas Fair. We raised £90 this year on the day and thanks to two of our members Brian McEvoy with Buffy and Adrian for helping on the stall.

At the start of December members enjoyed a few hours at the Adventure Neighground farm.
More horse fun this week, we tried a runaway, what's a runaway? Well, you do this with a dog, you have its toy, and scarper not too far, dog gets let off its lead, and comes after you, for its toy, try this with a horse, bucket full off carrots, o boy, did it shift, sounded like a heard of horses, but it worked.

The REME Family paid a visit to the VIC Centre on the 25th November to meet one of our WW2 veterans Jack Riley. The REME was only formed in 1942 so this made Jack a founder member of the REME.
Geordie River (Major Ret) and W02 Kelvin Redshaw met Jack and spent a few hours talking about his experiences during WW2, VIC presented Jack with a Corps tie and a copy of his cap badge and buttons he would've worn on his uniform. Geordie and Kelvin invited Jack to visit the REME museum in Lyneham as a special guest and some VIC members were welcome to also visit.
We hope Jack is able to visit in the New Year and visit the museum, see the kit he would've used and how it has changed over the years.

On the 22nd and 23rd November VIC members from Haslingden and veterans from Burnley FC in the Community enjoyed a few hours trying a sample of Equine Based Learning with the team from Brain Health Breakthrough CIC when they attended the Adventure Neighground farm in Green Howarth. Some have only just started on their Equine journey while others are returning for their further 8 classes, and all are progressing really well and finding the experience very beneficial in a variety of ways. Some of our members from Burnley were trying the taster session and all agreed that it was a fantastic experience and cannot wait to tell their friends at Burnley FC in the Community veterans' group.
There is plenty of research that outlines how equine facilitated learning Helps veterans reduce stress anxiety and increase resilience and mental wellbeing, enabling individuals to develop better coping mechanisms. (non-ridden and Veterans do not need any experience with horses)
For more information, please call 01706 833 180 and ask for Raymond Sharkey

The Sandbag Cafe was a full house again on the 22nd of November, this is the highlight of the week for many of our members in Heywood. They have introduced a quiz and hold a raffle regularly.
For more information on the Sandbag Cafe, please contact either Bev Fowler or Steve Butterworth on 01706 833180

On the 18th of November we joined the members of the Rossendale Men's sheds at Haslingden Primary School. VIC have let the Rossendale Men's Shed use our workshop, wood and facilities until they can get their 'men shed' up and running. The timber pallets were donated to us by Vision Commercial Kitchens in Heywood.

Pictured are some of the lads of the men's shed and representatives from incredible edibles, the VIC and Haslingden Primary school

As with every year our members and volunteers attend Remembrance services across Rossendale, Bury, Burnley, Clitheroe, Oldham, Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and this year we even had members who attended the Cenotaph and the Festival of Remembrance in London.

The allotment has now been cleared and we have been given a greenhouse, over the next few months members will build this along with new planters and shelves for the poly tunnel.
Please contact Steve Butterworth on 01706 833180 if you want to get involved. We are keen to make this a community allotment.

On Sunday 7th of November and Monday 14th November at the former Stubbins Congregional Church a display of knitted poppies was on show to the public. It was a shame about the rain, but well worth the visit to see this amazing poppy display in Stubbins, well done to Lavina and her team. Thanks to Crafty Chatters at Veterans In Communities and Weir Knit and Natter for their contributions to the 3,000 poppies on display.

On the 6th and 7th November we were donated from some bulbs for our allotment. Sam started to clear and plant ready for next year.

On the 4th November we were the beneficiaries of the monthly donations from the afternoon tea at the St Paul's Centre in Rawtenstall.
We would like to thank the church and customers for raising £143.70 on the day.

On the 3rd of November our oldest member Lewis Banham celebrated his 100th birthday. Happy birthday Lewis

On the 2nd of November VIC members had a trip over to Bygones Times in Chorley. Everyone had a great time and brought back many memories seeing of the different items.

VIC members Bob Elliott and Steve Butterworth attended the Unveiling of the Salford Veterans Memorial Gardens at Swinton on the 1st of November. The 13 remembrance benches that Veterans In Production made were situated in the gardens for all to see and each bench was blessed.
The service was excellent and was well attended, it was good to see the benches placed in the gardens and the families, veterans and dignitaries and those who helped raise the money could see the finished benches.

There is short video on you Tube that shows the full service.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_Kchmnb-nA

During September and October one of our members Sam has transformed the allotment. There was a lot of work needed to get this ready for next year, the work is ongoing, and if you'd like to help out, please contact Steve Butterworth on 01706 833180

The VIC Art group was full on Friday 28th October, good to see a full room again.
The group meet every Tuesday and Friday at the VIC Centre in Haslingden, please contact Darren Horsnell on 01706 833180 for more information.

On Friday 28th October our outreach worker Bev Fowler for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale held another information stand at the Croft Shiva Health Centre

If you have called into the VIC centre in Haslingden this year you may have noticed the back wall of the art room has been transformed. VIC members Darren Horsnell, Steve Butterworth and Dave Joddrell and some other members of the art group have painted a mural that depicts their ‘happy place’. The mural was started in February and completed in April; this short video shows how the wall transformed over this short period.
The stories of our members will be told in a documentary film being put together by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University. The Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project ‘Stories in Transition’ also involves Manchester Metropolitan and Exeter Universities who are collating the research from all three veterans’ charities; VIC, Turn to Starboard and Waterloo Uncovered. The finished film and research will be presented to the Government and MOD next year. The research examines how arts, sports and culture help veterans adjust when they leave the forces and VIC members will be explaining how the arts and being creative has helped them.
Our involvement was announced at our annual general meeting in September last year, and members Darren Horsnell, Steve Butterworth, Dave Joddrell and Graham limb were to be filmed, interviewed, and would be helping with writing the film’s story boards and the film crew would be filming the art group, our members at our outreaches and activities and generally seeing how VIC operates day-to-day.
This project has given us the skills to now put together our own videos and interviews from what we have learnt from the process. It’s been an enjoyable experience for those involved and we should be viewing the final cut next month and able to make any changes. Katie Davies and the team from Anglia Ruskin University fully immersed themselves within VIC and saw how the model works. It quickly became apparent that VIC was different from the other two charities because of how we integrated within the local community.

Steve Butterworth our outreach worker for Burnley joined the veterans from Burnley FC in the Community veterans on a visit to Blackpool FC veterans breakfast club. Following a short stadium tour and they enjoyed a butty and a brew and mingled with one another.

Some of our members are members of both veteran groups and we work closely with Burnley veterans.

On the 25th of October the Sandbag Cafe was full again, we have a good weekly turnout every week and some join the Mess Tin in Middleton in the afternoon as well.

On Monday 24th of October Project Worker Ray Sharkey joined some other archaeologists who are researching and collating finds from the recent Waterloo Uncovered dig at Waterloo. Unfortunately Ray couldn't join other veterans on the actual dig this year as his skills set and interest in History made him an ideal candidate to research and collate the finds. He joins them on Zoom each time.
Ray applied to join Waterloo Uncovered after a discussion with the film crew from Anglia Ruskin University earlier in the year.

On the 20th of October we delivered the Remembrance Benches we have been working on for the last few months. It was the largest project Veterans In Production has undertaken. We were asked to make some Remembrance benches for the Memorial Gardens in Swinton, after Glenn Croston from the Salford Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club CIC saw the benches, we made last year.
The initial request was for the four that David Green made last year and over the last few months it has risen to thirteen. Yesterday we delivered the completed benches with plaques to Salford Council who will fix them to the ground for a service that will honour and Remember the named soldiers on the 1st November, many are VIC holders from the Salford area, three were paid for by the The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and few were paid for by families. The money was raised through donations collected by the Salford Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club CIC through fundraising events organised over the last few months.
This has been a great project for VIC and Veterans In Production to get involved in and there is nothing more rewarding than honouring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and did some heroic deeds.
We have a long list of those we want to thank as without their help and support the benches couldn’t have been completed within the time frame.
A call to arms went out to the local community and they donated their unwanted bench ends, these were sandblasted and powdered coated by Powder Coating Northern, Blast Clean and Paint, and Triple-7-Refurbs.
The hardwood wood was provided by North West Timber Waterfoot in Waterfoot.
The fittings were provided by John Lawson Distributers Ltd in Darwen
The brass plaques were provided by Timpson Ltd.
We had a number of our members working on this project and thanks to; Joe Davies, Phillip Mills, 'David Joddrell, David Green, Willie Wilcock, Jacko Pearce, Raymond Sharkey, Graham Limb.
A great team effort and when we explained what the benches were for and where they are going, so many companies supported it. We look forward to the 1st November when we see them at the special service and meet the people involved.

On the 19th of October members of VIC spent a few hours at the Spring Vale Farm in Green Haworth. They went to find out how equine facilitated learning can help veterans; we have other days planned.
There is plenty of research that equine facilitated learning Helps veterans reduce stress anxiety and increase resilience and mental wellbeing, enabling individuals to develop better coping mechanisms. (non-ridden and Veterans do not need any experience with horses).

To book contact Ray Sharkey on 01706 833 180 or Karen@brainhealthbreakthrough.co.uk

On the 18th of October at our Clitheroe outreach, Geoff Hutchinson formerly a Major in the 14/20th Hussars gave a talk on his multiple tours when serving on 'Op Banner', this proved to be a very interesting and informative presentation about how the nature of the 'Troubles' evolved.

Another good turnout at the Sandbag Cafe on the 11th of October. The Sandbag Cafe meet every Tuesday in Heywood. For more information, please contact Bev fowler or Steve Butterworth on 01706 833180

VIC Ribble Valley Coffee morning at Trinity Methodist Church in Clitheroe was well attended on Tuesday 11th October and we had a visit from a Ribble Valley Police Sergeant who was keen to meet the veterans and find out about what we do. He was delighted to find out that not only do we support military veterans and their families but also the Blue Light services too and he will be informing the rest of his colleagues about us too. Ron our resident Quizmaster delivered his 60th brainteaser to date, well done mate, that is a lot of general knowledge to have passed on.

One of our members of the Sandbag Cafe Gordon Aaron completed the Manchester Half Marathon on the 9th of October.
Gordon completed this year's marathon in a shorter time.

On Saturday 8th October we opened the VIC Centre to celebrate his 9oth birthday.
His daughters said 'we can’t thank you all enough for making our dads 90th birthday celebrations a really special day. Brian Burrows had a wonderful (tiring), day surrounded with his wonderful family and friends. Thankyou xxx'

A huge thank you to everyone who came to listen and support the VIC choir on Saturday 8th October at Tesco in Haslingden. We raised the grand total of £249.74!
Thanks go to the choir with such wonderful voices, the staff and customers of Tesco, Tesco Haslingden Community Champion and our wonderful collector Jacko Pearce.

On Friday 30th September we held our 10 year celebration evening at Burnley FC, well attended by around 100 members, volunteers, guests, supporters, partner organisations and sponsors. A thoroughly good night by all who could attend in the current financial climate. We have put together a short video of the first batch of photographs that were taken on the night by Catherine Smyth Media.

On the 29th and 30th September our Operations Manager Bob Elliott joined the partners of the Veteran’s Places, Pathways and People programme (NW Region). A great two days at Whitehough Outdoor Centre. The event focused on using the outdoors to build relationships between partners and encourage the sharing of knowledge and collaboration. What a fantastic bunch of people, who are truly focused on the welfare and support of our military veterans.
Thanks to the guys at Challenge the Wild for organising the event with lots of personal and team challenges.

On the 27th of September we received the cheque for £303 that was raised at the Irwell Medical Practice
Thanks so much to Irwell Medical Practice for raising £303 for VIC through a yummy cake and bake sale.

Massive thanks to my brother Rhys his wife Jan, Graham Limb, Andy Greaves and Joe Davies for helping in the back garden. They did most of the decking, raised corner for plants. We achieved so much in one day and I cannot thank them all enough even though they did use Bob Elliott wood chippings 24

Members of the Sandbag Café in Heywood observed 1 minutes silence for passing of HM Queen on the 13th September. There was a good turnout and many were dressed in their blazers to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth ll. This is the first chance many of the members have got together after the sad news on the 8th September.
God Save The King

On Sunday 11th September a merry band of VIC members completed the Zip World Velocity 2 Challenge in North Wales to raise money for VIC. A long day but enjoyed by all the flyers and some of the members who joined us. Great effort all round and big thanks to the drivers who took us over. What the next challenge going to be?

The VIC centre in Haslingden has opened a Book of Condolence on the 9th September to allow our members and the public to pay their respects and leave tributes to the Queen. The VIC centre welcomes the whole community to pay their respects, to sign the Book of Condolence or to lay flowers.

Very sad news to hear the passing of our Queen on the 8th September, the Commander In Chief for those of us who have served in the military. She has devoted the last 70 years of her life as head of the Country and it is hard to imagine what life will be like without her as head of the Country and the Commonwealth.
Our deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this very difficult time for them and wish the new King, Charles our continued support as the new head of the Country. RIP Ma'am
God Save the King.

Another great VIC trip up to Whitehough Activities Centre to join Burnley FC veterans for a fun morning and BBQ on the 6th September. This was another joint Rossendale and Clitheroe group trip. Unfortunately it rained really hard for most of the morning so we had an indoor BBQ instead of being outside. John Pluckwell and his crew provided us with burgers, sausages and bratwursts. VIC took salads and chocolates. Many thanks to Irene for making 2 delicious salads. Afterwards we had a quiz and the team who called themselves “Snowdrops” won but we had a good laugh. We have been invited back up there in December for Christmas wreath making & mince pies. It is a really fun way to spend a Tuesday morning.

On the 3rd September we had a good day at the Preston Military Show. Pat McEvoy was understanding on the stall and we sold over £220 worth of stuff. Thanks also to Steve Butterworth Ron Flowers and Darren Horsnell, we had a lot of interest. Once again the roof of the VIC minibus gave a great view of the show. The weather was good and the forecast rain never showed up.
We took pity on the RN Association and allowed them to share the gazebo, downwind obviously…

On the 1st September some of our members went to the Royal Armories' in Leeds. Thanks go to Phil Chamberlain for driving the VIC minibus. It was a perfect day for the weather and scenery. Several people also enjoyed sitting outside beside the Leeds dock having refreshments. There were plenty of interesting demos throughout the day.

After many months of preparation, on the 27th August VIC raced our soapbox in the Accrington Soapbox Challenge. Our soapbox was based on the old willy's jeep, a number of members were involved in the making of this and on the day Bob Brindley volunteered to drive it. We were also joined by a new VIC member Steve Sumner who played the bag pipes for us and escorted the entries to the top of the course.
Please to say both made it to the bottom in one piece, unfortunately we failed to in the top ten fastest times due to our seatbelt wrapping itself around the back wheel which caused it slow and stop. However a good first effort and we'll be back next year with a new theme.
The soapbox we helped the the Accrington ACF build made it into the top ten fastest times.

On Friday 26th August the Irewell Medical Practice held a cake sale. All the monies raised were being donated to VIC, a grand total of £303 was raised on the day. The sale arranged by Admin Lead Natalie White and Admin Clerk Natasha Millar and the PPG members.... thanks to Chair Margaret Talukdar for suggesting VIC benefited from the cake sale.

A slightly smaller group at the Mess Tin on the 23rd August due to holidays and other commitments.
The Mess Tin in Middleton meet every Tuesday afternoon, there is now a small group of veterans that meet every week over a brew and chat.
For more information about the group please contact Bev Fowler or Steve Butterworth on 01706 833180.

On the 15th August our Crafty Chatters visited a private and Church Gardens at Stubbins. The lady who owns and looks after the gardens is opening them for charity. VIC is this years beneficiaries of any money raised on the day. The gardens will be open on Sunday 6th November and Monday 14th November from 1pm onwards. The knitted / crocheted poppies we put out an appeal for will be used to decorate the gardens and paths leading to graves of soldiers killed in action during the 1st and 2nd World Wars. The church in Chatterton will also be open with a remembrance book for people to add details and messages to loved ones, relatives and friends who lost their lives serving their country.

One of our members Brian McEvoy who has produced some stunning pieces of art using pyrography has put these on display in the alley in Clayton where he has been painting other pictures.
He has set up a website to show off his talents and to take commissions for his art work. His website is called GENIUS ARTISTRY and is well worth a visit.

We had a good day at the Trawden Show on the 14th August. Although it was very hot there was still a good turn out with lots of people and veterans visiting our stand. Thanks to Ray, Steve and Cath for helping on the stand.

One of our members Phil Sped has just completed the two weeks of ACF annual camp at Swynnerton training camp (Staffordshire).
Sped joined us as a member whilst we were marshalling at the COVID Vaccination Site in Rawtenstall.
He is now a cadet instructor with the Accrington ACF and has been working on the their soap box with our members at the the VIC Centre in Haslingden that will be entered in this years' Accrington Soap Box Challenge.
Sped is the one of the right sucking his chest in..........

On the 13th August VIC members visited The Mill Café at St Catherines Hospice. The food was delicious and the cakes were out of this world. Afterwards they visited their Charity Shop. Phil Chamberlain was our driver and he brought his lovely wife Jayne. We all want to thank Phil & Jayne for paying for the whole meal & drinks. Then the rest of the group donated money to the St Catherines Hospice. It was a fantastic gesture and fabulous for the hospice funds. Everyone wants another trip booking for a meal. Phil said he would gladly drive but may not be so generous. Please keep you eyes open for the many trips that are organised.

Veterans In Communities and BFCitC Veterans attended the Royal Military College in Harrogate for the final dress rehearsal for the recruits Passing Out Parade on the 9th August. It was a very hot day and the recruits put on a great parade and you could see the pride in them all as they passed the Commanding Officer on the Saluting Dais. Everyone who attended had a great time and intend on going back next year and it was a good day out for all.

We had a great response for a call out for cast iron bench ends in July, we've got the first two sets cleaned and powdered coated from Triple-7-Refurbs in Whitworth at the start of August.
Once we have made the memorial benches, they will be taken down to Salford Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club CIC.
The benches will be placed in a memorial garden in Swinton, some will have a plaque to remember VC medal holders.
Great job from Dean and nothing was too much trouble, These are were our 6th set of bench ends he's dipped, cleaned and powdered coated. The finish is outstanding and the pictures doesn't do justice to the end result.

The last walk on the 4th August organised by Ivy Limbrick before she goes to Canada was a 9 mile Warpers Trail walk from The Jumbles Reservoir was enjoyed by all. Cake supplied by Linda Field was good as well afterwards.

At the start of July we were asked by Rossendale civic pride to plant one of the flower beds at the Cenotaph in Rawtenstall, this we duly did and using the fortieth anniversary and VIC's tenth anniversary as the theme. The display is shown below in a sequence of photos, from start to completion of the project. On Saturday 30th July Rawtenstall was judged for Britain in bloom.
Steve Butterworth, a Falkland's veteran has done a great job over the last few weeks in July. This bed will be managed by VIC and each year we plan to have a different theme around Remembrance.

On Wednesday 27th July we were asked to help sand down and repaint the front of the Positive Start shop front. Positive Start have been a great supporter of VIC over the years, our art shop was based there in 2015, they provided our members with additional food during the COVID lockdowns and have provided emergency food hampers throughout the year.
We have been asked because Rawtenstall is being visited by the judges in the Britain in Bloom competition. Steve Butterworth has also been working on a floral display to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Island Conflict in the grounds of the war memorial.

On Monday 18th July VIC members listened to a talk from Rod Ross and Col Martin Newman on 'British Jews in the First World War - We were there too'. This talk is the first of many we will be arranging on military history. Thanks to Ron Flowers for organising the talk. @jewsfww #VICis10

We opened the VIC Centre in Haslingden for our members on Saturday 16th July after the trip over to the Lancashire Infantry Museum for a brew where we also celebrated one of members birthday. On Sunday we open 10-1 for those who work during the week or those who live on their own. The Sunday opening is a trial to see if our members need this extra day.

On Saturday 16th July VIC members visited the Lancashire Infantry Museum at Fulwood Barracks in Preston. Although it's quite small it is worth visit.
This is the first visit we have made to this museum and there is quite a lot of exhibits from the Peninsular and Crimean Wars.

Veterans In Production made a set of planters using some decking boards we had in the back yard. This planter has been delivered to a customer in Accrington in July.

On the 14th July VIC members Pat, Brian and Buffy had a stand at the Priory Kemple View in Blackburn. We have had a stand at a number of the events over the years and some of their veterans patients have been regular visitors to the VIC in Haslingden.

Veterans In Communities Ribble Valley Collected a contingent of members from Clitheroe on the 12th July and embarked on a day trip to visit The Fusilier Museum, Lancashire in Bury this week. We had a guided tour booked and we learned all about how the Fusilier's were the last British unit to guard Napoleon on St Helena before he died (I'm glad I wasn't on Stag, "I'm sorry sir but we seem to have lost an Emperor"). We also learned how the Fusilier's were awarded 6 Victoria Crosses before breakfast at Gallipoli during the First World War and much more Regimental history too. All VIC members from the Ribble Valley who attended had a great time and cannot wait to take part in the next trip out.

The VIC walking Group enjoyed a lovely walk on the 7th July from the Whitehouse PH along the first reservoir and then down into Warland. We then went along the Rochdale Canal towards Summit. Then it was a long climb back to the start. Definitely a sting in the tail. #veteransincommunities

Picture by Catherine Smyth

On Tuesday 6th July was another great meeting of the Veterans In Communities Ribble Valley Coffee Morning at Trinity Methodist Church and Community Hub, Clitheroe Clitheroe, with a good attendance by many. The retiring Ribble Valley Mayor Tony Austin and his wife Pauline came along to present VIC with a cheque for £1500 from funds that were raised during his time in office. VIC volunteer Ron delivered another excellent quiz and I am sure the questions are just getting harder and harder, but great nonetheless (I never win).
We were also visited by PCSO @Ailsa Gill from Ribble Valley Police who was interested to find out what it is that VIC are doing in the Ribble Valley, as we also support all Blue Light services as well as military veterans.

Picture by Catherine Smyth

One of the members of the art group Brian Smith has been a regular of the Tuesday art group since we were reopened after pandemic has discovered a talent for drawing. [Read the full story]

After the Accrington Stanley Community Trust Veterans breakfast on Wednesday 29th June some our members went over to Tesco's in Burnley and helped the veterans from Burnley FC in the Community to pick food up for their Food Bank. It was great to see two groups of veterans working together for the benefit of others in the community.

Some of our members attended the Accrington Stanley Community Trust veterans Breakfast at the Carers Link in Accrington on Wednesday 29th June. It was great to see the veterans from Burnley FC in the Community group there as well. Jaqui Collins has taken over the veterans lead with Accrington Stanley Community Trust.
The Breakfast Club meet the last Wednesday of the month.

On Tuesday 28th June some of our members collected some donated furniture and contents from a one bed flat in Wythenshawe and taken up to Great Harwood to a veteran Guardsman who was moving into a new flat. He had been illegally evicted for no just cause, by a landlord who then disposed of the old soldiers belongings without consent. Our volunteers were only too keen to help out their veteran brother in his time of greatest need. Working with other agencies, VIC supported him in his journey to first find a temporary home and he is now finally in his new permanent place, the goods donated allow this veteran the chance to start thinking of it as a home, one free from the fear of illegal eviction.
Heartfelt thanks go out to Dave and Paola Crozier for donating the flat contents and Ruby & Daisy clothing for their continual support and the loan of their very large van, we at VIC salute you.
P.S. The landlord is being prosecuted by the local Authorities.

Some of our members from Haslingden and Clitheroe spent a few hours at Whitehough Outdoor Centre with the veterans from Burnley FC in the Community on the 21st June.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather.
Everyone had a great time and thanks to Pat McEvoy for organising it, the sandwiches went down a treat although the sausage rolls looked very familiar. Thanks also to John CT Pluckwell and the guys from Whitehough. Not forgetting the Burnley vets for making everyone welcome

On Monday 20th June VIC members attended a number of Armed Forces Day Flag raising events. We had some attend the Rawtenstall event in the morning and in the afternoon we were invited over to the Civic Reception for the armed Forces and Veterans Community at Preston County Hall.

A great day at Burnley’s first Uniform Services Family Fun Day on the 19t June. Hopefully this will continue each year as estimates of 3000-5000 came to enjoy the day.
We had our new VIC gazebo next to the our normal van stand. Thanks to Amanda, Bob, Amy, Phil, Willie and Sam. It was great to see so many of our members as well. Our tombola was a sell out. Thanks Burnley Council a great day

On the 17th June we replaced our window blinds with an Armed Forces Covenant grant we received before COVID lockdown. We had planned to do this during the lockdown to minimise disruption to our members and some of the regular organisations using the VIC Centre. However things don't always go to plan.
Burnley Sunblinds Ltd have done an outstanding job with hardly any disruption to our normal daily operations. We recommend them if you are looking to replace window blinds.

Some of our veteran members visited the Police Museum in Manchester on the 15th June and they all had a fantastic day out and I believe only two of them got locked up for their cheeky comments.

Veterans In Communities had a great day on Saturday the 11th June at the Amazing Accrington Food Festival and War Re-enactment day. We were honoured to be working in collaboration with Accrington Stanley Community Trust who we support with Outreach for their Veterans programme and the information stand we had in the minibus was very well received with a lot of interest from all age ranges. VIC was also supported by the Accrington Detachment Lancashire ACF who did a sterling job of guarding the Spitfire on display and also helping to support Veterans In Communities whilst on duty. A special mention must go out to the young ACF recruit in a blue suit who stood on guard throughout the day and after his breaks went straight back to duty, he will make a fine Guardsman one day.
The day was a fine success apart from the weather playing up a bit, but the atmosphere was never dampened, and a big thank you to all the VIC volunteers who helped to make the day such a success, Ron Flowers, Pat McEvoy, Paul Wilcock, Sam Kelly, Brian McEvoy, Graham Limb, Ian Beavis.

The Clitheroe group had a visit on the 7th June when they were joined by the local PCSO calling in for a brew and chat. And no arrests this time or donuts

Some VIC members enjoyed a 6 mile around Oswaldtwistle Moor walk in reverse. Started off sunny and then the weather slowly went down hill. Ivy our walking activities coordinator was even called a sadist for the route she chose. Refreshments were enjoyed at Clough Head afterwards followed by cake provided by Linda Field

At the beginning of June during one the Veterans In Communities Ribble Valley outreach sessions, we were presented with a picture of the 14 Light Dragoons at the Battle of Ramnugger in 1846 by Geof Hutchinson. Geof is a member of VIC and regularly attends Clitheroe.
This has been put up in the VIC Centre now along with our collection of military pictures. Trinity Methodist Church and Community Hub, Clitheroe

We were asked to be part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations at Rawtenstall Unitarian Church by selling tea, coffee and cakes with all the proceeds going to VIC. VIC members rose to the challenge and baked a magnificent array of goodies for us to serve on Saturday 4th June .
Carol Austin from Asda baked a stunning Jubliee cake and so we decided to hold a raffle with the cake as first prize.
The cake sale over the weekend raised £187.80, the raffle raised a total of £78, and we received £42.23 in additional donations. A grand total of just over £300. Thank you to all the bakers, VIC staff and volunteers and the Marie and Margaret from Rawtenstall Vintage and Craft Fair for offering the pitch to us.

On Saturday 3rd June our VIC Choir joined Haslingden Hall Residential home for their Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations by performing a number of songs for their residents.

We opened the VIC Centre on Thursday 2nd June for those who wanted to come and celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee with VIC. We held a special Jubilee Quiz and laid on cakes. We had a special quest, her Majesty AKA Laura Saxton from ASDA. A great afternoon and another full house.

Veterans In Communities were donated an original Queen Elizabeth Coronation Banner from 1953 a number of years ago. It has been hung in one of our rooms at the VIC Centre in Haslingden, it is 14ft in length and would have originally been hung outside either outside of a town hall or theatre to celebrate her Coronation.
The Platinum Jubilee gave us the opportunity to display it so the local community could see it as it would've been in 1953.

Over the last few months, Brian one of our members who is known for his pyrography work has been busy over the last few weeks in Clayton-le-Moors brightening up his alley. It is a popular walk through and his work has got some very positive comments and pictures have been taken of his art work.
Well done Brian, and great community spirit. So many are benefiting from seeing your work.

It was another great day at the VIC Centre for the Greggs R.V. (Rendezvous) on the 25th May where everyone enjoyed free sandwiches pasties and doughnuts courtesy of Greggs bakeries. Entertainment was supplied by Ron Flowers who is the resident VIC Quizmaster and all round volunteer and birthday boy, he even brought in cake homemade by his daughter, delicious. If you wish to join this weekly event it occurs every Thursday from Approx 12.30-15.00hrs and all are welcome to this friendly and welcoming get-together.

Project Worker Ray Sharkey met Suli Kara today from Premier Tints & Signs who has been supporting Veterans In Communities selflessly, by providing us with decals for one ongoing 'Special' Project and other signage too. We at VIC would like to thank Suli, Iby and team for their ongoing support and work, we the veterans of East Lancashire salute you guys.

It was a great day for all in Clitheroe town centre on the 24th May, young and old came out to cheer the The Duke Of Lancaster's Regiment as they exercised their Freedom Of the Borough of Ribble Valley today. ITV News were across the road filming the schoolkids as we VIC veterans sheltered in Knowle Top Studios owned and ran by one of our very own members Duncan Philips and his wife. It was a great Honour for Veterans In Communities to have witnessed a good old military parade, it almost makes you want to boot up and get in line again, (almost). God Save Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

A huge thank you to everyone who came to listen and support the VIC choir on Saturday 21st May at Asda in Rawtenstall. We raised a fantastic £484.52!
Thanks go to the choir with such wonderful voices, the staff and customers of Asda, Community Champion Laura Saxton, and our wonderful collectors - Brian Burrows, Pat McEvoy, Chris Smethurst and Phil Chamberlain.

VIC undertook one of the first of many trips out to the Fusilier Museum in Bury on the 19th May, where we were met by our very own Ron Flowers who also works there as a volunteer Archivist. The weather was fantastic and the onsite cafe served delicious food and everybody had a great day out. We had a fantastic tour where we learnt a lot about the history of the Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment and how they were the last unit to guard Napoleon on the island of St Helena.

On the 31st May, the Sandbag Café members celebrated the Queens Platinum Jubilee

In May ten participants from the Burnley FC in the Community Veterans Programme attended a free Mental Health First Aid Awareness course kindly provided by Inner Peak Wellbeing at their Whitehough Outdoor Centre facility
Instructor Lee Pearson, a fellow RAF veteran, gave the students an honest and open insight into self-help and how we can assist others.
An emotional time and experience for some, reminiscing over their own previous military careers, those that have suffered in service, and those that continue to do so.
But a brilliant example of how to manage and look after your mental health!
Most of the veterans on the Burnley FC in the Community Veterans Programme are also members of the VIC. Well done to all those who took part and to John Pluckwell and Daniella Worth for their hard work in supporting the local veterans community.

On the 19th May some of the members of the Clitheroe group were taken over to Accrington to see the Veterans Drop-in and how it operates there. Pat McEvoy provided some lunch. It gave us the opportunity to open the shop outside of the normal opening day on Friday. We are planning to reciprocate this so the Accrington members can see how it operates in Clitheroe. It's also a good opportunity for those members to meet other VIC for joint social trips.

The Sandbag Café had another full house on the 10th May, week after week we get a regular attendance and it's become a day in the veterans week where they can socialise over a bacon butty and brew. Please contact either Bev or Steve for more information on 01706 833180

Over two days on the 4th and 5th May, our CEO and Ops Manager attended the ASDIC conference in Leeds. There were speakers from ASDIC about what makes a good veterans drop-in, Veterans Outreach Support (VOS), Veterans In Crisis, Forward Assist, East Sussex Veterans Hub, COBSEO, Veterans Scotland, NI Veterans Support office, Veterans Advisory and Pension Committee (VAPC), Armed Forces Network, The Forces Employment Charity (RFEA), Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), Office for Veterans Affairs, Project Nova, Veterans UK, DWP, Wigan AF Community Hub, Forces in Mind Trust, Veterans Foundation, and the Armed Forces Covenant Trust.
A lot of good information and good shared practice was given out to the delegates, a very enjoyable and worthwhile conference. A big thanks to Association of Service Drop In Centres - ASDIC for organising the event.

We received some good news at the start of May, we received £500 from the Ribble Valley Borough Council, this will ensure our successful outreach can continue and grow. We would like to thank them for their continued support.

On Thursday 28th April the VIC Centre had a visit from John Healey MP the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Graham Jones for former MP for Hyndburn and the leader of Rossendale Borough Council Alyson Barnes. He spent over 2 hours talking to some of our members and seeing what we do. He was very interested in what VIC do and thinks there should be other areas of the UK that would benefit from similar services and a centre like ours where veterans can just drop in and get involved in a range of activities.

On Thursday 28th April some of our members walked from Nuttall Park, Ramsbottom taking in Peel Tower, Harcles Hill, Pilgrims Cross, then descending down through Buckden Woods and back to Ramsbottom, Great company as usual.

The Accrington Stanley Veterans Breakfast Club on the 27th April was quite well attended. It is still work in progress and its moving forward, but it has only been open for a few months. Veterans can get a free bacon butty at the moment. They meet the last Wednesday of each month.

A great turnout at the Blackburn Rovers Veterans Breakfast Hub on Tuesday 26th April . They were joined by members of the Burnley FC in the Community Veterans Group as well as some members of VIC.
The Breakfast Hub meet every Tuesday at the Darwen end Stand, bacon butty, brew and a quiz. Please contact Chris McGrail chris.mcgrail@brfctrust.co.uk for more information.

Last week we had the film crew from the Anglia Ruskin University in the VIC Centre, this was the third filming session and their next visit will be editing the material they have already. It is always a pleasure to see Katie, EB and Jamie and once again they were disappointed when they had to leave. Unfortunately they spend most of the filming in the art room. The finished mural will be launched at the VIC 10 year Anniversary event on the 30th September.

A huge thank you to everyone who came to listen and support the VIC choir on Saturday 23rd April at Tesco in Haslingden. We raised a fantastic £473.61!
Thanks go to the choir with such wonderful voices, the staff and customers of Tesco Tesco Haslingden Community and our wonderful collectors - Brian Burrows, David and Maureen Hoyle, Pat McEvoy, Irene Halshaw and Jacko Pearce.

The Sandbag Café opened on St Georges Day for our members and members of the Heywood veterans Community.

To commemorate the 40 years of the start of the Falklands War, VIC members attended the services at the National Arboretum and Nelson

Members of the Sandbag Café on the 5th April, celebrated one of our oldest WW2 veterans 99th birthday.

John Platt a member of the Pyrography group run by Brian McEvoy we asked by one of our Trustees Barry Payton to produce two plaques for his allotment. They look great and will be displayed in his allotment in Helmshore.

The 1st April was the final for Bailey our work experience lad from @@north_lancs North Lancs Training Group - NLTG. He's been a great asset to the team and helping around the centre. Whilst Bailey has been with us he's been painting the centre, tiling, using power tools, hanging pictures around the centre, helping out at the Accrington Veterans Drop-In, and helping on some of our community projects.
Bailey is moving onto an apprenticeship in joinery and we all wish him the very best for the future to edit.

The Greggs RV on the 31st March had another good turnout. This is becoming very popular amongst our members. Our resident Quiz master Ron Flowers held another of his famous quizzes. The winners were Jacko Pearce and Ray Sharkey.

Our second information stand since the COVID restrictions was at the Middleton Shopping Centre on the 29th March. Many of the members of the Mess Tin helped out.

One of our members Brian McEvoy has done some stunning art work on the alleyway behind his house in Clayton-le-Moors. A great piece for the community around where he lives.

On the 24th March our CEO Amanda Walton was invited to the North West Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association second business breakfast meeting at Best Western Lancashire Manor Hotel

Over 40 of the regions Armed Forces Covenant supportive businesses, were updated on current Armed Forces Covenant issues in the North West and heard from Wing Commander Steve Chaskin Royal Air Force, who updated the businesses on the units support to the governments Covid response, Operation RESCRIPT. Many of the units Reserve Forces members are employed in the North West.

It was another great day at the Ribble Valley veterans coffee morning on the 16th March where every one took part in one of Ron's fantastic quiz's, and starting from Tuesday the 22nd of march we will be holding bi-weekly indoor short mat bowling sessions at our coffee morning venue of Trinity Methodist Church Clitheroe. The event takes place every week on Tuesdays between 1000hrs and 1200hrs and all military and Blue Light veterans and their families are invited to come and get involved with the banter.

The Sandbag Café had another full house on the 15th March, they held another bingo session which they enjoyed.

We have had the film crew from the Anglia Ruskin University at the VIC Centre at the beginning of March. We managed to get some get filming and interviews done with some of our members. Brian brought his drone in on Wednesday and got some great shots of the Centre and at the allotment. On Tuesday we went down to the Willow Tank in Whitworth which one of members Dave Joddrell did in 2014 to mark the start of WW1. On Thursday they filmed in art room and interviewed Darren Horsnell, Steve Butterworth and Dave Joddrell about how art helped them in their transitioning from military to civilian life. They are back with us in another month when we should finish the filming so it can be edited in time for November. Prior to the next filming session our members will continue with filming and interviewing our members themselves. A great week and thanks to Katie Davies and Eb Landesberg for the filming and support this week.

During February we were given a generous donation from the estate of Harry Frost. We thank James Neary's who owns the Neary's General Store in Helmshore who was the executor of the Harry's estate. James chose a number of local charities to donate to and we thank him for considering veterans In Communities.

Over the last two weeks of February, Bailey our work experience from the North Lancs Training Group has leant another new skill. This is his first attempt of tiling a wall. Great first effort.

The Greggs RV held on the 25th February at the VIC Centre was another full house this week. Great afternoon and great company. Thanks to our resident quiz master Ron Flowers. We joined again by the ASDA Community Champion Laura Saxton.

On the 24th February our HMR outreach team had a stand at our their first information day at the Riverside in Rochdale since the COVID lockdown. it was good to be able to get out in the community and meet veterans again after so long.

It was another fantastic day at VIC Hyndburn veterans drop-in on the 18th February, the weather kept some of our regulars at home but more than enough hardy souls made in for a coffee and cake with banter.
The shop front had a bit of change around and we had Graham Limb's 'Broken Man' sculpture for the day.

On the 10th February the intrepid walkers went on one of Peter RSigs walk. It's only a tiny bit muddy he said and he never mentioned the river walking. A lovely morning out around the Ramsbottom area.

The bridge being made by our Railway modelling group is moving along, the water is now done, boats on order, the lights are doing what we hoped and reflecting off the water, next the harbour and channel lights, we took a break from the bridge, to do some other stuff and get our batteries recharged, progress is on going.

There was another good turnout for our outreaches at the Mess Tin in Heywood, Clitheroe and the Greggs RV at the VIC Centre in Haslingden during the week of the 7th February. These outreaches continue to grow, and as the pictures show everyone enjoys meeting up over a brew each week.

One of our members Brian McEvoy who runs our pyrography project produced this piece of art last year as a thank you to all the NHS staff who worked tirelessly during the COVID Crisis. Imagine his surprise when he visited Blackburn Hospital at the beginning of February.
Good effort Brian

This is a cracking example of what the railway club can do, we are not 12 months old yet, what you see is not a plastic kit off a shelf, this completely built by hand, well done Lawrence

In the December newsletter we mentioned that we had met with the Researches from the Anglia Ruskin, Manchester Met and Exeter University ahead of the filming. At the AGM in September, it was revealed how VIC had been selected by a leading research project which is focusing on telling the stories of veterans and their transition into civilian life. VIC is involved in the project looking into how veterans have been helped by the arts and by being creative and that a team had met VIC and Darren Horsnell, Steve Butterworth, Dave Joddrell and Graham Limb who are leading on this.
‘The Stories In Transition project will use documentary film-making to examine the role of arts, sport and culture play in helping soldiers make the transition to civilian life. Researchers will use co-productive and creative methods to help veterans tell their stories, and in particular challenge stereotypes about ex-soldiers being either heroes or victims. The resulting films from ‘Turn To Starboard’, ‘Veterans In Communities’ and ‘Waterloo Uncovered’ will document the personal impact of arts participation helping veterans creatively examine their experiences. ‘
At the beginning of February we had the filming crew led Dr Katie Davies and her team EB and Jamie with us to start to film the scenes that had been developed on storyboards by Darren, Steve, Dave and Graham. We started the filming the first scenes on Wednesday, we managed to get everything done we were hoping for and we took the opportunity to film the busy Gregg’s RV on Thursday afternoon and the regular Friday Art Group . They also gave us training in the use of GOPRO’s and voice recorders so we can continue to film and interview our members before they return in March.
Not only is it great for VIC to be involved in the piece of research but it gives us the digital and filming skills to record everything we do in the future. We’d like to thank all those who participated in the filming.

Accrington Stanley Community Trust held their first Veterans' Breakfast Club at Carers Link Accrington, we are supporting this new Breakfast Club and Project Worker Ray Sharkey has been working closely with Lee from the Trust to get this open. We're very grateful for the large turnout who came down and enjoyed a bacon butty and a brew
Thanks to all organisations who joined us to show their support

They meet the last Wednesday of each month and VIC will provide the welfare support.

On the 25th January we had a VIP visitor called in at VIC Centre in Haslingden Retired Colonel David Richmond CBE, an Independent Advisor to the UK Government.
He was on a fact finding mission to learn more about the charity and the work that VIC does and he also chatted to several veterans to learn what improvements they think could be made to help veterans successfully transition from military to civilian life.

On the 21st January VIC members Ray and Gary spent a few hours on outside areas at the VIC Centre in Haslingden. Over the last two months we have been clearing all the offices and back yard of rubbish or unwanted items whilst it was quiet.
Thanks to a new member Robert for organising a skip.

On the 13th January VIC members enjoyed their first walk of the year. They finished at their favourite Café on the Grain Road.

One of our volunteers Pat McEvoy who spends half the year living in Florida, she is one of our core team that helps out at the Accrington Veterans Drop-in and Clitheroe Outreach amongst others was presented with an award for her volunteer work in Florida. Well done Pat good effort.