This week the NFA took a group of more than 50 veterans from service care homes and associations across the south east of England for a lunchtime trip on the Bluebell Railway. This popular annual outing gives guests the opportunity to socialise with like-minded people for a few hours and, judging by the smiles and laughter, everyone soon got to know each other.
Read moreLast weekend NFA Chairman David Cowley organised a charity walk through the beautiful Hampshire countryside to raise funds for the Association. Despite the heavy rain more than 140 people took part, with half completing the full 10-mile walk and the others taking the 5-mile option (perhaps because of the weather!)
Read moreAccording to Sir James Lawrence Munby, President of the Family Division of the High Court of England and Wales the practice of separating elderly couples against their wishes when one or both move to care homes must end (The Times, 10 May 2017). The Defence Medical Welfare Service has been providing welfare to the Armed Forces community when they are on a medical care pathway since 1943 and has recently launched several projects to support the Aged Veteran community. Our Welfare Officers are acutely aware of the challenges faced by aged veterans and are well place to offer tailored support.
Read morePoppyscotland has released 46,000 Poppy petals from the top of the National Wallace Monument, in Stirling, to commemorate the end of the Battle of Arras. At precisely 11am this morning (16th May), the poppies fell with each petal representing a Scottish soldier who lost their life or was wounded during the conflict.
As part of the petal drop, there was also a commemorative service which was led by The Royal British Legion Scotland (Legion Scotland). The service featured a wreath-laying ceremony which was conducted by Poppyscotland CEO Mark Bibbey, Legion Scotland CEO Kevin Gray MM and a pupil from the local Queen Victoria School.
Read morePrince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcome hundreds of Scotty’s Little Soldiers members to Buckingham Palace.
Over 200 Scotty’s Little Soldiers members joined 850 bereaved Armed Forces children at Buckingham Palace yesterday in a special garden party event, hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
Read moreA merchant seaman from Morpeth is training to compete in the 100k Yorkshire walk for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.
Adam Potts, 27, was convinced to take part in the ultra-challenge by his climbing and hillwalking partners. He explains: “They signed up just last year and asked me if I’d consider joining them. In the end it was an easy decision. I love any kind of new challenge, plus it’s a fantastic cause!”
Read moreOn Friday 7 July 2017 at circa midday The Royal British Legion will mark the centenary of the formal recognition of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), the first time women were fully enrolled in the UK Armed Forces, by holding a Drumhead Ceremony and Reception at The National Memorial Arboretum. This event will more widely commemorate the contribution of women who have served the Crown on operation or in uniform.
Open application will be encouraged via The Royal British Legion website for women who have served the Crown on operation or in uniform.
Read moreLast weekend the NFA took eight veterans on a carp fishing break at Woodlay in Cornwall.
Fishing is not just the biggest participation sport in the world, it can also be hugely beneficial for service men and women recovering from injury. Research has shown that fishing can reduce the symptoms of PTSD amongst veterans; it can also help with their emotional, psychological and physical rehabilitation.
Read moreMedia Invite/Photocall: Tuesday, 16th May 2017, at 11am – Tens of thousands of poppy petals to cascade down from Wallace Monument. Poppyscotland will release 46,000 Poppy petals from the top of the National Wallace Monument, in Stirling, to commemorate the end of the Battle of Arras. At precisely 11am on 16th May, the poppies will fall with each petal representing a Scottish soldier who lost their life or were wounded during the conflict.
Read moreA dynamic young team of four from the local company Signal, based in Cheltenham, have returned safely after enduring a five-day dog sledding challenge in Sweden to support The Royal British Legion.
The group sledded across snow-filled hilly terrain, covering 180km over the five days of trekking, in temperatures ranging from -5C down to -20C. Each group member was aided by a team of loyal huskies to lead them through the snow-covered forests and mountains of Swedish Lapland. The adventure began in Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city, situated 145km north of the Arctic Circle.
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