Veterans Day 2008 Roundup |
Improving lives…
How a charity put the spring back in a veteran’s step
The National Benevolent Fund for the Aged (NBFA) was founded to improve the quality of life for older people in the UK. NBFA does this mainly by organising free holidays for older people. Each holiday is to a UK seaside resort and includes coach travel, meals, accommodation, entertainment and some outings. For many, the holiday is an opportunity for a change of scene, to make new friends or try new activities.
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Mark Storey, a WWII veteran, joined NBFA on a holiday to Dunoon, Scotland. He could not thank the charity enough for his experiences... |
Mark’s story
Whilst serving in the Far East, his ship came under attack and was forced to surrender to the Japanese forces.
“Everything was perfect,
the food, the entertainment, the excursions, the staff and volunteers, you can’t beat perfect” |
During the next few years Mark was interred at Changi the notorious Japanese prisoner of war camp and then was forced to work with other POWs to complete the infamous ‘Death Railway’ along the River Kwai.
After five years Mark finally returned home. |
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Now, at the age of 88 he still recounts details like it was yesterday. He heard about NBFA through his local pensioner club and along with other members enjoyed excursions, nightly entertainment and making friends from the 100 guests holidaying with NBFA.
NBFA asked Mark after all his life experiences, what the NBFA holiday experience was like for him? He said,
“Everything was perfect, the food, the entertainment, the excursions, the staff and volunteers, you can’t beat perfect. I’d definitely go again”.
In addition to the holidays, it also provides tens machines and short-term loans of emergency telephone alarms.
For further information: call 0207 828 0200, E-mail: info@nbfa.org.uk or visit www.nbfa.org.uk
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From No 10 to Aberdeen, Plymouth to Blackpool, Cardiff to Carrickfergus, Veterans Day 2008 saw numerous events take place over the months of June, July and August.
Mr Boris Johnson, the new Mayor of London, fully supported Veterans Day with his team arranging a celebratory event in Trafalgar Square.
Carrickfergus held one of the biggest Veterans Day events to celebrate Veterans contribution to the community
Advertise your event for free!
Are you planning an event that Veterans and advisors may be interested in? If so, read on…
From military shows in Liverpool, exhibitions in Pontzpass to cricket matches in Blackpool, an average of nine events per month are added to The National Veterans Events Calendar.
It is a free service and an ideal way of advertising your event on a site that is frequently visited by veterans.
If you are involved with an event that may be of interest, then add the details to the calendar.
To do this, simply complete and submit an on-line application form; the details will then be entered onto the calendar.
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This year’s National Event took place at Blackpool during their Veterans Extravaganza. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall attended the service, opened the Choir Loft at the Cenotaph, and presented veterans with their HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge.
Veterans were presented with their Veterans Badges by the Prime Minister at No 10
Stirling was delighted to honour Veterans of all ages in the wonderful setting of Stirling Castle and Kings Park
You may be interested to know that the number of visitors to the Veterans-UK website increased on 27 June (Veterans Day) from a monthly daily average of 2,054 to 4,131. The calendar was also in the ‘top ten’ pages visited, on the site, for that month. Think of the audience you could be reaching!
The National Calendar can be found at: www.veterans-uk.info If you don’t have access to the Internet and wish to either submit an event or find out what’s happening in your local area please call 0800 169 2277.
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Issue 11
