Appeal News

Campaign Team

The Campaign Board is chaired by The Hon Sir William MacAlpine, who volunteered in October 2006.

Before joining the family business, Sir William served in the Life Guards. He commented, 'My time in the Army, though brief, left a marked impression on me and I look back on that time with pride, affection and with a great respect for those who commit themselves to serving our Nation. So when approached last year to support an Armed Forces charity, the Victory (Services) Association, I found it difficult to refuse.'

The Campaign Launch

The Centenary Appeal was publicly launched in May 2007. Our principal guest was General Sir Richard Dannatt, the Chief of the General Staff. He represented not just the Army but also his fellow Chief of Staff from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. Sir Richard praised the Club for all that it does for the Armed Forces Community and singled out for particular praise the 'Haven for Heroes' project which enables troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to stay at the Club at generously discounted prices. The reception was attended by journalists from national and military press including Navy News,Soilder and RAF News, BFBS, Daily Telegraph, Legion. Please click here to see some photographs of the Launch.

Haven for Heroes

This initiative aims to deliver on the Club's charitable objectives by offering subsidised accommodation to British Personnel returning from high-risk operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It attempts to aid the transition from operations into everyday life by subsidising accommodation to troops enabling them to enjoy a well deserved rest with family and friends. To date numerous service men and women from Afghanistan and Iraq have taken advantage of this initiative to enjoy some R&R. This initiative will continue and be available at the current rates of subsidy until 31st December 2010. The current rate offers a single ensuite for £30, double ensuite £40 and family ensuite £55.

TA Rifleman Andy Price, whi was the first to stay using the "Haven for Heroes" subsid. ' Returning from operation can be difficult. Life is really hectic as you try to visit family and friends who you haven't seen for long periods. Being able to take some time out at the Club was really good for me.'

Tim Harrison, who is currently serving with Number 4 Force Protection Wing and a member of the RAF Regiment based at RAF Lyneham heard about the initiative on BFBS radio whilst he was stationed in Basra; ' The offer is fantastic value for money and I appreciated the gesture greatly. I would recommend the Club to anyone.’

The Haven for Heroes initiative is the VSC's way of saying thankyou to our military people.

Baroness Thatcher Visit