Author: Jules Bearman

Yesterday, the VSC came alive as 110 members and guests gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, reflecting on the historic moment when Europe experienced peace after 5 long years of war.

The event opened with a moving two-minute national silence, a powerful moment mirrored across the country in honour of those who sacrificed so much during the Second World War.

After the silence, Club Secretary and CEO, Colin Francis CBE, welcomed everyone with a heartfelt introduction, setting the tone for an afternoon filled with reflection and celebration. This was followed by a special screening of the key message from Sir Winston Churchill’s historic address to the nation on 8th May 1945 – a stirring reminder of the courage and resilience that defined the era.

As the day unfolded, the VSC transformed into a vibrant street party, with members singing along to wartime classics and dancing together, capturing the joyful spirit of the era.

A particularly special guest joined the festivities later in the day – 100-year-old WWII veteran Betty Withers. Betty, who served as a Royal Navy cook on the South coast during the lead-up to the D-Day invasion, had just returned from the national VE Day 80 commemorations at Westminster Abbey, where she had the honour of personally meeting the King and Queen.

Thank you to everyone who made this day so special. Together, we keep the legacy of the Greatest Generation alive. And keep an eye out – the official VE80 Day photographs are still being processed and will be added to our gallery soon.

We are so pleased that so many of our members could join us for this unforgettable day, creating lasting memories together. If you haven’t attended a VSC event like this, please do check out our social diary page at www.vsc.co.uk/social-diary

There are still some places available for our VJ Day 80 celebrations on 15th August 2025.

As part of the VSC’s ongoing commitment to honouring the legacy of those who served, we are proud to support TheVeteran.UK in publishing a special commemorative journal – “We’ll Meet Again – Victory 80” – to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied Victory in World War II.

This beautifully crafted journal chronicles the greatest conflict in the history of mankind from its roots in the inter-war period through six long years of struggle on both the home and battle fronts under the inspirational leadership of Winston Churchill – the greatest wartime Prime Ministers the world has ever known. Topping the bill of writers is Dame Vera Lynn, whose songs spoke of love, sadness and hope, chiming with millions on both the home and battlefronts. The publication is a tribute to courage and sacrifice and marks the moment 80 years ago when victory was finally secured by a people, and its Allies, who had suffered so mightily.

In addition to the wide range of stories, reflections and historical insights, the publication includes a special article about the Victory Services Club on Pages 70-71 and a full-page advertisement on Page 27.

If you would like to purchase this commemorative publication, a copy can be obtained directly from The Veteran.UK’s website. The VSC will not be selling any copies within the Club.

The print version is priced at £10.00 and is available via their online shop at: theveteran.uk/product/victory-80-commemorative-publication/

We are delighted to once again invite VSC Members to an informative, guided tour of the Guards’ Chapel in London.

The Royal Military Chapel, more commonly known as the Guards’ Chapel, stands proudly on Birdcage Walk, located on the south side of St. James’s Park, and serves as the spiritual home of the Household Division. The visit will consist of a 90-minute guided tour of the Chapel, conducted by The Reverend Alex Bennett CF, as well as the opportunity to view specific items of interest laid out in the Chapel vestry.

This will be the first visit of the year to the Guards’ Chapel. Other dates will follow in due course.

Thursday, 12^th June 2025 at 10:00     NOW SOLD OUT!

On the day, one of the VSC Membership Team will arrive at the Guard’s Chapel just before 10.00, to welcome Members.

As we have limited spots available for the Guards’ Chapel visit, we kindly request that you register for this event as soon as possible. This event is free of charge. However, to secure your spot, please either log in to the member portal or reach out to us at mem@vsc.co.uk.

To make the day even more memorable, we’re also inviting members to sign up to attend the Club Secretary’s Lunch, which will follow immediately after the visit to the Guards’ Chapel, allowing members to enjoy a relaxed setting and meet fellow members along with the opportunity to chat to our Club Secretary and CEO, Colin Francis CBE.

The cost for the 3-course Club Secretary’s Lunch is just £45 (and includes half a bottle of house wine per person) and will be held at 12:00 noon.

BOOKING STILL AVAILABLE FOR CLUB SECRETARY’S LUNCH!

Full details of the menu for this Club Secretary’s lunch can be found on the VSC website – click here.

To make a booking for the Club Secretary’s lunch, please log in to the member portal or contact the Membership Team at mem@vsc.co.uk.

We very much look forward to having you join us for this exclusive Member event!

We are thrilled to announce that the VSC Whisky has been awarded the Bronze Award at the prestigious World Whisky Awards in the Best English Single Malt category!

The World Whisky Awards are the global benchmark for excellence, celebrating the finest whiskies from around the world. Launched just last year, we are so proud to see our VSC Whisky recognised among the very best!

The VSC Whisky is an exceptional liquid offering a truly delightful experience, beginning with a delicate blend of bourbon and brown sugar notes, leading into a rich palette of tobacco and sticky date. The finish is beautifully smooth with soft aromas of toffee apple and malted biscuits. The result? A clean, fruity, and irresistibly moreish taste that will leave you coming back for more!

🥃 Available NOW in the Navy Lounge Bar – Enjoy a 25ml serving for just £5.00!

💥 Take a bottle home – Available in the Club Shop in two sizes:

70cl bottle: £37.50

5cl miniature: £5.50

Don’t miss out on the chance to taste this award-winning whisky at your next visit!

To learn more about the distillers, head to hawkridgedistillers.com.

The Victory Services Club is making the transition to a fully cashless payment system, a positive step designed to improve safety, streamline operations, and support the smooth running of Club services.

From 1st June 2025, all payments within the Club—covering bars, dining areas, accommodation, membership payments, club shop and events—must be made by card or contactless methods, such as mobile and digital payments. Cash and cheques will no longer be accepted.

The decision to go cashless has been carefully considered and is focused on providing greater safety and security for both members and staff.

This transition also enables the Club to operate more efficiently behind the scenes. Staff will no longer need to handle, store, or reconcile cash—allowing them to focus on delivering excellent service and maintaining the high standards that members expect.

The VSC will continue to accept cash donations to the Staff Fund, since these are purely voluntary contributions, not transactions.

We appreciate your support as we take this step forward and continue to modernise Club operations in a secure and sensible way.

We’re excited to introduce a new star to the taps at the VSC – Estrella Galicia, a celebrated Spanish beer with over a century of brewing heritage.

Brewed by the family-owned Hijos de Rivera brewery since 1906 in the coastal city of A Coruña, this golden lager is as rich in tradition as it is in taste. The iconic Brewmaster’s Star featured on its label is more than just a symbol – it’s a nod to time-honoured European brewing craftsmanship.

Estrella Galicia is crafted using a careful blend of specially selected malts and bitter hops, with a fermentation and maturation process lasting over 20 days. The result? A bright, crisp beer with a clean taste and a distinctive hoppy bite – perfect for relaxing at the Club.

To make sure you enjoy this beer exactly as intended, the VSC team received training this week from Estrella Galicia representatives. They shared the art and importance of the perfect Estrella pour – and naturally, the team enjoyed a few well-earned samples in the process!

✨ Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Brilliant golden hue
• Flavour: Clean and balanced with a refreshing hoppy finish
• Aroma: Roasted barley and malt with hints of dried fruit and nuts
• ABV: 4.7%

Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply curious to try something new, Estrella Galicia is a must-try. Next time you’re at the VSC, raise a glass to this Spanish classic – your tastebuds will thank you!

How did you become the Chair of the VSC?

My journey to becoming Chair of the Victory Services Club was quite serendipitous. While serving, I hadn’t heard of the Club which is something I now see as a shortcoming we must continue to address. I was introduced to the VSC through a friend, Lieutenant General Sir Robert Fry, who was President at the time. We lived near each other in Dorset, and he asked if I’d ever considered becoming a trustee. That’s where it all began. I became a trustee eleven years ago and I was then appointed Chairman five years ago, just as whispers of COVID-19 were beginning to surface. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling experience and I feel genuinely passionate about the Club. The time has flown by and I’ll be very sad to step down this July.

What has been the most personally rewarding part of your involvement with the Victory Services Club?

Without a doubt, it’s the people. I’m often out in London in the evenings, but I try to get back to the Club around 9:30pm because one of the highlights of my day is chatting with members. The heart of the VSC is about making everyone feel at home, safe and comfortable. The VSC is open to all ranks from Private to General, spanning the Army, Navy, Royal Air Force, NATO allies and the Commonwealth. There’s a sense of community that’s truly special, and I love catching up with members and hearing their stories. I then make my rounds to thank the staff, from reception to the dining room, and then I head into the kitchens to fist-bump the staff still hard at work washing up. That camaraderie is what makes the Club so unique, and I go to bed each evening feeling on a high.

And what has been the most challenging?

COVID-19 was, without question, the most difficult period on my tenure. Pre-pandemic, we were operating at 95-98% occupancy, but when the lockdowns hit in March 2020, the Club suddenly emptied. It was a daunting moment. I work in the corporate world and have seen what happens when businesses run out of cash, so I was acutely aware that, although we’re a charity, the VSC needed to be run with the same financial discipline as a business. Before furlough schemes were even announced, we had to make the agonising decision to lay off 100 staff out of 160—something no one ever wants to do. Despite the challenges, we kept the Club open for key workers, hosting people including Professor Chris Whitty and Professor Jonathan Van-Tam during those difficult months.

What has been the most significant change during your tenure as Chair?

One significant internal change was the restructuring of the governance of the Club. When I arrived, the board was a large group of 20 senior officers which could be too unwieldy for effective decision-making. We streamlined it into a board of 12, bringing in professional expertise from hospitality, marketing, estate management and catering, alongside senior military representatives.

This shift in governance and the professionalisation of the board has enabled us to run the Club more like a business, maximising income while staying true to our charitable mission. We have grown the revenue from events, increasing it from around £400,000 to over £1 million, with the aim of reaching £2 million in the future. This has allowed us to invest in continuous improvements such as the current refurbishment of 38 bathrooms. Importantly, we’ve done this while maintaining affordable rates for members, ensuring that the Club remains accessible to all ranks.

How has your position as Chair of the VSC Board benefitted you?

Every leadership role is a learning experience and the VSC has certainly helped me grow. Coming from the military and business worlds, leading a charity presented new challenges and required a different style of leadership. What I’ve learned here has influenced my roles in other organisations; I’m also Chair of a museum and the Pakistan Society. The VSC has broadened my perspective on governance in the charitable sector and deepened my understanding of how to balance financial sustainability with social impact.

Personally, the Club has also been a source of joy and energy. I thrive on connecting with people and the VSC’s community has been a constant source of inspiration. It’s a place where stories are shared, friendships are formed and where service and camaraderie are always at the heart of everything we do.

What would be your number one wish for the VSC in the future?

Securing the freehold remains the most critical goal. While we currently hold a 100-year lease, owning the freehold would give the Club greater control over its future and the ability to make more long-term investments. The VSC is more than just a building; it’s a haven for service personnel, veterans and their families. Owning the freehold would solidify that legacy and allow for even greater investment in facilities and welfare initiatives.

More broadly, my wish is for the Club to continue thriving while remaining true to its inclusivity, affordability, and community values. It’s essential that future leaders maintain the spirit that makes the VSC so unique – a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of rank or background.

Finally, what message would you like to share with the staff, members, and trustees of the Victory Services Club?

A heartfelt thank you.

To the trustees, thank you for your guidance and your commitment over the past eleven years. Strong boards thrive on healthy debate and I’m grateful that we’ve moved from simply nodding through decisions to having meaningful discussions that shape the Club’s future.

To the staff, what an extraordinary team. Your passion, dedication, and warmth are the lifeblood of this Club. From the porters who greet guests at the door, to the kitchen staff, housekeeping, and receptionists, each of you plays a crucial role in creating the welcoming, respectful environment that defines the VSC. I’ve loved seeing the camaraderie among the team, whether it’s the playful banter before breakfast service or the joy of the staff parties where everyone comes together to celebrate.

And to the members, thank you for your loyalty and for making this community what it is. The VSC exists for you and it’s been an honour to serve as Chair.

I know the Club will continue to flourish, thanks to the dedication of its people and the strength of its values.

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, the VSC is proud to host the first in a series of commemorative events, beginning with a special talk by Military Historian and Battlefield Guide, Mike Peters on Thursday, 27th March 2025.

This insightful evening will focus on Operation VARSITY, the largest single airborne operation in history, involving over 16,000 paratroopers and thousands of aircraft. Mike Peters will provide an in-depth analysis of the mission, examining the critical lessons learned following the defeat of the 1st (British) Airborne Division at the Battle of Arnhem just six months earlier. He will also explore the crucial role of RAF crews, particularly those from the 6th (British) Airborne Division, who flew aboard 243 C-47 aircraft and gliders.

With an extensive 34-year career in the Army Air Corps, Mike Peters brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, making this an event not to be missed.

Event Details

📅 Date: Thursday, 27th March 2025
🕢 Time: 18:30 (arrival) for 19:00 (start) 20:00 (finish)
📍 Venue: The Carisbrooke Hall at the VSC
💷 Cost: £10 Members | £15 Non-Members, to include a welcome drink

Tickets can be booked through the Members’ Portal or directly via our Membership Team by telephone: 0207 616 8312 or by email: mem@vsc.co.uk.

If you would like to book a table in the ‘Grill’ restaurant following the talk (serving a hot food buffet from 19:30 onwards), this can be done by contacting the Food & Beverage team on 0207 616 8351 or by emailing catering@vsc.co.uk.

Upcoming Commemorative Events at the VSC

This special talk is the first in a series of events paying tribute to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War:

🕊️ 8th May 2025 – VE 80 Lunch and Tea Dance
🎖️ 15th August 2025 – VJ 80 Lunch
🌺 9th November 2025 – 80th Anniversary Remembrance Sunday (Bookings now open in the VSC ‘Grill’ restaurant)

We encourage as many members as possible to join us for these important commemorations.

We look forward to welcoming you on your next visit to the VSC.

Mike Peters Bio

Mike Peters is a Military Historian and Battlefield Guide. His interest in all things military began in his childhood, fuelled by Commando Comics, films and Airfix Models. He enlisted into the Army Air Corps as a Junior Leader in Chester in 1980.

Army life was all that he expected, Mike had a full and eventful career spanning 34 years. During his time in the AAC he was employed as a Soldier and as an Officer in both aircrew and groundcrew roles. He deployed on Operational tours in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Gulf War 1, Bosnia, Kosovo, Gulf War 2 and Afghanistan.

Throughout his time in the military Mike led groups of fellow soldiers on battlefield studies all over Europe. Since leaving the Army in 2013 he has continued to lead tours, serving over 10 years as the Chair of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides. He is a published Author and an active podcaster.

Bouncing the Rhine – Operation VARSITY, 24th March 1945

In early March 1945 the Allies stood prepared for the final drive into Hitler’s Germany. Standing in their way were the River Rhine and, on the opposite bank, desperate German troops ready to fight to the last man to defend the sacred barrier of the Rhine and their homeland. Montgomery’s overall plan for the Rhine crossing, was codenamed Operation PLUNDER.

The First Allied Airborne Army would play a prominent role in the operation that would penetrate the final barrier between the Allies and the North German Plain. Success would enable a drive into the heartlands of Hitler’s Third Reich. Airborne forces were a vital component of Monty’s meticulous plan. The airborne component of the crossing was codenamed Operation VARSITY.

Operation VARSITY was the largest single airborne operation in history. Despite its size and its success, VARSITY is often overlooked, or at best, glossed over. Launched in the wake of the failure of Allied Airborne Forces during Operation MARKET GARDEN and the shattering defeat of 1st (British) Airborne Division at Arnhem just six months earlier, the Rhine crossing offered the sternest test. Arguably, the future of Airborne forces after WWII rested on the outcome.

Eighty years ago on Sunday, 24 March 1945, over 16,000 men were inserted by glider and parachute into western Germany. Around 8000 of those came from the 6th (British) Airborne Division, flying aboard 243 C47 aircraft and 440 gliders. A slightly larger number of mostly untried American airborne troops arrived at the same time in what was to be the second test of the First Allied Airborne Army.

But unlike Arnhem, British, Canadian and American soldiers would be landing in the same general area split into two sectors. The British and Canadian’s major objectives were the village of Hamminkeln, the Diersfordt wood and the river Issel. With the nearby ground troops already advancing in amphibious vehicles, VARSITY proved to be a complete success. It was the final airborne operation of the war in Europe, with the Germans suing for peace just over a month later.

Mike Peters will examine Op VARSITY in detail highlighting the lessons learned in the aftermath of Arnhem. He will also explain the role of the RAF aircrew that augmented the Glider Pilot Regiment that had been badly decimated at Arnhem.

On Friday, 24th January 2025, the Victory Services Club (VSC) will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s death. In honour of his enduring legacy and historical connection to the VSC, by marking the occasion, the Club recognises his important contribution and support of the Club.

As a past patron, Churchill’s association with the Victory Services Club will be celebrated through a special menu inspired by Churchill’s Cookbook. The menu (see below) will be available at the Club’s restaurant on Friday, offering members a unique opportunity to try a couple of dishes that evoke the spirit of Churchill’s era. Book a table at the VSC and join us in commemorating this anniversary milestone.

We have exciting news – the VSC will be holding a very special book launch event later in the year. This book, which is in the final stages of publication (details to follow about the event and how to purchase a copy of the book), offers insights into the VSC’s own history, including some references to Churchill’s ties to the Club.

The highlights below include excerpts from historical records detailing interactions between Churchill and the VSC, as well as reflections on the stone memorial and inscription proudly displayed at the Club’s entrance.

On this anniversary of his death, we thought members might like to have a foretaste of a few excerpts that specifically mention Churchill’s communications about the VSC. Of particular interest are the references to the inscription and stone memorial which proudly stands at the VSC entrance.

(Churchill References from the VSC 1907-1957 Book)

1945

Naturally enough, on occasion the views of Committee members differed on the merits of particular ideas for fundraising. Malcolm (co-founder) wrote to Ross (leading fundraising) on 8th January 1945 expressing concern: ‘I understand that the figure of the Prime Minister is to be exhibited at the exhibition in Regent Street, and that a collection box will be placed before him, and every time that anyone puts anything in the box, his hand will go up and he will give the “V” sign, with the words “Thank You” on the collecting box. …I really think it is a very dangerous stunt, which puts him in a very undignified position… I feel sure that if anybody connected with the Prime Minister saw this gadget in action, he would report it unfavourably to him. We must not do anything to antagonise him. It would be too great a risk. 

1947

Churchill invited to be a patron in May 1947.

1948

A ceremonial opening of the new premises was planned for a date between 17th November and 8th December 1948 and would depend on the availability of the individual asked to perform it (the identity of whom was kept a closely guarded secret). While the subject of a formal opening of the new Club in Seymour Street was mentioned in subsequent Committee minutes, it never seems to have actually happened in that form. Visits were made during 1949, including by General Sir John Harding to present the Smoking Lounge on behalf of the Desert Rats, and even HRH Princess Elizabeth and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in April, but none seems to have been designated as the official ceremonial opening. The most likely explanation of this is that Chetwode especially wanted Churchill to be the one to perform the official opening but, by the time attempts to confirm arrangements had failed, the moment had passed. Chetwode had separately been pursuing Churchill during this period for words for an inscription, and then visit the Club to lay the inscription stone.

1949

The list of visitors during the year reads like a Who’s Who of the time, but the person Chetwode had most wanted to include on this list – Mr Churchill – would prove elusive. Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited on 4th February and, later that month, on 21st, HM Queen Mary visited and presented a steel engraving of The Battle of Trafalgar by William Lionel Wyllie which hung for many years thereafter in the Club’s Trafalgar function room.

Early in the year Chetwode had asked Churchill for an inscription that could be placed on a plaque in the entrance to the Club, but a response was taking longer to arrive than hoped and a helping hand was sought via General Lord ‘Pug’ Ismay. Ismay had been Churchill’s highly regarded senior Military Assistant during the Second World War and went on to become NATO’s first Secretary General from 1952 to 1957. He remained a close friend, both of Churchill, and Chetwode and Davidson. Ismay appears to have played a key part in encouraging Churchill to draft the ‘inscription of welcome’ for the Club, which was received by Chetwode during the second half of February. It read: ‘This Victory Club for ex-servicemen and women, given by the Nation as a memorial to fallen comrades and as a tribute to those who returned, stands guardian of the common treasures and memories of friendship and brave deeds.’

Chetwode and the Council were delighted with it and Davidson wrote to Ismay on 23rd February asking that, when he saw Churchill next, he mentions to him how well received it had been. Ismay replied the next day: ‘I am so delighted that WSC has drafted the inscription for you. He is a master at finding ‘le mot juste’. I will be seeing him tonight and will tell him how delighted you all are that he has been a good boy: but I am afraid that his mind will be so full of Hammersmith that he will be unable to give his attention to anything else!’ The reference to Hammersmith concerned the by-election there that day (24th February) that, as Leader of the Conservatives, Churchill had been campaigning to win from Labour. As it happened, Labour retained the seat, but by a substantially reduced majority, a portent perhaps of the swing that would see the Conservatives regain power at the next General Election (1951) returning Churchill to the helm for one final shift.

With the new Club now open, the Council was keen to ensure the message written by Churchill was displayed prominently. It was engraved in stone and placed in the entrance hall – Davidson saw it as ‘of immense importance since it should be the Club’s “Olympic Torch”, so to speak’.

The Council tried very hard to persuade Churchill to visit the Club and lay the stone. MacDonald, the Club’s architect, had suggested that: ‘…since Mr Churchill is such an expert with a trowel’ he might even like to perform the actual laying ceremony himself – a reference to Churchill’s love of bricklaying. Churchill, however, declined; he wrote to Chetwode on 24th July saying: ‘I regret that, owing to increasing pressure of political affairs, I do not feel I should add to my commitments, even in this agreeable way. In this I hope you will excuse me. Yours very sincerely, Winston S Churchill’. Chetwode did not want to give up on this at the first refusal and hoped Churchill might reconsider if he could be persuaded, again by his friend ‘Pug’ Ismay. The hope was that he could perhaps visit for lunch on the first anniversary, on 15th September 1949, of the opening of the Club.

Davidson wrote to General Ismay on 22nd August seeking his help: ‘I hate worrying a busy man but we have come to an impasse in which I feel probably only you can help us.’ Ismay, who at that time was Chairman of the Council of the Festival of Britain (since 10th March 1948, having been invited by Attlee to take the post), replied on 25th August: ‘I am afraid there is nothing for it but to abandon the project. Once Mr C makes up his mind on that sort of question, nothing on earth will budge him. This I know from hard experience. He has, after all, done the Victory Club pretty well in drafting that wonderful message; and, quite frankly, I feel it would be a great mistake to press him any further. Having just spent a week with him in Italy, I can testify to the almost unbearable load of public work that he is expected to carry, even when on holiday.

So, while there will have been disappointment at that time that Churchill was not able to formally present, or lay, the stone in person, the Club has been able to display it proudly in the years ever since.

In 2015, the stone was refurbished by master stonemasons and, once again, looks magnificent in its prominent position for all members, staff and visitors to see.

(Churchill References from upcoming VSC 1907-1957 Book – look out for details of a very special event regarding the launch of this book in July 2025!)

The VSC is delighted to welcome two new Members to the Board of Trustees.

We are pleased to introduce Katy Gent, an experienced lawyer, currently working in the Civil Service as a legal adviser to the UK Government. Katy is a military spouse with a young child, and cares deeply about the Armed Forces community. She is well versed in the challenges faced by serving families and has a special interest in supporting them. Katy became a Trustee on 28th October 2024.

We also extend a warm welcome to Joanne Taylor-Stagg, a seasoned hospitality professional with a range of experience across branded and independent hotels. She is currently the General Manager of the five-star Athenaeum Hotel & Residences in Mayfair, London. Joanne is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, a Master Innholder, and an Innholders’ Scholar. Growing up in South Africa shaped her beliefs, she aspires to lead her hotel with an Ubuntu philosophy, summed up as “I am because you are”. Ubuntu has underpinned the way she supports her teams to deliver exceptional results; with record breaking revenue and profits, exceeding both guest and team satisfaction indexes. It has also led to her passion for ESG, a subject she is expanding her knowledge on. Outside of the hotel, Joanne is an avid cyclist. Although since becoming a dog parent, cycling has taken a bit of a backseat. Joanne became a Trustee in October 2024.

We are excited to benefit from the expertise and perspectives Katy and Joanne bring to the VSC.

On Remembrance Sunday, the Victory Services Club (VSC) opened its doors to serving armed forces, veterans and their families, creating an unforgettable day of remembrance for all who have served and sacrificed in the armed forces. This annual gathering is a special tradition at the Club, bringing members together to honour the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of our nation’s heroes.

The Day commenced with the arrival of the iconic Black ‘Poppy’ Cabs at the Victory Services Club. Poppy Cabs, a well-known initiative by London’s taxi drivers, provided transportation for veterans, shuttling them from the Club to the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the official Remembrance Sunday ceremonies. As each cab arrived, veterans were greeted warmly by staff and fellow attendees. For many veterans, Poppy Cabs provide a vital link, ensuring they can participate in the national remembrance with dignity and ease.

After the moving commemorative ceremonies at the Cenotaph, serving personnel, veterans and their families returned to the Victory Services Club to continue the day’s celebrations. In the Club’s lounge bars, there was a warm hum of conversation as old friends reunited, and new connections were formed.

Lunchtime brought more than 100 diners to the VSC’s Grill restaurant, where staff made sure every detail was perfect, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment to enjoy good food and great company. An excellent Roast and Curry buffet was served. For many, this was an opportunity to sit down with old comrades, swap stories, and reminisce about their experiences in the Armed Forces. For some, it was a chance to remember friends who are no longer here, while others celebrated the bonds that have endured over the years. Glasses were raised in toasts—a tribute to the resilience and solidarity that defines the veteran community. Each story, each laugh, underlines the profound sense of community and belonging that the Victory Services Club offers its members.

In addition to commemorating the day, the Victory Services Club captured the memories through a series of photographs (see gallery below with more to follow), with a gallery showcasing special moments. This visual tribute preserves the spirit of the day.

As the 2024 Remembrance commemorations pass, the VSC thanks all who attended for making the occasion so meaningful. The Victory Services Club remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring the sacrifices of veterans, standing as a place of community, and unwavering support.

For those who serve, or have served, the VSC is more than just a club; it is a ‘home from home’, a place where memories live on, and where the courage and dedication of the armed forces community is never forgotten.

Since the early 19th century, Trafalgar Night has been celebrated each October to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.  On the evening of 24th October, the VSC continued this time-honoured tradition with our annual black-tie dinner.

The Trafalgar Night Dinner, rich with tradition, is celebrated in Royal Navy Mess Decks and Wardrooms across the nation and aboard Royal Navy vessels stationed overseas. The evening follows a meticulously observed set of customs, which the VSC aims to replicate as closely as possible to the traditional Royal Navy Ward Room/Mess format.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Colonel Colin Francis CBE, VSC Club Secretary, who served as the “Mess President” for the event. Chaplain (RN) Douglas Perkins graciously delivered Nelson’s Grace before the meal commenced.

The Regimental Service of Port and Madeira

After the meal, Port and Madeira were placed on the table, with gentlemen observing the custom of passing the port clockwise and serving ladies first. The President proposed the Loyal Toast to the evening’s Vice President, Mr Mark Field, VSC General Manager, who led the toast to HM The King.

The guest speaker, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Paul Bennett CB OBE, joined the Royal Navy in 1985 and has had an illustrious sea-going career, with command experience at every rank. His speech concluded with a toast to “The Immortal Memory.”

Guest Speaker Bio – Vice Admiral (Rtd) Paul Bennett CB OBE

Admiral Bennett joined the Royal Navy in September 1985 and has enjoyed an extensive sea-going career. He has commanded at every rank: HMS BITER, the patrol vessel of the Manchester Universities Royal Naval Unit (1991-1992); the Minehunter, HMS ATHERSTONE (1998-1999); and the destroyer HMS EXETER, including a return to the Gulf (1999-2000). As a captain, he was the first commanding officer of HMS DARING, the first T45 Destroyer (2008-2009). Following promotion to Commodore, he commanded the Amphibious Task Group operating in the Indian Ocean, Norwegian Arctic, and on the West coast of the USA (2009-2011). Finally, as a Rear Admiral, he commanded the UK Maritime Battlestaff (2017-2018).

Interspersed between sea going appointments, he has served ashore as the Fleet Operations Officer, the Maritime Desk Officer to the Director of Operational Capability in the MOD, and as capability manager in Navy Command for Above Water Capability and Maritime Security, for which he was honoured as an OBE. He also served for 6 months in Baghdad as the Advisor to the senior Iraqi hierarchy in their Joint Headquarters. From 2011-2013, he was the Commodore Naval Personnel Strategy, responsible for reshaping the Naval Service in the aftermath of SDSR 10. Promoted to rear admiral in February 2013, he was appointed as Director of the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre, Chief of Staff, Joint Forces Command, ACNS(Cap) and Chief of Staff Navy Command HQ. He most recently served as Commander United Kingdom Maritime Forces and Rear Admiral Surface Ships. Her Majesty The Queen appointed him as a Companion in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in the Birthday Honours 2016. He served as the Chief of Staff, Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia from 2018-2021 from where he retired from regular service and took up a role as a NATO Senior Mentor.

Vice Admiral Bennett is an alumnus of Higher Command and Staff Course (2007) and the Windsor Leadership Trust, a Younger Brother of Trinity House, a Liveryman of the Carpenters’ Company and a grandfather. He maintains ‘enthusiastic amateur status’ in his sporting interests of road and mountain-biking, sailing, and rowing.

The evening was a tremendous success, thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Below are photographs from the evening, which we hope Members will enjoy, encouraging many to join future events.