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Author: Jules Bearman

SS Canberra — A Gift of Maritime Heritage

Pictured above, from left to right: Andy Williams, Mark Field, Lionel Gresham, Andy Jackson MBE and Peter Mawer.

Artwork with a special connection to the Falklands Conflict has been donated to the Victory Services Club by the Royal Marines Association Portsmouth.

The print originally belonged to Peter Mawer, who sailed to the Falklands aboard SS Canberra in 1982 and returned with 3 Commando Brigade. More recently, Peter donated the artwork to a Royal Navy and Royal Marines children’s charity event organised by Andy Jackson MBE, where it was acquired at auction by Lionel Gresham.

Having stayed regularly at the VSC over the years, Lionel has always been impressed by the remarkable collection of military artwork and photographs displayed throughout the Club. So it seemed only fitting that a print with such a strong connection to the Royal Marines, and one of the most significant chapters in recent British military history, should join that collection.

Together with the Royal Marines Association Portsmouth, Lionel was therefore delighted to formally present the artwork to General Manager, Mark Field, at the VSC, where it can be enjoyed by serving personnel, veterans, members and visitors for many years to come.

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The SS Canberra and the Falklands

Requisitioned by the British Government in April 1982, the passenger liner SS Canberra was rapidly converted into a troopship and sailed south as part of the British Task Force. Nicknamed the “Great White Whale” because of her distinctive white hull, Canberra carried thousands of troops to the South Atlantic and played an important role in the landings at San Carlos Water on 21st May 1982.

Following the Argentine surrender on 14th June 1982, Canberra was used to transport Argentine prisoners of war before embarking British forces for the journey home. Her return to Southampton in July 1982 became one of the enduring images associated with the homecoming of British forces from the Falklands.

The donation to the VSC ensures that this print – and the remarkable personal story that accompanies it – will remain a lasting reminder of SS Canberra and all those who served during the Falklands Conflict.

September Club Secretary’s Lunch – Guest Speaker

Guest Speaker: Patricia Keppie, Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Join us for September’s Club Secretary’s Lunch, when we are delighted to welcome Patricia Keppie from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) as our special guest speaker. Patricia worked at the Commission until 2024 as a Public Engagement Coordinator, and now volunteers in various roles.

At the lunch, Patricia will offer a fascinating insight into the history and work of the CWGC, revealing some of the stories behind the headstones and memorials that ensure the sacrifices of Commonwealth servicemen and women are never forgotten.

📍 Wednesday, 9th September 2026
🕛 12 noon
🥂 £45 per person – includes a three-course lunch and half a bottle of wine
👔 Dress code: Smart Casual

Please note that September’s Club Secretary’s Lunch will take place on a Wednesday, rather than the usual Thursday.

About the CWGC

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The Menin Gate, one of the CWGC’s most recognised memorials, which has its centenary in 2027

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) ensures that those who died in service, or as a result of conflict, are commemorated and that the human cost of war is never forgotten. Today, the CWGC cares for war graves at 23,000 locations across more than 150 countries and territories, commemorating almost 1.7 million people who died during the two World Wars. Its global team continues to care for cemeteries and memorials, research missing names and historical records, and ensure that all those who fell are equally remembered.

Through education, volunteering and visitor programmes, the CWGC is also helping future generations understand the importance of remembrance. To find out more about the work of the CWGC, visit the CGWC website at: https://www.cwgc.org

This promises to be a fascinating and thought-provoking Club Secretary’s Lunch, offering a rare opportunity to discover more about the places and stories behind the CWGC’s work.

 

Enhancing the VSC Lounge Bar

Dear Members,

Exciting Improvements Coming to the VSC Lounge Bar

We are delighted to announce a major investment in the VSC, with a complete refurbishment of the Lounge Bar taking place throughout August and early September. This exciting project is designed to transform one of the Club’s most popular spaces, creating a fresh, contemporary environment that will further enhance the experience for all members and their guests.

To enable these improvements, the Lounge Bar will close after service on Friday, 31st July 2026, with a planned reopening on Thursday, 10th September 2026.

During this time, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding. As the Club will be operating with reduced capacity, some areas may be busier than usual. However, our commitment to delivering the high standards of service you know and expect will remain unchanged.

Bar service will continue to be available from the Navy Lounge and the Coffee Bar within the Club restaurant, ensuring members can continue to enjoy the Club throughout the refurbishment.

This investment marks another important step in the on-going enhancement of the VSC, and we are confident the new Lounge Bar will provide a welcoming, stylish and comfortable space for members to relax, socialise and enjoy for many years to come.

We look forward to sharing progress updates over the coming weeks and can’t wait to welcome you back to the newly refurbished Lounge Bar in September.

Colin Francis CBE
CEO & Club Secretary

VSC Main Entrance Access on Tuesday, 9th June

Important Notice

As part of ongoing improvements to the Club, a new heat curtain will be installed above the main entrance on Tuesday, 9th June. To allow these works to be completed safely, the main entrance will be unavailable throughout the day.

During this time, all members and visitors should use the Carisbrooke Hall entrance as the primary access point to the Club. Porters will be available at the Carisbrooke Hall entrance to provide assistance as required.

The installation is expected to take approximately 8 hours, with works commencing from around 08:00.

For members and guests checking in or checking out of the Club, as well as those visiting the Lounge Bar or other areas of the Club, access will be via the restaurant. The VSC team will be on hand throughout the day to direct members and visitors accordingly.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and cooperation while these improvement works are carried out.

The VSC Team

A Night of Poetry, Film, and Reflection at the VSC

What a memorable evening for the VSC!

Club Secretary and CEO Colin Francis CBE gave a warm welcome to singer, songwriter, and now filmmaker John Parr at the VSC. John was later joined by the cast of his BAFTA Cymru–winning short film A Pack of Five. Also in attendance was Elsa Davies, in support of the Hedd Wyn charity.

The evening, and the film itself, were inspired by the life, work and enduring legacy of Ellis Humphrey Evans, better known by his bardic name Hedd Wyn (“Blessed Peace”). Elsa Davies, widow of Gerald Williams, nephew of the poet, continues the work her husband began—honouring a lifelong commitment to preserving and sharing Hedd Wyn’s story.

The evening featured powerful recitals of Hedd Wyn’s poetry by Elsa and the cast, bringing the beauty and lyricism of the Welsh language vividly to life—even for those unfamiliar with it. Through these performances, the audience gained a deeper understanding of Hedd Wyn’s legacy and the profound impact of his short life.

Hedd Wyn was posthumously awarded the bard’s chair at the 1917 National Eisteddfod—one of Wales’s highest cultural honours. That year’s festival became known as “Eisteddfod y Gadair Ddu” (“The Eisteddfod of the Black Chair”).

Inspired by war poetry, John Parr has long sought to tell stories of resilience and human struggle. Deeply moved by Hedd Wyn’s life and work, he wrote and directed A Pack of Five, a beautifully crafted and poignant film exploring the emotional aftermath of First World War battle.

The film follows five soldiers who meet and share a cigarette from a pack of five. As their conversation unfolds, it becomes clear their lives are connected through encounters with Hedd Wyn—a truly beautiful and powerful narrative.

The cast—featuring Rhodri Evan, Simon Nehan, Scott Gutteridge, Rhodri Lewis, and Ddraig Williams—were present at the evening, and generously shared with the VSC audience insights into their experience of filming, which took place entirely on location in Tegryn, Pembrokeshire. Despite challenging conditions—including a storm across the Welsh hills—the production achieved stunning results. Parr noted that whenever Hedd Wyn’s words were spoken, the weather seemed to lift, with sunlight breaking through—a phenomenon reflected in the film’s remarkable cinematography.

It was a special event for the VSC, and we extend our sincere thanks to Elsa Davies and John Parr for their dedication in bringing Hedd Wyn’s legacy to our VSC audience. Funds raised will go to support the VSC Respite & Welfare Breaks, and the Hedd Wyn charity.

Coverage of the event appeared on BBC iPlayer as a feature on Welsh-language programme, Heno (23rd April 2026).  Click the link below to view full coverage of the programme (much of which is in Welsh). The feature on A Pack of Five at the VSC begins at about 17 minutes into the programme.

Click here: Heno (Welsh Language) on BBC iPlayer

HEDD WYN & THE BLACK CHAIR

In September 1917, the Chairing of the Bard ceremony took place at the National Eisteddfod in Birkenhead Park. Among those present was the Welsh-speaking British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George. When the adjudicators announced that the poem submitted under the pseudonym Fleur de Lys had won, the traditional trumpets sounded to summon the poet forward.

After three calls went unanswered, Archdruid Dyfed rose and solemnly revealed that the winner had been killed in action six weeks earlier. The bardic chair was then draped in black cloth. The moment was profoundly moving—reports noted that there was “hardly a dry eye in the pavilion.” As the Archdruid expressed it, it was “the festival in tears and the poet in his grave.” The chair was later delivered to the poet’s parents in that same draped condition.

Hedd Wyn

Today, the Black Chair—now undraped and preserved—remains a powerful symbol of loss and remembrance.

The chair of Hedd Wyn is now permanently displayed at his family’s hill farm, Yr Ysgwrn, near Trawsfynydd. The property was carefully maintained in its 1917 condition by the poet’s family, particularly his nephew Gerald Williams and his wife Elsa Davies. Gerald continued farming the surrounding land for many years, acting as custodian of both Yr Ysgwrn and Hedd Wyn’s legacy, welcoming visitors and preserving the poet’s story. He passed away in 2021.

Hedd Wyn

In 2012, Gerald entrusted the future of Yr Ysgwrn to the Snowdonia National Park Authority. With support from the Welsh Government and National Lottery funding, the Authority announced on St David’s Day that it had acquired the Grade II-listed farmstead and surrounding land for the nation. Its mission is to protect and preserve the site while enhancing public access and understanding of Hedd Wyn’s life and work.

That same year, Gerald Williams was awarded an MBE in recognition of his exceptional contribution to preserving his uncle’s heritage.

Hedd Wyn

Suppliers’ Reception Celebrates the Partners Behind the VSC

Last evening, the VSC were delighted to host the first-ever Suppliers’ Reception at the VSC, welcoming around 30 representatives from the companies who support the Club across a wide range of services — from drinks suppliers to designers and many others who play an important role behind the scenes.

For many of our guests, it was the first time learning that the VSC is a charity, providing vital Respite and Welfare Breaks for those who need them most. It was inspiring to see so much interest from our suppliers in how they can further support this work and contribute to the impact the Club makes.

The evening was led by General Manager Mark Field and Fundraising Manager Rob Astick, who shared more about the VSC’s mission and the importance of the partnerships that help make our work possible.

Most importantly, the reception was an opportunity to say thank you. Our suppliers are an essential part of what we do, and it was wonderful to bring everyone together to recognise the value of their support and the organisations they represent.

It was a fantastic evening of conversation, connection and appreciation, and we look forward to building even stronger partnerships in the future.

If you, or your business, are interested in finding more about making charitable donations to the VSC, please check out the Support Us page on the VSC website or get in touch with our Fundraising Manager, Robert Astick (robert.astick@vsc.co.uk).

Walking Tour – Exclusive Member Event

We’re delighted to announce an exciting upcoming Members’ Event!

Join us for a “Squares, Stucco and Scandal” Walking Tour, followed by lunch at the VSC, on Sunday, 19th April 2026, from 11:00 to 12:45. This special event offers members the chance to enjoy a fascinating guided walk before returning to the Club for a set lunch (see menu below).

Discover the elegance and intrigue of Belgravia on this fascinating walking tour. As you wander through one of London’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, you will see some of the city’s most stunning garden squares and the charming cobbled mews tucked quietly behind them. Along the way you will visit delightful gardens and sculptures, historic churches, characterful pubs, and hidden courtyards that many people pass without ever noticing.

As you explore, Belgravia’s history will come vividly to life. You will hear stories about the people who once lived, loved, and died here—sometimes in dramatic and surprising circumstances. You will discover tales of a murderous aristocrat, a rather dodgy Lord, and the mystery of a ghost said to haunt an old barracks. You will also learn about the visionary architect who transformed this part of London and uncover the extraordinary connection between Belgrave Square and the sinking of the world’s most famous ship, the RMS Titanic—a story that began over coffee and cigars in a Belgravia townhouse.

This engaging 90-minute walk is led by Caroline Mongan, a qualified London tour guide who has also appeared on the BBC. Please note that places are extremely limited, so we encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.


L U N C H   M E N U

Starter
Prawn Cocktail or Soup of the Day

Main Course

Roast Chicken or Vegetable Wellington
(served with roast potatoes, mash, gravy & medley of seasonal vegetables)

Dessert

Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream


Event Details:

📅 Date: Sunday, 19th April 2026
🕒 Time: 11:00 – 12:45, followed by lunch at the VSC
🎫 Ticket Price: £49.50 per person
📌 Location: Meet your guide, Caroline, in Victoria at the statue of Little Ben, opposite the Victoria Palace Theatre (currently showing Hamilton). The tour will finish at the Victory Services Club.


Booking Information:

To secure your place, please contact the Membership Department on 0207 616 8312, or email us at mem@vsc.co.uk. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.

The VSC Membership Team

An Evening with St Elmo’s Fire Singer, Songwriter and Filmmaker – John Parr

🌟🏆Award-winning Film🏆🌟

Great news! On Saturday evening, 28th March 2026, A Pack of Five won Best UK Short Film at the Liverpool Indie Awards 2026. ⏳ Not long to go… it comes to the VSC on 22nd April.
In this turbulent world, the Grammie-nominated rock star, John Parr, has produced this short moving film focused on the futility of war. It is also shortlisted for awards in the Beverly Hills Film Festival, the By the River Festival in London and BAFTA Cymru.

In partnership with the Hedd Wyn Ysgwrn Charitable Trust, the Victory Services Club is delighted to host an exclusive screening of this new short film.

🎬 Film Screening: A Pack of Five
📅 Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
🕕 18:00 – 20:30
🎟️ Tickets: £40 per person (to include free-flowing Reception drinks of prosecco, bottled beer and soft drinks)

Please note: Tickets for this event are on sale now and must be booked directly on the Ticket Source website. They are not available for purchase from the VSC. All ticket sale proceeds will be equally shared between the VSC Charity (including support towards fully funded Respite & Welfare Breaks for serving personnel) and the Hedd Wyn Ysgwrn Charitable Trust.

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John Parr is best known worldwide for the iconic hit St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) — the unforgettable soundtrack to the classic 1980s film St. Elmo’s Fire. The song became a global anthem of resilience and determination and remains one of the most recognisable movie theme songs of its era.

Now, in a new chapter of his creative career, Parr brings that same storytelling power to film with his latest and most personal project, A Pack of Five. This exclusive event will showcase this powerful and moving film inspired by First World War history, poetry, and the enduring human spirit. Following international festival success and official selections including BAFTA Cymru and the Beverly Hills Film Festival, the film marks a significant milestone in Parr’s evolution from music icon to filmmaker.

Members will have the opportunity to experience this remarkable film and learn more about the story, inspiration, and people behind its creation. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a memorable and informative evening.


Inspiration for John Parr’s Latest Film – A Pack of Five

Five strangers find a brief moment of peace away from the battlefield.
Sharing a joke and a smoke in the mud of the Somme,
they discover they share far more than a pack of five cigarettes.
The words of a fellow soldier and poet offer comfort more
powerful than the rifles now lying silent at their feet.
In that moment, the pen proves mightier than the sword.

The film draws its emotional core from the life and work of Hedd Wyn (1887–1917), born Ellis Humphrey Evans — a Welsh-language shepherd poet from Trawsfynydd who was killed during the First World War. His poetry, written amid the horrors of war, brought solace to those who fought and died far from home, while carrying a profound and enduring message of peace.

Hedd Wyn’s words deeply moved John Parr, as they have generations before him. That message of humanity and reconciliation became the driving force behind A Pack of Five, a self-financed film created to shine new light on the man and his timeless work. Hedd Wyn’s poetry also touched the heart of King Charles III, who met with Hedd Wyn’s nephew, Gerald Williams MBE, at the poet’s family home. Gerald had long carried a promise made to Hedd Wyn’s mother — to keep her son’s name and legacy alive. His dedication and quiet guardianship of that legacy profoundly inspired Parr to carry that promise forward. Although Gerald passed away before Parr was able to meet him, his treasured friendship with Gerald’s widow, Elsa, has brought both Gerald’s life and Hedd Wyn’s legacy vividly to life. For more information about Hedd Wyn, please visit the Hedd Wyn Ysgwrn Charitable Trust at www.heddwyn.org.


John Parr – Singer-Songwriter

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter John Parr is likely best known for his two U.S. number-one hits, Naughty Naughty and St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion).

Beyond this, Parr has written and performed title tracks and music for 12 Hollywood films, including Three Men and a Baby, The Running Man, and Near Dark. His work is also connected with major film soundtracks such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Deadpool. Across his career, Parr has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.

The iconic theme song St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) was originally co-written by John Parr and David Foster, as an anthem for Canadian Paralympic wheelchair athlete and activist Rick Hansen. After a truck accident left Hansen paralysed from the waist down due to a spinal cord injury, he set an extraordinary goal during his recovery — to wheel his chair around the world to raise funds and awareness for spinal research. Hansen’s journey began in May 1985.

In 1985, there was little internet and no social media or Facebook, so Rick had very little publicity. At the outset of his journey, three men and a dog waved him off from a rainy shopping mall car park in Vancouver. On his return, more than a million people lined the streets, brass bands playing his song and everyone singing “Gonna be a man in motion”, as he wheeled by. During that journey Rick crossed, desert and mountain ranges, even The Great Wall of China…where a million Chinese people lined his route clapping and singing his song.

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Over two years, two months, and two days, Hansen travelled 25,000 miles, averaging 50 miles per day, successfully circumnavigating the globe. His mission ultimately raised over $360 million for spinal research and helped establish ICORD, now one of the world’s leading spinal research facilities, where some patients with similar injuries have regained the ability to walk. Parr wrote and recorded St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) specifically to support Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour.

As a songwriter, Parr has written for major artists including Tom Jones, Meat Loaf, The Monkees, and Roger Daltrey of The Who. He also penned the Gillette anthem The Best A Man Can Get. Throughout his career, Parr has collaborated with many legendary artists, including Tina Turner, The Bee Gees, The Beach Boys, Jeff Beck, Phil Collins, Heart, Journey, Bryan Adams, Foreigner, Toto, Def Leppard, Celine Dion, Bon Jovi, and Yungblud. He has also worked alongside Hollywood stars such as Michael J. Fox, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, and John Travolta.

John Parr

Parr’s most recent album, The Mission, was inspired by the sacrifices made by service men and women and their families. All proceeds from the album support military charities that help veterans transition back into civilian life. As part of his military awareness campaign, Parr and his production manager, Hedley Taylor, travelled 35,000 miles by road during the first seven weeks of an 18-month pro bono tour across America. Parr also serves as an ambassador for the United Services Organizations (USO), USA Cares, and military families, and has worked extensively with Help for Heroes and UNICEF.


John Parr – Filmmaker

As a filmmaker, Parr wrote and produced Road to Damascus with his business partner, two-time Oscar winner Chris Munro. The film placed seventh in the Best Live Action Short Film category at the Academy Awards.

In 2022, Parr launched a new film division and began developing a drama documentary entitled Unconquered, which follows the rehabilitation journeys of two elite soldiers who were severely injured — both physically and mentally — in the line of duty. The film documents their path toward recovery through family support and their passion for sport, and it has also earned 170 festival wins globally.

Parr’s latest film (2025/26), A Pack of Five, has been officially selected for BAFTA Cymru and the Beverly Hills Film Festival, where it will be screened at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. John Parr wrote, produced, directed, and composed the music for A Pack of Five. The film features performances by the world-renowned Treorchy Male Voice Choir and the Sir Harry Secombe Youth Choir.

VSC Supports the Sapper Charity at the 2026 TCS London Marathon

The VSC is proud of its ongoing association with fellow military charities and is delighted to announce its sponsorship of three runners from the Royal Engineers Association | The Sapper Charity at the 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday, 26th April 2026.

This partnership reflects the VSC’s continued commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, working alongside organisations that provide vital assistance to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Supporting The Sapper Charity at one of the world’s most iconic marathon events is an exciting opportunity to help raise awareness and funds for those who have served.

Three REA confirmed runners will be taking part in this year’s race. All are serving or former members of the Corps of Royal Engineers and are united in their determination to raise as much as possible through both their individual and collective fundraising efforts. Their dedication, resilience, and team spirit embody the values that both The Sapper Charity and the VSC stand for. You can read more about their individual fundraising aims and support their efforts via the individual name links below:

As part of this sponsorship, the VSC logo will feature prominently on running shirts and jackets throughout training events and on race day itself.

Alongside race branding, the VSC will also be supporting the runners across social media – we will be sharing training updates to help raise awareness of the efforts of those involved. We encourage everyone to look out for and engage with our posts, follow the runners’ journeys, and help amplify their fundraising efforts by liking, commenting, and sharing. The VSC is proud to support such an important charity and celebrating the achievements of those who continue to serve the wider military community.

We wish all three runners the very best of luck as they prepare for and take on the 2026 TCS London Marathon.

About The Sapper Charity

Rooted in the Corps of Royal Engineers and established to stand alongside Sappers and their families for life, REA – The Sapper Charity exists to support those who serve and have served, whenever they need it most. From its origins providing practical help to wounded and bereaved Sappers, the Charity has evolved to meet the modern demands of service, delivering targeted assistance across mental health, welfare, education, sport, transition to civilian life, and times of crisis.

Working closely with the Chain of Command and trusted partners, the Charity steps in early to reduce pressure, strengthen resilience and foster Esprit de Corps. The impact is felt every day: serving personnel better able to focus on their role; families supported through uncertainty; and veterans reassured they remain part of the Sapper family long after leaving uniform.

The 2026 TCS London Marathon provides a high-profile national platform to celebrate this support and raise vital funds that directly benefit the Sapper community.

An Evening with Clive Myrie – Limited Tickets Remaining

Following the fantastic response from members, this is a reminder about an upcoming event in mid-March, taking place at the Victory Services Club in partnership with the charity, Reading Force –An Evening with Clive Myrie. Due to strong demand, only limited tickets are still available, so book soon to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are £40, which includes a welcome drink and a copy of the book, but must be booked directly via Eventbrite (see below), and are not available for purchase directly from the VSC.

📍 Carisbrooke Hall, Victory Services Club
📅 18th March 2026
⏰ 18:00–20:00

Join us for what promises to be a unique evening of conversation and insight with one of the UK’s most respected broadcasters and authors.

🎟️ Please note again: Tickets are being administered via Eventbrite and must be booked directly through this website at: https://bit.ly/49cA2Do

We hope to see as many members there as possible for a highly informative and enjoyable evening!


Overview

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Picture of Clive Myrie (above): credit to Sophia Spring

Clive Myrie is a celebrated journalist, who has reported from hotspots all over the world, and latterly hosted the BBC’s News at Ten, Mastermind and Celebrity Mastermind.

His journalistic career has taken him to over 80 countries across multiple continents, from Asia to Africa and the Americas, covering some of the biggest stories of our time. From the British-American invasion of Iraq to the impeachment of then President Bill Clinton, from Russia’s war on Ukraine to the final of the Euros in Berlin, he has witnessed the defining moments of recent history and brought those stories home from the front-lines to the front-page.

Tickets for this event include a copy of his autobiography, Everything is Everything (cover price £10.99). In the book, you will learn about the history that brought his family to the UK from Jamaica; the fast-paced world of on-the-ground journalism, and the worst possible time to wear a red shirt.

He will be interviewed by Alison Baverstock, founder of the charity Reading Force, which connects military families through shared-reading. This is a fundraising event for the charity, which supports military families to share books and chat about them, as a way to improve communication and wellbeing within the family. Funds raised from this special evening with Clive Myrie will help the charity continue to post their special resources and books to children of all ages, in all kinds of tri-service military families – serving, veterans, bereaved or divorced, based in the UK and overseas. You can find out more about Reading Force at www.readingforce.org.uk.

The event will take place at the Victory Services Club (VSC), located in Marble Arch, London. Through its Respite and Welfare Breaks programme, the VSC offers much-needed time away for nominated serving personnel—particularly those wounded or injured on operational service, or those facing significant welfare challenges. These breaks are designed to provide rest, recovery, and support during difficult periods.

Funds raised will also support the provision of these Respite & Welfare Breaks. Further information about this important programme can be found on the Respite & Welfare Breaks page of the VSC website.

The VSC Retains ‘World Class’ Status

In January, Max Lawrence FIH of Hospitality Assured conducted a two-day visit to the Victory Services Club as part of its Hospitality Assured assessment, engaging with staff from across the Club’s various departments.

We are delighted to confirm that the Club has retained the highest level of accreditation   ̶   World Class Status   ̶   with clear evidence of progress and improvement since the last visit.

Max said, “It was particularly encouraging to see the continued investment in colleagues, facilities and systems, alongside the unwavering commitment to welfare and respite for members. Thank you to the whole team for such warm hospitality and for the open, honest and constructive conversations throughout the visit”.

The goal of Hospitality Assured is to help organisations achieve competitive advantage through business and service excellence. Design and build reliability into your processes and let the outcomes follow.

Hospitality Assured is the globally recognised standard for business and service excellence in hospitality focused organisations. The standard helps deliver consistently outstanding customer experiences through a framework of nine steps. The journey drives continual improvement, strong colleague engagement, operational confidence and measurable results.

It also shows customers, clients, stakeholders and VSC Members, that the Club is committed to excellence and consistency by following world class processes, customer service standards and team engagement.  Assessment levels are: Accredited, Premier and World Class.

This accreditation ensures a focus on continuous improvement, strong colleague engagement, and a customer-centric approach to business.

A Lasting Legacy to the VSC

The Victory Services Club (VSC) is pleased to thank members Richard and Anne Saunders, who have chosen to leave a legacy donation to the Club in their will — a generous gesture that will help support service personnel, veterans, and their families in the future.

The decision reflects their long-standing respect and affection for the VSC and its work. Both are supporters of the Club and of the Respite & Welfare Breaks programme, which assists nominated serving personnel facing serious illness or significant welfare issues.

On 14th January 2026, Anne met VSC CEO and Club Secretary, Colin Francis CBE and Fundraising Manager, Rob Astick at the Club, where they had the opportunity to personally give their thanks to Richard and Anne for their loyalty and commitment to the Club, and to reflect on the impact legacy giving can have on the VSC’s long-term mission.

Considering Leaving a Legacy?

Legacy donations play a vital role in securing the future of the Victory Services Club. They help ensure that we can continue to provide accommodation, support, and respite for serving personnel, veterans, and their families for many years to come.

If you are a member and would like to explore the possibility of leaving a gift in your will, or simply wish to have an informal and confidential conversation about legacy giving, we would be delighted to hear from you. More information is available on the VSC website here: Support Us.

Please contact our Fundraising Manager, Rob Astick, who will be happy to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. Rob can be contacted directly by phone: 07851 331669 or via email: robert.astick@vsc.co.uk.

Legacies like those from Richard and Anne Saunders can help ensure the spirit and support of the VSC lives on for the benefit of club members.