Author: Jules Bearman

Travelling as a family can be daunting for Jake, his wife Sofia and their daughters, seven-year-old Kristina and four-year-old Isabella. Isabella lives with cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and relies on others for her day-to-day needs. Kristina has a degenerative sight condition and is registered as legally severely visually impaired. Planning a trip brings uncertainty and logistical challenges that can make a break feel far from relaxing.

A friend who had also faced difficult times recommended the Victory Services Club. In spring 2025, the family travelled from Northern Ireland for a Respite & Welfare Break, arriving at what Jake described as exactly the right moment.

From the start, staff made them feel welcome and at ease. Their spacious, accessible room was thoughtfully arranged so they could care for Isabella comfortably. A personalised welcome letter helped them feel that their needs had been understood. Meals throughout their stay were exceptional, and packed lunches made days out around the city easier to manage.

The family visited Hampton Court Palace and explored its history and attractions. Another highlight was watching a parade at Buckingham Palace, where Isabella was kindly allowed to stay at the roadside. Together, they made memories to cherish.

“We want to take the time to thank the VSC from the bottom of our hearts for the respite service they provide. It gave us the chance to get away as a family without the usual uncertainties that come with travelling with disabled family members.”

Jake’s story shows what a Respite & Welfare Break can give a family: time together, practical support and room to enjoy the experience. By leaving a gift in your will to the VSC, you could help more families facing challenging circumstances have that opportunity.

For more information on how to make a donation or discuss leaving a legacy to the Club, please contact VSC Fundraising Manager, Robert Astick, by phone: 07851 331669 or via email: robert.astick@vsc.co.uk..

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).

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

For Samantha and her children, time together had become hard to find. The family was facing a difficult year, with major changes at home and pressures adding to the uncertainty. They needed space to step away from it all and simply enjoy being together.

A Respite & Welfare Break at the Victory Services Club gave them that space. From the moment they arrived, Samantha felt welcomed and supported. Her children could relax, explore and make the kind of memories that stay with a family long after a break ends.

“The staff were absolutely amazing with the children – patient, kind and genuinely caring,” Samantha said. “They went out of their way to help us throughout our stay. The children were over the moon with the adventure bunk beds and still talk about them now.”

What mattered most to Samantha was the time they shared: “This break gave us something incredibly special: time together, laughter and memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.”

For families going through a difficult time, a break can offer room to breathe and a chance to reconnect. By leaving a gift to the Victory Services Club in your will, you can help make Respite & Welfare Breaks possible for families in the years ahead. Your legacy could give another family the time together they need, just when they need it most.

For more information on how to make a donation or discuss leaving a legacy to the Club, please contact VSC Fundraising Manager, Robert Astick, by phone: 07851 331669 or via email: robert.astick@vsc.co.uk..

🌟🏆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.

Catch a short preview here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1076341552

Book tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/vsc-events/t-qmjrnyg

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Photo above: Anne Saunders with VSC CEO & Club Secretary, Colin Francis CBE

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, Robert 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.

We are delighted to announce two new reciprocal partnerships between the Victory Services Club and the Army and Navy Club of Washington DC, as well as the Union League Club of Chicago. These collaborations provide our members with access to the outstanding facilities of two of the United States’ most distinguished private clubs.

THE ARMY AND NAVY CLUB, WASHINGTON

The Army and Navy Club is one of Washington DC’s most renowned private clubs. Founded in 1885, it has long served as a prestigious home away from home for generations of military officers and national leaders. Overlooking historic Farragut Square and dedicated by three U.S. Presidents across its successive clubhouses, the Club is steeped in tradition and recognised for its Five Star Platinum status, placing it among the leading city clubs in the United States.

When visiting Washington DC, members may enjoy access to the Club’s facilities, including refined dining, comfortable guest accommodations, and a remarkable military library and art collection. Its prime location—just steps from the White House and major Metro stations—makes it an ideal base for both business and leisure travel in the U.S. capital.

UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO

Founded in 1879, the Union League Club of Chicago is a distinguished private club in the heart of downtown, known for elevating the everyday through exceptional service, historic architecture, and one of the largest private art collections in the city. The Club offers members an inspiring setting that blends comfort, culture, and tradition.

Rooted in a legacy that began during the Civil War, the Union League Club has long stood for civic responsibility, integrity in government, and support for our nation’s military. Located steps from Chicago’s cultural and business centres, the Club provides refined dining, welcoming accommodations, and an atmosphere shaped by generations of leaders who helped build Chicago into a world-class city—making it an ideal home away from home for members visiting the United States.

HOW TO OBTAIN A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

To access any of the VSC’s reciprocal clubs, members are required to obtain a ‘Letter of Introduction’ in advance of their visit. This can be generated directly through the Members’ Portal by selecting Reciprocal Clubs in the Payment & Manage Account area of the portal. Please select the relevant club and provide the dates you plan to visit. A letter of introduction will be emailed to the selected reciprocal club, together with a copy to you as the Member.

If you require any assistance with this process, please contact the VSC Membership Department at mem@vsc.co.uk, and they will be happy to help.

We are pleased to offer our members the opportunity to experience the hospitality and heritage of these iconic military clubs around the world.

A remarkable chapter of Malaysian military history has been beautifully preserved in The Malaysian Wish Stream: An Illustrated History of Malaysian Cadets at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This richly illustrated publication has been gifted to the Victory Services Club by its author, Lt Gen Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng.

On 22nd December 2025, this book was accepted on behalf of the VSC by General Manager, Mark Field, photographed below with Lt Gen Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng.

More than a book, The Malaysian Wish Stream is a tribute to generations of Malaysian cadets whose formative years were shaped at one of the world’s most prestigious military institutions.

About the Author

Born on 16th January 1966 in Malacca, Lt Gen Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng received his early education at St Francis Institution before enrolling at the Royal Military College, Sungei Besi, in 1984 as part of Regular Intake 25. His military promise soon earned him selection for further training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1985, where he was assigned to Salerno Company.

Graduating in December 1986, he was commissioned into the Royal Ranger Regiment, marking the start of a distinguished career that would span decades of service, leadership, and scholarship. Lt Gen Datuk Johnny Lim’s professional development extended well beyond Sandhurst. He attended advanced courses both locally and overseas, including the New Zealand Grade Two Staff and Tactics course in 1998 and the Australian Army Command and Staff College at Fort Queenscliff from 1999 to 2000.

At Fort Queenscliff, he achieved exceptional distinction—winning the Strategic Prize as the best overall student in the Strategic Studies module—and was awarded a Master’s Degree in Defence Studies by the University of Canberra. He later served as the Officer Commanding of the Senior Tactics Wing at PULADA.

Married to Gloria, they have one son, Neville.

The Meaning Behind the “Wish Stream”

Sandhurst’s connection with Malaysia runs deep. Renowned as the oldest and most prestigious military academy of its kind, its traditions have shaped Commonwealth armies worldwide, including Malaysia’s.

For Sandhurst graduates, the “Wish Stream” is far more than a poetic phrase. It is a place etched into memory—where cadets endured gruelling physical training, shedding sweat, determination, and sometimes tears. It is also the name of Sandhurst’s famed “journal of wisdom,” symbolising reflection and growth.

A Tribute to Service and Shared Legacy

Dedicated to all Malaysian Sandhurst graduates, The Malaysian Wish Stream aims to rekindle memories of camaraderie, discipline, and pride forged at RMA Sandhurst. The first Malaysian cadets—Abdul Manan Abbas and Shukor Chik—enrolled at Sandhurst in 1950. Among its distinguished alumni is Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, highlighting the Academy’s role in shaping both military and national leadership.

In preserving these stories, Lt Gen Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng has given the VSC, and Malaysia, more than a history book—he has provided a lasting record of service, commitment, and shared heritage.

Members are advised that two planned general power shutdowns will take place at the Victory Services Club on Monday, 12th January and Monday, 19th January, between 11:00-13:00.

These temporary shutdowns are required to allow essential electrical maintenance to be carried out. Full details of the affected areas and impacts are outlined below so members can plan accordingly.

Please note that the VSC Grill restaurant will also be closed for lunch on Monday, 19th January 2026.

Why is this Shutdown necessary?

From time to time, a complete power interruption is required to allow qualified technicians to safely inspect, test, and maintain key electrical systems. This work cannot be carried out while systems remain live.

These shutdowns form part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the Club safe, reliable, and well maintained. Proactive maintenance helps prevent unexpected outages, supports compliance with safety standards, and protects our facilities for the long term.

We understand that power interruptions can be inconvenient and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding. Every effort will be made to complete the works efficiently and restore power as quickly as possible. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Club management.

Thank you for your continued support of the Club.

Monday, 12th January | 11:00-13:00

Area affected: Memorial Wing

Impact:

• All Memorial Wing bedrooms, the boiler room, and the Memorial Wing lift will be without power
• Heating and hot water will be disrupted throughout the building
• The Memorial Wing lift will be out of service
• Corridors will operate on emergency lighting only

Monday, 19th January | 11:00-13:00

Area affected: Centenary Wing

Impact:

• All Centenary Wing bedrooms, communications room, Restaurant, Reception, kitchens, and service/passenger lifts will be without power
• All areas will operate on emergency lighting only
• The online Members’ Portal will not be accessible during this period
• The Restaurant will be closed for lunch

Important reminders (from 10:50):

• Please save all work and power down computers
• Use the Carisbrooke Hall entrance for access, as the main doors will remain closed