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.

Wednesday, 9^th July 2025 at 10:00
Thursday, 6^th November 2025 at 10:00 (SOLD OUT)
Thursday, 11^th December 2025 at 10:00

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 contact the Membership Team either by telephone: 0207 616 8312 or via email: mem@vsc.co.uk. Guards’ Chapel bookings can only be made directly with the Membership Team.

To make the day even more memorable, we’re also inviting members to sign up to attend the Club Secretary’s Lunch, which takes place back at the VSC, immediately following the visit to the Guards’ Chapel. This lunch allows members to enjoy the Club’s finest cuisine, to meet fellow members, and have a chance to chat to our Club Secretary and CEO, Colin Francis CBE.

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

HOW TO BOOK THE CLUB SECRETARY’S LUNCH!

Full details of the menus for the Club Secretary’s lunches can be found on the VSC website – click here.

To make a booking for the Club Secretary’s lunch, you can book directly with the Membership Team, alongside your Guards’ Chapel visit ,or book online via the members portal.

We very much look forward to having as many members as possible join us for these exclusive Member visits!

VSC is proud to announce that it is renewing sponsorship of the Royal Marines Golf Association (RMGA) team for the 2025 season. This partnership will once again see the VSC logo featured on the team’s official polo shirts — and now, for the first time, proudly displayed on their new outer golfing jackets.

In a heartfelt note of appreciation, the RMGA expressed their gratitude for the continued VSC support:

“We’ve received the VSC jackets, and I wanted to say a massive thank you from all of us. They look absolutely fantastic and have already made a strong impression on the team. We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support — it means a great deal to the RMGA. Looking ahead, our first competitive fixture is next week! Thank you once again for your generous support; we’re proud to represent VSC and excited for what’s to come.”

The VSC is delighted by the positive reception and looks forward to following the team’s progress closely. Regular updates on their performance in upcoming competitive matches will be shared throughout the season.

The VSC are delighted to have been gifted by VSC member, Irene Christophers, with a signed print by renowned military and aviation artist, Penelope Douglas VPGAvA (former Vice-President of the Guild of Aviation Artists).

The print entitled, ‘Return From The Conflict’, depicts a RAF VC10 Aeromed Flight, Ascension Island, Falklands 1982, was sourced by the Chairman of 10 Sqn Association, Flt Lt Dick King rtd. 

The print was presented to Colin Francis CBE by Irene Christophers (pictured below), who served in the RAF from 1978 to 1991 as an Air Loadmaster primarily on 10 Sqn at RAF Brize Norton.  Irene fondly recalls the friendly rivalry between the VC10 crews and their counterparts on 216 Sqn, flying the Lockheed TriStar.  Noticing that a TriStar painting already adorned the walls of the VSC, she felt it only fitting that the VC10 should also have their place of honour. A suitable location within the Club will be found for this new print.

The VSC is pleased to share with Members details of an upcoming FREE concert this June, taking place at Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel)  in London.

The Band of the Honourable Artillery Company in conjunction with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, will be holding a relaxed evening recital. Whether you’re a long-time supporter of military music or simply looking for a cultural evening out, this concert offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the HAC Band’s talent in a beautiful, historic setting.

Event Details and Registration:

📍 The Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London SW1E 6HQ
📅 Thursday, 19th June 2025
🕖 Doors open: 19:00 | Concert: 19:30 – 20:30

🎟️ Free Admission – Although this is a free event, registration is kindly requested to help the organisers manage numbers. This is not a VSC Event, so please register directly using the link below.

Registration Information HERE

We hope as many members as possible can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to enjoy an evening of military music in the heart of London.

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 would like to invite all members to this exciting event!

The Victory Services Club is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of a compelling new book tracing the Club’s origins and its extraordinary journey from 1907 to 1957, entitled A Palace for Veterans.

Authored by Simon Spence OBE — a former RAF Group Captain and previously part of the VSC Senior Management Team — this meticulously researched book chronicles the defining moments of the Club’s first fifty years after formation.

Drawing from personal letters, archival reports and firsthand accounts, A Palace for Veterans paints a vivid picture of how the Club emerged during a time of national hardship to become a home-from-home for servicemen and women. The book captures this transformation in the following words:

   “When British soldiers returned in 1902 from the Second Boer War,
those with no employment or place to live were on their own. They
had served and risked their lives for their country but were now
‘surplus to requirements’.

  “This injustice was recognised by a group of eminent individuals,
led by Major Arthur Haggard and his associate James Aratoon
Malcolm. These two men served the cause of demobilised service-
men from this point onwards until only their deaths, in 1925 and 1952
respectively, prevented them from continuing. Through two world wars
and the Great Depression they – and the many others who shared their
passion – created the Victory Services Club, offering invaluable
employment, welfare support and a place to meet old friends.

   “A Palace for Veterans is the inspiring story of how, through the most
difficult times imaginable, a Club was created from nothing and
ultimately thrived such that it now stands proudly in Marble Arch,
with over 60,000 members and a reputation second to none.”

From its humble beginnings through two World Wars and the Great Depression, the VSC is a story of compassion, resilience, and community.

We invite you to celebrate the release of A Palace for Veterans at our Special Book Launch event:

📅 Monday 7th July 2025
🕖 19:00 Start | Dress Code: Smart Casual
💷 £45.00 per person
🎟️ Includes: Welcome drink | Curry buffet | A signed copy of the book

Don’t miss this chance to meet the author, hear the story behind the story, and honour the legacy of the Club.

Find out more here: https://www.vsc.co.uk/events/vsc-book-launch-dinner/

To book, please go to the Members Area on our website, call the Membership team on 0207 616 8312 or email mem@vsc.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming as many members as possible to this 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.

The Victory Services Club (VSC) is delighted to announce its partnership this year with the Royal Navy Golfing Society (RNGS). Their mission is to enable Members to enjoy playing golf together and to help represent the Royal Navy in the community. Membership is open to all officers, ratings and other ranks of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Commonwealth Navies, Royal Naval Reserves, and Royal Marine Reserve, whether serving or retired. As part of this partnership, the VSC logo will be prominently featured on the team’s shirts.

A Strong Start for RNGS in 2025

The RNGS recently kicked off their season with an exciting fixture against the Royal Navy Golfing Association (RNGA) (Western Region) at Stover Golf Club in Devon on 13th March. Despite the cold weather, the team showcased incredible skill and resilience on the course. Their team captain, wearing the VSC-sponsored shirt with pride, led the squad, showing the leadership and determination we are proud to support.

Looking Ahead to Success

We’re looking forward to following the RNGS throughout 2025, wishing them every success in their upcoming matches. To stay up-to-date on the RNGS’s progress and our ongoing partnership, be sure to follow the VSC on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. We’ll be sharing exciting updates and hopefully, celebrating the team’s victories.

Wishing the RNGS a successful season ahead!

LASTEST ROUND-UP OF RNGS GOLFING NEWS

During the third week in May 2025 | The RNGS held a match against the RN Northern Region GC at Gullane Golf Club as part of the East Lothian tour. The team was comprised of mainly serving personnel.

14th May 2025 | RNGS vs Royal Navy Golf Association (Eastern Region) The RNGS played a traditional fixture against the serving RN of the RNGA (Eastern Region) at Southwick Park GC. The weather was excellent, and the team were made very welcome in the Clubhouse with a great post-match curry. The match was closely fought across all 4 pairings, with the result being a 2-2 draw, therefore RNGS retain the honour!

15th May 2025 | RNGS vs Royal Artillery (RAGS) The first RNGS match at Alresford GC was enjoyed by all.  The course was in very good condition and provided a fair, yet challenging, test for all.  As ever, RAGS presented a strong team, but it was great to see some young serving golfers in the RNGS team. Post match, an impressive 2 course lunch was served in the Club House, where the usual array of inter-service banter continued!  RNGS lost 2 – 4.

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!

NEW VSC App and Digital Membership Card