The film "SMITH" was made in 1939 for the Embankment Fellowship Centre - now Veterans Aid. The idea was to raise awareness of the work that the charity undertook together with fundraising.
It was produced on a "cost only" basis for £400 and was formally launched in June 1939 at a luncheon at The House of Commons. The distribution was to be undertaken through cinemas throughout the country in September 1939 - unfortunately world events intervened and the film was withdrawn from distribution!
This Michael Powell film is a recognised classic which is owned by and copyrighted to The Ex-Service Fellowship Centres. VA is still caring for veterans today. Please see the 'Support Us' link if you wish to assist in our work.
Sophie’s Streets of London
"Sophie’s Streets of London" is poignant reminder that you can still care at any age.
Sophie was just 14 years old when she put together this moving montage of images combined with the apt music and lyrics of Ralph McTell’s “Streets of London” courtesy of Leola Music.
Roy’s story
A true story of survival against all odds. A proud and successful ex-soldier finds himself in dire circumstances with his life in freefall. He ends up on the streets not because of military service but because of life in general...and the thing that saves him, is his military connection.
His eloquent and heartfelt explanation of his fall and rise from the ashes of his life is extremely moving and powerful. It serves as a reminder to everyone at VA, that there is always hope!
Kindness from a curry king
How Sir Gulam Noon MBE stepped in to feed homeless Veterans.
This is the story of how Britain’s curry king, Sir Gulam Noon MBE, stepped in to feed homeless Veterans. A chance meeting between VA’s Chief Executive and senior executives from Sir Gulam’s empire at an RLC dinner, resulted in an amazing gesture.
Sir Gulam decided that he wanted to do something very practical for the resident’s of VA ‘s hostel, New Belvedere House. The result, a giant curry was provided for everyone!
The effect on morale among the residents and staff was instant – as one resident said, “knowing that someone of Sir Gulam’s status was thinking about us is very touching – what a marvellous man”.
Delight In Belgravia
VA was lucky enough to be chosen as the charity being supported by this year’s Belgravia Traders Association (BTA), Elizabeth Street Fair on the 10th June 2009. Amazingly, VA received a total of £35,000 from the evening. VA’s CEO, Wing Commander Dr Hugh Milroy said, “we are delighted to have received so much from the event.
The warmth and open support shown both by the members of the BTA and the public who attended the event was simply overwhelming. I couldn’t believe it!”
It was an amazing success with 3000 people attending. Col Geoffrey Cardozo, the man responsible for fundraising at VA said, “The support and generosity that we were shown by the BTA committee was outstanding and it was their commitment that made the evening so special.
Equally as humbling was the support we received from an army of volunteers who threw themselves into supporting our cause on the night. The event was a runaway success”. Brigadier Johnny Rickett, the President of VA, who opened the festivities said “we are truly grateful for the support of the BTA…it was a wonderful event”.
Fabulous FTSE Dinner
On the 4th Feb a spectacular dinner was held in London’s Whitehall for several military charities…VA being one of them! It was a truly glittering event with great food, entertainment and prizes.
Former Irish Guards officer, Charles Sincock was the prime mover, but so many people helped behind the scenes to make sure that the evening was a success.
Dr Hugh Milroy VA’s CEO said ”the evening had the ‘wow’ factor as soon as you walked through the door. Our president, Brig Johnny Rickett, commented to me that this was the first time that VA had ever had a fundraising dinner of this size!
Both of us were moved by the support and goodwill we had been shown.”
Guards Museum Curator Cooks Up a Storm
When the Curator of the Guards Museum, Andrew Wallis, said he was going to do something practical for Veterans Aid, no one thought for a moment that it would involve him donning a chef’s coat and cooking up a fabulous curry in the museum.
Andrew and his team, including his brother, had to do a remarkable two sittings as the event proved to be so popular! The setting and the food were fantastic and in the end, an amazing £1000 was donated to the charity from the event.
If you are in Central London please visit this unique and fascinating museum:
It’s a long way from Catterick to London – especially on foot – but a group of soldiers, mainly from the Royal Anglian Regiment, walked 230 miles from their Yorkshire base to Barnet TA Centre Centre, to raise money for Veterans Aid. Arriving footsore and weary, but in good spirits, they were welcome by friends, family and members of the charity.
The man behind the fundraiser was 33-year-old Sergeant Major Danny Morgan, an infantryman who’s seen action in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
It’s a long way from Epernay’s champagne region to the streets of London, but a unique partnership has linked the two together.
And thanks to the Worshipful Company of Vintners 2010 looks set to be an exciting year for Victoria-based charity Veterans Aid.
The historic livery company raised money on its Champagne Walk on Saturday 12 June 2010 for the charity for homeless ex-Servicemen to support its outstanding work among the veterans community.
Liverymen, families and friends who can guarantee a minimum of £500 sponsorship have signed up to a 20km hike through the vineyards of Epernay, calling at the champagne houses of Perrier-Jouet, Pol Roger, Moet & Chandon, Bollinger and Gosset. Their aim is to raise £100,000, the majority of which will go to VA, and the remainder to the Vintners’ Company Charitable Foundation.
