Lancs Armed Forces Covenant

07/06/2026

02/06/2026

The Bay Veterans' Association, formed in 2023, opened their hub in Morecambe in 2024 as a place where local veterans can go to meet each other and receive support. They have expanded into Lancaster with the opening of a second hub based at Lancaster Fire Station until such time as they can secure their own premises.
It opened in partnership with SSAFA (the Armed Forces Charity) and Lancaster Fire Station who allowed use of a room which will be open every second Saturday, starting on June 13, for veterans to meet and receive the support they might need.
The event was attended by the new Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Colin Hartley and various local organisations and forces charities.
D Day veteran Sgt Richard Brock also celebrated his 102nd birthday before officially opening the proceedings.
Bay Veterans Association thanked their partners and supporters including Lancaster Fire & Rescue Service, Age UK, SSAFA, The Veterans Foundation, and LDCVS (Lancaster District Community Voluntary Solutions) for helping make this possible.

10/05/2026

The RAF Recruitment Roadshow hit Lancaster town centre this week with a 4/5 size Chinook Helicopter that the public were able to access. Local brothers, Peter and Richard Brock, were made most welcome by Squadron Leader Rachel Collier who gave them a guided tour of the Chinook. Peter (93) was an MT Driver with the RAF in Egypt and was thrilled to meet Driver AS1 Jack Austin and exchange stories. Richard (101) and ex army, met Warrant Officer Tim Dickinson, also a Lancaster lad, and was brought up to date with modern RAF equipment. A great 3 day event which a spokesperson stated had wonderful attendance figures. The Brock boys stated that they were treated like Royalty - and rightly so!!

10/05/2026

I was on duty this week with the Blackpool branch of the Royal Marines Association who were fundraising for the Royal Marines Charity in the Blackpool Tesco.

16/04/2026

14/04/2026

BLESMA held their breakfast Club at The Bowling Green Pub, Charnock Richard today. Danni Vyes from Help for Heroes was present along with Rob Letch from Morecambe's Bay Veterans Association. Much networking was done and I even got up and said a few words. The full English breakfast is massive!! Thanks to Catherine Green for the invitation - [email protected]

07/04/2026

It was certainly a good day to visit Dig In in Preston today and see the gardens blooming under the care of Claire Grant and her team.
In their words:
"You can come here to garden; growing plants in the greenhouse for us to sell, or food in the garden to share with the group. You can learn a new practical skill such as carpentry, photography or stone masonry. You can go fishing or out on various trips.
Or you can come and just relax with others who have served – sharing some tea, toast and a chat"
It's a great place to visit, buy plants and garden furniture or, simply, relax in the company of other veterans. I've earmarked it as a venue for a barbecue and I'd recommend you visit!
Claire Grant [email protected] 07933 616312

05/04/2026

Easter Saturday saw a great turnout at the Leyland Veterans Cafe where a hearty full English was served much to the delight of visiting veterans from Morecambe, local councillors and Armed Forces Champion Neville Whitton. Heidi Hansford heads the passionate team of volunteers that give up their time twice a month to ensure our local veterans have a place to congregate and chew the fat over a cup of tea and a hot meal!!