Tea & Stickies – Chats, Games & A Warm Welcome Every Week
“It’s that time again! When the quiz gets you guessing, the tea and coffee flow, cakes are in abundance and banter is so much fun. Come and join us!” Our weekly Tea & Stickies gatherings are something VOS staff, volunteers and service users alike look forward to – a chance to chat, catch up and […]
Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week 2024: Why It Matters
Do you understand your options and all information surrounding Armed Forces Pensions? Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week 2024 takes place from 9-13 September. It’s a critical reminder to UK Armed Forces Veterans and current service members of the importance of understanding their pension schemes. Organised by the Forces Pension Society (FPS) and supported by Cobseo, […]
How To Apply for Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment
Are you eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment? You could receive up to £300 this winter! Many pensioners haven’t claimed yet, but by applying for Pension Credit before 21st December 2024, you could secure your payment. Don’t miss out—click here to check your eligibility! About Pension Credit The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is […]
The Unsung Heroes Of The Sea: Merchant Navy Day 2024
What is Merchant Navy Day? September 3rd is Merchant Navy Day in the United Kingdom. It commemorates the sinking of the first British merchant ship, “SS Athenia,” by Germany in 1939 during World War II. Initiated by HM Government in 2000, the day aims to raise public awareness about the crucial role of merchant seafarers […]
Butser Ancient Farm: A Fascinating and Uplifting Visit
30 minutes’ drive north of Portsmouth took 10 VOS members 6000 years back in time! Not as fast as Marty McFly’s DeLorean, but in considerably more comfort, our intrepid group of service users attended the guided tour of Butser Ancient Farm in the rolling Downs of Hampshire. Discovering Butser Ancient Farm The sun welcomed everyone to […]
Portchester Castle Visit: A Trip Back in Time for Veterans
In the first week of June 2024, a merry band of VOS volunteers and service users took a trip to explore ancient Portchester Castle. Overlooking Portsmouth harbour and set in open grounds, the castle is old enough to have seen the likes of Edward III and Richard II. It’s been used as a Roman fortress, […]
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2024 – More Than Bagpipes!
From 2nd – 24th August 2024, the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. While it’s a long way from the Solent, this world-famous event is thoroughly worth the travel for many who wish to witness this definitive display of British Military culture. This thoroughly unique, emotionally charged and rousing event […]
A Fun and Historical Trip on a Falklands F8 Landing Craft
On Tuesday 9th July, a group of VOS service users convened at Boathouse 4 in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard for an exciting afternoon on the water – with a difference. While visiting this iconic Portsmouth location, we learned the history of the vessels it houses and experienced the thrill of riding in an operational Foxtrot 8 […]
D-Day 80 Ceremony In Southsea: A Moving Tribute to WW2 Heroes
On the morning of June 5th 2024, Flight Lieutenant Tony Gear RAF (and key VOS team member) had the honour of being invited by the Isle of Wight Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon to attend the D-Day 80 celebrations in Southsea, a coastal town steeped in D-Day history. This is his account of a highly moving and […]
VOS’ Exciting Visit to the Hovercraft Museum in Lee-On-Solent
Chris is a long-time VOS volunteer whose cheerful presence and tireless help are invaluable at our regular drop-in sessions. He and a group of VOS service users went on an exciting visit to the Hovercraft Museum in Lee-on-Solent during the last week of May 2024. When I made my first trip to visit Her Majesty’s Submarine […]
