Author: Jules Bearman

On Remembrance Sunday, the Victory Services Club (VSC) opened its doors to serving armed forces, veterans and their families, creating an unforgettable day of remembrance for all who have served and sacrificed in the armed forces. This annual gathering is a special tradition at the Club, bringing members together to honour the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of our nation’s heroes.

The Day commenced with the arrival of the iconic Black ‘Poppy’ Cabs at the Victory Services Club. Poppy Cabs, a well-known initiative by London’s taxi drivers, provided transportation for veterans, shuttling them from the Club to the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the official Remembrance Sunday ceremonies. As each cab arrived, veterans were greeted warmly by staff and fellow attendees. For many veterans, Poppy Cabs provide a vital link, ensuring they can participate in the national remembrance with dignity and ease.

After the moving commemorative ceremonies at the Cenotaph, serving personnel, veterans and their families returned to the Victory Services Club to continue the day’s celebrations. In the Club’s lounge bars, there was a warm hum of conversation as old friends reunited, and new connections were formed.

Lunchtime brought more than 100 diners to the VSC’s Grill restaurant, where staff made sure every detail was perfect, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment to enjoy good food and great company. An excellent Roast and Curry buffet was served. For many, this was an opportunity to sit down with old comrades, swap stories, and reminisce about their experiences in the Armed Forces. For some, it was a chance to remember friends who are no longer here, while others celebrated the bonds that have endured over the years. Glasses were raised in toasts—a tribute to the resilience and solidarity that defines the veteran community. Each story, each laugh, underlines the profound sense of community and belonging that the Victory Services Club offers its members.

In addition to commemorating the day, the Victory Services Club captured the memories through a series of photographs (see gallery below with more to follow), with a gallery showcasing special moments. This visual tribute preserves the spirit of the day.

As the 2024 Remembrance commemorations pass, the VSC thanks all who attended for making the occasion so meaningful. The Victory Services Club remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring the sacrifices of veterans, standing as a place of community, and unwavering support.

For those who serve, or have served, the VSC is more than just a club; it is a ‘home from home’, a place where memories live on, and where the courage and dedication of the armed forces community is never forgotten.

Since the early 19th century, Trafalgar Night has been celebrated each October to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.  On the evening of 24th October, the VSC continued this time-honoured tradition with our annual black-tie dinner.

The Trafalgar Night Dinner, rich with tradition, is celebrated in Royal Navy Mess Decks and Wardrooms across the nation and aboard Royal Navy vessels stationed overseas. The evening follows a meticulously observed set of customs, which the VSC aims to replicate as closely as possible to the traditional Royal Navy Ward Room/Mess format.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Colonel Colin Francis CBE, VSC Club Secretary, who served as the “Mess President” for the event. Chaplain (RN) Douglas Perkins graciously delivered Nelson’s Grace before the meal commenced.

The Regimental Service of Port and Madeira

After the meal, Port and Madeira were placed on the table, with gentlemen observing the custom of passing the port clockwise and serving ladies first. The President proposed the Loyal Toast to the evening’s Vice President, Mr Mark Field, VSC General Manager, who led the toast to HM The King.

The guest speaker, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Paul Bennett CB OBE, joined the Royal Navy in 1985 and has had an illustrious sea-going career, with command experience at every rank. His speech concluded with a toast to “The Immortal Memory.”

Guest Speaker Bio – Vice Admiral (Rtd) Paul Bennett CB OBE

Admiral Bennett joined the Royal Navy in September 1985 and has enjoyed an extensive sea-going career. He has commanded at every rank: HMS BITER, the patrol vessel of the Manchester Universities Royal Naval Unit (1991-1992); the Minehunter, HMS ATHERSTONE (1998-1999); and the destroyer HMS EXETER, including a return to the Gulf (1999-2000). As a captain, he was the first commanding officer of HMS DARING, the first T45 Destroyer (2008-2009). Following promotion to Commodore, he commanded the Amphibious Task Group operating in the Indian Ocean, Norwegian Arctic, and on the West coast of the USA (2009-2011). Finally, as a Rear Admiral, he commanded the UK Maritime Battlestaff (2017-2018).

Interspersed between sea going appointments, he has served ashore as the Fleet Operations Officer, the Maritime Desk Officer to the Director of Operational Capability in the MOD, and as capability manager in Navy Command for Above Water Capability and Maritime Security, for which he was honoured as an OBE. He also served for 6 months in Baghdad as the Advisor to the senior Iraqi hierarchy in their Joint Headquarters. From 2011-2013, he was the Commodore Naval Personnel Strategy, responsible for reshaping the Naval Service in the aftermath of SDSR 10. Promoted to rear admiral in February 2013, he was appointed as Director of the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre, Chief of Staff, Joint Forces Command, ACNS(Cap) and Chief of Staff Navy Command HQ. He most recently served as Commander United Kingdom Maritime Forces and Rear Admiral Surface Ships. Her Majesty The Queen appointed him as a Companion in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in the Birthday Honours 2016. He served as the Chief of Staff, Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia from 2018-2021 from where he retired from regular service and took up a role as a NATO Senior Mentor.

Vice Admiral Bennett is an alumnus of Higher Command and Staff Course (2007) and the Windsor Leadership Trust, a Younger Brother of Trinity House, a Liveryman of the Carpenters’ Company and a grandfather. He maintains ‘enthusiastic amateur status’ in his sporting interests of road and mountain-biking, sailing, and rowing.

The evening was a tremendous success, thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Below are photographs from the evening, which we hope Members will enjoy, encouraging many to join future events.

Welcome to our new Club Secretary and CEO, Colin Francis CBE. In this Q&A, he tells us a little bit about himself, his interests, his vision for the Club and his plans to enhance the community and facilities.

How did your career path prepare you for your role at the Club?

Having joined the Army at the earliest opportunity, aged just 16, I served with 1 Squadron Royal Corps of Transport, deploying on Gulf War 1. Upon return, I attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, commissioning in April 1993 into the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC). Over three decades, I was fortunate and privileged to command at every level up to Commanding Officer on operations and led the RLC as its Corps Colonel. Much of the last two decades was spent in ‘Joint’ appointments, working closely with Royal Navy and Royal Air Force colleagues. After 36 years of military service, I joined the Oil and Gas sector, honing corporate skills now being used to manage the Club. These skills, allied to my military experience, will be central to my efforts in continuing to deliver the world class service demanded of this unique All-ranks, Tri-Service club, whilst ensuring that the wonderful culture remains as the bedrock of its success.

What drew you to logistics, and do you think your Army experience was a good background to a career in industry?

Logistics in the Army is all about supporting and sustaining operations, no matter the scale. This foundation translates well into any industry because every sector needs efficient supply chains and support systems. I’ve had a brilliant military career and my experience in logistics has provided me with a robust skill set that’s highly transferable.

What attracted you to the VSC and the position of Chief Executive and Club Secretary? 

The primary motivation was the opportunity to give something back. Reflecting on my role with the Royal Logistic Corps, where I helped generate a sense of belonging and family, I saw a similar ethos here at the Club. I had previously visited the Club for a reunion and was struck by the feel of the Club and the welcoming atmosphere. I wanted to continued the legacy of my predecessors, particularly Nigel, and focus on the Welfare and Respite aspects of the Club. I’ve seen firsthand how a brief respite can make a significant difference in people’s lives, and I want to ensure the Club continues to offer this valuable support.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I like to think I am inclusive and personable. I like to engage with people because I’m interested in finding out about them and understanding their perspectives. I’m also detail-oriented and focused on the business and maintaining high standards. I’m very comfortable with the team contributing their opinions and ideas and ensuring that everyone feels that what they are doing makes a difference.

What motivates you?

What drives me is the opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to something meaningful. I’m excited about the chance to give back, work with a dedicated and exceptional team, and take pride in our collective achievements. It’s about seeing the tangible results of our efforts and understanding the value and benefits of the improvements we are making.

What message would you like to send to the VSC members as you begin your tenure as CEO?

It is a real privilege to build on the legacy Nigel and the team have created. I take this responsibility seriously, am thrilled to be your new Club Secretary and CEO and remain committed to the Club’s ongoing success. My immediate priorities include ensuring the efficiency of operations by reviewing audits and financials and listening to member feedback. I’ve been engaging with members to understand their needs and preferences, aiming to balance cost-effectiveness with high-quality services and facilities while continuing to reinforce the wonderful culture that exists.

How do you envision the future of the Club under your leadership?

I will be building on the strong legacy of previous leaders while ensuring the Club remains a close-knit, family-oriented environment. I’m keen to have a regular drumbeat of communication with members, perhaps through regular updates or short videos. I also want to ensure we manage room availability effectively to accommodate as many members as possible during busy periods. My goal is to keep the Club’s charm and personal touch while implementing improvements that enhance its operations and services and the number of events we can host.

Are there any specific initiatives or projects you’re particularly excited about? 

One key project is the refurbishment of the third and fourth floor bathrooms at the Club. I’m looking forward to overseeing this project to ensure minimal disruption for members and a high-quality upgrade. The aim is to maintain the excellent standard of our rooms and facilites, continuing the improvements that started with the second floor.

How important for the VSC is collaboration with other organisations?

Collaboration is crucial. Partnering with other charities and clubs can enhance our outreach to engage with more members and share best practices. Engaging with other organisations allows us to spread awareness about the Club and learn from their experiences. I’m interested in exploring how we can collaborate on events and initiatives that benefit both our members and the broader military community.

How do you plan to enhance the experience for members?

I haven’t been here very long yet, and all the feedback and comments mentioned to me have been very positive. That said, there are often small things that a fresh pair of eyes may see. I’ll be focusing on areas such as the condition of some of the older accommodation and continuing to refine some of our services. Ensuring that every member feels valued and that their needs are met will be a key focus. I am also keen to ensure that the member events are refreshed to ensure they meet everyone’s expectations and needs: more to follow on this as I look to develop the 2025-2026 programme of events.

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the Club?

A key challenge is balancing membership between serving and former serving personnel and particularly, improving communication about the benefits the Club offers, especially for those members within the M25. Strengthening ties with charities and organisations and exploring how we can collaborate on events and initiatives that benefit both our members and the broader military community will expand our outreach. I’m also eager to work with the team to maximise the use of our world-class event and conference facilities.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

Family is very important to me. I’ve been married to Maria for 30 years, and we have four children. Our eldest son is an officer in the 16 Air Assault Brigade, our eldest daughter is the environmental specialist for Cancer Research UK, our youngest daughter recently finished university and our youngest son, having just finished his A-levels, has just started university. The final member of the family is our Goldendoodle, Saffy. I’m passionate about sports, particularly rugby, cricket and football. I am a lifelong Everton FC fan, which stems from my mum’s side of the family, who worked at the Everton football ground.

What are your long-term goals for the VSC?

My long-term goals for the Club include ensuring its sustainability and relevance for future generations. I aim to build on our legacy by innovating our services, expanding our community outreach and maintaining a strong focus on member satisfaction and support.

We plan to stay relevant by continually assessing and adapting to the changing needs of our members. This involves staying informed about industry trends, actively seeking feedback from our members and investing in modernising our services and facilities. Our focus will be on delivering exceptional value and ensuring that we meet the evolving expectations of our community – be that our members, their guests or the many organisations that hold events here.

To commemorate Remembrance Day, the Victory Services Club is delighted to introduce a newly designed VSC “LEST WE FORGET” pin. Available for purchase at just £3, the pin can be collected during your next visit to the Club.

This thoughtfully crafted pin features a silver-coloured metallic finish with the VSC logo, accented by small poppies—an enduring symbol of remembrance. It is a fitting tribute to all who have served and continue to serve in the defence of our nation.

We invite you to wear your VSC pin with pride this November, as a gesture of respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. By doing so, you show your continued support for the men and women of the Armed Forces.

Whether attending official Remembrance Day events or commemorating in your own way, the VSC pin offers a meaningful way to reflect on the significance of the occasion.

“Lest We Forget.”

The VSC are delighted to announce the installation of a state-of-the-art ceiling hoist in one of our accessibility bedrooms. This was made possible by a generous legacy donation from VSC Member, Meriwether Ball.

The new GH3 hoist, an award-winning design installed by a team from Taylor Dolman, seamlessly integrates into the room’s aesthetic while offering a host of innovative features. Its intuitive hand controls and low rolling resistance make it incredibly easy to operate. With a lifting capacity of 250kg, it is built to provide smooth, safe, and efficient lifting for a variety of mobility needs. Designed for professional care settings, the hoist is also equipped with self-charging technology, ensuring it’s always ready for use.

We believe this new addition will greatly enhance the comfort and accessibility of our facilities, providing safe and efficient lifting for Members and guests with mobility challenges.

The VSC is truly grateful for legacy donations from Members, which enable us to continually improve and enhance the experience of all Members and their guests, regardless of physical ability.

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

Each September, the Royal Air Force holds an annual Battle of Britain Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. This year, the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication will be held at 11:00 on Sunday, 15th September 2024.

See link for full details of the event: Battle of Britain Memorial Thanksgiving Service.

While surviving Battle of Britain airmen are given priority to attend this event, the service, according to the website, is now open to all members of the public.

The team at the VSC have just recently been made aware of this event and thought we would share the information with any interested Members.

Please note tickets must be applied for in advance, directly from the Battle of Britain London Monument (BBM), not from the VSC, nor Westminster Abbey. All tickets must be applied for in writing before 26th July 2024, and the VSC cannot confirm whether or not the event is full, at the present time.

Information on how to apply for tickets can be found on the BBM website at: https://bbm.org.uk/contact-us/thanksgiving-service/thanksgiving-service-2021
NB: This is the correct URL for this year’s event, despite including a date of 2021…which they have apparently not updated for some time!

If you secure tickets and plan to attend, consider extending your stay in London by booking a table at ‘The Grill’ for lunch or dinner, or perhaps staying overnight at the VSC. We currently have good availability for the night of 15th September and would love to welcome you at the Club.

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 Deiniol Morgan CF, as well as the opportunity to view specific items of interest laid out in the Chapel vestry.

We are able to offer Members a choice of two dates for a visit:

> Wednesday, 25^th September 2024 at 10:30
> Wednesday, 11^th December 2024 at 10:30  Fully Booked

On each of the visit dates, Nicoli from the VSC Membership Team will arrive at the Guard’s Chapel just before 10.30, to welcome Members.

As we have limited spots available, 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 either log in to the member portal or reach out to us at mem@vsc.co.uk.

We look forward to having you join us for this exclusive Member event!

In last month’s Club Life newsletter, we were delighted to share that the Victory Services Club has scooped first place in two categories of the annual Venues of Excellence Cook and Serve Challenge. The winning Chef was Dilhan Sariffo’deen who is a Demi Chef de Partie and Kitchen Manager at the Club, His wins were in were in the Junior Category and were for Best Starter and Best Main Course. We thought you would like to know a little more about Dilhan and his winning dishes.

We catch up with Dilhan to find out about his background, his influences and the winning courses.

How long have you been at the VSC and what is your culinary background?

“I joined the VSC about 18 months ago when I came to the UK from Sri Lanka. I started as a Commis Chef, and then I was promoted to Demi Chef de Partie and Kitchen Manager.

“I first entered the industry in Australia when I was 15 years old, I worked part time under my father who is also a chef. When we returned to Sri Lanka, I attended catering college. My culinary motivation definitely comes from my father and my upbringing; I do enjoy bringing Sri Lankan flavours and influences to my cooking.”

Tell us about the Cook and Serve competition and how you became involved.

“The Cook and Serve Challenge is a competition for Venues of Excellence members to create culinary masterpieces and provide outstanding service to invited guests. Venues are given the challenge of preparing and serving a three-course menu that showcases the chef’s personality and their venue, using a minimum of five ingredients from a provided list. It recognises the best individual courses and service in both junior and senior categories. This year 14 teams took part from 13 venues.

“Paul, our Executive Head Chef forwarded the details to me and both Paul and Mark, our General Manager encouraged me to enter. I like to challenge myself, so I was keen to take part. It was a lovely thing to partake in, even though it was a lot of hard work and there was a good deal of stress involved. But I’m happy with how it all turned out.”

Why did you choose the ingredients that you did?

“I looked at the list of ingredients and was pleased to see they had seafood. I consulted with Paul and also our Head Chef Anil who are both very thorough and knowledgeable. I chose two of the listed ingredients for each of the courses, and then we came up with a classic menu that I then enhanced with my unique Sri Lankan touches.”

Dhilan’s winning dishes were:

Best Starter: Sri Lankan spiced crispy battered haddock with poached scallop mousse wrapped in courgette served with a watercress and clam Hollandaise.

Best Main Course: Beef tenderloin with mushroom and Stilton bon-bon, served with asparagus, smoked beetroot, truffle oil, celeriac, artichoke pommes puree and a green peppercorn jus.

What was your inspiration behind the dishes?

“I worked with Valen, our waiter for the day; we matched the food with the wines, and I added a bit of Sri Lankan style. Sri Lankans like our food a touch spicy, so I used a little green chili to spice up the scallops and give them a bit of a kick. For the haddock batter I sautéed some shallots and chilies with some Sri Lankan curry powder, which included cinnamon, coriander, cumin seeds, turmeric and chili powder, then I added some vodka which actually helps the batter become crispy.

“For my main course, I chose beef tenderloin. This is such a classic dish, so I didn’t want to add too much Sri Lankan influence. I added celeriac puree, asparagus and a green peppercorn jus. I created the jus by taking the beef pan, deglazing it with white wine and then added green pepper corns and brandy and finished it off with cream.

“The desert was quite simple; an apple tarte tatin, but the star of the show was homemade cashew and maple ice cream. We have lots of cashews in Sri Lanka, I love them and wanted to include them in the meal.”

How did the competition go?

“I tried not to get too nervous, but I couldn’t help it at the end. Working in a strange kitchen was a challenge, but it was a great experience, and I learnt a lot from it. Being quite young, I feel I really need to put myself out there and grab every opportunity to learn as much as possible. It was a very stressful experience, but I’m pleased we did well.”

What does it mean to you to win?

“Winning means a lot to me, it proves that hard work does pay off, and means a lot. Really excited about it. Hard work does pay off. I’d like to thank Paul and Mark for encouraging me to enter and also a huge thank you to the entire kitchen team for supporting my efforts as I practiced and who kept me focused. It really was a team effort.”

Subsequent to this success, Dilhan has won a further culinary award to add to his collection. The VSC is fortunate to have this young, talented chef.

VSC Receives Generous Legacy Donation from Meriwether Ball

This week, the Victory Services Club received a generous legacy donation from one of our American Members.

Meriwether Ball, a US Navy veteran, chose to honour the memory of her late father, Claiborne M Ball, by donating a percentage of her inheritance to the VSC, as her charity of choice. Claiborne M Ball loved London and was himself a World War II veteran, serving with the US Army.

This act follows in her father’s philanthropic legacy. Upon receiving his inheritance, he generously donated a percentage to his preferred charitable cause. In keeping with this tradition, Meriwether Ball chose the VSC as the beneficiary of a similar proportion of her inheritance, describing the Club as providing ‘unmatched respite’ whenever she visits.

CEO and Club Secretary of the VSC, Colin Francis CBE, had the pleasure of meeting with Meriwether Ball to accept the cheque on behalf of the Club, acknowledging the significant impact her donation would have.

The funds from this legacy will be allocated to enhance the VSC’s facilities, with a particular focus on improving one of the accessible bedrooms, ensuring that every member or guest, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy a comfortable and welcoming stay at the Club.

The VSC is profoundly grateful to Meriwether Ball for her generosity.

If any Member would like to discuss how to arrange a legacy or any donation to the VSC, please contact the VSC’s new in-house Fund-raising Manager, Robert Astick by email: Robert.Astick@vsc.co.uk for more information.

From time to time, we feel it is beneficial to bring to the attention of Members some of the rules that exist within the Club. Equally, to highlight the considerate practices that the VSC holds, to ensure the mutual enjoyment of all Members visiting the Club. We appreciate your understanding in these matters.

Therefore, as a gentle, friendly and polite reminder for you and your guests, when staying at or visiting the Club: Please be aware that members and guests are not permitted to bring food and other refreshments into the Victory Services Club for consumption in either public areas or meeting rooms. Only food and beverages purchased within the Club may be consumed in these areas of the Club.

We would also remind Members about the use of electronic devices within the Club: Members may only make or receive calls on mobile phones in the following areas: the Reception foyer; the Navy Lounge; the RAF lounge; conference rooms; and bedrooms. Calls in permitted areas must not be conducted in ‘speaker’ mode and this includes video calls.

It should be noted that this list specifically excludes the Lounge Bar, and the restaurant. In the interests of consideration to other members and guests, neither inbound nor outbound calls may be taken or made in these areas of the Club.

Laptop Computers and tablets may be used in each of the public rooms, but only when set to ‘silent’ mode.

For further information please see the VSC Club Rules which can be found by clicking on the highlighted text, or on our website via the Members Portal. If you have any questions or queries regarding this, please contact the Membership Department by email: mem@vsc.co.uk or by telephone: 0207 616 312.

We thank Members for their continued support and adherence to these practices.

Explore Our New Set Menu, starting 5th June 2024!

Discover a popular and delightful selection of dishes, meticulously crafted by VSC Executive Chef, Paul Mattocks. Choose from classics like: Smoked Mackerel and Coriander Pate, Flat Iron Steak and Pie of the Week. Just make sure you save room for one of our irresistible desserts too!

Our set menu is priced at just £22 per person for two courses, or £25 for three courses.

Available for a limited time, from Wednesday to Saturday, you can enjoy this menu in ‘The Grill’ from 4pm (perfect for Pre-Theatre bookings) until 9pm.

To view the set menu, click here

You can book a table in the members area online or directly with the Food and Beverage Team.

T: 0207 616 8351
E:  catering@vsc.co.uk

As we approach the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the VSC is pleased to offer an unique insight into this historic event through the personal and family stories contributed by our Members. For this purpose, we have created a special commemorative webpage dedicated to these narratives, providing an understanding of the personal significance of this time in history.

You can find these stories by visiting our dedicated D-Day 80th Anniversary page at https://www.vsc.co.uk/d-day-80.

We invite you to click on the link to read the compelling accounts that capture the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who experienced D-Day firsthand.