⛳️💚 The VSC are delighted to share that the Royal Marines Golf Association has been awarded Royal Marines Team of the Year!⛳️💚

As proud sponsors of the RMGA in 2025, we are pleased to see their hard work, dedication, and teamwork recognised in such a prestigious way. This remarkable achievement is the result of unwavering commitment, consistency, and a shared drive to excel — values we are honoured to support.

We’d also like to send our warmest congratulations to Rob Urmann, awarded Sports Secretary of the Year — a well-deserved accolade! 👏

To mark the achievement, the RMGA shared on Instagram a message of appreciation for everyone who continues to support and champion their success:

“A massive thank you to everyone involved — @royalmarines @thermcharity @victory_services_club for your continued support.
None of this would be possible without you.”

With the 50th Anniversary of the RMGA approaching next season, the team is in a fantastic position to build on this success and celebrate an important milestone with another standout year. ⛳️

Per Mare, Per Terram 💚

THE VSC PROUD SPONSOR OF THE ROYAL MARINES GOLF ASSOCIATION IN 2025

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.

18th June 2025 | The RMGA has already made a strong start to the season, delivering standout performances at the RN Championships 2025 held at Saunton Golf Club. Against tough competition and in challenging conditions, the team secured 2nd place in Match Play, along with 3rd place finishes in both Team Stroke Play and Team Nett Play. Four Royals placed in the Top 20 out of 96 players, with a special highlight going to Freddie Lomas, who achieved an incredible hole-in-one. VSC is proud to see the team already making an impact and looks forward to celebrating more milestones with them in the months ahead.

11th September 2025 | The RMGA Autumn Meet took place at China Fleet GCC, with 48 players participating. The weather provided a mixed challenge, with heavy rain in the morning followed by sunshine in the afternoon. The course was in excellent condition throughout. Results as follows: Corps Open Stableford Cup: Liam Hill (35 points) | Retired Stableford Cup: Dan Welch (36 points) |Texas Scramble Champions: Chris Smith, Olly Bryant & Dan Welch (17 under par). The next RMGA fixture is scheduled against RMAGS.

15th October 2025 | As the 2025 season draws to a close, the RMGA has rounded off another fantastic year of competitive golf — finishing on a high with a thrilling victory at the Falklands Cup. After a challenging start that saw the team trail 3–1 after the opening fourballs, the Royals rallied in the singles matches, displaying remarkable consistency and determination. Their composure under pressure paid off, securing a 6.5–5.5 win and bringing the Falklands Cup home once again. 🏆⛳️

It’s been a superb season for the RMGA, filled with standout performances, strong teamwork, and moments of sporting excellence — from an impressive start at the RN Championships to another successful Autumn Meet.

The Victory Services Club has supported the team throughout the 2025 season, with our VSC logo proudly displayed on their golf shirts and jackets. We wish the team continued success!

Dear Member,

CHRISTMAS DONATIONS TO THE CLUB’S STAFF FUND

Fresh from delivering another impeccable Remembrance Weekend, I wanted to write to you about the fantastic team we have at the Victory Services Club. They have, once again this year, delivered a consummate, professional performance, further improving on the already exceptional standards of service we have become accustomed to. In support of our charitable aims they have delivered nearly three hundred welfare/recognition breaks and generated the environment for the development of the unique culture that membership from the UK Armed Forces, NATO and the Commonwealth generates. They have also managed an additional 30 member events, all to a very exacting standard, taking the overall total of events well past 500 for the year. They have delivered more bedroom bookings than ever before and catered for record numbers in the Club restaurant. Activity has therefore clearly recovered to pre-COVID times, yet standards continue to rise; this is testament to our exceptional team.

I am grateful to many of you who have reached out to thank our wonderful team personally and that you recognise that they go that extra mile to provide an ever-improving level of service. Their energy, professionalism and commitment remain as the cornerstone of the Club. They have once again been recognised across the industry with the award from Hospitality Assured of ‘World Class Status’ for the third year in a row, and success at a range of National hospitality awards ceremonies.

As you may know, the hospitality sector continues to face many staffing challenges, and we (the Board and Senior Management Team) are constantly working to retain our excellent staff, who like everyone are facing higher costs of living, which is compounded by our location and the extremely high accommodation charges in London. Retention of our high-quality staff is therefore the highest priority; it ensures we meet everyone’s expectations in terms of quality of service. Whilst the Board always looks to improve the staff’s remuneration and the associated benefits we can financially afford to offer, we all recognise that the economic conditions are still challenging. You may therefore be willing to recognise the staff’s amazing work by making a donation to the Staff Fund at Christmas.

Whatever you can donate, all of it will go equally to every staff member, excluding the Senior Management Team. You can donate to the Staff Fund by going onto the Member Login page on the Club Website (www.vsc.co.uk) and follow the instructions on that page. You can leave cash, or a cheque, made payable to ‘Victory Services Club’ in the Staff Fund box located on the Club’s Reception Desk, or you can post a cheque to the Club, marked on the reverse with your Membership Number and the words “Staff Fund”. Alternatively, please use the Donation Station in Reception.

Thank you for your much appreciated support for the staff, who are vital for the VSC. I look forward to seeing you in the Club soon and in 2026.

Yours sincerely,

Major General Jeff Mason MBE RM

21st November 2025

🎄🎅Christmas🎅🎄has officially arrived at the VSC, and the Club is looking as festive as ever. Festive decorations now fill our rooms and public spaces, creating the perfect backdrop as we unveil our seasonal menus and begin the countdown to the holidays.

To help members keep track of everything happening during this busy and joyful time, we’ve created this dedicated Christmas Page—your go-to hub for all things festive at the VSC. From details on what’s happening right now to a full list of what’s coming up in the weeks ahead, everything is in one place. It’s the best place to keep in the loop.

We warmly encourage as many members as possible to join us throughout the run-up to Christmas. If you’re in London—perhaps shopping along Oxford Street or taking in the city’s famous lights—why not drop into the Club for a leisurely lunch, a warming drink, or a well-earned coffee break? Our team would be delighted to welcome you.

And don’t forget to follow the VSC on social media this season. We’ll be sharing updates on upcoming Club events, gift ideas for friends and family, and plenty of festive inspiration. Keep an eye out for our cheerful #VSCElf, who will be making a daily appearance up to Christmas Eve, spreading Christmas fun, and keeping our members informed.

Here’s to a joyous, sparkling season at the VSC—see you soon! 🎄✨

CHRISTMAS MENUS

• Christmas Day Lunch in the Carisbrooke Hall
• Christmas Day Menu in the Grill
• Boxing Day Menu in the Grill (with special £19.07 ‘Roast’ main course promotion)
• New Year’s Eve in the Grill
• Large Party – set menu

DATES FOR THE DIARY

• 9th December – Connaught House School Choir (in the Navy Lounge at 13:15)
• 11th December – Christmas Jumper Day (in aid of Save the Children Fund)

At the Victory Services Club, our staff are at the heart of everything we do. As part of our long-term commitment to learning and development, the VSC is proud to support a growing cohort of staff, who are enhancing their skills through two apprenticeship schemes.

Why Apprenticeships Matter at VSC

Across the UK, apprenticeships have become a powerful development tool—boosting productivity and strengthening capabilities. At the VSC, we recognise the impact these programmes have on improving the quality of service we offer to our members. Each apprenticeship runs for 12–14 months, combining online and practical learning, plus ongoing support from our training providers MetaGedu and Umbrella Training.

Currently, we have nine colleagues undertaking apprenticeships across multiple departments—an exciting step in strengthening our internal talent and empowering our teams to grow with us.

Our Current Apprentices:

• Aleksandra (F&B)– Hospitality Manager, Level 4
• Daisy (Events) – Team Leader, Level 3
• Ivelina (F&B) – Team Leader, Level 3
• Lolita (Housekeeping) – Team Leader, Level 3
• Rachel (Membership) – Business Administrator, Level 3
• Sofia (Kitchen) – Team Leader, Level 3
• Latoya (FOH) – Luxury Leaders, Level 4
• Lukasz (FOH) – Team Leader, Level 3
• Karolis (Kitchen) – Team Leader, Level 3

This structured development equips staff with skills in hospitality, leadership, administration and people management—ensuring we continue to deliver service excellence across the Club.

Looking Ahead

On completing their course, all apprentices will celebrate their graduation ceremony. We look forward to sharing these achievements from their ceremonies as they occur.

The VSC continues to champion learning and development, ensuring our staff receive every opportunity to grow, excel and shape their futures within the VSC. Together, we are building a workplace where every individual can thrive, develop and take pride in progressing within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.

This year’s Remembrance weekend at the Victory Services Club was filled with moments of heartfelt reflection, joyful reunions, and a profound sense of gratitude for those who have served—and continue to serve—our country. Across the Club, members, guests, and veterans gathered to commemorate the occasion with warmth, dignity, and community spirit.

A Very Special Visitor

The weekend began with the honour of welcoming a remarkable guest: 105-year-old WRNS veteran, Christian Lamb. On her way to the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, Wren Lamb stopped by the Club and was warmly greeted by Club Secretary and CEO, Colin Francis CBE. Her presence was inspirational and the VSC were delighted to welcome someone whose service and life story embody extraordinary resilience and dedication.

WRNS Veteran, Christian Lamb 

Christian volunteered for the WRNS in 1939 and served for nearly five years. She began as a rating at Wren HQ during the ‘phoney war’ and the London Blitz, later becoming Leading Wren at Coal House Fort in Tilbury, where she managed the degaussing range—critical work that protected ships from magnetic mines.

In 1941, she undertook officer training at Greenwich Naval College, passing out as Third Officer before being posted to Plymouth to oversee the plotting and operations room during the Battle of the Atlantic. By 1943, she had moved to Belfast Castle to run the operations room there, where she met Lt. JB Lamb, DSC. They became engaged just ten days later. During this time, Christian plotted convoy ONS5, in which Lt. Lamb’s ship, HMS Oribi, took part in one of the most significant battles of the Atlantic. She remained at her post long after her shift, anxiously tracking the convoy’s progress until Oribi’s safe return.

Christian and Lt. Lamb married in December 1943. The following month, she joined Combined Operations HQ at Richmond Terrace, where she secretly plotted the landing craft maps vital to the D-Day landings. Her final day as a Wren came with the announcement that the landings had begun. Across the war, Christian served as a rating, a leading Wren, an officer, a wife, and a mother. By October 1944, she had welcomed her daughter Felicity. She later documented her extraordinary experiences in Beyond the Sea: A Wren at War.

In recognition of her contribution, she was awarded the Légion d’Honneur by President Macron at the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June 2024.

A Weekend Alive With Camaraderie

Throughout Saturday, the Club was a vibrant hub of activity, alive with conversation, reunions, and shared memories. At lunchtime, the VSC were honoured to host the King’s Own Scottish Borderers in the Trafalgar Room, where the regimental members enjoyed time together in an atmosphere filled with warmth and laughter.

In the evening, the Club welcomed Blind Veterans UK to a special Curry Buffet in Carisbrooke Hall. The room buzzed with animated chatter as friends, families, and veterans reconnected and shared stories.

Meanwhile, in the Navy Lounge Bar, members enjoyed a lively performance from Adam Christopher-Rhys and guest singer. With a repertoire full of wartime classics, they encouraged everyone to join in, filling the evening with music, nostalgia, and community spirit. It was a terrific night, enthusiastically enjoyed by all who attended.

A Morning of Reflection

Remembrance Sunday is, quite rightly, a quieter and more solemn occasion. As the morning unfolded, the distinctive Black “Poppy” Cabs arrived at the Club to transport veterans to the Cenotaph. Their return later in the day marked the beginning of another important gathering, as lunch was served to members and guests in the Grill Restaurant. Over the weekend, the VSC Grill restaurant in total served almost 1,000 guests, with additional events catered for in the Club’s event rooms.

Music, Memories, and Meaning

Later in the afternoon, guests were entertained by Tom Carradine, whose familiar songs and spirited sing-along style helped bring warmth and companionship to the day. His performance created an atmosphere that was both reflective and uplifting, ensuring the weekend concluded on a memorable note.

Throughout the entire Remembrance weekend, it was heartening to see so many families, friends, veterans, and serving personnel come together to honour those who have sacrificed so much. The staff of the Victory Services Club are genuinely privileged to serve and support all who visited, contributing in our own way to a weekend of remembrance, gratitude, and community.

A full gallery of all the published photographs appears below – please enjoy!

REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND 2025 

‘A Palace for Veterans’ Launch Night

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✨ On Monday, 15th September 2025 ✨ the VSC will mark this special Battle of Britain 85th anniversary with a commemorative set menu (see below) in the VSC Grill restaurant for just £19.40.  Bookings can be made through the Members Portal or directly with our Food & Beverage team by telephone: 0207 616 8351 or by email: catering@vsc.co.uk.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN SET MENU
Monday, 15th September 2025

Starter

Tomato Soup with Croutons

Main Course

Roast Chicken

Buttered New Potatoes, Coleslaw, Chicken Gravy

Dessert

Classic Sherry Trifle with Strawberries

✨Each September, the Royal Air Force holds an annual Battle of Britain Memorial Thanksgiving Service✨at Westminster Abbey. This year, the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication will be held at 11:00 on Sunday, 21st September 2025.

If you are planning to attend this Service of Thanksgiving, why not make a day of it and enjoy Sunday Lunch at the VSC afterwards? Again, restaurant bookings can be made online or via the Food & Beverage team.

June 2025 | We are delighted to share that the Victory Services Club Whisky has been awarded a Bronze Medal at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)—widely regarded as the most respected awards body in the global drinks industry. The IWSC is backed by expert judges, top-rated producers, and industry leaders from around the world who state that an IWSC medal is a true mark of quality.

One of the IWSC judges praised our single malt’s floral and fruity profile, highlighting notes of sweet spices, melon, and sage, with a hint of youthful oak in the background. Scoring 87/100 is an incredible achievement for a whisky launched just last year! Clean, fruity, and wonderfully moreish, it’s a whisky that’s made to be savoured. We couldn’t be more proud to see our VSC whisky recognised once again, on the world stage.

April 2025 | 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 a 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 multi-award-winning whisky at your next visit!

To learn more about the distillers, head to hawkridgedistillers.com.

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 (SOLD OUT)

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!

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.

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.