The Veterans Association

04/11/2026

🌺 A Huge Thank You to The Bean & Barrel 🇬🇧

We'd like to say a massive thank you to Alan and everyone at The Bean & Barrel Coffee Shop and Bar for their wonderful support of The Veterans Association.

This Remembrance Sunday, 8th November, they're generously donating 10% of their proceeds to help support the veterans and families we work with.

It's incredibly heartwarming to see local businesses getting behind our veterans, particularly at such an important time of remembrance.

📍 The Bean & Barrel
50 Biggin Street
Dover, CT16 1DB

🕣 Open from 8:30am until late

If you're in the area this Sunday, why not pop in, enjoy a coffee or something to eat, and show them some support?

Thank you again to Alan and the team for thinking of us and for making a difference. Your kindness and generosity are truly appreciated ❤️

We will remember them 🌺

22/10/2026

🍫🍰 Go on, treat yourself… you know you want to!

Just look at these beauties! 😍

Delicious Oreo Brownies and Jammie Dodger Blondies are just a couple of the sweet treats we’ve got waiting for you at The Veterans Association!

Whether you’re popping in for your morning coffee, catching up with friends or simply fancy something sweet, we’ve got the perfect excuse to take a little break. ☕🍰

💜 Cakes from just £1.50 for veterans!

Our coffee shop is open to everyone, so why not pop in, enjoy a warm welcome and support a great cause while you’re at it?

The hardest decision? Brownie or blondie? 🤔👇

20/10/2026

⛵ A Fantastic Achievement for an Inspirational Veteran! 🥉💙

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the incredible achievement of veteran Richard ‘Roch’ Rochester, who secured third place in the UK Sailing Championship!

Having previously supported Roch on his sailing journey, it has been wonderful to see his determination, dedication and passion for sailing lead to such a fantastic result.

Members of our team had the pleasure of attending the championship and watching Roch compete in the finals on CRY HAVOC . It was a truly special experience to see him out on the water, doing what he loves, and to witness first-hand the passion and commitment he brings to the sport.

Roch's journey is a wonderful example of how sport can provide so much more than competition. For veterans, it can offer a renewed sense of purpose, confidence, independence and the opportunity to achieve incredible things.

From everyone at The Veterans Association, congratulations, Roch! We're incredibly proud to have played a part in your journey and can't wait to see what you achieve next.

📖 We've shared Roch's inspiring story on our website, including his journey into sailing and his latest achievement.

Read the full story here 👇

https://www.theveteransassociation.org/blog/richard-rochester-claims-third-place-in-uk-sailing-championship/

Former Royal Artillery Sergeant Richard Rochester has finishing third overall in the 2026 Hansa Class UK National Traveller Series.

19/10/2026

There’s nothing quite like a good day out, especially when it’s shared with great company!

Our veterans enjoyed a fantastic visit to the remarkable Crossness Pumping Station, discovering a fascinating piece of Victorian history and engineering.

From the impressive machinery and beautiful architecture to the stories behind this extraordinary landmark, there was plenty to see, learn and talk about.

But for us at The Veterans Association, these outings are about so much more than visiting interesting places. 💙

They’re about bringing veterans together, building friendships, sharing experiences and creating opportunities to enjoy life beyond the everyday routine.

A chance to get out, have a laugh, enjoy good company and make a few new memories along the way.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the outing possible and to all our veterans who joined us.

📸 We’ve shared more about the visit, along with some wonderful photographs, in our latest blog.

👇 Click the link below to read the full story!

https://www.theveteransassociation.org/blog/a-step-back-in-time-veterans-explore-crossness-pumping-station/

Veterans Explore Crossness Pumping Station - A fascinating day of Victorian engineering, history and great company for our veterans.

07/10/2026

☕ You don’t have to be a veteran to pop in and enjoy the Hub 🍰

The Veterans Association Hub is open to everyone, whether you’re a veteran, family member, friend or simply fancy somewhere welcoming to stop for a cuppa.

And it’s not just teas, coffees and hot chocolates either…

We’ve also got a lovely selection of cakes and sweet treats, with cakes starting from just £1.50 for veterans. And this isn’t even the full selection 🧁

There’s plenty of seating too, so whether you’re meeting a friend, escaping the weather or just fancy sitting down with a coffee and a slice of cake, you’re very welcome.

Pop in, grab a drink, choose something sweet and make yourself comfortable. ☕🍰

30/09/2026

🌧️ Rainy days call for hot chocolate… and we don’t do half measures! ☕🍫

An incredible hot chocolate topped with cream and mini marshmallows… just how it should be. 😍

💙 £3.00 | Just £1.50 for veterans

Pop into The Veterans Association Hub, escape the rain and enjoy a little indulgence with some good company. Everyone’s welcome!

📍 2 Surrey Gardens, Birchington, CT7 9SA

Who would you bring along for one? 👇

30/09/2026

💛 A little comfort for a poorly child 💛

The Veterans Association Hub is a collection point for the Children’s Hospital Pyjamas appeal, and we’d love your help!

We’re collecting brand new pyjamas for children aged from newborn to 18. Donations will be shared between local hospitals, hospices and women’s refuges, bringing a little warmth and comfort when it’s needed most.

📍 Drop your donations into our hub:
2 Surrey Gardens, Birchington, CT7 9SA

📅 From now until the end of November.
🧸 Brand new pyjamas only, please… we cannot accept used pairs.

Every pair is a simple way to show a child that someone cares. Thank you for helping us support this lovely appeal. 💛

Please share this post to help spread the word!

29/09/2026

🥓 Bacon sandwich and a hot drink? That’s your morning sorted.

Our coffee shop at The Veterans Association is open to everyone. Whether you’re a veteran, a local resident or just passing through Birchington, come in, take a seat and enjoy a warm welcome.

☕ Bacon sandwich + hot drink: £5.95
🎖️ Veteran price: £3.00

We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm at 2 Surrey Gardens, Birchington, CT7 9SA.

Bring a friend, pop in for a chat, or just come for the bacon sandwich. We’d love to see you! ❤️

28/09/2026

📢 NEW OPENING DAYS!

We’re making a small change to our opening days! 👇

From now on, we’ll be OPEN on Mondays and CLOSED on Saturdays.

🕘 Monday – Friday | 9am – 3pm

Whether you’re joining us for an activity, meeting fellow veterans, grabbing a cuppa or just popping in for a chat, we’d love to see you. 💙

Your hub, your community, your place 🤝

25/09/2026

🍔 BBQ, live music and great company, join us at the Hub tomorrow!

We’re getting together for a relaxed Saturday with something tasty from the barbecue and live entertainment from Birchington Ukulele Group (BUGS) and the lovely Laura May. 🎶

Pop along for a bite to eat, enjoy the music and spend a little time catching up with friendly faces. We’d love to see you there!

📅 Tomorrow, Saturday 26 September
🕙 10am–2pm
📍 The Veterans Association Hub
2 Surrey Gardens, Birchington, CT7 9SA

💙