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Veterans In Sefton - CIO

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Veterans in Sefton, has established a drop in, telephone or email service, to refer in to the project for both serving and non-serving personnel.

Veterans in Sefton, has established a drop in, telephone or email service, to refer in to the project for both serving and non-serving personnel of the Armed forces, reservists, their families and dependants. To provide: help, advice, support signposting and brokering to deal with issues in mental health, general wellbeing, housing, employment, dependency and financial. We work closely and have formed strong partnerships with local organisations and key stake holders, culminating with the development of many direct pathways. We also provide mentor support when referring to specialist mental heath experts who fully understand a veterans needs and issues to help ex-service men, women and families to adapt, integrate and sustain their social inclusion in the community; thereby promoting significant increases in mental wellbeing for both individuals and families. Throughout all of our processes we offer a unique holistic support programme, providing the emotional scaffolding to raise self esteem, build confidence and improve mental well being. We support community cohesion in the wider Sefton area and facilitate the smooth transition from military to civilian life and employment, education or training as well as fully integrating back into the community. We offer volunteering opportunities allowing veterans and members of the community to give their time and get involved and help. As a Volunteer people can learn new skills and/or refresh old ones in addition to making a positive contribution to the lives of others. One specific volunteering opportunity is to train as a “mentor”. This will allow people to work with ex-service personnel, providing support to both the individual concerned and their families. We act as the main referral point, sign posting and brokering facility for all ex-service personnel and thereby families requiring support Utilise the existing team, with extensive military experience, who understand the specific mental health needs of veterans and have the knowledge in how to handle the stigma attached to mental health, provide early intervention assessment and counselling which ensures veterans are guided into the right treatment by the right service whilst continuing to provide interim professional counselling therapy and “emotional scaffolding” which promotes early recovery and reduces mental health deterioration and need for critical support/hospitalisation. For any further information please call
0151 933 0800 Mob 07562 638 610
0151 920 0726 ext. 230 Thursdays only
Email [email protected]

30/10/2026

Plan your journey

For Remembrance Sunday 2026 (November 8, 2026), Sefton Council has announced extended morning road closures to support Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) safety barriers.
As a result, roads will close much earlier than previous years, heavily affecting bus routes across the borough between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Major Road Closures Affecting Bus Routes

• Bootle: Stanley Road (from St Martin’s House to Wadham Road), Oriel Road, Trinity Road, Pembroke Road, and Balliol Road. Expect major diversions on key services like the 81, 144, 235, and 881.
• Waterloo: Crosby Road South (monument area), Great Georges Road, Walmer Road, and Church Road.
• Southport: Lord Street (from Eastbank Street to Hill Street), Nevill Street, London Street, and Hoghton Street. Central Southport bus arrivals will be diverted to bypass Lord Street.
• Litherland: Sefton Road, Hawthorne Road (approaching the roundabout), Hatton Hill Road, and Field Lane.

21/10/2026

Salute to Ron Calder

You all remember Ron, he used to sit next to Bootneck Billy and the two of them would ruthlessly take the mick out of each other.
Well Ron isn't at all well and is currently stationed at St Josephs Hospice, Thornton.
Well Rons neighbour has organised a biker ride past at the Hospice on Sunday 25th October at 1300hrs.
If anyone would like to join Ron at this tribute they are welcome. There will be tea and stickies afterwards in the Hospice.

15/10/2026

CRAIGALLAN VETERANS' TRIP 2026
Ballachulish | West Highlands of Scotland
21st to 25th September 2026
Five days. A minibus full of characters. The magnificent Scottish Highlands. Military history, good food, plenty of brews, and more banter than anyone could reasonably account for.
But our latest veterans' trip to Craigallan, Ballachulish, was about much more than the places we visited.
We watched the Jacobite steam train cross the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, known to many as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films.
We climbed the Glenfinnan Monument and looked out across Loch Shiel.
We stood together at the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge to pay our respects and remember the fallen.
We explored Glencoe, Oban and Fort William, surrounded by some of the finest scenery Scotland has to offer.
And after each day's adventures, we returned to Craigallan for good food, a warm fire, stories, laughter and conversations that frequently carried on long into the evening.
There were minibus sing-alongs, fish and chips in Oban, Mark's legendary chef's station, a proper pan of Scouse, Bill's disappearing shopping expedition, Matt's outstanding driving, and even Jay's snoring competing with the tranquillity of the Highlands!
But beneath all the humour was something far more important.
Camaraderie. Friendship. Belonging.
These trips give veterans the opportunity to step away from the pressures of everyday life and spend time with people who understand one another. They provide the chance to talk, laugh, share experiences, support one another and create new memories together.
Sometimes it is the big moments that stay with you.
Sometimes it is simply sitting around a fire with a brew, listening to someone else's story.
And sometimes it is standing beside one another at a memorial where no words are really necessary.
That is what makes these trips special.
Different backgrounds. Different experiences. Different personalities.
One group looking out for one another.
Craigallan gave us magnificent scenery, fascinating history, questionable Scottish weather, excellent food, plenty of laughter, and enough collective military knowledge and banter to keep us occupied for considerably longer than five days.
Most importantly, it gave us friendship, camaraderie and memories that will last long after the journey home.
For Sefton veterans, these trips are about more than sightseeing. They strengthen the bonds that military service creates, combat isolation, promote wellbeing, and remind us that no veteran should ever feel alone. The laughter, support and friendships shared throughout the week are what truly make Craigallan special.
Until next time, Craigallan. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
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Veterans in Sefton CIO is led and staffed by former Armed Forces Personnel. We provide the emotional scaffolding to raise self-esteem, build confidence and improve mental well-being for those we support through our Psychotheraputic Counsellor and Mentors.
We are located at 104 Marsh Ln, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4JQ
To contact us.........
Phone .... 0151 933 0800
e-mail .... [email protected]
Facebook .... https://m.facebook.com/VeteransInSefton/

NAAFI BREAKS

1030-1230 Wednesday's at the Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Marsh Ln, Bootle L20 4JQ

1030 -1230 Fridays at The Allotments, Harris Drive L20 6ED (Opposite St Robert Bellarmine

Copyright & Archive Credit: No copyright infringement is intended. All original rights belong to the respective photographers, historical archives, and copyright holders.

11/10/2026

7 October 2026

Veterans in Sefton - NAAFI Break

Yet another fantastic turnout from our veterans at the Brunnie this week. It is always great to see so many familiar faces coming together for a brew, a chat, and a bit of banter. The continued support and camaraderie shown by everyone attending is what makes these mornings such a success.

Dave's Sitrep

Dave has some good news for those who enjoy a breakfast butty. Next week, the sausage and bacon sarnies will be completely free of charge and, with a bit of luck, there will also be an extended menu available, including a proper cooked breakfast.

Looking a little further ahead, on 28 October, there will be another free event, this time supported by VALOUR. The room will be set up as a consultation area where veterans will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences and opinions regarding housing services for veterans.

This is an important opportunity for veterans' voices to be heard and to help shape future support and provision. Representatives will be seeking honest feedback about what is working well, what could be improved, and what additional support veterans may need.

Further details regarding timings and arrangements will be published as soon as they become available.

As always, Veterans in Sefton remains committed to bringing veterans together, promoting welfare, reducing isolation and ensuring that those who have served continue to have access to the support, friendship and services they deserve.

Aye, Marty Dowling for Veterans in Sefton
.............................................................................................

Veterans in Sefton CIO is led and staffed by former Armed Forces Personnel. We provide the emotional scaffolding to raise self-esteem, build confidence and improve mental well-being for those we support through our Psychotheraputic Counsellor and Mentors.
We are located at 104 Marsh Ln, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4JQ
To contact us.........
Phone .... 0151 933 0800
e-mail .... [email protected]
Facebook .... https://m.facebook.com/VeteransInSefton/

NAAFI BREAKS

1030-1230 Wednesday's at the Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Marsh Ln, Bootle L20 4JQ

1030 -1230 Fridays at The Allotments, Harris Drive L20 6ED (Opposite St Robert Bellarmine

Copyright & Archive Credit: No copyright infringement is intended. All original rights belong to the respective photographers, historical archives, and copyright holders.

27/09/2026

VETERANS IN SEFTON NAAFI BREAK

23 September 2026

Veterans in Sefton – NAAFI BREAK Update
A cracking turnout today for our Veterans in Sefton NAAFI BREAK. The lads and lasses have drifted back in after their various away breaks, all looking refreshed and full of stories — and judging by the smiles, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

As I was looking around the room today, I had one of those little flashbacks to the early days, back when Dave first kicked off the NAAFI BREAK programme. Hard to believe how far we’ve come.

We started out in the Bowersdale Centre, Seaforth, armed with nothing more than a trestle table, a kettle that had seen better days, and a packet of Jammy Dodgers that disappeared faster than a squaddie on payday. It was simple, but it was ours — and it was the beginning of something special.

After a couple of months, Kim Elizabeth invited us over to Crescent Court, the sheltered accommodation just across the road. Suddenly we had comfy chairs, a warm room, and a proper space to sit and chat. It felt like a step up — and it was. Crescent Court gave us a home, and the veterans gave it life.

From there, we held a few NAAFI BREAKS at the Brunswick Community Centre on Marsh Lane, and before long it became our permanent base. The Brunny has seen everything from quiet cuppas to full‑on BBQs, Armed Forces Day celebrations, and more banter than you could fit in a minibus.

Veterans in Sefton has grown in leaps and bounds since those early days. We’ve expanded our reach, strengthened our support, and built a community that genuinely looks after its own. But through all the growth, one thing has never changed — our ethos of supporting Armed Forces Veterans and their families, making sure no one is left isolated, forgotten, or without a friendly face to talk to.

Today’s turnout was a reminder of exactly why we do this. The camaraderie, the laughs, the shared experiences — it’s what makes Veterans in Sefton more than just an organisation. It’s a family.

Aye, Marty Dowling for Veterans in Sefton
.............................................................................................

Veterans in Sefton CIO is led and staffed by former Armed Forces Personnel. We provide the emotional scaffolding to raise self-esteem, build confidence and improve mental well-being for those we support through our Psychotheraputic Counsellor and Mentors.
We are located at 104 Marsh Ln, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4JQ
To contact us.........
Phone .... 0151 933 0800
e-mail .... [email protected]
Facebook .... https://m.facebook.com/VeteransInSefton/

NAAFI BREAKS

1030-1230 Wednesday's at the Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Marsh Ln, Bootle L20 4JQ

1030 -1230 Fridays at The Allotments, Harris Drive L20 6ED (Opposite St Robert Bellarmine

Copyright & Archive Credit: No copyright infringement is intended. All original rights belong to the respective photographers, historical archives, and copyright holders.

14/09/2026

Hi all
I am the secretary for Crosby RBL. We have arranged with the Marine Bar and Kitchen to host a Veterans Breakfast club on the 1st Saturday of each month from the 3rd October 2026. It will be from 10:30am-12pm. The landlord Jay is kindly opening the venue early to accommodate just the Veterans for that time and laying on free teas and coffee but Veterans will need to purchase their own breakfast. We would love you to come along.

01/09/2026

In the summer of 1941, with France fallen and German plans to seize Gibraltar very much alive, Rear Admiral John Henry Godfrey set about solving a problem that had no obvious solution. If Gibraltar fell to the enemy, as many feared it might, Britain would lose all sight of naval movements through the Strait and into the Mediterranean at the worst possible moment. Godfrey, then Director of Naval Intelligence at the Admiralty, decided that watching eyes needed to remain on the Rock even after the enemy had taken it.

What he devised became Operation Tracer, a scheme so secret that its planning meetings were held not at Whitehall but at Godfrey's own house in Mayfair. Deep within the Rock, workmen who had no idea what they were building carved out a hidden chamber with two narrow observation slits, one looking over the Bay of Gibraltar and the other out across the Mediterranean. It was to be sealed from the inside.

Six volunteers were selected to man it. An executive officer would lead the team, alongside two physicians and three wireless operators, chosen for their nerve as much as their skill. Each man understood exactly what he was agreeing to. Should Gibraltar fall, the entrance would be closed behind them, and they would remain hidden within the rock reporting enemy shipping movements by wireless, with no way out and no expectation of rescue. Provisions were stocked for a stay of up to seven years.

The invasion never came. By August 1943, the Allied capture of Sicily had removed the threat to Gibraltar for good, and the order went out to stand the men down, distribute the stores and seal the chamber. Operation Tracer was never activated, and for decades afterwards it remained one of the war's better kept secrets, surfacing only as rumour among those who worked in the tunnels of the Rock.

Godfrey went on to other things, not least lending his manner to Ian Fleming's fictional spymaster M, but Tracer stands as perhaps the truest measure of the man. It asked six volunteers to accept a living burial in defence of an empire's lifeline, and found six men willing to say yes.

Aye Marty Dowling for Veterans in Sefton

Courtesy of Legacy of Ages FB page.............................................................................................

Veterans in Sefton CIO is led and staffed by former Armed Forces Personnel. We provide the emotional scaffolding to raise self-esteem, build confidence and improve mental well-being for those we support through our Psychotheraputic Counsellor and Mentors.
We are located at 104 Marsh Ln, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4JQ
To contact us.........
Phone .... 0151 933 0800
e-mail .... [email protected]
Facebook .... https://m.facebook.com/VeteransInSefton/

NAAFI BREAKS

1030-1230 Wednesday's at the Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Marsh Ln, Bootle L20 4JQ

1030 -1230 Fridays at The Allotments, Harris Drive L20 6ED (Opposite St Robert Bellarmine

Copyright & Archive Credit: No copyright infringement is intended. All original rights belong to the respective photographers, historical archives, and copyright holders.

27/08/2026

There is a village in Wiltshire where nobody has lived for more than 80 years.

It still has a church, the remains of houses and streets, and buildings that look vaguely like homes.

But there are no villagers.

Instead there are soldiers, military training buildings and warning signs telling you not to wander off because there may still be unexploded am******on lying around.

Welcome to Imber — Britain’s extraordinary military ghost village.

Hidden in the middle of Salisbury Plain, Imber is ancient. A settlement was recorded here as early as 967 and it appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries it remained a small, isolated farming community, eventually growing to a population of around 440 during the nineteenth century.

Then the Army began buying Salisbury Plain.

From the late nineteenth century the War Office steadily acquired enormous areas for military training, eventually purchasing the farms and much of the property surrounding Imber. The villagers remained, often as tenants of the War Office, and life carried on much as before.

Then, on 1 November 1943, everything changed.

With Britain preparing for the invasion of occupied Europe, the War Office told Imber’s remaining population that the village was required for military training.

They had until 17 December to leave.

Forty-seven days.

Around 150 people packed up their homes and left a village in which some families had lived for generations. The understanding among many villagers was that this was a wartime necessity and they would eventually be allowed home.

They never were.

The war ended in 1945, but the Army kept Imber.

Its position in the middle of Salisbury Plain made an abandoned village extremely useful for military training, and despite repeated campaigns by former residents to return, the decision became permanent.

In 1961 around 2,000 people even descended on Imber to demand that the village be reopened.

It wasn’t.

Over the following decades the old village changed dramatically. Houses deteriorated or disappeared and purpose-built concrete structures were constructed among them so troops could practise fighting in built-up areas.

Imber became a village where nobody lived because its entire purpose was now preparing soldiers to fight in places where people did.

One important piece of the old Imber survived.

St Giles’ Church dates largely from the thirteenth century and still contains medieval wall paintings. Today it is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust, standing among the military buildings as one of the last recognisable pieces of the community that existed before 1943.

And former villagers retained the right to be buried in its churchyard.

Normally Imber is completely closed to the public because it remains inside the active Salisbury Plain Training Area.

But this weekend the ghost village opens its doors.

From Saturday 29 August until Monday 31 August 2026, the permitted roads through Imber are scheduled to open, with St Giles’ Church open between 11am and 4pm each day.

Visitors need to remember that this isn’t a museum or abandoned village you can freely explore. It remains MOD land. Stay on permitted routes, obey the warning signs and absolutely don’t pick up anything suspicious — unexploded military ordnance remains a genuine danger.

For more than a thousand years, people called Imber home.

In 1943 they were given 47 days to leave it for the war.

The war ended.

Their exile didn’t.

Courtesy of Fact Slap

Aye Marty Dowling for Veterans in Sefton
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Veterans in Sefton CIO is led and staffed by former Armed Forces Personnel. We provide the emotional scaffolding to raise self-esteem, build confidence and improve mental well-being for those we support through our Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Mentors.
We are located at 104 Marsh Ln, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4JQ
To contact us.........
Phone .... 0151 933 0800
e-mail .... [email protected]
Facebook .... https://m.facebook.com/VeteransInSefton/

NAAFI BREAKS

1030-1230 Wednesday's at the Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Marsh Ln, Bootle L20 4JQ

1030 -1230 Fridays at The Allotments, Harris Drive L20 6ED (Opposite St Robert Bellarmine

Copyright & Archive Credit: No copyright infringement is intended. All original rights belong to the respective photographers, historical archives, and copyright holders.

25/08/2026

Veterans in Sefton – Scotland Trip, August 2026

A group of seven, Veterans in Sefton members recently enjoyed a fantastic trip to Scotland, combining sightseeing, friendship and plenty of laughs along the way.
The trip provided a great opportunity for everyone to spend quality time together, strengthen friendships and enjoy some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery and historic landmarks. It was particularly rewarding to see the group come together, supporting one another and making the most of every moment.

One of our first visits was to the beautiful coastal town of Oban, where we explored the town, took in the stunning views across the bay and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere that makes Oban such a popular destination.

A particularly meaningful part of the trip was our visit to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, a place of great significance to many veterans. The memorial provided an opportunity for reflection and remembrance, with the group paying their respects to those who served and sacrificed. The visit was both moving and thought-provoking, reminding us all of the bonds that connect the Armed Forces community across generations.

Another highlight was our trip to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, set amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Scottish Highlands. The stunning views and dramatic landscape provided plenty of opportunities for photographs and gave everyone the chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Whilst the visits and sightseeing were memorable, one of the best aspects of the trip was simply spending time together. The group worked as a team throughout the stay, with everyone pitching in to help with cooking and day-to-day tasks. Mealtimes became a real social occasion, with plenty of banter, shared stories and teamwork in the kitchen helping to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The trip demonstrated exactly what Veterans in Sefton is all about: friendship, support and ensuring that no veteran feels isolated.
By sharing experiences, enjoying new surroundings and looking out for one another, the group returned home with great memories and even stronger bonds.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who attended and contributed to making the trip such a success.
The camaraderie, teamwork and good humour shown throughout the visit made it a memorable experience for all seven veterans, and everyone agreed that it was a trip well worth taking.

Veterans in Sefton
“Supporting Veterans Through Friendship, Activities and Community”
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Veterans in Sefton CIO is led and staffed by former Armed Forces Personnel. We provide the emotional scaffolding to raise self-esteem, build confidence and improve mental well-being for those we support through our Psychotheraputic Counsellor and Mentors.
We are located at 104 Marsh Ln, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4JQ
To contact us.........
Phone .... 0151 933 0800
e-mail .... [email protected]
Facebook .... https://m.facebook.com/VeteransInSefton/

NAAFI BREAKS

1030-1230 Wednesday's at the Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Marsh Ln, Bootle L20 4JQ

1030 -1230 Fridays at The Allotments, Harris Drive L20 6ED (Opposite St Robert Bellarmine

Copyright & Archive Credit: No copyright infringement is intended. All original rights belong to the respective photographers, historical archives, and copyright holders.

16/08/2026

The grave of Flight Lieutenant James 'Jimmy' Edwards DFC; better known as actor and scriptwriter 'Professor' Jimmy Edwards. Long before he entered showbiz, Jimmy was a Dakota pilot with 271 Squadron RAF at Down Ampney near Cricklade.

On D-Day 271 and 48 Squadrons from Down Ampney dropped the main elements of the 3rd Parachute Brigade in Normandy as well as towing Airspeed Horsa gliders across the English Channel. His Dakota, s/n KG444 was named "The Pie-Eyed Piper of Barnes" after his birthplace, Barnes in London.

Returning from his fourth mission as part of Operation Market Garden his aircraft was hit and he gave the order to bale out. When he went to jump he found some of his crew were injured and unable to jump so he returned to the controls and landed the aircraft in a wood, for which he was recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross. During the landing he suffered burns to his face and ears and his trademark handlebar moustache was burned off. There is some uncertainty as to whether he was officially recorded as being a member of the Guinea pig Club, however he grew his moustache back went on to become a founder member of The Handlebar Club.

In the 1960’s Edwards frequently worked with fellow comedian Eric Sykes, acting in the short films written by Sykes: The Plank (1967), which also starred Tommy Cooper; alongside Arthur Lowe and Ronnie Barker in the remake of The Plank during 1979; and in Rhubarb (1969).

He passed away from pneumonia at the age of 68.

Aye Marty Dowling for Veterans in Sefton
.............................................................................................

Veterans in Sefton CIO is led and staffed by former Armed Forces Personnel. We provide the emotional scaffolding to raise self-esteem, build confidence and improve mental well-being for those we support through our Psychotheraputic Counsellor and Mentors.
We are located at 104 Marsh Ln, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4JQ
To contact us.........
Phone .... 0151 933 0800
e-mail .... [email protected]
Facebook .... https://m.facebook.com/VeteransInSefton/

NAAFI BREAKS

1030-1230 Wednesday's at the Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Marsh Ln, Bootle L20 4JQ

1030 -1230 Fridays at The Allotments, Harris Drive L20 6ED (Opposite St Robert Bellarmine

Copyright & Archive Credit: No copyright infringement is intended. All original rights belong to the respective photographers, historical archives, and copyright holders.

Address

104 Marsh Lane
Bootle
L204JQ

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

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