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Veterans In Sefton - CIO

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Veterans In Sefton - CIO

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 fo

rmed 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]

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.

14/08/2026

Long before Fulton Mackay became Mr Mackay in Porridge, he had worn a uniform for real.

He was born in Paisley in 1922 and originally trained as a quantity surveyor. But in 1941, with the Second World War under way, the 19-year-old volunteered to join the RAF.

He was turned down because of a perforated eardrum, but that didn’t stop him serving. Instead, Mackay joined the Black Watch and spent five years in the British Army, including three years in India. By the time he left, he had reached the rank of sergeant.

After the war came a complete change of direction. Mackay trained at RADA and began building a career on the stage, working extensively in Scottish theatre before going on to appear with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Old Vic and the National Theatre.

Then, in 1974, came the role most people will always remember him for.

As Mr Mackay in Porridge, he was the perfect man to keep an eye on Ronnie Barker’s Norman Stanley Fletcher. Stern, suspicious and obsessed with discipline, Mackay was everything Fletcher wasn’t.

Interestingly, Mr Mackay was given a military background too, having served as a drill sergeant before joining the prison service. For Fulton Mackay, who had genuinely spent five years in uniform, that military bearing probably didn’t take too much acting!

But there was much more to him than Porridge. He was a highly respected stage actor and later appeared in Local Hero and, in a completely different role, as the kindly Captain in Fraggle Rock.

He was awarded an OBE in 1984 and sadly died just three years later at the age of 64.

It’s quite a story when you think about it. Turned down by the RAF, five years in the Army, rising to sergeant and then eventually becoming one of the most memorable prison officers British comedy ever gave us.

Fulton Mackay certainly knew how to wear a uniform!

Courtesy British Comedy Classics
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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.

05/08/2026

Looking to connect with fellow veterans who’ve walked similar paths? Or just fancy a friendly chat over a proper brew?

Come and join us at Veterans in Sefton a relaxed, welcoming space where Veterans can unwind, look after their wellbeing, and enjoy genuine peer‑to‑peer support. Whether you want to share a few stories, find a bit of camaraderie, or simply sit back with a quiet cuppa, you’ll be in good company.

No pressure, no agenda—just veterans supporting veterans.

What’s on offer:

- Supportive space to connect with other veterans
- Tea and coffee
- Friendly faces and a strong community spirit

We are located at the Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, 104 Marsh Ln, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4JQ. Wednesday mornings 1030-1230

We’d love to see you there. Tag a mate who might appreciate a morning out with fellow veterans.

23/07/2026

HMS MERSEYSIDE visit to liverpool

If you want to visit HMS Mersey during its upcoming stop in Liverpool, you can find free public tour tickets and event schedules on Eventbrite. (Click on link to book or see Ian or Liam) Transport from the Brunny can be arranged.

Visit Details & Schedule

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Liverpool Waterfront / Cruise Terminal area (L3 1DL)

Cost: Free, but advance registration/tickets are required (check for ticket releases).

Important Rules for Going Aboard

Arrival: Get there 15 minutes before your time slot.

Access: No wheelchair access or prams/pushchairs are allowed. Visitors must be able to walk unaided and climb steep gangways/stairs.

Age limit: Children must be at least 5 years old.

Bags: Do not bring large bags—only small bags up to A4 size are permitted. Photographic ID and security checks happen at the entrance.

What to wear: Wear flat, sturdy shoes.

HMS Mersey is a River-class offshore patrol vessel of the British Royal Navy. Named after the River Mersey, she is the fifth RN vessel to carry the name.

20/07/2026

15 January 2007, Operation Glacier near Garmsir, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

On 15 January 2007, during Operation Glacier, Zulu Company of 45 Commando Royal Marines launched an assault on Jugroom Fort near Garmsir in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. The Taliban stronghold was believed to be a key insurgent base, and the battle quickly became one of the fiercest engagements British forces would face during the campaign. Under relentless enemy fire, the Royal Marines were eventually forced to withdraw across the Helmand River. It was only after the company regrouped that a roll call revealed the unthinkable—Lance Corporal Mathew Ford was missing.

An Apache helicopter soon located Mathew lying beside the fort's outer wall, deep inside Taliban-held territory. Nobody knew whether he was still alive. A rescue by ground would almost certainly have cost more lives, so an extraordinary plan was devised. Two Apache attack helicopters would return to the battlefield carrying four volunteers strapped to their stub wings—a method never before used by British forces in combat.

Without hesitation, four men stepped forward.

WO1 (RSM) Colin Hearn RM, the Regimental Sergeant Major of 45 Commando; Marine Chris Fraser-Perry, just 19 years old; Marine Gary Robinson; and Captain Dave Rigg RE, a Commando-trained Royal Engineer attached to the battlegroup, all volunteered to fly into one of the most dangerous places in Afghanistan. They secured themselves to the outside of the helicopters, fully exposed to enemy fire, trusting only their harnesses and each other.

Flying low and slowly to protect the men clinging to the aircraft, the Apaches crossed the Helmand River before touching down beside the fort. As soon as the volunteers dismounted, Taliban fighters opened fire with machine guns. Ignoring the danger around them, the four men raced to where Mathew Ford lay. They discovered the heartbreaking truth—he had already been killed during the battle. Their mission instantly became one of honour rather than rescue.

Working together under fire, Colin Hearn, Chris Fraser-Perry, Gary Robinson and Dave Rigg carefully recovered their fallen comrade and secured his body to one of the Apache helicopters. Within minutes, they were airborne again, escaping the enemy position without suffering further casualties. Their courage ensured that Mathew Ford would not be left behind on the battlefield. It was an extraordinary demonstration of the Royal Marines' enduring commitment that every effort is made to bring a comrade home.

The battle itself would later be examined in detail by a Board of Inquiry, which identified operational shortcomings surrounding the assault on Jugroom Fort. Yet the recovery mission has endured as one of the most remarkable acts of battlefield comradeship during the Afghanistan campaign. The Apache crews, the four volunteers and everyone involved showed exceptional determination in carrying out a mission that many believed impossible.

Lance Corporal Mathew Ford was remembered by those who served with him as a professional, dependable and popular Royal Marine whose humour and selflessness left a lasting impression on his unit. His final journey home was made possible by four volunteers who refused to leave one of their own behind—a powerful reminder that the bond between Royal Marines does not end when the fighting does.

Lance Corporal Mathew Ford,
45 Commando Royal Marines. Killed in action during Operation Glacier near Garmsir, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on 15 January 2007, aged 30.

Credit to the original poster.

Aye Marty Dowling for Veterans in Sefton

18/07/2026

⛰️ The Dewerstone - A Symbol of 42 Commando's Enduring Spirit ⛰️

Towering above the River Plym on the edge of Dartmoor, The Dewerstone has stood watch for thousands of years. Once an Iron Age hill fort and steeped in the legends of Old Dewer and his phantom Wisht Hounds, today it overlooks Bickleigh Barracks, home to 42 Commando Royal Marines since 1971.

For generations of Royal Marines, the Dewerstone has become far more than a landmark - it is a place of tradition, reflection and identity. From the days when Marines famously ran to its summit to collect their weekly pay, to the modern-day Clear Lower Deck gatherings where the Unit comes together to recognise excellence, reaffirm its values and look to the future, the Dewerstone remains at the heart of life in 42 Commando.

In the Unit Memorial Garden stands the six-foot bronze Marine Dewerstone, gazing silently across the valley towards the granite tor that inspired it, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

Despite its profound significance, the Dewerstone had never been immortalised in artwork - until now.

Earlier this year, renowned Dartmoor pastel artist Rebecca de Mendonça joined 42 Commando for their first Clear Lower Deck of 2026. As nearly 400 Commandos climbed through the woodland before dawn and gathered on the summit beneath the rising winter sun, she captured a moment that perfectly reflects the professionalism, determination and spirit that have defined the Unit for generations.

Her stunning painting, "The Dewerstone Gathering," will now hang proudly in Unit Headquarters as a lasting tribute to the Commandos who have served beneath its watchful presence.

🖼️ Signed, high-quality prints of The Dewerstone Gathering are now available to purchase:

• Large Print – £49
• Small Print – £39

By purchasing a print, you'll own a beautiful piece of Royal Marines heritage while celebrating one of the most iconic landmarks in the history of 42 Commando.

Courtesy of RMA

10/07/2026

Beudy Mawr Hut – WalesJune 2026Another brilliant trip to our home‑from‑home in Wales. With a UK heatwave on the cards, we packed plenty of water, sun cream and hats — especially for those of us with not much hair left on top!Once we arrived, everyone settled in quickly and mucked in. We agreed that if the first night got too hot, we’d head home early, but the building kept the heat out nicely and everyone slept comfortably.Gillian joined us for the first time and fitted in straight away, sharing stories from her walks and laughing along with the group. Larry and Don continued their reputation as our resident comedy duo — great stories and plenty of laughs from both of them.With our usual cook unavailable, a few of us took over kitchen duties. A special shout‑out to Matt Scott, who stepped up and cooked some cracking meals. Top job, Matt.The next day we headed to Beddgelert for a wander along the river and a visit to the statue of Gelert the dog. There was good shade — and more importantly, a very good ice‑cream shop!Back at the hut, we spent time sitting out front, taking in the stunning views of the Snowdon range. We’re genuinely lucky to have access to such a beautiful place.Later on, Matt and I sorted the evening meal, and everyone pitched in with the tidy‑up. Steve Kettle kept us entertained with one of his quizzes — great conversations and plenty of laughter again.The next morning we had a quick breakfast, tidied up, and made our way home feeling rested and in great spirits.As Ray always says: if you’re new, get involved in these trips. Age, walking ability or background doesn’t matter — we stick together and look after one another. It’s something special.Till next time — cheers,
Ian

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104 Marsh Lane
Bootle
L204JQ

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Wednesday	9am - 5pm
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