ABF North East and Yorkshire

ABF North East and Yorkshire The official page of the Army Benevolent Fund North East and Yorkshire.

Enjoy an afternoon of live music in the open air at Proms in the Park in South Park, Darlington, hosted by Darlington Bo...
23/06/2026

Enjoy an afternoon of live music in the open air at Proms in the Park in South Park, Darlington, hosted by Darlington Borough Council.

The Royal Signals (Northern) Band and the Tyne Electrical Engineers Pipes & Drums will perform a programme to suit all ages. Bring a picnic, take a seat on the grass, and make the most of a free summer concert.

If the event is enjoyed, please consider making a donation to the Army Benevolent Fund. Every contribution helps provide lifelong support to soldiers, veterans, and their families when it is needed most.

Sunday 5 July 2026
South Park, Darlington
What3Words: unrealistic.class.crisis
Concert starts at 3 pm (arrive early for the best spots)
Free entry

Donate here:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/proms-in-the-park-2026

Reflecting on last Thursday, we are struck by the collective effort behind our Yorkshire Big Curry Lunch - and the diffe...
15/06/2026

Reflecting on last Thursday, we are struck by the collective effort behind our Yorkshire Big Curry Lunch - and the difference it will make.

Bringing the event together at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall required the support of many people, but the result was an occasion that not only raised funds, but strengthened our connection with the communities we serve.

The Army Benevolent Fund has been supporting soldiers, veterans and their families since 1944, providing help for life to those who need it most.

It was a particular highlight to spend time with Normandy veteran Ken Cooke, who will turn 101 in August, and to welcome such a strong turnout of supporters from across the region.

We are hugely grateful to our sponsors - Burflex (Scaffolding) Ltd, Hugh James, Pulse Fitness and City Cruises UK - and to those who contributed in kind from Theakston Brewery, Cobra Beer UK, Yorkshire Dales Distillery Ltd, and Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate. Your backing enables us to extend our reach and sustain our impact.

Thank you also to our fantastic volunteers, and to British Army personnel from 2 Signal Regiment and The Royal Dragoon Guards Guards, whose support on the day was invaluable.

If you would like to be part of future events, or support the Army family, please visit: armybenevolentfund.org.

Photo Credits: Chris O'Connor.

This is a fantastic week!Yesterday, we welcomed a new addition to our Army Benevolent Fund North East and Yorkshire team...
09/06/2026

This is a fantastic week!

Yesterday, we welcomed a new addition to our Army Benevolent Fund North East and Yorkshire team - Janine O'Connor. Janine has literally just left the British Army after over 23 years' service.

Thrown it at the deep end, Janine joins us during one of our busiest periods - with the Yorkshire Big Curry Lunch at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, York, on Thursday - followed by a packed programme of events and engagements stacked up for a crazy summer season!

The three of us are going to make a fantastic team. 😁




We still can’t quite get over how much fun was had at this year’s Cateran Yomp! ⛺🌳This incredible event brings together ...
09/06/2026

We still can’t quite get over how much fun was had at this year’s Cateran Yomp! ⛺🌳

This incredible event brings together serving soldiers, veterans, and civilians from all over the world. This year was extra special, with a record-breaking number of participants and over 1,000 people crossing the start line.

Whether you take part solo or as a team, in fancy dress or full kit, the Cateran Yomp really is a one-of-a-kind experience.

But don’t just take our word for it… see for yourself! Registrations for the 2027 Cateran Yomp are now open. ➡️ https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/cateranyomp

📸 Ed Smith

Last Thursday we had the huge privilege of being invited by Peter and Terry, two Chelsea Pensioners who have become very...
08/06/2026

Last Thursday we had the huge privilege of being invited by Peter and Terry, two Chelsea Pensioners who have become very special friends to us, to Founder's Day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea - what a fantastic occasion it was. The rain just held off during the parade, making the moment even more memorable.

It was an honour to see Queen Camilla, the inspecting officer for the day and Patron of the Army Benevolent Fund - a wonderful presence and a highlight for everyone attending.

We were also joined by our fantastic North East volunteers - Pat and Harry Johnson, Rachel Burnett, Charlotte Potter and Jamie Simeon - whose support means so much and helped make the day truly special.

Life genuinely doesn’t get better than spending time with friends like these, and we felt truly privileged to be invited.

Sadly, Peter and Terry won’t be able to make our Yorkshire Big Curry this Thursday, but we’re already looking forward to seeing them both later in the year.



The Chelsea Pensioners

Over the last couple of days, we have been hugely privileged to be a part of The Rifles in the North East and Yorkshire'...
06/06/2026

Over the last couple of days, we have been hugely privileged to be a part of The Rifles in the North East and Yorkshire's celebrations, reinforcing the bonds between the Regiment, and the communities that it recruits from.

Last night we attended Sounding Retreat in Sunderland, and today we have been at the Regiment's Freedom Concert in Wharton Park, Durham.

The sound of the Band and Bugles, and the hospitality of the Regiment, have been truly amazing.

Prove your codebreaking skills and join one of the UK's most innovative events. Operation Bletchley: London Missions sta...
01/06/2026

Prove your codebreaking skills and join one of the UK's most innovative events. Operation Bletchley: London Missions starts in just 1 month!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to cover the distance, test your skills and deliver the final message before time runs out.

Sign up now: https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/operation-bletchley

⏱️The Yomp countdown begins… just one week to go! 🥾This time next Saturday, our participants will be setting off on an e...
30/05/2026

⏱️The Yomp countdown begins… just one week to go! 🥾

This time next Saturday, our participants will be setting off on an epic 54-mile adventure through the Scottish wilderness, aiming to complete the course in 24 hours.

Expect laughs, highs and lows, sore muscles, delicious meals, and most importantly, an unforgettable finish.

Are YOU ready to ?

Last week we had the absolute pleasure of visiting SSgt Harley Smith at 2 Signal Regiment to hear the full story behind ...
27/05/2026

Last week we had the absolute pleasure of visiting SSgt Harley Smith at 2 Signal Regiment to hear the full story behind his unbelievable Guinness World Records marathon in Crocs - and of course, to check how those feet survived all 26.2 miles!🎖️

We were thrilled to bring out the big cheque, because Harley didn’t just break a world record….he raised an incredible £4,094.25 for the Army Benevolent Fund, including a generous £500 donation from Forces Mutual. His determination and heart continue to inspire and support our Army family❤️

Our visit also gave us the chance to catch up with Commanding Officer Tom Skinner as we finalised plans for the Yorkshire Big Curry on 11 June at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, York. The support from the regiment is second to none - and we’re delighted that Harley will be joining us again, this time helping to serve curry to 300 hungry guests!

And if you think he’s taking a break… think again. Harley has another challenge lined up for later this year. Watch this space....🙏

23/05/2026

It's nearly time for Operation Bletchley: London Mission!

From July 1st, embark on a thrilling adventure set in 1941 securing a new line of communication from Bletchley Park to The Cabinet War Rooms in London.

Sign up now: https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/operation-bletchley

Address

Hipswell Lodge
Richmond
DL93AX

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

01748 874127

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