ABF South West

15/10/2026

Experience an unforgettable evening of live music at Strike Up the Band, a spectacular military concert performed by the renowned The Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Ri**es on Saturday 17 October 2026 at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton.

Appearing by kind permission of the Commanding Officer 6 Ri**es, this exceptional performance will showcase the very best of British Army band music, from stirring military marches and ceremonial favourites to uplifting popular classics. The perfect night out for music lovers of all ages!

Doors open 6pm
Concert starts 7pm

Tickets £25 from The Exchange Sturminster Newton or call 01258 475137.

13/10/2026

We visited one of our favourite event venues today to talk all things Michaelmas Fair.
Our annual shopping fair in the home of the Earl of Devon, will be full with a wide range of stallholders selling many things not found on the high street.
Why not join us on Thursday 5th November for a chance to do some early Christmas shopping?
Early Bird tickets £3.50 available from Enthuse: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/MichaelmasFair2026
or from Exeter Tickets:
https://exetercornexchange.co.uk/whats-on/michaelmas-fair-powderham-castle-in-aid-of-army-benevolent-fund/
Fair open 10am-3pm Free parking
We'd love to see you there!

11/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to our ceilidh at Lympstone Village Hall last night! It really was A Reel Good Night! Slack ma Girdle were fantastic and lots of fun was had by all!

09/10/2026

Today I'm at Braunton, in a rather wet part of North Devon.
Thanks to the Tesco team here at Braunton, they have been plying me with hot coffee's and laid on a buffet (well I think it is for me!!!) while I'm collecting.
Despite the atrocious weather outside, there is a steady stream of regular Tesco customer coming over to chat.

08/10/2026

Thank you to all the businesses which have kindly donated raffle prizes for our ceilidh/Barn Dance at Lympstone Village Hall on Saturday 10th October.

We are very grateful to:

The Saddlers Lympstone
Tesco
High Tide Cafe
Caramel Clothing
Postcards Cafe

We would also like to thank Sid Valley Radio for promoting our event!

Tickets, £15, include a drink on arrival, available on the door subject to availability.
Doors open 7.30pm
Over 16's only

We would love you to join us and Slack ma Girdle for a fun night!

05/10/2026

Today is the start of national cadets Week. This week celebrates the cadet forces, one of the country's most effective youth organisations and the adult volunteers who lead them.
Through the cadets, young people develop essential life skills, including leadership, teamwork, and resilience, taking part in a wide range of activities.
We at the Army Benevolent Fund are extremely grateful to all the army cadets who get involved and help us with our fundraising.
You can read more about the cadet community here: https://www.wessex-rfca.org.uk/national-cadets-week/

02/10/2026

Experience an unforgettable evening of live music at Strike Up the Band, a spectacular military concert performed by the renowned Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Ri**es, on Saturday 17 October 2026 at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton.
Appearing by kind permission of the Commanding Officer 6 Ri**es, this exceptional performance will showcase the very best of British Army band music, from stirring military marches and ceremonial favourites to uplifting popular classics. The perfect night out for music lovers of all ages!
Tickets are £25 (+booking fee) from Enthuse: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/StrikeUptheBand

01/10/2026

This October, take on the ABF 457 Challenge and honour the 457 British military personnel who lost their lives during the Afghanistan campaign. Challenge yourself, support our Army family, and help raise vital funds for the Army Benevolent Fund.
Register today: https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/.../457-challenge/home

30/09/2026

Slack ma Girdle are a fantastic 6-piece Devon-based Ceilidh/folk band. We are delighted that they are playing at our ceilidh, 'A Reel Good Night' at Lympstone Village Hall, Devon on 10th October!
Whether you call it a ceilidh or a barn dance, fun is guaranteed!
A caller will guide you through the dances, no experience needed!
So why not come along and get more than just your feet tapping?
Tickets £15, which includes a drink on arrival, available on Enthuse:
https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/AReelGoodNight20262027
Tickets will be for sale on the door subject to availability.

28/09/2026