Veterans on the Edge - GL12 Area

25/10/2026

Charfield Rememberance Sunday details.

There are also bacon butties in the Memorial Hall before the parade sets off raising funds for the Poppy Appeal.

22/10/2026

Veterans on the Edge members enjoyed a fascinating and deeply moving talk on Monday evening from 92 year old Nick Thornley, who shared the story of his father, Lieutenant Francis Bodenham Thornley, and his experiences during the Battle of the Somme. 

The packed village hall at Littleton upon Severn, organised by Darren from The Plough Micro Pub and The White Hart @ Littleton-Upon-Severn to help raise funds for the RBL, listened intently as Nick recounted not only the military history, but the personal family memories that have been passed down through the generations.

His father was just 19 years old when he led his men forward on 1 July 1916 with the Ulster Division. Their company was among those who advanced furthest into the German positions during one of the few successful attacks on the opening day of the battle. Despite their achievements, they were forced to withdraw due to the lack of supporting advances elsewhere. Only later would the full scale of the losses become apparent. The first day of the Somme resulted in approximately 57,000 British casualties, including over 19,000 killed. 
Particularly moving were Nick's recollections of visiting the battlefield with his father after the war and hearing first hand accounts of the human experiences behind the history.

Members were also treated to a masterclass in public speaking. At 92 years of age, Nick held a standing room only audience engaged from beginning to end through a combination of excellent content, structure and storytelling.

An amazing £440 was raised on the night for this years poppy speak and huge thanks to local Poppy appeal organiser Steph Joynson for arranging for the collection.

As the nation moves towards this year's Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Sunday, the evening served as a timely reminder that remembrance is not limited to a single day in November. For many families it is something that lives on through stories, conversations and shared memories. One of the enduring messages from Nick's talk was the importance of passing these stories to younger generations, ensuring that the sacrifices, experiences and humanity of those who served are never forgotten.

17/10/2026

A group of military veterans has been working at an historic church to help renovate parts of the churchyard.

17/10/2026

Really great to see a local business doing what they can to support the Blue Light and Service Community.

As a small, family run, restaurant with limited covers it must have been a bit of a challenge to figure out a time when this would work well for them, and the community they are trying to reach. While some have commented on the time this offer can be used, mid week and midday, I would say we all have time off to take to treat ourselves and The Falcon Steakhouse is definitely worth the treat.

💙 NEW AT THE FALCON STEAKHOUSE! 💙

We’re pleased to announce that we’re now offering a 10% Blue Light Card discount!

Every Tuesday, between 12pm and 5:15pm, simply bring your Blue Light Card along and enjoy 10% off all food on your bill.

It’s our little way of saying thank you to those who do so much for the rest of us.

✅ Every Tuesday
✅ 12pm – 5:15pm
✅ 10% off all food
✅ Available on pre-booked tables

To book: Visit https://www.falconsteakhouse.com/book-now/ and simply add “Blue Light” to the booking comments.

Just show your valid Blue Light Card when paying, and we’ll take care of the rest!

We look forward to welcoming you to The Falcon! 🥩

15/10/2026

Historic Churchyard Wall Restoration Successfully Completed

The restoration of the eastern boundary wall at St James Churchyard, Charfield, has now been successfully completed following three weekends of dedicated community effort.

Since May, approximately 40 military veterans and 10 local community volunteers have taken part in the project, working alongside the Friends of St James to sympathetically restore more than 50 metres of historic dry stone walling.

Throughout the project, numerous local residents and visitors stopped by to learn more about the work, the history of the churchyard and the traditional skills being used.

Over many decades, the wall had deteriorated due to severe weather, overgrown vegetation and natural subsidence, leaving sections in a poor and unsafe condition. Under the expert guidance of Andy Docherty of Walling2Recovery, an Army veteran himself, the wall has now been carefully rebuilt using traditional dry stone walling techniques appropriate to the historic setting.

Walling2Recovery is a veterans' mental health support organisation that uses dry stone walling as a means of improving wellbeing, building confidence and helping veterans reconnect through purposeful outdoor activity. During the project, veterans from a variety of backgrounds took part, including veterans in the justice system on licence from HMP Leyhill. Many participants spoke of the pride and sense of achievement gained from helping to restore an important local landmark for a local community.

Particular attention was given to the section of wall surrounding the Charfield Railway Memorial, a place of considerable significance that attracts regular visitors and will become even more prominent as the centenary of the 1928 Charfield rail disaster approaches.

Friends of St James Church Charfield would like to express sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the project. Special recognition goes to the ladies of the Friends of St James, whose tea, coffee and exceptional homemade cakes kept volunteers well supplied throughout all three weekends.
Thanks are also extended to the Veterans on the Edge - GL12 Area community and veterans from HMP Leyhill, whose commitment, hard work and positive contribution to the project were widely appreciated. Their efforts played an important part in delivering a lasting legacy for the local community.

The project was made possible through funding from the Veterans' Foundation and permissions from Charfield Parish Council, St John's Parish, the Diocese of Gloucester and South Gloucestershire Council. The Veterans Foundation funding enabled specialist expertise to be brought in, ensuring the work could be carried out safely and to a high standard.
The completed wall now stands as a lasting example of how heritage conservation, community volunteering and veteran support can come together to preserve an important part of Charfield's history for future generations.

*Photographs do not contain personnel from HMP Leyhill

26/08/2026

New veteran opportunity, contact details on poster.

23/08/2026

It has been a real privilege to help show the deep connections between our local community and the two World Wars. On the Veterans on the Edge website we share both family stories and locally researched histories of Great War and WW2 veterans from across our villages.

Recently we were contacted through social media with another story, and we are very pleased to share the life of William Edward “Bill” Hazell, thanks to the generosity of his family. Bill is laid to rest in the Charfield Congregational Churchyard, just off Wotton Road, and his story adds another thread to the tapestry of service woven through our community.

You can read his full feature in the link in the comments.