The 2014 Veterans Aid Annual Meeting marked a few milestones on April 3rd; notably the retirement of its Chairman Brigadier Johnny Rickett and Trustee Mrs Margaret Mervis. But it also welcomed someone whose appearance ended years of speculation.
Attending for the first time was the founder’s granddaughter, Miss Janie Huggins, and her cousin Mr Charles Dingwall. CEO Dr Hugh Milroy said afterwards, “We have been searching for descendants of Mrs Gwen Huggins, the lady who made Veterans Aid possible, for more years than I can remember and it was sheer serendipity that, just weeks before this year’s Annual Meeting, Janie got in touch. She knew nothing about the amazing story of her grandmother’s escape from drowning in Malta’s Grand Harbour at Valetta, or the act of gratitude that led her to found our first refuge for homeless veterans.
Another first time guest was BBC Defence Correspondent Caroline Wyatt who spoke warmly about Veterans Aid before ‘interviewing’ four ex-Service personnel who had been helped by the charity. All were more than willing to share the stories of how they had been provided with accommodation, helped to resolve UK settlement issues, find work and re-train. Ryan, Jason, Lisa and Josefa spoke movingly about what had brought each of them to seek VA’s help and were rewarded with resounding applause for sharing their experiences.
As ever, friends and supporters too numerous to mention individually were thanked and welcomed, with special acknowledgement of the impact of the charity’s Patron, the Dowager Viscountess Rothermere. ‘Lady R’ spoke to many of the veterans she had come to know during her first year as Patron and accepted a bouquet of flowers from Brigadier Rickett. Flowers were also presented to Caroline Wyatt, Janie Huggins and Margaret Mervis. Brigadier Rickett will be replaced as chairman in due course by Col Paul Cummings.
Those who attended the meeting were given copies of the new Annual Review, a special edition commemorating the Centenary of the start of the First World War. Its detachable centrefold features snapshots of the charity’s remarkable activity, past and present, and a taste of what lies ahead. On Remembrance Sunday (November 9th) of this special year Veterans Aid will be showcased at The Royal Albert Hall, when The Royal Choral Society performs Britten’s moving War Requiem. All proceeds will go to veterans Aid.
