A cocktail party to raise awareness of a unique Remembrance Sunday performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, for Veterans Aid, was held at The RAG on 3rd July 2014.
The venue was generously offered to the charity by Colonel Brian Carter OBE, the Chairman of the Army and Navy Club.
Colonel Carter, said “The RAG was delighted to host this event. Our members very much respect the amazing work done by Veterans Aid to help ex-members of the Armed Forces who have fallen on extreme hard times, and so regard it as a privilege to contribute to that effort by offering the Charity the use of Club facilities in support of their fund raising activity.”
Dr Hugh Milroy, CEO of Veterans Aid, said “We’re hugely grateful to the Club for hosting this event on our behalf and enabling us to promote this singular performance by the Royal Choral Society in the Royal Albert Hall. The RAG has become part of VA’s history and we regard the Club as part of the family. Indeed the Requiem has resonance for all members of the military family this year, the 100th Anniversary of the start of WW1.”
More than 100 guests were joined at the event by Veterans Aid’s Patron, The Dowager Viscountess Rothermere and supporters from the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Naval Reserve and the Queen’s Colour Squadron.
Sue Field, 2nd Lieutenant from the FANYs, said, “I was fortunate enough to support Veterans Aid at the dinner in the Cavalry and Guards Club last November. To be able to offer help again this year and be involved with such an amazing charity is a privilege and honour. Veterans Aid works tremendously to break the cycle of crisis of veterans that are in need.”
Guests enjoyed a viewing of Veterans Aid’s powerful film Roy’s Story, which describes how a decorated infantry soldier ended up homelessness and destitute. This moving personal account explains how Roy found his way to Veterans Aid – and how the charity helped him to rebuild his life.
During the course of the evening Michael Hughes’ book ‘Marking Time’ was also auctioned to raise funds. Donated by Dr Milroy it features a series of portraits of ex-servicemen and women taken over a period of 90 years. Two of the more recent images are of former residents of VA’s New Belvedere House hostel.
Notes to Editor:
The Army & Navy Club
The Army & Navy Club, also known as The Rag is a Members Club originally founded for former and serving officers of the British and Commonwealth Armed Services, and their immediate relatives. Full membership is also open to all professional non-service men and women. It is a valued supporter of Veterans Aid.
WAR REQUIEM AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL IN SUPPORT OF VETERANS AID |9th November 2014 at 3.30pm
A signature musical event that will raise funds exclusively for Veterans Aid will be held at the Royal Albert Hall on Remembrance Sunday.
A unique performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem will be will be one of the nation’s major First World War acts of commemoration in 2014. It is organised by The Lady R Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Choral Society (RCS), one of the world’s premier choirs, who will be joined by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tickets to this concert can be purchased via 20 7589 8212 or www.royalalberthall.com
