CVS Gazette
22nd - 26th June 2026
Vol. 37
As we draw closer to Armed Forces Day tomorrow, we topped off our 'Armed Forces Week' events at the Centre with a bang.
Tuesday: Brilliant visit to Edinburgh Castle courtesy of Army Benevolent Fund
Wednesday: Was our Armed Forces Day 'We'll Meet Again' farewell to 'Scoff & Banter'
Friday: Our Doors Open Day kicked off with awesome free food and refreshments. We raised the roof with songsmith Charlie Gorman of Music In Hospitals & Care
We also played host to RW Poppyscotland 'Bud' Bus and team in its final outing, telling stories of challenge and hope.
Police Scotland Youth Volunteers enthusiastically supported the day, helping in the Centre, running an archery stance and camo face painting and bringing the local community up to the Centre. Huge thanks to Officers Johnnie Sinnerton and Garry Baxter!
Last but not least, one of our civilian volunteers ,Bob Robert McCheyne brought his authentic USMC Vietnam military Jeep to the party. Thanks Bob.
Shout out to our veteran volunteers for their support this week during preparation!
3 Years ago they said it wouldn't work..veterans and civvies sharing the same space? Last night we said farewell to our community engagement project, 'Scoff & Banter'. Three years of weekly event management, three years of locals enjoying an evening of free entertainment - terrific food (3,744 meals plated), prize bingo and, of course, Karaoke. Great friendships made along the way and positive lessons learned for the future.
On the back of this venture, we have branched out into other areas of community partnership with University of Glasgow GRID Riverside project, making music with 12 Guitars, Govan Housing Association, The Glasgow Barons to name only a few.
Huge shout out to our veterans for making this a great success, to the good people of Govan who turned up faithfully week by week and to the Scottish Government for funding us through Veterans Scotland. What next? Watch this space.
Terrific visit to the Army Benevolent Fund HQ in Edinburgh Castle today. Highlights included a thorough brief from Major John Donovan (Rtd), Regional Director, Scotland & NI on both the history of the Castle and the roles of the ABF. Then it was off to visit memorials and museums before a bespoke tour of the 1 o' clock Gun. Thank you John and team ABF for an outstanding visit!
Reminder that our doors open Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. As always, breakfast is available until 11:00 AM, followed by a free hot lunch at 12:30 PM for any veteran.
Community Veterans Support, here for you. A warm welcome and a soft landing guaranteed.