News - Battling On

Fresh Start Dates - End of 2024

The FRESH START project will be holding two more in-person sessions at Sir Robert Geffery Memorial Hall, Landrake, this year. They will take place Nov 25th and Dec 9th, hours 10am till 1pm.

We hope to see partners and spouses of military personnel come along to meet us at the hall! If you're looking for a social morning, or are seeking advice regarding financial, familial or work issues, please don't hesitate to visit!

Refreshments will be available.

Battling On Holds Remembrance Service

The wider Merryhue family came together on Thursday 7th November to hold a small Remembrance service outside the countryside hub. We were joined by the Veterans, some of their families, TST staff and students to remember those who gave their lives so that we may live ours today.

Father Michael Brown delivered a service before an unknown soldier. He also said a prayer before a new tree, planted in memory of two Veterans who sadly passed away over the last year: Gordon Shelley and Ian Murphy. Bouquets were laid in their honour.

We extend our greatest thanks to Father Brown for leading the services.

Afterwards, the veterans sat down for a delicious stew, made by our good friends Les and Cassie! Many thanks for the grand work!

Lest we forget.

FRESH START at Callington Every Tuesday

Starting next week, the FRESH START project will be represented at the Community Hub, hosted at the Mustard Seed Church, Callington (PL17 8DT). This will be from 10am to roughly 3pm every Tuesday.

If you're interested in what FRESH START has to offer, then come on down and say hello! There will be free refreshments on site.

RIP Ian Murphy

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a dear friend.

Ian Murphy, former Captain of the Royal Engineers, passed away earlier this week. Ian has been coming to Battling On for over four years, and though he was mute for that time, he didn't need to speak to make himself a much-loved member of the group. His laughter and his weekly gifts of Tunnock's Caramel bars were always a welcomed treat.

Thank you for all the joy you've brought to Battling On over the last few years, Ian. RIP

FRESH START Coffee Mornings - Starting this October!

The FRESH START project recently began!

Our next step is to start some FRESH START coffee mornings. We have arranged two starter days at Sir Robert Geffery Village Hall, Landrake, to take place on October 14th and 28th. Sarah and Adam from Battling On will be at the hall from 10am to 1pm on these two dates, meeting local members of the Armed Forces Community who are interested in the FRESH START project and anybody who wishes to come along and meet us!
Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Coffee_Morning_Poster.pdf
Fresh_start_flyer_print_.pdf

Eight-week Art Course Starting this September

We have a FREE 8-week art course on the horizon, provided by the West Devon Arts Projects! Relevant info is in the attached image...

If you're a creative type, then this could be a great opportunity to learn new techniques and open new pathways of inspiration! Of course, refreshments will be provided.

If you're interested in getting involved, please let us know ASAP by...

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01579 384 798

Battling On at Boconnoc

Another weekend at Boconnoc: DONE.

Battling On were permitted a stall at this year's Boconnoc Steam Rally, and it was another enjoyable event! This year, thankfully, it wasn't quite so wet.

There are many people to thank, so here goes...

Debbie Rideout, for allowing us the opportunity. Wishing you a speedy recovery with your leg! Hope to see you again next year.

James and Laura Locke, owners of the incredible steam engine WARSPITE. You were so kind to allow us to ride along on Sunday and create some amazing memories.

The volunteers who helped out during the weekend. Your support was vital in keeping up both morale and energy levels.

And finally, a hearty BZ to the tireless trio - Sean, Wayne and Lewis - who stuck it out for the whole weekend. Your efforts have been immeasurable, and I can't thank you enough!

Veterans on the Racetrack

A group of Veterans made their way to Wilsthire on a glorious June Thursday to visit the Castle Combe racetrack. The event is one that Battling On has taken part in numerous times over the last couple of years, and we have more sessions scheduled for September (5th and 26th.)

The sun was up and the engines were revving. Many of the eight attendees sped around the 1.85 mile track in a number of fantastic automobiles. There were Porches, BMWs, Mazdas, as well as a variety of others ranging from retro to modern. The highlight for one of our Veterans - Andrew - was the BMW M3 which sped around the track at speeds exceeding 140mph, leaving him somewhat rattled, as the attached photograph shows. Nevertheless, he thought it an incredible experience!

If you'd like to join us for one of the future sessions, please get in contact!

Battling On Session VENUE CHANGE - 14th March 2024

NOTICE FOR TOMORROW'S BATTLING ON SESSION - 14th March 2024.

Due to poor weather, tomorrow's walk at Golitha Falls has been postponed. Instead, Battling On will be hosting a Veterans' session at St Dominick Parish Hall, PL12 6TD.

The session will take place from 10-2 with lunch and refreshments provided.

The Battling On Railway Project now Full Steam Ahead

We are unveiling our new project at Battling On. Our site, Merryhue Farm, has received a wonderful donation from PTSD Resolution's Ashley Lamb. Her late father, Michael, had a massive train set which has now made its way to our Countryside Hub. Here, we hope the Veterans enjoy creating a big loco layout with all that we've received.

Pictured is Derek, the Merryhue Station Master. Being a model builder himself, he's taking the new task in his stride. Over the last few weeks, he's come to the farm to get everything ready for when the site reopens for Thursdays in March. Firstly, he used his handheld vaccuum to clean the track. Now, it's onto creating the ballast, which has now begun.

This is going to be a long-term project, and opens many opportunities for Veteran creativity.

If you're interested in getting involved, please feel free to get in touch. The site is open on Fridays through February. When March comes around, we'll be open on both Thursdays and Fridays, 10-2.