Catch up with the Henry Tudor Ride
Posted on July 29, 2008
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The Henry Tudor Ride, a horse ride in period costume across England and Wales in support of the ABF, has so far raised £35,000. All donations will go towards the ABF’s Current Operations Fund, supporting soldiers injured or families of those killed during Service in current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Controller’s blog proved very popular with supporters, who were able to follow the progress of the ride online. You can see images from the ride on our online gallery.
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British Forces Broadcasting Service Television reports on the ride below:
Your World’s Biggest Curry Lunch photos online
Posted on July 24, 2008
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www.flickr.com
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Your photos from World’s Biggest Curry Lunch have been flooding in from around the world, and we will be uploading them to the online photo gallery above.
Please send your World’s Biggest Curry Lunch photos to Sarah Coleman-Meyer at scoleman-meyer@armybenfund.org
TA Sappers beat centenary drum for the soldiers’ charity
Posted on July 21, 2008
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The coveted Carrington Drum, awarded by the ABF to the unit, sub-unit or individual from any part of the military family to have either raised the most amount of money or done so in the most innovative way, has been won by 75 Engineer Regiment (V). This is the first time a TA unit has won the trophy which is seen here being presented to the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Sean Harris, by Mr Victor Barley from Carringtons and Major General Simon Lalor who is DCDS Reserves and Cadets in the MOD.
The Regiment submitted an impressive portfolio of events including climbing Mount Everest on a stepper in a shopping centre, through sponsored runs and public collections to hauling giant trucks through towns and cities. In all, the Regiment conducted 39 events with involvement from every part of the unit raising a staggering £23,000.
“The trophy reflects the commitment of the soldiers in raising significant funds in support of the ABF but also an increasing awareness that we, as a TA unit, exist to support the Regular Army and in doing so are included in the wider Army family which looks after all military personnel and their families in times of need.”
Colonel Harris said he was proud to receive the Carrington Drum Trophy 2008.
Brigadier David Shaw, the Director of Regional Fundraising for the ABF, said it was a phenomenal result and a huge credit to the TA at any time but it was a very special achievement in its Centenary Year.
“At a time when the Army, including a large part of the TA, is involved in operations, to fit this effort into everything else they do in incredible. The CO had set his sights on winning the Drum when he took command; with his Regiment behind him, he has been as good as his word. We are full of admiration and most grateful”.
Brigadier David Shaw
Army units raised more than £300,000 for their own charity last year and this year has started well. The ABF is hoping for a record breaking half a million pounds for the Current Operations Fund.
ABF provides more support to meet increased need in Wales
Posted on July 10, 2008
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The ABF, the soldiers’ charity, announced this week that it is increasing spend in Wales due to the increased need from former soldiers and their families living in the country.
The charity’s last financial year saw the average case numbers rise by 6%. The key reason for the increase, says the Fund, is an ageing veteran community struggling in a society that continually fails to meet the needs and aspirations of its older people.
The Trustees of the ABF met yesterday at the Welsh Assembly to discuss its overall strategy for meeting an ever-increasing demand in the coming years.
“The increase in the number of cases supported by the ABF reflects the very real needs of older people trying to cope with inflationary costs, which greatly exceed the headline rates published by Government. Many of our beneficiaries are struggling with ever greater infirmity trying to stay at home for as long as possible, often not being able to meet even the minimum care home fee costs.
“As a result the ABF is required to provide increasing levels of support in terms of home adaptations and mobility aids. These include expensive bathroom conversions, stairlifts and the full suite of mobility aids such as stair lifts, rising / reclining chairs and profiling beds.”
ABF Director of Grants and Welfare, Paul Cummings
“Our Trustees usually meet in London but the location change to Wales on this occasion reflects its status in terms of our priorities for the coming years. One of the immediate solutions to meet this need is the increase to our fundraising presence in Wales, with a new fundraising county committee recently set up in West Glamorgan.”
Controller of the ABF, Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter KCVO OBE
Free ABF downloads!
Posted on July 4, 2008
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Visit our downloads page to download all sorts of free ABF banners and buttons. There will be more to follow soon, including ABF videos and wallpapers, so watch this space!
You may use these tools in your websites, blogs and email signatures to show your support for the ABF, and to promote the charity be linking to this website. Thank you for your support.
The Henry Tudor Ride prepares for battle
Posted on June 25, 2008
Filed Under National events | 5 Comments

On 12 July 2008, seven men including ABF Controller Major General Evelyn Webb-Carter and the well-known historian Professor Richard Holmes will set off on a horse ride across England and Wales to raise money for the ABF. They will ride in period costume to retrace the route taken by Henry Tudor in 1485, as he rode with his army to meet King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth.
Events are planned all along the route, including a Beating Retreat and freefall display at Bosworth Field on 19 July. Find out more about the route and planned events.
All donations will go towards the ABF’s Current Operations Fund, supporting soldiers injured or families of those killed during Service in current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Prince Rupert Ride in 2005 raised over £50,000 for the ABF.
Adopt a duck, sponsor the ABF and be in with a chance of winning £10,000!
Posted on June 24, 2008
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The Great British Duck Race takes place on Sunday 31 August, on a 1km stretch of the River Thames near Hampton Court Palace. This year a quarter of a million ducks are set to break the existing Guinness World Record.
At 12.30pm on “DUCK DAY” the individually numbered plastic ducks will be dropped into Molesey Lock and then released into the Thames to begin the race at 1.30pm.
It costs just £2 to adopt one of the ducks and be in with a chance of winning one of 30 fantastic prizes, including £10,000 for the first duck to cross the finish line. You can also make a donation to the ABF which is registered as a benefiting charity – make sure you select Army Benevolent Fund from the drop down list! http://www.thegreatbritishduckrace.co.uk/adopt.new.php

Remember, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THERE TO WIN IT, but spectators and participants are welcome to attend the race, there will be activity, charity stands and refreshments being served along the course near Hampton Court.
For more information about the Great British Duck Race, visit: www.thegreatbritishduckrace.co.uk or call 0845 241 4831.
Travel the world and run for the ABF!
Posted on June 23, 2008
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You can now apply online for your place to run a marathon for the ABF. We have places available in the London, Berlin, Chicago and the original big-city marathon, New York City - a must for anyone who wants to experience all the energy and excitement a marathon can offer.
If you choose to take up the challenge of any of these events, the ABF can offer you:
- A training programme written by personal trainer and fitness instructor Graeme Hilditch
- A fundraising pack
- Regular fundraising support
- ABF running vest
- ABF t-shirt for fundraising
- Fundraising advice specifically designed for Marathon runners
Visit the marathon pages and apply for your place with Team ABF today!
Rhythm Force Rock & Pop Concert to play for ABF
Posted on June 6, 2008
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Rhythm Force Rock and Pop Concert featuring Jools Holland
Kneller Hall, 12 September 2008
Supporting the Army Benevolent Fund

Rhythm Force is an open air concert featuring Rock, Pop, Jazz, and Fusion. The Army Big Band will be performing with Jools Holland at the world famous Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, Twickenham, TW2 7DU, located next to the Twickenham Rugby Ground just of the A316/M3 corridor.

7-10pm, gates open 5pm
The event tickets are being sold through www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 0844 847 2478.
Bars and Catering available or bring your own
Visit the Rhythm Force website!
See the Magic Flute in Holland Park with an exclusive ABF offer
Posted on May 23, 2008
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The Magic Flute by Mozart at Korn/Ferry Opera Holland Park
Dutch Garden, Holland Park
Friday 4 July 2008
We are delighted to announce that we now have tickets available to see one of the best known and loved operas in the repertoire performed in the open-air. Directed by actor Simon Callow and conducted by renowned Mozart conductor Jane Glover, The Magic Flute promises to be a spectacular production.
The ABF has been donated a limited number of tickets by Korn/Ferry International to see this popular opera. With exclusive use of the Dutch Garden, guests will be treated to pre-performance and interval drinks plus canapés. An opportunity exists to meet the cast after the performance, so if you’re an opera enthusiast book now to avoid disappointment!
Tickets are £125 with proceeds going to the ABF helping soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.
Call 0845 873 7156 or email eharvey@armybenfund.org to book tickets.
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