The Sandbag Times Issue No: 49

The Veterans’ Magazine Issue 49 | November 2018
THE D-DAY DARLINGS
A Look At Their Brand New
Album And The Ladies
Behind The Magic
SBT News Update
Plus all The Latest National &
International News from the
Armed Forces & Veterans’ World
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Off The Grid
A look back at the MSA Dunlop BTCC 2018
The Veterans’ Magazine Issue 49 | November 2018
THE D-DAY DARLINGS
A Look At Their Brand New
Album And The Ladies
Behind The Magic
SBT News Update
Plus all The Latest National &
International News from the
Armed Forces & Veterans’ World
Proud Sponsors of
The Veterans Awards
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk
Supporting #abraveface
Issue 49
CONTENTS
SBT News
4 British Press Unites for
Veterans
A campaign by the Times
sparks rally for veterans
5 NI Veteran refuses
treatment for court
Veteran due in court refuses
treatment for illness
5 Invictus Veteran
Comforted with PTSD
A veteran suffering PTSD
has break down at Sydney
Games.
6 Thugs vandalise Poppy
memorial
New memorial wrecked by
vandals in Wincanton
Features
9 Ask Kerry
Brand new advice on CV
and Careers
16 NI Vets March
Veterans protest to
Parliament
21 D-Day Darlings
BGT Finalists become new
Forces Sweethearts
Regular
12 Historic Tommy Atkins
Welsh miners to the rescue
27 Have Faith
The wheel of life...
38 SBT Information
A page dedicated to back
issues, information, book
reviews etc
40 Mrs Fox Goes To War
All the latest gossip and
letters from Little Hope
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk
Editor: Pablo Snow
Magazine Manager: Matt Jarvis
Patron: Matt Neal
Honourary Patron:
Jacqueline Hurley
Additional editors:
Kevin Lloyd-Thomas
Jane Shields
Peter Macey
News Media Manager
Jim Wilde
Recording Engineer and PR
Manager
Vince Ballard
Email: info@sandbagtimes.com
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

NEWS
THE VETERANS’ MAGAZINE
SBT NEWS November Edition info@sandbagtimes.com
British Press Comes Together To
Raise Awareness of Veteran Suicides
Sunday 21st October 2018 marked a day
in which the British Press united to raise
awareness on Veterans Suicide.
The campaign, initiated by the Sunday
Times highlighted the truth in a rising problem
where veterans are taking their lives at
an alarming rate. The SBT can reveal that
55 Armed Forces and Veterans have taken
their lives this year, many with mental
issues caused by traumatic events witnessed
during their service. The government
responded saying there will be an
inquiry into why veterans continue to take
their lives despite admitting that there is no
recording system unlike other nations such
as the US, Canada and Australia. Recent
studies by the Kings College, London has
found that there has been an increase in
PTSD in young veterans over the past 10
years. Read the Sunday Times Article.
GET HELP NOW: Rewind @ Tommy Atkins Centre
www.tommyatkins.co.uk
| 4 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

NEWS
THE VETERANS’ MAGAZINE
SBT NEWS November Edition info@sandbagtimes.com
By ITV News
NI Veteran refuses treatment To appear in Court
A Northern Ireland veteran
charged with attempted
murder has reportedly
turned down medical
treatment so that he can
appear in court.
Dennis Hutchings, a 77-
year-old former member of
the Life Guards regiment,
is accused in relation to
the fatal shooting of a man
with learning difficulties in
1974. The Daily Express
reported that he is refusing
treatment for kidney disease
for fear it would get
his case dismissed on
medical grounds. Mr
Hutchings told the newspaper:
“I will fight them to
the death. This is not
about me any more. It’s
about all the others behind
me. “As long as I can
keep fighting it, it will
hopefully end up with
somebody making a commonsense
decision and
drawing a line under it all.”
He added: “I want to prove
my innocence and show
the nonsense behind
these legacy cases.
Somebody has got to
stand up and fight this lot.”
Mr Hutchings, from
Cawsand in Cornwall, is
due to stand trial in Belfast
charged with attempted
murder and attempted
grievous bodily harm with
intent. He denies the
charges. John Pat
Cunningham, 27, was shot
in the back in Co Armagh
as he ran away from an
Army patrol. His family
argued that he ran across
a field because he feared
men in uniform. More...
Question marks still hang over
future of MoD rehab centre
The 33 hectares site, which
has been used as a military
rehab centre for injured
service men and women for
nearly 70 years, was put up
for sale last year.
The estate, situated near
Epsom, between Leatherhead
and Walton-on-the-Hill,
contains a grade II listed
mansion, two swimming
pools, 56 semi detached
houses, and a Green Belt site.
The MoD announced in July
2014 it would be moving to
Stanford Hall Estate near
Loughborough. At a council
meeting on October 9,
councillors passed a two-part
motion introduced by Liberal
Democrat Cllr Margaret
Cooksey over Headley
Court’s future. The first part
of the motion called on the
council to write to the
Charity Commission to ask
whether the Headley Court
Trust is permitted to consider
‘community value’ when
making the sale. Read more
Story: Surrey Comet
Story: The Mirror
Invictus Veteran Comforted After PTSD Trigger
A Veteran taking part in the
Invictus Games in Australia
was comforted by team
mates after a passing
helicopter triggered a
PTSD reaction.
British Army hero Paul Guest
was upset by the sound of a
helicopter, which interrupted
his wheelchair tennis match
in Sydney. Teammate Edwin
Vermetten, from The
Netherlands, spotted Guest in
tears and went to comfort
him. It has been described as
"an extraordinary moment of
teamwork and human
compassion" by Games
organisers. Mr Guest, from
Essex, served in Northern
Ireland as a mine specialist,
and was diagnosed with post
traumatic stress disorder after
being injured during The
Troubles. Mr Guest has
previously credited the
Invictus Games, set up by
Prince Harry, for saving his
life. The Invictus Games are
currently being covered by
BBC throughout the day.
Read more on this story here.
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 5 |

THE VETERANS’ MAGAZINE
SBT NEWS November Edition info@sandbagtimes.com
Closing RAF Scampton is ‘flawed, unpopular and short-sighted’ warns MP
Demolishing the Red
Arrows’ base is a “highlyflawed”
move which will
“wipe” away RAF history,
MPs were warned tonight.
RAF Scampton was also
home to the legendary 617
“Dambusters” Squadron in
May 1943 when its Lancaster
bombers launched the daring
raid on Nazi Germany’s Ruhr
Valley. But the Conservatives
were accused of discarding
the air force’s proud history
with the decision to shut the
site in 2022 in the latest
round of brutal military cuts.
“For 100 years Scampton has
symbolised the proud history
of our Royal Air Force and
received a lot of praise for its
role,” Labour MP Karen Lee
told a Westminster Hall
debate. “However the
Ministry of Defence has
ploughed on and announced
that RAF Scampton has to be
closed and sold off. “While
the MoD has made this
decision, it’s ultimately the
result of Government cuts
which have forced this step
to have to be taken. “Cuts
have consequences.” Read
more on this story here.
By Daily Mirror
Mindless Idiots Vanadalise ‘Poppy of Honour’ Memorial
A WW1 poppy memorial in Wincanton has
been damaged by "mindless" vandals just
days after being unveiled to the public.
Called the Poppy of Honour, the massive
steel and glass memorial was officially
unveiled on October 6 after organisers
spent years raising funds for the project
and bringing it to fruition.
Story: Somerset Live
It contains the handwritten names of more
than a million men and women who went
missing or were killed during WW1.
But, just days after celebrating its
completion in a public ceremony, the
memorial has been smashed by vandals.
Terry Williams, who developed the idea for
the memorial, posted to
Facebook that three
males were believed to
have caused the damage
just before 12.30pm on
October 19.
Mr Williams said: "They
approached the
memorial then our
gazebo spouting off that
we are glorifying war.
"I asked them politely to
leave as they were not
there to visit the Poppy
but to cause trouble, they
left the park via a narrow walk way. I
checked that they had left the area.
"At about 12.15 I dashed to the toilet in
Cale Park Kitchen a short distance of
about 20 metres away, on returning
discovered that the Poppy of Honour had
been damaged in a senseless act of
violence.
"Both panes on one side have been
cracked, which would have required a
heavy impact to break the glass."
Estimates to repair the glass on the front
of the poppy have come in around £3,000.
Those who helped create the memorial,
as well as those who were hoping to see it
as it tour the country later this year, have
condemned the act on social media.
Paul Barnes, who visited the Poppy of
Honour during its emotional unveiling
ceremony, called it a "mindless" and
"idiotic" act. Read more here
GET HELP NOW: Text Combat Stress
07537 404719
| 6 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

NEWS
Lincoln veteran wins double gold at Invictus Games
A Lincoln woman has won two gold
medals at the Invictus Games in Sydney
for both the Women’s Recumbent Bike
IRECB1 Criterium and the Women’s
Recumbent IRECB1 Bike Time Trial in the
cycling event on Sunday 21.
As previously reported, Debbie
O’Connell, 30, served as a gunner
in the Royal Artillery and was
discharged from the army in
2017 after a bad fall from a horse
damaged her shoulder and
paralysed part of her arm.
O’Connell won both medals on
her first day of competing on the
2.4km cycling circuit and is set to take part
in both cycling and athletic events. The
Invictus Games, which are currently being
held in Sydney, Australia from October 20
– 27, is an event founded by Prince Harry
for wounded, injured or sick armed forces
personnel from across the globe to compete
in various sporting events. Overall,
Team UK won 11 medals in the cycling
event with five gold medals, two silver and
three bronze. The sailing event also took
place on Sunday, however Team UK were
unable to win any medals despite their
best efforts. Read more here.
The Lincolnite
Are you:
A Service Veteran?
Aged 65 or over?
A family member or carer
of the above?
If so, you could bene 昀 t from the
support of a DMWS Welfare O cer
We are experts in the provision of Medical Welfare and have supported the
Armed Forces Community during medical treatment since 1943
We are here to help, contact your local Welfare O
cer today:
A Guide to Medical Welfare Services
for Health Care Professionals, Organisations
and Support Workers
Caring For Those Who Serve – Frontline To Recovery
www.dmws.org.uk
Supported by the Aged Veterans Fund
funded by the Chancellor using LIBOR Funds.
DMWS Registered Charity number:
England: 1087210 | Scotland: SCO45460
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 7 |

SBT NEWSDESK
SBT NEWSDESK
With Jim Wilde
Hi Folks,
Well, what a week its been.
By the time you get to read
this, we will have had 2
marches in London. The PTSD
Veterans March on Saturday 20th
Oct, and the "other one", which is by
no stretch of the imagination as important.
A good turnout considering, and, even though the
intention was to get Mr Williamson to come out of
the Ministry of Defence and answer questions,
that proved a little awkward, as he seemed to
think being on our new aircraft carrier Queen
Elizabeth, a few thousand miles away was more
important, and offered more media opportunities
for his portfolio!
On Sunday, we saw a number of the main
tabloids running with the Veterans Suicide stories,
which have finally made the press in sufficient
quantity to wake people up. Sadly, their date was
a little out of date, and the usual "cut and paste"
ministry quotes were there....and still inaccurate.
On the upside, the Times will be running with this
subject for a few weeks, and the Sandbagtimes
has been instrumental if not pivotal in ensuring
that the issue stays in the public eye. Our very
own Editor Pablo was so enthused at the printed
"bovine excrement" that he saw it necessary to
write a significant piece for our online newspaper
the very same day.
Now that we have finally got people to accept that
there is a severe problem in the way our serving
and veterans access facilities for Mental Health
and PTSD, we hope progress can be made quickly
in order to reach an acceptable solution.
The Invictus games is also right up there in the
news, and rightfully so. It has always been a fantastic
event, and the UK teams never disappoint.
The sheer guts and determination of our teams is
admirable, well done to all involved.
From next week, the daily news video broadcasts
will include guests, live online, to add a little more
flavour....and talent to the broadcasts. It is hoped
that we can get the guys from British Troops
Remembered to come on the show and talk about
their setup, and what goes into producing the tribute
videos that they produce for the families that
have lost sons and daughters in the Military. We
hope you enjoy the new format.
Well, thats it for me for this week. As always,
thank you all for supporting the magazine, and
our productions, without which we would not
exist.
Take care until next time
Jim
GET HELP NOW: SSAFA Helpline
0800 731 4880
| 8 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

ASK KERRY
Ask Kerry...
Let her help you to open doors
www.opendoortraining.co.uk
Opening the Door.
I had an interesting text conversation earlier
this week with an Army Officer CV client. We
were talking about the wider elements of the
Open Door ‘product’. To quote:
‘I’d equate the product to around 25% of the
package. The remaining 75% is the conceptual
development, coaching and mentoring
which is certainly your USP.’
The new CV and re-modelled Linkedin page
are obviously important. However, the twin
pillars of personal and professional support
are the foundations. When I first start my
contact with a client I tell them from Day One
I will get them ‘think differently and then they
will act differently’. To continue the Dramatic
metaphor I stand in the Wings and watch.
Often in awe, always with pride.
A few months ago a member of the network
coined the phrase:
‘Open Door Military
Network Family’. It is
not a sound bite or a
glib expression. It is a
reality. The support
between alumni in the
network is astounding.
Job opportunities are
shared, excellent work
experience placements
for those still in
uniform are generated.
Training is
offered, high calibre
introductions are brokered.
authority over 10 years ago. With
the support of the Open Door
Military Network Family the figure
has risen to 90%. My clients are
not only gaining job interviews,
they are gaining support and
guidance from those who have
gone before them.
I am humbled by their generosity
of spirit, their kindness to me and
the Circle of Trust that has been
forged in steel.
In the last 9 weeks [1st Aug – 9th Oct] my
alumni have accrued 128 job interviews, 40
job offers and 19 job start dates. Those still
serving have been offered 12 high quality
work experience placements.
I am so fortunate to do this work. A very
respectful and grateful thank you to my
Network.
www.opendoortraining.co.uk
Linkedin: Kerry Dedman BA PGCE
The network works in
the shadows.
Something I have
insisted upon. 80% of
jobs are never advertised.
A statement I
was told on good
GET HELP NOW: Combat Stress
0800 138 1619
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 9 |

progress.
Donnington was a little more positive with
Dan qualifying 4th and then in only his second
meeting getting his first podium (2nd).
Matt clocked 2 top ten places to kick the
points off.
MSA DUNLOP BTCC 2018
A look back over a very testing but educational season.
The highs, the lows, the whole damn thing
The third round was at Thruxton which is
where the SBT team managed to get to for
our first trackside coverage. Qualifying was a
dream with Matt taking a cracking pole and
beating the lap record and Dan taking another
4th. Race one saw a double podium with
Matt 1st and Dan 3rd. The silverware continued
into race two with Matt taking 3rd and
then a credible 8th in race 3 to round off the
weekends points tally.
The SBT team stayed with the action at
Oulton Park for round 4. A great circuit for
spectators and plenty of action. Qualies saw
Matt take 5th with Dan, for the first time qualifying
outside of the top 5 in 14th, Matt took
another haul of points with 5th, 2nd and then
14th due to a little help from Tom Ingram.
Not the best of days for Dan with his best
result only a 12th. Still, onwards and
upwards and on to Croft.
So up to Yorkshire for the 5th round and the
last before the summer break. Qualifying
wasn’t the best but Matt still clawed back in
great style with three top ten finishes, the
best being 4th. Dan managed to pull a few
points back with a 10th and 11th finish.
Ican remember the excitement over
February and March when Team Dynamics
were preparing to unveil the brand new
Honda Civic R (FK8). I tried everything at
Droitwich HQ to get a sneaky peek but they
had employed the SAS, MI6, the CIA and the
FBI to guard the secret. Ah well, all became
clear at the BTCC launch day at Donnington.
So at the mid season break we actually had
our Patron sat quite proudly in 3rd Place
overall. We caught up with Matt and Ben
Durrell, the Team Dynamics Marketing and
Promotions manager for a tour around our
centre and a quiet beer to catch up on the
first half of the season. What a lovely afternoon
that was.
I must admit, I had my reservations with the
new car going up against a well seasoned
and very competitive grid especially with a
new rookie driver in the form of Dan
Cammish . But that was all put to bed when
the lights went out on qualifying at the first
round at Brands Hatch. Low and behold,
Rookie driver Dan Cammish only put in the
fastest time in the new Honda. Unfortunately,
it didn’t stand due to Dan running a red light
coming back into the pit lane. Despite the
disappointment, the gauntlet was laid down
for the rest of the season not to mention the
rest of the field wondering what the bloody
hell just hit them in the form of the Boy
Wonder, Dan Cammish. Unfortunately, the
Brands provided very few points, mostly due
to awful weather but the learning curve had to
| 10 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

OFF THE GRID
Anyway, enough about us, on with the show
and onwards to Snetterton for the BTCC 60th
Anniversary. Two qualifying sessions and
double points in the last race. This one was
the Pinnacle of BTCC. A front row for Dan in
Qualiy 1 and a front row for Matt in Qualiy 2.
The day was looking very promising. Dan
took another podium (3rd) in the first race
and a great 4th in the second. Matt’s best
was 12th in the first but that was just until we
had the Diamond Double. From second on
the grid, Matt took the lead fairly early where
he dominated for the rest of the race to finish
winner and take double points.
The final round at Brands was nothing short
of epic. Although our boys were out of the
title hunt, it didn’t stop them from dominating
the field. Qualies saw Dan and Matt 2nd and
3rd respectively but then to the races. Race
one saw Dan win his first race with Matt in
second and then lo and behold, in race 2,
they did it again. Both were right down the
field in the last race but the job had been
done. The season was over.
So how did it all end? Matt was 9th with Dan
right behind in 10th. Superb for a first season.
Halfords Yuasa
with Team Dynamics
was 2nd and manufacturer,
Honda also took
the second spot.
All in all, a very exciting
and I would say, educational
season. The
thought strikes me that
the FK8 has now been
bedded in and is now
ready for battle in 2019.
We will be there with
Matt, Dan and the Team.
I so can’t wait.
All Photos:
Jakob Ebrey
SBT was at the next round at Rockingham.
Thanks to an awful qualifying session, Matt
was left with a damage limitation exercise
only managing a best of 14th. Dan, yet again
proved to be a force to be reckoned with in
qualies with a 3rd place. He scored a little
better with a 5th and 10th to keep his points
Tally ticking along.
Then to Knockhill in Scotland. Wow, what a
wet race that was, standing water all over the
place caused havoc for all. Another torrid
one for Matt but Dan was on fire clocking his
first pole in qualifying and following that up
with two third places. Our rookie was learning
fast and still scaring the rest of the field.
Silverstone startied off promising for Matt with
a third row qualifying position but that was
duly wrecked when he was taken off on the
first lap of race 1 putting him at the back of
the grid. Despite this he clawed his way back
to 15th in the second race and then to 7th in
the third. I have to say this last race was one
of the best drives I’ve ever seen from Matt.
Truly inspirational. Dan followed a place
behind in race two and three to collect a few
more valuable points.
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 11 |

HISTORICAL TOMMY ATKINS
Welsh Miners
to the Rescue
By Peter Macey
The Manic Street Preachers in 1998 released
their album ‘This Is Our Truth, Tell Me
Yours’ which featured a track called, ‘If
you tolerate this, then your children will be
next’ . The song was inspired by the
Spanish Civil War that took place between
1936 and 1939 which involved volunteers
from all over Europe but a large contingent
from Wales.
When unemployed Rhondda miner Harry
Dobson was released from Swansea Prison
in 1936 the first question he asked was,
“How do I get to Spain?” Dobson had been
serving a sentence for leading an anti-fascist
disturbance in Tonypandy in June 1936.
Around two hundred Welsh volunteers,
mainly miners joined the left wing
international brigade and fought for the
Spanish Republic against General Franco’s
fascist militia. Welsh miners were primarily
Labour on communist at that time, largely
from the central valleys. In truth the fight
against fascism in Spain, between 1936 and
1939, drew young men and women from all
over Europe to form something of a rag-tag
army in defence of the democratically
elected Spanish Republican Government.
Dobson was one of just over thirty Welsh
men to be killed serving with the
International Brigades which fought to save
the doomed democratically elected Spanish
Republic Government. This Welsh
solidarity was referred to as taking the form
of an anti-fascist barricade.
One of the first siege’s in the war was at
Gijón. The army in support of the
Republicans attacked the small garrison
between July and August 1936. They laid
siege to the Simancas barracks in the city of
which was defended by nearly two hundred
soldiers and Spanish Police who had signed
up to support Franco’s movement. The
battle was remarkable for its viciousness
and the stubbornness of the besieged.
A Nationalist uprising of July 1936 fared
poorly in Asturias due to the province being
overwhelmingly hostile to Franco. The area
was controlled by an effective council of
state officials which including technicians
and miners. The numbers involved and in
support of the Republic were in the region
of seventy thousand. The military governor
of Gijón, Colonel Pinilla did not to declare
loyalty to Franco but was in the Communist
leader’s pocket. This was known to all and
by late July the outpost was surrounded and
cut off.
The battle for Gijón was marked by Pinilla's
resistance to give in knowing that the
attackers had virtually no weapons to speak
of other than dynamite. But until they
secured Gijón's fall the Republicans could
not concentrate their full numbers on their
siege against the nationalists on Oviedo.
The defenders soon ran out of water but still
Pinilla refused to give in. He believed that
relief was imminent. As the same time the
siege of Alcázar in Toledo was taking place
at which the Anarchists abducted Pinilla's
son and threatened to slay him if the
defenders refused to surrender. Pinilla
ignored the threat and continued his defence
of the city.
By mid-August the miners had stormed the
barracks, hurling dynamite as they charged.
The barracks burned and the defence
crumbled but rather than surrender, Pinilla
sent a message to the Almirante Cervera,
ordering it to open fire on his position. The
order was obeyed and the last defenders of
Simancas barracks died in the flames.
In October the following year Franco’s
troops retook Gijón.
Were any of your relatives involved in the
Spanish Civil War? If so we would like to
hear from you. Please contact us at SBT or
Forgotten Veterans UK (FVUK) and tell us
all about it.
| 12 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

BRAND NEW
Patron to The Tommy Atkins Centre

The Tommy Atkins Centre
Tommy Atkins Centre November
Hi everyone. These past few weeks have gone
round so fast. And I’ve had a few soakings of late
due to the unpredictable weather here. Guess
autumn is in full swing now, and before we know it
Christmas will be upon us.
We’ve had quite a busy month here in Worcester,
seen some new faces through the doors too.
Combat Stress have been running their Peer
Mentoring group, and also been busy with their
clients.
We have a mask making workshop with the
Vamos Theatre coming up 20th/21st November.
I’m hoping I can make it to that one, for sure. Still
have a few places available if anyone else would
like to join in. Give me a ring if you’re interested.
We are so fortunate to have Dr David Muss
working with us here delivering his Rewind
Technique to those struggling with PTSD. It’s
pretty amazing to see the difference one or two
sessions has on people. You can find out more
about Rewind on The Sandbag Times website if
you’re interested. It’s definitely an avenue to
consider for help if you suffer from PTSD.
Before I go I’d just like to remind everyone that
when times are difficult you really don’t have to
face things on your own. We are always ready to
listen, and can guide you to any help available.
Don’t let things get to you. Talk to us. Come in
and have a cuppa and a chat. You are always
very welcome here.
Stay safe, and don’t forget to keep in touch with
that Brother or Sister who has been quiet for a
few days. Give them a quick call to see if they
are ok.
Jane xx
Website: www.tommyatkins.co.uk
Email: info@tommyatkins.co.uk
Also, if anyone would like to volunteer their time
to help man the centre on Tuesdays and
Thursdays 0930-1500 I promise to have kettle on
ready for you.
Tommy Atkins Centre To Launch
New Online Veterans Care System
The Tommy Atkins Veterans Centre, Worcester,
will shortly launch a new online method of
treating veterans with mental health issues
sich as PTSD.
The system will incorporates Dr David Muss’s
Rewind Trauma Therapy, an online delivery system
such as Skype and a brand new dedicated help
line.
does not require the patient to talk about the events
that have led to the illness. In other words, it is closure
without disclosure making the system safe
from recall issues.
It is hoped that the new system will be launched in
mid-November, around the same time as the centres
first anniversary. It is hoped that the Veterans
Online Rewind Therapy System (VORTS) will pave
the way for a new approach to treating veterans
without delay and ultimately reduce the growing
suicide trend.
The idea will be to intercept vulnerable, high risk
veterans on social media and give them instant
support and treatment. If successful, the service
could greatly reduce the current suicide rates by
providing effective assistance when required.
The new system will treat emergency situations as
well as offering a more private and easy way of
defeating the illnesses without leaving the clients
own home with a routine service. One of the great
benefits of the Rewind Trauma Therapy is that it
GET HELP NOW: Tommy Atkins Centre
01905 27825
| 14 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

TOMMY ATKINS CENTRE
Tommy Atkins Centre
Supporting Veterans in our Community
01905 813936
info@tommyatkins.co.uk
www.tommyatkins.co.uk
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 15 |

Army vets planning
‘witch hunt’ protest
"TERRORISTS are freely walking the streets while the
Government shamefully launches “a witch hunt” against heroic
Northern Ireland war veterans."
Suzanne Fernando and fellow veterans took to the city’s
Armed Forces Career Office at the same time as a major rally
took place across the UK.
The Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans (JFNIV) organised
the protests in response to a number of recent prosecutions
of former soldiers in relation to incidents during the region’s
sectarian conflict.
Along with fellow veterans Suzanne Fernando supported the
Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans group, by heading to
Glasgow to protest against the launching of criminal investigations
into historic alleged crimes committed by soldiers on the
front line. The Glasgow event was led by Veteran Suzanne
Fernando, as they stood outside the army careers office on
Queen Street, there banners reading “Justice for Northern
Ireland veterans” were displayed.
In an emotional speech delivered in front of the Army Careers
Office, Royal Military Police Veteran Suzanne Fernando, said:
“These actions by the British Government are a disgrace and
a betrayal to those of us who served. No British soldier ever
went on patrol with the intention of committing a crime, no
British soldier ever placed a bomb in a pub full of innocents
and no British soldier ever placed a bomb underneath a
police car. Yet the IRA continue to walk free, where is the justice
in that? I spoke with various reporters, photographers,
radio and local labour MP Paul Sweeney , about whats happening
to our veterans.
SUZANNE FERNANDO
War is a dirty, brutal business, no matter the
legal definition you give it, and over nearly 40
years, the troubles in Northern Ireland claimed
more than 3,500 lives. However, of the combatants,
for every paramilitary killed two members
of the armed forces and security services lost
their lives. And while I mourn the members of
our brave forces, I remain unapologetic for the
deaths of terrorists, who had criminally taken
up arms to force a change the majority in
Northern Ireland did not want! As far as I’m
concerned, those who live by the sword, often
die by the sword, and that is why it is so disgusting
that veterans now face prosecution. But
rather than being thanked, veterans today live
in fear of a knock at the door to be asked questions
about the events of a lifetime ago. And
the odds of being targeted in this post-conflict
'witch-hunt' seem to be growing. I served in the
armed forces and I’m appalled some veterans
in their 70's are being arrested and charged
with alleged killings in NI during the troubles.
This is despite the fact that over 90 per cent of
the deaths were carried out by terrorist paramilitaries
- why is nobody going after them? We need to bring
this nonsense to an end. During our time in Glasgow we witnessed
a great wave of support for our veterans. We’ve got
one angle in Northern Ireland getting away with everything but
British soldiers being dragged back to the courts. It’s totally
wrong. This is abuse against soldiers who fought in Northern
Ireland. There are hundreds of ex-soldiers being investigated.
That’s fine, but make sure they investigate the terrorists as
well. The government is wholly committed to finding a lawful,
fair, balanced and proportionate way forward for legacy issues
in Northern Ireland. We are also very mindful of the fact that
some 90 per cent of all deaths in the troubles were caused by
terrorists. Without new bodies to address the legacy of the
past, murders by terrorists won’t be investigated any time
soon and victims, including families of brave serviceman
killed, are less likely to see justice. Sadly many have suffered
with PTSD as a result of serving and took there own lives.
Something needs to change NOW".
One veteran, 75-year-old Dennis Hutchings, was woken up by
police in December, who charged him with the attempted
murder of an IRA suspect in 1974 while he was serving Queen
and country in Armagh. Many of our Veterans served in
Northern Ireland, should we be worried too? Are we going to
get woken in the early hours of the morning?
The Good Friday Agreement, signed off by Tony Blair, allowed
500 convicted terrorists linked to the IRA to walk free, something
seen as “a grave injustice” by ex-forces personnel who
are now watching their own colleagues face prosecution.
Veterans claim the vast majority of post-conflict charges relating
to Northern Ireland are being made against British soldiers,
not former IRA members who already have terrorism
offences to their name.
We want to try and encourage even more people to attend
this time so I'd be really grateful if you could share and attend.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/452848881788682/
https://www.facebook.com/events/307996559784981/
| 16 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

BRITISH TECH STARTUP SET TO
REVOLUTIONISE THE WAY WE
KEEP OUR VALUABLES SAFE
NORWICH, NORFOLK, UK – Geotekk founders James Sheppard and Matthew Leach were left
angered and frustrated having both been victims of bike theft. This frustration, compounded
by ever-rising theft levels, would lead them to launch a disruptive tech startup and develop the
ultimate smart alarm for bikes and motorbikes, Limpet.
Escalating bike and motorcycle theft statistics prove
that, nowadays, you need more than just a good lock
to stay safe. Whilst traditional locks make theft more
dif 昀 cult, they are easily overcome by savvy thieves.
Trackers offer connection to the owner via smartphone,
but they fail to act as an effective, visual theft deterrent.
Limpet addresses this gap, incorporating a piercing
audible alarm and powerful strobe lights designed
to draw maximum attention, whilst keeping the user
connected through its user-friendly app – with real-time
alerts and tracking, wherever they are.
Featuring autonomous geofence and accelerometer
attack triggers with various sensitivity options, users
can set the arming criteria appropriate for the situation.
For the very best protection, Limpet should be used
with the owner’s existing lock, cable or chain, creating
a thief’s worst nightmare – layers of security. However,
Limpet can be used independently if there’s nothing to
secure the item to or simply no need to use a lock.
In an increasingly fearful world, Geotekk was founded
with the belief that anything which serves to reduce
stress and anxiety in our lives enables us to be happier
and “live more”.
Having both had bikes stolen and experiencing 昀 rsthand
the stress theft causes, Matthew and James
made it their mission to create an affordable, bestin-class
smart alarm. The device would combine
and augment the most effective features of various
other security products in one aesthetically-superior
package. The goal was also to make the product as
versatile and multi-functional as possible, so various
bespoke mounting attachments will be available.
To accomplish this lofty ambition, Geotekk has
partnered with several established industry experts,
including LMEC Engineering, Lysander R&D, Wireless
Logic and Kwiboo – all highly regarded companies in
their respective 昀 elds.
Now, after 3 years of meticulous R&D and prototyping,
Limpet is 昀 nally ready to make its debut.
Founder, Matthew Leach commented: “After all
those years of hard work, challenges and problem
solving, it’s amazingly satisfying to have brought the
device through from concept to launch. As we were
determined not to make any compromises throughout
Limpet’s development, the process was far harder than
we ever imagined it would be. In close collaboration
with our strategic partners, we believe we’ve created
a market-leading, user-friendly, connected security
alarm. Limpet is effective, simple to use, 昀 t for the
world we live in, and ultimately, enables people to get
more out of doing the things they love.”
Consumers will be able to get their hands on the
device before anyone else and take advantage of
exclusive discounts, including a 50% off early-bird
offer, if they pre-order the product through the brand’s
Kickstarter campaign running from mid-November.
To be the 昀 rst to know when the exclusive early bird
offer goes live, people should join the mailing list via
Geotekk.com. Following Kickstarter, the product will
be available to order through the company’s website;
and with strong interest from national retailers,
Geotekk’s Limpet smart alarm looks set to disrupt
the IoT security market.
### ENDS ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: James Sheppard, Co-founder Phone: 07971 280051 Email: jsheppard@geotekk.com

Mental Health: External Quietness, Screaming Inside
What happens
after the success?
By Ben Williams
The ability to place my finger
upon the catalyst for my
problems was difficult. The
darkness within my mind was
suffocating, feeding my body
its feelings of bitterness,
anger, sadness, and pain. My
teeth were ground flat within
a tightly locked jaw that bit
hard on every emotion. Sleep
was broken, continuously
interrupted by nightmares
and flashbacks that stemmed
from bygone experiences.
The only escape was drinking,
self-harm, and violence.
The drink numbed the feelings
and emotions. Selfharming
helped to distract
the mind from its internal
struggles. Fighting was an
opportunity to release the bitter
rage and anger, and experience
a momentary
adrenaline fuelled high which
I deeply craved ever since the
battlefield. As sickening as
these moments were, they
were an uncontrollable side
effects and consequences of
an illness I knew nothing
about.
The combination of intoxicating
chemicals mixed with an
unstable mind was dangerous
for all, including myself.
There was no control or stability;
no pattern or habit; just
an uncontrollable downward
spiral of depression as I tried
to cling on in a desperate
attempt of survival. Every day
was a repeat of the last. A day
that would commence with
fatigue, tiredness, regret,
guilt, and often a hangover,
quickly followed by waves of
emotions that would violently
rock the boat of balance.
Why? Why was I feeling like
this? Why did no one else
around me seem to be suffering
like I was? I felt alone, and
that loneliness led to silence;
mentally shut off. We had all
experienced the same things.
Witnessing our friends being
maimed or killed. The bodies
of enemy combatants and
victims of war. Whether the
next patrol would be the last
one, and if the next step we
took would end our young
lives. My experiences were
no different to the next person,
but somehow, I felt isolated
within my own mind;
caged within a cell of emotions.
I wouldn't allow myself to be
the one who came forward as
the ‘weak one’, to put my
hand up and say I was suffering.
The bravado and hard
outer exterior that we wore as
Commandos wouldn’t
accommodate for that. So,
everything got stuffed away.
However, this wouldn’t last.
| 18 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

I felt like a glass bottle of fizzy drink, violently
shaken, pushing hard on every side
to release the intense pressures beneath
its surface. Before long, I was signed off
work, placed on a course of anti-depressants,
and admitted to a psychiatric unit
to speak with psychologists and therapists
who would help me with my problems.
But, there was always an underlying
question that would have me consider
my own life; whether to ‘soldier on or not’.
Years on I look back and reflect on this
time. A time where I was unrecognisable.
Somehow, I had come through, scarred,
but alive. Yet, I am a lucky one, as so
many before, and after me, can no longer
carry on, and fall to their dark thoughts of
ending their innocent lives.
For so long I had continued to hide away
my feelings and emotions from those
around me. I guarded myself behind a
wall that I allowed no one past. However,
I finally realised it wasn’t a wall I had to
allow people over. It was a wall I needed
to climb back over myself. A wall that hid
me from my former self. The only way to
climb it was acceptance and admittance
to my condition.
I found during this acceptance some of
the many reasons for why I was feeling
like I was. Some were hereditary. Some
were experiences within my youth and
adult life, and some were from combat.
But one reason stood out to me far more
than the rest. It was the sudden realisation
that I would never ever do again what
I had trained so hard to do in the first
place. I would never experience combat,
real time warfare operations. It was all
over, and for what I had trained so hard
for previously was now redundant. I in no
way advocate war and wish upon no person
to ever experience what my comrades,
other soldiers, and myself have
ever experienced. However, the matter of
the fact is that we would never go through
the rush, pride, and overwhelming experience
of what being a soldier for your
country brings. It isn’t the killing or violence,
it is the feeling of belonging,
togetherness, and being part of something
few have ever experienced.
Therefore, I now ask you as the reader,
why do you think many soldiers, athletes,
business execs, celebrities, chefs, stars,
and so on, fall off the wagon to mental
health problems, drugs and alcohol, selfharm,
and even suicide when their
careers come to an end. When the
moment comes to hang up the gloves,
stow away the boots, leave the business,
or walk away from Hollywood.
Those feelings that person once experienced
of standing on the podium, lifting
the trophy, closing the deal, or being the
centre of attention are gone. No one
cares about them, the tap is turned off,
and they suddenly realise they are nothing
more than a number; a drop in the
ocean many will forget when the next star
comes along.
Michael Phelps recently quoted, “I don’t
think there has been much help for when
an athlete retires”. “When we’re done it’s
kind of like we’re just moved along or
brushed aside because there’s somebody
else that’s coming up.” How must it
feel to no longer be wanted? To lack a
purpose that you have always known to
be there.
I recently attended a conference where
neuroscientist Ash Ranpura spoke as the
keynote, his presentation sparking deep
questions amongst all attending. Ash’s
words stunned the room into silence. “If
you take away a soldier’s ability to soldier,
then who are they, and what purpose do
they have?” A profound question that can
be widened across any industry or profession.
If a person suddenly feels they
are not worthy, have no belonging, or can
no longer do what they have always
known, then how can we ever question
why our veterans, celebrities, successful
people, and athletes are suffering? There
now seems more to it than just another
person who has slipped off the rails of
life; another ‘legend’ who has killed themselves.
The subject of mental health is broad,
and there are vast amounts of reasons
why people suffer. I in no way in this article
intend to say it is just one thing and
am acutely aware of the depth mental
health goes to. What I do look to provoke,
and ask yourself, is our approach to such
people from almost institutionalised backgrounds
correct? Simply helping someone
find a new direction, a new vision, a
new sense of belonging could be the difference
to them staying on the rails.
We are all accountable for our own lives.
Yet, sometimes those that have known
nothing else but one thing in life, need
help discovering a new path. My mental
health issues are still there, but I have a
new vision and direction in helping others.
To help people transition, find their
new direction, and gain that feeling of
reward and belonging all over again. We
should all play our part, and through this,
we may all just help bring down the next
statistics.
Accommodation Support
For Further Details:
Tel: 01746 833797/ 830191/ 872940
Fax: 01746 835774
Catterick Mil: 94731 2940
www.spaces.org.uk
www.riverside.org.uk
Email: spaces@riverside.org.uk
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk
19 |

REMEMBRANCE SPECIAL
SBT Remembrance 100
Special Sold Out But
Online Edition Available
Well, we’ve sold out of hard
copies on our Remembrance
100 Special and believe it or
not, we only finoished it a few
days ago. However, all is not
lost. It is still possible to
obtain a digital copy via the
website.
There is, however a donation
required. How much is up to
you. I would suggest anything
from £1 to £1,000,000
depending on how generous
you are but anything in
between is fine. Seriously
though, we do ask for a small
donation for the magazine as
all proceeds are going to the
Tommy Atkins Centre.
The magazine follows the
route of my poem ‘A Tale of
Remembrance’ starting from
the First World War right up
to the present day as far as
my research has told me.
There is also articles from our
regular writers as well as a
special tribute to our lost
brother ‘Robby’
McRobb who sadly
passed away recently.
There is also a wonderful
tribute from
our Patron and
BTCC Star Matt Neal and the
Tommy Atkins Centre Patron
and War Poppy Artist
Jacqueline Hurley.
To get your copy simply go
to this link
URBAN PRINTS
Proud Sponsors of
The Sandbag Times
The SBT would like to
welcome Urban Prints,
Worcester as an official sponsor
for our magazine.
Urban Prints
Unit 7 The Gallery,
The Shambles,
Worcester
WR1 2RA
GET HELP NOW: NHS England S/West
0300 365 0300
| 20 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

THE D-DAY DARLINGS
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 21 |

The D-Day Darlings
The New Forces Sweethearts
One quiet Sunday morning in October, an email
arrived on my desktop asking me to listen to a
new album from s group of girls singing war
time songs. Five minutes later, I realised that I had
never regretted missing ‘Britains Got Talent’ so much in
my life.
The D-Day Darlings are simply brilliant. To quote
Simon Cowell on ‘Britains Got Talent’ they are very
classy. In fact, rarely have I seen and heard such a
wonderful tribute to our veterans. The only person
who has done better is Dame Vera Lynn herself.
Since that Sunday morning, I have taken great interest
in the wonderful group. I have followed their journey
on BGT and the shows they perform around the country.
Thanks to Youtube, their performances and their
story is there for everyone to see. Well worth it!
But I needed to know where they come from and how
they came to be. So I shall let the girls explain all but it
would be worth knowing that next month, once the
busy Remembrance season is over, we shall be featuring
an interview with Katie Ashby, the founder of the D-
Day Darlings. Something I am very much looking forward
to.
The D-Day Darlings - Their Story
Katie formed The D Day Darlings in 2008, with a love of
nostalgia and a hugely giving nature, creating a group
that remembers fallen heroes and allows thousands of
people to relive the memories of an unforgettable era
through such beautiful and heartfelt music was the perfect
combination.
Katie worked tirelessly, with great dedication and determination,
and the group, originally formed as wartime
trio, went from strength to strength. With their popularity
growing, with young and old alike, and demand for
the group becoming greater, more Darlings were
signed up to join the growing army of Darlings, to continue
their mission to keep the wartime spirit alive and
into the new generation.
Katie joined forces with The Royal British Legion and
The Darlings became official fundraisers for the RBL,
raising thousands of pounds each year to assist the
legion in their work and when Dame Vera Lynn gave
her endorsement of the groups work, The D-Day
Darlings truly became the UK’s most loved sweethearts
and their popularity grew even further.
Bringing the true spirit of the wartime era alive, The D-
Day Darlings sing the heartfelt harmonies that kept
Britain smiling through its darkest times with popular
WW2 songs such as We'll Meet Again, I'll Be Seeing
| 22 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

THE D-DAY DARLINGS
You, Land of Hope and Glory, and Bless
Em’ All.
Wearing original WRAF uniforms, the
delightful darlings can perform against a
backdrop of original 1940's film footage,
taking the audience on a journey into
the heart of an era where troops were
being serenaded by the likes of ‘Dame
Vera Lynn’, who is an advocate of the
show. Also proudly supported by The
Royal British Legion, the Forces’
favourite sweethearts do their bit for our
nation’s heroes with each performance,
having raised almost £40,000 to help the
charity so far.
The D-Day Darlings boast a long list of
major credits including The Imperial War
Museum, The Black Country Museum,
The RBL's Festival of Remembrance,
Royal Hospital Chelsea and RAF
Cosford’s Veterans Parade. Perfect for
any military or forties-themed event, they
create the atmosphere of wartime Britain
with authentic 40s glamour, quality
vocals and professionalism.
In June this year, the D-Day Darlings
took the country by storm by going all
the way to the final of ‘Britains Got
Talent’. Regardless of not winning the
final, the girls certainly stamped themselves
into Britains hearts with a faultless
rendition of ‘There’ll be Bluebirds over
the white cliffs of Dover’. I personally
think this was certainly not the career
peak of the D-Day Darlings. So much
more good things to come.
We are also very pleased to announce
that there will be an album release from
The D-Day Darlings ‘I’ll Remember You’
on Friday 9th November 2018 with some
amazing songs of that bygone era plus
two original songs.
To find out more about the girls, visit
their website: ddaydarlings.co.uk
The D-Day Darlings
Their new album
‘I’ll Remember You’
Out
Friday 9th November 2018
Pre-order your copy now
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 23 |

Co-commissioners: London International Mime Festival
Co-producers: Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Production sponsors: Arts Council England (Grants for the Arts), Worcestershire
County Council, The Elmley Foundation, Worcestershire Arts Partnership.
| 24 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

KEVIN LLOYD-THOMAS
Kevin Lloyd-Thomas
An Introduction to the new SBT Writer
and his Brand new Book ‘Beat PTSD.
Recently, I had the complete pleasure to
speak to Kevin Lloyd-Thomas. Kevin has
recently written a book called ‘Beat PTSD’
which he has written through his own personal
experiences. Kevin will shortly be writing
for the SBT all the way from Australia,(very
much looking forward to that) but in the
mean time let’s learn a little about Kevin.
Kevin is an author, military veteran, successful
in business areas, including real estate.
His military career began
in 1966 when he joined
the Australian Army. He
was posted
to the Infantry Corps, and
sent to Vietnam in 1967,
two weeks after his 19th
birthday, where he served
as a forward scout, rifleman,
and machine gunner
in the 2nd Battalion of the
Royal Australian
Regiment.
He volunteered for a second
tour of duty, serving
as a rifleman and forward
scout with the 4th
Battalion of the Royal
Australian Regiment.
Kevin then served as a
section commander in the
2nd D&E Platoon, a platoon
that became quite
controversial in its short existence, but even
45 years later, still causes bitter and hostile
debate.
After completing his second tour of duty,
Kevin served for two years as an infantry
instructor with the 3rd Training Battalion.
Prior to leaving the Army, Kevin prepared
himself for civilian life. He studied at night to
earn his Marketing Certificate and went to
work for J Blackwood and Son Ltd as a management
trainee. Later he began his career in
the computer industry, then after almost three
years of soul destroying unemployment,
found a career in real estate sales, then as a
mortgage broker.
Unsurprisingly, Kevin was diagnosed with
chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder relating
to the time he spent in Vietnam. It took
him nearly ten years, but he ultimately took
control of his PTSD.
In his spare time, Kevin enjoys sailing, ocean
racing, surfing, and scuba diving. His volunteer
activities involved working with Sailability,
and Sailors with disabilities.
His professional and social associations
include the Royal Australian Regiment
Association, Vietnam Veterans Association,
Queensland, Returned Serviceman’s League,
Southport Returned Serviceman’s League
Sub-branch, Combined Services Club Subbranch,
Mates4Mates, the Southport Yacht
Club and the Southport Surf Club.
Kevin has travelled and worked throughout
Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines,
Vanuatu, Fiji, Bali, the United Kingdom, the
USA, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland,
Austria, the Netherlands, Italy and Sweden.
Kevin Lloyd-Thomas is the author of Beat
PTSD and lives on the Gold Coast,
Queensland, Australia.
Have You Walked A Mile Yet?
OP WAMITS
GET HELP NOW: NHS England South East
020 3317 6818
| 26 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

HAVE FAITH
Balance Your Wheel of Life...
Here’s a bit of a weird one. We were talking about the wheel of life
the other day and how, if one part of your cirlce becomes damaged,
neglected or just forgotten about then your ride in life can become
unstable.
I can almost hear you saying “What on earth is this idiot going on
about now?”. Well, I’ll explain. There are many parts of our life
which make us what we are. Family, friends, work, rest, recreation,
love, health, the list goes on depending on our personal circumstances.
When each one works in harmony, life is good, the wheel
turns smoothly and we sit in our perfect world. If only...
We can do the same in our own wheel of life. Obviously banging a
wheel weight to your head is not the answer but repairing the part
which is out of balance will ensure your ride is smooth even though
the wheel is not perfect. If I can explain with a practical example,
recently I have had a few health issues which have knocked me off
my normal track, ignoring the problem meant my work, sleep, family
life were all affected but after a visit to the doctor where he
banged on my virtual balance weight in the form of some medication
and further investigations gave me peace of mind to get things
back into balance. Yes, things are not perfect but I’ve balanced out
my imperfect wheel so things are a little more smooth.
Take a look at the Wheel of Life on the left, and score yourself honestly
between 1 - 10 per section. Draw a line across the section
with the outer line being 10 and the centre of the circle being 0 and
then take a look at where you need to add a balance weight to
smooth off your own personal life ride. If you have trouble finding
your balance weights, why not take a look at the spiritual wheel
above. Plenty of guidance can be found here. As I’ve said before
this is just my own personal way of making sense of these things.
I do hope that these passages make as much sense to you as they
do to me. Have faith in yourselves, God bless until next month.
Our lives are rarely perfect. In fact I can put my hand on my heart
and say I don’t know anyone that has a perfect life. But that doesn’t
mean to say we can’t balance our lives to make it the best as possible.
When you take your car in to service, the mechanics will balance
your wheels. They spin, what looks like a perfectly round wheel, on
a machine that shows where it is off balance. The mechanic will
then rectify it by banging a weight on to the wheel to get the perfect
balance and return the road drive to a smooth experience.
GET HELP NOW: NHS England North
0191 441 5974
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 27 |

Pegasus Overland Expedition
Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
By John Proffitt
In 1968 traversing the deserts emerged as
one of the last frontiers to be conquered as
Sir Francis Chichester had sailed solo around
the world in a yacht, Captain Ridgeway and
Chay Blyth rowed the Atlantic and Sir
Edmund Hillary crossed the Antarctic over
ice.
Three former soldiers of 12/13th Battalion The
Parachute Regiment from Liverpool, John
Proffitt, John Doran, John Bate with two other
keen adventurers Tom McCormack and Victor
Parkinson took up the challenge and set off
to traverse thousands of miles over deserts
and unsealed tracks across the world in a
Land Rover Long wheel base Series II.
At the last minute the Government of the day
put a spoke in the wheel by placing a freeze
on money going out of the country allowing
just 50 pounds sterling per person which
barely covered the day to day running costs.
However funds could be drawn in sterling
areas .
At the time there was a lot of interest in this
expedition and on achieving success would
be referred to as a geographical footprint for
crossing great distances over open deserts
while crossing the world in a continuous journey.
This took place when there was no GPS,
Internet or Mobile Telephones as they had not
been invented. Also man had not stepped
foot on the moon. The soldiers relied on old
maps and compass settings as information to
travel across deserts was scarce or didn’t
exist. What set this apart from any other
expedition was it travelled most of the way
over deserts and was self-sufficient for taking
the majority of its own food provisions along
in dehydrated rations similar to WWII 24hr
military ration packs.
Crossing over deserts was not encouraged in
the Middle Eastern countries as there was
concern travellers may not make it across
deserts. Short distances took place by local
| 28
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

PEGASUS OVERLAND EXPEDITION
tribes with camel trains. In the event a vehicle
encountered mechanical problems it
could take up to several weeks to walk out
from the desert in dry conditions. In the
deserts of Afghanistan and Iran the men were
kept vigilant as gunfire was regular occurrence
close to borders of both countries at
night time as bandits or smugglers attempted
to cross over or hold unsuspecting persons
in the area.
The expedition also experienced earthquake
in Yugoslavia and Turkey, and as they headed
South East of India missed a tsunami where a
wave of ocean came in from West Bengal to
Calcutta leaving the city under two metre of
water. They encountered monsoon floods
and assisted Indian villagers by towing their
truck full of bananas back onto the road.
They were most thankful as this was their
main crop of the season.
After travelling through Europe, Middle East
and South East Asia the expedition arrived in
Western Australia ahead of the first London to
Sydney Car Rally before driving across
Australia. It then went on to New Zealand the
country furthest distance south. On completion
of reaching its destination the expedition
received numerous acknowledgements by
renowned adventurers, world leaders including
General Michael Walsh and Sir Edmund
Hillary.
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 29 |

WWTW
the walk of their choice, wearing the hats, to
raise awareness and money for those who
served.
Military charities join forces to give hope to
Veterans this Christmas
Help for Heroes and Walking With The
Wounded partner up on Christmas fundraising
event
Today Matalan have been announced as
the principal sponsor for the collaboration
The three British brands hope to join
forces and make this year bigger than ever
Leading military charities Walking With The
Wounded (‘WWTW’) and Help for Heroes are
to join forces this winter to support hundreds
more veterans and their families who will be
struggling this Christmas.
Earlier this year HRH Duke Of Sussex
announced that more collaboration was
needed within the military sector to provide
better support for the Armed Forces and veteran
communities.* WWTW and Help for
Heroes, who have been working together
delivering recovery programmes since 2012
are honouring Prince Harry’s vision by collaborating
even further via a joint fundraising
campaign, Walking Home For Christmas to
pay for vital support for veterans at risk,
including those who are unemployed or
struggling with their mental health.
Today, the British fashion and homeware
retailer Matalan was announced as the headline
sponsor of the fun walking challenge,
Walking Home for Christmas, and hopes to
encourage the nation to lace up their boots
and organise a fundraising walk in their community.
With over 200 stores nationwide and
a loyal customer base who are also active
supporters of our
nation’s wounded
veterans** the partnership
is a natural
fit for Matalan’s
customers.
Participants can
register for the walk
online for free and
upon registration
will receive a Santa
hat in the post.
Between 13 – 23
December, registered
friends and
colleagues will walk
The campaign is now in its fifth year and has
so far raised more than £1m for those who
served and are in need of support. The
longest walk to date was by a grandmother
in Suffolk walking 400 miles to visit a family
member in Northern Ireland in honour of her
serving grandson. Other walks have included
people carrying their Christmas tree home,
collecting a turkey from a farm on foot and
getting old regimental colleagues back
together for a walk.
Walking With The Wounded CEO, Ed Parker
said: “Both our organisations are helping the
same person. We help them in different
ways. We reach them in different ways. But
essentially the veterans and their families are
the people we’re all supporting. We really
hope that people can come together on this
and make it a huge success. We think that
by working together we can make Walking
Home For Christmas bigger, better and raise
even more money.”
Help for Heroes CEO, Mel Waters said: “It
makes absolute sense that while we work on
recovery together we also fundraise together.
It’s something that we’re proud to do given
the nature of our partnership.
“We know that social isolation can become
an issue, particularly if you don’t have a family
at Christmas time. You can feel really
removed from society and often need a little
bit more support. We want to make a difference
together and I really hope the public
get behind this.”
Mr Parker added: “I believe that out of these
walks over the last few years, and I’ve done
some big walks, it’s all about the camaraderie.
It’s about the impact that we know
we’re having and it’s a time when one can
reflect and feel you’re doing something.”
Jason Hargreaves, Matalan’s CEO said:
“Matalan is proud to be sponsoring such an
important event and collaboration. The point
of, Walking Home for Christmas is not just
raising funds for an amazing cause, which is
important - but also bringing communities
together and supporting individuals at a very
tough time of the year. It’s important we
recognise that and remind people that support
is available and that as communities we
can be there for each other. That’s why we’re
honoured to be title sponsors of this year’s
event.”
To find out more please visit
www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com
#WalkingHomeForChristmas
| 32 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

Short Stories for the Good Guys in The Army
I have published a short story collection with
13 Army stories that take place from 1967 to
1973. There are 5 main characters who
served in South Vietnam or South Korea. This
collection has the most recent versions of the
short stories that I previously published as
separate Kindle eBooks.
One of the characters plays guitar and writes
country western songs. I included lyrics to 5
of my own songs. There are also 20 color
images. My son Alan created the book cover.
For the background, he took a photo of an
Army uniform and then applied an Armybrass
look to the letters. The cover photo,
taken in South Vietnam, is in the public
domain.
https://www.amazon.com/Real-Piece-Work-
Short-…/…/B01GNGCMS2…
UK Veterans Hearing Help
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 33 |

Veterans
Raffle
Help us support our
Armed Forces and
Emergency Services Veterans
Join now at
www.veteransraffle.uk
YES Society are the promoter of the Veterans Raffle
Licensed & regulated by the Gambling Commission. Licence 37221. BeGambleAware 18+

Veterans Breakfast Clubs
The VBC Website has now been revamped/redesigned and is now live. There are
several new features including a Post Code search facility that brings up the five
nearest Breakfast Clubs to your Post Code, and we now have a News feature and
links to the current issues of the Sandbag Times and much more. To make it easier
for people to get to it, funds have been made available to allow the acquisition of
more domain names.
The new address is www.afvbc.co.uk and the old address is pointed at the new site.
The main alteration is that the email addresses have changed from:
Support@VeteransBreakfastClubs.co.uk
to
Support@AFVBC.co.uk
SANDBAG TIMES AFVBC OFFER
As many of you, in the AFVBC world may know,
the Sandbag Times is now available as a printed
edition. Unlike the online edition, we cannot
offer the printed copies for free as we have to
pay for expensive printing costs and obviously,
the postage. However, we have done some
number crunching and we are pleased to say we
can send out packs of 5 magazines for £20.00.
Unfortunately, we regret that we cannot send out
single copies at this time, hopefully that will
change in the near future as the SBT grows.
The prints are of excellent and professional
standard with 250gsm covers and 130gsm
pages with stunning colour and graphics. If you
would like to order monthly magazines for your
club or send in entries, then please email us at
info@sandbagtimes.com This printed copy will
be used to support the Tommy Atkins Veterans
Centre in Worcester.
GET HELP NOW: Return To The Tribe
AFVBC.net
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk
35|

Bristol Armed Forces and Veterans
Breakfast Club provides a hearty meal
and a haven for veterans
Once a month, a group of friends get together
for a hearty breakfast and to chat about
everything from the football to what their family
have been up to.
But it is more than just a chance for old mates
to catch up.
The Sunday morning meeting at the
Kingswood Colliers pub in Bristol is actually a
lifeline for former soldiers, without which
many would be left struggling with isolation.
The Bristol Armed Forces & Veterans
Breakfast Club provides a place where ex-servicemen
can meet others, share experiences
and find the comradeship so many miss after
leaving the military.
The group of around 15 meets once a month
at the pub in Kingswood, which provides free
tea and coffee and a room decorated with
regimental flags for the morning.
Jane Ager, who organises the meetings, said
that many of the men arrive struggling to
cope with civilian life.
She said: “We have people of all different
ages, men who served in Iraq and
Afghanistan, and old boys from World War II,
but they all have one thing in common.
“They find a place where there are like-minded
people who understand and support them,
and that can make a huge difference.
“A man came in who suffers from serious
post-traumatic stress disorder. He was visibly
anxious and worried about fitting it, but soon
relaxed when the squaddie banter began and
he realised he wasn’t on his own any more.”
The Bristol breakfast club is one of several in
the southwest, and one of over 270 around
the UK, which bring together ex-servicemen,
from World War II veterans to young men who
have recently left the Army after tours of Iraq
and Afghanistan.
The clubs aim to tackle the isolation many former
soldiers feel once they leave service, giving
them back a sense of belonging which
many feel they lost once they returned to
civvy street.
Jane said: “Most soldiers go in to the armed
forces when they are teenagers, and when
they come to the end of their service have
never been a civilian.
“They’ve never made the transition from child
to civilian adult, or learned how to live independently.
They end up feeling isolated,
struggling with depression and unable to
cope with normal life.
“Breakfast clubs help just by putting them
together with people who know how they feel,
and who support each other.
“It’s such a simple thing but for many of those
who attend it has made the vital difference to
their lives.”
38 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk
| 36 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

Veterans Breakfast Clubs
‘Mesothelioma UK – Supporting Our
Armed Forces’ at Leicester AFVBC
Liz Darlison, Head of Services for
Mesothelioma UK, a charity and national
resource centre, was recently invited to the
Leicester Armed Forces and Veterans
Breakfast Club (AFVBC) to share information
on a new service for veterans and armed
forces personnel.
This service is called ‘Mesothelioma UK -
Supporting our Armed Forces’ and the
AFVBC provided the perfect setting to speak
with members.
In 2016, Mesothelioma UK applied for funding
through a grant to support a specialist service
for armed forces personnel and veterans who
have been affected by mesothelioma, the
asbestos related cancer. The funding is supporting
a three-year project, aimed at raising
awareness of the disease and establishing a
shared approach to providing information
and support for Armed Forces personnel and
veterans.
Key facts and figures:
• The UK has the highest incidence of
mesothelioma in the world with around 2,700
cases per year
• 84% of those diagnosed are male
• The average age for someone
diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma
is 75 years
• Currently eight veterans per
month are claiming war pension
due to a diagnosis of mesothelioma*
*Statistics from They WorkFor You
open data from UK Parliament
The Mesothelioma UK -
Supporting Our Armed Forces
service:
• provides a specialist mesothelioma
nurse, based in Southampton
• provides a finance and benefits
advisor who can deal specifically
with Armed Forces personnel and
veterans
• works with multiple organisations
and healthcare professionals,
responsible for meeting the healthcare
needs of Armed Forces personnel
and veterans
• has developed a range of information
resources to raise awareness of the disease
within the Armed Forces and military personnel
community
• includes the launch of a Facebook group
specifically for the Armed Forces patients and
their family and friends -
www.facebook.com/groups/mesoukarmedforces
• is undertaking a comprehensive research
programme
If you’re a serving member of the Armed
Forces, a veteran, mesothelioma patient, family
member or carer or from an Armed Forces
partner organisation and want to find out
more, please contact our helpline or visit the
website:
Tel: 0800 169 2409
Email: info@mesothelioma.uk.com
Web: www.mesothelioma.uk.com
Photo: Liz Darlison, Head of Services for
Mesothelioma UK with ex Coldstream
Guards, Stephen Corrall and Royal
Engineers, Russ Hillier.
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 37 |

Information
A word from the Ed
Ways to find us
Somebody please surgically
remove this PC from my line of
sight. I’ve had enough!! Only
joking. It has been a long few
weeks though, finally finishing
off the Remembrance 100 Special
Edition and then moving straight
on to this one. Where does it
end?!!
Quite a mix of stuff in this edition
with our centre spread belonging
to the BGT finalists ‘D-Day
Darlings’. We have lots of shorter
stories but for me, the big news is
found on the Tommy Atkins page
where we go into partnership with
Dr David Muss to produce the
Veterans Online Rewind Therapy
System, or VORTS for short. We
are truly hoping that this system
could go a long way to reducing
suicides amongst veterans.
Talking of Veterans suicides, it
was good to see the British press
getting behind us over the past
weekend. The story was initiated
by the Sunday Times who had a
little assistance from a certain
well known Veterans magazine
and then on to the rest of the
newspaper world. We have it on
good authority that we will be in
the Sunday Times this week
explaining how we help veterans
in the various ways were we dip
our pinkies.
It was also nice to have a bit of a
round up of the BTCC for 2018
where we have been following
our Patron, Matt and team mate
Dan Cammish. Team Dynamics,
although entered a tough season
with a brand new car certainly
made their mark. Roll on next
year, eh.
Well, that’s it for November. I
hope you all have a great
Remembrance period what ever
you are doing and we look
forward to our Christmas edition
with a bit of fun and games. See
you all next month. Pabs x
The Sandbag Times
www.sandbagtimes.com
thesandbagtimes
@thesandbagtimes
info@sandbagtimes.com
“Bob, put that bloody fag out.”
A SONG FOR A HERO
“The Brand New Rock Opera which tells the truth of what
happens to our heroes when the killing ends. Packed with
incredible songs, breathtaking graphics and an emotional
rollercoaster of a story that will leave you asking
questions for a long time to come.”
Where Do They Go...
...When the Killing Ends
| 38 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

Squaddie Humour
Squaddie Humour
A brand new section celebrating the warped
sense of humour of our British Armed Forces
The British Army Telephone
Answering Machine
“Thank you for calling the British Army. I am sorry but all
our units are out at the moment, or are otherwise
engaged. Please leave a message with your country of
origin, name of organisation, the region, the specific crisis
and a number to call you.”
“As soon as we have sorted out the Balkans, Northern
Ireland, The Firemen, Iraq 2, marching up and down bits
of tarmac in London and equal opportunities training, we
will return your call.”
“If your enquiry concerns a situation that can be resolved
by a bit of grey funnel, bunting, flag waving and a really
good marching band, please write WELL in advance to
the First Sea Lord, The Admiralty, London.”
“If your enquiry is not urgent. Press 2 for the Allied Rapid
Reaction Corps.”
“If you are interested in joining the Army and wish to be
shouted at, paid little, have premature arthritis, train to be
a fire-fighter, execute regime changes in hot places, put
your wife and family in a condemned hut miles from civilisation,
and be prepared to work your arse off daily with
leave being cancelled at short notice, whilst watching the
treasury erode your original conditions of service and
career – your call will be connected to a bitter, passedover
recruiting Sergeant in a grotty shop out of town.”
“Thank you for calling the British Army!”
“Please speak after the tone, or if you require more
options, please listen to the following.”
“If your crisis is small and close to the sea, press 1 for
the Royal Marines.”
“If your problem is distant, with a tropical climate and
good hotels, and can be solved by a few low risk – low
level bombing runs, press # for the Royal Air Force. –
Please note this service is not available after 16:30 or at
weekends.”
Back issues of The Sandbag Times are available to download here
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 39 |

MRS FOX GOES TO WAR
Mrs Fox Goes
To War...
The Chronicles of Little Hope
1939 - 1945
Hilda Ffinch:
The Bird With All The Answers
Hilda Ffinch, Little Hope's very own Agony
Aunt (page 5 of the Little Hope Herald) was
easily bored and terribly rich. She loved nothing
better than taking on the problems of others
and either sorting them out or claiming
that she'd never heard of them if it all went tits
up and they had to leave the district under
cover of darkness having followed her sage
advice.
Letter of the Month
Dear Ms Ffinch,
I seem to have developed a slight infatuation with
our parish vicar - the reverend Longbottom.
I am sure he has realised that I have taken a fancy
to him as he takes flight to the vestry whenever
he sees me. I have no idea what has come over
me, but with all the men of the village fighting the
great fight, the reverend has become somewhat
of a tempting proposition.
What can I do to still my beating heart?
Sincerely, Miss Virginia Hotfoot
Dear Miss Hotfoot,
This month’s letter comes from Miss Isabel
Ringer and touches on the vicar’s bell rope
and clappers...
I’m very much afraid, my dear, that the Reverend
Longbottom - currently ‘on loan’ to Greater Hope
from the Parish of Rotherham as their own vicar
is in the Sheffield Infirmary recovering from a particularly
debilitating bout of genuflector’s palsy - is
a man of great moral fibre (and superbly firm
thighs) and is therefore most unlikely to return
your affections. No. Not if you were Mary
Magdalen herself with a fluffy towel in one hand
and a chicken dinner in the other. The man will
not succumb to your feminine wiles no matter
how fast your heart is beating, and should you
contrive to hyperventilate and pass out in the
aisle, then I believe that the verger of Greater
Hope, the redoubtable Mrs Nellie Stocks, is well
trained in first aid and will be on you like a starving
alley cat on a particularly succulent kipper.
I myself have witnessed the Reverand
Longbottom shinning up the ladder into the
church tower of Saint Venereal’s on several occasions
when he has a mind to polish his much coveted
bell clappers. All credit to the man, he’s up
there like a ferret up a drainpipe and clearly has
an impressively firm grip with those delightfully
manly hands of his. Being the Christian woman
| 40 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk

THE CHRONICLES OF LITTLE HOPE
that I am, and out of concern for his personal safety,
I have often stood directly underneath his dangling
trap door with my eyes raised my eyes heavenwards
whilst he’s at it and let me assure you that
the dear man asserts his authority over temptations
of the flesh by the wearing of a pair of jolly tight
hand-knitted wire-wool undercrackers which – I am
sure – completely oppose all enticement of a sexual
nature in the most efficient and uncomfortable
manner.
So efficient and uncomfortable in fact, that I hear
that Mrs Titty Grocock has taken to leaving a small
pot of her calendula ointment ‘for the relief of
severe chaffing’ on the vicarage doorstep along with
a couple of spears of asparagus and a small dish of
oysters of an evening.
I am also reliably informed that our very own
Reverend Fishwick has been on hand to offer his
saintly colleague advice on fending off sex-starved
harpies, Lord only knows that the good man has
suffered enough of that nonsense himself. To this
end, please note that the electrical work in the
church at Greater Hope last week has resulted - on
the advice of our vicar - in the wiring of the pulpit
steps to the mains for the purposes of safety once
the Reverend Longbottom is firmly ensconced and
has his psalms out. Please therefore resist any
attempt to prostrate yourself before him mid flow,
as it were, lest you be shot through with an electrical
charge of Biblical proportions and catapulted in
the general direction of Sheffield.
Anglican Men of God, Miss Palpitating Hotfoot, are
put on this earth to lead us away from temptation
and not directly into it, and utter shame on you for
thinking any different. With this in mind, might I
suggest that you have a firm word with your wanton
self and take a cold bath whilst wearing a hair shirt
and a chastity belt on a Sunday morning before
kneeling with bowed head on the poor man’s overstuffed
hassocks? You might also like to consider
taking a drop of holy water with your gin, I’m eighty
percent certain that it won’t cause you to choke or
disappear in a puff of smoke, thunderbolts being
rare at in St Venereal's since the erection of the
Bishop's splendid lightning rod in 1926.
If you’d like Hilda Ffinch, The Bird With All The
Answers to address your own wartime problem,
then pop along to
https://www.mrsfoxgoestowar.co.uk/hilda-finchagony-aunt
to subject your personal crisis to her (hopefully)
sober scrutiny. Remember to give yourself a suitable
wartime alias! Letters will be answered online
and a selection of them published in next month’s
Sandbag Times.
Yours judgingly,
Hilda Ffinch,
The Bird With All The Answers
p.s. Mrs Grocock’s ointment is available from the
Jubilee Stores in the High Street for tuppence a jar
should the chastity belt start chaffing a bit but if you
are truly repentant for your lascivious thoughts then
you really ought to just grin and bear it for at least a
week. Do make the effort, there's a dear.
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 41 |

TO ORDER PLEASE CALL: 01226 734222
ORDER ONLINE: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
PEN AND SWORD BOOKS LTD
47 CHURCH STREET • BARNSLEY • SOUTH YORKSHIRE • S70 2AS

Poetry Corner
Valerie Ellis
This is a poem I wrote with personal experience of supporting
a Veteran who is struggling with his Employers. Highly qualified
and talented, the organisation is totally unsupportive and
has no understanding of their obligation regarding the Forces
Covenant. His personal journey I am sure reflects many ex
forces who go into Civvie life highly qualified but the impact of
PTSD and subsequent health issues are not recognised.
They have no clue,
What I been through
They fail to understand.
They do not try
To see my why
And fail to comprehend.
My pain is real
It’s so surreal
They fail to understand.
I did my duty
Tall and Proud
Though my own world
Passed into Cloud.
My daughter, wife
Were faced with strife
But I still served.
I left them both
As duty called
That’s what we do
But now they want to
Lecture me
On my new reality
I struggle with my civvie life
But have the skills to save a life
Why don’t they just
Give me a break
Stop waving rule books
In my face.
I won’t give up my fight
Because I know I’m right.
If they won’t listen, make amends,
I will move on, wont sing their song
They are not my friends.
I’m strong
Look out
In Memory Of Sons And Brothers
Letter writing every day
Five of them had gone astray
Lost to us our Brothers dear
Mother never gave up hope
Then pain it seemed hard
Tolled so much to carry on
But what of us so small?
We battled through it all
But finally it proved too much
Our Mother passed away in pain
Our loss and never knowing
What of them became
Our Father couldn’t cope you see
He died they said, so what of we
Were sent away and separated
Family life was dissipated
But then I knew he had not died
But sent away they all had lied
He couldn’t cope you see
And had to flee to sanctuary
POETRY CORNER
In memory of a wonderful Nan, and all those who lost their
lives in WW1 - Valerie Ellis
PTSD By Valerie Ellis
Sights and sounds and smell,
Body parts, this place is hell.
Missiles, guns, attacks all round,
Then silence and there is no sound.
On drugs and drink, no sleep
In debt, in rehab, noises creep.
Help for Heroes pitied me,
But could not help you see.
Getting clean, was my way out,
One day, my life was turned about.
2 Missionaries that had followed me,
Came to my rescue, they could see.
I needed help, or woe is me,
My saviours, they turned out to be.
I knew, at last, what I must do,
So, with their help, I saw it through.
Now clean, I moved again to ask,
For help as I did in the past.
Help for Heroes welcomed me,
Support I had that set me free.
Now I have found my place in life,
Through all the struggle and the strife.
From Military, to Civvy Street,
From a dark place, I came to meet.
Myself, at last, as Priest.
www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 43 |