STAND TO

07/09/2026

Folks an event to support if you are in the area, get yourself along to this Veteran Friendly Care Home, share some stories with Veterans who need that special camaraderie.

06/09/2026

Any of our Veteran Community got friends leaving service shortly - here’s an event for them . #

05/09/2026

The wonderful people at Belper RBL have some events to keep you occupied in September , pop down and see what’s going in - always a warm welcome and a great facility

Here’s our daytime offer for September … a little bit late…. we’ve been busy decorating - why not pop in to see what we’re up to? Everyone welcome

04/09/2026

Just a reminder to you folks out there if you are suffering don’t do it in silence. On this poster are other agencies who can help out of hours.

03/09/2026

What a great Mess Group yesterday at the Veterans Community Hub for our Chesterfield meet up - loads of brews, banter and general frivolity was has had.
Next date is 7th October , if you are a Veteran come along and see what we are all about.

02/09/2026

Our first September Webinar is complete! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today to learn more about STAND TO, our journey so far, and the support we provide to Derbyshire's Armed Forces community.

It was fantastic to celebrate the incredible team behind STAND TO, showcasing the wealth of experience, knowledge and passion they bring to their roles every day. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment make a real difference to the veterans and families we support.

📅 Next Wednesday we're covering; Understanding Military Transition

Missed today's webinar? Don't worry. Our webinar series continues every Wednesday throughout September, with a range of topics designed to raise awareness and build understanding of the Armed Forces community.

🎟️ Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/18548210932

01/09/2026

Hey folks it’s a double birthday day - In 2007 The Mercian Regiment was formed and as of today The Army Air Corps is 69 years old.
We are fortunate at to have Veterans who served with both of these . Proud Soldiers - enjoy your day.

31/08/2026

Come and join us this Wednesday, 2nd September 1300 to 1500hrs in the Veteran Community Hub, Chesterfield, for the MESS (Mutual Ex Services Support) Group!
No booking required just turn up for a brew and banter !

30/08/2026

As we have a member of our community who served as a soldier with this fine regiment, and will be forever a Fusilier, our respect not only goes to him but to those who served with him, some of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice. Forever Remembered.

In Helmand, where a single step could trigger a buried bomb, Major Jo Butterfill chose to lead from the front.

In 2009, he commanded A Company Group, 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, during one of the most dangerous periods of the war in Afghanistan.

The threat was relentless.

Between April and October, his men found 63 improvised explosive devices and suffered 12 actual strikes. In one extraordinary 24-hour period, they discovered 31 IEDs.

Butterfill was not directing those patrols from safety. Army accounts placed him at the front, sharing the same danger as the Fusiliers under his command.

And the cost was devastating.

Seven soldiers from 2 RRF died during the tour, among them Fusilier Petero Suesue, Corporal Joseph Etchells, Sergeant Simon Valentine, Fusilier Simon Annis, Fusilier Louis Carter, Lance Corporal James Fullarton and Fusilier Shaun Bush.

When the battalion finally returned home, Butterfill described the homecoming as “bittersweet”.

Some of the men who had left with them had not come back.

For his sustained leadership under the constant threat of IEDs, his determination to keep his company moving despite casualties, and his willingness to place himself forward with his soldiers, Jo Butterfill was awarded the Military Cross.

He would later rise to Brigadier, command 1 RRF and 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade, receive the OBE and serve at senior joint headquarters level before retiring from the Regular Army in 2024.

But Helmand never became just another line on a military record.

Fourteen years later, Butterfill stood with the family of Sergeant Simon Valentine when a road in Bedworth was renamed in the fallen soldier’s honour.

That may say as much about leadership as any medal ever could.

Brigadier Jo Butterfill OBE MC — for the men you led, the dangers you shared, and the service you gave, we salute you.

And for the seven Fusiliers who did not return from that tour, their names and sacrifice remain part of that story forever.

We remember them.

29/08/2026

Folks we are looking at hosting a cycle ride supporting one of our Veterans who has a community cycle workshop in Staveley.
Route is from Edge Ministries to Rother Valley Country Park along a nice mainly flat trail.
Put your name down at the Veteran Community Hub., promises to be nice ride.