THE annual SSAFA Winchester Division fundraising curry lunch took place in the Officers Mess, Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration, Worthy Down on Sunday December 1.

Presided over by Lady Fagan, SSAFA Hampshire branch president, the occasion was attended by 160 supporters including the Lord Lieutenant, Nigel Atkinson, the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eleanor Bell, the vice president of SSAFA Hampshire the Earl of Carnarvon and the Commander Winchester Garrison Brigadier Michael Caldicott.

General Lord Dannatt gave a most interesting address which covered his long Army career from commissioning into the Green Howards in 1971 and which culminated in his appointment as Chief of the General Staff from 2006-2009, followed by the post of Constable of the Tower of London.

Many anecdotes were related about his life and involvement in operations in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Those present showed their appreciation by giving a standing ovation following Lord Dannatt’s address.

SSAFA is the oldest armed forces charity, having been founded in 1885, and it assists serving members and veterans and their families of all three armed forces.

Every year in Hampshire its volunteer caseworkers investigate and report on over 1,000 cases and raise over one million pounds from other military charities in order to assist them. Most military charities do not have caseworkers – SSAFA acts for them. All monies raised by SSAFA in Hampshire are used to assist cases or to help pay for the running costs of the branch and divisions.

Anyone wishing to assist with Caseworking or fundraising should telephone 01962 851315 (ansaphone) or email Winchester.division@ssafa.org.uk.