A huge thank you to everyone who came along to support us, and a special thank you to those who generously donated raffle prizes.

This was our first event at the Village Hotel Solihull, and we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Ellie and all the staff for their support on the day.

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Representatives from Troop Aid, the RAF Benevolent Fund and Royal Star & Garter were honoured to step into the arena on both days to share with the audience the vital work each of our charities carries out. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, every souvenir programme sold included a contribution to the three charities, along with communal bucket collections at the end of both performances. Your support truly makes a difference.

Each year, the Tattoo delivers an unforgettable showcase of talent and tradition. From the stirring sounds of massed marching bands, pipes and drums, to the excitement of field gun racing, impressive dog displays and vibrant dance teams, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

A particularly special element of the event is its celebration of young people. Cadets from the Sea Cadets, Royal Air Force Air Cadets and Army Cadet Force, alongside the National Marching Band, played key roles in both the Opening Ceremony and the Spectacular Grand Finale. Dancers from 11 youth dance schools also took part, highlighting the Tattoo’s commitment to community engagement and giving young performers the opportunity to shine alongside international acts.

The Spectacular Grand Finale was, as ever, a breathtaking moment. With over 1,000 performers filling the arena, the evening culminated in a moving and patriotic display of Land of Hope and Glory, The Evening Hymn and The Lone Piper, reinforcing themes of national pride and remembrance.

Saturday’s performance brought an especially powerful and emotional moment, as the event paused and the entire audience rose in a heartfelt standing ovation alongside the 1,000 performers for members of the Ukrainian Army and Navy participating in the show. It was a reminder of the unity, respect and shared spirit that events like this inspire.

We would like to say a very special thank you to our 21 wonderful volunteers who gave up their time and supported us across the two days — selling souvenir programmes, assisting with bucket collections and running our extremely busy exhibitor stand. We simply couldn’t do it without you.

To everyone who visited our stand to learn more about Troop Aid and our Grab Bag, made a donation or purchased a souvenir — thank you. It was a pleasure to meet you, and your kindness means so much to the charity.

Our sincere thanks also go to the Birmingham International Tattoo team and Kre8tive Communications for their unwavering support.

We look forward to seeing you again next year.  

Dates:
Saturday 20 February 2027 – 6.00pm
Sunday 21 February 2027 – 2.00pm

Location:
BP Pulse LIVE at the NEC, Birmingham
For more details, please visit bhamtattoo.com.

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This spectacular event features massed international bands, pipes and drums, thrilling displays, dancers, and the massed parade of standard bearers, all culminating in an unforgettable grand finale.

The Tattoo’s charity collections directly support our work, helping us provide Grab Bags of essential items to injured service personnel around the world.

Dates:
Saturday 14th February 2026 – 6:00pm
Sunday 15th February 2026 – 2:00pm

Location:
BP Pulse LIVE at the NEC, Birmingham

Tickets & details:
www.bhamtattoo.com

The Birmingham International Tattoo has supported Troop Aid for the past 8 years, firstly at the NIA in Birmingham and for the past 4 years it has been held at the National Exhibition Centre. This event is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for Troop Aid. We have a large merchandise stand in the entrance and Troop Aid benefit from a communal bucket collection at the end of both performances. 

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Troop Aid has been proud to be a charity partner of the Birmingham International Tattoo for the past eight years, and this partnership has become one of the charity’s most important and successful fundraising opportunities.

The event provides an excellent platform to raise both vital funds and awareness of the work Troop Aid carries out in support of injured service personnel and veterans.

Our Troop Aid stand is consistently one of the busiest at the show and offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with members of the public, share information about the charity and promote our cause. In addition to raising awareness, volunteers sell a range of Troop Aid promotional items, which contribute directly to our fundraising efforts. The charity also benefits from a percentage of programme sales, as well as a communal bucket collection held at the end of each performance, further enhancing the funds raised over the course of the event.

The Birmingham international Tattoo has supported Troop Aid for the past 8 years, firstly at the NIA in Birmingham and for the past 4 years it has been held at the National Exhibition Centre. This event is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for Troop Aid; we have a large merchandise stand in the entrance and Troop Aid benefits from a communal bucket collection at the end of both performances.

Dates:
Saturday 14th February 2026 – 6:00pm
Sunday 15th February 2026 – 2:00pm

Location:
BP Pulse LIVE at the NEC, Birmingham

Tickets & details:
www.bhamtattoo.com

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The Mayor was warmly welcomed by staff and volunteers, who delivered a short presentation outlining the vital work carried out by the charity. During the visit, Councillor McKenzie learned more about Troop Aid’s ongoing commitment to supporting injured service personnel and veterans.

She expressed how impressed she was with the dedication, compassion, and impact of the charity’s work. As a kind and thoughtful gesture, the Mayor also took the time to sign several “Get Well” cards, which will be sent to injured service members to offer encouragement and support during their recovery.

Solihull Councillor Annette McKenzie has shown a strong commitment to community engagement throughout her time as Mayor. Her visit reflected her genuine interest in local charities and the valuable role they play in supporting those in need.

By taking the time to meet staff, learn about their work, and personally engage in small but meaningful gestures, she demonstrated her support for both the charity sector and the Armed Forces community. Her encouragement and interest were greatly appreciated by everyone at Troop Aid and served as a reminder of the importance of civic leadership in recognising and celebrating the efforts of local organisations.

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This year, that honour was carried out by Captain Al Sutton and Diana Frangou. Captain Sutton is not only a Trustee but also one of the original founders of Troop Aid, whose dedication and vision helped establish the organisation from its very beginnings. Alongside him was Diana Frangou, who first joined Troop Aid as a volunteer and, through her continued commitment and leadership, now serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Captain Sutton had the privilege to meet Prince Albert Jacob, who attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, during the Mayor’s reception that followed the church service.

Their presence at the Memorial was a meaningful representation of Troop Aid’s values, history, and ongoing commitment to remembrance and service.

The Solihull Remembrance Sunday Memorial stands as a powerful place of reflection, bringing the community together each year to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who gave their lives in conflict. On Remembrance Sunday, the memorial becomes a focal point for quiet remembrance, where wreaths are laid and moments of silence observed in gratitude and respect.

It serves not only as a tribute to the fallen, but also as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of remembering past sacrifices while working toward a more peaceful future.

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In June  2025  Troop Aid were invited to  take part in a large military event at the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa. This was the first time we have celebrated Armed Forces Day in Leamington Spa,   Every year Troop Aid attend an event to mark Armed Forces Day, we have taken part in many events from Stirling in the Scotland to Guildford in the south and many in between.   

The Armed Forces Day Community Event celebrates and honours the contribution of the UK’s Armed Forces community — including currently serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families. It’s part of Armed Forces Week, which runs in the lead-up to the main day with flag raisings and awareness activities.

The event features a range of family-friendly activities and displays, designed to be engaging for all ages. The event not only offers fun activities but also serves as a community celebration and official recognition of the armed forces’ sacrifices and service, fostering local pride and appreciation.

The Lancaster Bomber did 4 laps over the park and was impressive.

Big thank you to all who came to talk to us and bought some items from our stand.

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Throughout the afternoon, Jack danced and sang along to the music, filling the room with joy, leaving a lasting impression on all those present. His enthusiasm and talent didn’t go unnoticed.

Among the guests at the event was the 71st Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Shahin Ashraf MBE who was so impressed by Jack’s performance that she personally invited him to the Mayor’s Parlour for a special afternoon tea in April 2025. This gesture was a lovely recognition of Jack’s bright spirit and his ability to bring joy to those around him. We look forward to hearing about his visit to the Mayor’s Parlour, and we’re so proud to see young people like Jack receiving such wonderful recognition.

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Over the years, Steve and his security company have generously contributed not only through cash donations and fundraising events but also by providing professional security for many of our military-style balls, ensuring our events run smoothly and safely.

Despite facing a personal challenge with a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Steve has remained determined and resilient. Demonstrating remarkable courage and commitment, he kept himself fit and, in November 2024, completed a charity 10-mile walk with the Parachute Regiment, carrying his full Army kit. This extraordinary effort raised an impressive £3,500 for Troop Aid, reflecting both his dedication and his indomitable spirit.

Steve is truly an inspiring veteran, embodying perseverance, generosity, and service. Troop Aid extends a heartfelt thank you to Steve for his ongoing support and for raising such significant funds to help injured service personnel and veterans. His contribution makes a real difference, and we are immensely proud to have him as a supporter.

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In March 2025, Martin and Ken from Shirley Lions Club visited our warehouse to present the latest cheque, a gesture that reflects the ongoing dedication and enthusiasm of their members. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Shirley Lions Club, whose contributions – both financial and in terms of volunteer time – make a real difference to the lives of injured service personnel and veterans.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all members of Shirley Lions Club for their outstanding and unwavering support of Troop Aid. Your generosity and commitment truly help us to continue our vital work.

Shirley Lions Club – A History of Community Service

Shirley Lions Club was founded in 1977 as part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest volunteer service organisation. Lions Clubs International itself was established in 1917 by Melvin Jones in Chicago, with the motto “We Serve,” and has since grown to include more than 1.4 million members in over 44,000 clubs across nearly 210 countries and areas.

From its beginnings, Shirley Lions has embraced that ethos, bringing together local people who share a common passion for helping others and making a positive impact in their community. Over the years, the club has supported a wide range of causes, both locally and further afield, combining fundraising, service projects, and volunteer engagement to address needs wherever they arise.

Throughout its history, Shirley Lions has been actively involved in events and initiatives that matter to the people of Shirley and Solihull. These have included organising the annual Shirley Carnival, participating in community safety and health campaigns, supporting local youth programmes, and running popular events such as the Lions Beer & Cider Festival to raise funds for charities and good causes.

The club has also taken part in broader Lions activities such as the “Young Ambassador of the 21st Century” programme, which encourages and celebrates young volunteers, helping them build leadership skills and raise awareness of their community contributions.

Shirley Lions’ members volunteer their time, skills, and enthusiasm freely, and every penny raised goes directly to support those in need. Their work strengthens community bonds and enhances local quality of life, from supporting the elderly and young people to aiding fundraising partners like Troop Aid.

Learn More: shirleylions.co.uk

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