Standing with those who served

At Caldmore, we believe that a pub should be more than just a place to grab a pint. It should be a place of community, connection and care.

That’s why this Armed Forces Day – Saturday 28th June – we’ll be supporting a local charity that’s truly making a difference. The Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

As well as honouring those who served, we want to give our full support to this amazing place. An organisation that’s quietly transforming local lives, day in, day out.

Since opening its doors in 2015, the Tri Services & Veterans Support Centre has become a sanctuary for those who’ve worn the uniform.

Every week, between 80 and 140 veterans pass through their doors. There they find a place of friendship and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Centre is a volunteer-led, community-powered organisation where real help is provided. Many of the volunteers, who are veterans themselves, offer support with things like housing, benefits, mental health, and much more.

There’s a food bank, a clothing bank, clubs and activities. Not to mention links to organisations like the Royal British Legion, Military vs Cancer and Fighting With Pride. There’s even an SSAFA caseworker who helps support more complex needs.

Furthermore, they run a Rest and Recovery Centre up in Mow Cop. This peaceful retreat gives veterans an opportunity to be at one with nature, try their hand at beekeeping or do a spot of gardening.

And for those looking to reconnect with their history, the Centre runs battlefield tours across the UK and Europe. They travel in their own minibus to museums and memorials that, for many, carry deep personal meaning.

Despite all they do, the Centre is facing real financial strain.

Cuts to funding mean the team are now more reliant than ever on the goodwill of the community.

That’s where we come in.

We want to help them to continue their incredible work. To combat social isolation. To be a shoulder for widowers or people with PTSD.

Whether they’re manning the Centre during the day or collecting food donations late at night, their passion is clear.

But they can’t do it alone.

That’s why we’ve launched a green beret campaign across our pubs. It’s intended not just as a symbol of respect, but also a call to action.

We’re encouraging donations, spreading the word, and using our social platforms to highlight the work of the charity.

ALL BERET WELL: Customers and staff donning the green beret across the Caldmore family.

When we visited the centre, it was an emotional experience.

Hearing their stories was one thing. But it was witnessing their reactions when we mentioned the idea of fundraising for them that was truly moving.

This place is different. It’s real.

In 2022, the Centre received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (now the King’s Award, of course). That’s the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Which kind of says it all.

We’ve put together a series of short videos that give you a glimpse into life at the Centre.

Please watch, share, and help spread the word.

We hope you’re as touched as we were.

To everyone who’s already donned the beret, made a donation, or shared a kind word — thank you. Your support is greatly appreciated.

This Armed Forces Day, let’s raise awareness as well as a glass.

And let’s stand by those who stood for us.

If you would like to donate to support the Centre you can do so by tapping the button below.