Strength Through Support 

              Please email any comments to be included on this page to :-    vsagroup@hotmail.com

  Whilst at Princess Marina House (RAFBF) 23rd April -30th April 2012 we were invited to a coffee morning cum brick-a-brack sale in the pavillion held by The Friends of Princess Marina House (RAFBF) whilst there I was approached by the Chairman of The Friends who showed me a picture which they had for sale, this picture was donated by The Friends to our Association, we are so grateful for this and it will take pride of place!!! The Friends of Princess Marina House have given us there full support for our Association and they think that it is a most wonderful idea which is long overdue!!

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Hi John,

Just a quick email to say how good it was to see everyone yesterday and many thanks for the stew and the archery lesson! 

Hope to see you be at Stoll today

Bex

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 Thank you for the archery, lunch, your candour and letting me take part!

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   Hi John 

  Thank you.  It’s always good to hear from you.  Happy Birthday to the VSA. 
  You are  obviously making a real difference.  Look after yourself. 
  Kind regards
  Theresa

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 Great work John - keep it going. Look forward to seeing you again during 2017. Dave.

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  Kitty said it was the best day ever and she can't wait to come back. Thank you for being so patient with her

 but i will blame you if she asks for a long bow for her birthday. You have done an amazing job over the past

12 months so really well done Lorna.

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scouts were very interested. A couple of parents came to me and told me their boys were most interested and one said her son was still on about it 2 or 3 days later.

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  Thanks for the supportive words yesterday had a better day and after letting the trainers know about my old     mate. I felt much better. Thank you brother!

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 Thank you for your time and effort and just listening has really helped when there was no one else because PTSD doesn't work 09.00 to 5.00 thanks. Gary

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John

- just passing along the thanks of a veteran who you signposted to Vulnerable Veterans last month.

He was very pleased to report that the issues he was struggling with have been reduced and that he knows he will get ongoing support from us and you.

Thanks for the referral and enjoy the knowledge you’ve helped another good guy.

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Morning John

- congratulations on another great year serving the Veterans Community near and far. Great job. We are trying to follow your lead at Vulnerable Veterans

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Thanks to you John for introducing us to Archery Mike, Hamish, Neil and Myself have had a great evening practicing Val.

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Hi John

BIG, Huge THANKS you are the one that got me interested and involved in Archery and now I'm proud to tell you both Mike and myself are licensed qualified GB Archery instructors Val.

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John

we will be back next year to defend our trophy, really enjoyed the day , thanks to you all for a great day Mark.

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john

 it is great to here from you keep the power you do a great job i wish there more people like you in the world stay safe my brother.

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 John

this site seems to have a positive effect on people. I read a lot of the comments on here & they certainly change my mood when needed.
The fact that this site is here in the first place is a testament that people (who may not fully understand why) are willing, not only to listen, but certainly do not judge. I fully respect one & all of you guys & thank you for being the people you are

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John

love your good mornings buddy, starts my day off....Ian                                                                                                                                                        ------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Matthew Cook

Awesome to meet you John Joyce, its a genuine honour to be working on the song for you, you’re a one of a kind guy!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nick Allwood

I think this is one of the best groups no one upsets any one it’s great every one just gets on

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Yes Alan

,it is fun I was a regular visitor on a Tuesday, I haven't been for a while, miss the company and the chat john is doing a great job.

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 The drop in yesterday was once again wonderful. It seems that every time I attend, I meet new people that are on my wavelength. I look forward to going there as we all understand each other, in a funny way. So if you live reasonably close , pop in and you will definitely gain. God bless

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 Val
thanks for a Lovely relaxed day John (better than councilling anytime) thank you for all your hard work.     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning John

and all members. I have had PTSD since 1976 and have never had 'treatment.. If you have it and need help getting by, please call John and he will help you get through your day. God bless.

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John,

when you shook my hand over the table at tedworth I knew you were a genuine gentleman. Proud to call you a friend Matt.

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    Hamish my brother here if you need me

John a big thank you from a very old Sapper.you have my REspect.Philip Wood(Pip).RE.

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Hi John,
Thanks for this, much appreciated.
I'd like to say a big thank you for making the whole network happen.
I remain a bit on the sideline but find comfort in all the messages and re-assurance you are a star!
All the best Matt.

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Anthony Davies

Morning John. Think you are doing amazing work with the group. Wish you well. Living in the north above the Watford Gap, (Birmingham), just a little too far to drop in, but want to congratulate you on your achievement.

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just got round to saying Thanks, a good few hours Tuesday morning injoyed the dinner and company will pop down again, just to get me out and away from playing WOTS

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Ronnie,

❤️❤️❤️ Our pleasure John Joyce..Hugely humbled by all you do at Veterans Support Association x

 

Matthew Cook

  It was a pleasure and an honour to write and record for you John, you’re an inspiration.

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Alan

A brilliant day must get some windowless for the scopes so graham can see proper scores

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Valerie,

Thank you for coming John always a great fun day

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Laurence,

  John you are an inspiration to us all, thank you for your kind words.

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My first ever visit and had a great time with everyone, thank you John Joyce and all the lads.

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Well done John Joyce
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  I would like to thank brother John and all V.S.A. Brothers me and Anne had a great day  thank you.

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Just want to say thank you for today and making jemima's day as it was her first time you guys got her hooked for life she absolutely loved it thank you from me and jemima

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  Thank you all I enjoyed it a lot.
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 Good morning John and all other family members. Another day spent with other members of our group. It was yet another great day with loads of fun, banter and hood shooting. Have a lovely day today, enjoy the good weather and make fond memories to cherish. God bless.
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Chris 

It's great to know there's people out there to help like you John,keep up the good work brother.

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Thank you John for helping me and Anne to get a flat with Stoll.
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Jason.

Thank you everybody for a great day today ..hopefully see you all again soon.

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Had another great 5 odd hours at the Veterans Support Association drop in today, shot some better arrows and a nice brunch. Thanks as always to everyone especially John Joyce who puts his heart and sole into a great group.

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Thanks goes to YOU and my fellow brothers at Veterans Support Association and Stoll for showing me that you can enjoy Archery 🏹 however late in life you start

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I only started Archery 🏹 on the 12th February this year with much thanks to John Joyce and Peter Rowledge, two ex Veterans who I bumped into at Christmas time when they were collecting on behalf of Veterans Support Association, they signed me up there and then and credit to my Nicky, she kept nagging me to go along to a Veterans drop in day and even if they are mainly ex Green Jackets (😉) they are a dam good bunch of lads and straight away after 30 years of leaving the Army, the squadie banter and sense of humour was back with a Big Bang and I bloody love it.
Having all the gear won’t make me an expert Archer but with more practice I hope to be able to hold my own and continue to improve.
To close a big thank you to all my new VSA & Stoll Veterans, “nosher” is ready to shoot some good arrows ....... LOL

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Well done mate keep up the good work , I’ll try to get to see you sometime soon . Somebody who helps others like you do deserves a drink or two . Your SappER namesake John

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It was requested so here it is! “VSA DOES BENNY HILL”
A 2 minute fun video of our arrows today. Really can’t express how I value these days. We all have our issues and this one day a week (2 this week) is my respite and a chance for me to “unwind and let bloody rip”. I will always be grateful for bumping into
John Joyce and Peter Rowledge Christmas 2018 outside Waitrose in Hersham. That chance meeting has bought me so many happy times and I have made some great new friends that I am proud to call brothers. Enjoy ....

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Afternoon John

Thanks for the natter last night it did me a lot of good thanks for being there mate Barry.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Morning John and all troops,hope you all have a cracking day,and a big thanks to John and his crew for doing a fantastic job,S & B. 👍 🇬🇧.
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We will catch up as and when ... must go for now and with renewed thanks for all that you do.... as ever steve

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 good morning john and all the rest of the mainwaring platoon,good fun yesterday at fulham,forget your woes for a few hours,have fun and actually learn something and progress,we are family.
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Michael.
Morning people the start of year 53 for me and the mrs its a warm sunny day and I am going to enjoy it John this is a great site for us old ones keep up the good work guys.
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Many thanks John,
What a fabulous job you do, so impressed.  Nice to
see you recently.  Will try to get to one of your meetings.
You take care,
Annie x

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same for you John you are and have and always will be an inspiration to the veteran community.
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I would like to say a big thanks to John Joyce for the chat really help me out when I was down -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Thanks for all of the work that you do for others mate.God bless you and yours John.

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Thank you very much for a lovely day Louise.

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good morning john thank you for all that you do.
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John Joyce great john think I have turn a corner thanks to you in the team
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Glad to be part of such an important group.
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John

to you and the team. Big pat on the back m8.

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Rod,
  Thanks John, good to know you are all there.
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John

Would you please pass on my personal ‘thank you’ to those who attended the Remembrance Service at All Saints yesterday. I really appreciated you all being there. Several people saw me and said how much it meant to see veterans at the service. You made is special for us all. I am hoping that you all enjoyed (perhaps the wrong word) the service too and I am hopeful that it has raised the profile of your excellent and worthwhile organisation. All the very best…and a smile and cuddle! Tannia

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Richard 
John Great day as always. So glad we found you.
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Had a blast! You’re an awesome bunch, thank you John Joyce and the vsa for having us!

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Thank you John keep up the good work
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Tiny Adams,

     The good guys

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It all works. The fact that you are there is what counts and is very much appreciated
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John I wish there had been organizations such as yours when I was medically discharged. Being discharged is such a struggle no matter when or why your discharged. Your all doing a great job.
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Good morning John 

We would like thank you and all involved with the VSA who have delivered Archery at Stoll over the past four and half years. Your commitment and dedication has in partnership with Stoll contributed to the success of the archery delivered on site and it has been of benefit to veterans to support them to build their confidence, fulfilling their aims such as undertaking competitive tournaments and inspiring others to take forward their achievements and build on the foundations set by the Veterans Support Association. 

We look forward to continuing our collaborative work for the benefit of Stoll veterans with VSA as our delivery partner in the near future. 

Regards

George Bageya 

Wellbeing, Health and Activities Manager

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Melvin,

morning to all doing a great job John+

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Stay safe John, and all your volunteers and helpers. You all do a great job as I’ve said before wish there had been more help when I was medically discharged.
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Enjoy your evening John.This does help having contact.Stay safe
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the same for you John just don't let them get you down you have worked heart and sole into caring for veterans
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Good to speak to you today. Further to our conversation I would like to e-introduce you to John Joyce from Veterans Support Association. Folllowing on from his success of the Archery Group that John set up at Stoll  they are in the planning phase of setting up a music therapy sessions to be delivered at Stoll. The aim would be to encourage veterans and their families to achieve new goals and inspire confidence in their own abilities and maybe lead to new opportunities. 

I thought it would be a good idea for the pair of you to see how you could support each other. 

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Adrian
  Welcome Mark & welcome Lewis to a really good group.
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  Andrew

Good to hear mate take care ok this is a great group and they really care and help.

Thank you Andrew, just being honest and true Brother.

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Hi John,

what an amazing thing you are doing for us vets, Alan Q

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Chris .
Good morning brothers and sisters. Hope everybody is well. On this fantastic day. Also this sad day for another for the Rifleman passed away yesterday. If you are feeling low, please reach out. All the team here are great. Especially John who really helped me through some tough times.
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This truly is an outstanding effort guys. I am super impressed.
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Sending Love John from Everyone at Marland Music...you are one in a million...see you soon x
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Rod....  

John  taking your advice the trumpet is coming down from the loft.....will let you know how it goes

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John

want to thank you for all vets.I had just gone off rails a bit.Wont happen again.

Thanks to all. Melvin

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Simon 

Outstanding week, well done John and the team

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Well said John

- if it wasn't for groups of veterans (like yours) helping others that are worse off than themselves we would be in a far worse situation!

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Cheers John
 I will and thanks once again for your help regards Jamie.
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Simon B 

Outstanding work John, well done brother

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Chris F
 A very good morning from sunny Walton on the Naze,hope everyone is keeping well,keep up the good work John I'm sure you are all appreciated by many,have a great day John, 👍 🇬🇧.
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 John Joyce Thank you John and thanks for been there mate.
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Adrian
John Hope your keeping well, thanks for all you are doing keeping people entertained with your posts.
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 John.

.. I would be totally lost without the group... cheers 👍

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Roderick
I really appreciate your efforts and this one of the best on Facebook
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We are a brotherhood and sisterhood.

Never forget that and John will help you if he can.

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Danny.
I am only a recently new member but am starting to feel this is the right group for me. I am a member of many veterans groups for many reasons. Fusiliers groups because i served most of my service with 3rrf, ACC groups because i was ACC attd, and BAOR because i was in Germany for 5 yrs, and Soldier A to Z support for NI veterans groups for various reasons. I have been looking for a group where we all support and care for each other without egos and without politics (national and office type) no pulling rank and cow towing etc. 
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Simon.
Firstly I feel compelled to say how impressed I am with this group. Admin and members alike. Not good order, outstanding order. However I find myself between a rock and a hard place. I am currently a WO 2 Reservist after leaving Regular. Here 's the crack, been referred for Commission do I go to the dark side ?
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John Joyce cool... i read law but have all the books i need 😁. However.. respect to the people or person that came up with this offer within the group. Splendid effort.
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John

 thank you for all you do for veterans mate...

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John

, I've spoken to Andy he said you had been round and if I had given you his number he would be brown bread, so keep doing your good work your support network is needed more than ever now john thank you.

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A big "THANK YOU "

to John Joyce a parcel has just arrived with 2 model kits in, they will keep me busy, great job.

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Welcome to a great club and even better banter to you all
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Just want to say a great big ' THANK YOU ' to John Joyce and his admin support team, they all put the hours in to help us wrinkly Vets and it is greatly appreciated...

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Keith 

You take care as well John Stirling job you do 

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I’ve got to admit this lady’s and Gents. Since doing this modeling and it’s only been a couple of weeks. My blood pressure has dropped and I feel more relaxed with myself. If that makes any sense lol 

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Much appreciated John. You and your team are doing an outstanding job. Thank you Robin

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John

You're doing a great job!! 󰀀 󰀀 Dave.

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Today an envelope came for me and its nice to know this group will do what they say.
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Hi John
Hope you are well? And thank you for the support the group offers Dave.
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Anthony

Morning John. Your dedication in providing support to veterans is exemplary. Seeing the models made by so many has brought back good memories,

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Eddie S

 Cheers John
More for people to do hobbies, Very good glad vets are getting sorted 

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Thanks so much for offering something I can concentrate on with you guys you’ve given me a different option other than alcohol thanks
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As Veterans, we take pride in having served our Queen and Country, we take pride in our military and regimental histories, but all too often successive governments are only too keen to push this all aside, but for organisations such as the VSA and our various regimental museums and associations, our history would be long forgotten.

This makes our support all these groups even more important and Vet's like John Joyce and his admin team deserve all the praise that they get... Thank you, sir... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

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Well said trev with out John Joyce I would not be here today I had some very bad times and it was john that phoned me and help me just by listening john you are a very special man to my family and me.
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You deserve some recognition for what you are doing,
John Joyce
. I know that is not why you do it but It really is awesome.
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Leon Howlett
100% correct Leon.
John Joyce
has been an inspiration to me, the kindness shown has helped me alot and I can't thank him enough, true gent
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Hi all well what to say the models that are coming out from you lot are great and to see a lot of people getting sum thing out of this is great .
Great work to all of you and to John keep up the great work you do and to the rest of the team with him thank you for all your hard work
Kevin
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Welcome guys to probably the most active and friendly vets group I’ve seen for a long time
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 Roderick - John
you're most welcome Brother this group is like family 👪 no worries here
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Welcome all new members ,to a great group
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Max
Whilst this isn't a VSA kit
It's a kit as a veteran I built to help me defeat demon's
VSA go out of their way to help veterans defeat their demon's
So I thought it worthy to share.
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Geraint

I also wanted to say thank you for the way that you run the group.. it is by far the most positive veterans group that I have been a part of.

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Welcome all new members to this great group .Hope you all enjoy
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Bless you JJ and your wonderful team for all your work.
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Morning Brother
I have just seen your post about the next round could you send me the starter kit and any models you see fit which makes it to the amount allowed and i have a question what happens when the program finishes will another one be set up or is it finished for good.

Thanks for all your help in this you have made a difference to so many people by what you are doing you are a light in the darkness for so many i can tell you well done and good job many thanks John you are a life saver Brother Andrew.
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Thanks so much for what you do. It’s been a real positive for me since I joined the group. Really helped the dark days seeing everyone else’s great work! 
Guy Davies.
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Good Evening John
Thank you for excepting me to the Group. Several of my Veteran friends have mentioned joining this group and speak highly of it. I have had some dark days in the past and there is nothing more comforting to chat to another veteran in those situations. They have been in your shoes and understand you'
Do you do fund raising ? are there any way we as individuals can contribute to the group apart from being a brother / friend to fellow veterans. I have a bit of spare time on my hands and if i can help in any way please let me know.
i know it sounds cheaky but i noticed you do Hobby Activity Packs, what does this involve as during lockdown 1 i took up model making and scenery making for model railways.
it will be nice to see if anyone else in the Group shares my interest. I am new to it and would welcome some advice from the more gifted lol regards Alex.
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Steve K
Your a good man john ....credit too you mate
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It has been a great bonus over the months that it was in place - Thank you for your help John!
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Thank you for organizing it all John .
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 Glad to have been a part of it and thank you John Joyce for a job well done in all the ordering and admin that went with it
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 Its been a great pleasure to have been apart of it and a big thank you to John Joyce for all his hard work
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 Thank for all your hard work and getting/keeping the group going John Joyce. Its been a pleasure brother, stay safe to u and yours.
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Thank you for giving me something I haven’t done since I was a child
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John it's been a pleasure .Thank you
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 Thanks John. You’ve made a lot of people happy. And the support network is still in place. Well done all.
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Thank you for everything that you are doing and to take part in it was a pleasure John Joyce .
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Great being part of it ....hope you get the funding again....well done mate.

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 As above. What a great idea and wonderful thing you organised. Thanks very much.
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TYVM your and the VSA's support and assistance is much appreciated.
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It's been brilliant John, many thanks for your hard work and for the pictures shared by the group.
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 Good job John
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It has been great to have been oart of this scheme and all oraise to John for running it so well and handling the admin involved so.professionally
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Well done that man
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Thank you for everything John, if you have any ideas for raising funds I would be happy to help if I can, embroidery wise
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 Awesome job John Joyce, brought a lot of veterans
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 My sharpie pens arrived today cheers John and id like to thank you on behalf of myself and everone realy for all your great work many thanks brother.
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Well done john you done amazing over months this was running..
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Thank you John for everything. I enjoyed seeing all the models and projects our brothers and sisters have been doing. Hopefully they like myself will carry on with it all. Thanks again
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Thank you, John, without your diligence and hard work it would never have happened, you're a star, sir...
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Yes thank you so very much John I love doing my painting by numbers and making my Christmas pudding pom-poms - what a great scheme this has been.
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 Thank you very much for all youve done John it has all been greatly appreciated
Once again thank you sir stay safe and healthy.
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Thanks John and the VSA been fun and I hope you get funding for the next time been a pleasure seeing some of the models and some great ideas
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 I never took part in this, not through unwillingness just too much going on. If in future something like this happens again then I'll definitely be joining in.
Well done to the team and whoever managed to find the funding for this project it couldn't have been easy.
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Thank you.
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Thank you the VSA and the outstanding gentleman that is John Joyce. I hope we all keep posting our completed, part completed models and to be able to ask insanely simple questions from us lesser knowledgeable Modellers to the Modelling Gurus who have been so much help to myself... Keep on Modelling and many thanks again John.
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 Great job John .its been a pleasure mate. You deserve a knighthood.
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 Well done John for organising this, it has been great to get back into modelling again. I have enjoyed the pictures and comments from all on this site and feel I have made some more friends. I will definitely be carrying on and posting pictures.
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great job, well done!!
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I for one have enjoyed seeing all your finished efforts
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For me it’s got to be Easy, Yes, Yes, Yes. This time I have spent on the models has given me time to enjoy myself.
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I love this group,I have a couple of models packed away somewhere,time to find all my gear which will be fun having just moved but feeling inspired,this could take a while to find them though..😂😂😂😂
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I love this group so much its wonderful the gifted talents we all have military are a different breed and some where we will improvise and make something out of nothing stay brave all we can do it.
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To you John and your great team .Being a member of this group as helped me alot ,May it continue next year , .All have a great Christmas and good luck in the new year.
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Thank you gents we greatly appreciate all your efforts thanks for making a shit year great.
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I would just like to thank
John Joyce
and the V S A for all there hard work and support that they give all of us in this group. Well done all of you and I hope you all have a good Christmas. Stay safe, stay well. Merry Christmas and hopefully a better New Year.
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Totally agree with you Andy
John Joyce has been like a Godsend and has helped me out loads of time
So has member of VSA
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Edward C.
I would like to say to the VSA team thank you for doing a great job for the veterans it is good to know some one cares about us, I would like to thank you for the models and tools so once again one big Thank You.
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Tom M.
I would like to wish all my vsa friends a merry xmas and a better 2021 than this year has been, to John and the committee and admins a very well done to you all and thanks for everything all of you have done for us vets.
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Thank you
John Joyce
for giving the opportunity to show some of my models .....the donations from the vsa helped greatly to achieve the standard I have ....thank you again --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well done. BZ. You done a great job.
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Thank you John for your help and support - the buying of the wool not only helped me but my Father and poppy Scotland will benefit from the sale of the Pom Pom Christmas puddings
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Well in vsa,John Joyce and all,thank you for all you have helped me with,all the other vets you have helped absolutely 💯
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Fantastic and thank you very much.
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Cheers john.
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Thank you John you have helped a lot of vets
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Fantastic group ,very well run ,proud to be a member .Thank you John .
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thank you John for you helped me no end being a man of little income you gave me the best gift ever the paper paint and the pencils to see me through a time of year i dont really like , and the comments from the guys have kept me going ,it been great to be a member of the group.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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John Joyce
you done your self and your organisation proud my friend.
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Thank you John and the team forgiving me focus and support during this time of isolation it has given me a reason to get out of bed in a morning once again thank you all.
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Great achievement John, well done your efforts on our behalf are very much appreciated. Thank you.
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Fantastic combined effort from start to finish (y)
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thank you very much john it got me back into something that used to help me b4 with my PTSD , Stay safe and a happy new year to you and your team john . VFC
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Fantastic John
You do so much for the group
Respect ✊
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Thanks to you John, for your help, support and understanding. It really helped me get back into a hobby I used to love and now do again. I never had the income to purchase the items VSA provided and I didn't know where to start again, but the tips and advice the group gave me really helped. All I can say is, thank-you to you and all the group members who have helped over the months. Always appreciated and remembered.
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Great work John, thank you
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Very well done. Thanks for your support during lock down one. Sorry for my poor attendance in recent months. This was due to work.
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Well done john n vsa
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Well done John and the Team 😉
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Thank You John . Also well worded ive certainly enjoyed the kits even carried on and we all still carry on helping each other and liking each others work.
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I love this club i spend more time on this group page than any other. I have gained more friends from other military backgrounds and have always made welcome.
Just getting up and answering buddy checks and daily messages makes me smile. I have a new hobby now too thanks to the association.
This group has helped me in so many ways just by being here. I see you all as my family my brothers my sisters and I am here for all of you if you ever need to reach out , just like I know you are for me.
Thank you John Barry and Hamish for all your support
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So glad this page is on hear, helps me remind myself I am a human not a machine or robot. Hope you all had a good New Year and hope it is full of love and laughter for you all.
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I want to thank you for being there. I’m ok. I’m ok because I feel I have to be. My strength comes from my upbringing that says I cannot be weak. But there are pretty dark moments where I know I’m not as strong as everyone presumes I am. Ex army. Athlete. Successful business man. Outgoing confident character. Yet in my quiet moments I’m not that person. I despair. I worry. I give up. In public .... you wouldn’t know. Thank you for being there. I may only ‘like’ your Monday and Friday posts but they mean a lot. If you want to repost this ( without my identity) that’s fine. Thank you John. You are appreciated.
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Jay A.
As most of my friends know I accepted a job last week but unfortunately could not take it due to my copd have had xrays and now waiting on docs report just want to say thank you to John Joyce
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Darren Riley.
Just wanted to publicly thank John Joyce for his help and intravention with a fellow brother today, it was much appreciated by Paul Christopher Slaney who was thankful for your call.
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Simon Brodie
John, thanks for everything you do for us. You are a life-changer and a life-saver.
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What terrific news. Very well done indeed. I recall my first visit and being impressed by your ideas and vision. Great stuff.
Bravo Zulu (in Navy-speak)
Malcolm.
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Hi John,
I’ve just seen the email that you sent Susie, and I’d like to add my congratulations to you and your team in receiving the grant of £10,000 from the National Lottery! It was great to hear from you with such wonderful news and I know how much this will help in continuing the great work you do with your hobby and activity projects.
We’d be delighted to circulate the news straightaway on our Facebook page too – I wonder if you have any photographs of the occasion that we could use?
Well done again on securing this valuable grant and keep up the great work!!
All my best wishes
Tracy.
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Good Morning John,

Thank you for allowing me to attend the archery yesterday, and for making me feel so welcome. has given me a good insight into the valuable work that you are doing to support others within the Veteran Community. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and to see such happiness and on people’s faces and the encouragement towards each other was simply stunning.

I have given me such an insight, and please pass on my thanks to everyone who spoke with me and opened up about their health and their experiences within the NHS and other services that they had sought help from.

I certainly will never forget the sheer joy of the Parsha yesterday and the others.

I look forward to being able to come and see you again in the Molesey Area.

Thank you once again and pass on my thanks to everyone.

Warmest Regards

Susan

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Aiden,
my next project. Thanks VSA and John Joyce and admin team for making this happen.
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Dominic Raab 

Thank you to John Joyce, from the Veterans Support Association, for all the work you’re doing locally to support veterans – particularly during lockdown.
It was great to present John with a £10,000 cheque from the National Lottery on Friday, which will be used to deliver activity packs to veterans to help avoid deteriorating morale and mental health resulting from isolation.
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Dear John,

Just a quick note to say thank you for organising the boat trip. It was the first time I’d actually done something for myself in weeks and it was great to meet some of the other veterans in the group.

I look forward to being able to make it down to one of the drop in sessions later in August.

All the best

Jon

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Cas,
I have to list organisations that have provided me with support
Mainly we have dealt with it in family but given the fact you had to intervene to save my life as the pain and illness got too much. Can I list you
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Simon Brodie
Thank you for being so awesome John. You (and VSA) have such a huge positive effect on veterans, and we appreciate it.
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John

That is absolutely brilliant. Well done. I will watch this development with great interest. Narrow boats are the perfect way to unwind, calm down and refocus – all at 4mph !!

Malcolm   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi John,

Many thanks for letting us know all about this.  It sounds like a fabulous new development - and fantastic news! I’m sure as you say, many of your Veterans will enjoy the use of this boat and the social gatherings that it will offer.  A wonderful

donation.

Do keep in touch with how it all goes - and send some pictures when it’s all ready to go!

With all best wishes

Tracy      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jimmie Lochridge  John Joyce TYVM you're doing a great job.
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Thank you John.
I’m new to the area and will look forward to seeing you soon.
Thank you for the warm welcome. 🙏
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Another FREE kit delivered by the VSA and funded by the national lottery community fund
and the legend that is John Joyce..... Just got to put it together lol A.T.
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Robin Hughes
John Joyce we appreciate the hard work you all do and thank you John. 👍
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Good morning John,

I wanted to let you know how good the leather working bits and pieces have been for my well being.

It started with my wife and her needle work scissors, the points were in danger of piercing the settee and her legs. I thought it would be a good idea to try and make a case for them.

With the help of a discarded leather settee ( it was put out in summer and before it was taken away I scavenged some useable pieces of leather), and some sewing websites I identified and then blatantly copied a scissor case design which I then made for her. This led to a feel good factor when she was pleased with the result. 

When at our Village Christmas lunch I was talking to another lady who sews and didn’t have scissor cases, I didn’t quite force her into letting me make her some but we agreed that it was better not to have exposed points around, i asked her to draw around her scissors and let me have the results, last night I delivered her two cases for her scissors and this morning she has sent me the email below.

Wow, Melvyn what can I say!!!  You really are very good and I can’t thank you enough for such perfect specimens.  They’re an absolute perfect fit (as you knew they would, and should, be).  I feel very privileged indeed to be a recipient of one of your project pieces and I’m only sorry I poked fun at you when you first mentioned my scissors – a very serious piece of work, thanks so much Melvyn.

Wishing you all the very best for a happy Christmas – keep well and happy!

Since you sent me the first kit I have made some key holders and now scissor cases, all small things but they have given me a great deal of pleasure as well as new skills.

As you can see, just like Henry Ford, everything comes in black, due to the colour of the dumped settee!

Thank you for your efforts in administration of this valuable scheme.

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Graham Greenberg
John Joyce just to say thank you for the excellent job you do.
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This arrived today, to help me weather my Tamiya T62.
Thank you John, thank you Veterans Support Association registered charity 1190025, and thank you to the VSA sponsors and donors.
The assistance that you all provide in reducing veteran loneliness and isolation, and building a veteran support community is amazing.
Simon
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Great news!!

Very well done John Keep us in the loop We will plan to come to one soonish As ever Peter Canon Peter Bruinvels CC Surrey CC Civilian-Military Liaison Adviser ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shaun Gregory

Hi Everyone. Hope your all well and coping ok. I did built this over the last four days. It Warlord Games 28mm “Boudicca Triumphant” for Wargamin.

Not bad for a Blind Veteran, hurt my eyes like hell but worth i. I do have special equipment to help me, having a good hobby is very important, no matter what it is.

I love doing the research and painting bes. The building side I do the best I can. Your all awesome, keep safe and be kind to yourselves and talk to each other my Brothers & Sisters.

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Simon Q,
Thanks again John wonderful work you guys are doing , if you ever need anything 3d printed let me know.
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Screwy.
from a kit delivered by the VSA and funded by the national lottery community fund and the Gentleman that is John Joyce.
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Shaun Gregory, 

Just got these awesome figures. A huge thank you to John Joyce, VSA and the National Lottery. It’s wonderful for us all and I can’t express how it’s made me feel. Thank You

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Arrived last night, many thanks to VSA and the National lottery and to John Joyce for organising
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I just wanted to say a massive thank you for today.

I haven’t felt so comfortable for ages!

As agreed, I will be at Walton on Thames – Thursday 23rd June and back at the Scout Hut Monday 27th June

Take care

Fiona.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tom
Author
Thank you guys you give me the lift i need today ,feeling a bit low dont know why
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Morning John....you do a great job keep it up....SK
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Gary Morris
Morning John, thankyou for everything you do
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I do poetry in my spare time and got a poetry book through the VSA to increase my chances of getting published. Well, this one did! Enjoy.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff Walters
Morning John you are doing a Sterling job and thank you to all others
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Thank you John the work you do for all the veterans is so great. That talk we had when Tricia was in the coma really helped me I am so grateful to you hope you have a fantastic weekend. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary Morris
Thank you for all you do John.
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Stephen Wrigley
Happy new year,Thanks to all admin for all the work you have done for the last year
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Tom Wheeler
thank you for being there and for all the work you all do for us.
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Spud Edwards
And a big thanks to you too mate for all that you do for us.
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Robin Hughes
Great job 👍. Thank you John and everyone else for what you are achieving. Happy new year to you and everyone.
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Steve Linton
Keep up the good work! A Happy and prosperous New Year to you John, and the rest of the team. Not forgetting my fellow veterans and their families.
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Mick Wilson RE
Not good but it is clear that it isn’t this Charity these clearly don’t offer support it’s just an association keep up the Good work John you do an amazing Job
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Mark Elphick,
All your hard work is greatly appreciated and noteworthy. You should be recognised at higher levels.
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Simon Brodie.
Just want to say thanks to John and the VSA for this. It really makes a difference, especially on the days that the feelings of loneliness and isolation hits harder.
It might just look like nerd gaming stuff, but to me it's escape, connection, and infinite possibilities.
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Simon Quinn.
Thanks John and VSA for supporting us all .
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Simon Brodie
Andy Coulter VSA is definitely not a scam, they have helped me, and 100s of other veterans make it through lockdown and beyond and John is a lovely and dedicated bloke. Have a look through the page and see.
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Philip Winks
Matt Eame talk to John Joyce our venerated leader and all round great guy
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Many thanks for all you've done John. It is very much appreciated especially by me. I'm sure I speak for all of us who have benefited by this great initiative. We can only hope that more funding is found at some time in the future. Its been a life saver.
Yours
Mark.
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Edward Fox
John you so sterling work we are proud of what you do and achieve
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John Williams
Just a thank you to John and David from the Veterans Support Association for looking after us month after month. I think I speak for us all when send many thanks to you both.
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Hi there, just wanted to drop a message to explain a donation you have just received on my behalf. I won a raffle with Jo’s Odd shoes which included a £100 donation to a chosen charity. My brother  Owain Collins has been supported by you and continues to be in your FB group receiving support - he has spoken so highly of the charity. I knew a bit of money would make a difference to you so I chose for the donation to come to you so you can continue to help those in the group like my brother. Thanks for everything you do. Mim Collins
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Here we are delivered yesterday, thanks to John, VSA and lottery fund, thanks for everything you have done throughout this time john.
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Mark Bridge.
Once again, from myself and on behalf of all the veterans... Thank you , you are a real star.
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Mark Sid Elphick
Made a massive difference. Thank you John. May we receive more in the future, its been fantastic. I've done so much that I wouldn't have done.
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Stephen Kerr
Keep up the good work!.....it really made a difference in my therapy....thank you John....and VSA
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Ian Brown
Thank you so very much John for all your hard work you have helped me more than you will ever know thank you brother
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Jason Clements
Top contributor
Thanks John has been very much appreciated and helpfull..will it be getting renewed or is that the end? Either way thank you..
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Stephen Shambler
Thank you! 🙂John joyce
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Dave Lawrence
Top contributor
We are incredibly fortunate to have a Geezer (capital 'G' deliberate!!) like you John who provides so much support to the Veteran community.
The Hobbies funding has provided so much to so many over the years.
WELL DONE that Man!!! 👍👍
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Simon Quinn
Been amazing thanks VSA
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Mark Milsted
Made a massive difference thanks for all your effort in collating and ordering everyone's stuff every month its a thankless job and we all appreciate it
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Jimmie Lochridge
TYVM it was appreciated while it lasted.
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Dickie Bird
John and team, its been absolutly brilliant 👏 👌 well done all involved
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Spud ED
Thank you so much. What a fantastic thing for you all to have done for us. It has helped me immensely.
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Mick Wilson RE
Top contributor
Definately helped with my Hobbying and keeping me from going mad
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Philip Winks
Top contributor
It was incredible useful thanks John 👍
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