Foreword

I have always been interested in understanding our  military history and how all our communities helped mould the country  that we live and prosper in today.  I passionately believe that we must  remember those that have served our country and those that have given  their all for our country and the life we lead.


I believe that it is noble of you, the members of the  Ancre Somme Association, to perpetuate the memory of those that have  gone before us both in the locally raised Battalions during the Great  War of 1914-1918 and onto further wars and conflicts around the world  and Empire.


Service men and Volunteers have shaped our Ulster and  British traditions and our way of life. It is only fitting that we  remember these men and their service.


The Ancre Somme Association's trip to mark the 100 year  anniversary of the Battle of the Somme was both solemn and fitting  remembering the great sacrifices that were made by the volunteer  battalions on The Somme in 1916.  From a personal point of view it was  tremendously pleasurable being in the company of so many people who  shared my interest and belief in the strategic aims of the Ancre Somme  Association.


As the Associations Patron I take up the baton and will  rise to the challenge.  I fully support The Ancre Somme Association's  Mission, 'To Actively Commemorate, Educate & Raise Awareness on the  Events Preceding, Surrounding and Following the Battle of the Somme  Including Subsequent Conflicts, Battles & Wars.'


I believe that we as an Association can march forward,  or as the Royal Irish Fusiliers war cry stated we can Clear the Way  (Faugh a Ballagh). 


It is an honour to be the Patron of The Ancre Somme  Association Charity. 


Ant Maher


Lt Col Ant Maher
Patron
Ancre Somme Association

WE COMMIT TO THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT


We are honoured to have signed and pledged to the Armed Forces Covenant which supports the Armed Forces Community.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant

An Enduring Covenant Between The People of the United Kingdom Her Majesty's Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their Families.


The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces.


In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.


Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Signing the Armed Forces Covenant


The Armed Forces Covenant was signed by the Ancre Somme Association Chairman, Mark Jameson, on the 26th July 2023.


Signed Armed Forces Covenant - Download

Education  Remembrance  Support

Education

It is important that our communities, in particular our young people, have an understanding of the past.


Our Association is currently engaging with community organisations and schools across the United Kingdom.

Remembrance

It is important that our communities, in particular our young people, have an understanding of the past.


Our Association is currently engaging with community organisations and schools across the United Kingdom.

Support

While our focus is education it is also important that we do not forget about today's military personnel.


Our Association has helped raise much needed funds for various military charities across the UK.

Remembering those who served and continue to serve.

Membership of the Ancre Somme Association Charity is open to all, there are no restrictions. All we ask of our membership is that they support the on-going study and research of the historical findings derived from the events preceding, surrounding and following the Battle of the Somme on the 1st July 1916, as well as all other subsequent conflicts, battles and wars.

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Supporting Our Veterans

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Soldier on Coffee Co was founded by a British Army veteran who served 10 years in the Irish Guards doing tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan.


In 2012, whilst on a foot patrol in Afghanistan, LCpl Phillips stood on an improvised explosive device resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee.


Veteran-Owned

If we cannot support our veterans then who will?

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Latest News

By ASAADMIN 21 Sep, 2024
The Ancre Somme Association Charity are delighted to announce partnership working with the War Horse Memorial and the Animal Purple Poppy Fund. We share the same aims and objectives regarding the role and contribution that animals, particularly horse, donkeys, dogs and pigeons played in securing the peace - from World War One and countless other conflicts - we enjoy today.
By ASAADMIN 07 Sep, 2024
It is with great pleasure that the Ancre Somme Association Charity extends its heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed member, Calum McShane, on the momentous occasion of his passing out from Cunningham Division of HMS Raleigh.
By ASAADMIN 07 Aug, 2024
Charity Awarded Grant Towards The Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial Project

Ribbon of Poppies UK & Commonwealth

The Ribbon of Poppies UK & Commonwealth is an annual  campaign that encourages the sowing of poppy seeds, particulary by the younger generation, in memory of those members of the British and Commonwealth Forces who gave their lives in various wars and confilcts. 


In past years various groups have pledged their support to our campaign including various youth organisations, schools and councils from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.


For more information on the campaign and how you can get involved click the button below.

Learn More

ASA Remembrance Seedbom

ASA Remembrance Seedbom contains an easy to establish mix of wildflowers perfect for bringing life to built-up areas, attracting pollinating insects and creating a living memorial to those who served.


SEED MIX: Flanders Poppy, Corn Marigold, Cornflower, Forget-Me-Not, Oxeye Daisy and, Red Campion.


UK NATIVE: % – 100%


PLANTING: Mar, Apr, May, Jun (grow this year) Aug, Sep, Oct (grow next year).


*(Contains only species found on the RHS Plants for Pollinators List)


Open and throw or drop the seedbom into areas that you want to create your living memorial. The seedbom like bare soil, natural light and to be kept damp whilst growing. Full instructions are included on inside of each seedbom sleeve.


The seedbom will biodegrade into the environment, leaving only plants behind.


The seedboms are assembled in the UK (the shell casings are made in the Netherlands, all other materials sourced in the UK). Starch based biodegradable and compostable shell, organic peat-free compost, native wildflower, FSC 100% recycled and recyclable glue free paperboard packaging.


Weight - 25 g


Size - 55 × 55 × 80 mm


Each seedbom will be shipped with either a Navy, Army or RAF pin badge.


* If you are outside the UK please check your countries rules on importing seeds.

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