Welcome to Ancre Somme Association Scotland SCIO
“Nominated for Queen’s Award Voluntary Service 2020”
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We support our Armed Forces, past, present, and future. Education is at the heart of our charity. We research local history, working with schools, community groups, veterans, families, tri-cadet forces. We create memorials across the Nation and are leaving a legacy for future generations.
Patron
His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant Alan Simpson CVO, OBE, FRSE
"I am honored to be Patron of ASA Scotland charity"
"The achievements since formation are outstanding"
"I would ask you to support this brilliant charity"
ASA Scotland President
Former Provost Falkirk Council Cllr William Buchanan
I was asked in 2020 to become Honorary President of Ancre Somme Association Scotland and I accepted the position without question.
I have observed and witnessed firsthand the fantastic work of this Armed Forces voluntary charity.
The people involved work tirelessly to engage with young people, communities, organisations, and businesses to ensure we never forget those who have served the Sovereign and Nation.
This charity has created Memorials, presented Remembrance Benches to schools, and numerous legacy learning booklets, they have raised thousands for various charities and projects.
ASA Scotland Hon President Councillor William Buchanan
ASA Scotland Chairman
Councillor Harry Cartmill
I am a founder member of the ASA Scotland charity.
I visited the Battlefields of France and Belgium in 2016 and wanted to bring that experience back home.
Education, remembrance, our shared inclusive history and heritage from WW1, WW2, and all subsequent Wars and Conflicts is important for young people to fully understand.
Freedom is not free, we only need to look at what is happening in Ukraine and Poland today to understand this.
We owe it to our Veterans and those serving in our Armed Forces to pass on history, and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
ASA Scotland Chairman Councillor Harry Cartmill
Board of Trustee's
President Councillor William Buchanan
Chairman Councillor Harry Cartmill
Secretary Tommy Davidson
Treasurer Fiona Buchanan
James McAleese
Jackie McAleese
Ambassadors
Major Donnie Harris
Major Allan Cunningham
Alison Moodie OBE
Falkirk Council Provost Robert Bissett
Ex Scotland/Rangers FC player Willie Henderson
Singer/Song Writer Alan Brydon
Hawick Council Provost Watson McAteer
Our Ambassador's
Padre Philip Patterson Veteran
Alison Moodie OBE RAF Veteran
Provost Watson McAteer
Willie Henderson Ex Scotland International
Alan Brydon Singer/Songwriter
Harry Day WW2 Veteran
Assisting, supporting and promoting the voluntary charity work of ASA Scotland.
Armed Forces Covenant Trust Bronze Award
Ancre Somme Association Scotland SCIO (SC048597)
We are pleased to confirm that our charity has received the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
President William Buchanan said “On behalf our charity, I would like to thank everyone who has assisted and supported our work in the past 6 years, we have far exceeded all expectations, we have more work to do”
“Our commitment to our Armed Forces, their families, Veterans and communities has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence”
“We will continue to do all we can as a voluntary charity”
“We now need businesses and Organisations to sponsor and support our fantastic work”
“Once again on behalf of all our members, a massive thank you to the Ministry of Defence, London, for this recognition”
Who We Are and What We Do
We are a voluntary charity, who visits schools/community group's across the Nation, we ensure young people fully understand the role of our Armed Forces.
ASA Scotland Charity, located in Scotland, we are dedicated to supporting our Armed Forces. We engage with schools, cadet forces, communities, Veteran's, Clergy, Councils, and our Armed Forces. We remember our Armed Forces history, those who have served, past, present, and future.
School visits
Young people need to understand, without our Armed Forces, we have nothing.
We are passing on our Armed Forces heritage from WW1, WW2 to the current day.
Freedom is not free, if we don't understand our past, we have no future, think about that.
DIVERSITY
We are inclusive and welcome people from all backgrounds to our membership. We learn and share our Armed Forces heritage from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. We have more in common that unites us than divides us. Please get in touch, if you can assist and support our work.
Diversity
Strength in Diversity – Our Shared History
This is a shared history programme facilitated by the Ancre Somme Association that will explore the diversity of those who served in the British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces from the Great War to the present day.
Our aim is to bring our shared history to life using exhibitions, publications, lectures and accredited courses as we celebrate the diversity that has always existed throughout the United Kingdom.
SID Shared History programme provides a general introduction to historical and cultural links between those who served in the Commonwealth and Allied Forces and the United Kingdom with the main focus being the diversity of those who served during WW1 & WW2.
At the outbreak of the War in August 1914, the British Indian Army consisted of around 194,000 regular soldiers and by the Armistice in November 1918, the force had grown to nearly 1.5 million.
In total, the Indian Army sent around 1.5 million men and 173,000 animals from Indian ports to nearly all theatres of war across Europe, Africa and Asia. One in every six soldiers of the British Empire was from the Indian subcontinent; its contribution was the equivalent of all the forces from the then dominions of the British Empire combined (namely Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa). Of these around 400,000 (about a third of the British Indian Army) were Muslims.
In 1940, more than 8,000 Polish airmen arrived on English soil to be met by a feeling of scepticism about their flying ability amongst the British pilots. But things were becoming desperate for the Royal Air Force with many of their most experienced pilots killed, wounded or simply exhausted. The first Polish fighter pilots joined RAF Squadrons in July that year. A total of 145 Polish airmen fought in the Battle of Britain, the largest non-British contingent, 79 airmen in various RAF squadrons, 32 in 302 Squadron and 34 in 303 Squadron. Twenty-nine Polish pilots, including Paszkiewicz, lost their lives in combat against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. These pilots are remembered at the Polish War Memorial near RAF Northolt.
In both world wars, African-Caribbean people also volunteered to serve in the Royal Air Force. These volunteers fought, and died, for the mother country and for freedom, and thereby helped preserve the values and the heritage they shared with their white comrades. Some 10,000 left their families and homes to join the British armed forces, working behind the scenes and on the frontline to defeat the Nazis.
The topics include focus on the role of the Commonwealth and Allied in both world wars; accounts of the experiences of the servicemen and women who participated in the wars; human stories of those servicemen and woman who served and died in the United Kingdom; and the relations between their countries and United Kingdom communities after WWII until present day.
MODULES
• MODULE I - Preconception: Understanding the meaning of the shared history
• MODULE II - Disclosure: Recognise Cultural Differences
• MODULE III - Discovery: Understand why and how shared history contribute to positive relations
• MODULE IV - Conclusion: Understand the importance of ensuring an inclusive approach to diversity
• EVALUATION
"Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common, celebrate it every day" - Sir Winston Churchill
Did you know? Over 4 million soldiers from the British Indian Army fought in both World Wars - we must engage, inform, teach tolerance, understand shared values, respect, diversity, inspire, celebrate, commemorate and understand our shared military history across Scotland, the United Kingdom and across the World.
Colourful Heritage - Primary Schools Resource Pack description:
Colourful Heritage is an organisation dedicated to capturing, celebrating and inspiring others in the history of the immense contribution of South Asian migrants and Muslims to Scotland over the past century. Explore the key features of this unique story in the following resource pack, consisting of 5 units specially designed for Primary 6 and 7. Richly illustrated and complete with case studies, suggested lesson plans, discussion points and options for further reading, they each provide a self-contained learning unit, and a fantastic opportunity to teach children about a lesser-studied element of Scottish culture.
Primary Schools Resource Pack link: https://www.colourfulheritage.com/projects/schools/#pack
Colourful Heritage - British Indian Army resource description:
Did you know that around four million South Asian soldiers fought on behalf of the British in World War One and World War Two? Here you will find a wide range of interactive, vividly illustrated resources reflecting on their immense contribution to the British war effort. From photographs, to interviews, real-life stories to shocking statistics, these easy-to-navigate materials are the perfect accompaniment to lesson plans and workshops for children of all ages. Explore them to discover a fascinating, often forgotten side of wartime history.
British Indian Army - https://www.colourfulheritage.com/projects/british-indian-army/
Thank you to Isobel Harling: Remembrance service for WWII British Indian Army soldiers buried in Kingussie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um5YuPeDo9I&feature=youtu.be
Force K6: Remembrance service for WWII British Indian Army soldiers buried in Kingussie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tslZzz5XjHg&feature=youtu.be
Our Achievements
THE WORK AND STORY OF ASA SCOTLAND CHARITY SINCE 2015
As a voluntary organisation we do our very best to educate and inform young people across Scotland about our Armed Forces heritage from WW1, WW2 to the present day in Afghanistan. We remember all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Sovereign and Nation, we hold Remembrance events each year. We support and promote our Armed Forces heritage, our Armed Forces Charities events and our own legacy projects. We engage with the Sea, Army and Navy Cadets across Scotland, the feedback from cadets has been tremendous. We work with schools and Councils across Scotland. Our Patron was Lt. Colonel Gary Tait MBE QCVS CGSC MA who sadly passed away in June 2019, he lost his brave fight to cancer at the age of just 52, our charity will now carry on his legacy.
Gary Tait video message 2018 https://youtu.be/tRAVMCyd2c8
Our Association formed in 2015 after a visit to the Battlefields in France and Belgium, we travel across Scotland, we gain no support from the Scottish Government or UK Government, we teach local, National, UK, Commonwealth history. We are bringing our Scottish and British heritage to the fore again so that we never forget and never repeat history. We reach out to everyone, our aim is to bring people, young and old together.
We have had fantastic success in West Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Perth, Glasgow, Edinburgh, East Lothian, Lanarkshire, Fife and Cumbria.
In 2016 we engaged with schools across West Lothian to raise awareness around the Battle of the Somme. We were given a Civic Reception by West Lothian Council. We also held a Commemoration Service in St Michael’s Church attended by young people, cadets, Veterans, Armed Forces, all political parties representation, and Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Mrs Isobel Brydie CVO MBE who congratulated our Association’s work on behalf of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Enter the Standards (youtube.com)
In 2017 Alexander Stewart MBE MSP joined the Association as an Ambassador, he has raised motions in the Scottish Parliament promoting our Association. In 2017, we engaged with Uphall Primary School, we supported the young people’s learning from WW1 and we Commemorated the Battle of Passchendaele, learning about a local MM Hero Cpl Robert Beveridge, with the support of the Lowland Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and 6 SCOTS, we arranged a Commemoration Service in Uphall. Our Ambassador Singer Alan Brydon taught children his song “The Road to Passchendaele”, also “Jimmy’s Song” which all young people now watch as part of our learning of what happened during the Great War. Uphall Primary 2018 (youtube.com)
In spring 2018, we created our Ribbon of Poppies UK & Commonwealth Annual Campaign. The aim each year is to encourage young people to sow the Poppy seeds and for adults to explain the importance of remembrance and of the work of our Armed Forces, Past, Present and Future. Also teaching young people about the role of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Commander in Chief of our British Armed Forces. Example of our work: https://www.forces.net/radio/scottish-primary-pupils-remember-passchendaele-heroesIn.
We raised £4,000 through online raffles and donations donated £2,000 to Soldiers Off the Streets charity and £2,000 donated to Combat Stress - supporting Veterans.
May 2018 we held an RAF 100 event in Grangemouth in Partnership with Falkirk Council. Group Captain Bob Kemp CBE supported ASA Scotland to inform our school children, air cadets, veterans, community and guests about the 100yr heritage of the RAF. We created a RAF learning booklet for schools, leaving a legacy for generations to come. In 2018 Alison Moodie OBE joined our charity.
In May 2018 we purchased a WW1 Tommy from the “There But Not There” charity, we toured Scotland and utilised social media to educate young and old of the brave Tommies who left the 4 corners of our Nation. We visited Hampden Park, Murrayfield the home of Scottish Rugby, various Football Clubs, St Andrews Golf Course, Freuchie Cricket Club, the Tommy was then gifted to the Scottish Parliament, leaving a legacy of Britain’s Bravest. This campaign was fantastic as it gained maximum publicity on Scottish TV and within the Scottish Press.
In 2018 Rev Stephen Blakey became our Association Chaplain/Padre. His support has been fantastic and he supports our ethos of bringing people together to Commemorate and to Celebrate our Armed Forces heritage.
In August 2018 we became a constituted charity, regulated by OSCR, charity number SC048597
In 2018, we agreed with Lt Col Gary Tait to Commission a DDay 75th painting. The painting was produced by the Scots artist Helen Runciman from Denny, it was revealed on the 5th May 2019. This painting was gifted to The Kirk of Canongate, Edinburgh.
In 2018, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust gifted us 10 Tommy silhouettes, which were used during our WW1 Commemoration Services.
In October 2018 we held a tri-Service Great War Commemoration Service inviting children, veterans, people from across Edinburgh and Scotland to remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. The Service was held in the Kirk of the Canongate, Edinburgh, conducted by our Chaplain Stephen Blakey. We also created a Great War learning booklet which we now share with young people and cadets across Scotland. https://youtu.be/Cd8z0MIbK1c?si=jMYeqnrckNA9dNtS
In November 2018, from our Ribbon of Poppies UK & Commonwealth Campaign, we raised £1,918 for Poppyscotland to support our Veterans.
In 2018 we were awarded £9,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the project “Whitburn Families of the Great War” this project was completed in September 2019. We created a website and booklet for schools leaving a legacy.
In November 2018 we worked with the Whitburn schools and community to ensure the Great War was commemorated at Whitburn South Parish Church conducted by Dr Rev Angus Kerr Ex-KOSB Padre. This was a huge success. Greenrigg Primary School (youtube.com)
Scots singer Amy Hawthorn singing at Whitburn
Amy Hawthorn singing “So Many Lives” ASA Scotland Forces Charity (youtube.com)
On 5th May 2019, we invited young people, local families, Veterans to Whitburn South Parish Church Hall and Celebrated and Commemorated D-Day 75, we also unveiled our D-Day Commissioned painting, by Helen Runciman. The evening was supported by Whitburn Brass Band and singer Amy Hawthorn as Vera Lynn and Singer Mia Lewington. Group Captain Bob Kemp CBE, gave an excellent overview of the events leading up to D-Day and the aftermath. D-Day 75th Concert Bob Kemp CBE (youtube.com)
In May 2019 our Association created a Memorial Cairn at Whitburn War Memorial to 13 men missing from the town’s War Memorial for 100yrs. We had great support from Meg Stenhouse local West Lothain Historian. We arranged a Commemoration Service inviting young people, cadets, veterans, Armed Forces, all political parties, and our guest of honour was Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for West Lothian Ms Moira Niven MBE. This was supported by the Community and West Lothian Council. We left a legacy so that in 25yrs time, the next generation can pick up the torch. https://youtu.be/E_ASMS__3vw?si=EPZbpr7FpPLVau1E
In 2019 our Association worked with Crookston Castle Primary, Great Pollock, Glasgow, to teach them about Fusilier Gordon Gentle who lost his life in the Iraq War, serving Queen and Country, sadly Gordon paid the ultimate sacrifice. Our charity worked with Gordon’s old primary school, his mother Rose Gentle, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and we gifted a lovely LEST WE FORGET memorial bench, leaving a legacy of this brave young soldier, who died at the age of 19yrs old, we marked his death 15yrs to the day. Every generation coming through this school will now learn about Fusilier Gordon Gentle. The Daily Record and Scottish Sun Newspapers printed the wonderful story.
Our 2019 our “Ribbon of Poppies UK & Commonwealth” Campaign donation will support the “Veterans With Dogs” Charity, with a donation of £1,000 from the sale of Poppy Seeds.
In July 2019 we were invited and honoured to attend Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Garden Party at Holyrood, Edinburgh.
On the 25th October 2019 our Association presented a D-Day 75th framed picture to the Kirk of the Canongate, leaving a lasting memory of Lt Col Gary Tait MBE, his legacy will live on through our education work and remembrance events each month and each year.
Monday 4th November 2019, plan to visit Kirkfieldbank Primary School, Lanark to present a “Lest We Forget” Remembrance bench to recognise the work they have been doing in Partnership with our Association. ASA working with Kirkfieldbank Primary School (youtube.com)
Thursday 7th November 2019, we presented Greenrigg Primary School, West Lothian with a “LEST WE FORGET” Remembrance Bench to recognise the young people and the school for the ongoing work they are doing to learn about their local Armed Forces heritage as well as the role of the Armed Forces today.
During the COVID 19 Pandemic 2020, we never stood still, we adapted and created online events and raised £20,000 creating auctions and raffles, and donated this to the NHS U.K. Charities.
During 2020 we raised £520 online and donated this to BLESMA forces charity to support Veterans.
ASA Scotland also raised £30,000 via virtual online auctions and raffles, and created a fitting Memorial Bust in Partnership with Falkirk Council in memory of a British SAS Hero John (Mac) McAleese. This was unveiled by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Alan Simpson OBE. The support across the community and across the Nation was fantastic. The local and National Press shared this project with the U.K. public. A learning booklet was created, and now used as a child’s learning in local schools.
During 2020 we raised £4,000 online to create Memorial Benches for schools and Communities.
In 2021 we presented a Memorial Bench to Portobello High School in memory of Lt Col Gary Tait MBE; we donated a Memorial Bench to Prestonfield Primary School in memory of Mark Wright GC; we presented a Memorial Bench in memory of Sgt Sean Connor Binnie who died in Afghanistan; we presented a Memorial Bench to the Kirk of Canongate In memory of Lt Col Gary Tait MBE; we presented a Memorial Bench to the mother of Pte Daniel Wade from Cheshire in 2022.
During 2021 we engaged with Uphall Community and local schools to create the first Purple Poppy Memorial in Uphall, West Lothian to remember the Animals that have served our Nation – past, present and future. We received a grant of £10,000 to create this fitting memorial. Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Ms Moira Niven MBE unveiled this memorial. We created a learning booklet for schools, leaving a legacy for future generations. The 1st Purple Poppy Memorial - Scotland 23rd August 2021 (youtube.com)
In October 2021 we started engaging with schools across the Nation to prepare to Celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee 2022.
In November 2021 we met up with Colourful Heritage to discuss a Memorial to remember the sacrifice of the British Indian Army, this is to bring Muslims, Sikhs, Gurkhas, Christian’s, and people of no faith to remember those who have served – past, present and future. https://youtu.be/OV_47YimLUY?si=gtEevW2yxbabY5ud
In November 2021 we donated £1,000 to Bainsford War Memorial Association, we assisted them to create a Memorial, a learning booklet for schools, and to create an unveiling event in 2022.
During 2022, we traveled to Kingussie Cemetery to pay our respects and honour the British Indian Army. We supported the Colourful Heritage charity. Kingussie Cemetery, Scotland - 20/10/2022 - part 9 (youtube.com)
In 2022, we laid a THANK YOU stone at Broxburn, to the NHS, All Key Workers and our Armed Forces who served the Nation during COVID-19. This was unveiled by Cllr Ann Davidson and West Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant Ms Moira Niven MBE. ASA Forces Charity Stone unveiled (youtube.com)
In 2022 we unveiled the Jamie Ferguson Memorial Bench to Leuchars Primary School, Fife, special guests were the Lord Lieutenant of Fife and Fife’s Lord Provost Jim Leishman.
In 2022 we unveiled the Mark Wright GC Memorial Bench at Prestonfield Primary school, Edinburgh, our special guest was the family, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and guests from the Parachute Regiment. Mark Wright GC Memorial Day - Headteacher Jenny Henessey (youtube.com)
In 2022 we gifted a Platinum Jubilee Bench to Bathgate Academy, Leuchars Primary School, Edinburgh Castle and Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire. Leaving a legacy at Bathgate Academy on this Platinum Jubilee 70 years. - YouTube
In May 2023 we supported the Girlguides in Bonnybridge with THE BIG HELP out, picking up litter, all part of the Kings Coronation. We also donated a tree which was planted by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Alan Simpson OBE.
In May 2023, we Commemorated the Dambusters 80 as well as they 10th Anniversary of the Spitfire Memorial at Grangemouth. We also donated £500 to the Air Cadets in Falkirk.
Guests included: Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh, Mr Łukasz Lutostanski, Depute Lord Lieutenant Sir Iain McMillan CBE DL, Squadron Leader Tom McMorrow MBE, Projects Officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland Region RAF Air Cadets, Provost of Falkirk and Stirling, Depute Provost of West Lothian Council and many other guests.
1st August 2023 - ASA Scotland Gunner Willie Thornton 80th Commemoration. Guest included Depute Lord Lieutenant Rev John Povey, Thornton Family, Rangers FC Historian David Mason, Ex Rangers FC and Scotland Legend Willie Henderson, Scottish FA Jennifer Malone, Winchburgh Albion Youth Team’s & Coaches and the general public. Thanks to Rev Stephen A Blakey. https://youtu.be/HjjbcI_l5_k?si=rQ2GbxIh1mnHUrOX
August 23rd 2023 - Annual Purple Poppy Day event at Uphall.
August 26th 2023 - Annual Armed Forces day at Laurieston.
November 10th 2023 - unveil Memorial Bench gifted to RHQ, The Royal Regiment of Scotland Association, at Edinburgh Castle for the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Major General RB Bruce CBE DSO - 10/11/2023 (youtube.com)
November 11th 2023 - ASA Scotland in Partnership with Falkirk Council gifted a Commemorative bench, a Memorial Stone, and a remembrance flag to the Royal British Legion Scotland to mark 100th Anniversary of the RBL, this was delayed due to COVID. ASA Scotland President Cllr William Buchanan (youtube.com)
2023 - Educational school outreach never stops each year - ASA engaging and inspiring young people - part 7 - YouTube
2024 June 6th - we held a D-Day80 th Commemoration in Bathgate Regal Theatre, with the support of Whitburn Brass Band, Bob Kemp CBE, Bathgate Academy, and local schools, this was a free event for children, the theatre was full on the night. ASA Hon Piper Kevin McLean played and told the factual story of Piper Bill Millin.
2024 August 23rd ASA Scotland Purple Poppy Day, Uphall, West Lothian - the annual service took place with the Depute Lord Lieutenant as our guest.
2024 August 24th - ASA Scotland Purple Poppy and Armed Forces Day, Callendar Park, Falkirk. A fantastic community day, with a Police Scotland Dog section display, lots of stalls, singers, dancers, families with their dogs, Military displays, and presentations. Lord Lieutenant Alan Simpson SVO, OBE was our VIP guest. The event was in Partnership with Falkirk Council.
August 2024 - the Mark Strudwick Memorial Bench was unveild by the Strudwick Family St John's Scotland, West Lothian. The Bench was part funded by ASA Scotland and St Johns Scotland, West Lothian. The Strdwick family were in atten
2024 October 20th - ASA Scotland held a military indoor display and presentation, well supported by young people, families, and Veterans.
2024 October 26th - ASA Scotland delivered the Sergeant Jonathan Mathews Memorial Bench to Vimy Barracks, Catterick. A poignant service was conducted by Padre Hector Mackenzie, Shiona Mathews and her daughter Megan were present.
2024 November 1st - ASA Scotland with the support of the public and family donations raised funds for the 2 Memorial Benches, the 2nd Bench was gifted to the Royal British Legion Prestonpans Branch. ASA Scotland will conduct a service and the bench will be unveiled. It will be sited at the RBL leaving a legacy for future generations. An educational booklet was created for the event for schools.
All of the above would not be possible without the hard work from ALL our Trustees, Ambassadors, Members, and the public who have supported our charity over the past 9 years.
![IMG_6099[20571].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3f3a63_1ca51cbd3d52419c820b3c1a2effdfbd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_490,h_368,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/3f3a63_1ca51cbd3d52419c820b3c1a2effdfbd~mv2.jpg)
Community Events
Battle of Passchendaele 1917 - 2017
We held a parade, Church Service, and a Reception supported by West Lothian Council.
Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Ms Moira Niven MBE was our guest of honour, supported by 6 SCOTS and the Lowland Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Lt Col Gary Tait MBE 2017
Events 2024 - 2025
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D-Day 80th Commemoration, Thursday 6th June
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ASA Scotland Purple Poppy & Armed Forces Celebration Event
Falkirk 3rd August, 9am till 4pm
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Willie Thornton MM Memorial – Winchburgh – date tbc
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Annual Purple Poppy Day Uphall 23rd August 7pm
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Armed Forces Day Event – Laurieston Saturday 30th August 1pm
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Mark Strudwick Memorial Bench – St John's Scotland, August 2024 date tbc
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Sergeant J Mathews Memorial event, Vimy Barracks, Catterick – Friday 26th October 2024
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Sergeant J Mathews Memorial event - RBL Prestonpans Branch, Friday 1st November
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ASA Scotland 2024 Remembrance Event – Bonnybridge 10th November
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ASA Scotland 2024 Remembrance Event Bathgate with schools – 8th November
Past Events and Feedback
ASA Scotland was formed in 2016 after a trip to France and Belgium, to visit the graves, cemeteries, and various memorials.
Headmaster/children at Balbardie Primary School, Bathgate 2016
Headmaster/children Low Port Primary School, Linlithgow 2016
Robin Thomson Curriculum teacher at Broxburn Academy 2016
Lt Gary Tait Chairman MBE McCraes Battalion Trust 2016
West Lothian Council Provost Tom Kerr (ASA Hon Chairman) 2016
Depute Provost Dave King
Provost of Falkirk Council William Buchanan (ASA Scotland Hon President)
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick
West Lothian Veterans Champion Cllr Alex Davidson 2016
West Lothian Lord Lt Isobel Brydie MBE 2016
West Lothian Lord Lt Ms Moira Niven MBE 2017
ASA Patron MSP Alexader Stewart MBE 2017
Alison Moodie OBE (ASA Ambassador) 2017
Letters of support from St. Kentigerns Academy & Whitburn Academy, West Lothian 2018
Provost of Hawick Councill Watson McAteer (ASA Scotland Hon Member) 2018
MSP's cross party support for ASA Scotland motion to Scottish Parliament 2016
MSP's cross party, support Ribbon of Poppies UK & Commonwealth 2018
Anas Sarwar MSP supports Ribbon Of Poppies UK & Commonwealth 2019
Invite from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019 Garden Party
Invite from West Lothian Council Civic Reception 2019
Letters of support from Bob Kemp CBE, Major Robert Stuart, Depute Headteacher Kirsten Patience
ASA Scotland forms John McAleese MM Commemoration Society 2019
ASA Scotland Nominated for Queen's Voluntary Award 2020
Broxburn Academy was both honoured and delighted to be asked to participate on Saturday 22 October 2016 in the Commemoration of the 100th anniversary marking the end of the Battle of the Somme. The Ancre Somme Association's event held in Linlithgow Burgh Halls, St Michael's Church gave S4 pupil, Robyn Beckett the opportunity to share her recent success as the winner of a national poetry competition about WW1 events with a reading of her poem 'Living Nightmare' by West Lothian Provost Tom Kerr. Another S6 pupil, Sam Malone, recited and sang two extracts from the 2016 Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, 'Far from Ypres' in which he appeared, accompanied by the show's producer, Liz Reid.
Broxburn Academy has close links with the Army Cadet detachment in the town as a result of the Uniformed Services and Leadership courses which are offered to pupils in the school. A group of Army Cadets were therefore also present on Saturday and were given the honour of participating alongside military veterans commemorating on behalf of the Ancre Somme Association. Lauren Berriman and Amir Khan read out the names of two soldiers who fell in the Somme and later shared how touched they both felt by being asked to participate in this way, 'It was a real privilege to be a part of such an important event remembering the men who died' Jack Langlands, a standard bearer for the event remarked 'I felt so proud & it was really the highlight of my time to date as a cadet'
Robin Thomson
Principal Teacher Curriculum
Additional Support Needs
Head of House, (Buchan)
Broxburn Academy
Cardross Rd
EH52 6AG
Tel. 01506 28230
Media and Press Reports:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/civic-reception-commemoration-service-held-9120693
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/hundreds-turn-out-ceremony-memory-11400616
Motion to Scottish Parliament:
Fusilier Gordon Gentle Remembered 15yrs on:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/fallen-scots-soldier-honoured-school-17273900
Lanarkshire Deputy Lieutenant Millar Stoddart DL 2019
His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant Alan Simpson OBE becomes Patron of the charity in 2024
Delivering National Best Practice
"Nominated for Queen's Award Voluntary Service 2020"
Remembrance is every day
Bravery, Heroism, Valour
One of the main reasons ASA Scotland Charity was founded in 2015, was to bring our history from the Battlefields of Belgium and France to the classroom and communities across the Nation, as many children and families will never see them in their lifetime. If you would like to volunteer or even join, do get in touch.
Local factual history
Children love learning about our Armed Forces
One of our goals is to ensure our Armed Forces heritage is never forgotten and that our young people fully understand the price we have paid to defend our freedom, liberty, and way of life. Contact us to learn more or to book a visit.
Learning our Armed Forces heritage
Visiting the Sea, Army, and Air Cadets, sharing our Armed Forces heritage.
"ASA Scotland Charity - Nominated for Queen's Award Voluntary Service 2020"
Learning our Armed Forces heritage
Visiting the Sea, Army, and Air Cadets, sharing our Armed Forces heritage.
Air Cadets
Learning about the Armed Forces
In 2018 and 2019 we visited the Air Cadets, sharing our Armed Forces heritage.
Local factual history
Visiting local graves
In every town and City there are Military graves, we research, we learn, we understand, we pay our respects, we pass on the Remembrance torch, to the next generation.
"Nominated for Queen's Award Voluntary Service 2020"
Royal Family
Take a Look
HM Queen Elizabeth II
A role model for the Nation her whole life.
HM Queen 2019
Her Majesty was loved by the Nation, and died 8th September 2022 at Balmoral Estate, Scotland.
King Charles III
8th September 2022
HM Platinum Jubilee 2022
Our charity gifted 3 Benches on Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Year
Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Alistair Bruce OBE
The second Bench was gifted to Balmoral Estate days before Queen Elizabeth passed away.
The third Bench was gifted to Bathgate Academy, West Lothian, Scotland
King Charles III Coronation
"The Big Help Out"
His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant Alan Simpson OBE, planting a tree gifted by ASA Scotland.
ASA members were delighted to support Girlguiding in Bonnybridge, picking up litter on Monday 8th May 2023
ASA Scotland Dambusters 80th Commemoration
1943 - 2023
Venue: Spitfire Memorial, Grangemouth on Saturday 13th May 2023
We also welcomed the Consul
General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh
Mr Lukasz Lutostanski, Provost of Falkirk Council
Robert Bissett, Provost of Stirling Council Douglas Dodds, Depute Provost West Lothian Council Peter Heggie, Squadron Leader Tom McMorrow MBE, Alison Moodie OBE, MSP Paul Sweeney, Cllr Margaret Anslow Armed Forces Champion for Falkirk, Veterans and the Public.
It was also great to have the Air Cadets on the day, this was also the 10th Anniversary of the Spitfire Memorial at Grangemouth.
ASA SCOTLAND GUNNER WILLIE THORNTON MM 80TH COMMEMORATION EVENT
1st August 2023, Winchburgh War Memorial, West Lothian
ASA Scotland President leads our 80th Commemoration for the family of
Winchburgh Albion, Rangers FC and Scottish FA Famous Football Willie Thornton.
Willie was awarded the Military Medal 80 years ago, he was a brave War Hero.
Guests included: Depute Lord Lieutenant Rev John Povey, Thornton Family, David Mason Rangers FC Historian, Ex Rangers FC player Willie Henderson, Scottish FA Jen Malone, Winchburgh Albion Youth and Rangers TV.
ASA Scotland Launch Memorial Campaign, please donate via this link >> https://asascotland.enthuse.com/cf/willie-thornton-mm
Watch the event via this link FEATURE | Willie Thornton Commemorative Event | 04 Aug 2023 - YouTube
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Bathgate 75th VE Day & VJ Day 2020
Published by Bathgate Community Council with the generous support of the Ancre Somme Association Scotland Charity to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory in Japan Day – the culmination of which led to peace across the world. Sadly in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck the World and we were unable to Commemorate in public. We had to stay at home and Commemorate.
Copyright for this publication is reserved by Ancre Somme Association Scotland Charity SC048597
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WW1
Learning about WW1
Service of Commemoration to Robert Beveridge MM & Passchendaele 100 in October 2017 at Strathbrock Parish Church of Scotland St. Nicholas, Uphall, West Lothian. This booklet was created for local children to learn about their local military heritage.
Bathgate, West Lothian
Local and National Military Heritage
This educational booklet includes local military history as well as UK British Army Regiments.
Families of the Great War
Whitburn Remembers
Ancre Somme Association Scotland Charity is named after the Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, France. Our aim is to educate young people about our British Armed Forces heritage from WW1 and WW2 to the present day. We remember all those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for our Sovereign and Nation – past, present, and future. The Association received support from Heritage Lottery Fund in 2018 to support our ‘Whitburn Families of the Great War. About the Project: This project researched local stories about local families, purchased WW1 artifacts to use in schools and across the community. We taught young people how to research, present, and create a museum. We are grateful to everyone who has supported our Association and the schools during this project. Ancre Somme Association delivered the project in partnership with West Lothian Council Museums Service.
PURPLE POPPY DAY
23rd August
The Purple Poppy Day is the 23rd August. The purple poppy is a symbol of remembrance in the United Kingdom for animals that served during wartime.
Over 16 million animals served in the First World War. They were used for transport, communication and companionship. In 1914, both sides had large cavalry forces. Horse and camel-mounted troops were used in the desert campaigns throughout the war, but on the Western Front, new weapons like the machine gun made cavalry charges increasingly difficult.
However, animals remained a crucial part of the war effort. Horses, donkeys, mules, and camels carried food, water, ammunition, and medical supplies to men at the front, and dogs and pigeons carried messages. The canaries were used to detect poisonous gas, and cats and dogs were trained to hunt rats in the trenches.
Animals were not only used for work. Dogs, cats, and more unusual animals including monkeys, bears, and lions, were kept as pets and mascots to raise morale and provide comfort amidst the hardships of war.
l. 20,000 dogs serving Britain and her allies in WW1. Messenger dogs, mercy dogs, guard dogs, and mascots did their bit for King and Country. Stubby even warned of impending gas attacks. Dogs were the first domesticated animal and have been used in battle throughout history. The Roman Army had whole companies of dogs wearing spiked collars around their neck and ankles.
2. Pigeons have been used as message carriers for over 5,000 years. Their vital messages saved the lives of thousands in WWI and WW2. Cher Ami was given the Croix de Guerre for her heroic message delivery that saved many soldiers' lives, despite being shot at and terribly injured.
3. Humans began to domesticate horses in Central Asia around 4000 BC and they've been used in warfare for most of recorded history. They are prey animals and so their first reaction to threat is to startle and flee. Despite this, against their natural instincts, they've raced into countless battles, carrying their riders. Over eight million died in WW1.
4. From Simpson and his donkey at Gallipoli to Jimmy 'The Sergeant', born at The Battle of the Somme, donkeys have saved soldiers' lives and given their own. More suited to green fields than battlefields, donkeys have been to War for as long as horses have.
5. An estimated 500,000 cats served in World War I. In the trenches of the Western Front there were serious problems with rats. WWI cats also detected gas.
No animal chooses to go to war but their selfless acts of unconscious heroism show us how to be true heroes.
View our Purple Empire Poppy Range
https://ancre-somme-association-scotland.myshopify.com/collections/purple-empire-poppy
The First Purple Poppy Memorial Scotland
23rd August 2021, Uphall, West Lothian
The Purple Poppy Remembers the sacrifice of millions of animals that have served our Nation, past, present, and future.
"Fergus" the Purple Poppy Mascot and his owner David Farquhar
Our Purple Poppy
Remembering the Animals who served, past, present and future.
The first Purple Poppy Memorial in Scotland was unveiled at Uphall West Lothian by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of West Lothian Ms Moira Niven MBE in 2021.
2023 "Sorcha" became our Ambassador
for our Purple Poppy Campaign.
Remember the Animals
Horses, Donkey's, Mule's, Dog's,
Cat's, Pigeon's and Elephants
Millon's of Animals died during WW1, and WW2 and some still serve the Nation today.
John McAleese MM Memorial Day
26th August 2021
We created a fitting Memorial for the family, community, and friends of SAS National Hero. Supporting our Veterans, families and communities.
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Lt Col Gary Tait MBE
We will always remember our dear friend Lt Col Gary Tait MBE, who was our Patron from 2016 until he passed away in 2019, age 52, after a brave battle against cancer.
Our promise to Gary
To continue engaging with schools, cadets forces, communities, Veteran's, Organisation's and our Armed Forces. Tell the factual story of the McCrae's Sporting Battalion. Alway's remember from WW1, WW2 to the current day.
"Nominated for Queen's Award Voluntary Service 2020"
Portobellow High School, Edinburgh 2021
We fundraised and presented the Lt Col Gary Tait MBE Memorial Bench to Gary's old high school.
Royal British Legion, Portobellow Branch
The young people will learn about Gary forevermore.
The Tait Family
Gary's family support the work of our charity.
Lt Col Gary Tait MBE
We presented a Memorial Bench to Portobellow High School and to the Kirk of Canongate, Edinburgh.
![IMG_4205[20533].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3f3a63_78bd913ab8da4914926c7d9ea227897b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_459,h_344,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_4205%5B20533%5D.jpg)
Kirk of Canongate, Edinburgh
![IMG_4220[20534].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3f3a63_fef21250366c4a0dbb403f4bb7a2d66f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_459,h_344,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_4220%5B20534%5D.jpg)
Lt Col Gary Tait MBE Memorial Bench at the Kirk of Canongate
In Memory of Fusilier Gordon Gentle
Our charity presented the Fusilier Gordon Gentle Memorial Bench to Crookston Castle Primary School, Glasgow 2019.
Memorials
Kirkfieldbank Primary School, Lanark
To remember those who served our Nation - past, present and future.
Young people are the future
Passing on the torch of Remembrance, generation to generation.
![IMG_4544[20549].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3f3a63_fb07cb62595b43ef9ac7e902e263a006~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/3f3a63_fb07cb62595b43ef9ac7e902e263a006~mv2.jpg)
Sgt Sean Binnie
Kirkcaldy North Primary School 2021
![IMG_4532[20555]_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3f3a63_717d24f498a04d20bdec01642714490a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1238,h_909,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_4532%5B20555%5D_edited.jpg)
Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant Mr Balfour
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Fife Mr Balfour and ASA Scotland President unveiled the Sgt Sean Connor Binnie Memorial Bench at the school.
"It is a real privilege to be here for a remarkable man, who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“I think the work of ASA Scotland is really important, children need to understand the past and we must learn from it.”
The Royal Regiment of Scotland attended with Major Shaw from the 7 SCOTS commenting: “This was a very moving and fitting service in this primary school.”
Janette Binnie, Sean’s mum, said: “Yesterday was an emotional day, I feel very proud, thanks to Ancre Somme Association Scotland forces charity my son will never be forgotten.
“My son as a young boy always dreamed of joining the Army, he lived and breathed Army life, he gave his life for Queen and Country."
“ASA Scotland has commissioned a learning booklet so that my son’s life story and military career is told, this warms my heart – Sean’s bravery and story must never be forgotten.”
Gillian Waddell, Kirkcaldy North Primary School headteacher, said: “We will ensure Sean is never forgotten, every generation will learn about Sean and his sacrifice, we would like to thank ASA Scotland for this beautiful Memorial Bench.”
William Buchanan, ASA Scotland president, said: “We wanted to create a fitting memorial for the Binnie Family and ensure to Sean’s memory lives on, the young people who observed the memorial service will never forget Sean, we have passed on the torch of remembrance through education to the next generation.”
Sgt Sean Connor Binnie
Sergeant Sean Binnie from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, paid the ultimate sacrifice serving in Afghanistan on Thursday 7th May 2009.
Lest We Forget
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"
John 15:13
![IMG_4563[20551].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3f3a63_7ad825c2f8fa453b8c77cad60e27f3fa~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_503,w_3024,h_3528/fill/w_478,h_558,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_4563%5B20551%5D.jpg)
Major Scott Shaw, The Royal Regiment of Scotland 2021
"This was a very fitting and moving service at Sean's old primary school, thanks to ASA forces charity, Sean will be remembered by every generation"
Holocaust Memorial Day 27th January
"Light the Darkness"
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY
Never forget what Nationalism, Nazi Germany did to the Jewish people and others - genocide,
ethnic cleansing, mass murder, division, and evil hatred.
Victims:
Jews 5–6 million
Soviet citizens 4.5 million
Soviet POWs 2.8–3.3 million
Poles 1.8–3 million
Serbs 300,000–600,000
Disabled 270,000
Romani 130,000–500,000
Freemasons 80,000–200,000
Slovenes 20,000–25,000
Spanish Republicans 7,000
Homosexuals 5,000–15,000
Jehovah's Witnesses 1,250–5,000
Holocaust victims were people who were targeted by the government of Nazi Germany for various discriminatory practices due to their ethnicity,
religion, political beliefs, or sexual orientation.
These institutionalized practices came to be called The Holocaust, and they began with legalized social discrimination against specific groups,
and involuntary hospitalization, euthanasia, and forced sterilization of those considered physically or mentally unfit for society.
These practices escalated during World War II to include non-judicial incarceration, confiscation of property, forced labor, sexual slavery,
medical experimentation, and death through overwork, undernourishment, and execution through a variety of methods,
with the genocide of different groups as the primary goal.
According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), the country's official memorial to the Holocaust,
"The Holocaust was the murder of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II."
Of those murdered for being Jewish, more than half were Ashkenazi Polish Jews.
John: 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”
Light the Darkness
27th January
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