Turning interests into fundraising

Chris has always had an interest in military history but has been able to dedicate more time to it since retiring and now uses his passion to raise money for our charity.

Chris says:

“Both my parents were in the Royal Navy and served in the Second World War but I’m not a military man myself. However, I’ve always had an interest in military history and now have the time to study in far greater depth.

“It was on retirement that I started volunteering at the Churchill War Rooms in London and then four years ago at the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge. I give regular talks to visitors about the Battle of Britain and the pivotal role played by personnel at this historic site throughout the Second World War.

“Lockdown meant the museum closed its doors and I started to deliver my talks on the Battle of Britain over the internet to various groups and societies instead. Happily, demand is still high and they seem to be very well received.”

Chris is a member of the British Modern Military History Society (BMMHS) and it was through them that he discovered our charity and made the decision to support us.

The BMMHS has supported us for a number of years, donating a percentage of the proceeds of their ‘Glimpses of War’ and ‘Glimpses of the Falklands War’ books which include the stories of blind veterans.

He says:

“I deliver the lectures for free, but I ask for a voluntary charitable donation to Blind Veterans UK and every group I speak to has been very generous in its support.

“It’s a really worthy charity so for me it’s a win all round. Firstly, I enjoy giving the lectures and telling these great stories. I feel that it’s important to never let history die and to keep the memory of sacrifice and bravery alive.

“Secondly, the audience has an enjoyable and interesting evening and thirdly I can raise awareness for a fantastic charity and hopefully raise a bit of money to support blind veterans who have served their country.”

Chris offers two different talks; ‘The Battle of Britain 1940’ which recalls the challenges, threats and events of that summer and ‘Disaster and Bravery at Dieppe 1942’ which focusses on Operation Jubilee.

Chris is based in Berkshire and also spends time in South Wales and will travel a reasonable distance to deliver talks in person or is able to deliver via Zoom.

For further details of these talks or to enquire about booking a talk email christopher.leworthy@gmail.com