05/06/2026
From the Bedfordshire Army Benevolent Fund for their main fund raising event on Saturday 20th June 2026 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. For ticket enquires please contact the email address shown in the image before Monday June 16th.
Here is more information...
There is so much more going on at Howbury Hall on 20th June. To coin a catchphrase from an early 1970's TV show, "and now for something completely different". We are moving away from just the now traditional musical entertainment and introducing both a greater involvement of the future and a reflection of the past.
Yes, we are returning there again courtesy of Julian Polhill DL and, yes, the Corps of Drums of Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Army Cadet Corps will be providing the musical accompaniment of the Sunset Ceremony. However, we also have displays manned by the Army Cadet Force to demonstrate the skills they learn as cadets in uniform. You will able to watch a demonstration of field-craft, archery, signals, first aid and field cooking (or is that catering) around the garden of the hall.
As for the past, we will be honouring those who served in WW2. As some may know, like many Bedfordshire houses, Howbury was a secret training centre during WW2. Amongst others the radio operator for Operation Gunnerside (Heroes of Telemark film) honed his skills here as well as a multitude of French, Belgian, Dutch Scandinavian, Polish and British operatives. The Secret WW2 Learning Network (yes, there is such a group) have asked for permission to put up a plaque and some information boards around the main farm footpaths to commemorate them all and we feel that this event is an appropriate occasion for the official unveiling.
We very much hope that you will be able to support the event and generously help the Fund to meet the ever-increasing demands on its resources. Since our foundation in 1944, we have been "For Soldiers, For Life" and as the Army's primary charity, it has never been more true. Our challenge is to spread the word generally regarding our offering to veterans and their families as well as raise funds to match those increasing calls on our services. As part of embracing those who might be interested, we are offering a concessionary rate for those aged 18 and under and veterans over 65 - again an acknowledgement of the past and the future.
We shall be holding a raffle and look forward to your generous support.
