A Wonderful Day at Worthy Down: Welcoming Our Veterans Home

I recently had the privilege of spending a truly amazing day at Worthy Down, celebrating the Non-Financial Restorative Measures for former Army and WRNS personnel affected by the historic ban on LGBTQ+ personnel serving openly in the Armed Forces.

Among those present was former Wren Caroline Calladine, who attended with her partner, a former member of the WRAC (Women’s Royal Army Corps).

The Army put on a wonderful presentation, attended by senior officers, including a Colonel, a Brigadier and Captain Sam Kinsey-Briggs RN. The WRAC Association certainly knew how to put on a show, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved.

It was incredibly moving to see former service personnel receive their apology letters, Lord Etherton badges and the presentation of berets and cap badges. These items recognised their service and marked their welcome back into the Armed Forces family. It was a powerful and emotional moment, acknowledging the injustice they had experienced and honouring the pride they had always carried in their service.

I thought you would like to see a photograph of the wonderful Caroline with her beret and

Could this be your story too?

I would really like to reach out to anyone who served in the Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000 and was affected by the ban.

There is one question I would ask you to consider:

Were you able to be your true self while you served?

If the answer is no, please know that you are not alone. You do not have to navigate the process of seeking recognition and support by yourself.

At Fighting With Pride, we can listen, offer support and help point you in the right direction. You gave your service to your country, and you deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

You can find out more about the support available through Fighting With Pride:

Website: https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Please do get in touch if you would like information or support, or if you simply want to find out more about the process.

Closing date is 12/12/2026  so not long to go

And finally… the food!

The Army did a fantastic job of hosting the day, and we were treated to a lovely curry for dinner, which went down very well!

I was told, however, that the Royal Navy version of events might not have had quite such an impressive lunch — although apparently there was beer at the end of it! Perhaps that was the Navy’s way of making up for it!

Joking aside, it was a privilege to be part of such a special occasion. Seeing veterans recognised, receiving their apology letters, berets and cap badges, and being welcomed back into the Armed Forces family was a powerful reminder of why this work matters so much.

You served with pride. You should always have been able to serve as your true self. And you will always deserve a place in the Armed Forces family.

An account written by Beckie Smith – AOW Member and member of Fighting with Pride