Is laughter really the best medicine? The ‘Recovery Through Comedy Show’ sets out to prove it is, as a group of Armed Forces veterans, and a currently serving female member of the Armed Forces, bring their unique comedy to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 11th and 12th August at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory.
The performers are all graduates of an innovative veterans’ programme developed by the Royal British Legion. The programme uses comedy techniques to promote resilience, and support mental health and wellbeing. Although they had no previous experience, the participants have been supported to create their own original stand-up comedy sets and received rave reviews for their earlier performances.
This will be the first time Poppyscotland, the nation’s leading Armed Forces charity, has hosted a Fringe event and follows the refurbishment of the historic Lady Haig Poppy Factory building.
Poppyscotland’s Director, Austin Hardie, said: “We’re very proud to be able to bring the ‘Recovery through Comedy Show’ to this year’s Fringe. Not only is it very funny, the show also gives a voice to veterans in a new and inspiring way that challenges preconceptions.
“At Poppyscotland, we provide support for current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families in whatever way works best for them. Initiatives like ‘Recovery through Comedy’ show that there are many ways to help them overcome whatever challenges they face.”
The free, ticketed show will be at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Warriston on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th August, with performances at 2pm and 6pm each day. Capacity is limited so guests are encouraged to secure their tickets as early as possible.
Poppyscotland has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for its outstanding help with employment for members of the Armed Forces community.
The Edinburgh-based charity was awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest badge of honour given by the MoD.
The charity is one of 16 businesses and organisations in Scotland to receive the Gold award, with the scheme now in its ninth year. Poppyscotland, and its subsidiary, Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, which employs a number of veterans with disabilities, both achieved the Silver award last year.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support the Armed Forces community and inspire others to do the same. It runs bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that demonstrate their support.
To win the gold award, they must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
They must also advocate the benefits by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme. The Covenant is a promise to treat current and former service personnel and their families fairly, in areas from healthcare to housing.
Poppyscotland is Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity, providing a wide range of services, including advice, financial support, and help with physical and mental health issues.
Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “As an employer working directly at the heart of the Armed Forces community, we felt it was important that we show leadership and highlight the many benefits this scheme brings to both employer and employee.
“Being awarded the Gold recognition is testimony to the values of Poppyscotland and our commitment to those who have served and are serving currently. By espousing these values publicly, we also hope that it will encourage others to be involved in our life-changing welfare work that we provide to those in need in the Armed Forces community in Scotland.”
Leo Docherty MP, Minister for Defence People, said: “Regardless of size, location or sector, employing members of the Armed Forces community is good for businesses.
“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across the UK and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”
Scottish winners will be honoured at a ceremony at Stirling Castle on November 3rd.
Former Scots Guard Fraser Rowand (CORR) said he was “completely shocked” to win the silver medal in the cross-fit event at the Veteran Games in Israel.
Fraser, 41, has returned to Edinburgh after the “inspiring” event last week which brought together wounded, injured and sick veterans from across the UK and Israel.
The former Lance Corporal from Granton took up exercise to help recover from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He struggled after leaving the Armed Forces in 2013 but started to turn his life around with help from Poppyscotland. He now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh.
Fraser joined a team of 60 from across the UK and competed in the swimming and cross-fit events. He was also reunited with his former platoon commander, Leo Docherty, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, who supported the Games.
Fraser said that the competition had motivated him to continue training and pursue his dream of qualifying as a personal trainer.
He said: “I was completely shocked to win the silver medal. I just went in and hoped for the best. I managed to complete all the tasks and thought it went well.
“The whole experience was unreal. Everyone was so welcoming, and we were treated like VIPs every day. There was a wonderful atmosphere, especially with support from all the families.
“It was truly inspiring to meet other veterans and humbling to learn about their experiences. Everyone had different abilities – there were people in wheelchairs, those who were blind or had other disabilities. But there was a real sense of pride in what they were doing, and they all refused to give up.
“I felt that the swimming event on Tuesday went badly and that knocked my confidence a little. But then the next day I had a fresh start in the cross-fit. It really shows what you can achieve when you put your mind to it.
“Although it was a competition, there was a real sense of camaraderie, and we were in it together. We also met professors from both countries who were there to discuss the physical and mental health aspects. There was no divide between us, and we’d all sit down together to have dinner each night. I’ve made some great friends and we’ll stay in touch.
“It’s hard to explain the powerful impact that this event had. I think it’s going to take me a few weeks to come back down from it. But it has really motivated me to move forward and continue to work at becoming a personal trainer.
Fraser, a father-of-five, travelled to Israel with his wife Susan, as well as other competitors and their families. The families also enjoyed a range of cultural excursions around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in between events.
He also laid a wreath at the Commonwealth War Graves in Jerusalem.
Charlie Pelling, manager of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory,said: “Congratulations to Fraser on this fantastic achievement. His commitment and motivation are truly inspiring, and this is thoroughly well deserved.
“The Veterans Games are a wonderful event that recognises the power of sport and comradeship in supporting veterans’ mental and physical health. I hope that Fraser’s story will inspire other veterans who are facing similar challenges.”
The Veteran Games was organised by Beit Halochem UK, a national charity devoted to raising awareness and funds for Israel’s wounded veterans and victims of terror. The event recognises the fundamental role played by sport and family in supporting veterans’ recovery after physical and psychological challenges.
Participants competed in a wide range of sports, while also learning how their respective countries provide care for former servicemen and women who are wounded, sick and injured. The conference also saw internationally renowned academics and mental health experts from both countries meet to discuss veterans’ health, recovery, and welfare issues.
The Games are entirely funded by philanthropic donations, with Poppyscotland providing support with travel expenses for five Scottish competitors.
A former Scots Guard from Edinburgh, who now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, is traveling to Israel today (SATURDAY 28th MAY) to compete in the Veteran Games.
Fraser Rowand, 41, from Granton, said that exercise was a vital part of his recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He will join around 65 veterans from across the UK to take part in the international event in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem next week (Sunday 29th May – Friday 3rd June).
First held in 2019, the Veteran Games bring together wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces veterans with their Israeli counterparts who are battling similar challenges.
Fraser, a former Lance Corporal and father-of-five, has been selected to take part in the cross-fit and swimming events. He left the Army in 2013 after more than a decade’s service but struggled to adapt to civilian life after losing close friends in Afghanistan.
He managed to turn his life around with the help of Poppyscotland and joined the team at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory four years ago. He also started exercising in his free time and is working to qualify as a personal trainer.
Fraser said: “I didn’t realise I had PTSD until several years afterward, but I think it had always been there. I lost three close friends in Afghanistan. It’s hard to describe what it was like out there, but you just had to get on with doing the job.
“When I left, I found it hard to settle down to a civilian job. In the Army you’re part of a big team, and you lose that when you leave. It was only through sitting down with different organisations that I was able to start working through it.
“I was very fortunate to hear about the job at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. It’s all set up for veterans and you’ve got that camaraderie here. I don’t know what I would have done without it.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity. I’ve never done an international competition, but I’m looking forward to competing with other veterans and meeting like-minded people.”
Fraser’s wife, Susan, will be traveling with him along with other competitors’ families. They will also have a chance to take part in social and cultural activities over the week.
The Veteran Games are organised by Beit Halochem UK, a national charity devoted to raising awareness and funds for Israel’s wounded veterans and victims of terror. The event recognises the fundamental role played by sport and family in supporting veterans’ recovery after physical and psychological challenges.
Participants compete in a wide range of sports, while also learning how their respective countries provide care for former servicemen and women who are wounded, sick and injured.
Charlie Pelling, manager of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory,said: “We’re delighted that Fraser has been selected to compete and wish him the best of luck.
“The Veteran Games is a wonderful initiative that recognises the important role of sport and comradeship in supporting veterans’ physical and mental health. This is an opportunity to highlight the resilience of our Armed Forces community and raise awareness of issues facing them and their families.”
The first event of its kind, the Veteran Games and Conference is funded entirely by philanthropic donations, with Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland providing support with travel expenses for five Scottish competitors.
Events will be held at Beit Halochem’s pioneering state-of-the-art facilities, which offers rehabilitation, sports and recreation centres and lifelong care for disabled veterans and their families in Israel.
The conference will see internationally renowned academics and mental health experts from both countries meet to discuss veterans’ health, recovery, and welfare issues.
Launching the event, Leo Docherty MP, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “Sport is an integral part of the rehabilitation and recovery journey for wounded veterans.
“The 2022 Veteran Games highlights how sport can provide amazing opportunities for veterans across the globe to connect, over shared experiences.
“I wish good luck to all the athletes in this year’s games and thank charities across the UK for their continued dedication and support for our disabled veterans.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Redford Barracks yesterday.
The factory makes five million poppies and 15,000 wreaths every year to raise funds for Poppyscotland’s veteran support services. During lockdown the factory staff worked from home, continuing to make poppies for this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Mr Jack met factory manager Major Charlie Pelling (retired) and many of the former service men and women who work in the factory.
Speaking after his visit, Alister Jack said: “It was a real privilege to visit Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and meet the former service men and women who produce the famous poppies.
“It was heartening to hear how hard they had all worked to make sure that production continued right through lockdown. Every year Poppyscotland raises much needed money for veterans charities, and I wish them the very best of luck with this year’s appeal.
Charlie Pelling, Manager at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, said: “The lockdown has been a very challenging period for us but it is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of our workforce that they adapted to home working so enthusiastically.
“In doing so that have ensured that the millions of poppies needed for the 2020 Scottish Poppy Appeal would be ready in time. While we expect this year’s Appeal to be different due to the ongoing pandemic, it is vital that we continue to have the support of the public, without which Poppyscotland would not be able to continue offering it’s life-changing support to our Armed Forces community.”
Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, a subsidiary of Poppyscotland, is currently located in Redford Barracks while their permanent premises in Canonmills are refurbished.
Poppyscotland raises money through the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal to deliver support to members of the armed forces community. The charity funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite.
An Edinburgh institution that each year produces five-million poppies and thousands of wreaths for the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal is to undergo a major upgrade programme that will ensure it is fit for purpose for the years ahead.Continue reading Historic Poppy Factory set for major refurbishment
It’s dedicated team of 41 Armed Forces veterans hand assemble more than five million poppies and 12,000 wreaths every year – but now Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory (LHPF) can add another feather to its cap after becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer.Continue reading Poppy Factory becomes Living Wage Employer
Scotland’s singing superstar Susan Boyle visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Warriston yesterday to help with the dispatch of poppies ahead of the 2014 Scottish Poppy Appeal in November.
Susan, a long-standing supporter of Poppyscotland, the charity that runs the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal, met the 40 veterans with disabilities who work at the factory, before helping to load some of the 5 million poppies on to vehicles for distribution to volunteers across Scotland.
Five million poppies and more than 10,000 wreaths are hand-assembled annually at the historic Factory. The poppies are then sent to Poppyscotland volunteers the length and breadth of Scotland who will ensure they are available to the public in November.
Susan, resplendent in poppy red, said: “It was a pleasure to meet the veterans who make poppies all year round for the Scottish Poppy Appeal before sending them to the many volunteers across the country. It is a fascinating process and I hope that when the poppies start to appear in our shops, schools and businesses in the coming weeks, the Scottish public will once again show their support.”
Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory Manager Charlie Pelling added: “We are delighted that Susan joined us today. The dispatch of poppies for the Appeal is an important milestone in our calendar as it marks the culmination of a year of hard work. This year we have seen a high demand for wreaths and other Remembrance items because of First World War centenary events and we expect this to continue over the next four years. Susan’s visit gave the guys a real boost.”
