Publish date: 10 February 2026
We are pleased to invite you to a special event celebrating the incredible work being done for our armed forces community. This event will take place on Tuesday, 17 February, at St Mary’s Hospital, from 11am to 2pm, and is open to all Islanders and staff.
We are honoured to welcome Alec Penstone, one of the last remaining WWII veterans and a proud Isle of Wight resident, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. This is a rare opportunity to meet this true hero and hear about his extraordinary life and service.
The event will focus on fostering connection, learning, and honoring those who serve. Here’s what you can expect:
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Armed Forces Covenant Signings: Witness our ongoing commitment to supporting military personnel and their families.
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Meet SSAFA: Learn about the work of this charity that focuses on helping military families.
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Discover Wight Forces: Find out more about this new charity dedicated to supporting military families on the Isle of Wight.
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Chat with Army Reserves Representatives: Find out how you can get involved and support the forces through the reserves.
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Veteran Aware Accreditation: Learn about this important initiative that recognises businesses and organisations committed to supporting veterans.
We invite you to join us, share your thoughts, and help us celebrate the achievements and contributions of our armed forces community.
For more information, please contact Mandy Blackler at mandy.
