Red carpet to roll out in Rossendale for film telling story of three army veterans

A film telling the stories of three veterans created as part of a national research project will be premiered in Lancashire on Wednesday (April 24).

‘Return, Belong, Prosper’ was created by Anglia Ruskin University working with Veterans In Communities, a charity that has worked throughout East Lancashire and areas of Greater Manchester since 2012. VIC was one of three charities chosen for the project that researched how veteran organisations help ex-service personnel transition to civvy street.

All three films were launched at the National Army Museum in London and VIC’s film was selected out of 7,000 entries to be screened at an International Film Festival in Germany. It tells the story of veterans Darren Horsnell, Steven Butterworth and Dave Joddrell and how creativity has helped them to transition from military to civilian life.

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They faced a variety of difficulties when they left the military world and speak frankly about the issues they faced. VIC chief executive Amanda Walton said: “It is powerful and when it was first shown, just to members of other veteran groups who were also involved in making one of the three films, there were ‘wows’ heard around the room.

“While the filming was going on, the members of VIC also created a huge mural in the arts and crafts room at VIC, so the film also shows that being painted from start to finish. The first Lancashire screening will be at AG6, Alder Grange School’s Sixth Form in Rawtenstall on Wednesday at 1.30pm-4pm.

“As well as seeing the film, those who attend will hear from deputy director of the Veterans and Families Institute at Anglia Ruskin University Dr Nick Caddick, we will outline more details of VIC and the work we do and there will be a Q and A with the veterans featured in the film. Although tickets are free, we are asking people to prebook on https://buytickets.at/veteransincommunities/1180733 so we can cater for the number that are attending.”

Darren has created a giant rhino painting in oils which is being raffled for £2.50 a ticket, with the proceeds for arts and crafts activities at Veterans In Communities.

The picture will be on show at the film screening and tickets will be available to buy at AG6. ‘Return, Belong, Prosper’ will then be shown at a major Armed Forces Conference in Lancashire on Thursday April 25.

For more information contact 01706 833180.