The Armed Forces Community Hub in Southport has marked its fourth anniversary as Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and High Sheriff of Merseyside Billy Hui BEM called in to lead the celebrations.
The Hub, on Wesley Street in Southport town centre, was packed with veterans, families and supporters sharing birthday cake and cups of tea as it hosted its fourth anniversary party 10am – 2pm on Saturday (14th February 2026).
There were guests of all ages that included 94-year-old veteran Dennis Davies and Neave McEntee, aged 10, a member of Southport Sea Cadets, who officially cut the birthday cake.
The Hub is operated by Southport Royal British Legion for the benefit of the local community.
Major Nick McEntee said:
“Wow! We had the best day on Saturday! It’s hard to believe we’ve been open for four years.
“The germ of an idea, probably in the middle of the night, turned into something really special. A lifeline, a place of belonging and an essential resource in our wonderful town.
“To all our volunteers you are the blood that runs through the veins of our hub. You serve the best cuppas, you listen without judgement, you own the best sense of humour in the town and you really care.
“Thank you to our wonderful VIPs for coming along and embracing our vibe! You are welcome any time. As is anyone looking for a place to belong.
“Members of the Armed Forces Community and you’ve not popped in yet? We are open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 12pm, sometimes longer.
“Looking to make a difference in 2026? Come and volunteer or make a pledge to fundraise for us because we are entirely self funded – we have to go out and fundraise to keep the hub open.
“Here’s to another brilliant four years and beyond!”
Speaking at the anniversary event, Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE said:
“Thank you for the critical role you play in the community here, particularly this branch, but all branches across Merseyside.
“What stands out here is the spirit and the connections that you’ve all got, supporting each other shoulder to shoulder.
“We all appreciate that support that you give to each other and the vital role that you play in our community.”
High Sheriff of Merseyside Billy Hui BEM said:
“High Sheriffs are King Charles’ representatives on all matters regarding law and order, but in reality what we do is we celebrate communities, highlighting people and what they do, especially when it’s something really positive like this.
“What I really liked when I arrived was that Nick McEntee said ‘it’s packed in there!’
“It’s something that is slightly unusual. We have been to many, many Royal British Legion venues around the area, and with many of them, the numbers have been declining.
“It is really nice to see this amount of people crammed in; the more the merrier!”
Southport Royal British Legion President Serena Silcock-Prince said:
“This is a warm, welcoming hub to everybody – veterans, serving personnel, families, friends and supporters.
“I am a supporter and I just love being here.
“When I was asked to be President I was honoured, and I enjoy every moment of being involved.”
For the past four years, the Armed Forces Community Hub has been proud to serve the Armed Forces community in Southport, offering frontline support, friendship, practical help and a welcoming space.
Alongside this, the facility has laid on skills, manpower and support for some of Southport’s biggest community events, including the annual Armed Forces Day in June.
It is one of the only Royal British Legion branches in the country open five days a week, run by dedicated volunteers who provide:
- Frontline support
- Friendship and connection
- Free tea and coffee
- A safe, welcoming place for the Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Community Hub is open every week, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–12pm.
When they have the volunteers to open longer, they often do.
Southport has one of the largest Armed Forces communities in the UK.
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