One of the most popular and well-established – not to mention tastiest – fundraising initiatives of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is the Big Brew Up (BBU).

Scores of them take place annually across military bases and other locations in the UK and overseas, with tea adding to the fundraising tally and coffee adding to the charity’s coffers, while cakes and other bakes make up the balance.

SSAFA South East Wales* is hosting a BBU on Saturday, April 8 at Tŷ Price St Thomas’ Community Hall in Monmouth, with the very seasonal theme of Easter.

James Powell, Branch Fund Raising Coordinator SSAFA South East Wales, said: “Our Big Brew Up won’t just be an opportunity for budding and experienced bakers and cake makers to display their talents, but also a chance for people in Monmouth to learn a bit more about SSAFA, to have a chat with our volunteers and discuss current volunteering opportunities.

“Monmouth’s not just an historic town, but also a town rich with military history and is still the regimental home to – sorry HAC – the senior reserves regiment in the British Army, the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, raised in 1539. Sappers from the regiment saw active service as recently as Bosnia, and appropriately enough in the twentieth anniversary of the invasion, the Iraq War.”

SSAFA cannot claim to be that old, but it is the oldest tri-service charity in the UK and is approaching its 140th anniversary. Throughout this time, it has serving men and women – regulars or reserves – veterans and their families providing support when, where, and how they need it.

James added: “SSAFA’s Monmouth Big Brew Up is open to everyone, just as our volunteer roles are. You don’t have to have a military background to volunteer, and we’re especially keen to see younger volunteers come our way, so pop along on Saturday, April 8 for a cake, a brew, and a chat to find out what’s on offer.”

The SSAFA South East Wales Big Brew Up will be held at Tŷ Price, St Thomas’s Community Hall, Saint Thomas’s Square, Monmouth, Wales, NP25 5ES between 9.15am and 11.45am on Saturday, April 8.

Entry is free, and cakes and other refreshments will be available to buy with proceeds going to SSAFA.

For more information, visit ssafa.org.uk/south-east-wales.