NCCF Conference 2026

LABRATS representatives attended the 2026 NCCF Conference at the Hilton Hotel, East Midlands Airport.

An annual conference, it brought together the organisations that are working on behalf of the nuclear community, including the Nuclear Community Charity Fund, BNTVA Museum and LABRATS. Throughout the day, there were tea and coffee breaks, lunch and a Gala dinner. Wesley Perriman displayed material from the museum and displayed hundreds of photographs for the attendees to look through.

The conference was opened by Ian Hall (NCCF Chairman), who introduced the events for the day.

The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling (NCCF Chaplain) performed the Act of Remembrance, and we remembered those who have not made it this far.

Details of the NCCF Finances were presented by Will Long (NCCF Treasurer), discussing the investments and the expenditure, with the plan for ensuring the community benefits to the maximum from the funds available.

The BNTVA Connect Outreach project was explained by Nigel Heaps with a video from Ian Higginbotton, and utilising the new Valour network, more beneficiaries will be contacted by the team.

A new grant structure and application process were explained by Nigel Heaps MBE.

Wesley Perriman explained the BNTVA Museum and the artefacts and documentation that he is collating, and urged anyone with pictures or artefacts to donate them to the museum.

Alan Owen gave a speech about the All-Tests Reunion and the documentary 'Our People, The Planet, My Blood.' Showing the trailer to the audience.

A presentation on the BBC Wartime Broadcasting Service by Iain Betson contained some incredible films and audio clips, many from a bygone era.

Dr Chris Hill (University of South Wales) spoke about his involvement with the University of Liverpool and his work with the Gilbertese on Christmas Island and the impact the testing program has had on their community.

Jamie Sefton presented the first of his interviews with veterans, featuring Terry Quinlan.

A new Lived Experience Network project (NCLEN) was launched, which will build a database of information which can be used by organisations, researchers and educators. A very important initiative, which LABRATS fully supports.

Peter Robinson of the Cold War Network gave a presentation on its plans to expand and to incorporate more events across the UK. Concluding the conference.

This conference was an important milestone in the Nuclear Community, bringing together organisations, veterans, wives, widows and descendants. We are at a critical stage in the UK, with the release of the Merlin database, incredible work being undertaken at the University of Liverpool and the University of South Wales, and changes being made by the NCCF to reach more people and to help with long-term care costs. Our ageing cohort needs specialist care and support, and this new program will provide it.

With the museum gathering important artefacts regarding the testing program, the oral history providing testimonies from veterans, LABRATS campaigning and educating, the NCCF providing help and assistance, the organisations are working together to ensure the nuclear community receives the recognition and help it deserves.

It was also a special conference as Alan met up with two veterans who were on the island at the same time as his father, one sleeping in the next bunk.