The second meeting of the Veterans Hub in Shildon was held last month at the Civic Hall and proved to be another resounding success, writes Glenn Gibson, with up to 17 people dropping in over the three hours for a chat over tea, coffee and refreshments. It was great to see veterans return after attending the first meeting and pleasing to welcome new ones who popped in to see what it was all about and what we hope to achieve with this group.
As before, the usually military banter started up again, especially when REME vets started to outnumber other services on the day. Again, all in good jest. The new Hub is seemingly getting noticed already in the area as the group welcomed a serving member of HM forces who lives in the area and will soon be joining “civvie” life. There was also a visit from two lovely representatives from Sporting Force, a registered sports charity that supports ex-service personnel throughout the UK. As well as offering a route into civilian employment within the professional sports industry, they provide education, exercise, and social events to help veterans and their families by relieving mental health and social isolation. Promoting inclusion and togetherness, they can also adapt all opportunities to the needs of disabled veterans. They hope to attend future drop-ins.
One of the biggest surprises on the day was a visit from Nationwide Engineering, who are building the new Locomotion building in Shildon. They want to help local initiatives and were keen on the Veterans Hub and what they can do for the group. After a discussion, it was agreed that they would provide a couple of small hampers to be raffled, with the proceeds going to the Hub to help pay for a day out for the veterans. Raffle tickets are on sale in the Council Offices, Civic Hall, Shildon Alive and hopefully at the Institute where the Shildon Branch RBL are based and the draw will take place at the next meeting on 21 June, at Shildon Civic Hall between 11am and 2pm.
Also working closely with Locomotion, Nationwide Engineering said that the museum were willing to host a future Hub. A date has now been agreed and the Hub will meet there on 15 November and receive a guided tour around the exhibits. There was also a donation of military tea and coffee mugs from Krazy Gifts based in Darlington, which are mainly RAF (squadrons) and Navy (ships) orientated which was gratefully received. Some are still available to buy for the price of a donation to the Hub.
Thanks, must go once again to Shildon Town Council for supporting and hosting the Hub, Shildon Alive for providing food, the Civic Hall for the room and facilities, Cllrs Shirley and Peter Quinn for their attendance and support. And of course the Veterans who attend that make this Hub a special place to go. The Hub welcomes and is open to anyone who has served or is currently serving, and they can bring their spouses, partners if they wish to enjoy what is going to be a very good social gathering.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
