On Thursday 17 August, veterans and family members enjoyed a day out to the Royal Navy Maritime Museum, Hartlepool and HMS Trincomalee writes Glenn Gibson. The weather stayed fine and all those who attended enjoyed themselves.
The transport was free with only entrance fees to pay, and those veterans obviously enjoyed a discounted entry price. The trip was made possible by monies raised after a raffle when prizes were donated by Nationwide Engineering a couple of months ago, who are currently constructing the extension to the Locomotion Museum.
The day did produce a huge surprise when the Navy Veteran, Dave Price who regularly attends the Hub and Royal British Legion meetings visited the section on the history of the ship and found it had changed to a training ship, docked in Portsmouth and had a brief name change to HMS Foudroyant until 1986. It was in this time that Dave realised that he actually carried out some of his training on this ship under the name HMS Foudroyant and he felt really special as he stood on the deck of the restored HMS Trincomalee, as all the memories and stories came pouring out. Listening to these was an absolute joy to hear and seeing the pride glowing from him was something else.
The Hub met the day before in the Civic Hall, Shildon and we had a visit from the NHS Social Prescribing Service which offered support to Veterans on a range of local non-clinical services. Such things as Stress, debt and financial support, benefits & housing support, loneliness and befriending, returning to work and much more. You can contact your local one at the Hallgarth Surgery, Shildon on 01388 772662.
The monthly Veterans Hub is now establishing into a regular meeting/ drop-in session where people can chat, have a bit of banter and enjoy refreshments. It is open to any veteran and their families who wish to pop in and is held on the third Wednesday of each month from 11.00am until 2.00pm.
The dates of the next meetings are:
- 20th September 23 – Shildon Civic Hall
- 18th October 23 – Shildon Civic Hall
- 15th November 23 – Hosted by Locomotion Museum which will be providing a free guided tour of the museum exhibits
- 20th December 23 – Date & location to be confirmed as the Veterans Hub will be looking at having a Christmas lunch for this month
- 17th January 24 – Shildon Civic Hall
- 21st February 24 – Shildon Civic Hall
- 20th March 24 – Shildon Civic Hall
As always thanks must go to those who continue to support the Veterans Hub – Shildon Town Council and the Civic Hall, Shildon Alive, visiting support organisations and of course the veterans and families that make it all worthwhile.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
