The February get together was well attended in the Civic hall once again, and we continue to wish those who were absent a speedy recovery during their difficult time, writes Glenn Gibson.
Once again, new veterans visited the group to see what it was all about and enjoyed themselves so much that they stayed for the whole duration.
Some of the new Vets were from the SSAFA veterans group, who regularly would have met up in Bishop Auckland every Wednesday but have recently moved their meeting days to every Friday.
They were welcomed by all, and soon new stories were being told amongst the gathering.
It was also great to see representation once again from some of the local armed forces associations who are starting to make it a regular visit.
The group received a talk from James Pasby who runs the North East War Memorial Project which was very interesting and well received by the veterans, so much so that the questions afterwards went on for a very long time.
It was also interesting to learn that the corner of Main Street, where the new memorial plinth, bench and flagpole is located, is going to be added to the locations for a recognised war memorial once the details have been forward to James and the project.
This March, on Wednesday 20th, we will be visited by Shildon Alive, the local charity, food bank and community champion who will provide information about how they can help those leaving the Armed Forces or veterans in need.
It is Shildon Alive that donate the food for the Veterans Hub, which is greatly appreciated from all those who attend.
All meetings include donations towards food, tea and coffee, so this month, the veterans will donate to Shildon Alive as a gesture of thanks and appreciation.
In respect to the negotiations regarding a summer move away from the Civic Hall to a prominent building at the top of Hackworth Park, alas this trail has gone cold with no further progress or contact from the holders of the lease.
However, the park hub, which is owned and run by Shildon Town Council, next to the tennis courts and bowling green within the park, will be discussed at the March meeting to see if it can be a viable alternative.
Both SSAFA and Shildon Hubs have come to the notice of the North East Armed Forces Covenant, Employer recognition Scheme and we have been contacted to attend a meeting in the future to establish how veterans hubs can move on, what help is in the area and to provide information on any funding that may be available. It will be a very interesting development.
One issue that was brought up at the February meeting was access by veterans for the new MOD 90 Veterans card, which is free for those wishing to apply for.
Therefore, in March, a laptop will be present where hopefully we can log on and sort this new card out for the veterans on the day.
Also, can we ask those veterans who attend to bring in their Regimental/Corp flag so it can be hung up on the day.
And to reiterate, this month’s meeting will take place on March 20th at the Civic Hall from 11am until 2pm with Shildon Alive the special guests.
April’s meeting will be on the 17th at a venue to be confirmed.
So, let’s all continue to support this Hub and establish it into a bigger and better group.
As always, I finish with the mandatory thanks to Shildon Town Council and Civic Hall staff for support and use of their buildings, Shildon Alive for their continued donations of food and those veterans who come and relax, have a good chat and crack a few jokes.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
