Well, what a venue to move to, with its lovely view over the park and relaxing ambiance, writes Glenn Gibson. The hub had its first experience of the Hackworth Park Resthouse and its facilities, and the weather was perfect.
Once we got into the place and set everything up, it became apparent that this was going to be different. The shutters went up on the veranda, sun was shining, food laid out on a table and the kitchen fully stocked with everything we needed. It just needed the Veterans to arrive, and so they did, with 21 coming to visit and enjoying the day. With that amount of people starting to come through the doors, it was soon realised that there weren’t enough chairs for everyone and with some quick thinking and help from the Direct Works Section of Shildon Town Council, extra chairs were quickly delivered. Hopefully, by the June meeting we will have had some chairs kindly donated by Eldon Community Hall. Once everyone was settled down, some veterans took advantage of the excellent weather conditions and sat outside in the sun, enjoying the park view and looking down to the funfair in full swing by the football pitch.
One of the advantages of this new location was the fact that veterans could bring their dogs with them, which in some cases is their only companion and care in their lives. It is also good for the wellbeing of veterans.
At this month’s get together there is nobody booked to speak on anything (due to my being on holiday) but anyone is welcome and share their stories or experiences amongst the group. However, July is looking quite full, with Amy from Groundworks coming to have a quick chat about energy saving, Wellbeing for Life with their curries and a possible visit from a veterans charity.
With the Shildon’s Veterans Hub well established and other people and organisations recognising the great work and feel of what we do, are starting to look at setting up others around the area. At the moment, negotiations are ongoing about a Veterans Day in Aycliffe on a Saturday to be confirmed, where free transport will be provided to pick up the veterans from Shildon. This will hopefully lead to a new hub being formed in Aycliffe and they will need as much support as they can. It is hoped that in the future there will be a network of Veteran Hubs, co-ordinated with the help of the MOD-ers.
I must give out a big thank you to Alison Freeman of Murphy’s Funfairs who kindly donated £60 towards the Hub. Also, to Health Express for allowing this move to go ahead and being able to use the resthouse and the use of their minibuses for a day out if we need them.
Therefore, lets get our heads together, sort a date, preferably a Saturday, and where we want to go for the day.
As always thanks, must always be given to those organisations who continue to support us month after month: Shildon Town Council and Mayor Shirley Quinn and also Shildon Alive for their continued donations of food, which we all love and devour!
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
