The next veterans get together will take place on Wednesday 19 February, from 11am until 2pm at the Resthouse in Hackworth Park, writes Glenn Gibson.
We are well into the New Year and things have been very busy, even to the point that I missed placing an article in the Crier in January.
So, back-tracking to the December get together, the group went for a Christmas Lunch at the Civic Hall instead of being at the Resthouse, and the meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
In the end the Veterans Hub funds paid £10 off each meal with up to 18 attending.
I hope all veterans, serving personnel and those who work and support all aspects of our armed forces had a lovely Christmas and New Year.
But let’s not forget that there are veterans out there who still need our help, and I encourage everyone to guide them to the various organisations such as the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, Veterans Foundation, SAAFA etc., or get them to come along to the Hub where we can identify which direction to point them in.
Moving onto January and the first meet up of the year, which seemed to catch out a few people.
With New Year’s Day being on the first Wednesday, this seemed to mislay a lot of veterans, and such was a low turnout on the third Wednesday when we got together, with some contacting me afterwards apologising when they realised they had got their dates wrong.
Maybe it was fate, or a slice of luck, as the planned visit by Wellbeing for Life who were going to cook their fabulous curry again had to cancel due to personal issues.
However, they are coming this month and in March now and I’m looking forward to trying their next curry.
Now moving onto February’s Veterans Hub meet up and what is happening, and it will be a bit of variation as we move forward.
The curry will return with Wellbeing for Life cooking this, alongside the other food, kindly donated from Shildon Alive.
As a re-enactor, I will give a short talk and bring in my kit to show about the weapons and accoutrements of a Confederate American Civil soldier, both the rank and file and also the Officer class, which I hope those attending will find interesting.
There will also be a raffle, so if anyone can donate a small item that would be great.
As mentioned back in December, the Hub will start to raise funds for a local project with the first one presented to the group this month for approval, then hopefully “crack on”.
On Saturday 1 February, I popped into the Masonic Hall Veterans breakfast club which has just launched (next one 1/3/25) which was well attended. I spoke to a few people, did some networking and left some of our leaflets.
After that, I visited Andy in his unit who has set up the Veterans Building & Joinery Classes (Saturdays 8am-4pm) where he told me of his plans and agreed to have some of our leaflets.
With these two new ventures for veterans alongside the Hub and Shildon Branch RBL (2nd Tuesday of month from 7pm in the Institute) there is now a good variation in the town to support veterans and their families.
It is hoped that all these can link, support and help each other to give veterans in the town and local areas the help and aid they may require.
All we need now is the support from veterans and their families to make all this work and ensure Shildon is one of the main towns that will be recognised for their services to veterans, serving personnel and families.
Continued thanks as always to Shildon Town Council, Shildon Alive and Health Express and to those veterans who attend and enjoy the craic.
If anyone wants any information about the Veterans Hub, please ring the Council Offices on 01388 772563.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
