Shildon Veterans Hub is delighted to announce that it has reached agreement to host its monthly meetings at the Resthouse in Hackworth Park, reports Glenn Gibson.
The Resthouse was built in 1924 with donations from local miners. Used for many years as a meeting place for the elderly, it was vandalised in the 1990s and lay in a semi-ruined state until 2004, when it was restored to it’s former glory. It was then used for many years by local community groups before being leased to Health Express, who carried out further renovations by adding upstairs office facilities and further upgrading the building.
Health Express and it’s portfolio holder, County Councillor Rob Yorke, have agreed to let the veterans use this wonderful facility. Thanks must also be given to Town Councillor Peter Quinn and Town Clerk Tracey Bellas for helping to negotiate the move when all seem lost.
Health Express also indicated that they would be willing for the group to use their minibus free of charge, with driver, for an excursion – the destination will be discussed during a future meeting.
Glenn Gibson said: ‘When we meet at the rest house this month, hopefully the weather will be sunny and we can all enjoy sitting out on the veranda, soaking up the rays and relaxing while watching the world go by. If we are fortunate, Amy from Groundwork will pay us a visit. Groundwork helps run groups like ours.’
In other hub news, Glenn writes:
‘At the April hub get together we were pleased to have a visit by several Veterans from 7 Para RHA, who saw our advertisement and decided to pop in to see what we are all about. Many thanks go to these gentlemen who helped to boost the numbers alongside our regular attendees on the day. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves – you are welcome back any time.
‘Last month we had a visit from Wellbeing for Life, who gave a small talk on how they can help veterans in need and possibly help fund some aspects of the monthly veterans hub, such as assisting with small funding grants. One idea was to have mugs made showing the veterans hub logo, which could be used at meetings rather than relying on those belonging to the venue.
‘The group also had a visit from the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme who engaged with some veterans. It became apparent that the ability to access vital medical services was lacking, especially if practices had signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC). If any members are having problems obtaining medical services and the provider has signed the AFC, tell them you are a veteran and enact the covenant for your benefit. Hopefully, actions in the background will try and make all medical services sign the AFC.
‘As always thanks must be given to those organisations who continue to support us month after month: Shildon Town Council & Civic Hall staff for their support and use of their buildings over the last year; Shildon Alive for their continued donations of food, which we all like and devour!’
2024
May 15 — Rest house, Hackworth Park 11.00am – 2.00pm (Groundworks – TBC)
June 19 — Rest house, Hackworth Park 11.00am – 2.00pm
July 17 — Rest house, Hackworth Park 11.00am – 2.00pm
Aug 21 — Rest house, Hackworth Park 11.00am – 2.00pm
Sept 18 — Rest house, Hackworth Park 11.00am – 2.00pm
If anyone wants any information about the Veteran’s Hub please call the council offices 01388 772563.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
