It was another curry day at the March Veterans Hub meeting, as Wellbeing for Life returned to provide a different fantastic flavour – Jalfrezi, reports Glenn Gibson. This was alongside the regular donations from Shildon Alive who continue to support this gathering of Veterans.
Unfortunately, this was Wellbeing for Life’s last visit for the time being as they have completed their four sessions with the group. Hopefully in the future extra funding may be available for them to return and once again provide those delicious curries.
March’s meeting again was few in numbers and there is a concern that if numbers do not grow, it may not be viable to continue.
However, those who did attend had a good chat and laugh and had a look at some old military equipment that was brought in – bits of old 58 pattern webbing, American gear, various hats and helmets including the iconic WW1 German pickelhaube.
The gear sparked a good debate and laughter when one veteran stated when he joined he was using the 38 pattern webbing. Modern day equipment is a lot lighter now.
Another idea was mentioned which came about when a book was brought in and now doing the rounds amongst veterans.
This was for everyone to bring a military or similar book in to the meetings and form a sort of ‘book club’ where, with a small donation, members can take a book away to read and then return it for someone else once they have finished.
All donations will go towards funding the poppy memorial fence as mentioned in last months report.
Looking to the future, we have been informed that the Veterans Hub may get some sort of funding to help develop its own tea/coffee mugs and a local company has already been sourced to carry out this work if the Hub is successful in securing the funds.
This can only enhance the group.
There are a lot of things happening for Veterans in Shildon, with the Shildon Branch–Royal British Legion meeting on 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7.00pm in the Railway Institute and the Masonic Veterans breakfast club.
It is also pleasing to hear that the Veterans on the town are working on a theme to take part in the Shildon – Mini Street Cavalcade happening on the 2 August but I must remind everyone that registration needs to be completed before 31 May to be able to be a part of it.
Forms can be downloaded from the Town Council and Railway Institute websites.
Continued thanks as always to Shildon Town Council, Shildon Alive, Health Express and to those Veterans who attend and enjoy the craic.
Dates for your diary:
April 16 (Easter special?)
May 21
June 19
August 20 (BBQ?)
All meetings to take place in the resthouse, Hackworth Park from 11am to 2pm.
If anyone wants any information about the Veterans Hub, please ring the Council Offices 01388 772563.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
