Veterans invite community to Picnic in the Park

Next week, the Veterans Hub will be hosting Picnic in the Park with the local community free to join the veterans and their families at their monthly get together, writes Glenn Gibson.

This is the first time that the Veterans Hub have done something like this, so please come along and support those who have served or are still serving in His Majesty’s Armed Services.

There will be a limited amount of free food available, and many thanks again must go to Shildon Alive for supplying this and do so every month as a major supporter of the Veterans Hub.

Charlotte, Shildon Town Council’s Community & Engagement Co-ordinator, has organised some activities for the children and an information stall from NHS Wellbeing for Life to attend.

It would be great to see veterans and their families attend this year’s event and if successful to be repeated next year.

The Resthouse is in a beautiful location overlooking the park with fantastic views.

There is ample space for children to play and dogs to walk which makes this an ideal spot to sit and relax, enjoy a chat and a cuppa.

Let’s hope the weather stays warm and the sun shines!

The new Veteran Hub mugs have arrived which are in the style of our poster and will be used for the first time at this event. Thanks for the microgrant go to NHS Wellbeing for Life. I must say they look rather cool!

It is hoped that some veterans from DCC may pop in and attend the monthly Hub get together and if anyone wants to help and support the veterans of the town and surrounding areas, please feel free to pop in and have a chat.

The Hub is also a place where veterans who need support can come and be pointd in the right direction for specific help.

The Hub is also a place where veterans can apply for their Armed Forces Veterans card which allows discounts in a wide variety of retail outlets and eateries.

There are a lot of activities and meeting places for veterans in Shildon: the Shildon Branch of the Royal British Legion meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7pm in the Railway Institute, while the Masonic Hall also hosts a Veterans Breakfast Club.

With the summer season slowly coming to an end, thoughts will soon turn to the yearly Remembrance Day parade in Shildon and a general request for local veterans to be involved in the march on the day.

The Shildon Branch of the Royal British Legion, with other of the town’s groups and organisations, work alongside the Veterans Hub and Shildon Town Council to ensure this commemorative day runs smoothly.

Continued thanks as always to Shildon Town Council, Shildon Alive and Health Express, and to those veterans who attend and enjoy the banter and chat.

There will be Hubs throughout the remaining months of the year, all from 11am to 2pm.The Resthouse will be the venue on 17 September and 15 October, while the 17 December meeting may be at the Resthouse or will be a Christmas lunch at the Civic Hall.

If anyone wants any information about the Veterans Hub, please ring the Council Offices on 01388 772563.