It is a place where persons who have served or are currently serving in (Her)/His Majesty Armed Forces can meet up for a cuppa and refreshments and relax while chatting to other likeminded veterans and servicemen and enjoy the military banter that the British Army is famous for explains Glenn Gibson.
These veterans or serving personnel, if they wish can bring their families with them and create a homely atmosphere.
The veterans hub meets once a month on the 3rd Wednesday with the next one on 18th October at Shildon Civic Hall from 11am to 2pm. Every month, where possible a military support group or those involved with veterans attend, give a bit of a talk and engage with veterans who need help of any kind.
The Hub is also a stepping stone for those who want help, don’t know who to turn to, or are just seeking guidance. People at the Hub will set them in the right direction.
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Hub is that it is being run by the Royal British Legion.
While some RBL members attend, it is supported and run by Shildon Town Council, who allow the use of their Civic Hall and a member of staff to oversee and organise the get-together.
It is undeniable that both the Shildon Veterans Hub and the Royal British Legion are somewhat similar and linked in some way. However, RBL Shildon Branch hold their meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Railway Institute at 8pm.
Behind the scenes there are others supporting the Veterans Hub. The town’s Mayor is a regular visitor and there is support from town councillors and Shildon Live, who kindly donate some food for the veterans to enjoy.
Already, the veterans have organised and enjoyed a day out to the Naval Museum in Hartlepool and other trips are planned in the future to local military attractions.
With Remembrance Sunday approaching and the Poppy Appeal about to begin, this time of the year becomes more poignant for everyone to think about the sacrifices of our veterans and serving personnel to keep the country safe and free.
This gives an opportunity to appeal for Shildon’s veterans to join the parade on Sunday 12 November and march with pride along Shildon to the War Memorial outside St John’s for the Service of Remembrance.
At October’s meeting there will be a discussion about moving the Hub forwards, planning November and December meetings and days out. Upcoming meeting dates are 18 October 18 at the Civic Hall; 15 November at Locomotion Museum with free guided tour and 20 December with venue TBC.
So, please feel free to attend Shildon’s Veterans Hub and bring your loved ones and enjoy a lovely warm environment, have a chat, have a cuppa, relax and let the stories flow.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
