The Veterans & Armed Forces Community Club welcomed more than 20 new members to its inaugural meeting earlier this month.
The breakfast get-together was held at Station Suites on Linthorpe Road with support from The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and Middlesbrough Council’s Staying Included Service.
The new club was the idea of Middlesbrough Council Staying Included officer Linda Ford with the aim of bringing people together in a relaxed environment to form new friendships and share experiences.
Linda said: “The initial feedback was really positive, and we were delighted with the turn-out for the first meeting.
“We know the demand is there, so we now have meetings lined up until March next year and we hope to continue for as long as people want.
“The club is a chance to meet and socialise with others who have served over a cuppa and a bite to eat, and find out about the services and support available.”
The next meeting of the Veterans & Armed Forces Community Club is on Friday, November 7 when a guest speaker will talk about pensions and benefits.
Middlesbrough Councillors Linda Lewis – the Council’s Armed Forces Champion - and Ian Morrish also attended the first meeting.
Councillor Lewis said: “We have a duty to support our veterans and service personnel, and groups like this help to create a much-needed local support network for those who put their lives on the line for the rest of us.
“It’s fantastic to see the Veterans & Armed Forces Community Club getting off to such a positive start, and I’m sure it will go from strength to strength as word spreads.
“I’d also like to thank the Station Suites for their ongoing support with the breakfast meetings – it really will make a huge difference.”
• The Veterans & Armed Forces Community Club meets for bacon butties, tea and coffee from 10am to noon at the Station Suites, 5 Linthorpe Road, TS1 1RE (opposite the train station) on the following dates:
• Friday, November 7
• Friday, December 5
• Friday, January 9
• Friday, February 6
• Friday, March 6
For more information call Linda Ford on 07518 292069 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the Middlesbrough Veterans & Armed Forces Club Facebook page.
