'It's gone beyond our expectations'

VETERANS WHO BANDED TOGETHER TO FORM ARMED FORCES BREAKFAST CLUB NOW NEED YOUR HELP

- By DEBORAH HALL

A GROUP of veterans from Withernsea have turned a simple brew into a vital support network for members of the Armed Forces.

The Withernsea Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club was set up five years ago by a group of local veterans after recognising the growing need for a space where servicemen and women could come together to swap stories and connect. Now thriving, organisers are calling for help from the local community to ensure they can keep their service running.

Kevin Watson, 69, is secretary of the group. He said: “We started about five years ago thinking we'd get a couple of veterans a week turning up for tea.

“Now we're pulling in close to 50 veterans every other week, it's become a real community. It's gone well beyond any of our expectations, it has taken on a complete life of its own.

“Our membership ranges from 40 to 97 and we accept everyone - men, women, serving, reserves, retired - anybody who's ever been in the Armed Forces is welcome.”