FORMER military personnel in Redditch and neighbouring villages will now have a place to meet with their peers, thanks to the formation of the region’s first Armed Forces and Veteran’s Breakfast Club (AFVBC).
Two ex-British Armed Forces members, James Shobolt and Nick Walker, have formed the Redditch AFVBC to facilitate meet-ups of veterans and armed forces personnel to combat loneliness and encourage socialising among peers.
Nick and James were both recovery mechanics in the army, having both served in Northern Ireland. Nick also served in Cyprus and James in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The group will meet for the first time between 10am and noon tomorrow (Saturday July, 1) at Redditch Cricket, Hockey and Rugby Club. The club will continue to meet at the same time on the first Saturday of every month.
Redditch’s AFVBC is now one of more than 420 AFVBCs around the world with approximately 150,000 members across 14 countries.
Nick said: “We believe the military community will benefit greatly from this breakfast club and we’re looking forward to watching it flourish.
“Come down, meet old comrades and new friends and indulge in some good old military banter.”
Pete Martin, founder of the Redditch Self Defence charity, has kindly sponsored the club and helped fund banners to promote the breakfast mornings.
Pete’s charity work promotes awareness around knife crime to combat the issue across the region and beyond.
Pete said: “We try to work with as many local charities and community groups as we can in the area.
“The club is something I support on a personal level and something I believe will be a great service for the local community.”
In the future the Redditch Breakfast Club will host guest speakers from other armed forces charities including Walking with the Wounded.
Redditch AFVBC will also organise special events on significant days, such as D-Day and Remembrance Sunday to continue the values of the club and increase ex-armed forces personnel and allies’ access to support.
The breakfast mornings are free to attend for all British armed forces personnel, serving or retired and their allies.
No subscription is required.
