Members of a Bolton veterans association have expressed their delight after the group received funding to support its vital community work.
The Slaterfield veterans and residents association, which has been based at the Heywood Young People Centre, announced it has received National Lottery Funding at its Christmas party yesterday morning, Saturday.
The money will help them to continue their work supporting veterans and borough residents with events, and by providing a space for ex-service members to socialise.
The association has been in operation for around two years and was previously based at the Slaterfield Community Centre.
The group holds a community breakfast every Saturday at the Centre to support its aim of proving advice, support and social opportunities for veterans and residents alike.
Simon Skirving, chairman of the veterans and residents association and a veteran of the Second Battalion Coldstream Guards, said without groups like this, veterans risk being “forgotten".
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Simon, 66, said: “Normally, we’re here every Saturday from 10am until 2pm where residents can come and veterans can come. A lot of residents don’t have anywhere to go now in Bolton.
“The problem is, there’s not a lot for veterans to do, they always get forgotten.
“This is open to veterans across Bolton, they don’t need to be from here, at the end of the day its about trying to encourage them to get out and about.”
He thanked the council, Queens Park and Central ward councillors Richard Silvester and Linda Thomas for their ongoing support, as well as ward councillor and deputy mayor, Akhtar Zaman, and the mayor of Bolton, Cllr Mohammed Ayub.
Attendees also enjoyed a performance by Bolton Caledonia Pipe Band, who performed traditional Christmas songs and more modern hits, including their arrangement of Fairytale of New York by The Pogues.
He also thanked Sainsbury’s Bolton for providing £100 worth of food and refreshments for the Christmas Party.
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Barry Pickard, 63, and a member of the association, explained that having a community of other veterans is vital for ex-service members to help them reintegrate into civilian life.
Barry, who serviced in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, said: “If veterans need support, we will go out and sit with them and have a chat. If they need forms filling in, or just not being alone, we’ll be there, you’re not alone when you’re a veteran, that what this veterans centre is all about.
“Be it army, navy or air force, you’re still serving no matter what you’re still serving your Majesty the King and we’re all together as brothers and sisters.
“The hardest thing is pride, some of them won’t come and ask for help so they’ll come to us and we’ll outreach to show them path ways as best we can.”
Dave Chambers, 71, was a royal engineer with the 75 Engineer Regiment and is now the secretary of the association.
He said that anyone given the chance to service in the armed forces should take the opportunity as “you never lose the comradeship".
He said: “We represent any resident who has a problem or issue and we will do out best to sort them out.
"Veterans and residents are more than welcome to come in, sit down and have a brew.
“If you have PTSD, are anxious about things or not happy about meeting people – we want people to come in sit down and have a chat.
“We are offering companionship.”
@theboltonnews The Bolton Caledonia Pipe Band perform at Heywood Park for the Slaterfield veterans and residents association
♬ original sound - The Bolton News
Bolton mayor, Cllr Mohammed Ayub, attended the party along with ward councillors Richard Silvester and Linda Thomas and deputy mayor, Akhtar Zaman.
He said: “I’d like to take the opportunity to say thank you to Simon and his team for organising today but also for their support for veterans, especially the coffee mornings that run every Saturdsy that so many people enjoy.”
He added: "Today is the Veterans and Resident Association’s Christmas Party and I’ve come here today to support them.
“Today, Simon has told us the good news that they’ve got some funding from the lottery as well.”
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