“It’s about rebuilding now and starting again” – Salford Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club are back

Salford Armed Forces and Veterns Breakfast Club is back after a year-long closure and is looking for new members and volunteers.

The group for ex-armed forces and service men and women or veterans meets every Saturday from 10am to 1pm at the Magdalene Centre in Winton, Salford.

Glenn Croston, one of the founders of the group back in 2015, said: “Due to Covid, we were not able to use the hall. In July and August of 2020, we could use the hall, but we were limited to a maximum of 30 people which didn’t work for us, so we stopped after 3 weeks.

“We sadly lost six or seven regular members of the group since March 2020. Restrictions on the number of people has now gone so it’s about rebuilding now and starting again.”

For £3.50, members can get a full English breakfast, including eggs, bacon, sausage and beans, alongside a coffee or a cup of tea. But companionship is important too.

“For a lot of the guys, it’s not about the breakfast itself, it’s about coming together with people and socialising,” he said.

Prior to lockdown, many of the older members couldn’t get out as often and the group has become a once-a-week opportunity to meet likeminded people or people who have had similar experiences from serving in the army, navy or marines.

“From talking to people, we found that some of them didn’t get out very often, some of them didn’t have their own transport so needed a lift in. People live alone and don’t have family support particularly, so we give them the opportunity to come out for an inexpensive meal and talk to people who they have something in common with. It’s very beneficial.

“Some of the guys who originally came themselves became volunteers. They ask what we need to do and running on a weekly basis, some offer to help in the kitchen or help wash up. They became volunteers themselves and for them it is putting a bit more into it.

“We did recruit some volunteers through Salford CVS which was useful. Family members got involved in some cases.

“It’s about ex-service men and women primarily and veterans of all ages are more than welcome to come. You can bring people with you; you don’t have to come alone.”

To volunteer and get involved, go through the Salford CVS portal or contact Glenn on 07932488390 and g_croston@yahoo.com.