A local Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club held in Ilkley which attracts members from Bradford district and beyond, is celebrating its first anniversary on Saturday 27th April.
The club was founded by volunteers and military veterans Jason Sands, Paul Wilson and Mark Sugrue and offers monthly face to face meet ups for veterans and serving armed forces personnel in a relaxed, safe, social environment.
Gathering at The Lister Arms in Ilkley on the last Saturday of every month, this week (27 April) marks the one-year anniversary with local dignitaries joining local members to celebrate the special occasion.
Organiser Mark Sugrue said: “Our monthly meet ups offer breakfast, banter and help to combat loneliness by encouraging veterans to ‘return to the tribe’.
“We’ve seen our membership grow considerably since starting in April 2023 which shows the demand for this level of invaluable meet up which provides camaraderie and support for so many. Our success and appeal means we are delighted to welcome people from as far as Harrogate, Keighley and all areas of Bradford district.”
The club is free to attend, free to join with no fees, subs or commitments required and is one of 500 Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs with 150,000 members in 15 countries.
Mark added: “We are delighted to welcome the founder of the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club Derek Hardman alongside two West Yorkshire Deputy Lieutenants, Suzanne Watson and Vicky Reynolds JP and our local MP Robbie Moore to this Saturday’s event.
“We don't exist to support any national charity, organisation or business and encourage anyone interested to just turn up, pay for your breakfast and enjoy the company of other Armed Forces Veterans in a welcoming and supportive environment.”
The Ilkley Armed Forces and Veterans Club meets on the last Saturday of the month in The Lister Arms (JD Wetherspoons) between 10.00am-12.30pm. For further information please email Ilkleyafvbc2023@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page or www.afvbc.world/#welcome