Armed Forces Day: Rutland veterans group host special event
It's estimated over 25% of people in the county have links to the Armed Forces
The Rutland Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club is hosting a bonus event to celebrate Armed Forces Day today.
Current and ex-forces families are being invited down to The Grainstore Brewery in Oakham from 9am for discounted breakfast.
Organiser, Tracey Taylor, said the club's been a vital support network for the community over the past five years:
'My husband walks the dog and there's somebody from the club walking their dog. It's a real good community feel and I think that's what people miss, especially forces that were posted abroad. You needed that feeling as you couldn't go home and see your loved ones.'
A wealth of support
Air commodore David Wilby said Rutland is in a league of its own in terms of the support it offers to current and former members of the Armed Forces:
'I can go to the Grainstore in the week and know there's quite a lot of my ex air-crew chums that will be in there.
'We could go to Great Casterton, to The Crown, and find a similar bunch.
'Some of them only spent a short while in the service, maybe five years. Those years were exciting, dangerous, worrying but, when they look back on it, they look forward to reminiscing.
'Of course, it's not all good, but there's a lot to be gained from mixing with chaps and having a good talk.
We're thankful to the county for looking after us so well.'
Armed Forces Week: What's happening in Rutland?
Across Rutland we're being encouraged to come together to show our support for current and former military personnel.
On Wednesday 21 June, the Veteran's Wellbeing Hub are welcoming local veterans with tea and cake at the council offices in Oakham, from 9am.
On Friday 23 June, Rutland County Council is hosting an event for children of Armed Forces personnel that will include a drama workshop and taiko drumming - to also bid goodbye to kids leaving the county this summer.
On Armed Forces Day itself (Saturday 24 June) there will be a special Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club at the usual location of the Grainstore Pub in Oakham, from 9am.
All Armed Forces members are welcome to join, and help themselves to a discounted breakfast.
On Tuesday 27 June, HMP Stocken veterans will be enjoying breakfast together and holding a small flag raising ceremony of their own.