ONE of the fastest growing veterans associations is the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club (AFVBC) which began in Hull in 2007 by Derek Hardman when groups of veterans used to drop in for a brew and meet at a friend’s garage for a brew and a butty.

In 2014 veterans from other areas visited and said what a wonderful idea and Derek decided to expand the project nationally. The network is not affiliated to any charity, and is not a charity but acts as a customer base for the 3,000+ military charities in the UK.

There are no subs or joining fees. All any veteran or service personnel will ever have to pay for is their own breakfast, and even then, clubs tend to ensure that the cost of breakfast for Second World War veterans, and those in hardship, is taken care of.

This idea forms a bridge between the Royal British Legion which tends to have an older membership and younger veterans who want to meet others with shared experiences.

The Salisbury AFVBC meets on the second Sunday of the month at the White Hart at 10am, all veterans are welcome. For more information go to afvbc.net

Calling D-Day veterans

IN partnership with Royal British Legion and Portsmouth City Council, The Ministry of Defence has announced plans to commemorate D-Day75, where they will commemorate not only one of the most important wartime operations of all time, but also the spectacular bravery and determination of our sailors, soldiers and airmen.

The Royal British Legion are looking for 300 D-Day Veterans to join a fully funded tour, setting sail on the chartered ship: MV Boudicca, venturing to Normandy.

Normandy veterans can sign up via The Royal British Legion link: ow.ly/yebp50kcXql