Ex-servicemen and dignitaries gathered over the weekend to celebrate a veterans breakfast club that has brought them together for the last year. The Slaterfield Veterans and Residents Association have been running regular breakfast clubs at Heywood Young People’s Centre in Great Lever over recent months. On Saturday, they were joined by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Diane Hawkins and other special guests to celebrate their work.
Chairman Simon Skirving said: “I’m really proud to have all these people here and it’s a real privilege to represent these guys who come regularly to the club.” He added: “We’ve got loads more events planned, we’ve got a Christmas party planned and we’re going to be here every Saturday carrying on what we’re doing.” Veterans gathered at the park (Image: Phil Taylor) The group is part of a network of similar veterans’ breakfast clubs that operates all around the country.
The Bolton group meets every Saturday at 10am at the Heywood Young People’s Centre at Heywood Park off Lever Street and High Street in Great Lever. Mr Burnham addressing veterans and guests (Image: Phil Taylor) Last Saturday’s special event was also attended by Westhoughton Town Mayor Cllr Neil Maher. He said: “I’m a veteran myself so I do value such events and the service that people do.
Simon Skirving and Andy Burnham (Image: Phil Taylor) “This event here is run by veterans, they set it up themselves.