Durham Benevolence were pleased to award a £1000 Community Support Grant to the South West Durham Division of SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association). The grant has been used to assist those who suffer isolation, loneliness or need befriending by subsidising a trip to the National Memorial Arboretum and Bletchley Park.

On the weekend 16th – 19th September, 41 Veterans’, widows, SSAFA Volunteers and supporters boarded a bus at Bishop Auckland Football Club.  At the National Memorial Arboretum, they paid tribute to our late Queen and SSAFA Patron. Three of the veterans laid a wreath at the main Memorial, Ron Howard 85, Peter Franklin 88 and Bill Dodds 86. Bletchley Park is fascinating and definitely a place to visit.

On the way home they stopped in time for the national two minutes silence for the Queen and paraded in front of the coach while the Divisional Treasurer and Piper, Ruth Wright played the Flowers of the Forrest.

A super weekend enjoyed by all.

On behalf of the SSAFA South West Durham Division, Michael G Donne, a past Master of his Lodge, Branch President , who applied to Durham Benevolence for the grant sent thanks from all in the Veterans Group saying the grant had made a lot of veterans and their families very happy.

Many thanks to Keith Taylor, a Royal Navy veteran and part of this group for the photo’s.