Our veterans love getting out and about and sharing their enthralling stories – especially when it comes to chatting with others who have also served our nation at Breakfast Clubs.
The popular club, which has over 100 members, is run by Major Eddy Hardaker, his wife Viv and Carl Holly, and veterans travel from across Oldham and beyond to meet on the third Saturday of each month at The Hunt Lane Tavern on Middleton Road, Chadderton.
Eddy said the club recently returned to the JW Lees pub from another venue to stage its events, which regularly attract over 40 people, including relatives of veterans themselves.
The pub, which earlier this year achieved a five-star rating from Oldham Council’s food hygiene team, is decked out with military flags for each gathering, at which a buffet breakfast, tea, coffee and juice are served.
Eddy invited along our residents, and they have now become regular attenders.
He said: “We love having the Broughton House veterans at our breakfasts and hearing them share their stories and promote the home.
“The club is all about bringing together people to offer comradeship to those who are like-minded. The veterans all look forward to coming along each month.
“The pub is really supportive of the veteran community, and people travel from all over to attend, as it’s in a really convenient location. It’s on a bus route, has ample car parking space and wheelchair access, plus the food is top-class.
“We also look to provide welfare support where we can. For example, Viv recently helped a veteran to obtain a Blue Badge, and we’ve helped others to obtain some necessary assistance at their homes.”
Jane Green, our director of care, said: “We all absolutely love going to see our friends at the breakfast club each month. They make us feel welcome, and it is always a great opportunity for reminiscing and chatter, as well as a hearty breakfast and a brew.”
