Bexhill veterans get together

The event at The Sportsman in Sackville Road was attended by members of the new group as well as Town Mayor Cllr Patrick Douart, Cllr Richard Vallery-Peters, and George Lane of Hastings Veterans Association.

Chris told them: "Some twelve months ago I was invited to attend the Veterans Parade in Hastings...The seed was set in my mind to organize the same here in Bexhill for all service and ex-service men and women, and our numbers are growing every week.

"So today is to announce to all men and women that have served that we now have our own Veterans Association. My message to all of you present is to pass the word around so as to make this Association something that Bexhill can be proud of for our armed services.

"Just a few weeks ago someone asked me this question - What do I get out of it if I join? This person was a little surprised at my answer when I informed them that they would get nothing...except the satisfaction of once again belonging to a group of people that they had once served alongside, or had followed in the steps of those that had served before. I also explained that what we put into the Association was far more important than anything else as we would place ourselves in a position to help those less fortunate than ourselves."

He highlighted concerns for service people returning home with "horrific" injuries and questioned the level of care provided for them.

"They receive a paltry sum of money for losing a leg carrying out the wishes of the Government of the day, yet in the same report we hear of a civil servant who receives over half a million pounds for a sprained wrist. We as an Association can add our voice in the fight for justice for our service men and women, we have to bring back that special something that we all had when we wore the uniform, whether it was Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or the Army - that special something we all had was camaraderie."

A further eight members joined at the meeting meaning the branch now has 27 in total. Anyone interested in finding out more can call Chris on 01424 734204, or email on [email protected].