Let’s salute Houghton’s Breakfasts for Armed Forces
Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs were first set up some 15 years ago, largely to bring people together and reduce social isolation experienced by many who have served their country.
There are now more than 470, hosted in all manner of places far and wide, and Houghton RUFC is believed to be the first dedicated rugby club to have joined the ranks.
Rob Scott, who played for Houghton from the age of 13 to 51, is a retired police officer now working for Sunderland Football Club in a safety, security and recruitment role. Still a keen member of the Houghton rugby club, he runs a weekly boot camp there with former fire fighter, Robert Carr, who also played at the club for many years. Rob saw the benefit of the football club’s breakfasts and ran the idea up the rugby club flagpole.
A Full English Clubhouse
With Houghton RUFC keen to launch the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club, they opened their doors on a Saturday in July, unsure of the take up. In no time, they were hosting 70 guests, all having a great time, from Veterans from the Falklands War to recent and current Armed Forces personnel.
Team players were serving breakfasts and spending time with their guests, and they were joined by a couple of military magazine editorial staff as well as the Head of the Army in the Northeast.
“People were sharing stories, making friends, and enjoying themselves. It was a very supportive group, and the feedback was outstanding,” said Rob. “We would probably have had 100 there but for hosting the first breakfast in the holiday period. Now the club will be running breakfast clubs on, hopefully, the last Saturday of each month."
“Those coming for breakfast can stay on and enjoy the club atmosphere and become part of the rugby club family. Everyone’s welcome and anyone experiencing social isolation will find great food prepared by an excellent chef, a great environment and lots of opportunities to make friends.
“Houghton is proud to be the first rugby club running its own Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club and is hoping others will be encouraged to start their own. We have already got more people wanting to come along and family members wanting to bring veterans to join the party.”
