Alnwick Veterans Group celebrate Christmas with festive lunch

There were around 60 people in attendance, plus many helpers, at The Lindisfarne Centre.

It was made possible by generous funding from Northumberland Estates, Alncom, Alnwick Town Council and Northumberland County Council.

“Veterans can be relied on for immediate camaraderie and the atmosphere was alive with good humour, entertained superbly by Alnwick Allstars, Carol Rob, Jamie Rob and Ron Creasey,” said organiser, Cllr Gordon Castle.

"The festivity was maintained with excellent food and refreshments from Northumberland County Council and I also thank Greggs for supplying sweet treats at no charge.

"Lindisfarne Cafe staff, Claire and Liberty, were outstanding and worked tirelessly under much pressure, and I thank RAF Boulmer for supplying several smartly dressed serving personnel who looked after our veterans for hours, showing that veterans are remembered and respected as once part of the vital national defence effort that continues to this day. Not only that but along with others they played a major role clearing up - the least glamorous part of the occasion.

"Some youngsters from Northumberland Skills added to the inter generational mix and obviously enjoyed helping and engaging with their elders, as did the veterans themselves. There were others present to help, too many to list by name, but who all made the whole occasion very memorable.

"Finally, an excellent Christmas cake was baked for us again by Margaret Dixon and possibly the highlight of the day was to watch the oldest veteran present, 99 year old Laurie Robinson, cut the cake. We look forward to continuing our veterans breakfasts in the last Thursday in each month, beginning again in January."

Mayor Geoff Watson added: “The smiles on the faces of the veterans said it all. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season with this fantastic group of people.”