Did you know that Gosport has one of the highest veteran populations in England. Approximately 12.5% of people living in this area, reported having previously served in the UK armed forces, according to the Office of National Statistics 2021 census data.
VOS provide wellbeing, welfare and mental health support for Veterans, their families and carers across the Solent region, Isle of Wight and Hampshire area.
Every Thursday afternoon there’s a VOS gathering of local veterans, their partners/spouses/ carers at the Crofton Club in Stubbington near Gosport – it’s called the VOS “Brew and Banter”. Chris Kimber, VOS member and Volunteer, attended one of the sessions this summer; here he shares his reflections on this weekly coffee afternoon, which is part of the VOS Wellbeing offering:
“It’s very well supported by both people you regularly see at a lot of the other VOS functions and events but also some you don’t see anywhere else too. The best-attended is usually the last Thursday of every month where, in addition to the usual refreshments, sausage and bacon sandwiches are laid on for all who attend
Today’s occasion was a perfect case in point when, despite still being in the holiday season, counting volunteers and attendees, there were around 35 of us there. All were served up with rolls (baps or buns depending on where you’re originally from) generously loaded with rashers or sausages. Everyone had at least one, but most had two rolls each – and possibly even more! There was a lot of cooking going on and a few bags worth of bread rolls were quickly consumed!
We had a seemingly endless flow of tea and coffee too, all laid on by VOS – so all you have to do is get yourself there. With our usual Chef Extraordinaire (Tony Hudson) away on holiday in Canada, we held the fort on his behalf at this session. Our volunteer, Gary made sure everyone had plenty to drink while Peter (the Lead Volunteer) became a human conveyor belt bringing food from the kitchen to the fellow VOS members sitting in the hall hired for the purpose. Kez (VOS Member) slaved over the hot stove to ensure the tasty fare was prepared for the mass feeding which, while not quite being the miracle of the loaves and popular breakfast ingredients, it was an impressive performance. Next stop MasterChef!
Speaking as a volunteer, I have to say that the two hours just flashed by! This was my first visit to the Crofton Club and I have to say it was lovely to see the 30-odd friends mustering together and going straight into conversations that may have started the week before with much smiling and cheerfulness all around. Such a good example of a VOS wellbeing activity and clearly a very successful one too. All this and free sausage and bacon butties!”
If you want to join the Brew & Banter Social, it takes place weekly as follows:
Thursdays, 1330-1530hrs
The Crofton Club, 31 Titchfield Rd, Fareham, PO14 2JH
All VOS members are welcome!
More about VOS’s Wellbeing Offering here
