2 days Ago
Dozens gathered for a special flag-blessing ceremony at Bolton’s only veteran’s club over the weekend. They included Mayor Andy Morgan and local businessman Jim White, CEO of The Restoration Group. The dedication of the AFVBC standard was conducted by Reverend Hannah Lane, who is the Vicar of Bolton at 10am on Saturday, April 26 at the Young People’s Centre in Great Lever.
Local councillors, veterans and residents turned up for the special event. Dozens gathered for the dedication of the AFVBC standard. (Image: Phil Taylor) Meeting every Saturday from 10am to 2pm, the club is attended by veterans and their families.
The idea started in Hull, when three friends used to meet on a Saturday for butties and banter, before it grew into a movement with over 500 clubs around the world. The event was organised by Simon Skirving, Chairman of Bolton AFVBC. Speaking to The Bolton News Simon said: “This is the only breakfast club in Bolton , it’s the last one standing, it’s very emotional to me as it’s important.
Simon Skirving, Chairman of Bolton AFVBC. (Image: Phil Taylor) “The flag is hand sewn; it costed around £1575 to make. It was paid for in half by Jim White and half by Bolton Council – I couldn’t thank them enough.
“I am originally from the Midlands and moved to Bolton in 1982. The breakfast club will be 2 years old in July and it’s so inspiring to see the hard work that has gone into it. It has grown so much; I’m pleasantly surprised at the turnout today.
“A lot of people think, why bother? But I’m a proud guardsman and am proud to march behind Bolton.” READ MORE: Bolton veterans group hosts mayor and Restoration Group Bolton veterans club host special gusts at Heywood Park Bolton only veteran's breakfast club drums up support A "standard" in a military context is a flag or banner that is blessed or dedicated during a religious ceremony, often performed by a chaplain or religious leader. The standard was blessed by Reverend Hannah Lane.
(Image: Phil Taylor) The act symbolizes the flag's commitment to serving a higher purpose, such as representing the army's mission and values, and seeking divine guidance and protection for those who serve under it. The dedication was accompanied by a reading from Isaiah 30:16-18 which was read out by Mayor of Bolton Cllr Andy Morgan. Mayor Andy Morgan read out verses from Isaiah during the service.
(Image: Phil Taylor) Speaking to The Bolton News Cllr Morgan said: “This is a really important and special day, particularly for Simon who has worked hard for the last 15 months to get the club to where it is today. “It’s beautiful to see people come together to celebrate such a special dedication.” Dozens of residents sang the National Anthem as the flag was blessed.
Among them was leader of the opposition party Cllr Nadim Muslim. Cllr Nadim Muslim also attended the service. (Image: Phil Taylor) He said: “It’s especially nice that we can do this and be there to support veterans across Bolton, there are not that many groups across the country that give the opportunity for people to come together to celebrate and reflect on such a special time.
” The Mayor of Westhoughton Cllr Neil Maher said: “As someone who served 23 years in the armed forces across various corps and theatres, I personally understand what the force is about and the strong sense of community and companionship that comes with it. The Mayor of Westhoughton served as a veteran for 23 years. (Image: Phil Taylor) “I remember feeling lost when I first left the force, I felt as though I had left my friends and my community behind completely.
It can seem quite lonely at times, so places like this are fantastic for bringing the community back together. You could really feel that in the room today. “The breakfast club do many wonderful things locally and give so much back to our communities.
” The clubs are free, with no subs or fees besides paying for the breakfast. Run 'by veterans for veterans', it is to provide support and camaraderie. One of the youngest serving attendees was 21-year-old Jack Pollard, who has been a part of the Armed Forces for five years.
Four years into his service, Jack was selected to take part in the Queen’s funeral service. Twenty-one-year-old Jack Pollard. (Image: Phil Taylor) Speaking to The Bolton News he said: “The dedication is pivotal to any regiment in the British Army.
To have your standard blessed is a crucial point and is something you stand behind in battle. “To have it blessed at the breakfast club is now part of its history, as long as it continues to stand.”.
