It has been a challenging year for the Okehampton Veterans Breakfast Club – covid restrictions preventing any meet-ups, then a gradual relaxation of the rules followed by further curtailment.

However, in September of this year members were finally able to start meeting again in a fairly normal manner.

Despite all the restrictions of 2020 and 2021, the word had got out about the club and there were a number of enquiries from veterans from all the services interested in attending.

It was great to receive so many enquiries and see people turn up to attend the monthly breakfast meetings.

Then a chance comment at the November meeting led to the rapid planning of a Christmas lunch.

This was kindly hosted by Tina and Tony of Tina’s Kitchen, behind the Kings Arms in St James Street, Okehampton.

Exclusive use of their facilities meant members could be as loud as they liked, let their hair down and really enjoy themselves.

The conversations were wide and varied, with interesting and funny stories being bandied about over the length of the table in the best military tradition.

An excellent full roast dinner with choice of either turkey or beef, followed by Christmas pudding with rum sauce and clotted cream was enjoyed by all.

Some even managed seconds! Compliments to the chefs flowed freely, as did the wine (and soft drinks for the drivers).

After a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, members left to go their separate ways, but not before deciding that they had enjoyed themselves so much, they needed to plan similar events on a regular basis.

If you are a military veteran, members encourage you to go along and see what they are all about. There is always a warm welcome and a good breakfast served by Tina and Tony.

The next scheduled meeting will be Saturday, January 8 2022 (subject to any covid restrictions that may be in place at the time).

The regular meeting is always on the first Saturday of the month, meeting at Tina’s Kitchen between 9.30am and 11.30am. Members hope to see you there.