Awards on menu as veterans honoured
Reporter ARMY veterans George Reynolds and Russell Black were in for a surprise when they attended their weekly breakfast club.
The men thought they were at the Toby Carvery Kenton Bar, in Newcastle, to celebrate the third anniversary of the Geordie Breakfast Club, which helps to support war veterans in the North East.
But the pair were astounded when they were called forward and presented with special awards by Newcastle’s Lord Mayor Linda Wright on Saturday.
George, 67, from Washington, was praised for travelling across the country to attend funerals of war veterans and carrying a standard at the processions. One of his recent trips was to Dorset.
The grandad-of-eight says he does this “out of respect for the brothers and sisters who served the country”.
He said: “Messages come through to us on Facebook and people ask if
we can attend funerals. I have been everywhere from Aberdeen to Bournemouth, including places like Liverpool and Manchester, and I carry the standard.”
In the past year, he has also helped to care for his wife Hazel, 67, who has had two operations to treat breast cancer.
At an emotional ceremony, he was handed an all-expenses paid weekend break for two by ADT Plumbing and Heating.
George, who served two tours of Belfast in the 1970s, said: “I was very shocked, this was unexpected.”
And Russell Black, who has spent more than 20 years supporting and fundraising for veterans, was presented with a special award.
The 60-year-old runs the Shotley Bridge War Memorial Cottages Trust, which has made three cottages available for ex-service personnel. Veterans can rent the twobedroom properties for a reduced rent.
Russell, who lives in Shotley Bridge, said: “I was totally shocked, I had no idea they were going to give me this award.
“I just think it’s important to do what I do to support veterans who have served the country.”
He joined the Royal Engineers at the age of 16 as a ‘boy soldier’ and later went on to join the 59 Commando Squadron of the Royal Engineers, serving in places like Norway, Northern Ireland and Denmark, and then moved to 9 Parachute Squadron.
He left in 1987 and went on to become a teacher. However, he worked part-time with the 23 Special Air Service until 1993.
Andy Wilson, 49, founder and chairman of the Geordie Breakfast Club, said: “These two guys have spent so many years supporting war veterans and we felt they deserved some recognition for what they have been doing.”
A third award of appreciation was given to Toby Carvery for its ongoing support of the club.
On Saturday, the restaurant provided free breakfasts to veterans and ran a fundraising event for the Royal British Legion.