A casual forum for Port Stephens veterans to have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee took its first tentative steps on Saturday.
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With little fanfare, the newly established Veterans and Services Coffee Club - a collaboration between Medowie and Stockton RSL sub-branch members - conducted its inaugural meeting at Medowie Social.
Organiser Peter Stephenson said he was pleased with the attendance to what is planned to become a weekly event at the Medowie Social.
"There were eight ex-service personnel and one serving member in attendance at our launch, however there is an open invitation for all ex-service and currently serving men and women to come along to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with others with similar life experiences," Mr Stephenson said.
"It was great to see the number of people along for our inaugural event and we encourage younger veterans and service personnel to come along each week to enjoy some great company and camaraderie.
"We would like to encourage members with young families to bring the children along to share in the experience and to enjoy the facilities of Medowie Social including the children's play area."
The Veterans and Services Coffee Club is co-sponsored by the Medowie and Stockton RSL sub-branches with free tea or coffee during the first three months trial period.
"We intend this weekly get together to be a no pressure experience for those in attendance," said Ian Harding, president of the Medowie RSL sub-branch.
"The whole purpose is to provide a casual forum and of course there will be RSL personnel in attendance to provide confidential advice on veterans issues should that may be required.
Children of service people are also welcome to join us and the intention is only to provide a forum for veterans and those who have served or are still serving to get together on a casual basis
"There will be no pressure to join the RSL and the format of these days will be developed by those in attendance. We will however have someone on hand to answer questions on veterans and service issues."
Operator of the Medowie Social, Charlie Way, has been welcoming of the new initiative and a great supporter of the RSL.
The Veterans and Services Coffee Club meets every Saturday at 11.30 am in the Medowie Social, Ferodale Road, Medowie.
For further information contact Peter Stephenson on 0427 504 907 or Ian Harding 0439 086 945.
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