Member Article

Launchpad veterans treated to evening of entertainment thanks to local bikers

Veterans living at Launchpad’s Avondale House in Byker were treated to an evening of pool, team games and pizza courtesy of a group of motorcycling Freemasons.

Members of The Northumberland Chapter of the Widows Son’s Masonic Bikers Association organised a night of entertainment for ex-servicemen and further cements the relationship between the two groups.

Launchpad, the largest veterans’ residential house in the north east, provides accommodation and targeted support to help veterans stabilise their lives whilst coping with the transition from military to civilian life.

It is the second time in as many months Widow Son’s have visited Avondale House after donating Christmas gifts and food for the veterans back in December.

Simon Lock, Manager of Avondale House in Newcastle, said: “We are really grateful to The Widows Son’s for visiting us and providing a night of great entertainment, food and pizza. Our veterans enjoyed their company and it was good for them to make new friends and share stories.”

President of The Widows Son’s, Ian Noble, said: “We are delighted to have been able to help in a small way with the veteran’s integration back into Civvie Street by providing pizzas, gateaux and good company for the games night. We hope it will be the first of many.

“The Widow Son’s is open to all Freemasons who enjoy the sport of motorcycling and we help to raise awareness and much needed funds for charities.”

Launchpad supported 152 homeless and unemployed veterans last year across its two houses in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Liverpool.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Up North Communications .