Celebrating the 100th Comradeship Circle

We're 100 today!

Today a group of older people who share a connection with the Armed Forces are getting together for a natter. In ordinary times, unremarkable, but times are far from ordinary. The get-together is in fact the 100th Comradeship Circle event arranged by Age Scotland.

We launched our Comradeship Circles service last July to ensure that older ex-service men and women, and their dependants, could enjoy regular group camaraderie despite pandemic restrictions. All they need is a phone – no call charges, no hassle. It’s ideal for those who don’t have internet, and for those who do but who are ‘Zoomed-out’.

A highlight has been our partnership with Sight Scotland Veterans.

We run Circles for their members, including Patrick, age 80. He said "These calls are great and have helped to maintain our friendships. It’s so simple – they just give you a code to dial in and if you can’t manage it then they can ring you, which makes life a lot easier for some. You look forward to the call and it inspires you to think, which is good, otherwise you’d just sit and stare at the wall.”

Today’s 100th Circle brings together veterans’ family members supported by Lothian Veterans Centre, who have been get together on their weekly calls since early August.

Hazel is one of them. She said:  
“I’ve loved every minute. A highlight was when a storyteller joined us with a story about a girl living in Africa. It was really interesting – we were hooked and wanted more!”

Hazel’s message to other older members of the ex-service community is: “Come and join. You get new friends, a good giggle, and everybody is there for everybody. You are not on your own.”

Comradeship Circles are open to any man or woman aged 50 or over who served in the British Armed forces, and their partners, widows, or widowers. Regulars, Reservists, National Servicemen and Merchant seafarers who have been part of a UK military operation are welcome.

Interested? Email Pamela at veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk or call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222.