A new club in Rutland, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, is bringing together military veterans with the children of serving soldiers at Kendrew Barracks. 

The Intergenerational Friendship Club, which has been running at the Cottesmore Academy, Kendrew Barracks, since September, offers children and veterans living in Rutland, the opportunity to undertake various activities, socialise together and develop friendships across the generations.

This initiative has been funded by Rutland County Council, through a grant received from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and is delivered in partnership with Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland.  

Every Friday afternoon, the club meets at the school and participants of various ages have thoroughly enjoyed activities ranging from art and crafts, board games and shared story time.

The highlight in the weeks before Christmas was a visit to see the children's play 'Room on the Broom' at the Corby Cube Theatre. Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and the comradeship developed between the different age groups has been a resounding success.

Image credit: RCC.

Rutland County Council's Armed Forces Champion Councillor Paul Ainsley, said: "I'm absolutely delighted with the success of this Intergenerational Friendship Club at Cottesmore Academy. It's proven to be an effective partnership between the school, Age UK and Rutland County Council that's generated friendships and supports our Service families here in Rutland. I would encourage any local armed forces veterans to get involved in this wonderful initiative."

The current school term, running until Easter, sees a new group of children from the school enjoy the benefits of the club, and there are openings for any new veterans from Rutland who wish to come along and take part. It is free to join, and participation might be particularly beneficial for older veterans who are perhaps feeling isolated. Free transport to and from the school can be arranged.  

If you are interested in taking part, or know someone who might enjoy being involved, please contact the Project Coordinator, Cheryl Clegg, on: 0116 2237350 or email: [email protected].