An opportunity to meet old friends, make new ones and enjoy a day of outdoor activities and good company.
The HIVE is about much more than simply holding a monthly meeting. It is about creating a welcoming and informal community where veterans can connect with others who share similar experiences, find out about local support and, importantly, have opportunities to try something new.
The Wilderness Centre was an ideal location. Set within 30 acres of ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and gardens, the Centre has a long history of bringing people together through outdoor learning and activities.
Throughout the day, veterans had the opportunity to try their hand at air-rifle shooting and archery, with plenty of friendly competition, encouragement and laughter along the way.
We were also delighted to welcome Larry Clift from Freedom from Pain, who brought along his longbow and gave a demonstration of traditional longbow shooting. It proved a great addition to the day and generated plenty of interest among those attending.
Of course, no gathering of veterans would be complete without food.
With the sun shining, everyone was amply fortified with bacon rolls and egg banjos for lunch – the latter requiring very little explanation to anyone who has spent time in the British Armed Forces!
Alongside the activities, there was plenty of time simply to sit, talk and socialise. That informal side of the HIVE is every bit as important as the organised programme. Loneliness and isolation can affect people after leaving the Armed Forces, particularly when the camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes with military life suddenly disappears.
Creating opportunities for people to reconnect, share experiences and build new friendships is therefore at the heart of what the HIVE is trying to achieve.
We were also joined by BBC Gloucestershire presenter Steve Nibbs, who spent time talking with and interviewing veterans about their experiences, their lives after service and the importance of having a local Armed Forces community.
The event also highlighted what we want the HIVE to become: not simply somewhere veterans go for support, but a community they help to shape themselves.
Many of the activities we are now developing – including fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting, amateur radio and other outdoor and social opportunities – have come directly from conversations with veterans attending our HIVE meetings.
A huge thank you goes to Simon and everyone at the Wilderness Centre, Larry Clift, Steve Nibbs, our partners and supporters, and most importantly the veterans and Armed Forces families who came along and made the day such a success.
The HIVE is about friendship, activity, opportunity and belonging – bringing the Armed Forces community of the Forest of Dean together.
