Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson visits the Chelsea Pensioners

11th September 2018

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson visits the Chelsea Pensioners
The Chelsea Pensioners welcomed Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, alongside members of the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs to their home on Friday 7th September to meet over breakfast in the Great Hall, followed by a tour of the Royal Hospital's historic site. 

The Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs run regular breakfast meetings for veterans and serving members of H.M. forces throughout the country, providing a support network to those who are managing the transition from the services back into civilian life.

The newly appointed Governor of the Royal Hospital, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE said of the visit: “It was a great pleasure to welcome the Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, introduce him to some Chelsea Pensioners and show him their historic home.We also enjoyed hosting veterans from across the UK to have breakfast with the Chelsea Pensioners to exchange reminiscences and ideas, and perhaps build links for the future.The Royal Hospital has several outreach projects and we aspire to increase our efforts to become a focus for the delivery of benefits to the wider veteran community.Under my predecessor the Royal Hospital has completed a major refurbishment program to improve the quality of life for our Pensioners whilst preserving our Grade 1 and 2 listed buildings for the Nation. Our care services and overall management have been significantly improved. We will continue to strive to improve the service we provide in the provision of a fitting home for our Chelsea Pensioners, and for the veterans of the future.”

Chelsea Pensioner, Jim Little, who took breakfast with the Defence Secretary, said: "It was a very positive meeting.  The Defence Secretary was obviously pleased to meet us and paid considerable attention to our opinions and our accounts of our experiences."

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