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Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Forest Forces programme recently held its quarterly breakfast club at the historic Sergeants Mess in Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell.

The event brought together veterans from across Nottinghamshire for a morning of connection, reflection, and shared history.

This unique experience gave veterans the chance to engage with current serving members of the armed forces over breakfast, strengthening bonds between generations of service personnel.

Following the breakfast, attendees were treated to a tour of the barracks and a poignant visit to the Chilwell Filling Factory Memorial.

One of the highlights of the day was a historic talk by Gary Crosby, a former armed forces member, long-standing Forest Forces participant and matchday turnstile operator.

Gary shared the story behind the memorial and the significant events at Chilwell Barracks that led to its creation, offering a moving insight into the site’s legacy.

The Forest Forces breakfast clubs, held quarterly, usually at the City Ground, provide a welcoming and relaxed setting for veterans to reconnect, share experiences, and meet others.

For many, these gatherings offer a vital social lifeline, helping to reduce isolation, boost mental wellbeing, and create a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. The sessions also serve as a gateway to further support, signposting veterans to additional services and opportunities within the community.

Speaking about the event, Brian Dacunha, Forest Forces Coordinator, said: “This breakfast club is about more than just a bacon cob, it’s about camaraderie, shared experiences, and giving our veterans a sense of belonging. To hold it in such a historic setting and to connect with serving personnel made it even more special.

“It’s days like this that show the strength of our veteran community.

“The Forest Forces programme continues to grow, and we’re proud to be diversifying the activities on offer — from wellbeing walks and heritage visits to day trips and even a visit to Trent Bridge to watch the Notts Outlaws in the T20.

“These opportunities are helping us reach more veterans in new ways, building stronger connections and encouraging more people to get involved.”