The Hotel Heide Residenz in Paderborn was the congenial setting for the recent annual general meeting of the SSAFA Germany Branch.
Organised by SSAFA Germany Branch Chairman Paul Janes, it was the first AGM since 2019 and the lifting of restrictions imposed by lockdowns, and was warmly welcomed by all those attending either remotely or in-person.
So keen, in fact, was one branch volunteer to attend the meeting that she travelled some 780 kilometres to be there.
SSAFA Germany volunteer Sharon Kelly said:
“It was wonderful to see people both online and face-to-face after so long, and especially with the weather staying so fine and mild. In fact, it was the first time some SSAFA Germany volunteers had really ‘met’ others.”
As well as outings to the Bürgerhaus in the local town and another to the Paderborn-Schloß Neuhaus Bierfest, there were training sessions organised by SSAFA HQ in London, and a message of thanks from Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, SSAFA’s CEO, who praised volunteers for their continued good work and dedication working alongside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to deliver national support to UK veterans in Germany over the last few years.
Sharon added:
“As part of the serious business of running a busy SSAFA branch overseas, volunteers were able to share experiences and knowledge to help them support our veteran community even more, but there were lighter moments, including long-service awards to volunteers Sylvia Lane, Kevin Cuthbert, Angeline Schaffrath, and Paul Janes.
“We’re extremely proud of our long-standing heritage – SSAFA was founded in 1885 – and of all the work we do with veterans and serving personnel – and their families – in Germany, anyone who’d like to get in touch for support or to volunteer should visit ssafa.org.uk/germany.”
