Orkney Veterans’ Breakfast Club – Saturday, 27th April 2024
By Simon Brodie
The Stromness Hotel was the April venue for the Orkney Veterans’ Breakfast Club (OVBC) for a fry-up and chat, something that local veterans have been getting together and doing since January 2017. The OVBC has been going from strength to strength for the last 7.5 years, with April’s attendance of 43 being a new record. The food was superb; Chef Vanessa prepared a delicious hot breakfast buffet and a full continental breakfast for the group, and the front of house team supported them wonderfully.
There were highs and lows this month; the new attendance record, some new faces, and hosting the ship’s company from HMS Magpie, including her Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Radeu. The ship is currently in Orkney waters undertaking oceanographic survey activities in support of UK Defence.
The low was the sad farewell to Warrant Officer Class 2 (QMSI) Steve Waddell, the Permanent Staff Instructor of 10 (Orkney) Troop, 124 Field Squadron, 71 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers. In his time here, he has worked successfully to develop stronger bonds between the Army, local veterans, and the wider Orkney community.
Steve joined the Corp of Royal Engineers in 2003, and served with distinction in the UK, Iraq, Canada, Afghanistan, Kenya, Falkland Islands, and the United Arab Emirates. He gained multiple commendations during that time, including a Joint Commander’s Commendation for actions under fire in Afghanistan. He is leaving Orkney to take up the position of Sergeant Major of 48 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers, at Kinloss Barracks.
“One of the highlights of my career was going back to Iraq in 2017 in a training capacity. Being able to develop the capability of the Iraqi Security Forces to deal with Improvised Explosive Devices and Unexploded Bombs and then able to step back and see them operating effectively to keep their country safer without outside help was amazing. It was a real ‘teaching a man to fish’ moment.”
Steve’s passion and enthusiasm for his job has been key to the ongoing success of the Army Reserves in Orkney. Since coming here, the unit has achieved a 33% increase in troop numbers, it has deployed 2 team members for a 6-month operational tour of duty to Operation TOSCA, the first deployment of this nature for Orcadian Army Reservists for some time. He also boasts one of the highest attendance statistics of reserve units in Scotland, and probably the UK.
“I have made sure that when I am posted, the unit members have the knowledge, confidence, and passion to keep the unit growing and improving, alongside the permanent staff support that will provided to them. I’m passionate about the fantastic team we have here, especially when you consider the small pool of eligible recruits available in Orkney. The Army Reserves is always looking to grow, so if anyone is interested in getting paid to keep fit and to undertake some fantastic opportunities, please get in touch with the unit.”
Steve is a keen regular of the OVBC and is happy to sing the group’s praises “It’s the most consistent Breakfast Club I have been to; everyone is open and engaging. There are no egos, just a desire for the military community to get together, eat, and chat. They are well-received locally and do great things for people that might otherwise be stuck at home feeling lonely or isolated, and it’s normalising veterans in the community, rather than the slanted media view that veterans are all middle-aged men with PTSD.”
Steve is a lover of the outdoors, which was something that brought him to Orkney (at the time he had the option of postings to Orkney, Kenya, or Australia).
“I’m going to miss the Picky Centre and the amazing range of sporting and outdoor opportunities in Orkney to get out there, explore, and see world-class scenery. I’ve not ticked off everything I want to do in Orkney, and I’ll definitely be back to work on my list. I’ll miss the wonderful sense of community spirit Orcadians have, but I won’t miss the Hamnavoe on a bad crossing.”
The OVBC meets at various locations on the last Saturday of the month and is open to veterans and serving members of any of any armed forces, and their immediate families. Breakfasts run from 0930 to 1100; there’s no paperwork and no fees, you just turn up on the day and pay for your breakfast. If you’re the owner or manager of a local establishment that might be able to host an OVBC’s breakfast, the group wants to hear from you as they are looking to support more businesses across the islands.
For more details please visit the group’s Facebook page, or contact Simon on 07909 640884 or email: orkneyveteransbreakfastclub@outlook.com.
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