THE ECCLES TUESDAY BREAKFAST CLUB BOYS

I was delighted to be asked by Tony Rogers the founder of the Eccles Breakfast Club which meets every Tuesday to call into Harold's Café in the indoor market for a chat, meet his pals and talk about life in general.

Tony a decorated ex serviceman who served nine years in the armed forces is a well known face around around Eccles and it has to be said a true, old school gentleman.

Quote

 

"About nine years I posted on Facebook asking if any ex vets would like to meet up for a breakfast and a chat, I know that many of them were suffering from PTSD and living in some cases, isolated lives.

"My wife had this café at this time and so it seemed natural to meet up here and it is possibly one of the best things I have ever done, over the years we have bonded together and true friendships have been formed, we all have each others backs and look after one another, if somebody is sick we visit them, if somebody is struggling we call for a chat and let them know they are not alone, we are building a true community spirit, all of us care,

"Just before Covid hit we used to meet at Porky Pigs Café in Peel Green which was owned by Kevin Peek a true character who never let his disability get him down, a huge Manchester United fan who travelled the world supporting them, sadly Kevin died last month and the café is closed, however when it does reopen we shall return there as it is our spiritual home"

 

I sat and chatted with the breakfast diners and you could sense the camaraderie between them, a group of mainly retired men, local traders, several ex army vets etc all having the crack with the banter flying about, all good hearted ribbing and a pleasure to share their company.

Tony is to be congratulated for his work forming this band of brothers and making sure they are all looked after, this is how friendships are made, friendships for life, give this man another medal for he deserves it!

Finally before I left Tony asked the breakfast club boys to chip into our VIP party, and  within seconds I was handed over a £100 to go towards our appeal... what can you say?

Tony and you Breakfast Club Boys... we salute you!