A GROUP of armed forces veterans are finding friendship, purpose and a shared passion for aviation through a thriving model aircraft club at Newtownards Airfield.
The initiative, supported by Help for Heroes, brings together veterans and members of the wider armed forces community to build and fly model aircraft in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Representatives from the charity’s Community Development Team visited the airfield last week to meet participants and see first-hand the progress of the group, which is led by Craig Kane and supported by community builders Alex Baillie and Glenn Barr.
What began as a shared interest in model aircraft has quickly grown into a valuable social outlet, helping members build connections, learn new skills and support one another.
During the visit, Ards and North Down Veterans Champion, Alderman Trevor Cummings, joined a listening event with the group to hear directly from members about how the project could be developed further in the months ahead.
One of the highlights of the evening saw a model aircraft, built by the group and decorated in Help for Heroes colours, take to the skies against the backdrop of Scrabo Tower.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to reflect on the positive impact the initiative is already having on those involved and to explore ways of encouraging greater participation from the veteran community.
Help for Heroes says community-led projects such as the Newtownards group play an important role in bringing people together, boosting confidence and creating meaningful social connections for veterans and their families.
With interest continuing to grow, organisers hope the group will attract even more members from across the Armed Forces community in the months ahead.
