Heyford and Bicester Veterans Group gets new fridge-freezer

The appliance was donated to Heyford and Bicester Veterans Group, which supports ex-army veterans, reservists and their families from across the area, to help with catering events.

The group meets once a month in Upper Heyford Community Centre, giving local veterans a chance to seek advice, confidential support and have a catch-up.

Information is on hand from a range of organisations such as Combat Stress, The Royal British Legion and seAp Advocacy.

In addition to the monthly meeting, the group also runs a Thursday dinner club, social events such as barbecues and organises food parcels during the Christmas period.

Tracy and Ian Ridley, centre, with Fiona King and Paul Bennison of Bovis Homes. Picture: Alex Perkins

Tracy Ridley, who runs the group with her husband Ian said: "The new fridge-freezer has been a huge help and has allowed us to improve the support and services we offer.

"It’s helped us to organise our food storage and improve efficiency, which has helped save on cost and time."

Mr Ridley, who left the military in 2013, launched the group with his wife in 2015 when they discovered that there were no support groups for ex-military in the local area.

The group started with just six members and now has more than 40.

Mrs Ridley added: "The group provides members with the chance to get out of the house and have a catch-up with other veterans.

"They may just come here for a cup of coffee and a chat, but we also invite representatives from a range of services to the meetings so attendees can get further help if they need it."

The fridge was donated by Bovis Homes.