Inside the Veteran Club Leeds where former service personnel gather for 'friendship, banter and beer'

Laughter bellowed through the room as those whose time in the armed forces has shaped their lives reminisced and joked at the first gathering of the Veterans Club Leeds to be hosted at The Moot Hall Arms on Mill Hill.

And while there was plenty of friendly ribbing and fond memories shared, the club also emphasises its importance as a space for any ex-military who may be struggling with loneliness or their mental health to come for help and support.

The club is run by Chris Fell, Neil Munro and Danny Dance and was formed in 2021 after the closure of the Pop-In centre on Albion Street, which was run by the Royal British Legion as a communal space for veterans.

Chris said: “The vets had nowhere left to go so a few of us got together and decided we needed something.”

A Facebook group was set up that currently has over 180 members and gatherings were arranged, with those who have spent time in the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force all coming together.

Chris added that there is also personnel from the Brigade of Gurkhas, SAS and Royal Marines and that members travel from across the country to Leeds to take part in the gatherings, which typically attract 20 to 30 people.

Asked what anyone wanting to attend can expect, he said: “Friendship, banter and beer.

“It’s only veterans who understand what you’ve been through. If you haven’t served then you don’t know.

“No matter what rank you were or what regiment you worked we’re all equal here.”

Neil, who signed up in 1963 when he was 17-years-old, said: “When you have a drink the Royal Navy boys will start up with a few sea shanties.”

Danny said: “It’s totally relaxed. There’s no rules and regulations. It’s all very sociable and about having a drink and a laugh and a chat.”

The club also acts as a way to provide support for those who are struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), loneliness and other mental health issues.

Neil said: “It’s important. There’s a lot of mental health problems for people who come out of the army and not enough support provided by the government, which is where groups like ours come in to help them exist.”

Chris said: “Some people don’t like talking. But if anyone wants any help, whether it be mental or whatever, we will know how to steer them in the right direction to get that help.”

Those wanting to join have to provide their regimental number and dates that they served, as some people have tried to pretend they have been in the military in the past to be a part of the gatherings.

The club has moved to The Moot Hall Arms after experiencing some differences with their previous hosts and have been welcomed with open arms by the pub’s landlord Claire.

The group had gathered in the backroom of the pub, which is hugely popular with Leeds United fans and known for being covered top to toe in flags, pictures and regalia that pays tribute to the club and other Leeds institutions.

Danny said: “Claire and the staff have been fantastic in welcoming us onboard. Long may it reign.”

They have also found room for a plaque of their emblem, which was designed by Neil. He said: “We’re embedded here now. We feel welcome and we feel this is ours.”

Members of Veterans Club Leeds have also taken part in the ceremonies on Remembrance Sunday at Leeds United matches and other ceremonial events in the city.

Chris said: “When me and Danny have done Elland Road the applause that greets us from 38,000 fans is unbelievable. We are well respected by Leeds United fans.

“Even when walking around Leeds the amount of people who stop to say ‘thank you for your service’ is amazing. There’s a lot of respect in the city.”

They also raise money for charities, and have focused on providing for Hounds For Heroes and Blind Veterans in the past.

The club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at The Moot Hall Arms and more information can be found for former veterans at their Facebook page named ‘Veterans Club Leeds’.