Connecting War Widows
A special lunch held at Castle Hill RSL recently hosted The Families of Veterans Guild through its War Widows program which aims to provide a space for war widows to connect and form new friendships.
The aim is to establish a new social club in the area.
Caroline Kirche from the Guild said the Hills lunch had an amazing turnout with local war widows and special guests, including Mark Hodges MP, State Member for Castle Hill, Dr Peter Gangemi, Hills Shire Mayor, and RSL Sub-Branch representatives.
“With the help of the RSL Sub-Branch, we reached more war widows than ever before.
Walking around the room, one could sense the strong sense of community.
“Dr Gangemi told us of the tight-knit nature of the Hills area and the strong sense of helping and being there for one another, something that isn’t always easy to find in a large city. Those ladies’ stories, like Sue’s and Shirley’s are a testament to this.
“Sue attended the lunch to support her 90-year-old neighbour, Shirley. After years of supporting each other, their relationship has grown from neighbours to family. Sue sees Shirley as a mother, and Shirley views Sue as a daughter.
“Despite the generational gap, they find true support in each other, doing almost everything together. With Sue’s mother passed and Shirley’s son living in the USA, their bond has deepened. Sue takes Shirley to places, while Shirley offers Sue guidance. Though Sue isn’t connected to defence, her bond with Shirley has made her part of a veteran’s family.”
“Carolyn, who lost her husband two and a half years ago, initially hesitated to attend the lunch but decided to go and asked her good friend to come with her for support. Having her friend supporting her was essential and she was delighted to connect with women who share similar experiences and understood her journey.
At Carolyn’s table, sat another lady named Shirley, a Families of Veterans Guild Member, who was telling Carolyn how wonderful it had been for her to be welcomed with open arms at the Younger Members Social Club after the passing of her husband.
She told her about the bond and connection she shares with other Vietnam war widows and how unique and special it is. At the same table, one of the widows had lost her husband only six months before and was still adjusting to life without him.
RSL Sub-Branch President, Cheryl Hill, praised the initiative, noting the surprising number of war widows in the area and the importance of bringing them together.
To find out more about a new club in Castle Hill email [email protected] or call 02 9267 6577.
