On Thursday 2nd October, Matlock Luncheon Club held its first meeting of the 2023-4 season which is a very special season as it’s the 60th since the Club was founded. Following an excellent meal at their usual venue Peak Edge Hotel, this year’s Chair Ann Turner introduced the speaker Bruce Spencer. Bruce, an army veteran who started his career in 1982 when he was commissioned into the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters, gave great insight into life in the armed forces including being part of a team, living ‘behind the wire’, being on constant alert for deployment but also spoke of the camaraderie. Bruce talked with sensitivity of the impact on the spouses of serving personnel.
Bruce is now President of Chesterfield Sea Cadets and a great advocate for the work done by cadets nationally including the 2000 in Derbyshire. Research indicates that the experience these young citizens gain by being cadets has an impact on their future lives, from confidence to qualifications to employability, whilst society certainly benefits from their input.
The talk covered a wide range of aspects of Bruce’s life in the armed forces from Nepal to Afghanistan, from Northern Island to Germany but delivered at all times with humanity, enthusiasm and a fair sprinkling of humour. A most engaging start to the new season.
More information about the Club can be found at matlock luncheonclub.co.uk