AN Ellesmere Port charity has received and given donations in support of veterans recently.

Bridge Wellness Gardens, in Mill Lane, off Overpool Road, runs the Better Lives Club every Thursday afternoon to reduce social isolation in people aged over 50.

The group take part in a number of craft activities from armchair yoga to African drumming sessions but this year decided to knit poppies and make wreathes for Remembrance Day.

The group has raised £180 for the Royal British Legion.

General manager Clair Johnson said: “Our wonderful Better Lives Club did an amazing job helping to raise £180 for the Royal British Legion, such a great cause.”

Meanwhile, a group of Falklands War veterans have donated to Bridge Community Farms.

The Survey Ships Association was formed in 1992 when a small group of ex-HMS Hydra ships company got together to mark the 10th anniversary of the ship’s service in the Falklands War of 1982.

HMS Hydra was a Royal Navy deep ocean hydrographic survey vessel until becoming famous as a hospital ship during the conflict.

The former shipmates of the Survey Ships Association meet annually at different locations across the UK. This year their reunion was at the Mercure Hotel near Chester.

A raffle held during the formal dinner raised £605 for Bridge Community Farms.

Mick Slater of The Survey Ships Association said: “Every year we choose a small, local charity where donations can make a real difference to their work.

“We were delighted to support Bridge Community Farms this year and hope that our donation will help to support the incredible work that they do in the community.”

General manager Clair Johnson said: “We were touched and delighted to receive this generous donation.”

The charity, which is based in Mill Lane, off Overpool Road, in Ellesmere Port, works with staff, donors, fundraisers and volunteers to provide a therapeutic and caring environment for those with lifelong learning difficulties and mental health issues.

Training and life skills are offered to children and young people struggling to thrive in a standard academic environment while ongoing guidance, support and work experience is also available to the unemployed.

The charity also runs a popular fresh organic vegetable box scheme across the region as well as weekly groups to reduce social isolation in the community.

The Better Lives Club meets every Thursday between 12-2pm. The session costs £3.50 and lunch is included.

For more information visit bwgardens.co.uk/ or call 07446 699995.