Hi, we are a group of Gents who are looking to raise some money for our local club, The Whitley Bay Comrades Club.

Every year we look to find ways to raise money to help the club, whether it be to upgrade and improve the facilities or just help maintain the club that keeps serving the local community.

This years challenge is to climb/walk/crawl up Helvellyn in the Lake District.

To give give everyone a little context about the history of our club

Following the carnage of World War 1 many of the survivors of that conflict hoped to preserve the unique spirit of friendship forged during the years of privation and danger. In the months that followed the Armistice, Comrades Clubs began to be established throughout the Nation by British Servicemen.

Here on North Tyneside the Whitley Bay and Monkseaton Comrades of the Great War Club was formed and its doors were first opened in 1920 when the first Members entered what was a converted private dwelling house at 14 The Links, Whitley Bay on the seafront.

Finance for the transformation of the dwelling house to a Club was tight and alterations were met by a loan from the Haig Fund. Records show that the opening ceremony took place a few weeks later, performed by Sir A. Kerr Montgomery KMCG, CB, DSO and Captain Appleby, VC who had been blinded during active service. The Gordon Highlanders provided a Guard of Honour.

A glance at the opening chapters of the original Rule Book explains that the objectives of the first Comrades Club were to promote, social intercourse, mutual helpfulness, mental and moral improvement, rational recreation and to advance the comradeship which sprung up whilst serving their country.

The Comrades Club has constantly remained a welcome haven for all Servicemen and indeed representatives from all ranks of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF have enjoyed the hospitality on offer.

Times have changed with British Servicemen and Women less in numbers but the present Membership of about 400 still subscribe to the original objectives and standards. Present day Comrades take pride in their conduct both inside and outside the Club.

The 5 'brave souls' plan to carry this out on the 22nd August 2025

and all donations would be welcome and very much appreciated

Many thanks

Scott, Brian, Andrew, Chris and Jack