MonthlySatmorning
Breakfast brew
A full English and a natter at a café in Frinton or Walton. The easiest way to put faces to names.
Frinton · Kirby Cross · Kirby-le-Soken · Walton
Served? You're not the only one round here.
A free, informal group for anyone who has served in the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, Royal Marines or the Reserves, and lives on our bit of the coast. Coffee, a walk, a pint, a bit of banter. No subs, no committee, no rank.
1,032
people in our four communities told the 2021 Census they had served in the UK armed forces. That's about one adult in sixteen.
Source: ONS Census 2021 (TS071), Frinton, Homelands, Kirby Cross, Kirby-le-Soken & Hamford and Walton wards.
- Frinton556 veterans
- Kirby Cross138 veterans
- Kirby-le-Soken184 veterans
- Walton154 veterans
Why this exists
Over a thousand of us. Hardly anyone knows each other.
Plenty of people move here after leaving the forces, or retire here after a career that started in uniform. Most of us walk past each other on Connaught Avenue without a clue.
This group is simple. We put on regular, low-key meet-ups across Frinton, Kirby Cross, Kirby-le-Soken and Walton, and anyone who has served is welcome. Regulars and reservists, all three services, any era, any rank. Partners are welcome too.
It's not a charity and it doesn't replace the Legion or any existing club. It's just a way to find your people.
Who's behind this
One of you, just down the road
I'm Chris. I served 22 years in the British Army with the Intelligence Corps and have lived in Kirby Cross for over 17 years. When I left, I went into security work in the private sector, and like a lot of people I lost touch with the forces community along the way.
I started this group because there are over a thousand of us living round here and hardly any of us know each other. It isn't a business or a charity. I just want a decent brew and a natter with people who get it, and I suspect I'm not the only one.
What we're planning
Meet-ups
MonthlySunmorning
Naze walk
A steady loop round the Naze and back along the prom. Dogs welcome, finishing with a coffee.
MonthlyThuevening
Pub night
A relaxed evening in a local pub, rotating between Kirby Cross, Kirby-le-Soken and Walton.
EachNov
Remembrance together
Meeting up beforehand so anyone who'd rather not go alone has company at the local service.
Dates and venues get confirmed once enough people have signed up. Tell us below what you'd actually come to.
Register your interest
Count me in
Leave your details and we'll let you know when the first meet-ups are fixed. Takes a minute.
We only use your details to tell you about meet-ups. We never share them, never publish a member list, and you can ask us to delete them at any time. First names are fine at meet-ups.
Questions? Email hello@frintonwaltonveterans.co.uk
If you need more than a brew
Support
Op COURAGE
NHS mental health service for veterans, run in Essex by EPUT. Self-referral, free.
Combat Stress
24-hour mental health helpline for veterans and their families.
0800 138 1619
Samaritans
Any time, day or night, if things feel too much.
116 123
Your details
Privacy notice
Who we are
Frinton & Walton Veterans is an informal, unincorporated social group run by local volunteers. We decide how the details you give us are used. Contact us at hello@frintonwaltonveterans.co.uk.
What we collect
Only what you put in the sign-up form: your name, where you live, your email and/or mobile number, and, if you choose, your service and which meet-ups interest you.
Why we use it
To tell you about meet-ups and to get a rough idea of numbers for venues. That's all. We rely on your consent, which you give by signing up and can withdraw at any time.
Who sees it
Only the group's organisers. We never sell, share or publish your details, and we never publish a list of members. Sign-ups are received through our website host, Netlify, and stored in our email account with Zoho. Both are reputable providers who process data for us under their own security and data protection terms.
How long we keep it
Until you ask us to remove you, or the group closes. We review the list once a year and remove anyone we haven't heard from.
Your rights
You can ask to see, correct or delete what we hold about you, or to stop hearing from us. Just email us. If you're unhappy with how we've handled your details, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.
Last updated October 2026.