Items for inclusion in the Winter edition may be submitted at any time but must be received by 1st November 2024 for publication at the end of the month.
Advertising: Jayne Bailey
Lance Media Group Ltd
Tel: (01536) 334219
Email: jayne@lancemediagroup.co.uk
Shrivenham
Station Community News
WHAT'S IN THIS ISSUE...
FRONT COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of Shutterstock.com
Shrivenham Station Welfare House
Shrivenham Station has 4 two-bedroom Welfare (Contact) Houses located on the Watchfield Estate on Folly Crescent (Post Code SN6 8SH). The houses can be used by Shrivenham Station PS and all Students, as a lower priority; external Military ID Card holders, Civil Servants and Contractors with a DMR Pass.
These houses are controlled by Shrivenham Station Welfare Officer. The Welfare Houses are not to be used as permanent accommodation and will only be booked for short term stays. The maximum length of occupation is 14 nights in any 28 night period. In very exceptional circumstances the Welfare Houses may be allocated for longer.
Bookings will be prioritised allocation priority as follows: Emergency Welfare Cases.
Children’s visits for divorced/separated personnel.
Visits by Wives/Husbands/Partners/Children to unaccompanied PS and Students on long courses.
Visits to Students on short or non-residential courses.
Other family visits.
Transit Accommodation during transition between assignments.
The cost of hiring the Welfare Houses is as follows:
A and B: £12.00 per night.
C, D, E, and F: £25.00 per night. Non DEFAC personnel: £35.00 per night.
For more information contact the Welfare Team on 01793 780793.
The Jubilee Community Centre
The Jubilee Community Centre provides facilities for Service Personnel and their families from both the United Kingdom and Overseas together with all other Station Personnel.
The Jubilee Centre is the home of the Station Welfare Officer, Welfare Warrant Officer, two Serco Staff members. We also have our very own Army Welfare Service - Community Development Worker Jayne Russell located within the centre, be sure to stop by and say ‘hello’.
The JCC has two ‘soft play’ areas for young children (under 1metre in height and crawlers) whilst parents can enjoy refreshments from the Coffee Shop which is run by ESS.
The idea behind the centre is to give families (and of course staff and students) a place to meet old and new friends and families of different nationalities in a friendly and personal environment. Several activities are hosted in the JCC, including a few voluntary led events, coffee mornings, play sessions and more. We are also fortunate to be visited regularly by supporting agencies; DAFFYs, Home Start, Pinnacle, Vivo and Serco to name a few.
All activities and events are well advertised and are held for the benefit of the families of Shrivenham Station. Full details of all activities and other events of interest can be found on the JCC notice boards and TV.
The JCC is available for private functions (children’s parties a speciality) for a small hire charge to Defence Academy Pass Holders.
The JCC is located just outside the main entrance to the Station on Faringdon Road, the staff have a
wealth of knowledge and can also provide details regarding local facilities and amenities.
The JCC is open 0730 - 1600hrs Monday to Thursday and 07301200hrs Friday.
The Soft Play Areas are open 0830 - 1515hrs Monday to Thursday and 08301200hrs Friday.
If you have ideas or are looking to start an activity, please contact the Families and Welfare Team on 01793 780793
We look forward to meeting you soon!
Business allies visit the Defence Academy
Visitors
from 15 regionally
based businesses have
enjoyed an opportunity to learn more about the role of the Defence Academy.
The businesses were being recognised for their commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which encourages employers to support the armed forces community, while aligning their company values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Speaking after the event, which was partnered by the Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA), Jon Beake, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Southwest said: “The relationships between defence and the business and charity sectors are ever more
important. A key component of defence is the Reserve Forces, and Reservists only have utility with employer support. Visits such as this are crucial to expanding the understanding of defence in the business and charitable sectors. These partnerships can also provide defence and businesses alike with the opportunity to share skills and experience in either direction, helping both become more effective. It’s a win-win.
“On this visit the employers saw part of the small arms collection, before learning how assets in the Defence College for Military Capability Integration
(DCMCI) Tech Hub enable the exploration of strategic thinking required across UK and partner nations’ defence. They were also introduced to the role and delivery of the Joint Service Command and Staff College, and how the armed forces provide continual career
Vale Garage
development and education.
“Feedback has been incredibly positive - especially where attendees were able to handle small arms and get in a Challenger 2 main battle tank (MBT)!”
The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised.
The scheme offers bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community with relation to employment. This can include the provision of additional leave for Reservist training, or guaranteed interviews for service leavers and their families.
Army Museum receives Arts Council
Full Accreditation Status
The Royal Army Chaplains’ museum is the proud recipient of Full Accreditation Status by the Arts Council England.
The Accreditation Scheme, which is the UK industry standard for museums and galleries, sets standards on how museums and galleries are managed, how they care for their collections and how they engage with visitors.
Following a rigorous application process, which took eight months,
the Museum Curator, David Blake, was thrilled when he learned the application was successful.
He said: “We are thrilled to announce that the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum has been awarded full accreditation status by Arts Council England. This award recognises the museum’s ongoing commitment of helping visitors engage with the story of Faith in the Forces and keeping collections safe for future generations. Accreditation is the nationally agreed standard that ensures all museums are sustainable, focused and trusted, inspiring the confidence of the
public and funding bodies.”
Following its relocation from Hampshire to Oxfordshire, the museum was officially opened in May 2022 by The Duchess of Edinburgh, formally Sophie Countess of Wessex.
Located next to the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham, the museum seeks to promote public understanding of the place and value of religion and belief in the military. It plays a full part in Shrivenham Station life by hosting visitors to both the Defence Academy and the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre. Although an Army museum, it portrays Faith in the Forces for all branches of the military.
Shrivenham is the museum’s third home. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened the first exhibition at Bagshot Park, near Windsor in 1968. The museum then moved with a new Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre to Amport House, near Andover, in 2001. November 2019 saw the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre relocate to Becket House, Shrivenham, and the temporary
closure of the museum. A suitable site at the Defence Academy’s Beckett Gate was identified to rehome the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum and building of the new museum began in 2020.
The Deputy Chaplain General, The Reverend David Barrett KHC CF, who is a museum trustee said: “I am delighted the museum has received this important accreditation. It brings recognition that the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum has achieved this standard. I hope it gives those who support its efforts and visit its displays an assurance that the museum is being managed well and that its collection is in good hands.”
Honouring D-Day 80
The 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy was recently commemorated - the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the associated airborne operations, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe.
To mark the anniversary, Helen Shearan, Defence Leadership & Business Group (DLaB) Requirements Manager, travelled to Normandy to help the charity Standing with Giants (www.standingwithgiants.co.uk) install a memorial to those who lost their lives on the French coastline.
Of the experience, Helen said: “A fellow Royal Signals veteran and I found out about a volunteering opportunity with the charity. We booked a session at the workshop in Stanton Harcourt, a village in Oxfordshire, where we helped to paint, drill holes into, and attach steel frames to the metal silhouettes created by Dan Barton, founder of the charity.
Once in France, we were taught how to erect and secure the statues. I was soon confident enough to help train a slew of new volunteers that had arrived from BAE Systems, gaining invaluable experience in the process. These silhouettes are now on display at the British Normandy
Memorial as part of a project entitled ‘For Your Tomorrow, The People’s Tribute’.”
Standing with Giants was founded in 2019 and has exhibited at venues including Aston Rowant, Blenheim Palace, and the Falkland Islands.
The Normandy installation consists of 1,475 previously prepared silhouettes representing not only the British service personnel who died on D-Day, but also 500 members of the French Resistance. It will be in place and open to the public until August 2024.
To participate in the event, Helen took advantage of the volunteer days granted to MOD personnel.
To find out more about this staff benefit, contact your line manager.
Shrivenham Station Saddle Club
Finally the sun has shone in Oxfordshire and here at Shrivenham Equestrian Centre we have definitely made the most of it.
We saw May out with a pony morning during half term. They are always a real hit with our smaller clients. They had a stable management lesson with our trainee instructor Jess on grooming fundamentals and then hacked out around the base. We ended the morning with gymkhana games, I’m not sure who is more competitive, the children or the staff!
Our yearly council inspection came around and we were incredibly pleased to retain our 5 star status. Our team here work so hard to keep our horses, clients and liveries happy and healthy and we are glad our rating reflects their huge efforts.
On the 16th June we had a Le Trec clinic with Sheila Jones. Great fun, really educational and a good opportunity for our clients and liveries to try their hand at something new. We will definitely asking Sheila to come back again soon.
Moving through June, and we held our monthly coffee morning, and again we were blessed with glorious weather for it, we think that Jacqui’s cake must bring the sunshine with it! We are very lucky to have great supporters who come along to visit the ponies,
eat some cake and socialise at these mornings but we also love that every month we see new faces come to visit us. We are now offering pony rides at our coffee mornings and these have been a huge hit. Lots of very happy new jockeys who we hope will catch the riding bug.
We ended the month with a busy weekend. Friday afternoon we took a trip out to a local school with 4 of our superstar ponies to give the pupils pony rides at their end of year sports day. We really enjoyed introducing Peggy, Milly, Dennis and Ellie to the children. And finally, Sunday we had a brilliant Pony Club badge day. Our senior Pony Clubbers got a grid work lesson and earned their Rugs and Bandages Badge. Our junior members worked on mini badges in points of the Pony and points of tack and also had a grid work lesson. Our mini members covered their grooming and hoof care mini badges and had a fabulous flat work lesson. We are so pleased with how well our pony Clubbers engage on badge days and love seeing them learning about all aspects of pony care.
We are now looking towards the school holidays, where we have more pony mornings and our favourite event of the year, Pony Club Camp coming up. We can’t wait!
Visit to Defence Academy by the Oxfordshire WI
The WI movement was founded over a hundred years ago, initially with the aim of educating women in rural environments. Formally known as the Women’s Institute, the organisation has evolved over the years, but life-long learning remains at the very heart of the WI. We were delighted to have the opportunity in early July, for over fifty members to visit the Defence Academy to learn more about the various educational and training opportunities there and to gain insight into the working lives and experiences of the Armed Forces and MoD personnel.
With coffee on arrival, members were welcomed by Major General Peter Rowell MBE before embarking on an extensive tour of the site hosted by WO1 Sam Martin.
The tour of the Technology Hub at the Defence College for Military Capability Integration gave everyone a chance to get close to the exceptionally large artillery, tanks and aircraft. We also learned how the UK has been supporting Ukrainian troops following Russia’s 2022 invasion, through the provision of tanks and training. Some members relished the opportunity to sit inside the Tornado GR4 jet.
A delicious lunch was enjoyed in the magnificent Cormorant
Building, home to the Joint Services Command and Staff College, before smaller groups headed off for tours of the accommodation, gym, teaching facilities and library. Pictures and photographs on display, evoked anecdotes and memories of family members.
The day concluded with a visit to Beckett House, to visit the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre, and the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum. Oxfordshire has 117 WIs that meet in towns and villages across the county including one in nearby Shrivenham.
A huge thank you to all the staff who created such a varied and thought-provoking programme.
‘The enthusiasm and courtesy of staff whether they were military or civilian was outstanding’
‘We were made so very welcome, and nothing seem to be too much trouble.’
‘Loved seeing the aircraft and tanks etc – that was the Wow factor as we walked in! ‘
‘The equipment of war was eye opening, fearful, technical and HUGE .’
‘Cormorant building also had the Wow factor, amazing! ‘
‘Eating in the mess was an experience that was unexpected and very pleasant.’
‘Good to see the places where everyone worked and played ‘
From Accra to Shrivenham
This spring we welcomed Akwasi Boakye from the National College for Defence Studies (NCDS) in Accra, Ghana, to the Defence Academy.
Mr. Boakye spent three weeks with the team at the Joint Service Command and Staff College (JSCSC)’s Hobson Library, working on the development of a comprehensive strategy for modernising the library system at NCDS.
He said: “Reflecting on my time at the Hobson Library, I am grateful for the invaluable insights and practical knowledge gained. Observing advanced digital infrastructure, user-centric services, and effective resource management systems provided a clear blueprint for our modernisation efforts. Professional interactions and networking opportunities enriched my experience, offering practical solutions to challenges faced at NCDS, and emphasising
the importance of continuous professional development. This transformative experience has significantly contributed to the strategic education and development of our military leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary to excel in their roles.
“Establishing professional connections and exploring potential collaborative projects between NCDS and JSCSC was also a significant focus.”
Under the directive of President Nana Akufo-Addo of the Republic of Ghana, NCDS was established in March 2023 as a tri-service institution by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). Its creation will allow Ghana to harness the full benefits of providing the best environment
to produce strategic leaders from Ghana and allied counties to meet the security and other developmental needs of their countries.
In addition to his time at the Academy, Mr. Boakye made the most of his first visit to the UK,
experiencing a trip to London and more locally, White Horse Hill.
“This chalk hill feature was not just locally significant but a breath of fresh air—literally! Standing atop the high hills, surrounded by beautiful green fields, I felt a different kind of serenity.”
Defence Academy Military Wives Choir
Summer is always a busy time for the choir, and this year has been no different! Whilst we sadly say goodbye to some of the team, we look forward to meeting new friends soon.
We were invited to sing at the Parkway shopping centre in Newbury at the start of June for their D-Day celebrations. The weather tried its best to stay dry for us, and we sang a mix of Military Wives Choir songs, as well as some 1940s classics. Afterwards, we joined the Commemorative Convoys team for some lunch and a further performance in the pub - no doubt a surprise for those who were enjoying their lunch!
At the end of June, we travelled to Hungerford to take part in their D-Day anniversary and Armed Forces Day celebrations. We donned some 1940s hair ties and enjoyed two performances outside the town hall. The convoy of vehicles was fantastic to see, there were some beautifully restored vehicles, along with lots of folk dressed up to celebrate! It was a lovely day (and our MD, Jon, battled on with the sun in his eyes!) and we hope to take part again in the future. Our fantastic pianist, Geoff, did a great job of entertaining the crowds in between our sets, too!
The choir was invited to take part in the Marlborough Summer School Concert in July. This was an event which brought 8 Military Wives Choirs together to perform a full concert of 15 songs. The great thing about the choir is that we all learn the same songs, so it doesn’t matter if you are in Catterick, Tidworth or Shrivenham, you can all sing together. There were almost 60 of us singing together in the Memorial Hall at Marlborough College, a purpose built music venue. It was great to sing with a bigger group and the sound was amazing. Our performance included a great mix of songs written specifically for the Military Wives Choir, along with some other favourites including Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep,’ ABBA’s ‘Thank you for the Music’ and ‘We are Family,’ by Sister Sledge. We even saw some friends who have moved on to new choirs, so it was an all-round fantastic experience.
The choir takes a break over the summer holidays, but we already have some dates in the diary to meet new members: Choir starts again after the summer break at St Alban’s church in Watchfield on Thursday 5th September. We will then hold a New members’ night on 12th Sept, 8pm which will be a social gathering in the hall at St Alban’s Church, Watchfield, where we can all get to know each other. On Wednesday 18th September we will be at the Defence Academy ’Meet and Greet’ so please do come, say hello and sign up to join the choir.
The choir is always open to new members. All abilities are welcome, there are no auditions and you do not need to be able to read music. The MWC is for female spouses and partners of serving and retired service personnel, servicewomen and support staff of the Defence Academy, including Civil Servants, Cranfield, Serco and other DA contractors. Our main rehearsals are on Thursday evenings 7.30-9.30pm, and we also meet on Monday mornings 10.30-12, all at St Alban’s church.
Fright Nights
25th - 27th October
5.30pm - 9.30pm
A year has passed since a mysterious virus spread, infecting the locals with a bloodthirsty rage. We have established a secure compound on the farm, but our supplies are running low. Do you dare to help us? Then take your seat aboard our tractor trailer as we see what awaits us beyond the boundary!
Witches & Wizards School
24th Oct - 3rd Nov
Pre-booking essential For ages 10yrs + In partnership with Totally Crazy
Join our Professors for lessons in Potion Mixing, Wand Making, Spell Casting and Broomstick Flying!
24th Oct - 3rd Nov
Choose your pumpkin at our indoor Pumpkin Patch and carve a masterpiece to take home. Added bonus - leave the mess with us!
(Included with day ticket/membership.) (Open 11am - 3pm. *Extra charge applies.)
1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Cubs Visit Red Watch
‘HOW
MUCH CAN YOU PACK INTO A YEAR?’
The 1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout Group bids a fond farewell to departing children and adult volunteers as they reflect on some of the great experiences they’ve had this year.
How much can you pack into a year? Have you been gliding, caving, climbing, mountainwalking, geocaching, canoeing, paddle-boarding, urban biking, narrow-boating, paint-balling, night-hiking, and kayaking?
Have you tried fencing, archery, whittling, crown green bowling, and cricket? Have you visited Brownsea Island, the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, or the Science Museum in Winchester?
Have you slept in a hammock, cooked your dinner on an open fire, successfully ‘escaped’ from a Cyber Room, or helped local volunteers to build dams, bat boxes, or ‘bug hotels’?
Members of 1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout Group can say ‘Yes, I’ve done all this – and more besides – in a single year!’
Wing Commander Mike Clarkson, who has been a volunteer Cub Leader while a student on Number 27 Advanced Command and Staff Course, said “I’ve had an absolutely fantastic year as a volunteer with 1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout Group. I’m so glad I got involved. It gave me a welcome change of scene each week, and a wider group of friends. The threeday Cub Camp in the New Forest was just brilliant. Everyone made me so welcome and now I just don’t want to leave!”
Helen Wright, the Group Scout Leader for 1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout Group, said, “It’s been a great pleasure to have Mike in the Group. I’m delighted that he has enjoyed it so much. I know he’s planning to volunteer with a Scout Group close to his new home, and I hope we will see
Cubs visiting an airfield.
Cubs visiting an airfield.
Scouts head out to climb Snowdon.
him again in the future.”
As always, 1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout Group has welcomed many UK military families; and this year our international military families came from Spain, Fiji, Pakistan, and Chile. One departing Spanish family described the experience as ‘amazing’ and said, “We arrived in Watchfield in August 2023. Quite unexpectedly, we discovered that our two children could become Cubs. It has been one of the best decisions we have made this year. Despite being foreigners, they have been welcomed as members of the community. Being part of this Group has been a privilege for them and for us as their parents. The values they have learned have been exceptional… The Leader Team have always taken into account the needs of the children and have helped them to integrate and develop personally, preparing them for the complexities of life. Thank you very
much for everything; we will miss you!”
Helen said, “Scouting is a great way for young people to settle in, make new friends, and learn new skills during their time at Shrivenham. It’s amazing how
much you can fit into a year. We wish all our departing volunteers and families the very best for the future, and we look forward to a fun-packed Programme when we start back in September. UK and international military families are
welcome to find us at the Meet & Greet and discover how much fun they can pack into their own year here!”
If you’d like to find out more, please email Helen on helenwright@kascouts.org.uk
A Beaver enjoys learning about air activities.
Cubs being coached in archery.
Helping volunteers at Tuckmill Meadow.
Scouts and Leaders emerge from a caving trip to Cheddar Gorge.
Scouts in Snowdonia.
and JAS
Divorce, Finances and Children Employment Law
Moving Home
Service Complaints, Disciplinary Issues & Administrative Actions
Wills, Probate & Estate Planning
Legal clinics are available every other Thursday at the Jubilee Centre, Shrivenham.
FREE LEGAL CLINICS
To book your appointment or for more information, email niki.coombes@parkerbullen.com or call 01993 670944
www.parkerbullen.com
PB_Shrivenham Station_132x190_Proof_V1.indd 1
At Parker Bullen LLP, we are proud to be your dedicated and experienced law firm, serving the community in Witney, Oxfordshire, and beyond. With a rich history of offering high-quality legal services, we have built a strong presence in the region since opening our Witney office in 2022, working closely with the businesses, individuals, families and military personnel who live and work in the area, supporting them with expert legal advice and giving back where we can.
We are lucky to have a team of exceptional legal professionals available from our Witney office, all of whom have a deep understanding of military life. Sarah Dureau, Partner in the firm, has served in the Armed Forces and worked within the Ministry of Defence, providing her with a unique insight that enables her to appreciate the nuances of military life and the experiences you will be facing. Sarah’s expertise includes family matters, from divorce or separation, through to service matters, such as Service Complaints, disciplinary issues and Administrative Actions as well as civil disputes and Employment Law.
Terri Anson-Dean is an Associate in the Family and Relationship team. Terri has over 10 years’ experience supporting and advising her clients on pre-marital agreements, cohabitation and separation agreements, divorce including resolving the finances and/or children matters. Terri is a member of Resolution and is committed to working in a non-confrontational way to resolve matters where possible avoiding Court proceedings using alternative dispute resolution such as mediation and arbitration.
We recognise the importance of supporting the Shrivenham community and have taken a proactive step to ensure the best legal advice is accessible to those serving and their families. To extend our commitment to our military neighbours, we run free legal clinics every other Thursday at the Jubilee Centre. These clinics are exclusively designed to assist Shrivenham personnel and their families with a wide range of legal matters, ensuring you receive the expert guidance you deserve.
Our legal clinics cover a spectrum of legal areas, including Family Law, Wills, Probate and Estate Planning, Conveyancing and moving home, Employment Law and Service Matters including Complaints, Administrative Action and Discipline or any matter arising from your service, and much more.
If you are a part of the Shrivenham community and require legal advice, do come along to our free legal clinics every other Thursday. To book your appointment do contact us on 01993 670944 or email niki.coombes@ parkerbullen.com. Terri Anson-Dean
Considering a UK Boarding School for your child but feeling overwhelmed?
Parents come to us all the time almost in burnout, in need of support to guide them through the process.
Can you spot any thoughts and emotions in our word cloud that relate to your own family’s boarding school journey?
Anderson Education have been helping British Forces families for over 25 years and have a dedicated Forces Consultant, Jen, who has seen her own two boys through boarding school.
Bring clarity to this whirlwind of emotions, get in contact today, let us share the load and make your search a lot less daunting.
Anderson Education have visited over 350 UK boarding schools, can answer your questions and help you through the process.
We offer FREE impartial advice and guidance and organise The UK Boarding School Exhibition – British Forces, which bring top schools to military locations across the country.
For many, the start of the academic year feels like a new beginning. If you are reading this having recently arrived at Shrivenham for a course or new posting, then welcome! I hope you will soon feel at home here, and will be able to take advantage of all the good things this station and area have to offer.
For me, I have always found the ‘serenity prayer’ a helpful starting point: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Station Chaplaincy
New beginnings, and the uncertainty of service life can be testing; even if you’ve become accustomed to this way of life. The last few years following the pandemic feel like they have been especially testing, and have taken a toll on many of us.
People serving in the armed forces, and their families, are some of the most resilient people I know- yet resilience levels can easily be worn away. Evidence shows that physical fitness, our social network, our sense of meaning and purpose in life, role models, and spirituality can all drastically affect how resilient we are in the face of the inevitable difficulties in life.
I hope that your time here in Shrivenham, however long it may be, can be a time to take stock of your resilience level. There are so many resources here to help you build them up.
If I can support you in any way at all, please be in touch. You don’t need to be in the depths of a crisis to speak to me!
As a naval chaplain I carry no rank, and by tradition am equal to whoever I am speaking with. I sit outside command and medical structures and can offer confidential support to anyone. My concern is for you as a person, not as a service person or a colleague. In the Royal Navy we sum up our role by calling ourselves the ‘friend and advisor to all on board’, regardless of any religious background you may have.
Please do drop in the Chaplaincy in Building 43; you can be assured of decent coffee, comfy armchairs and conversation. We host coffee mornings throughout the year, which are a chance for people to meet others from around our station. The next one will be Thursday 26th September from 10am. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Multi-Faith Provision at the Defence Academy
The Main Multi Faith Prayer Room is situated in Beckett House, opposite the reception.
A smaller Multi Faith Prayer Room and Chapel can also be found in JSCSC first floor, Block B and is open 24hrs.
Friday Prayers
Take place from 13:00 - 14:00 every Friday at Beckett House, Multi Faith Prayer Room.
For more information, please contact Padre Robert, Station Chaplain.
Our aim is to build a strong and supportive community through kindness and compassion. We support local military families, and all associated with the military. We provide pastoral, spiritual, and religious care, strength and guidance, all regardless of your belief or faith background.
Station Chaplaincy is always here to lend an ear, 24/7. We can meet for a walk, or chat over a brew.
We are situated in Building 43, car park A, opposite Kitchener Hall
For more info, please contact the Station Chaplaincy Team: Padre Robert Church, 07977479866
The Station Chaplaincy Team are delighted to welcome you to the Defence Academy Station Church, St. Alban’s. All are welcome to join us for inclusive worship.
You will always receive a warm welcome.
Roman Catholic Mass 09:30-10:30 every Sunday
Priests from Blackfriars conduct Mass for the Defence Academy
Family Friendly Worship 11:00-12:00 every Sunday
Services led by Padre Church, Station Padre
Join us for refreshments from 10:30-11:00 in the hall.
Please get in touch to discuss Christening/Baptism requests, marriage blessings/renewals, first communions, and more.
St. Alban’s, Watchfield, Ironside Drive, SN6 8RL
Life can often be busy, stressful, and full on. Sometimes it can feel like we are on a treadmill, never achieving anything, and exhausting ourselves in the process. Taking time for ourselves often slips down our list of priorities.
If you are looking to find a precious moment of peace, calm, and tranquillity, then come to The Haven.
The Haven is located in Building 43, beside the chaplaincy centre. It is a quiet space, where all are welcome to sit and enjoy the best free refreshments in the West. Why not enjoy a book; assemble a jigsaw; or try knitting or colouring. If that ’s not enough, spend some time getting lost in your own world with LEGO, play a tune on the keyboard or bang on the drums.
The Haven is open to all during the working day, and you are welcome to stay for as long as you need.
For more info, please contact the Station Chaplaincy Team: Padre Robert Church, 07977479866, Robert.Church@da.mod.uk Chaplaincy Coordinator, Leigh Hyde, 07920162664, leigh.hyde@da.mod.uk
THE STATION CHAPLAINCY
INVITE YOU TO
Christingle Service
Sunday 8th December at 1500.
a collection will be taken for the Children’s Society. &
Station Carols
Thursday 12th December at 1700.
A collection will be taken for Christmas Care Swindon
Both Services will be followed by seasonal refreshments, mince pies and light bites.
Location: St Alban’s Church, Watchfield
Twisted Threads
Are a sewing and handicraft group that meet in St Alban’s Church Hall on a Thursday from 1330 - 1600 They are well known for the postbox topper creations. For our D Day 80 service they created the amazing figures.
If you would like to know more about the group, please pop along on a Thursday afternoon during term time.
Christenings and Baptisms at the Defence Academy
If you are considering having your child christened or baptised whilst you are based at Shrivenham we would ask that you contact us sooner rather than later to ensure we can accommodate you before you are posted away.
For further information on christenings and baptism please do not hesitate to contact the Station Chaplaincy Team, Padre Robert Church or Leigh Hyde, Chaplaincy Coordinator by emailing Robert.church@da.mod.uk or leigh.hyde@da.mod.uk
The Snooty Mehmaan delivers the best in asian cuisine combined with a great venue with boutique hotel rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and a function room to host large events such as weddings, conferences, birthdays, etc.
Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner
With an emphasis on refined yet creative pan-asian cuisine, the menu incorporates both traditional classic favourites and original new dishes that apply classic flavours with a modern twist.
Located outside littleworth village on the A420 near Faringdon, Oxfordshire and surrounded by the picturesque oxfordshire countryside. The restaurant itself holds many of the original buildings strong architectural features including original oak beams and flooring give the snooty mehmaan its strong and natural environment that amplifies both the mood and the creative food on offer.
Want to learn how to create a patchwork quilt to gift or to mark a special occasion, at your own pace, in a quiet creative place?
Maybe you want dedicated time to complete a quilt already started?
Over the last 31 years this friendly group has been instrumental in hundreds of quilts having been made, mostly by folks who thought they couldn't sew but very quickly found they could and really enjoyed it.
We meet in St Alban's church hall, at the top of Axis road, Monday evenings, 7.30 to 9.30. Tuesday and Thursday mornings 10.30 to 12.30. Choose whichever sessions suits your family arrangements.
Beginners are always most welcome.
Friendly support, tuition and guidance available throughout every session.
A really lovely Christmas runner……all pieced, quilted and bound in time for relocating. Quality patchwork fabrics and beautiful linen combined to make a creation that will go on to become a traditional family heirloom.
Pictured right: This was sooo much fun to make. Yes….had to concentrate on the cutting of the pieces and do slow stitching on the machine but the satisfaction upon completing this block was off the scale. One very happy quilter here.
New posting, new sewing machine and a whole load of questions to be asked and answers sought. This was me, a while back, apprehensive and not sure where to go till I found an old edition of the Shrivenham Community News.
So glad I took the time to read it, and in doing so, discovered there was a quilt group at DA Shrivenham. That turned out to be my eureka moment, big time. Joining the group was the best thing I have ever done on any posting.
I learnt, listened, asked questions ( there were many), made mistakes ( some surprisingly good when remixed with a plan b), laughed, a lot, found out at long last, that being quiet leads to calm and calm leads to a much happier mind.
Finally relocated back home with useful skills, several quilts, world wide quilt friends, a little business, (never in my wildest dreams did I think that would happen) and I am delighted to say, a proud and supportive husband.
All thanks to my quiet, patient tutor friend and the Academy / quilters group. To all you lucky incoming folks ….”May your bobbins forever be full” and your time with the group be as wonderful as mine.
Wanted to learn machine appliqué while making a quilt block for my dear friend. Thoroughly enjoyed the process and was so pleased with the end result. It has gone into her wedding quilt.
Hand appliquéd “heart flowers” and 4 patch blocks “set on point” combine two of the many easy techniques learnt while with The Academy Quilters.
Mixing my own colour palette from fabric paints and cutting my own stencils for this project was a challenge I quite enjoyed. Decided on hand appliqué as I enjoy the slow mediative process. Will certainly be doing another one, so much pleasure to be had from creating something that will last.
B.L
Love “illusion” quilt blocks. Looked quite hard to start with but was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. Choosing fabrics was also great fun.
Making these easy colourful blocks turned out to be enjoyably addictive …..couldn’t stop ….had to keep adding “just one more”. Now what colour shall I use next?
Working together with quilt buddies on this beautiful quilt for a much missed Mother, was a delightful experience. Sometimes we worked in peaceful, comforting silence, sometimes we quietly chatted about things that worried us or made us smile ……all the time stitching in love and making memories for the maker to keep when she ‘gifts” this lovely hand quilted comforter quilt.
A beautifully made needle case, to be gifted to a quilt buddy about to relocate to the other side of the world. The choosing of “the just right” fabrics was a pleasure and the making and presentng of this was a joy. Enjoyed it so much, will make another.
A comforter size quilt top made from new and pre loved cotton fabrics. Now ready for the topping out stage ….that involves basting three layers together, the constructed top you see here, the warm cotton filling and a pretty backing. This process is made easier and so much enjoyable when done with your quilt buddies.
Good luck to all the new quilters, you will be in for a treat.
Would I like to write an Academy Quilters article for the station news booklet my quilt teacher asked! What, me? My first reaction was no way, can’t do that.
But…..now here comes the strange bit……I went home thought about it, had a word with my hubby, his reaction was “you should, you can do, I will help you, if you need it”. Once again someone had confidence in my ability to do something, why do I ever doubt myself. First my patchwork and quilting guru and now my hubby …….ok, here goes ….
I had no experience of sewing or sewing machines before arriving in England so fate must have led me to sign up for the group Academy Quilters during an event in the academy soon after we arrived.
Having had a negative response from my school teachers when it came to the dreaded sewing lessons, I really was not expecting the encouraging and welcoming response I got from the teaching sewing lady when I messaged her. She asked questions and answered mine, took the time to help me understand English better and invited me to a meeting.
Did I accept and go? Yes, happily I did and haven’t looked back since. Within minutes of entering the room where others were busy cutting and stitching quietly, I found myself seated at a sewing machine and loving it…..actually loving it !
The teaching lady stayed close by, patiently, repeatedly, answered my questions and showed me what to do and how to “make friends” with the sewing machine.
I went back to my hubby on such a high after that first visit, that feeling never left me during the whole time we were posted there. The wife who gets posted to all sorts of places now has so much more confidence in herself, wonderful memories of the quilting group, an ability to sew and create and what makes my heart incredibly happy, the teaching lady is my much loved patchwork Mama. If I could have wrapped her up and put her my suitcase, I would have but as she says, she only a button away.
See, I can do an article, so pleased with myself….thanks to my hubby for making it tidy and thank you from my heart to my quilt teacher at the Academy quilters group, you made my time in England so much better than I could ever of hoped for. Perhaps one day, we will be back and yes, I will sign up again in a flash. Tianna
LANGUAGE CENTRE FOR ALL
JOIN US IN SEPTEMBER
We are looking forward to welcoming new students to The Language Centre at the start of our academic year in September. So, if you have a yen to learn a new language or develop your English as a second language now is the time to fulfil this wish. And..if you need another incentive..learning a new language is an effective brain workout, according to Cambridge University.
INFORMATION AND ENROLMENT DAYS
Information and Enrolment sessions are being held between 10am and 1pm on 4th, 5th and 6th September at 7 Axis Road, Watchfield SN6 8SQ.
If you can’t make any of the dates, simply email for further information: languagecentre7@gmail.com
OPEN TO ALL
The Language Centre is aligned to the Defence Academy but accessible to the surrounding community, offering English as a second language and French, Spanish, Italian and German evening classes. An Italian Higher Intermediate class also runs on a Monday 1.15pm –2.45pm Alternatively, you could choose to have a private lesson or be tutored in your own home. All abilities are welcome, beginners through to advanced.
The Language Centre also runs specially tailored classes for children in their own home which has proved useful in supplementing the school curriculum.
NEW TERM DATES
Our autumn term for English classes starts on 9th September and runs until 13th December. Foreign Language evening classes commence the week of 23rd September. We recommend that, to make the most of your learning experience, students commit to three terms which conclude 4th July 2025.
THESE ARE A SMALL SELECTION OF COMMENTS FROM STUDENTS:
“Your use questioningof techniques demonstrates a toremarkableability engagestudents actively!”
“Yourmanagementclassroom skills create a positive fosteringenvironment,learning a sense of community among students”
“Your commitment to student success is evident in individualisedthe attention and support you give to each of them”
The Language Centre is open during the day for English classes and in the evening for foreign language tuition.
Find us at:
7 Axis Road, opposite St Alban’s Church. For more information, call us on: 01793 784881 or email: languagecentre7@gmail.com
Bespoke 1:1 Tuition
We offer students 1:1 English and Foreign Language tuition with the option to be taught in the privacy of your own home.
Email us on languagecentre7@gmail.com or drop in and speak to us about how we can help you.
ACTIVE SOCIAL PROGRAMME
ENHANCES LANGUAGE SKILLS
We have been busy enjoying ourselves and, at the same time, improving the language skills of students. Our active social programme includes craft and baking sessions as well as outings. This helps to develop a varied vocabulary as well as learning about different cultures.
(OR JUST BREAST), CHICKEN, BEEF, DUCK, GEESE & GAME BIRDS
Royal High Bath is a school designed for girls where every girl matters, every voice is heard and every girl is empowered to try anything. t each other as they build skills and Full, weekly and flexi boarding in the beautiful city of Bath.
Fresh Fish coming to your community
Charlie’s Fresh Fish is a Swindon based company selling high quality fresh fish from his 5* hygiene rated refrigerated van.
I will be coming to St Albans Church car park, Watchfield, SN6 8RL
I sell a wonderful selection of fresh fish and shellfish
Card payments accepted
Every Wednesday at 4.45 - 6pm
Starting: Wednesday 25th September
Community Services
Maj Anthony Bolton 01793 785786 Shrivenham Station Welfare Officer
WO1 Mick Mayes 01793 314791 Station Welfare Warrant Officer
Ms Donna Gardner 01793 780793 Families and Welfare Coordinator
Military Provost Guard Service 01793 785612(MPGS) 785617
Jayne Russell 07971 894575
Community Development Jayne.Russell133@mod.gov.uk Worker
Padre Robert Church 01793 314161/ Mobile 07977 479866 Email: Robert.church@da.mod.uk
Leigh Hyde, 01793 314033 /mobile: 07920162664
Chaplaincy Coordinator leigh.hyde@da.mod.uk
Medical Services
Shrivenham Station Medical Centre
01793 785552
Shrivenham Station Dental Centre 01793 785223
Elm Tree Surgery, Shrivenham Village 01793 782207
Fernhill Practice, Faringdon 01367 242407
White Horse Practice, Faringdon 01367 242388
Westrop Surgery, Highworth 01793 762218
Great Western Hospital, Swindon 01793 604020
John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford 01865 741166
Highworth Dental Surgery 01793 762231
Faringdon Dental Surgery 01367 240514
Graham Jones Pharmacy 01793 783336
Vets
Drove Veterinary Hospital 01793 522483
Clubs & Organisations
DAFFYS
dadaffys@gmail.com
Shrivenham Station Saddle Club 01793 785489 www.shrivenhamsaddleclub.co.uk
