Shrivenham Station Community News - Spring 2024

Shrivenham Station Community News

Station

Welfare

Maj Anthony Bolton Station Welfare Officer

01793 785786

e: Anthony.bolton@ da.mod.uk

Duty Mobile: 07825 674635

Station Welfare Warrant Officer

01793 314791

e: michael.mayes656 @mod.gov.uk

or: michael.mayes@ da.mod.uk

Duty Mobile: 07825 674635

Ms Donna Gardner

Families & Welfare Coordinator 01793 780793

e: Donna.gardner@ da.mod.uk

Anthony.bolton@da.mod.uk

01793 785786

Shrivenham Station Welfare Officer

Jubilee Community Centre

Defence Academy of the United Kingdom Shrivenham SN6 8LA

Please Remember

Items for inclusion in the Summer edition may be submitted at any time but must be received by 1st May 2024 for publication at the end of the month.

Advertising: Jayne Bailey

Lance Media Group Ltd

Tel: (01536) 334219

Shrivenham Station Community News

WHAT'S IN THIS ISSUE...

FRONT COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of Shutterstock.com

A

t time of writing, it is not feeling particularly Spring-like with strong gales and icy roads taking turns to maintain the Winter feel, however the Christmas break feels like a distant memory as the new term at the Defence Academy is well and truly under way. I wrote last year that 2023 would be no less busy than the previous year, and I am sure that this will continue to be the case for 2024. Not least, many of the long-planned major improvement works across the Shrivenham Defence Estate will be soon cutting ground and, whilst will no doubt generate some unavoidable disruption and additional activity around the site, will bring significant benefit to the Station.In addition, support to the Defence teams delivering the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) activity on site has been significant, and assisted greatly in enabling a highly positive contribution to the Government’s broader programme in looking after the families of those that have supported us on operations in Afghanistan. This will continue through the year, and I have no doubt will continue to work especially well at this site due to the positive relations between these families and those that are supporting from a Defence and wider community perspective.

The Watchfield and Shrivenham Community Larder continues to provide excellent support to the surrounding area, not least due to the small group of stalwart

volunteers whose steadfast support have enabled the facility to be the success that it has been.  Also, significant donations have kept it going, with special mentions to both Serco, who also kindly provided ‘soup and a roll’ there over the Winter, and Ashbury Choir: both were able to raise much-welcome funds through Christmas raffles and concerts respectively.  If you would like to support the Community Larder, volunteers are keenly sought, and donations may be made at the One-Stop Shop on Shrivenham High Street.

Otherwise, I wish you all the very best for the forthcoming year, and continue to reiterate our gratitude for the support of the community to Shrivenham Station that we receive on a daily basis.

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:

A B C D E F

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, B, and C: £12.00 per night.

D, E, and F: £25.00 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!

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Cub Scouts ‘Fly High’

Cub Scouts from the ‘Chieftains’ and ‘Challengers’ Cub Packs of 1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout Group had the unforgettable experience of ‘Flying High’ over the Vale of White Horse.

Forty young people (and one young-at-heart adult volunteer) took to the skies in gliders for air experience flights over several weekends in June 2022. These fantastic trips tied-in nicely with their ‘Air Activities’ badgework, in which they had been learning about the principles of flight, air operations, and air safety.

An eight-year-old Cub Scout said, ‘I absolutely loved it! It was just amazing to be up there and see everything so far below and hear the wind rushing past the cockpit. And I didn’t feel sick at all! I think I’d like to be a pilot when I grow up!’

The cost of the flights was subsidised by fundraising undertaken by the Cub Scouts themselves; they also raised an

equal amount for other local charities. The Cub Scouts chose to buy an additional flight so

that they could give it to one of their Leaders – who has been volunteering in Scouting for over

50 years – as a birthday present. The 78-year-old volunteer said, “I was absolutely delighted to be

given such a wonderful present by the Cubs. They even managed to arrange perfect weather for me!”

Helen Wright, the Group Scout Leader, said, “The gliding flights were an incredible experience for the Cubs, but even more important was the fact that the Cubs themselves had made these flights possible through their own fundraising efforts, and that they wanted other people to benefit

from their hard work. It just shows how well they have taken to heart the key messages of Cub Scouting: doing your best; thinking of others before yourself; and doing a good turn every day.”

Almost two years have now gone by, and a new set of Cub Scouts is hoping to take to the skies in June 2024. They are busily engaged in fundraising activities, and once again they will be donating half of

If you’d like to find out more about how your young person – and you! – can ‘Fly High’ through Scouting, contact Helen Wright, the Group Scout Leader, on: helenwright@kascouts.org.uk.

what they raise to good causes in the local community. They have already completed a sponsored walk, and have a range of other fundraising events planned, including coffee mornings and

cake sales. So, if you come across one of their fundraising events, please do consider supporting them so that they can ‘Fly High’ and do a good turn in the process.

Multi-Faith Provision at the Defence Academey

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

Often life can 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 adult colouring. If that’s not enough, spend some time getting lost in your own world with LEGO.

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: Chaplaincy Coordinator, Leigh Hyde, 07920162664, leigh.hyde@da.mod.uk

Padre Robert Church...

Did you make any new year’s resolutions? If you did then I hope they are going well! For many they are a chance to take stock and aim towards living a better life. As usual I’m afraid I didn’t get round to making any this year…

However, the change of calendar year isn’t the only opportunity we have for some honest selfreflection and striving towards improvement. As the spring approaches we enter the period Christians know as Lent. This sixweek period is given to us in the run up to Easter, so that we might take a long, loving look at our lives. The aim is to look honestly at how much the way we live currently matches up with our values and priorities. How far do we need to go to be the person we are meant to be?

Many people still think of Lent as a time to give up chocolate, but it can be so much more than the opportunity for a health-kick or a test of willpower (as worthy as those things are).

Instead, think of it as a time to live more deliberately and intentionally. How can you be more fully yourself? What is stopping you from living how you should? What good habits would you like to cultivate?

Perhaps you feel like you don’t spend enough time keeping in touch with friends and family? During Lent you could commit to making a call or sending a message each day to somebody you miss.

Is your use of technology becoming unhealthy? You could

think about limiting screen time or commit to getting stuck into your pile of unread books.

Are you happy with how you spend your money? Do you really need everything you buy? Perhaps you could cut back in Lent and donate to a charity instead.

The hope is that by taking on a new discipline through Lent, you will form good habits that will last. A few years ago I spent Lent at sea in a submarine. Just by being there we had already ‘given up’ enough things! Therefore, we decided that our Lenten discipline would be to find new ways of loving and serving the people we were with. It could be giving time to offer conversation and company to someone who was lonely, helping someone prepare for an upcoming exam, or simply sharing stashed ‘nutty’ with someone.

Lent ends with Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That means celebrating the triumph of the God of love over hatred and darkness. As we prepare to celebrate that love and the hope it brings, let’s all seek new ways to grow and flourish. By doing so, we will inevitably help those around us to do the same.

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

Pedal Power

The Defence Academy has launched a new pilot scheme this month, with the aim to replace the use of vehicles for short journeys across site.

The Defence Academy Bike Scheme (DABS) trial consists of 10 distinctive and branded pedal bikes accessible to station personnel from four allocated DABS shelters where they can be collected from and returned to after use.

These shelters will be located outside Marlborough Hall, the Defence College for Military Capability Integration (DCMCI), Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC), and the Churchill Lecture Theatre (CLT), and will have racks reserved specifically for the DABS bikes.

Chief Executive and Commandant of the Defence Academy, Major General Andrew Roe said: “I am extremely pleased and proud to announce the introduction of the Defence Academy Bike Scheme to Shrivenham. This is a trial consisting initially of 10 pedal bikes which are free to use by staff, students, and business partners across the

site, commencing Monday 22 January 2024 and running for 12 months. In conjunction with other sustainable initiatives, it highlights the continued effort that the Defence Academy is undertaking in support of Climate Change and Sustainability (CC&S).”

Before using the bikes, personnel must read the relevant Shrivenham Station Standing Order (SSSO) on DAIS or Modnet. An appropriate protective helmet must be worn when using the bikes.

Speaking about the launch, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Lea, Chief of Staff Resource Group said: “The idea is to use the bikes for short journeys across site. Once you have completed your journey you simply return it to any one of the four specified shelters.” As communal assets the bikes are not to be kept in offices or accommodation, nor taken off site. Feedback or suggestions can be sent to SHEFTeam@da.mod.uk.

Oh, now I really “get it” … this need to sit and create.

Ok….. just what is it that keeps folks happily coming back year after year, or maybe travelling excitedly many miles to a quilt auction or even to be sitting peacefully stitching, cutting, arranging, auditioning precious pieces of fabrics?

Maybe it is the same thing that sends quilters to charity shops in search of a pre-loved cotton shirts to disassemble and cut into desired shapes…….it could be that heart flipping moment of gifting a lovingly made quilt for a newborn or much-loved elderly relative.

Or it could just be that satisfying feeling  of having rescued and restored a discarded but lovely quilt, giving it and the new owners a glimpse into the past and the way the original quilter was thinking.  Connecting to

previous generations through our quilts is a thrill to be enjoyed and hugely valued.

There are many, many ‘feel good’ reasons for quilters to enjoy the “quilt journeys “ they travel. Various studies have proved that being involved in a quiet, contemplative, creative occupation has huge benefit for mental health, emotional well being and positive cognitive stages of mind.

Let’s just tick off a few of the other  very positive  things of being part of a quilt group……. it is social, supportive, relaxing and constructive. Playing with colour is always fun, seeing your quilt buddies creations coming together is enriching for you and them. Sharing ideas, helping each other, being part of each others quilt journey, making memories while stitching quilting and

acquiring useful skills along the way.

Making friends while creating quilts, having that special time set side for mentally chilling out, being able to forget for a little while, all the stresses and hassles that life throws at us, is just a small glimpse of what being part of the world wide, centuries old occupation of  patchwork and quilting is all about.

The Academy Quilters has over the past 30 years, being able to guide  me and many new quilters along their own particular quilt journey and then see them fly the nest to all parts of the world. Many setting up their own groups wherever life drops them, quite a few going on to set up their own businesses that they can run from home while still caring for their families.

Having time to chill out,  to rest mind and soul, to find out you CAN do more than you gave yourself credit for initially and then depart from the Defence Academy with a  useful skill…… that has been huge pleasure and bonus for all us quilters down through the years.

There follows just a few examples of the creative fun and wonderful ‘ tah dah”  moments that go towards making patchwork and quilting memories, family heirlooms and lovely friends. Thank you, to The Academy Quilters while at the Defence Academy,  for time well spent, tuition that went above and beyond  plus during the many after hours  and midnight sessions, mind and soul held together and  all those news skills learnt. So enjoyable and life enriching.

Happily helping a quilt buddy to “top out” a very special quilt.

The hours spent quietly sorting fabrics and stitching in the evenings resulted in this masterpiece that the new owner is justly proud of.

BELOW: Quiet determination, careful planning and stitching resulted in this quilter’s family having a lovely Christmas stocking each this year. Learning curve travelled successfully ….project completed…..creative satisfaction off the scale .

Another most delightful “finish”, done in time for a gifting to mark a friend’s new family occasion. That happy “quilter’s smile” says it all. So nice to share this “tah dah” moment with a rather special quilt buddy.

Made it! One eye on the clock, the other on the sewing machine = one happy quilter.

A special wallhanging, made with love, for a quilt friend over the water.

A “first” quiltie, designed and stitched by this happy quilter, for her new baby.

Every block has memories of friends and an enjoyable ‘quilt journey” travelled.

The joy of receiving a quilt made “just for you” by a caring quilt buddy.

This STUNNING quilt, so carefully and lovingly made for a special daughter, was gifted at Christmas. Talented mother and very lucky daughter.

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• Osteopathy for Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause aches and pains including joint and back pain such as Pelvic Girdle Pain PGP and sciatica. We can use manual therapy to help your pains throughout your pregnancy and help your recovery after birth.

• Osteopathy for babies

Osteopathy is a gentle treatment suitable for babies. Gentle manipulation and cranial Osteopathy can help soothe and relax your baby and relieve strains on their body. Alongside lactation consultants, we can also help and give advice related to breastfeeding.

• Osteopathy for children

Osteopathic techniques are suitable for children at all stages of development; we can assess your child to see what we can help. We also work with children with disabilities and learning difficulties.

The

Our welfare break gave us the quality time we needed as a family.”

- Al Dyer

Our holiday home is available for breaks all year round.

Why not apply to stay in our holiday home for serving RAF personnel and RAF veterans? Situated only a 15-minute walk from the traditional seaside town of Bridlington.

It’s the ideal destination to visit for a holiday with kids or for some peace and quiet.

The four-bedroom chalet bungalow is wheelchair accessible, with a disabledfriendly bathroom. A real home from home, with everything you need for a memorable holiday.

To find out more and apply, visit: rafbf.org/thefolly CALL 0300 102 1919

DAFFYS is a small group of local volunteers who run events in their free time for the wider community of staff, families and friends of Shrivenham station. Our aim is simply to connect people. We have a busy programme in place but we are always looking for fresh, new ideas to help run events to best serve our diverse community. If you would like to join our mailing list, or wish to become involved and support DAFFYS in any way, please email dadaffys@gmail.com

The DAFFYS calendar of events is in full swing with yet more opportunities coming to you in the near future. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to in recent months.

INDIAN WOODBLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP

Thanks to the passion and skill of our instructor Marea Brown at Art of Jaipur we enjoyed a morning of learning, creativity and community at St Alban’s Hall. Rediscovering our inner artistic abilities, it was such a joy to connect and learn a

new skill and create some unique and meaningful gifts using the ancient art of Indian woodblock printing on fabric. The event was so very enjoyable that we are hoping to run another event for those who missed out. Feedback from some of you suggested that a weekend or evening would be preferable, so we are looking to accommodate that request. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for future events.

DAFFYS CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

The annual DAFFYS Bazaar was well attended despite the inclement November weather. A wide variety of stalls filled the JSCSC and the children’s choir from Watchfield Primary School entertained us with beautiful singing. Thanks to all the generous donations from local businesses, we raised a staggering £900+ from our raffle prize draw which will subsidise future DAFFYS events. Prizes ranged from a ‘barrow of booze’ to dinner vouchers at local pubs, beauty treatments and even tickets to this year’s RIAT! A big thank you

to all the helpers and especially the support staff on the day who made the event a huge success.

OXFORD WALKING TOUR

A sunny, but very chilly December morning saw us immersing ourselves in the city of dreaming spires. We strolled the city of Oxford and university colleges led by a very experienced local guide who brought the area to life with interesting stories and fun facts about Oxford’s fascinating history. We enjoyed it so much we have already planned another tour in February. This time we’re running an evening Ghost Tour, which promises to reveal Oxford’s ghoulish and bloody past. All welcome.

BECKETT HOUSE LUNCH

In December, we met in the beautiful surroundings of Beckett House to celebrate the holiday season with a traditional three course Christmas lunch. Luckily, we managed to stay on Santa’s ‘Nice’ list and we each received a Christmas gift from his truly (aka the Station Commander).

A huge thank you to the mess staff for helping us run such a lovely function and a big thank you to the ‘Staish’ for being such a good sport! Building on the success of this event, we plan to hold a spring function in the same venue so please keep an eye out on our Facebook page for further updates.

Oxford Walking Tour

MESS LUNCHES

Mess lunches continue to flourish and are one of our most popular monthly events. January’s gathering was no exception and at 18 strong, the post lunch coffee and chatter continued well into the afternoon. We tend to meet in the Henderson Bar of the JSCSC and we reserve a table in the Victory Dining Room for a pay-as-you-dine lunch. On Fridays there is always a traditional British Fish & Chips on the menu which is becoming a favourite with many of our international spouses. Some are even enjoying mushy peas – a divisive choice for most Brits, with most people having a strong preference for either garden peas or mushy peas! Occasionally guest speakers are invited to come and give us a talk/slide show after lunch. We are very excited to have some interesting speakers lined up for 2024. Future lunches are planned for 23 February and 25 March. Further details will be announced on our Facebook page.

BRING A DISH

Bring A Dish continues to be as opportunity to gather and share a potluck of savoury and sweet dishes. This event is held monthly in the evening at St Alban’s Church Hall and is the perfect opportunity to catch up and share

international dishes. Our last meeting on a very cold January night was well attended. We enjoyed wonderful food and great company in the lovely warm hall at St Albans. The dates for our next gatherings are: 6 February, 5 March and 23 April. Do come to join us for fun, food and friendship. No booking needed.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

What an amazing entertainer we had for the Children’s Christmas Party. He kept 90 children, ranging in age from nearly two to 11 years old, and their parents fully entertained with his magic and games. The snowball fights of

children versus parents were great fun with no clear winners! Thank you to Nigel from Niggles Magic. No expense was spared and the visit from Santa was very exciting! The children were thrilled with the books they received from Santa and his helpers. Thank you, Santa, for coming with that wonderful beard of yours! Thank you also to the mess staff who looked after us so well even with some last-minute changes to the space available.

POPCORN CLUB

Our ever popular Popcorn Club gets fully booked each month. The children enjoy their tea in the

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

mess at Roberts Hall followed by a classic family film, with a break for popcorn and a drink part way through. The films are ‘U’ rated and aimed at age groups 4-9 years. Although responsible for their own children all evening, parents can enjoy a chat and drink in the adjacent bar whilst they wait for the children. Future dates are 23 February and 15 March.

NEW YEAR GLOW PARTY

What better occasion to gather and celebrate than the New Year?!

DAFFYS Glow Disco was a huge

As Popcorn Club books up so quickly, we have introduced a second movie night at the Jubilee Community Centre. Run by the lovely Caro, this informal night involves friends, popcorn & a show… Family Movie Nights are the perfect evening out for the whole family.

This new monthly Friday evening event showcases popular titles filled with multilayered humour sure to thrill all age groups. We look forward to welcoming you at the next showing of the Incredibles on 9 February!

COFFEE MORNINGS

Coffee mornings are open to all and are usually held monthly. We are experimenting with different venues/days to ensure that we are getting to know the base and the local area. In September we met at the Fieldhouse Café which was well attended. Other venues have included the Grass Roots Café which is very accommodating for those with children and Blake’s Kitchen Café in Coleshill. Our next coffee morning was held at the Jubilee Centre on Thursday 8 February from 1000hrs. Future dates to follow.

success and had our military families cheering and busting out their best dance moves to the awesome beats of DJ TotallyKeen.

FUTURE EVENTS:

Friday 26 April: Family Movie Night

Sunday 28 April: Matinee movie

Friday 10 May: Family Movie night

Sunday 12 May: Matinee Movie

Decked out with illuminated paraphernalia, little ones and not so little ones shined bright and lit up the night to welcome in 2024!

More to follow so keep an eye on the DAFFYS Facebook page and sign up to our emails.

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.

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Leadership Martial Arts was established in 2006. With our HQ in Swindon, we currently teach in 57 locations, spread throughout four counties. Reaching over 2000 people a week.

The junior system is based on a lifetime learning concept in addition to technical skills. Our basic building blocks for the junior system are monthly themes, including the following:

• Courtesy • Respect • Confidence

• Honesty • Perseverance • Self Discipline

• Self Awareness • Self Esteem

In addition to monthly themes, children are rewarded with special “stripes” for their belt. During the period between each graduation, all students are subject to a continual assessment. For junior students, this is symbolised by a stripe system. As each student successfully completes one of the sections, a stripe is awarded. Once all four stripes are collected, a student will be allowed to graduate. For adults, the same system applies but the stripes are not awarded. A graduation is held every three months.

All of our junior students are taught a mixture of traditional taekwondo and freestyle Martial Arts. This unique mixture maximises the development of Self Control whilst allowing the free flow of creativity to develop Confidence and Physical Fitness.

This is not a competition. This is about your child being the best they can possibly be at this point in their life, regardless of any physical, mental or emotional situations.

Our Junior programme teaches taekwondo and martial arts to boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years old. We help your child be the best that they can be, without being in a competition. Everyone wins with our junior programme.

WHO IS IT FOR?

• Children aged 6 – 12

• Children who like to do new and exciting things

• Children who don’t like to be afraid and who need to grow up with self confidence

• Children who deserve more from a sports programme than sitting on a bench

• Children who are athletic, energetic, awkward or shy, bold, nice or maybe even a little wild once in a while

• …Probably a lot of children just like yours!

At Leadership Martial Arts, we believe that every child is a winner and that every child is special!

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At

Witney, Oxfordshire, and beyond. With a rich history of offering high-quality legal services,

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

LANGUAGE CENTRE FOR ALL

There is a common perception that your local Language Centre is restricted to the Defence Academy community. This is NOT the case – it is open to anyone who would like to learn a new language whether it be English as a second language or French, Spanish, Italian or German.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

So, if you know anyone struggling with the English language – au pairs, overseas visitors – please contact us. Lessons are fun and sociable and, in addition to improving language skills, it is a great place to make new friends and find out about other countries and their cultures. Students can elect to sit graded examinations in English from the Cambridge Examination board on completion of their courses, and we run exam preparation lessons, but there is no pressure to do so.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE EVENING CLASSES

Do you want to be able to get to grips with a foreign language in time for your next holiday? Look no further, now’s your chance to join one of our evening classes in French, Spanish, Italian or German. Moreover, learning a foreign language can be a great way to keep your brain active and healthy. Studies have proved that

learning a foreign language can increase the size of your brain!

GROUPS AND PRIVATE LESSONS

Both group and private lessons are available to suit all abilities, from beginner through to advanced. There is also the opportunity to be tutored in your own home.

INCREASE CONFIDENCE

Everyone who attends lessons regularly can expect to become more confident and fluent in the language, improve listening skills and make considerable progress in their understanding of grammar.

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN

Specially tailored classes for children are available in your own home.

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,

or

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.

SOCIAL PROGRAMME ENHANCES LANGUAGE SKILLS

We have an active social programme of outings, craft and baking sessions which helps to develop a varied vocabulary as well as learning about different cultures. Our English classes had great fun learning about Burns Night and sampling haggis. SAVE

ROYAL

FRIDAY 21ST JUNE 2024

We are so excited as we are in the process of organising our annual trip to Royal Ascot. We even have hats that you can hire. A full day out including coach trip, afternoon tea and of course the racing!

CONTACT THE LANGUAGE CENTRE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR PLACE:

Email: languagecentre7@gmail.com or phone 01793 784881

Our English students in front of Bath's iconic Royal Crescent.

Our budding poets

Our English Intermediate 1 students learned about the principles of Haiku, a short form of poetry that originated in Japan, and we think they show great promise:

Winter Weather

The weather is grey

I want to stay in my home

Will the sun return?

January

We can start afresh

Happiness, joy, love and peace

Make your dreams come true

Travel

Leave your comfort zone

To find a happier life

What is your excuse?

Holidays

Leaving is the goal

You deserve a holiday

This is time for you

Intense concentration by our English Advanced class playing charades.

English Advanced class on a day out to Downton Abbey film sites and Aston Pottery.

The finished product - table decorations

Christmas came early for our English Intermediate 1 and 2 classes

Need help finding a mortgage?

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or remortgaging, you can leave your mortgage search in the hands of the Fee-Free Mortgage Advice Service provided by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited. They’ll provide you with fee-free independent mortgage advice and recommend the right mortgage for you, based on your circumstances.

PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, has chosen Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited, part of Tenet, to provide customers with a Mortgage Advice Service. Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited will provide you with independent mortgage advice and will make a recommendation based on your circumstances and requirements. You will not receive advice or any recommendation from Forces Mutual. If you take out a mortgage recommended by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited, PMGI Limited will receive a fee for this introduction. This fee is 24.8% of the money that Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited receives as commission from the mortgage lender.

A mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

11-15 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon. SN1 4AN

Tel: 01793 522072/527530

Email: swindon@deacons-jewellers.com

www.deacons-jewellers.com

44-45 High Street, Marlborough SN8 1HQ

Tel: 01672 519955

Email: marlborough@deacons-jewellers.com