Shrivenham Station Community News Winter 2022

Shrivenham Station Community News

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Full, weekly or flexi boarding available, with our pastoral team providing a safe, nurturing and exciting experience for pupils.

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An Independent Co-educational Boarding & Day School for pupils aged 9 months - 18 years A co-educational independent school for nine months – 18 years in Bath www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Station Welfare Team...

Major Ed Bell Station Welfare Officer 01793 785786

e: edward.bell278@ mod.gov.uk Duty Mobile: 07825 674635

Foreword

From

Commander

WO1 Mick Mayes Station Welfare Warrant Officer 01793 314791

e: michael.mayes656 @mod.gov.uk Duty Mobile: 07825 674635

Mrs Rebecca Dunne Families & Welfare Specialist Coordinator 01793 780793 e: Rebecca.dunne@ da.mod.uk

Miss Samantha Davies Families & Welfare Lead Administrator 01793 780793 e: Samantha.davies@ da.mod.uk

Welcome to the Winter Edition of the Shrivenham Community News.

The significant drop in temperatures and the appearance of Christmas adverts all around signifies it becoming ‘ that’ time of year again. Whilst it seems only two minutes since writing my first foreword for the Shrivenham Station Community News, it is time for the Winter Edition, and I realise that so much has happened since the last issue. With (insert number!) of Prime Ministers later, and a backdrop of rising prices as part of a turbulent economic situation, we are in particularly unpredictable times.

Even a minor gesture of support in such a climate can help both materially and morally, and I am grateful for the support of ESS in the Defence Academy’s ‘Winter Warmer’ provision of up to 180 portions of ‘soup and a roll’ every Tuesday to its personnel and visitors, for the last month and until Christmas. I am also extremely grateful for Padre Phil Craven and Leigh Hyde for their hard work in creating the ‘Watchfield and Shrivenham Community Larder’, which went live at time of writing, and with the support of Serco and ESS will provide a ‘fresh’ approach on foodbank provision for the local community, which previously had no such availability in the immediate area. In addition to individual food items, recipe cards alongside respective ingredients will enable complete, balanced meals to be provided: please check the attached poster or social media for more details.

As the Christmas break draws rapidly closer, please may I take the opportunity to thank all those in the community who have been integral in supporting the Defence Academy over the last 12 months: much has been achieved with your assistance. Please continue to look after yourselves and each other in the community, and may I wish all of you and your families a very happy Christmas, and a healthy and prosperous 2023.

edward.Bell278@mod.gov.uk 01793 785786 D

Shrivenham Station Welfare Officer Jubilee Community Centre Defence Academy of the United Kingdom Shrivenham SN6 8LA

Please Remember

Items for inclusion in the Spring edition may be submitted at any time but must be received by 5th Feb 2023 for publication at the end of the month.

Advertising: Jayne Bailey

Lance Media Group Ltd Tel: (01536) 334219 Email: jayne@lancemedia.co.uk

FRONT COVER IMAGE: Winter woodland scene in Shrivenham by R J M Bishop at Shutterstock.com

ARMY SPORTS

The Army’s top sports personalities gathered to be honoured at the Army Sports Awards 2022 at a glittering gala dinner held amidst the splendour of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst’s Old College dining room.

Men and women from across the Army's units and regiments have reached new heights in a range of sports including hockey, rugby, judo, boxing and triathlon among others.

The evening was hosted by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Paul Leighton MBE, Chief of Staff, Army Sport Control Board and Mr Jon Knighton, Sports Editor British Forces Broadcasting. It gave a spectacular opportunity for senior officers and guests to meet the Army sportsmen and women and celebrate the sporting achievements.

Senior officers: Commander Home Command Lieutenant General I J Cave CB, the Defence Services Secretary Major General E Millar MBE DS and General Officer Commanding Regional Command Major General J Swift OBE were among the audience who praised and applauded the athletes as the awards were presented.

The evening celebrated the achievements in Army sport by celebrating individuals whose performances have been outstanding throughout the last year whether that has been as a participant or an organiser.

Reflecting on sport in the Army Lieutenant General I J Cave CB said, “Regardless of age or stage of career, playing sport makes us all more effective as soldiers and officers, regardless of where you are in life and in your career.

"We are all naturally competitive and we wouldn’t be here if we weren’t, all of us welcome and rise to a challenge. Sport in the Army is inclusive and forms a significant part of Army life.”

Among the guests were world class athletes including international triathlon star Captain Katrina Matthews and special guest 4 times Olympian bronze medallist, 3 times World Champion and one of British Taekwondo’s most successful athletes Sarah Stevenson Jennings MBE. Delighted to receive their awards as winners were: Royal Army Medical Corps physiotherapist Captain Katrina Mathews (31) originally from Exmouth, one of the Army’s Elite Athletes was awarded Sportswoman of the Year said,

“I am incredibly proud to represent the Army Medical services and win the award.”

Minister unveils cormorant artwork to mark JSCSC ANNIVERSARY

The Minister for the Armed Forces, the Rt Hon James Heappey MP, visited the Defence Academy on 17 November to mark the 25th anniversary of the Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC).

During his visit, the minister met and addressed the members of the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) and unveiled an artwork by en plein air artist Kim Whitby, commissioned to commemorate JSCSC’s anniversary.

The artwork depicts cormorants, the college mascot which thrives on land, sea and air and is renowned for its adaptability.

The bold ink on paper piece shows cormorants looking out to sea with a wind farm visible on the horizon.

Captain Matt Syrett, ACSC Course Director, who hosted the minister on behalf of the Director JSCSC, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister for the Armed Forces to JSCSC to mark this significant milestone.

The College’s aim is, as it always has been, to hone the

intellectual edge of course members, and to deliver leaders and staff officers who are capable of waging war, making strategy, managing complexity, and ‘winning’ decisively in any potential conflict. We have done this through focusing on innovation, creativity, and critical thinking to enable graduates to take measured risk and grow academically.

It is testament to the dedication of everyone who has worked and studied at JSCSC that we have continued to adapt and innovate each year to equip our course members for the challenges to come.”

JSCSC was formed in 1997 after the closure of the four former staff colleges in the UK – the

Joint Services Defence College and Royal Naval Staff College at Greenwich; the Army Command and Staff College at Camberley; and the Royal Air Force Staff College at Bracknell.

From 1997 to 2000, JSCSC was located in Bracknell, where the former RAF staff college was based. In 2000, JSCSC moved to its new home at Shrivenham, in the modern, purpose-built Cormorant Building.

The JSCSC provides Joint Professional Military Education to future commanders and staff officers from all three UK Armed Services, the MOD Civil Service and from many countries around the world. Course members range from junior officers to 1-stars.

Supported by globally renowned academic partners, JSCSC provides research opportunities and accredited programmes that act as both a resource for Defence problem-solving and a way to invest in people.

TOP RIGHT IMAGE: Minister for the Armed Forces Rt Hon James Heappey MP addresses ACSC members during his visit on 17 November.

BOTTOM LEFT IMAGE: Artist Kim Whitby discusses her work with Rt Hon James Heappey MP (right) and Captain Matt Syrett (left), ACSC Course Director.

BOTTOM RIGHT IMAGE: JSCSC's new cormorant artwork unveiled by Minister for the Armed Forces Rt Hon James Heappey MP (right), with Captain Matt Syrett (left).

Military Working Dog

Royal Air Force Police and their Military Working Dogs competed to be crowned champions in the annual UK Military Working Dog Trials.

Throughout the trials, competitors were tested in a variety of operational scenarios including core skills of agility and obedience, threat perception during day and night patrols, and a dog’s ability to track and trace intruders through

Provost Marshal, Group Captain Foster-Jones praised the Military Working Dogs and their handlers:

"Congratulations to all of the competitors that have taken part in this year’s trial. Military Working Dogs provide a pivotal capability that supports the protection and enablement of Air and

Space Power. It is humbling to see the passion and drive that each of the competing teams has shown throughout the competition."

The Military Working Dog Trials represent the core values shared between the Handlers and their Dog companions, whilst inspiring the current and future generations of the RAF to develop their skills and agility.

RAF Military Working Dogs play a vital role supporting RAF Police Handlers to protect people, combat criminal activities and secure assets by using their sensory abilities.

Military Working Dogs are trained at the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray, before being paired with Handlers to begin building a deep bond with their new trainer.

© Kachalkina Veronika at Shutterstock.com

Danielle and Markus would love to welcome you to The King & Queen in Longcot Village. The King & Queen is in a tranquil location, just off the A420 between Faringdon and Shrivenham. A Freehouse and Inn, boasting seven lovely Bed & Breakfast rooms, available for long and short stays alike.

Behind the bar you will find a broad range of Local Cask Ales to choose from, an excellent range of Local and Continental craft beer, a wide selection of Gins, a great selection of Wines and spirits to suit all palettes. We are proudly recognised in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide and recently won The White Horse District ‘Country Pub of the Year.’

The Beer Garden has plenty of seating along with stunning views over the Vale of The White Horse. Inside there is a lovely relaxed bar atmosphere, the centrepiece being a welcoming double sided wood burner. The pub also boasts two dining rooms for your gatherings, intimate evenings or for any special celebration.

Overall we are a Traditional Country Pub, with this we take pride with our Pub Classics Menu. From our ever popular Fish & Chips through to our range of Burgers and delicious Sunday Roasts. Keep an eye on our social media for future events, from Comedy Nights, Live Music and our themed monthly Pub Quiz. We do hope to have an opportunity to host you during the Winter and Spring seasons...

ONLINE SCAMS

A huge number of people in the UK now do the majority of their shopping online, with those numbers having only increased since the Covid-19 pandemic. Research shows that in August 2022, 24.2% of all the UK retailers’ sales were made online. By 2025, it’s predicted that over 90% of all UK adults will be regularly choosing the internet to do their shopping over visiting the high street. So, with us all spending so much time on online shopping sites, we should easily be able to tell the difference between a genuine website and a fake one, right?

Well, the truth is that as we’ve got more used to the online shopping experience, the scammers have become more sophisticated in the ways in which they can target us.

As the partner of a Service person, I would consider myself fairly clued up when it comes to security matters, both physical and online. As a family, we’ve lived on a number of different military camps and we have always received security briefs on arrival. My partner even works in a security-related role, so I’ve always felt pretty well informed. But when a neighbour recently lost a significant amount of money whilst trying to purchase children’s clothing through an online seller, I realised that I had a responsibility to find more ways to keep my family and I safe and secure when shopping online. The first piece of advice I found was to use familiar websites. We’ve all seen the adverts for unique gifts on social

media, but there’s often no way of verifying the credibility of these online sellers or the quality of the goods they claim to supply. Whilst the more familiar online sellers may not offer such unique products, they do at least allow you to shop with more peace of mind!

However, scammers are clever and can make websites appear familiar in order to gain your trust so that you will place an order with them over anyone else. They tend to do this through imitation, sometimes misspelling the name of a well-known company or creating a variation of the company’s name that may still seem plausible. For example, instead of www.shopdisney. co.uk (the actual one), they may create a website named www. thedisneystore.com. Even though the second website is fake, you could easily believe that it is The Disney Store’s genuine online shop, leading you to part with

your money without even a second thought! To make sure you have the right site, you need to check that the website’s name is spelt correctly¬ - you could even search for it in Google to see whether it appears as the main result.

The second piece of advice I found was that you can get an indication as to whether a website is potentially trustworthy by searching for the padlock symbol. If a website seems secure, most browsers will include a ‘closed padlock’ symbol on the same line that the website is displayed. Although this little icon doesn’t guarantee the legitimacy of the website itself, it means that, at the very least, the connection between the browser and the server is secure. If the padlock symbol is missing or the browser says that it is ‘not secure’, it’s best to steer clear of the website altogether. You shouldn’t use this website to create an account or

submit any personal or payment details as these have the potential to be intercepted and obtained by the wrong people.

With the cost-of-living crisis meaning that every single pound matters, and with Christmas just round the corner, I will be doing my best to stick to familiar sites and to ensure that I’m keeping an eye out for that closed padlock symbol. Hopefully by sharing these two tips, other Service families will be able to stay a little bit safer whilst shopping online, too!

For more information, visit the Cyber Confident in Defence SharePoint, Defence Connect or email the team at cyberconfident@mod.gov.uk.

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...

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.

OPENING HOURS

The JCC is open 0730 - 1600hrs Monday to Thursday and 0730 - 1200hrs Friday.

The Soft Play Areas are open 0830 - 1515hrs Monday to Thursday and 0830 - 1200hrs Friday.

The Coffee Shop is open 0930 - 1400hrs Monday to Thursday and 0930 - 1200hrs 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!

...be sure to stop by and say ‘hello’.

MILITARY WIVES CHOIR

The Defence Academy Military Wives Choir reflects on its performances during this year’s period of Remembrance….

Since regrouping in September, preparations have been gathering momentum as we have rehearsed for one of our busiest periods in the choir calendar. Every year, when the clocks go back and the seasons shift, there is a poignant pause in November as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in times of war and conflict.

The annual Shrivenham Station Act of Remembrance took place in the grounds of St Thomas Church in Watchfield village. A gathering sang ‘We will Remember Them’, a classic MWC track created specifically for Remembrance. Though small in numbers, we delivered the piece with gravitas on what was a wonderfully sunny, autumnal morning.

A week later, the Faringdon and District Royal British Legion hosted a 10th Annual Festival of Remembrance at the Corn Exchange in Faringdon in aid of the Poppy Appeal. This year’s service was also particularly poignant as it marked the 101st anniversary of the Royal British Legion, the 40 year anniversary of the Falklands

War and celebrated the life of service of HM the Queen. It was a memorable evening of poetry, readings and music and our lovely members contributed chorally to the evening with a moving and entertaining repertoire of songs for Remembrance.

Conducted by our Musical Director, Jon Driver, and with piano accompanist, Geoff Walters, the choir sang ‘Bring Him Home’, an emotional and evocative song popularised by the character, Jean Valjean, in the Broadway musical ‘Les Misérables’. If that wasn’t enough to give you goose bumps, other highlights included a stirring rendition of ‘Hallelujah’, a Leonard Cohen classic and bitter lament of love and loss. A Celtic harmony ‘The Water is Wide’ was also very memorable and well received as was ‘The Poppy Red’, another Remembrance classic created by Owain Park and commissioned by the MWC to mark the centenary of the end of World War I.

The music resonated with all and made the evening a moving and powerful occasion.

The set was rounded off with a rousing performance of ‘We Will Remember Them’.

Lynn, one of our choir members, said, ‘

Remembrance Sunday saw us take part in the Station Remembrance Service at the Defence Academy. A beautiful ceremony led by Padre Phil and punctuated with the choir’s renditions of ‘We will Remember Them’ and ‘Carry Me’.

Rounding off a weekend of reflection and song, we were invited to sing to the residents of Ferendune Care Home in Faringdon. Less formal than the other events, our repertoire had a Remembrance focus, but we ended the session with some favourite golden oldies. ‘Pack up Your Troubles’ and a Vera Lynn Medley sparked memories for the residents and had them clapping and tapping and singing along with us. It was truly enjoyable and emotional in equal measure. Sometimes, the biggest wins are at the smallest of ‘gigs’.

As November gives way to December and the excitement of Christmas comes into focus, we will now turn our attention to Advent and rehearsing for our Christmas performances. We hope to see you at an event very soon!

Emma Sharp

"I loved singing our finale which embodies who we are together we feel bolder, we are strong and we are proud!’

The RBL event organiser resounded that, the evening was again a great success, and my sincere thanks go to you all,"

• It’s our free online platform exclusively for RAF personnel and their partners.

• Covering a range of self-directed topics tailored to life in the RAF.

• The course can be accessed anonymously, either as a couple or separately.

• It aims to equip you with the communication skills and strategies to get the best out of your relationships.

We also provide relationship counselling and mediation support.

Military families often have limited choices whether it is the allocation of a military quarter or hiring, the area in which they live, and the schools their children attend. There are many wonderful things to experience being part of a military family but constantly uprooting your family home and changing schools for your children is not one of them.

If you choose to live married accompanied, it can come at a cost. You often hear of Forces children who have attended multiple schools, for some this is manageable, for others not so. There will be many different reasons you may have to consider boarding school, you may aspire for your children to achieve their academic

potential, you may want to nurture an existing talent or sporting ability, you may be worried about the effect moving schools might have on their mental wellbeing, or you may have discovered the amazing opportunities a boarding education can offer by allowing children to experience a wealth of new experiences.

There is no perfect path for Forces families to follow, we all make decisions based on what is the best for our own families, for some moving schools with every posting works, but for others a boarding school can be a positive, life changing experience.

Anderson Education are an Educational Consultancy

with over twenty years’ experience and knowledge of UK boarding schools, we offer FREE & IMPARTIAL advice, and we would love to help you on your journey to find the right school. As a mother and wife of a serving soldier I know first-hand what a challenging decision this can be, whether you are simply considering boarding school as an option or have made up your mind, we are here to help you.

The Language Centre offers ‘English as a Foreign Language’ to the dependants and families of international officers attending courses at the Defence Academy. We also provide tuition in French, Spanish, German and Italian to families across the entire Shrivenham Station site and the local community.

Everyone who attends English lessons regularly can expect:

• to become more confident and fluent in spoken English

• to improve their listening skills

• to learn lots of new vocabulary

• to make considerable progress in their understanding of grammar

We achieve this by working our way through a coursebook. We also use games, role-plays and short presentations to make learning more effective and enjoyable. Most of our work is in pairs or small groups.

The lessons are fun and sociable as we believe this is the best environment in which to learn. In addition to improving your English, the classroom is a great place to make new friends and find out about other countries and their cultures.

Students can join our English classes at any time, and we welcome visiting students. Both group and private lessons are available to suit all abilities, from beginner through to advanced.

Students can elect to sit diploma examinations in English from the Cambridge Examination board on completion of their courses and we also run exam preparation lessons.

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

Workshops and Events

As well as the English and Foreign Language classes, we offer a variety of activities and workshops, which give our students and other visitors the chance to see more of life in the UK.

Even if you don’t join our English classes, you are

invited to get in touch so that you can take part in these other activities.

We have a Facebook group which you can join to keep up to date with what is happening: https://www. facebook.com/groups/ languagecentre2021to2022

Crafty Mornings and more!

One of the loveliest things about the Language Centre for us is that we have people from so many different countries and they all have wonderful stories, skills and food to share with us.

After an Autumn walk around Watchfield collecting foliage we created an Autumn wreath.

On a windy and rainy October morning, there’s nothing better than to make a deliciously warming Apple Crumble and Flapjack, a very English activity!

For ‘Hygge Day’, which is the Danish word for cosy living, we decorated some jam jars and added tea lights for a warming glow to fight off the winter blues.

Pumpkin Carving

Near

Sara led the celebrations of Spanish Day, where students made ‘torrijas’ and decorated traditional Spanish fans.

Giovanna taught us the best Tiramisu recipe (Tiramisu means ‘pick me up’), a scrumptious Italian dessert that needs no more introduction.

tradition to see the three lovely English teachers, Sue, Frances and Jenny, transform into three terrifying witches as they demonstrate the art of pumpkin carving to the students!

Trip To Bath Christmas Market

In

Halloween we practised our English spelling and the students created some themed word art.

early December we held a bus trip to the beautiful city of Bath to experience and shop at the fantastic Christmas Market.

© Alexander Raths at Shutterstock.com

© PixMarket at Shutterstock.com

SHORT TERM FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO COVER THE COSTS OF CARE

Lady Grover’s Fund is an established Friendly Society able to provide financial support to cover hospital accommodation fees, home nursing and domestic help for officers’ dependants when sick or injured.

Founded in 1911, the Fund now provides specialist healthcare benefits to over 3,000 officer families.

Membership starts from just £40 a year for potential benefits of up to £8,000.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS START FROM £40 PER ANNUM

Nursing Home or Hospital Accommodation

The expense of temporary residence (including food and nursing care) in a hospital or nursing home; Up to £1,750 per week (£250 per day).

Home Nursing

The expense of the temporary employment of a qualified nurse or carer. Up to £350 per week (£50 per day).

Recovery

The expense of convalescence (including travelling expenses) under medical advice in an accepted establishment. Up to £350 per week (£50 per day).

Home Help

The expense of the temporary employment of domestic help. Up to £210 per week (£30 per day).

Lady Grover’s Hospital Fund for Officers’ Families is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Registration Number 205348.

Padre Phil Writes...

What’s your ideal Christmas?

Is it to be surrounded by all the generations of your family?

Is it to be out on the hills with your dog?

Is it sat on the couch watching a feelgood and trashy romcom?

Or is it hiding from your family in the airing cupboard while you munch on a mince pie?

Whatever your ideal Christmas, we all know that this Christmas, yet again, is not going to be normal. With the cost-of-living crisis continuing, cases of bird flu soaring, and more uncertainty and war across the world every day, things are far from ideal and far from normal.

You might find yourself asking, why can’t we just have a normal Christmas for once?

But when you come to think about it, this isn’t anything new.

On the very first Christmas, two thousand years ago, a young girl called Mary was minding her own business, looking forward to a nice life with her man Joseph in their semi-detached shack in Bethlehem. But an angel appeared to her and told

her she was going to give birth to a son, and she was to call him Jesus. This really wasn’t ideal at all. She had other plans.

Then there were some shepherds out in the field looking after their sheep. Angels appeared and told them about a new born king. When they set off, they expected to find a mighty and strong king who would sort the baddies of the world out. But instead, they found a tiny defenceless baby. This really wasn’t ideal at all. They had other plans.

Then there were the wise men. They followed a star to find the new king. They expected to find a majestic palace with riches and opulence beyond their wildest dreams. But instead, they found a scabby and smelly

stable filled with animals and manure. This really wasn’t ideal at all. They certainly had other plans.

On the first Christmas, things were anything but ideal.

Their Christmas wasn’t what they hoped or expected, but they were all able to find joy in the smallest of things, in a child, who came to save the world.

For you, your Christmas this year may not be ideal, and you may not have what you want. Your family may not be with you, your friends may not be able to visit, and you may not be able to do what you want.

But just as the first Christmas found joy in the smallest of things, a child in a manger, I would encourage you this Christmas not to focus on what you have

lost and all the things that are not ideal. But focus on the small things, the little wins, the places of peace in your home and in your life. Light a candle on Christmas day to remember those that can’t be there; send a Christmas card with a letter in it to a loved one; set the Christmas table with pictures of those that can’t be there; or send one of your Christmas baubles to your family, so that they can have something from your tree in their Christmas.

Look for joy in the smallest of things this Christmas.

I wish you a very happy, and peaceful, Christmas.

Padre Phil Craven

Welfare Coffee Morning

At the Jubilee Community Centre

Wednesday 25th January 2023

A great way of meeting your neighbours and making new friends.

Not to mention a great opportunity to meet the Welfare Office Staff, DAFFYS, Chaplaincy, Lady Grovers, Housing Teams, AWS and Homestart.

All with the added bonus of a ‘free’ hot drink and cake!

*Children are very welcome and must be supervised at all times*

Activities and events held in St Alban’s and run by the Chaplaincy Team

Lego Club

Tuesdays 1515-1630, weekly (Term time) A chance to build and create amazing designs, make new friends, whilst parents relax with a coffee or tea. (Parents are responsible for their children and may not be left on their own)

Soggy Sundays

1500-1700

Family fun afternoon with games, crafts and food. 30th Oct - Light Party 29th Jan - Noah and his Ark 26th Mar - Easter fun

Keep a look out for the following events:

Remembrance Service, 13th Nov @ 1030-1130, JSCSC • Christingle, 27th Nov @ 1600-1700, St Alban’s Church Blue Christmas Remembrance Service, 4th Dec@ 1900-2000, St Alban’s • Station Carols in the Courtyard, 7th Dec @ 1830-1930, St Alban’s Courtyard • Carols around the tree, 14th Dec @ 1215-1300,

For more information, please contact Leigh, the Chaplaincy Coordinator on leigh.hyde@da.mod.uk.

If only I had joined as soon I arrived at Shrivenham. All was not lost though, my precious few last months were packed with lots of textile experiences while I was with the quilters, enjoying every minute of my "in class" time. My lovely patient tutor was not at all fazed when I said I could not sew and my school teachers having given me up as lost cause. "You setting me a challenge then, if so, I accept " she replied. I still find it amazing how quickly and enjoyably my "can't sew" was turned into "Gee, just look at what I can do". In fact, I have relocated with enough skills to set myself up in a small business doing bespoke quilted items. My mum is so proud of me and I am extremely grateful to Heather for seeing the quilter in me. In class we often jokingly said we wanted to take her home with us.....of course I know that will never happen but I have the next best thing.......cyber access to Heather, who bless her, still patiently answers all my questions and guides and encourages me. Every posting should have a group like this.....The Academy Quilters sessions were my "time out" precious and vital stay sane times. I owe them a lot and will be forever grateful for their support and encouragement.

Mmm, my time with The Academy Quilters? It was fun, empowering, creative and constructive. I loved how we were all treated as individuals. I looked forward to my tea and biscuits, my chats with my patchwork buddies and absolutely loved being able to give my Father a lap quilt that I had made. Big thanks to Michael and Heather for all their care and belief in my abilities.

Being posted to Shrivenham was a slightly unnerving thing for us to do.....first time in another country. Turned out though, to have been a wonderful experience thanks to The Academy Quilters. I am so proud to say I was a member of that group and now consider myself a cyber Academy Quilter who has access to my tutor, Heather when ever I need her. Shame there aren't cyber coffees and biscuits ....I do miss Michael coming round each session, making sure we took a break to enjoy a drink. He didn't even mind me dunking my biscuit either. I left Shrivenham with a quilt I had made myself.....it is full of happy memories of all the other girls at patchwork, some of whom I still chat to and do love being able to do that. Thank you quilters for a wonderful time at Shrivenham.

I Left Shrivenham with a bit of a heavy heart...........was leaving behind my quilting group who had turned out to be my saviour when things just got too much. I had the most glorious time there with them, exchanging ideas, seeing what everyone else was doing, being taught to sew properly with a sewing machine and having at the end of my time there, three quilts, lots of patchwork friends and heaps more confidence in myself and my abilities. My husband is very pleased with his patchwork wife and has been suggesting I set up my own group as I still have the chance to stay in contact with Hedda for those "I don't think I can do this" moments. It is almost like being in class again and having a re assuring cyber hug when I need it. The Academy Quilters helped me keep homesickness at bay and taught me so much. What a wonderful group to have at a posting, Heather and Michael you both are quite amazing, I owe you both a massive amount of gratitude.

Autumn colours just asking to be stitched into lovely blocks.

Fresh bobbins wound with a good quality cotton thread, new blade in the rotary cutter, lovely long, extra fine pins and the next quilty project is ready to be started.

The satisfaction of carefully cutting out the pieces, in the chosen colours for a log cabin block.

Pinning, checking every meets where is should, then the pleasure of doing those quarter inch seams. Nice new needle that just slides through the fabrics and a pink "purple thang" to help with keeping things neat.

Why on earth did I leave it so late to join The Academy Quilters !

Pinwheel quilt blocks stitched ready for pressing.

Pressing carefully leads to seams behaving well. Tailors clappers help give a quilter these nice neat seam lines. Result ... One lovely autumnal log cabin block, waiting for it's sister blocks. One of 8 placemats created using mostly lovely recycled, pre loved cotton fabrics. Cutting slowly and accurately makes sewing the pieces together a dream.

The blocks are mounting up nicely for a very special quilt. Details carefully hand embroidered and fabrics selected with the new owner in mind. Kind thoughts and memories being stitched into the blocks .... That will mean even more to the new owner.

A very special flower block with lovingly hand stitched applique.

Log cabin block done with love.

Red, white and blue a great colour combination used for this creation, precious saved scraps, stitched with love and care has resulted in this special quilt. A work in progress, nearing completion, just the quilting, important label and binding to be done.

A real lovely 1st stocking with a specially designed machine embroidered cuff. Cross hatch quilting has added delightful texture to the creation.