11-15 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4AN Tel: 01793 522072 / 527530 Email: swindon@deacons-jewellers.com
01672 519955 Email: marlborough@deacons-jewellers.com Website: www.deacons-jewellers.com @deaconsjewellers
Maj Anthony Bolton Station Welfare Officer 01793 785786
e: Anthony.bolton@ da.mod.uk
Duty Mobile: 07557 176 864
WO2 Dave Barrow
Station Welfare
Warrant Officer 01793 314791
e: David.barrow770@mod.gov.uk
or: David.barrow@da.mod.uk
Duty Mobile: 07557 176 864
Ms Donna Gardner Families & Welfare Coordinator 01793 780793
e: Donna.gardner@ da.mod.uk
Mr Issam Laribi Families & Welfare Lead Administrator e: Issam.laribi@ 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 Autumn edition may be submitted at any time but must be received by 22nd Aug 2025 for publication in mid-September 2025.
Advertising: Jayne Bailey
Lance Media Group Ltd
Tel: (01536) 334219
Email: jayne@lancemediagroup.co.uk
FRONT COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of Shutterstock.com
We are proud to sell our Roves-raised beef, lamb, pork & goat alongside organic dairy & lots more local & artisan produce. Enjoy freshly prepared food, using Roves-raised meats, delicious handmade cakes, hot & cold drinks in our café.
CHALLENGE COINS
The coins come in hard plastic capsules as standard
50 1.75” = £400.00 (£8.00 +
100 1.75” = £550.00 (£5.50 +
200
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 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 and two Serco Staff members, be sure to stop by and say ‘hello’.
The JCC has two ‘soft play’ areas for young children (under 1metre in height and crawlers).
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 0800 - 1630hrs Monday to Thursday and 08001230hrs Friday.
The Soft Play Areas are open 0830 - 1600hrs Monday to Thursday and 0830 - 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!
The 1st Fairford Scouts got ‘hands on’ during a Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM)/Astronautics evening with a volunteer from the Defence College for Military Capability Integration at the end of February 2025.
Taking place in a scout hut in Fairford, this out-of-hours event saw an opportunity to engage with the local community and provided an exciting and educational experience for the scouts. Topics included were:
• aerodynamics
• propulsion
• structural mechanics
Using what they had learned, the scouts were then given the opportunity to design and build their own rockets and then launch them.
Also in attendance was FIDO, DCMCI’s robotic dog which showed the troop how technology can be used to send agile, remote-controlled equipment into situations
inaccessible to humans.
Lieutenant Colonel Jon Stott delivered the event and said: “I had the immense pleasure of delivering a STEM Science / Astronautics evening to a local scout section, which not only promotes an interest in science, engineering and technology, but was incredibly ‘hands-on’ as they all made their own rockets and launched them at the end of the evening. The scouts earned a much coveted ‘NASA Astronautics badge’ in a single evening, which went down very well!”
From 7 – 16 March 2025 the United Kingdom marked British Science Week with the aim of improving interest in the field to children and adults alike.
It seems only a few days since we were reporting on Christmas celebrations – where has the time gone? The Defence Academy choir remains busy preparing for a variety of events ranging from our regular, much-loved concerts for local associations through to taking part in music festivals.
We were delighted once again to be invited to sing at the annual Parachute Association’s lunch in early March. This is always a special day for us where we not only “sing for our supper” but enjoy the opportunity to hear entertaining anecdotes from the membership.
Our main effort was rehearsing our entries for the Swindon Music Festival held in late March. The standard, as always, was high; we were competing against one choir that was nearly three times larger than us. Unlike some, our choir does not require any audition for membership and we were very proud of our performance – singing Tightrope from The Greatest Showman, and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, two very eclectic and challenging pieces. After a well-earned break at Easter we returned to prepare for an event that we have been looking forward to for months, the VE 80th Celebration Weekend at Aldbourne. We joined the
Aldbourne Village Choir for a late afternoon concert of popular WW2 songs as well as some from our own repertoire. The highlight was a performance of Lovingly Remembered where the two adult choirs were joined by French children from Creully School. This was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the D-Day 80 commemorations in Normandy using lyrics from letters written by Cecil Newton, a veteran who lived in Aldbourne and who only died recently. No time to relax however as we are now rehearsing for our Summer Concert of Songs from Film and Musicals which takes place on Saturday 19th July, the location to be confirmed. We hope to be joined by members from other Military Wives Choirs and invite you all to come to our end of year celebration – keep a look out for more information around Shrivenham and Watchfield in the coming weeks! This performance will, sadly be the last conducted by Jon Driver
our MD. Jon has been directing the choir since September 2021, introducing a wonderful selection of new and challenging pieces to sit alongside our core songs. Jon’s excellent musicianship and encouragement together with a much-appreciated sense of humour has made both rehearsals and events a pleasure for us all. We will miss you Jon –THANK YOU.
The Defence Academy Military Wives Choir is for female spouses and partners of serving and retired military personnel, serving service women and female support staff of the Defence Academy, including Civil Servants, Serco, Cranfield and other DA contractors. We are always delighted to welcome new or returning members.
We meet on Monday mornings from 10.30am until noon at the Jubilee Centre, Faringdon Road, Watchfield; our main rehearsal takes place on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm until 9.30pm at St Alban’s Church, Axis Road, Watchfield. Please pop in to either of these meetings for more information.
You can also contact us on our email defenceacademy@militarywives.org
This Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), administered under the auspices of the Charity Commission and managed under Almshouse Association guidelines, currently owns 14 homes (6 houses and 8 apartments, housing 22 adult residents) in Shrivenham.
The Trust was established in the early 1920’s to promote well-being in the village and to provide homes for veterans returning from the 1st World War. Most of the homes were built in the 1920’s and included workrooms to encourage occupants to provide for a living for themselves. Additionally, a block of four apartments, closest to the Fairthorne Rd. roundabout on the High St, was completed in 2004. One of the semi-detached houses on the High St. was converted to two flats in the 1990’s, and the semi-detached house next door was converted into flats in 2023.
The criteria to be a resident of one of the homes include a strong Military Service link, a local connection, a physical or mental disability, and the financial need for charitable housing. There is no waiting list per se for residency, rather a list of interested persons. When a vacancy arises, it is advertised in various local and Service publications; the most deserving case within the criteria is then selected.
The properties are all selfcontained homes and are easily visible from the Recreation Ground which is managed by our ‘sister’ Trust – The Viscountess Barrington Memorial Hall and Recreation Ground Trust.
Residents are charged a ‘below market rate’ maintenance contribution (MC) in line with Almshouse Association guidelines; the Charity relies on the MC to fund ongoing cyclical and emergency maintenance. Refurbishment is usually undertaken when a property becomes vacant, within financial limitations.
A long-term program of major refurbishment has commenced to ensure that the properties are fit for purpose, particularly in terms of insulation and the prevention of damp. One block of two semi-detached houses was completed in 2021, and the conversion of a three bedroomed house into two flats was completed in 2023. Further modernizations and refurbishments are planned when finances allow. This work is detailed in the Trust’s 5-year Plan.
Although the Trust is not responsible for the welfare of the residents, occasional help is provided in dealing with agencies such as the local council and care centers as and when appropriate.
The Trust has no paid employees and is run by 6 Trustees coopted and drawn from the local community. The Trustees appoint a Clerk who deals with the day to day running of the Trust.
Further information is available from the Clerk to the Trust, Graham Vizor, on 01793-783684 or via email at clerk@vbhshrivenham.org.
At only £45 the MOT test is peace of mind, you will definitely benefit from the specialist independent and friendly service that is offered here at Fast Piston.
If your car is over 3 years and requires an annual MOT inspection, we are here to help! We offer a standard inspection of over 150 safety-related and emission items, including lights, suspension, brakes and steering.
Fast Piston offers a full range of car services or interim services and we are happy to help you choose which service is best for you.
Fast Piston are fully committed to providing an amazing experience, whether you are coming in for a routine inspection or a repair service, Fast Piston guarantees that you will be 100% satisfied with the work carried out. Our shop only uses parts from reputable brands to ensure that your vehicle is always primed.
Life after the military can be uncertain - but it can also be full of new possibilities. If you’re looking for a career with purpose, flexibility, and real-world impact, becoming a driving instructor could be your next mission. You’ve served your country - now help others on the road to independence.
You don’t need previous experience teaching - just a full UK driving licence and a commitment to helping others. KL Driver Training provides a comprehensive, DVSA-approved training programme that supports you from start to finish:
• Part 1: Theory & Hazard Perception
• Part 2: Advanced Driving Ability
• Part 3: Instructional Ability
We offer flexible payment plans and military-friendly support, including help accessing ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits) and personalised guidance throughout your transition. You can train around your current schedule, and we’ll support you with finding pupils once you qualify.
Contact KL Driver Training today and take the first step towards your new career.
For the past 22 years I have helped numerous Service families to complete their Tax Returns. I live in Shrivenham which means I am able to meet new clients at short notice. I offer a fast and efficient service at reasonable rates.
One night in March, nineteen Scouts and six Leaders from 1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout Group abandoned their beds and slept out in improvised shelters as part of the 2025 ‘Great Tommy Sleepout’.
They were among more than 12,000 people who participated in this award-winning nationwide challenge which is designed by the Royal British Legion Industries in aid of the estimated 6,000 veterans of the UK Armed Forces who are homeless and sleep rough in the UK every night. As part of their preparation for this challenge, the Scouts learned about the complex causes of homelessness – both among the veteran community and among the general population – and its effects on people’s lives. A volunteer from a local homeless charity kindly came to the Scout Hut to give a talk and answer questions. The Scouts also learned that ‘Tommy’ is short for ‘Tommy Atkins’, the archetypal British soldier immortalised in Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem.
On the night of the Sleepout, the Scouts set up their shelters and lined them with cardboard; collected some stew from a ‘soup kitchen’ expertly run by one of the Leaders; and gathered for
a reflection before retiring for the night. In the morning, they warmed up with some porridge and a good run-around before a final reflection.
Helen Wright, the Group Scout Leader, said, “This was a brilliant activity for the Scouts. It was never going match the reality of being homeless or sleeping rough, but it was thoughtprovoking and an opportunity to reflect on how truly fortunate we all are. The Scouts are pleased and proud to have raised over £1,000 for our veterans.”
If you would like to help the Scouts raise even more money for this worthy cause, please scan the QR code and visit our Just Giving page.
The 1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout Group is a thriving and active Scout Group based at the Defence Academy. We welcome children from UK and international armed forces’ families, and from the local villages. Every week, our 36 Beavers, 48 Cubs, and 28 Scouts enjoy fun, exciting, and safe indoor and outdoor Scouting activities in and around the Defence Academy and local community.
If you have a young person aged 6-13 who would like to join in the fun, or if you would like to volunteer and help give young people skills for life, please visit https://www.kascouts.org.uk/join or email Helen on helenwright@kascouts.org.uk
By Kayleigh E Smith
My story began in the late 1980’s where I grew up in a small town in Hertfordshire. My family was always a little different to other families, but that didn’t bother us!
In 2014 we moved from Hertfordshire to Wiltshire where we have lived for 10 years. Since having a family of my own, I began to recognise sensory issues and daily struggles in my children and realised that I too had been facing these same issues since childhood. This led me on my journey of self-discovery where I began to research and learn about Autism and ADHD.
In 2023 I was diagnosed with ADHD which encouraged me to rethink my life’s direction. I came up with the idea to write a children’s book to incorporate my childhood struggles in hope that other children could relate to my characters and feel represented. I pitched my idea to my Husband who encouraged me to go for it! So, I submitted my story to a publishing company and was soon offered a publishing contract.
In learning about myself I have discovered a passion for writing and aspire to continue writing for years to come. I hope many
children can enjoy Lady Mouse and Wolfy which is a story of two best friends who face those daily struggles together.
My first book, The Adventures of Lady Mouse and Wolfy – Beach Day Bother is available to buy online worldwide and is now in a few local shops.
Readers may recall that the previous edition of this magazine carried the splendid news that a volunteer from 1st Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout Group had been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year’s Honours List.
Dr Roger Padgham, known to most as ‘Bosun’, has been a volunteer for over 50 years. Through roles in the Scout, Cub, and Beaver Sections, he has directly enabled hundreds of children – in some cases spanning three generations and including children from visiting international families – to enjoy exciting and rewarding activities and develop skills for life. Bosun has also supported or benefited thousands of adults across Oxfordshire and other parts of the UK through roles in training and development.
At the end of March, Bosun and his three guests travelled by train and black cab to Buckingham Palace for his Investiture Ceremony. They were warmly
greeted by the staff of the Royal Household and impeccably looked after throughout. Bosun was presented with the MBE for ‘Services to Young People’ in the Throne Room by Princess Anne. Afterwards, he descended the Grand Staircase in style, paused in the Palace courtyard for some formal photography, and then departed by black cab for a celebration lunch at the Royal Air Force Club on Piccadilly. Eventually, it was time to head home to Shrivenham where, unbeknown to Bosun, friends and well-wishers from the Group, the King Alfred District, and the County of Oxfordshire were gathering for a surprise reception.
Helen Wright, the Group Scout Leader, said, “Bosun was expecting ‘a restful cup of tea
and a quiet dinner’ when he arrived back in Shrivenham but, thanks to a remarkably successful ‘deception operation’,
he was surprised to find around 70 people waiting to congratulate him. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day. We are delighted that Bosun’s fantastic contribution to the local community and Defence Academy has been recognised through this welldeserved award.”
Bosun is a well-known figure around the Defence Academy and so, if you see him, be sure to congratulate him!
It seems like it was very recently that I was writing my very first piece for this magazine, and it feels too soon to be writing my last! This summer I finish my time as Chaplain to Shrivenham Station and shall be departing for a new role.
It’s been a huge privilege to share in the lives of so many different people here, from anything from the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee through to many months of support and friendship. Seeing course members engage with ideas as they develop themselves, and noticing how hard the staff work to make everything come together has been inspiring. It’s been a joy to baptise people (from young children to young Majors), and deeply moving to lead people in remembering the sacrifices of those who have gone before us.
We are all trying to navigate
our way through life in what is proving to be a challenging time. Stresses and challenge come in many different forms, from work pressures, parenting challenges, relationships to geopolitical events. One thing that has been increasingly important in my role is helping people to think about and foster their personal resilience. Recognising we can’t avoid challenges, we should try and build our capacity to weather them, bounce back from them, and then to grow as a result of the experience.
Doing some reading on this area I came across a fascinating study, which having interviewed people who had been resilient in the face of huge challenges (Covid 19 medics, war veterans etc) came up with a list of attributes they had in common.
Resilient people displayed realistic optimism, accepting what they cannot change and believing
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
Chaplaincy Coordinator, Leigh Hyde, 07920162664, leigh.hyde@da.mod.uk
they will overcome it. They were people who faced their fears, confronting, rather than avoid difficulties. They showed reliance on an inner ‘moral compass’, and also gave time to their religious or spiritual practices. They had a sense of meaning and purpose. Social support, both giving and receiving in meaningful relationships, was hugely important to them. They also had resilient role models to look up to, and would be a role model to others as well. Reciprocity is key here.
Resilient people also take time to care for themselves physically, which means all the boring things your parents told you to do like eat properly, exercise and get good quality sleep.
None of this is surprising, and in many ways they have summed up how to flourish as a human being. But it takes time and effort to do, and we have much to
distract us from being how we should be. I hope this summer you will be able to find time and space to reconnect with what matters; to breathe and take stock. If you, like me, are moving on then I wish you Godspeed and every success in your next step.
Though I am leaving my present role, I’m only moving down the road to Beckett House. Please do say hello when you see me! I will continue to pray for you all.
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
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.
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. Opposite Kitchner Hall. 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 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 or play a boardgame or two, air hockey and table football can also be played.
Come and discover what The Haven has to offer.
The Haven is open to all during the working day and evening, 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
Vale Garage Service Centre offers MOT testing, repairs, servicing and diagnostics. We do anything from tyres to brakes, batteries and exhausts.
Vale Garage car and van sales is an independent retailer supplying low milage used cars and vans in the local area of Oxforshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Berkshire.
For vehicles outside the manufacturers warranty we offer a fully comprehensive warranty. All vehicles are serviced up to date when sold. Service telephone: 01367 710 777 Sales telephone: 01367 710 100
Forecourt Location: Vale Garage, Faringdon Road, Stanford in the Vale, nr Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 8NN. Email: valegarage@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.valegarage.com
Spring has sprung at Shrivenham Equestrian Centre and we are so pleased to see some sunshine!
We recently celebrated the one year anniversary of our coffee mornings. We never dreamed how successful they'd be and love getting to share our incredible ponies with new and returning riders every month at the pony rides.
AIM ‘Riding For The Disabled’ group also recently celebrated their one year anniversary and we are proud to now host them twice a week on Wednesday and Sunday. The extra session means they are now able to offer private lessons as well as the group sessions
We are looking forward to a great summer and are excited to have been invited along to Armed Forces day at Lydiard Park on June 28th and at The Memorial Hall 100th party in the park on May 4th.
All our upcoming events will be shared via our Facebook page. Do keep an eye on it for details.
As ever, if you would like to get involved then contact us via email info@shrivenhamequestrian.com or Facebook Shrivenham Equestrian Centre.
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.
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.
Hi there folks, I am a relocated Academy Quilter and am so glad of my chance to do a write up for them. So let’s whizz back to the beginning …
Got posted to the UK, Shrivenham a while back, with two smalls and a dog plus of course, a studying hubby.
My usual selfcare/survival mantra when being posted, is to find something to learn and enjoy each time. Hey yay, lucky, lucky me…. there was a long running quilt group with tuition and support that met on Monday nights at 19.30, and Thursday mornings at 10.00 in the church hall at the end of Axis road.
Did I go join? You bet I did and enjoyed every minute. Went from very raw beginner to a proud owner of several “me made” quilts plus numerous small items that were great for “gifting”.
I loved the way the group functioned, we all were encouraged to be individuals, all choosing different quilt designs to make and because of that, I feel we all learnt so much extra.
Must admit I felt a bit envious when I heard that previously, folks had longer posting schedules resulting in 18 months, 2 years plus, time with the quilt group. That bit of info made me even more determined to get the most out of that great short opportunity that I had. My time with them was way too short, I could quite understand why the leaving quilters wanted to take the tutor home with them.
I learnt so much in that time, really wish we had been able to stay longer….tried to convince my man to do another course there but that didn’t work out but he did buy me a super sewing machine that is just right for patchwork and quilting, again, lucky me.
Learning “quilt language" was fun, you lovely Brits do have some funny names for things I was thinking but after listening to my tutor, I came to realise that quite a lot of the terminology is used
worldwide and been is use for several hundred years.
Okay, I probably wasn’t the easiest of pupils but all credit to my tutor, she stuck with me, adapted techniques to my way of thinking and processing information. Just wish she had been with me while I was at school… I would have come out with much better grades and had a nicer experience all round.
Anyway, that’s in the past now and thanks to Academy Quilters in UK Shrivenham, I have now enrolled in a textiles in history course which is heavily biased towards patchwork. My Academy Quilter tutor said there was so much history wrapped up in patchwork…at the time I wasn’t totally convinced but now… yay lady, you were so right and thanks to you and your unending patience and support and all The Academy Quilters, there’s now a very happy Aussie quilter aiming for a degree plus heading up her
own quilt group.
My cousin is being posted over there so there’s no prizes as to what I am suggesting she joins and does it as soon as she arrives. Not wasting precious learning time as I did. That will be another family member benefiting from the wonderful Academy Quilters experience.
I will end my write up by using this moment to record my heartfelt thanks for all the care, support and encouragement I received from the group … made my short stay in the UK a real pleasure, greatly benefitting both me and my family.
Good luck to all you new quilters, go find the group, don’t miss out on this super opportunity and stitch up your own textile history.
Vicky
A few more cute windmill blocks to add to the box - These tiny blocks are wonderful for using previous scraps. Being small makes them great for when this busy quilter needs some quiet, creative, chilling out time. Having got used to “nubbing the points”, matching seams was a reliable pleasurably process.
A very pretty cushion, created, carefully and lovingly by a first time quilter who excelled at colour choice and placement plus mastered accurate cutting and seaming. Creation destined to be gifted to a lucky new owner.
Really enjoyed stitching the log cabin blocks required for this doorstop chicken. Was able to use some saved scraps for the “logs” plus learnt to do some machine embroidery for the tail feathers. Looking forward to starting another now.
So proud of her first project, a bible cover. Special fabrics were cut carefully and married with others for the quartered square central block. Piecing curves turned out to be easier than expected.
A very special dress for a two- year- old. It involved new techniques to be mastered but doing things slowly resulted in a lovely little dress that its new owner really enjoys.
Having spent time choosing "just the right fabrics" for this table runner, this quilter was prepared to take her time with the topping out stage and enjoy the process.
A T T E N T I O N !
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR BRILLIANT FORCES PACKAGE
Generous Forces’ Bursary
Sibling discounts
Excellent pastoral care
Fantastic boarding ethos
No formal exeat weekends
Governor with specific forces remit Proudly
COME AND FIND OUT ABOUT CLASSES
English classes start 8th september 2025
Foreign language classes start 22nd september 2025
Is learning a new language on your wishlist? If so, come and check out your local Language Centre…open to all.
We offer English as a second language and French, Spanish, Italian, German. As if you need any other incentive, learning a new language is proven to keep your brain active and sharp!
English as a second language
If you know anyone struggling with the English language – au pairs, overseas visitors for example – 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.
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.
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.
Specially tailored classes for children are available in your own home.
INFORMATION AND ENROLMENT DAYS
3rd, 4th, 5th SEPTEMBER 2025 – 9.30am – 11.30am
COME AND MEET OUR TEACHERS AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSES
OPEN TO EVERYONE
ENGLISH CLASSES ALL LEVELS Weekdays 9.30am – 11.30am
FOREIGN LANGUAGE EVENING CLASSES
All levels Monday – Thursday
FRENCH • SPANISH • ITALIAN • GERMAN
Email: languagecentre7@gmail.com www.shrivenhamlanguagecentre.co.uk
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
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.
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. There is great excitement about our annual trip to Royal Ascot where students get to see close up the pomp and ceremony of a Royal occasion.
Turn over for more photos of our
Maj Anthony Bolton
Shrivenham Station Welfare Officer 01793 785786
WO2 Dave Barrow Station Welfare Warrant Officer 01793 314791
Ms Donna Gardner
Families and Welfare Coordinator 01793 780793
Mr Issam Laribi Families & Welfare Lead Administrator Email: Issam.laribi@da.mod.uk
Military Provost Guard Service 01793 785612 - (MPGS) 785617
Padre Robert Church
01793 314161/ Mobile 07977 479866
Email: Robert.church@da.mod.uk
Leigh Hyde
Chaplaincy Coordinator 01793 314033 /mobile: 07920162664 leigh.hyde@da.mod.uk
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
Shrivenham Village Post Office
01793 782260
Watchfield Village Hall 01793 782234 or 783157
DAFFYS dadaffys@gmail.com
Shrivenham Station Equestrian Centre 01793 785489 http://www.shrivenhamequestrian.com/ Scouts cn@wands.org.uk www.kascouts.org.uk/wands
Defence Academy Golf Club 01793 785725
Girlguiding Tuckmill ( Watchfield & Shrivenham) (Rainbows, Brownies, Guides,Rangers, Volunteering) Email: Alice.k.mintoff@cranfield.ac.uk Tuckmillgirlguiding@gmail.com
Defence Academy Military Wives Choir defenceacademy@militarywiveschoirs.org
Academy Quilters 01793 762278
Shrivenham Station Language Centre 01793 784881
Alfresco Child Care 01793 790263
The Barn Kindergarten 01793 782182
Old Station Nursery 01367 243800
Watchfield Primary School 01793 782623
Shrivenham CE Primary School 01793 782406
Longcot & Fernham Primary School 01793 782381
Shellingford Primary School
01367 710301
Faringdon Community College 01367 240375
Cranfield University Switchboard 01793 785810
Main Gate Reception 01793 788270
JSCSC Reception (Main Foyer) 01793 788000
