Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24th January 2025

Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Friday 24^th January 2025

Including employer engagement, Regimental associations and 3^rd Sector stands. 

The Grand Military Gold Cup is an historic National Hunt steeplechase, run at Sandown Park and taking place in Jan each year. First run in 1841, the race is restricted to serving Military amateur riders and is the showcase event in a day of celebration of the Armed Forces.

Please see the poster for a discount code that reduces the ticket cost for the following:

• Serving Members of the Armed Forces
  
• Veterans
• Personnel from any organisation who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Link to book tickets is https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown/events-tickets/grand-military-gold-cup-day/

Little Troopers: Last Christmas Smiles boxes - applications now open to all military families

Little Troopers now have just 100 Christmas Smiles boxes left (out of 2,500!) and they really want to get these out to little troopers before Christmas. The last postal date is next Wednesday, so applications are now opened up to all military families.

Here's the link to apply (deadline for applications is 5pm on Fri 13th Dec): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X6Y259D

​Each Little Troopers Christmas Smiles box is packed with helpful resources and activities from the charity, all related to being a military child, along with a special edition of their newspaper and Christmas treats and stocking fillers to raise a smile.

The Forces Employment Charity Families Programme exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Their Families Programme supports spouses and partners of still-serving personnel and veterans, including divorced, separated, and bereaved, on their journey into employment; regardless of whether you are in the UK or overseas.

Forces Employment Charity says, "We understand Service life and transition can impact the whole family, so we also offer mentoring and career guidance to military children and young people aged 16-24.  Link to Young People Programme

"Our dedicated Families Employment Advisors are military spouses or partners themselves. They understand the challenges and barriers you may be facing. Including frequent moves, living in relative isolation, childcare, employer reluctance to hire military spouses, getting back onto the employment ladder, having a lack of confidence, and returning suddenly to civilian life. We understand the support you require and are here to help you succeed. Here is the link to register:  Register for this free service!

"We offer holistic services to support military spouses, partners, and military children, including:

• Bespoke career and training diagnostics
  
• Support in writing an effective CV and cover letter
• Comprehensive job application and interview support
• Connections to a pool of nationwide employer partners
• Expert industry knowledge and updates
• Tailored coaching and mentoring
• Networking events and employment fairs" ​

Tips and advice on handling fireworks from Paderborn Stadt Authorities

So that New Year's Eve ends without any nasty surprises


Tips and advice on handling fireworks

Fireworks must be handled with extreme caution
© Christian Schwier-Germany / fotolia.com


The year will end in a few days. As the end of the past year and the start of the new year, rockets will light up the dark night sky in many places. But what should be taken into account when setting off New Year's Eve fireworks? When can firecrackers, rockets, etc. be bought and set off?

Category 2 fireworks, which include rockets, fountains, or firework batteries, can be bought in retail stores from December 29 to 31. According to the Explosives Act, these are fireworks that have a low noise level, for example, and are intended for use outdoors. 

They can be set off on December 31 and January 1 by people who have reached the age of 18. However, Category 2 fireworks may not be set off near churches, hospitals, children's and old people's homes, or particularly fire-sensitive buildings and facilities such as half-timbered or wooden houses or gas stations.

Category 1 fireworks (so-called children's fireworks) can be bought and used all year round in Germany by minors aged 12 and over.
They are popular at New Year's Eve, but they are not without danger.

“Hands off illegal or homemade fireworks,” advises the Paderborn District Regulatory Office. There is a risk of serious injuries.

Only fireworks that have been type-tested by a notified body such as the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing are safe to handle when used as intended. Tested fireworks are marked with a registration number and the CE mark. (Source: BAM)

Marc Hammerstein, head of the district fire brigade and technical centre in Büren-Ahden, advises from the fire and rescue service perspective that parents should urgently warn their children about the danger of unexploded firecrackers.

 "Unfortunately, there have been repeated accidents here in recent years with very serious injuries," says Hammerstein.

While we understand the need for a boisterous New Year's Eve celebration, district veterinarian Dr. Ralf Lang also asks for consideration for wild and domestic animals. Fireworks should therefore only be set off at the turn of the year and not hours or days before or after.

"Then the animals don't suffer from constant stress," explains Lang. The expert advises pet owners to bring cats into the house early and to keep dogs and cats in a place in the house that is as protected from noise as possible. 

Since horses and cattle can also react with fear, "it goes without saying that no fireworks should be set off near farms and stables and that pet owners should keep an eye on their animals," stresses the district veterinarian.

To ensure that New Year's Eve does not end in hospital or the fire brigade having to be called out, the district fire brigade headquarters has put together a series of important tips and advice on how to handle fireworks.

Fireworks do not belong in children's hands!Only use fireworks that have been approved by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). Tested fireworks are marked with a registration number and the CE mark in conjunction with the identification number of the testing center that monitors the manufacturer's quality assurance. BAM has the Europe-wide identification number 0589.- Carefully read and follow the instructions printed on the packaging!

• Never modify or open fireworks yourself!
• Only use firecrackers and rockets outdoors!
• Maintain a safe distance from people, buildings, trees and motor vehicles!
• Only fire rockets vertically; find a safe place to stand!
• Do not fire rockets in strong winds!
• Throw away lit firecrackers immediately after lighting them or move away!
• Do not leave unused rockets or firecrackers lying around. They can still ignite even after several minutes!
• Fireworks can ignite clothing, open pockets or hoods are particularly dangerous!
• Never throw fireworks at people or objects or aim rockets at people!
• Rockets can be blown off course by just a short gust of wind. Therefore, close windows, balconies and doors so that nothing from outside lands in your living room and can cause fires. It is best to also tidy up the balcony and not leave anything that is easily flammable!

Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water ready. In an emergency, call 112.

The Longest Yarn - A Thread Through History

The Longest Yarn is an 80 metre 3D knitted/crocheted work depicting The Longest Day, 6th June 1944, in time for the 80th Anniversary.

The exhibition is coming to the following locations (please check individual websites for timings and further information):

• Tewkesbury Abbey - Sat 7 Dec-Thu 9 Jan
• St Macartins, Enniskillen - Mon 13 Jan-Sat 8 Feb
• Norwich University Memorial Library - Mon 10 Feb-Sat 1 Mar
• Peterborough Cathedral - Mon 3 Mar-Tue 3 Apr​

British Gas Electrician Apprenticeship Vacancies

We're so much more than an energy company. We're a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. 

We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn't rely on fossil fuels whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. 

Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That's why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.

During your apprenticeship, you'll absorb the wisdom, grasp the skills, and earn the qualifications to emerge as a top-tier Electrical Engineer – a true household hero. Under the wing of our experienced Electricians, you'll soon learn how to deliver energy efficient solutions to our customers through installing, upgrading & maintaining electrical systems. 

• Glasgow
• Hertfordshire
• Aberdeenshire
• Greater London
• Gloucestershire
• Essex
• Bridgend
• Northampton
• Derbyshire
• Staffordshire

The link to apply or more information is HERE

Service times for Advent season 2024

Here are the dates and times for this years services at St Bonniface and Loseke Community Centre

15th December – 10:30  Holy Communion Third Sunday of Advent St Boniface

22nd December – 10:30 Teddy bear Nativity Service Bring a teddy/soft toy dressed to play a part St Boniface

24th December – 16:00 Carol Service Carols for Christmas Community Centre

24th December – 23:30 Holy Communion Midnight Mass St Boniface

25th December – 10:30 Celebration of Christmas The joy of Christmas St Boniface

29th December – 10:30 Holy Communion First Sunday of Christmas St Boniface

4th January – 10:30 Holy Communion Second Sunday of Christmas St Boniface

Get as the crow flies fares in NRW on 2-4-1 offer

Trips to the Christmas market, gift shopping or Advent and Christmas visits can be easily done by bus and train. The electronic NRW tariff "eezy" is recommended this December as a particularly cheap offer with a take-away promotion. "eezy Westfalen" can also be booked at PaderSprinter.

Nationwide air fare

With the electronic NRW fare "eezy" you can travel nationwide on buses and trains without knowing the fares. The price is calculated automatically - not according to the actual route, but according to the air miles traveled between the start and destination stops. In order to attract even more passengers, "eezy Westfalen" is offering a ride-along promotion during the Advent and Christmas period this year, where two passengers can travel for the price of one person. "eezy Westfalen" can also be booked with the PaderSprinter via the timetable app.

Pay for one and get a ticket for two people

From December 6th to December 26th, 2024, every eezy user in NRW can take another person with them on 2nd class bus and train journeys free of charge. Only one person is checked in or out and the barcode is then considered a valid ticket for both. The accompanying person can get off earlier, but their free ride is only valid for the distance that the checked-in passenger also pays for, not beyond that. Children up to the age of 6 and dogs travel free of charge in NRW anyway.

A few steps to the digital ticket

To book "eezy", first download the PaderSprinter timetable app. This is available to all iOS and Android users free of charge in the relevant app stores, but is currently not smoothly supported by all versions of the operating systems. 

After downloading the app, the passenger must register once to buy the ticket and enter their desired payment method (PayPal, SEPA direct debit or credit card). 

The passenger then checks in immediately before boarding using the timetable app with "eezy Ticket check-in". Check-in must be completed before entering the vehicle so that a valid ticket is available for the journey. 

As soon as the ticket appears as a barcode on the mobile phone, it entitles the passenger to travel on local public transport. 

A QR code is then displayed on the smartphone on the way for ticket inspection. Since the digital tickets are personal and therefore not transferable, passengers should always carry a control medium (e.g. photo ID, driver's license) with them in the event of a ticket inspection. When getting off, the customer then checks out again independently in the timetable app using “eezy Ticket check-out”.

Further information on “eezy Westfalen” is available at the PaderSprinter customer center at Westernmauer 18 (Tel.: 05251-6997 222) or online at padersprinter.de. Passengers can also find further information on the PaderSprinter timetable app at https://www.padersprinter.de/app/.

Victory Services Club (VSC) Club Life Newsletter - November 2024

Newsletter attached as PDF, but rather than host in Google Drive (as this precludes MODnet readers), please post online link: Club Life Newsletter - November 2024

Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day - Wed 11 Dec

You will be able to access colleagues from Pinnacle's Customer Solutions, Repairs, Home Services and Housing Officer teams who will be on hand to provide you with information on a host of topics. They will also help to answer and resolve any queries and questions you may have.

You can also learn more about Pinnacle's free career and small business support for military families, veterans and communities.

Be part of Pinnacle's Virtual Outreach Day and connect with their representatives via Microsoft Teams. Book your slot by Friday 6th December at Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: West Yorkshire

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 80 new Executive Officer opportunities open in West Yorkshire within their Disability Services Team. 

The Disability Services advert will run from 04/12/24 to 18/12/24

Civil Service Jobs link: Disability Services - Case Manager - West Yorkshire (Ref: 724) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

​More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

Your Armed Forces Offer explained

The Defence Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of Service life, and the vital work our people do to keep us safe at home and strong abroad.

​​Find out more about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support available to you: Discover My Benefits

Those with access to MODnet can also view the full article at: 

• Defnet: Your Armed Forces Offer explained (sharepoint.com)
• Defence Connect: Your Armed Forces Offer explained | Defence Connect (mod.uk)

News from Winterberg - Could be good snow this weekend

The desire for snow and winter sports is growing week by week. And this news comes at just the right time: the weather services are predicting snowfall over the weekend. This week, the range of activities is growing slowly. But if the weather forecasts are correct, there could be a larger range of winter sports available for the first time on the third weekend of Advent.





A wintry white mountain world: This is what it will look like again this weekend, as shown in this archive photo. It is now becoming increasingly wintry and the range of winter sports on offer is growing.




Ski and snowboard
There are currently three lifts running in the Winterberg ski lift carousel. If possible, the Büre-Herrloh lift will create the connection between Poppenberg and Rauher Busch from Saturday. If the snowfall on Saturday is heavy enough, one or two more lifts could be added. The open slopes then promise good to very good winter sports conditions.

lift operation




Tobogganing /Sledging
The toboggan lift in the Ruhrquelle ski area is expected to be operational again from Saturday if possible and will then be open daily. If there is enough snowfall, a toboggan lift could be added on Saturday or Sunday at the Kappe and on the Astenstraße in the Winterberg ski lift carousel, one in the Neuastenberg ski village and possibly one in Olpe-Fahlenscheid. 

If the snowfall arrives in sufficient volume , tobogganing in the countryside will also be possible without a lift.

Tobogganing



Winter hiking
The weekend promises real snow experiences, albeit with unsettled weather. After a stormy Friday, the wind is easing. However, there is still a "decent breeze" blowing in the mountains. To warm up, we recommend visiting a hat. In Willingen, the walk up the mountain is particularly pleasant. There is a cable car for pedestrians. On the mountain peaks, it should also be possible to take a sledge with you on paths that are not pushed.

Winter hiking



Prospects
If the snowfall currently predicted for this weekend does happen, the first major winter sports offer of the new season could be available. 

Dec 2024 Event calendar

• 14th or 21st Opening Party Ski Area Bödefeld Hunau
• 12th, 20th 21st FIL Junior World Cup, LugeVeltins Ice Arena Winterberg
• 12th & 30th: Torchlight hike from the valley station of the Ettelsberg cable car in Willingen
• 31st: New Year's Eve floodlit skiing in Neuastenberg ski village

Please donate blood and save a life this Christmas!

 Facts and figures

• 1 in 4 of us will need a blood transfusion in our lives yet only 3% of those eligible give blood.
• In 2023, 1.44 million blood donations were made by 785,000 amazing individuals.
• The NHS needs 140,000 new first-time donors this year.
• Sickle cell is the UK's fastest-growing genetic disorder, and many patients require regular blood transfusions. For the best treatment, patients benefit from blood transfusions from donors of the same ethnicity.
• To ensure the donor base reflects the diversity of patients, the NHS needs 12,000 new donors of Black heritage this year.
• O negative is the universal blood type, crucial in emergencies or when a patient's blood type is unknown. Although only 8% of the population has O negative blood, it accounts for 15% of hospital orders.
• There are 25 permanent blood donation centres across the country, with the most appointments for donors in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, and London.

Give the best gift this winter: give blood. You can register and book an appointment at blood.co.uk, by calling 0300 123 23 23 or on the NHS Give Blood app.​

Schloss Neuhaus Winterzauber

The Schloss Neuhaus Christmas event is on this weekend.

From the 6th -8th December the castle, courtyard and gardens are transformed

This is a market which fully makes use of the castle and the garden to host stalls with boutique handmade Christmas themed craft gifts.

A smaller event right on our doorstep which is always a treat after dark and the lights come on. The event is open on the following times, entry is free.Opening hours:

• Fri December 6th: 3 pm - 9 pm
• Sat December 7th: 1 pm - 9 pm
• Sun December 8th: 11 am - 7 pm

Flying Santa - Where he can be seen this year

Watching Santa travel across the world on Christmas eve has become a tradition for many families. 

Whilst we wait for NORAD to confirm when and where Santa's sleigh will be visible on Christmas Eve.  Here are two options to catch sight of Santa right here in Germany and not too far away. 

Bochum and Herford both show full a full flying Santa experience at their Christmas markets. 

Suspended above the markets  Santa and the reindeer fly across the town squares, with music and lights to complete the show. 

Bochum

A 1hr 35 min drive from Sennelager you can see Santa on his flying sleigh daily at 17:00 & 19:00 on Dr.-Ruer-Platz. There are additional flights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

© Ingo Otto / WAZ FotoPool

Herford

A 37 min drive from Sennelager. Herford offers a twice daily Santa flying at 17.00 & 19.00.

New Digital Veteran Card helps confirm veteran status super fast

New Digital Veteran Card to make sure former service personnel can prove their Veteran status as easily as possible, enabling smoother access to often essential support.

DVC Link

This Money Helper (Money & Pensions Service) ​​guide

This Money Helper (Money & Pensions Service) ​​guide is for you if you need access to credit but you can’t use a mainstream lender and you don’t want to use a payday loan or other forms of high-cost credit.

When you read it, you’ll know:

• how credit unions work and how they can help you
• how to join a credit union
• what other sources of fair and affordable credit might be available to you.​
• To view this guide please click HERE

More information can be found on the Money Helper website at https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit

For the Service community, there are three MOD-endorsed credit unions - see https://www.joiningforcescu.co.uk/​

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas Offer - Available from January 2025

Eligible working parents (at least one of whom is a member of the Armed Forces) with children aged between 4-11 years old (4-16 years old if in receipt of certain disability benefits) in school (including home educated children) will be able to claim back the costs of regulated wraparound childcare for a maximum of 20 hours per week, per eligible child, during term time. 

More Christmas Markets for 2024

Here are more Christmas Markets to visit this year. The list below provides links to the event websites. The direction links open Google Maps. 

We have listed the markets below ordering them by drive time from Sennelager with the closest first. 

We are spoilt for choice with cities like, Munster, Osnabruck and Hamlin nearby. Picture perfect old towns like Soest and the medieval centre of Tecklenburg. 

You can look further east to check out the Harz mountains towns of Goslar and Quedlingburg. 

Though the list and directions are based on driving. You can catch the train also to most of these markets, use this link to check journey times, routes and ticket prices.

There are thousands of markets to see in Germany. This list covers some of the mid size cities and towns you can find. 

Website and Google map link for the markets are below.

Markets less than 1 hours drive from Sennelager. 

Paderborn  https://maps.app.goo.gl/p8ahvLD6w6j9WvVy6

Bad Lippspringe  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rj3oY6NH8cc9S6Sc6

Delbruck  https://maps.app.goo.gl/CkiGdYeZcFnS6Wia9

Oerlinghausen  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hty9wT1vCbJusHCu9

Augustdorf  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hkbbt9wTZPzRqQrGA

Bielefeld  https://maps.app.goo.gl/oGF3ckazqYk16h279

Guttersloh  https://maps.app.goo.gl/G2PL9gPgPCVo44nV6

Bad Driburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/k4L7GoEJpgEksBxC9

Blomberg https://maps.app.goo.gl/5FLZq8mt1WHjoUXK9

Herford  https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBHrJQhszrp26rCc7

Bad Salzuflen  https://maps.app.goo.gl/GRZHeGrAMFKfMYvF7

Detmold  https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Xo3YkTDG7iFT5Cg7

Lippstadt  https://maps.app.goo.gl/av9AiqbeaP2TyjMs6

Bad Saasendorf  https://maps.app.goo.gl/EvdJWHV4TWbMbnZK6

Bad Oenyhausen  https://maps.app.goo.gl/WmnAEdgwjcxBhYUs7

Soest  https://maps.app.goo.gl/vq5QKSSs2CAgErUMA

Lemgo  https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1dJ2kwZMkGYXNzZ9

Bad Pyrmont  https://maps.app.goo.gl/5TjWNcVJRXUvbfss5

Osnabruck  https://maps.app.goo.gl/KbP88rhkA5bmCK27A

Minden  https://maps.app.goo.gl/rP3Nn35PsfQ8fbNd7



Markets  within 1-2 hours drive 

Tecklenburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/rGvuu8WwJ3WAxHqw5

Hamlin  https://maps.app.goo.gl/1VG3eFjognzBoKgK7

Fritzlar  https://maps.app.goo.gl/SVN4xpc9JmNmbD7RA

Munster https://maps.app.goo.gl/Su6jsHt7jGcYJPQ98


Christmas markets within 2-3 hours drive of Sennelager

Braunschweig  https://maps.app.goo.gl/zp9QR2KLrN3opJ7x5

Goslar  https://maps.app.goo.gl/4GAeKiDZXFkZbb3w8

Moyland  https://maps.app.goo.gl/DJpxT8Hqri4qpWAe9

Schloss Merode  https://maps.app.goo.gl/sYspmXRSQZeX8Tvy9

Weringerode  https://maps.app.goo.gl/KYiUTqdbMRC1dP346

Aachen  https://maps.app.goo.gl/iz9QV4dG3PupJ85B7

Quedlingburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/vMTVeoD3vuXJs7ELA

Erfurt  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gw9SfZuS7peLbzs28

Koblenz  https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBCK9asTjZP5fmcx6

Monchau  https://maps.app.goo.gl/QbBmSeLBnyj5Myha6

Wurzburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/RoSPCPbd3R279L4z7

Rudesheimer  https://maps.app.goo.gl/kK8U3gWbkG66Nsnx6

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber  https://maps.app.goo.gl/c4Mp37gn595da7WW7

Freiburg  https://maps.app.goo.gl/mT96RHjCeA95L6QV9

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Various locations

The Department of Work and Pensions has 25 new Executive Officer work coach opportunities in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and 40 in Surrey and Sussex. These are now open for applications until 13^th Dec 2024.

​Civil Service Jobs links:

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach – Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire & Isle of Wight (Ref: 721) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach – Surrey and Sussex (Ref: 722) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

​More information can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

Families First newsletter - issue 21

 

This issue and previous ones online: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK​

NHS 'Help Us, Help You' - Pharmacy First

Community pharmacies can offer treatment and when appropriate some prescription medicine, for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.

Highly trained pharmacists at more than nine in ten pharmacies can now assess, treat, and when appropriate, provide some prescription medicine for earache (for those aged between 1 and 17), impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 - without the need for a GP appointment.

Available at the heart of local communities, community pharmacy teams have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need, with no appointment necessary and private consultations available. Community pharmacists will signpost patients to other local services where necessary.
By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to help free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.

Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team.
For more information, visit nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst

Service Prosecuting Authority welcomes HMCPSI inspection report

“We hope this report will reassure the public, members of the Armed Forces, and the Defence community that the SPA is performing well and making a meaningful contribution to Service Justice” 

Director of Service Prosecutions, Jonathan Rees KC reflects on the publication of an inspection report on the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA).

​To view more about the Service Prosecuting Authority, and additional information on this report, please go to: Service Prosecuting Authority - GOV.UK

The report can be read in full at this link: The Service Prosecuting Authority – HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate

Domestic Abuse - Help is at hand

 

AFF Non-UK National Questionnaire

The Army Families Federation has launched its Questionnaire for SP exempt from immigration control and veterans and family members who require a UK visa. The Questionnaire will close on 14 December 2024. Please circulate across AoRs. The link to the Questionnaire is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Non-UK_Questionnaire

Tots of Fun session on the 28th November 2024 between 09:30 and 11:00

 

New Armed Forces Carer’s Passports are introduced

Today is Carer's Rights Day, Defence is committed to supporting those with caring responsibilities and has recently launch Armed Forces Carer's Passports and Carer's leave.  Speak to your manager or check out the AF Carer's Passport DIN to find out more!​

Christmas Markets 2024 - The Big Cities

The cities of Germany offer the best variety in food, gifts, crafts and entertainment.

In the blog we cover the Christmas markets in the largest German cities. If you are new to Germany or are looking for new places to see this year. Read on and find out why people travel from all over the world to enjoy the Christmas Markets in Germany.

You can visit Dortmund and find the largest Christmas Tree in the world. See the 100 markets of Berlin.  Visit The magic of Cologne and experience the Red market at the Dom. In Leipzig kids have the chance to see Santa arrive by steam train.

Every German city has unique flavours and traditions to enjoy. Don't miss the opportunity to get your souvenir mugs and glasses.

In the table Below are website links for each city. Use the Google map links for directions from Sennelager. 

Bounce Forward - Anxiety Unravelled online course starts 14th Jan

Registration is now open for the next Anxiety Unravelled course for military parents and carers, funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

This the 3rd of three courses being delivered in response to what military parents told us they need, both for themselves and for their children. There are more than 100,000 children with parents actively serving in the British Armed Forces, and the number of children seeking support for mental health problem is rising. 

 

Wellbeing of the adults impacts children, if adult wellbeing is poor, then it can pass on through to their children. Children are often the forgotten service members with limited research into the impact they feel, so they are often left to struggle alone. 

This course helps parents to understand and recognise how best to develop resilience in their children. 

 

​Places are FREE of charge, and there are 500 funded places.  Register at this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DjhF8eEjRwuVRveN0cSPmw

Paderborn Christmas Market 2024

From Friday, November 22nd to Monday, December 23rd, it will be Christmas again in the entire city center. 

What's in the Market?

At 75 stalls there are a wide variety of delicacies, but this Advent there is also a particularly large selection of handicrafts, Christmas decorations and toys. Whether gifts made of wood, wool or leather, cookie cutters for Christmas baking or Bunzlau ceramics - there is something for everyone at the approximately 17 handicraft huts.

Watch the Markets in Paderborn live