31st Jan - 2nd Feb - Willingen World Cup Ski jumping. Join the 20,000 strong crowd each day. Take the opportunity to watch this unique sporting event whilst you are in Germany.
Tickets are available from 20€ - 85€ some days
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Winterberg Outdoor events Jan - Feb 2025
The hills of the Hochsauerland region are a hub of outdoor activities each winter.
(c) Community of Willingen
Skiing may not be everybody's idea of a good time. You can enjoy the scenery at a much slower pace. There is no need to get trapped indoors this winter.
Winterberg and Willingen are part of the Hochsauerland. which is a region of hills dotted with ski resorts and villages. The hills are over 800m in some areas. This offers great scenery and activities.
Below are a few of the specific offers which you can buy tickets for.
- Moonlight hikes - guided German language Hike for 2 hours in the snow. Price includes snow shoe hire
- Pony days - you can wither "rent" a pony for a short hike or children are welcome to ride. pay for 30 or 60 mins timeslots. various dates
- Beer hikes A guided walks which lets you learn about and try the famous Winterberg Landbier
Hikes are dependant on the weather, your guide will make contact prior to start times to advise any issues.
Free Hiking & Maps
From easy 1.2 km hikes with no steep hills to a 9.2 Km hike on 800 m hills. The region has lots to offer.
Visit the following website link to see more details and maps for each hike. The website has details of each route and relative difficulty.
Wraparound Childcare* (WAC) Overseas launch - January 2025
Wraparound Childcare* (WAC) Overseas launch - 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.
Have a question? Ask the WAC Team.
The WAC team are holding a live WAC Overseas Q&A session at 1200hrs on 28 January 2025, to give families an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. The session will be held on MS Teams, if you would like to attend please sign up here and the team will contact you with the meeting link.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Ski Lessons in Hochsauer Land
Winterberg, Willingen are great ski resorts for those starting out on the slopes.
Here you can find the details of Ski schools in the area which offer lessons in English.
Always contact the school to confirm they still have English speaking instructors available.
You will find courses for lots of ages Adults, Children, Tots. in addition learning skiing or snowboarding.
Winterberg
- https://www.ski-winterberg.de/
- https://www.skischule-winterberg.com/en/
- https://skischule-winterberg.kursbiachle.de/shop/simple-assistant
- https://www.poppenberg-winterberg.de/en/winter/ski-school/
Willingen
- https://otc-willingen.de/
- https://www.dsv-skischule-wiwa.de/de/
- https://ski-willingen.de/
- https://sportwelt-ettelsberg.de/
Check the local weather in the resorts here:
- https://www.accuweather.com/en/de/winterberg/59955/weather-forecast/170519
- https://www.accuweather.com/en/de/willingen/34508/weather-forecast/178593?city=willingen
Check out the live webcams set up on the slopes for each resorts:
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas launched 6 Jan 25
Are you ready to register?
Great news for Service families assigned to locations within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision. WAC Overseas is now available to eligible families in these areas from today (6 January 2025).
What is Wraparound Childcare funding?
The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time (39 weeks), to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if receiving Government disability allowances) who are in full time education in school or being home educated. Over 7,000 Service children's before and after school childcare is currently being funded by WAC in the UK.
WAC Overseas mirrors the WAC scheme in the UK, it is a reimbursement from Defence to Service personnel of up to 80% of the costs of before and after school childcare. Capped hourly rates apply and can be found in 2022DIN01-079-Defence Wraparound Childcare Allowance. The remaining 20% is claimed from HMRC via an active Tax-Free Childcare account. WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.
Togetherall: New Year Goals & Pressures
New year, new mindset - feeling the pressure? Transform stress into positive energy by setting small and achievable goals. Togetherall has your back with expert tips and a handy goal-setting tool to track your progress. Join the anonymous online community today for FREE at togetherall.com and kickstart your journey to better mental health.
Reading Force and Book Clubs
Reading Force has been encouraging Forces families to choose and share books for fun, and as a way of staying connected with deployed parents and their wider families for over 10 years.
Since March 2021, Reading Force has supported adults and children* with a UK Armed Forces connection through their fantastic book club offering. Everyone is welcome – avid readers, first-time book club members and anywhere in between! Book clubs help members to meet new people, build a strong sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
“I found the recent book club completely invaluable to my wellbeing in recent months. It might seem odd that something so small could have such a large impact, but it did.”
Monday, January 6, 2025
Financial Recognition and other restorative measures for LGBT veterans
For further information, please see the following links:
- LGBT veterans: Support and next steps – This GOV.UK page has centralised information and signposting for pre-2000 LGBT veterans and pre-1967 LGBT veterans. It also contains support services for veterans and families.
- Financial Recognition Scheme: GOV.UK page with information on how to apply, eligibility, scheme rules and FAQs.
- New GOV.UK page about the Qualification of Administration Discharge and Rank Restoration, including FAQs, guidance about eligibility and applications, and public policy.
- Pre-1967 veterans: GOV.UK page about restorative measures and FAQs.
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