Fun-Filled Ladies Evening at Tenpin Gloucester
By Claudia Sam
On 22 May 2025, the ASC Ladies gathered at Tenpin Gloucester for a bowling evening full of strikes, laughter, and great company. The group enjoyed an exciting round of bowling, friendly competition and plenty of fun moments along the lanes. Between turns, the ladies indulged in burgers and drinks, making it a perfect mix of activity and relaxation. The evening was filled with cheerful conversations, smiles and a wonderful sense of community spirit.
Everyone agreed it was a fantastic night out and another bowling evening will follow soon. It was truly an evening to remember— a perfect reminder of how a bit of bowling and good company can make for a great time!
ARRC SOCIAL CLUB( ASC)
British Coffee Morning
By Janie Keating
It was a real pleasure and delight for the British contingent to host the first ARRC Social Club( ASC) coffee morning of the academic year.
As with every international event, it was a wonderful opportunity to rekindle friendships and meet new arrivals, set against a backdrop of tea and plenty of cakes( and our thanks to those who made so many, of course)!
If you haven’ t already done so, please consider joining the ASC Facebook page where all future events are published. It’ s a great source of community information too. We look forward to seeing you at the many international coffee mornings to come.
Book Club
By Louise Atkinson
Our social book club meets monthly for a relaxed chat over tea or a glass of wine. It’ s a very friendly, easygoing group; you’ ll find the atmosphere is more social than structured. While we occasionally delve into the book’ s themes, the night is mostly a great chance to meet new people and catch up with friends in a relaxed setting.
We aim to read one book a month, although there’ s absolutely no pressure to finish it; we’ re just reading for fun. A major perk is that all books are provided by the local library for you. Our selections are diverse and range across genres, from contemporary fiction to historical dramas.
Our recent favourite reads include:
‘ Expectation’ by Anna Hope, which explores the realities of changing female friendships.
‘ Liberation’ by Imogen Kealey, inspired by the incredible true story of the most decorated servicewoman of the Second World War.
‘ Belgravia’ by Julian Fellowes, a tale of secrets, gossip, and class conflict set in 19th-century London.
‘ The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which reveals the ruthless ambition and forbidden love behind an Old Hollywood icon’ s glamorous life.
‘ Hostage’ by Clare Mackintosh, a claustrophobic thriller set on the inaugural non-stop flight from London to Sydney.
New members are always welcome! If you’ re looking for a low-commitment, high-fun social evening, we’ d love to see you. We meet on Tuesdays at 8 p. m. Look out for details posted on Facebook each month.
English Conversation Club – October Highlights
By Hannah Tong
The English Conversation Club is a friendly, supportive space where military spouses meet weekly to share stories, build connections, and practice English in a relaxed setting. Run by spouses for spouses, it’ s a chance to improve language skills while feeling more at home on camp.
Each session at the Community Centre includes informal conversation, useful vocabulary, and plenty of laughter. Whether you’ re new to English or just want to keep practicing, the focus is on real-life phrases and natural communication— no pressure, just encouragement.
October’ s highlight was a Halloweenthemed session. One member kindly brought costumes, sparking fun and lively discussions about traditions from our home countries. We explored Halloween vocabulary, played a spooky version of“ Who Am I,” and co-wrote a short story featuring a joke-telling
ghost and a lucky old lady. It was a great reminder that learning English can be imaginative and fun.
Beyond language, these sessions are about sharing cultures, making friends, and enjoying each other’ s company. Casual chats often lead to weekend plans and new discoveries around camp. Everyone leaves with a few new words and a smile.
In November, we’ re planning a half-term meet-up and a Bonfire Night session. We’ ll talk about Guy Fawkes, learn related vocabulary, and share stories about similar celebrations from our home countries.
The club is open to all military spouses, whether you’ ve just arrived or have been here for years. We know how isolating life can feel in a new place, and we hope this group offers a meaningful way to connect and belong.
To join us or learn more, visit the ASC Facebook group. We’ d love to welcome you— come for the English, stay for the tea, biscuits, and great company.
ARRC Social Club the imjin WINTER 2025
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