ARRC International Club
The AIC is an all-inclusive club set up for the partners
of everybody posted to, or attached to the ARRC at
Imjin Barracks (HQ ARRC, HQ 1 Signal Brigade and
ARRC Support Battalion).
The AIC arranges events to bring together all nationalities
involved at the ARRC. These include monthly lunches and
coffee mornings, which are hosted by different nations
and give a real taste of each other’s customs, traditions
and culinary specialities. They are a wonderful opportunity
to meet new people and learn more about the different
cultures represented in the Imjin Community. The AIC also
organises trips to craft fairs, places and events, such as
Hampton Court Palace and Ascot Races, as well as various
other activities throughout the year ranging from tennis
coaching to Family Bingo.
Pass the Pen
An Enchanting Tour of the
Cotswolds
We are so fortunate to live in what I see as the
most enchanting part of England. Nestled between
Gloucester and Cheltenham, Imjin is located in the heart
of the Cotswolds. We are only minutes away from some
of the most unspoiled, historic and famous towns and
villages in England. Each village has its own flavor whilst
sharing a similar aesthetic, all thanks to the gorgeous
Cotswold stone they are cut from.
A few weeks ago one of my dearest friends came to
visit me for a week. We have both lived in Europe for
many years and have toured the larger more touristy
cities many times. This time our goal was to explore
quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured
stone, take in splendid, lively market towns, visit some
of the country’s greatest palaces, castles and country
houses and walk through breath-taking landscapes
along historic trails. Of course no visit is complete until
you sample the local pubs for a pint of beer and taste
the local cuisine of fish and chips, steak and ale pies,
sausage rolls and the list goes on.
Ten villages in five days! From our home in Gloucester
we drove 35 minutes to the town of Bibury. We had
lunch at the Swan Hotel, visited the trout farm and took
photos of their famous cottages, which are some of the
most photographed in all of England. We continued on
the B4425 and 15 minutes later we were having tea and
carrot cake in Cirencester, followed by another stroll to
admire the local shops and architecture.
Day Two. We drove 25 minutes to Painswick, “Queen
of the Cotswold”. There are many wonderful hiking
Over the next few pages you will see
some of the AIC activities and events
that have recently taken place, with dates to save for
the future, and all the dates for the upcoming Coffee
Mornings. Towards the back of the magazine you will
find all the dates for the upcoming International Lunches
along with all the recipes from previous events, which you
can cut-out and keep and try for yourself.
If you would like to get regular updates about future
AIC events then please email the AIC Secretary at –
[email protected] – and also join our Facebook
group by searching for The AIC (ARRC International Club).
We look forward to seeing you soon.
trails in the area but if you only take
one walk in the Cotswolds make it
one of the five stunning walks in
Painswick (Painswick Beacon, Slad
Valley, Edge, Whiteshill, Holcombe).
I recommend that you stop at
The Royal Oak for a well-earned
refreshment after your walk and
warm up by their oversized fire place.
Day Three. we spent in Cheltenham shopping and
stopping for tea at the Well Walk Tea Room, very quaint!
Day Four. we packed our Wellies and an overnight bag
and started our next adventure with eggs benedict
at The Colesbourne Inn right outside of Rendcomb
College. A lovely atmosphere, roaring fire place and
delicious breakfast. Then to Blenhiem Palace for a tour
of Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace and 2nd breakfast
in Burford followed by a bit of antique shopping. We had
a late lunch at The Porch House in Stow on the Wold
and booked a suite at the Stow Lodge Hotel next to the
church grounds. All I can say is WOW!
Day Five. We were up early for a brisk walk (wellies
needed of course) and a bit