Thinking of trying something new this year, maybe a fresh start in a new sport, learning a language or just meeting people and feeling part of a community? Members of the SHAPE community share a few tips for those assigned to Belgium…
FINDING YOUR VOICE
The SHAPE Community Choir is a mixed choir, open to all of the SHAPE community. It meets every Wednesday evening and has members from many different nationalities and backgrounds. Some have been with the choir for the whole of their tour and others have just joined.
Jules, who until recently shared the coordinator role with Loli, a Spanish national, says: “We are always encouraging members of the community to come and give singing a try, because it’s proven to be good for your health and it’s a great way to meet new people from various backgrounds.
“The choir don’t expect you to audition, you don’t need to have any previous experience and you don’t need to read music, so it’s a very inclusive pastime and we currently have over 50 members from 12 different countries.”
Choir member Sue said “With encouragement from Jules, I’m one of the new members and I didn’t think I could sing, and I probably still can’t to be honest, but I now have no selfconsciousness when singing with such a welcoming and encouraging group.”
Andrew, the group’s conductor, says: “We sing old and new numbers and practise for events here on SHAPE, such as spring concerts and festivals. We share music and just enjoy singing! Come along and give it a try.”
So, if you find yourselves assigned to a posting at SHAPE, you can find the choir at shapechoir@gmail.com or you could search for or start up a choir near you.
LEARNING A LANGUAGE
The GSO Language Training Fund is available to support language training for those overseas.
- How much? 100 Euros per person, once only.
- Who for? Whole force, including spouses and partners.
- What for? Money towards basic survival language training.
- How can I use it? Refunded against any recognised training provision, face to face or online, including Duolingo.
- How can I claim? Contact gavin.connolly331@mod.gov.uk for more information.
TRYING A NEW SPORT
Pickleball is a fast-paced sport similar to tennis, badminton and table tennis. You play it on a court (which is smaller than a tennis court) with short-handled paddles and plastic hollow balls, that are volleyed over a low net. As with tennis, you can play a singles or doubles game. Already huge in America, it now has an ever-growing and enthusiastic player base in Europe. I haven’t given this a go yet myself but friends have told me it’s addictive and can be played by all ages, and is great fun. It can be played indoors or out and you can find a pickleball timetable at SHAPE via the gym. But wherever you are based, it is worth seeing if there is a court near you.