https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/Find events and activities organised by both ourselves here at RN FPS and our Partner Organisations taking place across the country.en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2294/book-club-discussion-for-madhouse-at-the-end-of-the-earth-by-julian-sancton/9731Sun, 02 Aug 2026 19:32:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:076352ad-c220-473a-a926-1d3cb23ef645mads_cxxHello I have not recieved a kindle copy just yet!https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2294/book-club-discussion-for-madhouse-at-the-end-of-the-earth-by-julian-sancton/9730Sat, 01 Aug 2026 11:34:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:26bd5deb-02cc-4300-b486-25a175bb58feCarole ScottHi all… I won’t be at the next book club as we’ll be road tripping in America. All going to plan, we’ll be in Memphis on the 17th. Sadly, I haven’t enjoyed this book and have stopped reading it. The first time I’ve stopped reading a book. i haven’t been able to get into the details, facts and figures of the expedition… I was finding it quite boring and realised it’s not an area or subject that interests me. I also haven’t warmed to anyone in it, which would normally keep me reading even if I’m not enjoying it. A 1 and sink from me, purely because I stopped reading it. I guess I can’t like them all, after all! Carolehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/all-together-events-this-summer---book-nowSat, 01 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c58c472c-0a59-46dc-8824-e7a3e9771ce4RN Forum ModeratorFrom Little Troopers. All Together is a programme from the military children's charity Little Troopers, bringing military children and their families together through shared experiences. Whether online or in person, our activities are designed to create lasting memories, build confidence, reduce isolation and help families connect with others who truly understand the unique challenges of military life. This summer, we have a fantastic programme of in-person events for your Little Troopers, giving them the opportunity to have fun, make new friends and create special memories while celebrating their place within the Armed Forces community. Find out more about Football Adventure Days taking place throughout August 2026 including how to register - HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2294/book-club-discussion-for-madhouse-at-the-end-of-the-earth-by-julian-sancton/9728Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:45:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:348a339c-e1ac-4594-abb4-f3309453c5c0LMFloss27Hi, can I confirm that I will be sent a copy please, joined last month? Many thankshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2294/book-club-discussion-for-madhouse-at-the-end-of-the-earth-by-julian-sancton/9727Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:27:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f57e713b-3f65-4c26-88e6-ae50eb2fb947Juliette HHello! I’ve just received a 2nd copy of this months book! Would you like me to pop it back in the post to you? Thanks, Juliette.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2294/book-club-discussion-for-madhouse-at-the-end-of-the-earth-by-julian-sancton/9726Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:02:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4e676bfd-1c0f-4ce7-9faf-ebce354f4610Mary HHI. I've not received a copy (Kindle) yet and it's only 17 days to the meeting! I hope it's a fairly short book!https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2262/book-club-discussion-for-the-andromeda-strain-by-michael-crichton/9725Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:36:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:789d759e-11b9-4114-a446-d675dab273a8PatsyMHSorry to have missed this month’s book club as I was away on holiday! Now I’m back I’m looking forward to listening to this on the audible formathttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/m/gallery/4965Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:11:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9e9a79da-ad12-42e0-bd96-1dacd79d22e7RN Forum Moderatorhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/scotland-s-summer-trip-to-blair-drummond---articleFri, 31 Jul 2026 11:58:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:0cad773e-93c6-41f3-abb7-74460de5bc55RN Forum ModeratorOn 24th July, 27 families from across Scotland gathered for an unforgettable family fun day at Blair Drummond Safari Park. The day offered a fantastic opportunity for families to connect, share experiences, and learn more about we do at RN FPS. Despite the unpredictable Scottish weather deciding that summer was officially over, the rain couldn’t dampen the high spirits and warm smiles of everyone who attended. For many, this family fun day was a rare chance to step away from daily routines and meet others walking a similar path. Parents swapped stories and built support networks, while children made new friends. Amidst the laughter and shared moments, families also spent time chatting with RN FPS staff. The absolute highlight of the day was the classic safari drive-through. Peering out of the windows, the children (and adults!) were thrilled to spot incredible wildlife up close, including: Lions lounging together in their enclosure. Rhinos and massive bison roaming the fields. Camels watching the convoy of families pass by. Beyond the safari drive, families explored the park on foot to catch the famous live animal demonstrations. Birds of Prey: The crowd watched in awe as majestic raptors swooped low over the audience in a breathtaking flying display. Sea Lions: The sea lion presentation brought endless laughs, with the clever animals showcasing their playful antics and impressive agility. A massive thank you goes out to all 27 families who travelled from across Scotland to join us, and to the wonderful team at Blair Drummond for hosting such a memorable day. We are already looking forward to our next big community gathering. View a selection of Photo's from the day via the Gallery: Scotland’s Summer Trip to Blair Drummond - July 2026https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2262/book-club-discussion-for-the-andromeda-strain-by-michael-crichton/9724Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:05:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:feb76320-e5e0-4f09-9ca4-928f4ca52a3fCommunity CSW2Apologies it has taken me a little while to update on the Anchor score for this book, but here it is: This book scored 5.34 anchors and went for a SWIM with 20 of the 38 who voted voting swim. We look forward to seeing you next month :-)https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2294/book-club-discussion-for-madhouse-at-the-end-of-the-earth-by-julian-sanctonThu, 30 Jul 2026 09:07:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7a17d7fa-997c-49db-88f2-225fafd74e5bCommunity CSW2Hello National Book Club This month's book is Madhouse at the End of the Earth by Julian Sancton which many have probably already received their copies by now. The harrowing, survival story of an early polar expedition that went terribly wrong, with the ship frozen in ice and the crew trapped inside for the entire sunless, Antarctic winter August 1897: The Belgica set sail, eager to become the first scientific expedition to reach the white wilderness of the South Pole. But the ship soon became stuck fast in the ice of the Bellinghausen sea, condemning the ship's crew to overwintering in Antarctica and months of endless polar night. In the darkness, plagued by a mysterious illness, their minds ravaged by the sound of dozens of rats teeming in the hold, they descended into madness. In this epic tale, Julian Sancton unfolds a story of adventure gone horribly awry. As the crew teetered on the brink, the Captain increasingly relied on two young officers whose friendship had blossomed in captivity - Dr. Frederick Cook, the wild American whose later infamy would overshadow his brilliance on the Belgica ; and the ship's first mate, soon-to-be legendary Roald Amundsen, who later raced Captain Scott to the South Pole. Together, Cook and Amundsen would plan a last-ditch, desperate escape from the ice-one that would either etch their names into history or doom them to a terrible fate in the frozen ocean. Drawing on first-hand crew diaries and journals, and exclusive access to the ship's logbook, the result is equal parts maritime thriller and gothic horror. This is an unforgettable journey into the deep. Please feel free to leave your comments here about the book. If you would like to be a part of our Book Club then please email navypeople-psrnfpscom@mod.gov.uk We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on the 17th August from 7.30pm till 9.00pmNational Online CommunityBook Clubhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/national-book-club---17th-august-2026Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:54:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5f7529d5-8633-47cc-825a-c7f53157b127RN Forum ModeratorThis months book is Madhouse at the End of the Earth by Julian Sancton. August 1897: The Belgica set sail, eager to become the first scientific expedition to reach the white wilderness of the South Pole. But the ship soon became stuck fast in the ice of the Bellinghausen sea, condemning the ship's crew to overwintering in Antarctica and months of endless polar night. In the darkness, plagued by a mysterious illness, their minds ravaged by the sound of dozens of rats teeming in the hold, they descended into madness. In this epic tale, Julian Sancton unfolds a story of adventure gone horribly awry.... Members will receive a hard, Kindle or Google Play copy of the Book. Open to service famil (Please note: This online activity is only open to those over the age of 18yrs. Children under the age of 18yrs should not be present with the Adult when attending this activity.) Full details of how to join the Book Club can be found on our Member Events and Activities Calendar - National Book Club - 17th August (You will need to request to join the Member Events and Activities group if you have not already done so.)https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/in-liverpool-boredTue, 28 Jul 2026 14:40:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f28e442a-ca9f-4e8b-bacf-29e484485159RN Forum ModeratorHMS Mersey will be open to visitors this Saturday, 1st August 2026, at the Liverpool Cruise Terminal. Entry is free, but tickets must be booked via Eventbrite. Spaces are limited, so secure yours before they’re gone! BOOK HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/craft-and-play-sessions---and-tall-treeswyndham-parkTue, 28 Jul 2026 10:52:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:008069ce-cbef-47a5-872f-46765ad32fc2RN Forum ModeratorRN FPS supported by Aggies will be running Craft and Play sessions at Tall Trees Community Center and Wyndham Park Community Hub. Tall Trees Community Centre Wednesday 5th August from 1000 until 1200 ( Venue Information ) Wyndham Park Community Hub Monday 10th August from 1330 until 1530 ( Venue Information ) Lots of fun for children and their families. Open to all service families. Are you a member and following the ‘Local Support – Yeovilton’ Group? If not head over to Local Information Support and request to join.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/cheese-and-whine-reminder-1238902799Mon, 27 Jul 2026 05:56:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5011bc26-6412-499a-960a-a41bcc55ad6eRN Forum ModeratorCome and join us for our next “Cheese and Whine” online get together with service families from across the UK and overseas. MS Teams link and more information can be found on our Member Events and Activities Calendar and look for the Cheese and Whine listing last Monday of every month except bank/public holidays. (If you are not already a member of "Members Events and Activities" you will need to request to join first) For Adults of Service Families only.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/b/announcements/posts/rn-youth-residential---avon-tyrell-2074463771Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:07:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ac423ba5-100a-4b53-a393-a9874b0243f2RN Forum ModeratorUnfortunately, at the last minute we have had some cancelations for the Avon Tyrell Residential (24 th -28 th August). If you are interested in your service children attending a week outdoor activities please send an email to NAVYPEOPLE-PSRNFPSCOM@mod.gov.uk for the attention of Sarah Holland – Avon Tyrell, The New Forest, Hampshire. Parents/Guardians will be required to pay a contribution of £100 per child to attend. More details and Booking Form can be found on our Members Events and Activities Group: RN Youth Residential - Avon Tyrellhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2262/book-club-discussion-for-the-andromeda-strain-by-michael-crichton/9672Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:26:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7f23f84b-e0da-4131-86e4-08c143e4175eCharlotte LewisI have tried to log onto the teams but it wasn’t workinghttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2262/book-club-discussion-for-the-andromeda-strain-by-michael-crichton/9671Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:24:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e0a10d78-c1f1-4f24-8849-d196c23787acCharlotte LewisAlthough I didn’t receive this month’s book, I did purchase The Andromeda Strain myself. I found it an interesting read with a really unique concept and a lot of suspense. However, I did find it quite hard to follow at times due to the amount of scientific detail and technical information. Overall, I enjoyed the ideas behind the story, but it did require a lot of concentration to fully understand what was happening. I would give it a 3 floathttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2262/book-club-discussion-for-the-andromeda-strain-by-michael-crichton/9670Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:30:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:cad377c1-5b15-4b25-8975-2513de76858cHannahNThis was a tricky read for me and I don't usually chooose science fiction. It could've been that it was on audible which isn't how I usually read, and I thought the narrators voice was quite boring and hard to be engaged by. I managed a couple of hours, but found it so hard to keep going! Like others, I can see how this book would've been an interesting and novel one when it came out. Thank you for the opportunity to give it a go though!https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/events/community-events/f/forum/2262/book-club-discussion-for-the-andromeda-strain-by-michael-crichton/9669Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:25:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4b5b5581-b4ee-4200-a747-3471bc090197JoShepI found this book hard to get into but I kept going and have finished it. I found some of the science bits hard to understand. I think it did end abruptly and although it said the strain had mutated to be safe to humans you want to know if it does disappear or if it becomes a problem later. I wanted to know what happened to the baby and the old man did they continue to be ok? it wouldn’t have been a book I would have chosen to read but that’s why I love book club as I get to read books I wouldn’t normally have read. It was an ok book.