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The SPARTA Astronomy Society has enjoyed a fantastic first summer. Back in January, we were little more than a small group of people with an interest in astronomy and a few ambitious ideas. Fast forward a few months, and we now have our own equipment, have hosted fascinating talks from leading experts, built a packed programme of events, and welcomed a rapidly growing membership. Summer has been particularly busy. We held a series of lunchtime solar observing sessions and spent the Sports and Wellbeing Day sharing views of the Sun through our telescope. These sessions gave members and passers-by the chance to marvel at the Sun's bubbling surface and sunspots, while also providing an easy and enjoyable introduction to astronomy. For many people, it was their very first look through a telescope. Our "Solar Summer" reached its high point with a fantastic gathering in Hyde Park to watch the best solar eclipse since 1999. The event was perfectly complemented by a talk from guest speaker Matt West of the European Space Agency. Matt, a space weather specialist, explained the science of the Sun, the effects of space weather, and the ESA's Vigil mission, which will help us better understand and monitor solar activity. SPARTA Astronomy Club gathering at Hyde Park The excitement is far from over. We have more guest speakers lined up, including Westminster School's Astronomer-in-Residence and the Curator of the Natural History Museum's meteorite collection. With the darker nights of winter approaching, we are also launching monthly evening stargazing sessions, giving members even more opportunities to explore the night sky. Over the coming months, members can look forward to witnessing lunar conjunctions and occultations involving Venus, Jupiter and Mars; observing Saturn's rings and moons; studying Jupiter and its Great Red Spot; and watching the changing polar ice caps of Mars. With a little luck, we may even spot comets, shooting stars and other celestial surprises. We'll leave you with some photographs from a sun-baked Hyde Park, where members gathered with many of the 50 pairs of solar eclipse glasses supplied by the Society, along with our telescope, to enjoy this memorable event. P.S. The next major solar eclipse visible from the UK is on 2 August 2027. If all this sounds like fun, email astronomy@dft.gov.uk to find out more and join us!

The SPARTA History Society is pleased to unveil an outstanding programme of talks and events for the coming months. Covering everything from medieval military orders and Elizabethan culture to witch hunts, German history and even the history of popular music, there is something to appeal to every history enthusiast. Step Into London's Rock and Roll Past The programme begins on Wednesday 16 September with a special Rock'n'Roll London Walking Tour led by acclaimed guide Adam Scott-Goulding. Starting at 6.30pm outside Tottenham Court Road Underground Station (Exit 1) and finishing near Piccadilly Circus, this fascinating tour will explore the streets that helped shape modern music. Participants will discover where The Rolling Stones recorded their first album, where Jimi Hendrix played his final London performance, and where Oasis posed for one of the most iconic album covers of the 1990s. From Denmark Street's music industry heritage to Soho's role in the birth of British pop and rock, the evening promises a blend of music, history, scandal and unforgettable stories. Cost: £10, payable by cash or card on the day. Assassins and Templars: Myth, Memory and Medieval Warfare On Tuesday 22 September at 1pm, historian Dr Steve Tibble joins us online to discuss two of history's most famous organisations: the Assassins and the Knights Templar. In a talk based on his extensive research into the Crusades, Steve will explore how these seemingly opposing groups developed surprisingly similar strategies for survival in the turbulent medieval Middle East. Examining the realities behind the legends, he will trace their rise, influence and eventual destruction while revealing why both continue to capture the public imagination today. Steve is a Research Associate at Royal Holloway, University of London, and author of several acclaimed books including Templars and The Crusader Armies. Weimar: Life on the Edge of Catastrophe We are delighted to welcome back bestselling historian Katja Hoyer on Monday 19 October at 1pm for a talk based on her latest book, Weimar: Life on the Edge of Catastrophe. The city of Weimar occupies a unique place in German history. It symbolised both democratic ambition and the rise of dictatorship, cultural innovation and political extremism. Drawing on new archival research, Katja will examine the experiences of ordinary people as Germany moved from the aftermath of the First World War into the dark years of the Nazi regime. Katja is a Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and author of the international bestseller Beyond the Wall. Did England Have a Renaissance? On Thursday 22 October at 12.30pm, the Society welcomes Professor Emma Smith, one of the world's leading Shakespeare scholars. Drawing on research for her forthcoming history of Elizabethan culture, Professor Smith will challenge traditional ideas about the Renaissance and explore how England developed a distinctive cultural movement that differed significantly from its Italian counterpart. Rather than being driven by wealthy patrons, England's Renaissance emerged through the ambitions and interests of the growing middle classes. Professor Smith is Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Oxford and author of the bestselling This Is Shakespeare. Witchland: Witch Hunting in Seventeenth-Century Britain The autumn programme continues on Tuesday 3 November at 1pm with Professor Marion Gibson, who will discuss her new book Witchland: A Tale of Witch Hunting and War in Seventeenth-Century Britain. This fascinating talk explores how fear, religious conflict and economic hardship created the conditions for widespread witch hunts across Britain. It examines the devastating impact on local communities and the individuals, particularly women and the poor, who found themselves accused during one of the most turbulent periods in British history. Professor Gibson is Professor Emerita of Renaissance and Magical Literatures at the University of Exeter and one of Britain's foremost experts on the history of witchcraft. Looking Ahead The Society's packed programme continues throughout November and December with talks including: 10 November: What Can You Learn from a Cookbook (Other Than How to Cook?) with Professor Rebecca Earle 17 November: Rethinking Offa, King of the Mercians with Rory Naismith 26 November: The Great Tramways Conspiracy 9 December: The Bayeux Tapestry with Michael Lewis, lead curator of the British Museum's Bayeux Tapestry exhibition Whether your interests lie in medieval warfare, Tudor England, twentieth-century Europe, social history or popular culture, the SPARTA History Society continues to provide opportunities to hear from leading historians and authors. We look forward to welcoming both regular attendees and new members to another fascinating season of historical exploration. If you are interested in attending any of these events then please contact Robert Baker at robert.baker@dft.gov.uk

Looking for a fun way to stay active, meet colleagues and try something new? SPARTA Netball Club is now running regular sessions and welcomes players of all abilities. We play every other Tuesday in the Sports Hall at 2 Marsham Street, offering a relaxed and friendly environment where everyone can get involved, whether you're an experienced player, returning to the sport after a break, or have never picked up a netball before. One of the great things about the sessions is their flexibility. There is no commitment to attend every week. Simply come along whenever you can and enjoy a game with fellow SPARTA members. Sessions cost just £3 for SPARTA members, making it an affordable way to improve your fitness and have fun at the same time. Our group includes a wide range of abilities and experience levels. Some players are rediscovering a sport they haven't played since school, while others are learning the game for the very first time. The emphasis is firmly on participation, enjoyment and friendly competition. A typical session starts with a short warm-up and skills drill before moving into match play. Depending on numbers, we usually play either 5-a-side or 7-a-side games, giving everyone plenty of opportunities to get involved, improve their skills and enjoy the fast-paced action that netball offers. Netball is a fantastic way to build fitness, coordination and teamwork, but just as importantly, it's a great social activity. The sessions provide an opportunity to meet colleagues from across the department, make new friends and enjoy some healthy competition in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned player, a complete beginner, or simply curious to see what netball is all about, we'd love to see you at a future session. Come along, give it a try and discover why more and more people are getting involved with SPARTA Netball. Would you like to get involved? Then get in contact with Izzy Rosher at Isabelle.Rosher@dft.gov.uk

The SPARTA Sport and Wellbeing Day returned on 24 July 2026, bringing together colleagues from across the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for a fantastic day of sport, wellbeing and social activity. Held at Imber Court Sports Club near Hampton Court for the second consecutive year, the event once again provided an excellent opportunity for staff, friends and family members to enjoy a wide range of sporting and recreational activities in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The only competition fiercer than those taking place on the sports fields may have been the battle to find a patch of shade. The day was blessed with wall-to-wall sunshine and some very warm temperatures, giving the event a true summer feel. While competitors gave their all in pursuit of medals and glory, many attendees were equally focused on staying hydrated and locating the nearest ice cream. Fortunately, the beautiful weather helped create a fantastic atmosphere and ensured that Imber Court looked at its very best. One of the highlights of the day was the return of the Swinging Mandarins, a talented band made up entirely of civil servants. Their live performances provided the soundtrack to the afternoon, with an enjoyable selection of jazz classics that proved popular with competitors and spectators alike. The day's sporting programme featured SPARTA's four flagship team events: Football, Netball, Cricket and Rounders. As always, there was plenty for individuals to get involved in as well. Participants tested their skills in tennis, pétanque, table tennis and darts, while those looking for something a little less serious could try their hand at wanging the wellie, the sack race, or take part in one of the running events. The ever-popular quiz also returned, providing a challenge for those who preferred exercising their minds rather than their muscles. The variety of activities on offer continues to be one of the strengths of the event, ensuring there is something for everyone regardless of age, fitness level or sporting experience. Whether competing for medals, trying a new activity for the first time, or simply enjoying the atmosphere with colleagues, attendees helped make the day another great success. As we begin planning next year's event, we are keen to hear your ideas. Are there sports or activities you would like to see introduced? Are there elements of the day that could be improved? We are always looking for ways to make Sport and Wellbeing Day bigger and better, and your feedback plays an important role in shaping future events. Results from all competitions can be found on the SPARTA website: https://www.spartarecreation.co.uk/sparta-sports-day-results We'd Love Your Feedback To help us improve future Sport and Wellbeing Days, please take a moment to complete our very short feedback survey: https://forms.office.com/r/bGx47Hawuq Medal Collection If you won a medal but were unable to collect it on the day, and would still like to receive it, please contact: Jason Marchant📧 jason.marchant@dft.gov.uk Photo Gallery Our official photographer, Paul Weekes (DfT), has once again captured the spirit of the day with a superb collection of photographs. The gallery is now available on the SPARTA website: https://www.spartarecreation.co.uk/sparta-sports-day-gallery Why not take a look and see if you can spot yourself, your colleagues, or some of the day's sporting highlights? A huge thank you goes to everyone who took part, volunteered, organised, officiated or simply came along to support. Your enthusiasm and involvement continue to make the SPARTA Sport and Wellbeing Day one of the highlights of the year. We look forward to seeing you again in 2027.

A large contingent of runners from across DfT and MHCLG converged on Hyde Park on the afternoon of 16 September to compete in the Civil Service 10km and 5km road races. The event traditionally takes place in the spring at Battersea Park, so competitors were treated not only to a new venue but also to an early autumn edition of the popular race. Hyde Park provided an excellent setting, with warm conditions and a lively atmosphere helping to create an enjoyable afternoon of racing. The medal winners from SPARTA, Luke Watson and Felix Ivers 5km The 5km race consisted of two laps of the course and produced an excellent result for SPARTA. Felix Ivers delivered a superb performance to finish in second place overall and claim a well-deserved silver medal. Congratulations to Felix on an outstanding run. Miles Knight suffered the misfortune of missing the start, leaving himself with a considerable deficit before he had taken a single stride. Undeterred, he charged around the course and recorded a time which would have earned him third place had he started with the rest of the field. It was a remarkable effort and demonstrated both determination and fitness. Olivia Rutter (26), Shahriyar Kalam (17) and Aran Ingram (15) At the time of writing, the official results of the 5km race have not yet been published. However, SPARTA was well represented in the race, with members competing enthusiastically and representing their departments with pride. The known SPARTA competitors were: • Felix Ivers • Miles Knight • Fanus Weldensae • Lawrence Green • Michelle Sadiq • Shahriyar Kalam • Olivia Rutter • Emily Di Florido • Ashton Stanley • Aran Ingram 10km The 10km race attracted a large field, with more than 130 runners taking to the start line. The standard at the front of the race proved to be exceptionally high, with Luke Watson of DfT producing an excellent performance to take victory. Congratulations to Luke on a fine achievement. While attention often focuses on those at the front of the field, one of the most inspiring performances came further back. Neill Purvis of DfT crossed the line in last place but achieved a personal triumph by improving on his previous time by almost four minutes. His determination and commitment embodied the spirit of the event and demonstrated that success can be measured in many ways besides finishing position. SPARTA members made up a significant proportion of the field and delivered strong performances throughout the afternoon. The official results for the 10km have been published and positions and people are below: 1 Luke Watson 6 Michael Dunsford 10 George Plemper 11 Alex Holmes 14 Mike Henman 24 Timothy South 26 Dominic Entwistle 35 Ben Toogood 44 Daniel Rowan 46 Ben Robinson 49 Tom Preest 54 Eleanor Hopkinson 61 Zak El-Hoss 63 Jake Pitchers 70 Jason Marriott 75 Emily Keenan 82 Sean Carroll 84 Jade Berry 86 Lucy Bircham 95 Aisling O’Driscoll 97 Ellie May 99 Tim Roast 114 Tom Hunt 119 Paola Sammarco 130 Neill Purvis With more than forty SPARTA members competing across the two races, the event was another excellent showcase for the enthusiasm, participation and sporting spirit that exist across our departments. Congratulations to everyone who took part, whether competing for honours, chasing a personal best, or simply enjoying the opportunity to race alongside colleagues. Click here to see photos from the event

SPARTA is always looking at ways that we can help staff based in the regions to take part in the activities that we all love. To that end we have once again teamed up the DfE to allow staff from MHCLG and DfT who are based in the regions to attend their Northern Sports Day which is taking place in Bamford near Sheffield. Bamford Recreation Ground If you cannot make the SPARTA Sport and Wellbeing Day on 24th July at Imber Court or are just greedy and want to attend two Sports Days (who wouldn't want that!) why not arrange to attend the DfE event. Details are below: DfE Northern Sports and Families Day – 9th July 26 - Bamford SPARTA are pleased to say that we have negotiated with the Department of Education to get an open invitation to the DfE Northern Sports and Families Day. Details are below: Date, Time and Venue Thursday 9 July, 13:00 onwards @ Bamford Recreation Ground, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33 0DA Open to colleagues across the region and based in Places for Growth Activities We will be hosting the following events: · Off-road mountain biking · 2 hour moderate hike · Football tournament · Rounders tournament · Welly wanging · End of event quiz · Charitable catering If you would like more details about the DfE Northern Sports Day or would like to volunteer to help at the event then please contact Jonathan.HOLMAN@education.gov.uk

The Sparta Golf Society, playing at courses in and around London, is alive a kicking. Its history goes back over 100 years and we still play for many of the original trophies. We welcome colleagues from both the Housing and Transport departments and their agencies. In addition, family members and friends are also welcome to join as associate members. Our 2026 season kicked off at East Berks GC near Crowthorne in late April on a glorious spring day, which attracted a good turnout to compete for two trophies, one scratch medal and one handicap Stableford. One of the many highlights of the day was an eagle two at the par-4 1st hole by our Treasurer. Thorndon Park Golf Course Our second event took place at Thorndon Park GC, Essex on 8 May hosted by our President, who provided every player with the now traditional President’s goody bag to keep them going during the day. Another fine day greeted the players, who were competing for two trophies over the day. There was a Singles handicap Stableford and a Greensomes (Pairs) handicap Stableford. The Singles event was won with 41 points, including a net eagle. Unfortunately, our third event had to be rescheduled in order to avoid exposing the potential players to the recent heatwave. We are now planning to visit South Herts in the Spring of 2027. July Highlights CSSC Hadlow Trophy - We have 2 teams of 4 players entered into the annual CSSC Haddow Trophy national golf event being held at The Vale Resort, near Cardiff over 6 and 7 July. North v South Inaugural Match - We are also looking forward to the inaugural SPARTA North vs South golf match at Copt Heath Golf Club, near Solihull, for 15 July. This is an exciting opportunity for both our Golf Societies to come together for the first time. We are really looking forward to hearing all about this event. Future Events Hever Castle Golf Club The next event will be Captain’s Day, which is a 27-hole event scheduled for Thursday 30 July at Hever Castle Golf Club in Kent. Invitations will be being sent out in early July so please contact the Secretary asap if you want to be added to the circulation list. The first-round matches of the Mond Cup knockout, being contested by the best 8 players from the 2025 season, have all been concluded; with the semi-finals being contested during the next two months. For full details of these and future events why not visit our website at www.spartagolf.co.uk. We are always open to new members of any standard so if you are interested why not email our secretary at secretary@spartagolf.co.uk Full results and reports of both of these events will be on the website https://www.spartagolf.co.uk/ in due course. SPARTA (North) Golf Society The SPARTA (North) Golf Society is regularly meeting this year If you are based in the North of the country and are interested in meeting them then full details are available from Nick Lyell - Nick.Lyell@dft.gov.uk Both Golf Societies look forward to hearing from you.

The History Society has a busy summer of great lectures and tours planned. Here is a brief summary of some of the planned events. Thursday 9th July - The JFK assassination, The Umbrella Man and Other Stories What We Talk About When We Talk About the JFK Assassination with Martin Fitzgerald Online Talk from GMH LG9 1pm This talk is prior to Edinburgh Fringe Fest Yes Really! Microsoft Teams meeting Want to join this event then get in touch with Rober Baker today at Robert.Baker@dft.gov.uk Dallas, 22 November 1963. The main event is supposed to be on Main Street – crowds fifty deep, a blizzard of ticker tape. A few blocks away in Dealey Plaza, the scene is quieter: a handful of people, clear skies. A man with an umbrella. A woman with a polaroid. A dressmaker with vertigo. These are the strange, true stories of the ordinary people who opted out of the main event, only to spend the rest of their lives unable to leave it. This is a book about memory, about how we construct our shared history, and about what happens when your life is defined by a single, fleeting moment. It's about a group of real people who opted out of the main event before John F. Kennedy was assassinated, only to find themselves accidental witnesses to the most scrutinised six seconds of the twentieth century. Martin Fitzgerald is an author and screenwriter from London. His first book, Ruth and Martin’s Album Club (2017), was a collection of reviews of classic albums written by celebrities upon hearing them for the first time. It featured contributions from Richard Osman, Ian Rankin, Bonnie Greer and many more. Martin’s particular interest is taking well-worn stories, approaching them from a new angle and finding the comedy and absurdity within them. Thursday 30th July Belgravia Walk - Belgravia The Myth that made millions or a tale of Two Cities 5.30pm 2 hour walk Meet in Victoria Station outside WH Smith Cost £10 pay by cash or card on the day Belgravia was indeed a ‘myth that made millions’, close to royalty at Buckingham Palace, with a whole social scene exemplified by the TV series ‘Belgravia’. This walk starts at Victoria Station outside WH Smith and finishes on the Buckingham Palace road side of Victoria Station. The walk explores not only the different styles and social nuances of the squares but also the churches and how the place has changed in modern times with regeneration on the agenda to revitalise the area. Belgravia is now known to be a home for many embassies. It is where the Bellamy family from the TV series Upstairs, Downstairs lived. Hear about the glitterati, gangsters, famous politicians, film stars and writers such as Mary Shelley are associated with the area. Wednesday 9th September Mavericks: Britain’s Secret Mission to the Caspian Sea Online Talk from GMH Room 5.7 1pm Writer and former BBC journalist Nick Higham gives an illustrated talk on his new book about a group of British mavericks who set out on an almost impossible task in the chaotic Caspian Sea at the end of World War I. As regimes crumbled, an unlikely maverick band of British soldiers, diplomats and spies were sent in to block Turkish advances, counter Bolshevik threats, and secure Baku’s vital oil. Drawing on personal diaries and top secret archives, he uncovers eccentric heroes and extraordinary intrigue in this forgotten theatre of war where rules were made to be broken. Higham introduces a list of characters including expedition leader Lionel Dunsterville, Scottish aristocrat Ranald MacDonell, who smuggled roubles for the war effort, soldier Edward Noel, who was held hostage for 65 days in terrible conditions, Toby Rawlinson, a brilliant inventor, and spy Reginald Teague-Jones. Their task was to block the advancing Turks, hold back the Bolsheviks, prevent a Turkish-inspired Jihad in India, and secure an oil route. Higham says the result was a story of boldness and intrigue in a forgotten corner of the war where rules were made to be broken. Nick Higham spent 30 years at the BBC including hosting Meet the Author on the news channel. He is the author of The Mercenary River. Wednesday 16 September Rock'n'Roll London tour with Adam Scott-Goulding Tour Starts at 6:30 (18:30) Meeting Point: Tottenham Court Road Tube (exit 1) and end near Piccadilly Circus. It’s the Rock & Pop History tour. From The Beatles to Bob Marley, from David Bowie to Amy Winehouse, all musical roads lead to London! Cost £10 pay by cash or card on the day The People… During our tour Johnny Rotten will be busted for drugs, The Rolling Stones will make their debut album and Jimi Hendrix will play his last gig. We’ll meet the original Ziggy Stardust and Oasis will pose in Soho for the most famous album sleeve of the 90s. The Places… In Denmark Street (scene of the famous Oasis album cover) we’ll look at the history of the music business. In Soho we’ll find the birthplace of British Rock and Pop music. On Carnaby Street there’s Pop Culture from fashion to drugs. All against a backdrop of 400 years worth of entertainment history in London’s famous West End. The Stories… Tales of drunkenness and cruelty! Scandals, shady business deals and music music music – the entire story of Rock & Pop is here. This tour is your backstage pass. Tuesday 22nd September Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood Steve Tibble Online Talk from room GMH 5.7 1pm In this talk, Steve Tibble discusses the Assassins and Templars, are two of history’s most legendary groups. One was a Shi’ite religious sect, the other a Christian military order created to defend the Holy Land. Violently opposed, they had vastly different reputations, followings and ambitions. Yet they developed strikingly similar strategies, and their intertwined stories have, oddly enough, uncanny parallels. Steve Tibble traces the history of these two groups from their origins to their ultimate destruction. He shows how, outnumbered and surrounded, they survived only by perfecting ‘the promise of death’, either in the form of a Templar charge or an Assassin’s dagger. Death, for themselves or their enemies, was at the core of these extraordinary organisations. Their fanaticism changed the medieval world. And, even up to the present day, in video games and countless conspiracy theories, they have become endlessly conjoined in myth and memory. Steve Tibble is a research associate at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is the author of ‘The Crusader Armies’, ‘The Crusader Strategy’, ‘Templars’, and ‘Crusader Criminals’. Join the History Society Today Want to get involved or attend a History Society event then get in touch with Robert Baker at Robert.Baker@dft.gov.uk

Join the Civil Service Choir for a luminous evening of choral music exploring light in all its forms – from the first glow of dawn to the radiance of eternity. On the evening of Wednesday the 15th of July, from 6:30pm, the choir will be performing a summer concert titled “Towards the Light” at The Guards’ Chapel, London. The Guards Chapel At the heart of the programme is Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass, a work of sweeping lyricism and cinematic beauty, charting a journey from sh adow to brilliance. It is accompanied by two further works by Gjeilo: the shimmering Northern Lights and the deeply meditative Luminous Night of the Soul. This rich and reflective programme is complemented by Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, one of the most beloved choral works of our time – a radiant meditation on light, peace, and transcendence – and James MacMillan’s O Radiant Dawn, a striking and evocative setting that captures the intensity and urgency of longing for illumination. The Guards Chapel in close up Together, these works form a compelling musical arc: from darkness into light, from stillness into hope, and from contemplation into joy. How to book tickets Tickets are available here, with a welcomed donation towards the cost of putting on the concert (there will also be collections for the Charity for Civil Servants, the Cardinal Hume Centre, and The Guard’s Chapel): https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/114632 The choir meet for friendly rehearsal If you’re interested in joining the choir, do reach out! New members are welcome any time of year, and it’s no-audition. See Join us – The Civil Service Choir for more details. For a free taster session, please email etcetera@civilservicechoir.org.uk

Are you ready for Sports Day? The SPARTA Sport and Wellbeing Day is almost here and will be taking place on 24th July 2026. For the second year on the trot the event is taking place at the incredible facilities of the Imber Court Sports Club in Thames Ditton near Hampton Court so put the date of Friday 24th July 2026 in your diary now! As usual the event will be taking place in the afternoon starting around 12 noon. We are planning a fantastic day for everyone that attends, and more details are available on our website at https://www.spartarecreation.co.uk/sparta-sports-day-2026 Team Entries If you want to enter a team in the Football, Netball, Rounders or Cricket then you need to enter now before the spaces run out. Enter your team now by using the link below it simple and easy to enter and totally free of charge. Team Entries for Sports Day close on 10th July so get your entries in now if you haven't You can enter by clicking here Volunteers Needed We couldn’t hold the day without the help of the wonderful volunteers from across both Departments that make the day so special. Last year we barely had enough volunteers to hold the event. Many volunteers worked throughout the day without a break we cannot find ourselves in a similar position this year, so please volunteer to help at Sport and Wellbeing Day. It is a great way to use your Departmental allowed volunteer time, give something back to your colleagues and feel that you have made a difference. If you would like to help, then please do get in touch with us at SPARTA@dft.gov.uk Opportunities for Team Building The event is a great opportunity to bring your teams together from across the country for a day of healthy activities and to help improve the physical and mental wellbeing of all staff and their families. We will be hosting as many of the usual sporting activities as possible along with fun events such as wanging the wellie, the sack race, and the egg and spoon race. The day is one of enjoyment and comradeship across DfT and MHCLG and always brings happy memories to all. Start putting your teams together and brushing off your sports gear. I look forward to seeing you all at Sports Day.

Superstars on Tour The annual tour by Superstars Cricket Club took place over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend with games against Brettenham Park CC and Milden CC in Suffolk. Day One - The tour began right in the middle of the Suffolk countryside at a ground rather difficult to find - but we did find it near to a private school's massive stately home looking building with hockey pitches and golf holes between the cricket pitch and the school. Brettenham Hall Entrance We began as we expect the season continuing, losing the toss. A young (well, younger than us but some dinosaur bones are younger than us) opposition elected to bat. Superstars started the match in incredible style with Alok taking a wicket with the first and fifth balls of the match leaving BP 0-2. "Worries" of a short afternoon were not to come to fruition, with the BP skipper in particular looking a strong player. Gary Plahe opened the bowling without early success. It took until Kumar and Boulby were introduced to split the promising pair, with Kumar bowling Wells for 46 and Boulby removing skipper Harrison (50) with a well judged catch from our skipper Gaught-Allen. Spin was introduced as Forman took a early wicket, stumped by the ageless Gigg. Superstars were bowling well against good opposition and there was even solid fielding. Chris Thomson and Az Harris bowled well against some excellent batting, especially from English (81) who was eventually dismissed by Forman - caught in the deep by Alok Singh. Singh and Plahe returned to pick up an end of innings wicket each as BP ended on 230-8. It was a creditable effort from our heroes. One of the joys of a cricket tour - The Cricket Tea After a top tier tea Superstars began the chase of 231 to win. Arun Sajjan and Matthew Conway opened up in their usual positive ways but unfortunately Conway, Harris, Sajjan and Gaught-Allen were dismissed with 43 on the board. It was time to rebuild and Thomson (18) started slowly but built a good partnership with Gigg (33) of 59 until both were dismissed at 102, as was Singh. When Gary Plahe was dismissed only 4 runs later it looked like an unfortunate collapse was on the cards but Forman (13), Harish Kumar (10) and Guy Boubly (8 no) showed excellent fight and determiniation to take Superstars to a very creditable 141 all out. A lovely day in a lovely setting against a good side, our efforts were solid and the tea was top draw. The post match analysis took place in the Red Lion and would have gone far longer if we didn't notice that the Indian closed early on a Sunday. A great day in the Suffolk sun. Day Two - Day Two of Tour arrived. And Superstars headed to the highest point in Suffolk (apparently) and Milden CC. And the ground was cracking with a lovely view, if hardly the top of Everest or the International Space Station. Superstars enjoy a team photo at Milden CC We began as we expect the season continuing, losing the toss again. The opposition elected to bowl. Superstars Chairman, Matt Conway, retires 53 Not Out to allow others to have a bat Superstars, like the day before, started well but it lasted more than 5 balls this time with Sajjan and Conway both scoring well in a partnership of 72. Sajjan was dismissed for a stylish 42 and Conway retired for an excellent 53. Debutant Abhi Dasgupta contributed a handy 11 but the acceleration was mainly due to Anand's powerful 36 (from 27 balls until he was run out by guess who, cough, Barry, cough), a run a ball 21 from Forman, a handy 14 not out from Duggan and Singh's one ball being hit for six. In the 35 overs Superstars had made a very creditable 202 for 6. Alok bowls a dot ball Milden started up after tea with Singh and Plahe opening the bowling for the Stars. What followed was a very disciplined performance in the field with tight bowling and surprisingly competent fielding keeping the run rate down, if not yielding wickets. Plahe and Singh kept things tight then Harris and Boulby kept the required rate at a high level. It was the introduction of Forman and Anand that bought wickets, both bowled, a tight economy rates that meant very few clubs could lose from such a scenario - however we all know Superstars are one of those clubs. Fortunately not this time as Duggan and Dasgupta kept things under control as did a few returning overs from Singh and Anand. Milden ended on 185-2, 17 short of their target. A cracking day in a lovely setting against a fine side, our efforts were solid and we got a tour win. Another great day in the Suffolk sun. There were not too many ducks on tour but they were caught on camera Regular Season Since tour, bonded and prepared for the regular season, Superstars results this season have improved compared to the last few years with (at the time of writing) 3 wins and 3 losses including a win over Kensington Wanderers for the first time in a decade but a heart-breaking loss to friendly rivals Dodgers in the Ken Block Trophy. Join the fun Fancy a Bat or Bowl or just watching a game then get in touch with Superstars CC at osdsuperstars_cc@hotmail.co.uk Or follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/superstarscc

With the cancellation of the 2026 National Sports Programme by CSSC the Departmental Sports and Recreation Associations from across Government have come together to offer some open competitions. The list of events (see image below) is still in the early stages but those that have links available will be published in our calendar of events on the SPARTA home page. If there are any events that you are interested in taking part in and would like more information then please get in contact with us at SPARTA@dft.gov.uk Want to Volunteer at any of these events? If you want to volunteer at any of these events then please to let us know and we will put you in contact with the organisers.