CSSA - Culham Sports and Social Association

The Big Band and Jive Dance Evening produced by CSSA was a chance for those people who can Jive in Cîroc style or Swing style have the chance to dance to a 16 piece Swing band. But the evening was also for those who didn’t wish to dance to love and relax to the 1940’s and 1950’s sounds of the swing era. The CSSA organisers aimed to create a relaxed café style ambience with a bar and food all in the cost of the ticket. Members of the CSSA Jive club soon created the scene by showing what the evening was all about , eventually everyone was moving to the sounds of the Radio Days Dance Band. Radio days, a local swing band, not only provided the music to Jive to but produced a show to watch, listen and enjoy the many musical features and jazz soloists.

Christmas party is held in early December for 3-10 years old. Full on 3 hours of fun for the children with party games, discos, Christmas party tea and a present from Father Christmas. Costa is even open for the parents!

Crafty lunchtimes meets every Tuesday in C1 from 12:15 – 13:00.

Between us we have an extensive knowledge of crafts including; knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, jewellery, card making etc. and as a group we have already gathered a lot of resources.

If you are a keen crafter or would like to learn then please come along and join us.

Contact Pauline Lawrence 01235 464846 or Sue Bartlett 01235 464864 for more information.

Do you play Chess?
Would you like to play some Blitz games during lunch time?
If you answer YES to both questions, then maybe there’s something of interest.
We are playing every Friday between 12:00 and 13:00 o’clock.
We meet at the C1 (CSSA building).
Whether you just want a friendly game, or you are a serious addict, whether you are a beginner or a confirmed club player, you are WARMLY WELCOMED.

Contact email Nicolas Bekris
Telephone 01235 464610 / 2932

There are several people at Culham who go climbing on a fairly regular basis, mostly indoors at the Oxford Brookes climbing wall, but occasionally outside at crags within about two to three hours drive from here. Most people have some experience, but we are willing to help newcomers with the basics at the wall. This is a very informal group and we use a mailing list to announce when we are going to Brookes, or to arrange an outdoor trip. To subscribe to this list send an email to:
climbing-request@ukaea.uk
with a message subject containing just:
climbing@ukaea.uk
and the text of the message containing the lines:
subscribe
end

If you are new to Culham and want to get started then it is probably best to send an email to the list (To: climbing@ukaea.uk) to announce your interest, describe your experience and your climbing interest. We encourage anyone who is planning to go to Brookes to send a mail to the list in case others are interested in joining up.

We have a little equipment that can be borrowed (harnesses, some short ropes for the wall and some second-hand rock boots). If you don't have a belay device someone will have one that you can borrow. To borrow the club gear, contact Nick Hawkes and I can show you where it is kept.

Directions to Brookes are on their website https://www.brookes.ac.uk/brookes-sport/facilities/climbing/
There is two hours free parking in the evenings at the Headington campus.

For any further information contact Stefan.Jachmich@EURO-fusion.org, Nick.Hawkes@ukaea.uk or emilia.solano@ciemat.es

Contact email Julian Hawes
Telephone 01235 464702

CSSA Sounds of Brass
The CSSA Sounds of brass is a brass ensemble made of experienced musicians within CCFE. All the members have performed in brass band concerts, national competitions and are members of local bands. Also the members have experience playing different genres like Big Band Swing, Concert Bands, jazz quartets and some continue Brass Band. The CSSA Sounds of brass usually only perform at in December for the yearly carol concert. If any person is a CSSA member and would like to join CSSA Sounds of Brass, as long as they play a brass instrument, they would be welcome to come along. See or call Julian Hawes on Culham ext 4702 or mobile 07532 197796 for more information.

CSSA Big Band and Jive event
Last October 2014 the CSSA and CSSA Jive club hosted a Big Band and Jive event featuring the Radio Days Big Band. The evening was a chance to relax to the sounds of the 1940s and 1950s swing era plus practice Cîroc or jive dance skills. The venue, being the Culham restaurant, gave the chance for a bar and meal included in the evening. Radio Days is a local dance band of professional and semi-pro experienced players who are enthusiastic to create the excitement and vibe of the swing era. Radio Days has a wide repertoire of classics from Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey or Woody Herman plus many more. For example, some of the music played is; In the Mood, String of Pearls , Song of India, Swing Swing Swing or Opus One. If there is enough request or support another Jive Big Band evening can be arranged by asking the CSSA social committee or talking to Julian Hawes directly.

Email contact - Sam Pritchett

See the Snooker and Darts schedule here

Email contact - Steven Foley

“Friendly game of football, twice a week, players with a wide range of skill levels, get fit while having fun”.

Email contact - George Tvalashvili

A few years ago CSSA were asked by Exco to arrange a Firework Display and Bonfire night. It was decided to hold the Event on the nearest Saturday to Halloween so as not to clash with the more popular Guy Fawkes celebrations.
The founder of Kimbolton Fireworks had given an evening presentation at Culham previously and the Company were therefore contacted to see if they could provide the display. Their representatives visited site and discussed the possibilities with CSSA and so the Event began. Subsequently part of the display team, that had provided the Culham displays, broke away to form Titanium Fireworks. For the last couple of years Titanium Fireworks have provided the Culham display.
Titanium Fireworks have provided the displays for London 2012, the Commonwealth Games, and have been awarded the forthcoming Rugby World Cup Final. In addition they are contracted to provide the displays for London New Year’s Eve and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. If you have a spare few minutes a visit to their web site: www.titaniumfireworks.com is very entertaining.
The bonfire is built by an on-site team using clean timber used for goods inwards packaging and waste from building projects.

Now in it's fourth year The CSSA gym in C1 social club continues to offer a conveniently located place for its members to workout. It's opening times match that of site. So, if your able to get through the front security gate you can access the gym. You'll need to have an induction and fill out a couple of forms before using the facility. Due to space restraints we don't have any cardio equipment. But that's what the outdoors is for.

Any questions and queries feel free to contact Karl Beacham

Don't forget your dancing shoes!!!
Modern Jive club
- Runs Thursday lunchtimes from 12:30 to 13:30
- In the main hall of C01 Social Club
- No costs, just join the CSSA

See the Jive and Zumba schedule here

Chu Shong Tin lineage Wing Chun Kung fu is a martial art which is about simplicity, economy of movement and minimum use of brute strength. You will learn how to generate and deal with large forces, body awareness, posture and deep relaxation. Your training can be directed towards practical self-defence, for meditation much like Tai Chi, for fitness, or for kickboxing depending on your goals, work ethic and taste.

Kung fu is a lifelong obsession which has health benefits and continual improvement at any age. Come train for free with a 3rd generation student of the legendary Ip Man. Our practice here is very informal, relaxed and welcoming to all.

Email contact - Michael Fitzgerald Telephone - 01235 464592

See the Savate and Kung Fu schedule here

The Iyengar method of Yoga is learnt through the in-depth study of asanas (posture) and pranayama (breath control).
Our overall aim is get people active at lunch times. To get them up from their desks and away from the computer screen. It is well known that productivity is dependent of a healthy and well-motivated work force.
Yoga gives you the opportunity to explore that activity both physically and mentally through controlled and precise exercise without breaking into a sweat.
All abilities welcome.
Please wear comfortable clothing. Equipment provided.
Monday 12.15-13.15 with Evelyn Crosskey cost £5/class
Thursday 16.40-18.10 with Sarah Goss cost £10/class
Both Evelyn and Sarah are experience Iyengar yoga teachers.

See the Pilates and Yoga schedule here

Netball is an ideal sport to encompass both men and women because physical strength is not an advantage. It is a fast, exciting, true team sport which involves running, jumping, throwing and catching.

Netball is similar to basketball although the rules, equipment and team numbers are slightly different:
• no dribbling
• no running with the ball
• 7 players per team
• ball must be passed in 3 seconds
• ball and basket are slightly smaller
• there is no backboard
• players are designated to certain areas of the court

Netball also has similarities to european handball, korfball and ultimate frisbee.

It is played by over 20 million people in more than 70 countries. In 1995, Netball became a “recognized” Olympic sport and a strong push is underway for its inclusion in the Olympic Games Program. So if a Culham team gets good enough, global success awaits!
• Netball is an all inclusive sport, can be played by females and males of all ages, and a wide range of positions allows for different skill levels.
• Cost efficient sport and minimal equipment needed.
• Maintains a competitive yet non aggressive environment.
• A true team sport as the ball must be passed from one player to another in order to move the ball down the court.
• Self esteem and confidence is built through team work required, and players owning their own ‘position’ on court.

The CSSA netball team is fun, friendly and informal, we are always open to new players of all abilities and fitness levels. Break free of your desk at lunchtime, get some exercise, get healthy and de-stress!

Email contact - Kate Hardie Baker Telephone - 01235 465330

The Culham Radio and Electronics Club
The Culham Radio and Electronics Club caters for all users of the Culham site with an interest in electronics and/or Amateur Radio.
The Club has accommodation in the Social Club, C1. The old kitchen on the West side of the building has been cleaned and now houses our facilities.
We normally meet during Wednesday lunchtimes and new members and visitors are more than welcome to join us to discuss all things radio and electronics. We have a range of expertise and test equipment available and hold a large stock of surplus electronic components and items of equipment. We have bench space for members to engage in construction projects if they wish.
Current members are active radio amateurs pursuing an interest in HF radio and the Club has a full-power HF station and also a 6m VHF capability. The antenna mast can be seen to the West of C1.
We have qualified examiners available and, if there is demand, we can hold further courses leading to the examinations required to gain Amateur Radio Licences.
We also sell electronic components and scrap to CSSA members, the proceeds of which support Club activities and pay our subscription to the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). For further information, just drop in on a Wednesday or contact the chairman, Guy Morgan or Robert Stephen.

Email contact - Kalle Heinola Telephone - 01235 464478 / 0003

See the Savate and Kung Fu schedule here

CSSA Clay Pigeon Shooting Club.
Clays are 25 for £2.50
Cartridges £5.00 per box are available to be purchased on the day.
You do not need to book a time, just have your liability insurance available for inspection and join the CSSA.
It’s a bit of fun and not too competitive ?

Join the end of the "Cue".
Housed within the CSSA club building there are two full sized snooker tables available for use by CSSA members during all site opening times.
Table running costs are covered by 20p coin operated metered lighting for an 8 minute period. Those wishing to play will need to provide their own cue. A briefing on the use of the table and equipment is also required prior to use. The balls and other equipment are looked away using a combination lock which code will be divulged to members after the briefing.

See the Snooker and Darts schedule here

On site we hold an annual summer softball competion. All people working on site are welcome to enter a team and battle it out to become overall champions and lift the prestigious trophy.

CSSA facilities in C2 house a table tennis table.

See the Tennis And Table Tennis schedule here

There are four tennis courts available for use of CSSA members. A combination code is required to enter the courts.

See the Tennis And Table Tennis schedule here