It might seem like it's still a little early to start considering calendars for 2015 let alone 2016 – at least if you're a shopper! Yet ABF the Soldiers' Charity already has its eye on its 2016 calendar.

On September 8th, the British Army charity opened a competition to seek out photos to use in that year's The Soldiers' Charity calendar.

Soldiers, former soldiers, cadets and relatives – indeed, anyone who is connected to the Army – can send in snaps they think could be used – and have until April 30th next year to do so.

For previous calendars, including the newly released 2015 edition which has recently been put on sale, official Army snaps have appeared on the calendar.

The images sent in for the competition must fit into the categories set by the charity. These are: the First World War and its commemoration, training, sports, cadets, reserves, veterans families and serving.

As well as seeing their snap printed on the 2016 calendar, winners – picked by a judging panel – will get photography related goodies.

After the April 30th closing date, a shortlist will be created and then the panel will decide the winners before the close of May, when the snaps that have made it to the calendar will be announced. The charity's website has all the details of the contest.

"Growing up with my father as an Army Captain and having met some of the men and women who've served in Afghanistan, I'm proud of our Armed Forces and the work they do," commented Jenny Agutter, the well-known actress who is part of the panel of judges for the competition.

"I also know how important The Soldiers' Charity is in helping those in need. I'm looking forward to seeing the competition entries, I'm sure it's going to be hard to choose a winner," she said.

Joining the star on the panel are Arthur Edwards, the royal photographer, Lieutenant General Nick Carter, who is chief of general staff, as well as being chief executive of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and Major General (Ret’d) Martin Rutledge.

Experienced photographer Mr Edwards said: "Many of my Royal assignments have taken me to Army bases in the UK and around the world and I always enjoy meeting people who serve their country with such commitment and pride."

He also said that it is going to be fascinating to see how the Army family's range is shown in the contest and predicted high quality entries.

Mr Routledge said that the charity though the contest would provide a good chance to showcase the talents of the large number of budding photographers the Army family boasts.

Meanwhile, the charity has also just revealed that it has asked several Labour party MPs to take part in a special British Military Fitness (BMF) boot camp.

This is set to happen early tomorrow morning (September 23rd), and will be attended by the MPs, who are part of the Shadow Defence team.

The event will bring in cash for ABF The Soldiers' Charity, and help to promote it. It will involve several tough games that MPs will participate in in teams.

"It’s well known that the fitness standards of the British Military are amongst the toughest in the world, so this is as challenging breakfast-time invitation that you are ever likely to receive at a party conference!" commented Labour MP Dan Jarvis, who was also, at one time, a Parachute Regiment major. 

The boot-camp is happening at the Labour Party conference, which is currently underway in Manchester and finishes September 24th.

"The Soldiers’ Charity does hugely important work supporting all soldiers whenever they need it and I'd encourage people to go along and show their support," Jarvis added.  

BMF regional manager, Mark Pearson, is leading the boot-camp event.

"The Soldiers’ Charity does so much to support serving and retired

soldiers, and it’s a charity that is very close to the hearts of BMF," he said.

"When we heard about the activity, we were delighted to assist in any way possible. The instructors can’t wait to put the Shadow Defence team through an effective workout and take part in some serious fun."

Among the other recent service charity news is the fact that SSAFA recently announced that the Fabulous Baker Brothers – Tom Herbert and Henry Herbert – are getting behind its Big Brew Up event. This is happening next month from October 6th to October 12th, when people will have tea parties for the charity.

Tom and Henry have provided a Battenberg recipe which the charity has published on its website.ADNFCR-2867-ID-801749965-ADNFCR

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