November 10, 2025

Chatham: HOLDFAST - Warm a Heart This Winter - Donate a Coat with Wrap Up UK

 



Help Holdfast Support Wrap Up UK’s Winter Appeal


As the chill of winter approaches, thousands across the UK face the harsh reality of cold nights without adequate clothing. Holdfast are collaborating with Wrap Up UK and calling on staff at the RSME to join us in making a real difference.

Wrap Up UK’s mission is simple but powerful: collect and redistribute warm coats to those in need including homeless individuals, refugees, children in poverty, survivors of domestic abuse, and the elderly. Every coat donated goes directly to someone who needs it, distributed through trusted charities and shelters across the country.

Whether you're working on site, visiting, or part of our extended community, you can make a real difference this winter. Donate a coat you no longer wear and help keep someone warm who might otherwise go without.

How You Can Help:
  • Donate a Coat: Drop off your warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves at one of the collection points on site (Student Reception, Lampard Centre, Denison lobby, Gorden’s Mess Cloak Room and HQ RSME L1-015)
Collection End Date:
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
Spread the Word: Share this message with friends, family, and other colleagues.

Wrap Up UK is more than a coat drive—it’s a movement of kindness, community spirit, and practical action. Let’s come together to ensure no one is left out in the cold.

Join us. Donate a coat. Warm a heart.

If you have any questions, or would like to host a collection point, please contact me directly using the details below.


Corrina Moorey

Business Support Manager


Room L1-015 | HQ RSME| Brompton Barracks | Chatham | Kent | ME4 4UG

Tel: 01634 888306 | Mob: 07971 699323 | Email: Corrina.Moorey@holdfasttraining.co.uk

Web: https://www.holdfasttraining.co.uk

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub


Chatham: Army Welfare Service Children's Christmas Party Open to all Service Children Ages 5-11 Tuesday 2nd Dec 1630hrs - 1830hrs

 


Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Your Offer - Armed Forces Survey now open


Our people deserve a reward package that meets their needs & reflects their dedicated Service.

Regular personnel – what parts of the #ArmedForces Offer are you most satisfied with? And where do you need extra support?

Tell us so we can build an Offer that works for you 👇

https://ow.ly/2RET50XmmUg

Chatham: Army Welfare Service Family Christmas Celebration Lampard Centre Sat 6th December 11:00 -13:00

 



Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Chatham - Christmas Toy & Novelty Raffle at the Lampard Centre - 6th December at the Family Xmas Event £1.00 per ticket cash all donations to Holding on Letting Go

 


Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Ripon: Drop in for Young People delivered by Mind 18th Nov


National Self Care Week is nearly here and Mind in Harrogate District will be hosting drop-in for young people!

Ripon Library

Tuesday 18th November, 3.00 – 5:00pm

This drop-in session will offer a safe, supportive space where young people can speak confidentially with trained staff about anything that’s on their mind. No judgment, no pressure, no appointment needed. The library will also be providing additional resources which may help with studying & keeping calm

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Richmond: Sara Cox's Great Northern Marathon Challenge for Children in Need 12th Nov

 


As part of BBC Radio 2 Children in Need 2025, Sara Cox is walking/running from Kielder to Pudsey in her Great Northern Marathon Challenge.

The exciting news is that Sara will be finishing Day 3 (Wednesday 12th November) in the Market Place, Richmond around 6pm (timings can change). Sara will be coming in to Richmond via Gilling Road. Her route will take her on to Pottergate, Queens Road and then along King Street to the finish point outside the Town Hall.

The official finish time we have been given is approximately 5.45pm – but she can be live tracked via BBC Radio 2 for more accurate information.

Everybody is encouraged to support the Children in Need event by lining the streets and being in the Market Place for the finish line.

The area outside the Market Place will be cordoned off from 12 noon as BBC Radio 2 build an area for the finish line.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Worthy Down: Military Povost Guard Service (MPGS)

 


Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Dorset: Military coworking hub - virtual book club event Tues 11th Nov


Our low-obligation book club is perfect for you if you don’t like being prescribed a book to read each month but still want to be able to talk about the book you’re reading, have bookish chats and connect with other military spouses and partners.

Held on Zoom our next virtual book club event is tomorrow evening, Tuesday 11th November from 7:30pm-9pm, it’s perfect for helping you find your next read, getting out of that reading slump and just connecting with your fellow bookworms! (We also have lots of other online events to help people connect - why not have a look?)

Sign up for free now on our website, we’d love to see you at our next one!
https://www.militarycoworking.uk/events


Also, don’t forget if you would like to book a FREE trial for our Bovington Co-working hub (opposite the medical centre) please book through our website. 
www.militarycoworking.uk

South East: Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association for the South East


South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) is one of 13 RFCAs UK-wide, SERFCA is a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Arms’ Length Body, responsible to the Defence Council, but separate from military chains-of-command. SERFCA supports the Reserve Forces and Cadets from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force in the Counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and East and West Sussex. SERFCA also helps connect Defence with Society.

If you are interested in becoming a 'Reservist' please click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.

Colerne: November edition of the Colerne Parish Magazine

 

Please click here to read this issue online

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Grantham: SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity - "Home For Christmas"



Information provided by Grantham HIVE 

Lyneham: DIY boiler session from Hewer at coffee morning this week - Thu 13 Nov

 
Alongside coffee morning this week and the monthly Housing Surgery, MOD Lyneham Community Centre will also be hosting this DIY boiler session with experts from Hewer.

This is a free session, with Hewer sharing how to tackle common boiler and plumbing issues in your SFA.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Calne & Lyneham: Operation Santa Paws - pet food bank Christmas request

 

For more info, please click here to visit the Facebook group

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Bristol: Festive Spiegeltent events this November & December

 

The Christmas Spiegeltent brings you immersive festive entertainment in magical & wonderous settings!

Highlights include:
  • Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (with live brass band)
  • Baby Disko's
  • Family Cabaret
  • The Snowman In Concert
  • Bridgerton Candlelit Concert
  • Comedy nights
  • ...and lots more!

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Hullavington: Sleeping Beauty at Buckley Barracks - Sat 22 Nov

 

The panto is open to all Serving Personnel and families on the patch and all 9 RLC families wherever they are living. Registration is via email 9regtwelfare@gmail.com and cost is £3.50 per child over 2.

Our thanks to VIVO and Forces Mutual for the generous funding to help us put on this production. What more could you want to keep the kids entertained on a cold Saturday afternoon in winter!

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Wiltshire: Are you caring for somebody else's child?

 

To mark last weeks Private Fostering Awareness Day on Wed 5 Nov, Wiltshire Council is encouraging residents to consider whether they may be involved in a private fostering arrangement and to come forward for support if they are.

Please click here to read more online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Bovington: Free energy advice drop in session with Dorset citizens advice - Tues 11th Nov

Click on poster above to enlarge.

Session is open to all military personnel, service families, civil servants, contractors and local civilians.
 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Dorset: Wareham Christmas market - Sat 15th Nov


Directions:  Bestwall Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4HY

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: A Dorset Christmas market at the Tank Museum plus santa in a tank - Sat 15th & Sun 16th Nov


For more information click link A Dorset Christmas - The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum’s annual ‘A Dorset Christmas’ event is the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique hand-made Christmas gifts as well as enjoy festive food and entertainment. 

Of course, no Christmas event for families is complete without a visit from Father Christmas, who arrives in style at the Museum - in an armoured vehicle. The arrival of Santa in a tank may appear unusual for some, but for British tank regiments and their local communities it’s a tradition which dates back around 100 years.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Find out how the Tank Museum keeps the 'Santa in a Tank' tradition alive. 

Gloucestershire: November Libraries update


Please click here to access these links online

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Kirkcaldy: Fife Care Academy Recruitment Event Tues 11th November

click on image to enlarge

Tuesday 11th November - 10am to 12:30pm

Kirkcaldy Campus, St Brycedale Ave, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1EX

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: BFBS screening of newly released film Diplo the Mighty Dino, Friday 14th Nov

The welfare team will be showing the recently released film, Diplo The Mighty Dino in the community centre on Friday, 14th November, starting at 1230hrs. 

There is no charge to watch the film and Bula Café will be open selling drinks and snacks.


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Bovington: Garrison coffee morning & DIO housing surgery (change of date) Wed 12th Nov


If you have any housing issues or concerns, please use this opportunity to come along and speak in person to a housing representative from Pinnacle/Vivo. Appointments are not necessary, just drop in. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison cinema latest movie ' The Running Man' - Fri 14th & Wed 19th Nov

 


Cast: Glen Powell, Coleman Domingo, Katy O’Brian, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, Jayme Lawson

Genre: Sci/fi, Adventure

Watch the trailer here: THE RUNNING MAN | BFBS Cinemas

Food and drink available for purchase at the door.

Military families living at Bovington, Lulworth and Westmoors are welcome to use the cinema on Blandford Camp. (Adults and over 16s - Official ID required for Camp access)


Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blackpool: Christmas By the Sea - 21 Nov 2025 until 04 Jan 2026


Blackpool’s spectacular Christmas By The Sea village is returning for 2025. VisitBlackpool has confirmed that the hugely popular outdoor village will open on Friday 21 November with an exciting range of festive family attractions - plus a free skating rink which will open every day until January 4, 2026 (barring Christmas Day).

In addition to the free-to-use skating rink, this year’s village will include festive light installations, themed log cabins with food, drink and gifts and artificial snowfalls.

It will also see a variety of themed children’s attractions, exciting thrill rides including a 100ft-long snow slide, and an aerial swing ride, the Star Flyer. This year will also see the return of a German Swing Grill, Snow Dome Waltzers, a Helter-Skelter slide and Ice Breaker thrill ride. New to the site this year will be a Christmas themed Fun House, set over three floors this new attraction will feature spinning barrels and discs, shuffle boards and special lighting effects.

Christmas By The Sea will be complemented by a full Illuminations display along the seafront after VisitBlackpool announced earlier this year that the Illuminations would once again be extended by two months to run until January 4 2026.

Throughout the Christmas By The Sea season, people will be able to park for four hours at many Blackpool Council car parks for just £2, this year the offer includes both Talbot and Central Multi-Storey Car Parks.

The event will be opened at a special celebration that will take place early evening on Friday 21 November. 

To find out more, click on the link below.

 Christmas By The Sea

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Blandford: Christmas craft fair - Sun 16th Nov


Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

Brecon: Brecon with Bells on at Kensington Baptist Church on Sat 22 Nov 25

 
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison youth club sessions - week commencing Mon 10th Nov


Sessions are held in the Jubilee Hall, Blandford Camp (by Garrison Church) 

For those children that aren’t yet registered, there will be a QR code provided on entry for parents to complete prior to the session:

Blandford Garrison Juniors Youth Club session - Mon 10 Nov 25

1630 – 1730 hrs

Reception – Year 3.

Session: Free play and craft & Lego

At the Jubilee hall

Cost - £1.50 – Entry +Tuck

Juice and water provided

Blandford Garrison Inters Youth Club session - Mon 10 Nov 25

1800 – 1930 hrs

Year 4 – Year 6

Session: Team games

At the Jubilee hall

£1 entry, plus money for tuck shop

Juice and water provided

Blandford Garrison Seniors Youth Club session - Wed 12 Nov 25

1800 – 1930 hrs

Year 7 and above

Session: Mug pizza making. Please bring a mug!

At the Jubilee hall

£1 entry, plus money for tuck shop

Juice and water provided

Please keep a look out for future notices regarding youth club sessions.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 


Blandford: Garrison cinema latest movie 'Predator Badlands' - Mon 10th & Wed 12th Nov


Cast: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi

Genre: Sci-fi, Horror

Watch the trailer here: PREDATOR: BADLANDS | BFBS Cinemas

Food and drinks available to purchase at the door.


Military families living at Bovington, Lulworth and Westmoors are welcome to use the cinema on Blandford Camp. (Adults and over 16s - Official ID required for Camp access)



Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Leuchars: Carers Drop-in with AWS next drop-in 13th Nov

click on image to enlarge

Contact jane.allen208@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Leuchars

Kinloss: RAF Lossiemouth Flying Notice for Wed 12th November

Kinloss Barracks will be utilised as a 'tactical landing zone' for Royal Air Force aircraft on the 12th of November.

Ex SOARING EAGLE is a collaborative exercise between 39 Engr Regt and RAF Lossiemouth, testing our ability to disperse and operate from austere locations.

Any enthusiasts wishing to see the aircraft are politely reminded to respect Kinloss Barrack's neighbours and not to block any roads or entrances to property. 

Timings shown in the image may change with little or no notice.

As always, thank you to our local community for their support.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

November 9, 2025

Cupar, Leuchars and surrounding areas: Cupar Rotary Santa's Sleigh 2025

Weather, breakdowns and/or umpteen other reasons means…
the routes are NOT guaranteed!!

LIST OF DATES, SUPPORTING GROUPS, AREAS, APPR. TIMES:

Sat 29th Nov Glow Xtreme Cheer & Dance, Ladybank 5 – 7:30
Sun 30th Nov Fife Folk Museum, Ceres 5 – 7:30
Mon 1st Dec Freuchie Scouts, Freuchie 6 – 8:30
Tue 2nd Cupar Scouts, Springfield 6 – 8:30
Wed 3rd no Sleigh or catch-up
Thu 4th AM Soccer, Leuchars 6 – 8:30
Fri 5th Cupar Hearts, Guardbridge 6 – 8:30
Sat 6th Auchtermuchty Bellevue Colts, Auchtermuchty 5 – 7:30
Sun 7th Howe under-14s, Cupar Edenbank 4 – 6

November 8, 2025

Northern Ireland: Beyond The Battefield, Portavogie Amici Concert - Saturday 29th November

 
The world famous singing friends the Amici Choir will be holding a concert at the Beyond the Battlefield Veterans Centre in Portavogie. Tickets are available from Beyond the Battlefield and the ticket price includes light refreshment afterwards and a free ballot entry.

Information provided by HIVE NI

November 7, 2025

Gloucestershire: Latest 'Families in Partnership' e-newsletter for families with SEND

Topics this month include:

  • Brighter minds in darker months: Mental health support for SEND families
  • Relaxed pantomimes and grottos to know about this December
  • 'Listen to Me' peer support coffee mornings with Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum and activities
  • Getting ready for Winter Holiday Activity and Food Programme
  • New project by Healthwatch Gloucestershire: Exploring the experiences of young people who are autistic or ADHD

Please click here to read this issue online

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Corsham: Charity Christmas coffee morning - Sat 6 Dec

 

Please click here to follow the 'Corsham Friends of Dorothy House' Facebook page

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Inverness: Army Welfare Service and 3 SCOTS Poppy Project at Fort George Kirk


Remembrance Day is always a poignant time of year, especially for 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) personnel and their families. The period of quiet reflection this year will culminate in a service held at Fort George Kirk on Remembrance Sunday, led by Padre Paul van Sittert. The service is open to everyone with a 1030 hrs start. The Fijian soldiers have kindly offered to sing as part of the service. All retiring offerings / donations will go to Poppy Scotland.

3 SCOTS, historically known as The Black Watch has a staunch and proud heritage steeped in tradition. Fort George is currently home to the 3 SCOTS Battalion which most of the Craft Club members are affiliated to through their husbands and partners.

The Craft Club have sought to honour and reflect upon that in their display, which incorporates the use of military camouflage netting and Black Watch Tartan ribbon. The spouses and partners are understandably proud of their service personnel and that shows in the way that the display has been handcrafted and produced – with love being an important ingredient.

The poppy focal piece at the Battalion Kirk is the Craft Club’s way of reflecting on a sombre time of dedication and also a time to consider the role of the Battalion and wider Armed Forces Community in what are clearly difficult and challenging times.

Wiltshire: Family and Community Learning - Understanding School Anxiety - online course - Friday 12th December


Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Fife: Some GP practices taking protected learning time Tues 11th November

Some GP practices are taking part in a Protected Learning Time session on Tuesday 11 November between 1pm and 6pm.

Practices take part in a number of sessions throughout the year to allow staff to access training. During this time:

📱 patients requiring urgent care should call 01592 729 250
✅ appointments should attend unless advised otherwise
📲 pharmacies should call 01592 729 250 for urgent enquiries

Access to urgent care for patients of surgeries taking part will continue throughout. 

More information at  https://brnw.ch/21w

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): NEW VACANCY: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - 1 Vacancy - Multiple Locations - Closing Date: 13 November 2025

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:
Specialist Scheme and Accommodation Support Service
Administrator - DVSA Swansea or Yeading, Middlesex
 Closing Date: 13 November 2025451

GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).


Wales: Careers Wales - Parent/Carer Newsletter - Autumn 2025


Career Wales: 

Is your child in year 11?

Check out our autumn newsletter for mainstream education to find:

  • A timeline of key events this academic year
  • Tips on how you can support your child’s next steps
Click here to access the Parent/Carer Newsletter Autumn 2025

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Motorfinity - On Freedom's Wings – The Last Mission Home

A Full-Sized Lancaster Bomber Rises as an Enduring Tribute to Bomber Command
On the border between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, a remarkable silhouette now commands the skyline. Standing 29 metres high with a wingspan of 31 metres, a full-sized steel sculpture of an Avro Lancaster bomber appears frozen in flight, heading home across the fields that once echoed with the roar of wartime engines.

This is 'On Freedom's Wings' – an extraordinary tribute to the 55,573 men of RAF Bomber Command who never returned from their missions over occupied Europe.

To read the full article, click 
HERE

Fife: Have your say on Fife's open spaces

Fife Council is asking residents to share their views on the parks, civic spaces, and green spaces that help define our communities.

Whether it’s a well-loved local park or a quiet riverside walk, your feedback will help us:
• protect special places from development
• improve accessibility and enjoyment of open spaces
• identify opportunities for trees, paths, play areas and more.

A version for children and young people is also available. The response will help us understand which spaces are thriving and which need extra care. It will ensure no important area is missed as we plan for the future needs of Fife’s communities and will also help to inform the next Local Development Plan.

More on the open spaces survey and to take part: https://www.fife.gov.uk/.../have-your-say-on-fifes-open..

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Preston & Weeton: Are you posted to the North/West?



Are you moving to the North/West?

If you are about to relocate to Preston or Weeton, please contact the HIVE office to request a pre-arrival information pack.

If you have just arrived in the area, HIVE will help you to find out more about your new location, where to register for doctors/dentists, find a nursery place, schools, employment, local area etc.

The HIVE also has information on all Army, RAF and Navy locations within the UK and overseas should you require information regarding a future posting.

Preston HIVE

Fulwood Barracks    Tel. 01772 260025  (Mon)

Weeton Barracks     - Tel. 01772 260762  (Tues - Fri) 

e-mail:  RC-Pers-HIVE-Preston-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk 

Preston: Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph - 9th November 25

Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

Please join the Right Worshipful Mayor of Preston, veterans, Armed Forces and others, in gathering around the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

A parade of armed forces members both current and veterans, cadets, dignitaries and others will walk around the city centre, ending at the Flag Market.

At the end of Sunday's service, there will be an opportunity for the public to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph.

Sunday 9th November 2025

Preston Flag Market 
11am - 1pm


Please note: 
A number of road closures will take place due to Remembrance Sunday Parades on Sunday 9 November 2025 from 9am until 1pm.
To view which roads will be closed and diversions, CLICK HERE

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Fylde: Remembrance Sunday Services in Fylde 2025

Remembrance Sunday Services in Fylde  - 9th November 2025

Residents throughout the borough are warmly invited to join commemorations on Sunday 9 November as communities come together to honour those who have defended our freedoms. These services will offer everyone the opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by our armed forces, both past and present.

Services are always well attended and will take place as follows:

St Annes: Assemble at the Pier car park at 10:30am. The parade will proceed to the memorial in Ashton Gardens at 10:38am, led by Mayor of Fylde, Cllr Frank Andrews.

Lytham: Gather at the Assembly Rooms at 10:30am, with the procession departing at 10:45am. The civic party will be led by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Cheryl Little.

Kirkham: Assemble on Orders Lane at 1:30pm and move off at 1:45pm. The Remembrance service will commence at the Cenotaph at 2:00pm, followed by refreshments at the Community Centre.

Wesham: Led by Mayor Cllr Liz Bickerstaffe, assemble at the War Memorial at 10:45am. A service of remembrance will be held, followed by refreshments at Wesham Community Centre.

Armistice Day Arrangements

The commemorations continue on Tuesday 11 November with a two-minute silence marking Armistice Day. The Mayor of Fylde will attend at Ashton Gardens, the Deputy Mayor of Fylde at Lytham Cenotaph and the Mayor of Kirkham at Kirkham Cenotaph, ensuring every community can mark this significant moment together.

Cllr Frank Andrews, Mayor of Fylde, said: “I’m deeply honoured to lead our community in remembering those who gave so much for our freedom. These services bring us together in gratitude and reflection, ensuring the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces will never be forgotten. I encourage everyone across Fylde to join us in paying tribute to those who served and continue to serve our nation.”

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE