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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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September 30, 2025

Brecon: New 'Visit Brecon' Website - now live


New Visit Brecon website!

Our VisitBrecon office has a shiny new website – it’s brighter, fresher, and easier to use. Whether you’re planning an event, looking for something to do this weekend, or want to explore the beauty of Brecon, this website can help.

What’s new?
  • A sleek new design
  • Easier navigation
  • More inspiration for things to see and do
Take a peek today and start planning your next adventure https://www.visitbrecon.org/

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

London: Natural History Museum Pokemon is coming to the Museum

 




As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary, this January we will be hosting an exclusive pop-up in the Museum.

The Cranbourne Boutique will be transformed into a pop-up shop experience, with exclusive products designed especially for the collaboration. It marks Pokémon's first pop-up of its kind with a UK Museum.

A free ticket will be needed to visit the store. Sign up via the link below to join the priority list to be among the first to access tickets.

We anticipate high demand for this experience and tickets are subject to availability.

Join the priority list

Click HERE for further information

Information Provided by South East HIVE

Winchester: A Warm Welcome to Winchester Cathedral

 

A warm welcome to Winchester Cathedral



Welcome to Winchester Cathedral! This is truly a great and glorious place, inspiring awe and wonder. Those who built this cathedral sought to stop us in our tracks and bring us to our knees in awe. Whatever brings you to this special place, I hope that your visit will be a blessing and the beginning of relationship with this sacred space that will bring you back again soon.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Wiltshire: Latest SEND newsletter from Wiltshire Council

 

The latest newsletter includes:
  • Save the date: WPCC SEND Information event – Wednesday 26 November 2025
  • Discover what's new on Wiltshire's Local Offer
  • Carer get together – free event in Calne Fri 3 Oct
  • Discover Inclusive Activities
Please click here to read this online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Northern Ireland: Latest Edition of Veterans Newsletter NI is Out Now.

 
The latest edition of the Northern Ireland Veterans Newsletter is now live. You can read it here:
https://www.nivco.co.uk/.../Veterans-Newsletter-NI-Issue...

Information provided by HIVE NI

September 29, 2025

BFBS PRO LEAGUE GRAND FINAL MAKES HISTORY IN LANDMARK MILITARY ESPORTS EVENT

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) yesterday hosted and livestreamed the Grand Final of the inaugural BFBS Pro League at the University of Staffordshire, one of the UK’s leading institutions in esports education and innovation, in their cutting-edge £5.5 million Beacon Building.

The landmark event marked the next chapter for military gamers, putting the first generation of UK Armed Forces gaming talent at the forefront of global esports audiences. Featuring Rocket League, and built exclusively for the UK Armed Forces community, BFBS esports harnesses the worldwide phenomenon of the game to create a competitive arena where serving personnel, their family members, reservists, cadets, Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel, veterans, MOD civil servants, and members of the bereaved community can showcase their skills on an international stage.

Eight teams faced-off in a high-octane battle for the championship crown with British Army squads, Royal Air Force teams and civilian players all chasing glory. This was more than just a tournament – it was a platform driving connection, resilience, and community across the forces through one of the world’s fastest growing sports.

Grantham: SKtoday

To read click here:

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: K2 Young Adult Social Group - NHS


Information provided by Grantham HIVE

West Midlands: Shrewsbury Town Foundation Ex Personnel & Military Hub


 Full details HERE

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Grantham: Grantham College & University Centre Open Events



Information provided by Grantham HIVE 

Central HIVE Hub - Stafford office - amended opening days and times

 

With the retirement of the Stafford HISO, the HIVE office will now have amended opening times as follows with effect from Wednesday 8 October:

Mon-Tues: Closed

Wed-Thurs: 0800-1630 Fri: 0800-1300

Please note these timings are reliant on the commitments within the AOR of the Central Hub.

If you wish to contact the Central Hub for any enquiries, please email: RC-Pers-HIVE-CentralHub-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk or T: 01543 434362

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

September 26, 2025

Lyneham: New Little Lights faith-filled fun for 0-5 yr olds in MOD Lyneham Community Centre

 

Welcome to Little Lights!

Each session will last an hour and begins with lively songs and rhymes to get everyone joining in, followed by a short and engaging Bible story with the help of pictures, props, or actions.

After the story, children can take part in a fun craft, giving them a chance to be creative and explore the story in their own way. The session finishes with snacks for the children and refreshments for the adults, plus free time to chat and get to know one another!

Little Lights provides a relaxed and friendly environment where families can explore & grow in faith together while little ones learn, play, and thrive. Whether you’re a family with lots of faith, no faith or are somewhere in-between, everyone is welcome.

The group meets at MOD Lyneham Community Centre, Calne Rd, Lyneham, Chippenham SN15 4XX at 10am on:
  • Friday 26th September
  • Friday 10th October
  • Friday 24th October
Need to contact Little Lights? Email littlelights@light-church.co.uk

Click here to visit the Facebook page

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Stafford: St John’s CE Primary Academy Newsletter 26th September 2025

St John’s CE Primary Academy

Please click on the link below to access this week’s newsletter:

See link HERE

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

September 25, 2025

Gloucestershire: 'On Your Mind' mental health service for children and young people

 

On Your Mind Glos is a place for Children and Young People to turn to when you need help and support with your mental health but you aren’t sure where to go. They have an anonymous Mental Health Support Finder, which is also available via text, for anyone aged 0-25 that will help you find the most appropriate support options for you in Gloucestershire.

Young people, parents/carers or professionals working with young people can use the support finder but also look through the database of quality controlled mental health services contained within our List of Services Directory.

On Your Mind Glos also has some self help guides and resources designed for both young people and their families to provide general support and advice about self-care.

Click here for further information

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Lyneham: Snow White family panto - Fri 21 & Sat 22 Nov

 

Click here to book your tickets!

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Weeton: LCC Mobile Library Services - upcoming dates


Mobile Library - Weeton Barracks

Our five mobile vans travel across the Lancashire region and are based at Heysham, Garstang, Brierfield, Clayton Green, and Ormskirk. Routes are covered on a three-weekly basis with over 700 stops and a wide range of books to suit all tastes. Titles are changed regularly, with new ones being added frequently. Books can also be ordered, just the same as in a static library. A variety of audio books and CDs are also available.

New customers are always welcome, and you can join simply by going to the vehicle to be signed up.

The mobile library will be situated on the car park opposite Honeypot nursery on Weeton Barracks at 1pm - 1.30pm on the following dates:

Wed 08th October
Wed 29th October
Wed 19th November
Wed 10th December

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Scotland: Early Years Forces Children Project

click on image to enlarge

Are you a parent of a baby or child aged six or younger? 

Then Forces Children Scotland would love to hear about your experiences of raising children as a Forces Family.

Scan the QR code or follow the link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclXwEgeFThyvqBGa_x0li4wPxq9EjP9KKAxcRyOyI-gLrVOA/viewform  if you are interested in taking part.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

West Midlands: AWS CS Are you a parent in the Armed Forces.... Every other Wednesday from 8 October


Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
 

Kent & Medway: Domestic Abuse Support

 


Trigger Warning: Domestic abuse can lead to a person feeling like there is no escape and having suicidal thoughts. 30% of suspected suicides in Kent and Medway have domestic abuse as a factor (@KentPolice).

Support services are there for anyone experiencing abuse and can provide practical and emotional support including refuge, safe accommodation, specialist programmes and 1-2-1 help.

September 24, 2025

DMWS offer a new online counselling service for Serving and Reservist women across the UK

Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, DMWS are proud to offer a new online counselling service for serving and reservist women across the UK.

With their military expertise, they understand the unique pressures of service life. This service gives those in need a safe space to talk, connect, and feel heard.

This free, confidential support is tailored to service women’s needs and covers:

Stress and anxiety
Loneliness and isolation
Health concerns
Relationship and family issues
Work pressures and more

Self-refer by emailing: seenandheard@dmws.org.uk

Or call their free helpline for support: 0800 999 3697

To find out more about this exciting project, visit https://dmws.org.uk/seen-and-heard/

Grantham: Market Place Event Schedule


Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Leuchars: Bookbug sessions in the Community Centre is now on a Wednesday 10.00-10.30


click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

September 23, 2025

Bovington: Tank Museum annual pass and concessionary tickets for garrison personnel & families


To find out about the Tank Museum and what events are coming up click HERE

An Annual Pass allows you to visit The Tank Museum as many times as you want for a year (excluding Special Event days). Every regular admission ticket purchased including Access All Areas and Experience Days automatically comes with an Annual Pass.
All Special Event tickets also include an Annual Pass.

Bovington Garrison Concessionary Tickets - Tank Museum FREE entry

Concessionary ticket management is via Guardroom, Allenby Barracks There are 7 tickets available for personnel and families living or working at Bovington 

For families living at Lulworth camp, 4 tickets are available via the Lulworth Camp Guardroom

1 ticket covers 2 adults and 2 children. Mod personnel can use their MOD90 card to gain free entry to Tank Museum. 

Tickets are to be collected on day of use and returned at the earliest opportunity.

Concessionary tickets cannot be used for special events such as Tankfest or Tiger Day.


Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Sandhurst: Military Co-Working Book Your Desk

 






Working from home is amazing, until you realise you've not actually left the house in 3 days and might have forgotten how to speak to real life people rather than those inside your computer...

Our coworking hubs are fantastic for helping to break this cycle, get you out of the house, making connections with other local military partners and spouses and giving you a good separation between work and home. 

And for just £30 per YEAR, the value is fantastic!

So if you're already a member, book that desk for this week and come join us in your Sandhurst Military Coworking Hub, and if you're not a member yet - why not? 

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Edinburgh: AWS Youth Clubs, Tuesday evenings Scots Corner Community Centre P4-P7

click on image to enlarge

Please register o advance by emailing Gina.clark117@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: BFBS Scotland DAB is available in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Glencorse

click on image to enlarge

BFBS Scotland SSDAB+  is available in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Glencorse

Edinburgh - FM98.5 MHz
Fort George - FM87.7 MHz
Glencorse - FM94 MHz
Inverness - FM87.7 MHz

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Northern Ireland: NI Direct. GOV.UK Vehicle Tests: Temporary Exemption Certificates

 
Vehicles that were first registered between 1 June 2020 and 31 May 2021 or between 1 June 2018 and 31 May 2019, and have a valid Northern Ireland MOT will be given a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC ).
This means they will not need a vehicle test (MOT) for 12 months from the date their current certificate expires.
Find out more at: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/.../guide-booking-your-mot...
Department for Infrastructure

Information provided by HIVE NI

Staffordshire: University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust latest job vacancies as at 22nd September 2025



Please see below for the links to the latest vacancies at UHNM.

Nursing and Midwifery: Job vacancy search: Which health sector? | trac.jobs

Health Science Services: Job vacancy search: Which health sector? | trac.jobs

Support Services: Job vacancy search: Which health sector? | trac.jobs

Administrative Services: Job vacancy search: Which health sector? | trac.jobs

Medical and Dental: Job vacancy search: Which health sector? | trac.jobs

Allied Health professionals: Job vacancy search: Which health sector? | trac.jobs


Information provided by Stafford HIVE



September 22, 2025

Highlands: The Military Liaison Group (MLG) - who, what, why


The Military Liaison Group (Education), often referred to as “The MLG”, is a tri-service Highland partnership that is committed to ensure that all Children and Young People from Armed Forces families thrive in Highland and suffer no disadvantage in their education due to being from a military family (Army, Navy or RAF) whether Serving, Reservist or Veteran.

You can find out more about the MLG and their partners in a new resource👉 MLG Education: Who What Why

This can also be accessed through the Armed Forces Highland website along with more information regarding the MLG 👉 Armed Forces Families Highland

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

North Yorkshire: Got a Military Connection? Need Advice?


We are delivering face to face drop-in advice sessions, providing free, confidential and impartial advice to serving armed personnel, veterans and their families based at and around Catterick Garrison.

Our adviser will be able to provide advice on benefits, energy, debt, housing, and also signpost to our specialist legal advice!

#CatterickConnection

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Corsham: AWS groups at MOD Corsham Community Centre

 

Please email josh.kingston102@mod.gov.uk with any queries

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Wiltshire: Skills Bootcamps - free for adults living or working in Wiltshire and Swindon

 

The new academic year is often a time to think about fresh opportunities, whether that means changing career, developing new skills or progressing in your current role. To support this, free Skills Bootcamps are available for adults living or working in Wiltshire and Swindon.

These flexible courses are designed to help people gain in-demand skills and connect directly with employers, with an interview for a real job at the end. Training is available across a range of sectors, including digital and AI, construction and green skills, logistics and transport, and education.

Skills Bootcamps are open to learners aged 19 and over who have lived in the UK for at least three years. They are free for individuals, with discounted places available for employers who want to upskill their staff.

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Staffordshire: My Staffordshire: Staffordshire County Council update Boost your skills this Autumn


Update from Leader, Ian Cooper


See link HERE


Information provided by Stafford HIVE

September 19, 2025

Scotland: The latest edition of Army Cadets in Scotland Newsletter is now available

The latest Army Cadets in Scotland newsletter is here 👆 click on image to read

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

September 18, 2025

BFBS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF BFBS TV FOR ARMED FORCES AT RTS CAMBRIDGE CONVENTION 2025

Today, BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) proudly marks BFBS TV’s 50th anniversary. First launched on 18th September 1975 in Celle, West Germany, this golden milestone coincides with the Royal Television Society’s (RTS) Cambridge Convention at King’s College, a fitting stage to celebrate five decades of trusted partnerships, delivering top-quality television to the UK Armed Forces and their families overseas.

On its inaugural broadcast Hilary Osborn declared: “It is a historic moment for us in BFBS as we open up our first television service.” From a 30-foot mobile control room at Trenchard Barracks, with content support and engineering expertise from the BBC and ITV contractor London Weekend Television, BFBS TV began transmitting UK programmes abroad.

From tape distribution in 1975 in Celle, to live news and sports via a bespoke microwave link in the 1980’s - stretching from Wembley across northern, eastern and western Europe, eventually reaching West Berlin – to satellite coverage in the 1990’s and the introduction of multi-channel and initial live services for the Royal Navy, BFBS TV has consistently adapted to meet the needs of its audience.

The launch of secure streaming in 2014, followed by on-demand services in 2018 brought BFBS TV into the digital era, offering over 2,000 hours of content to browse, and up to 40 live channels wherever personnel are posted. This includes bespoke edge solutions enabling streaming, catch-up TV, audio and digital print offerings, whether at sea or in locations where connectivity is limited.

As of 2025, BFBS TV works with more than 20 trusted partners including British public service broadcasters, subscription TV and streaming platforms, international studios and sports rights holders, all supporting the service in reaching armed forces communities overseas.

Ben Chapman, CEO of BFBS, said: “Celebrating 50 years of BFBS TV at the RTS Convention was a powerful moment to honour our history and thank the studios, stakeholders, and teams whose outstanding content and collaborative partnerships have kept the UK Armed Forces connected for half a century. We also raised a glass to every colleague who has made this possible.”

Adam Hardwick, Deputy Director of BFBS TV & Cinemas, added: “Reaching this milestone is about recognising the breadth of services BFBS TV delivers today. From live sports, movies and series to trusted news, children’s content and so much more, we’re proud to offer a service that continues to innovate and evolve to meet the changing needs of the armed forces community wherever they are deployed or posted.”

More information on BFBS TV can be found here.

Aldershot: Wellesley Woodlands health walks - every friday



Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

September 17, 2025

Lichfield: DMS(W) Christmas Choir


 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

KCC: The Kent Money Advice Hub

 



'People go to the Money Advice Hub  with a lot on their shoulders, and they finish the call with an instant sense of relief and an increase in confidence.'

Are you worrying about money? The Kent Money Advice Hub could help you.
 
Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub