Colerne & Lyneham: HIVE closed Mon 22 Dec, re-opening Mon 5 Jan

 

 Lyneham HIVE will be open from Mon 5 Jan.

Colerne HIVE will be open on the following dates in January:

• Thu 15 Jan
• Thu 29 Jan

Please note that mailboxes will be accessed from Mon 5 Jan.

For queries relating to Lyneham, South Cerney, Innsworth and Shrivenham:

• rc-pers-hive-lyneham-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

For queries relating to Colerne, Corsham, Services Cotswold Centre and Hullavington:

• rc-pers-hive-colerne-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Wiltshire: Community pharmacies opening on Christmas Day across Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire

 

A dozen community pharmacies across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are to remain open on Christmas Day this year, meaning people living in every part of the region should be able to access in-person help for minor illness and injury.

Community pharmacies do much more than just handle prescriptions, with the 12 sites due to be open on Thursday 25 December able to share practical advice on how to treat common winter illnesses and carry out private consultations to determine if further help is needed.

Trained pharmacists can also dispense medication, including antibiotics, for seven common conditions, which can save people from having to make an appointment with their GP practice.

For the full list plus opening times, please click here

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Corsham: A Service of Comfort and Hope - Tue 23 Dec

Christmas can be a difficult time for so many of us.

Corsham's churches are getting together to hold a service at St Aldhelm's at 4pm on Tuesday 23 December for anyone looking for some comfort and hope at this time of year.

Events and updates can be found on the Corsham Town Council Facebook page

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Scotland: Leuchars HIVE Christmas closure.

click on image to enlarge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Central HIVE Hub Christmas Closures Dates

 Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Lulworth: Employment opportunity - School minibus driver (casual hours)

 

Casual Minibus Driver

Lulworth and Winfrith CE Primary School

Times of work: Shifts Before and After school, Monday - Friday each week*

Term Time only (38 working weeks)

Salary: SCP 4 £13.05 per hour, plus a top-up in lieu of holiday pay. 

Start:  As soon as possible.

The requirements of the role are:

• A driver who can operate on a casual basis (we’ll call when you are required, always giving as much notice as possible)

• A positive character who will enjoy working with children

• A competent, safe driver with a clean licence

• A driver who has Category D on their licence (that’s most drivers who qualified before 1st January 1997)

• A driver who is prepared to engage with some minibus driver awareness training (2 hour training session arranged by the school)

A qualified first aider or a willingness to be trained.

For more details of job and to apply click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Christmas bin collection dates 24th Dec - Mon 12th Jan

 

Usual collection day         Revised collection day

Wednesday 24 December     No change

Thursday 25 December        Saturday 27 December

Friday 26 December             Monday 29 December

Monday 29 December          Tuesday 30 December

Tuesday 30 December         Wednesday 31 December

Wednesday 31 December    Friday 2 January

Thursday 1 January              Saturday 3 January

Friday 2 January                   Monday 5 January

Monday 5 January               Tuesday 6 January

Tuesday 6 January              Wednesday 7 January

Wednesday 7 January        Thursday 8 January

Thursday 8 January            Friday 9 January

Friday 9 January                Saturday 10 January

Collection days will return to normal from Monday 12 January.

Christmas and New Year rubbish and recycling - Dorset Council

• We will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day
• No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Day until Thursday 8 January
• Household recycling centres are open from 9am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
• Extra recycling, including glass and food, will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container (no bags) that can be easily lifted by one person.
• Please help our crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas. This ensures you have as much space as possible in your glass box, helping prevent over spilling containers, and reduces the amount of extra glass we collect over the busy festive period.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Dick Whittington pantomime (Poole lighthouse theatre) Thurs 11th Dec - Sun 5th Jan

 

For more information or to book tickets click Dick Whittington - Lighthouse

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Bump, baby & toddler event - Sun 25th Jan 2026 Register your interest now!

 

In partnership with Little Pickles Markets, The Tank Museum is proud to present its first Bump, Baby & Toddler event – featuring special guest speaker Zoe Blaskey.

Visitors can browse the baby & children’s nearly new sale, listen to a range of talks from our guest speakers, enjoy baby & toddler-friendly activities and enjoy exploring The Tank Museum – with its soft play area, perfect for tots!

Plus, for this event, The Tank Museum is delighted to offer 50% off admission – and under 4s go free! Register your interest Little Pickles Market - The Tank Museum to be notified when tickets become available.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Santa lands at Monkey world Fri 19th - Mon 22nd Dec

 

As well as meeting Santa and receiving a special present from him, your little monkeys can enjoy a Christmas trail around the park and even make a present for the primates with Santa’s Elves!

Directions: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

For more information click Monkey World

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: HIVE office Christmas closure dates

Blandford HIVE office (outreach from Bovington) will reopen Monday 5th January
Bovington HIVE will reopen Tuesday 6th January.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Dorset: Kid's New Years Eve Party (Wool village)

 

At Wool Royal British Legion, Colliers Lane. BH20 6DJ

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Mr Merlin festive family show - Mon 22nd Dec

 

Festive family show starring Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the Dragon at the Corn Exchange, Market Place, Blandford Forum. DT11 7AG

Book tickets HERE for either:
10:30am-11:15am OR 11:45am-12:30pm.

It is open to all and is free to attend. However, one ticket per person must be booked to ensure that we remain within capacity of the Corn Exchange hall.

Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the 45min show.

Refreshments - teas, coffees, cakes and cold drinks - will be available from the Corn Exchange kitchen, raising funds for the Mayor's Charities.

DK Sweets will also be there, with a great selection of sweets!

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison christmas carol service - Wed 24th Dec

Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight Service 1600hrs

A magical service for families and the Garrison community to celebrate together.

🎵 All are welcome! Let’s come together to spread festive cheer.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison shop festive closure notice

 

The Costcutter shop will be closed from Sat 20th Dec until Mon 5th Jan 2026

Please note the shop will close at 4pm on Friday 19th December. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Wiltshire: December recycling newsletter including Christmas tree collections in January

 

Welcome to the special Christmas edition of Wiltshire Council’s waste and recycling e-newsletter!

This issue is packed with jolly tips and clever ideas to help you reduce waste, recycle right, and keep your celebrations green and bright. Let’s make this Christmas magical for you and sustainable for our planet!

This festive edition includes:

• Household waste, recycling, and garden waste collections over Christmas
• Garden waste collections pause over Christmas
• Recycling centre opening times over Christmas
• How to recycle your real Christmas tree
• Still shopping? Sustainable shopping tips for last-minute buys
• Make sure you’re on the nice list by recycling right this Christmas
• Let’s sort advent calendars
• Festive monthly myth buster

Please click here to read this edition online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Mission Motorsport – Christmas message and December newsletter

The Mission Motorsport team have the following Christmas message, which includes a link to the Dec newsletter:

As 2025 comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting on another successful year of recovery sport. It has been a year packed full of events, some long-standing favourites and some exciting new additions to the calendar. This year saw a trio of exceptional Race of Remembrance events and alongside incredible fundraising for the #YourRoR campaign. Thank you everyone for your outstanding support and commitment. It has been truly wonderful to share so many memories with you all, and we hope you have enjoyed our activities as much as the team has enjoyed delivering them.

Enjoy a read of December's Newsletter as we look over Race of Remembrance, recovery motorsport, some incredible fundraising and ways to get involved with Mission Motorsport in the new year. There is the exclusive first access to the link to sign up to the National Transition Event 2026.

Our staff will be taking some well-earned Christmas leave, and we will be operating with reduced numbers between 22nd December and 2nd January. If you can’t reach the office by phone, please note that the team@missionmotorsport.org inbox will be checked regularly. If you are struggling over the festive period, you are not alone, and we know that reaching out for support can be a big step but there is always an option Mental Health — MISSION MOTORSPORT.

Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you, beneficiaries, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and supporters for your continued commitment. We truly couldn’t do it without you. We’ll be doing it all again in 2026, so keep an eye out for next year’s calendar of events, which will be published soon!

We’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Shropshire Veterans Clinic 2026 - 21 January 2026

 Please book via QR code

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

Shropshire Armed Forces Outreach Events - January 2026

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

Give Us Time - 2026 breaks are live!

Give Us Time first breaks for 2026 are live on the website now – there are dates in March and April across the UK, in both glamping pods (which sleep up to 4) and holiday lodges (which sleep up to 6). There are two new locations this year as well, at Malvern View in Herefordshire, and Glendal in Cumbria.

As always, the criteria for breaks is here https://giveustime.org.uk/what-we-do/faqs/ and the registration form is here https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

Breaks are accommodation only – Give Us Time do not cover the costs of travel, food, or entertainment as part of the break.

Breaks are booked on a first come first served basis and they ask families to wait 2 years between bookings, but will always consider exceptional circumstances.

More dates for the rest of 2026 will be added soon – announcements will be made on Give Us Time socials here https://www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime and https://www.instagram.com/give_us_time/

New Awards Made under The Armed Forces Families Fund: The Early Years Programme

600K Early Years Funding Supports Youngest Service Children

Speaking at the SciP Alliance conference in November, Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones reminded attendees that “Service is rarely an individual act. It’s a collective commitment shared and shouldered by a wide network of people who themselves have to develop the same qualities of strength and resilience that we ask of those family members serving in the military.”

But how does this translate to our youngest service children aged 0-5 years?

In the latest round of the Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years programme, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded 11 projects a share of just over £600,000 to tackle this challenge.

From SEND support and sensory spaces that build emotional wellbeing, to creating stimulating outdoor spaces that extend the learning environment for young service children at childcare settings. The Fund has once again shown the breadth of work taking place to ensure service children get the best start, despite the challenges of being part of a military family.

Getting out and active

Supporting service families at various sites across the country including RAF Valley, RAF Honington and RAF Shawbury, RAFAKidz is the largest provider of early years childcare to the RAF. They’ve received three awards in this latest round of funding to transform the outdoor learning environment at their settings - something they have recently received a National NMT Nursery Award for their Medmenham site in High Wycombe.

Josie Mapes, Executive Director of RAFAKidz, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the AFCFT and the MOD for awarding us these generous grants. We’re dedicated to creating environments where the children we care for can grow, play and thrive, and this funding will help us do that. We know from our other settings that having access to outdoor spaces is vital for children’s development and for teaching them about the natural world. RAFAKidz Valley and Shawbury are relatively new to the RAFAKidz family, so we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance the outdoor spaces at these settings, giving our children space to enjoy outdoor play.”

Supporting military families ‘needs

Scotland: Poppy Scotland Cycle Challenge

Take our Poppy Cycle Challenge and help raise vital funds for veterans and their families in Scotland. 

Your challenge is to cycle between different War Memorials in Scotland. 

There's an incredible 4,900 to choose from! 

You set the distance, the pace and the difficulty level and decide whether you want to cycle the physical route or complete the distance on a gym bike.

For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-cycle-challenge

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Gloucestershire: Christmas Treecycling - register now!

 

South Cerney
Gloucestershire Longfield Community Hospice

Innsworth
Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice

Please click here for further details of these and other Treecycling schemes in Gloucestershire and beyond

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Wiltshire: 'Story Garden' Winter Mini Challenge with Wiltshire Libraries

 

Children can take part in this year’s Winter Mini Challenge by reading three books by  Friday 20th February 2026. They’ll earn a special badge, certificate, and the chance to win a bundle of amazing books.

Click here to find out more!

Want to take your Children to your local Library? Click here to find a Library close to you!

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Grantham: Community Pharmacy Lincolnshire

Pharmacy

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Scotland: The latest Newsletter and vacancies from the NHS Scotland AFTP Team as of 17th of December

NHS Scotland is offering up to 6-month paid placement starting this September/October across a range of roles within the Health Boards. These placements are designed to help transfer your unique skills into a meaningful career in healthcare.

AFTP NHS Vacancies

See the AFTP newsletter here

For more information about the AFT programme - webpage

Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2025

The Ministry of Defence published the 14th Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report on 16 Dec.

To view the Report documents, please click this link: Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2025 - GOV.UK

For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant, how it can support you and the upcoming Legal Duty extension, visit the Covenant website.

Oxford: Christmas Market Countdown

 

This Christmas, the historic Broad Street in Oxford City Centre, will be transformed into a magical celebration of all things Christmas. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or make it an annual tradition, there’s no better place to soak up the seasonal atmosphere and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

East Fife: Mobile Library Timetable for 5th January - 3rd April 2026

click on images to enlarge

For any queries about the Mobile Library service, please email fife.libraries@onfife.com.


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Wiltshire: SEND newsletter - December 2025

 

Highlights this month include:

• Six ways to support your child over the Christmas period
• Have your say: SEND reform national conversation
• Help shape health and care services for children in Wiltshire - last workshop
• Discover what's new on Wiltshire's Local Offer

Please click here to read the newsletter online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Weeton: Get involved with AWS Community Services - Volunteers needed

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Gloucestershire: Coming to Gloucestershire Libraries in January

 

This months update also shares a number of regular activities that happen in the various Libraries across Gloucestershire.

Click here to read more online!

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Christmas Message for Service Families from Chief of Defence Staff

 

Please click on the image to open the message. 

Leuchars: Skills Development Scotland Careers Drop in at Bula Cafe

click on image to enlarge

Monthly Careers Drop In

Thursday 11-12 in the Cafe

Drop in and meet the local Skills Development Scotland Careers Adviser, Julie, who can help with job search, applications, CVs and advice and guidance about careers, school subjects and pathways.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Blandford: Garrison main exit road disruption between 24th Dec - Tues 6th Jan

Please be aware both maintenance and repairs will be carried out on sites exit road between 24th Dec and 6th Jan. Disruptions and durations as per the below,

Works commence Wednesday 24th Dec - Road remains open.

Road closures

Tuesday 30th Dec to 1st Jan

Monday 5th Jan to 7th Jan.

Dates could change due to weather conditions or delays.

Once the road is closed, vehicles will exit site via lanes 1 to 3 directly Infront of the guard room, signage and direction will be in place to remind all users. Please take extra time, care and attention during this period.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Gloucestershire: Employment & Skills Hub - December newsletter

 

Please click here to read this latest issue online

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Wiltshire: Family and Community Learning - Understanding School Anxiety - online course

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub 

Recruit for Spouses Upcoming Session – Wellbeing Programme

Wellbeing Programme:

• Expert-led support
• Genuine peer connection
• Practical tools for mental wellness

Register now to secure your place or join the waiting list:

https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in

Recruit for Spouses Upcoming Session – “Routes into the Industry" webinar

Recruit for Spouses upcoming sessions:

 "Routes into the Industry" webinar.

Start 2026 with clarity, direction, and a solid plan for entering the National Cyber Force ecosystem.

What's included: 

•  Complete training pathway overview 
•  Application process demystified 
•  Real opportunities for 2026 
•  Community and support networks

Tuesday, 10th February 2026 | 12:30 PM 

Final places: https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk

Lyneham: AWS Youth Clubs and Baby Groups - 2026 return dates

 

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Ashchurch: Community Christmas coffee morning - Fri 19 Dec

 

Please click image to enlarge

Living in Ashchurch in Gloucestershire? Keep up to date with what's on via the Ashchurch Quarters Facebook page.

For those working at Imjin Barracks, you can also join the Imjin Station Community Facebook page.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

New Awards Made under The Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Hidden Voices Programme.

Major Boost: The Hidden Voices Programme awards almost £600K in 26 New Grants

For generations, many within the armed forces community have carried burdens few could see and even fewer fully understood. LGBT+ veterans, foreign and commonwealth personnel, survivors of military sexual violence, and older veterans in care homes have faced challenges that too often went unspoken.

Their stories were whispered in quiet rooms, softened or silenced beneath the louder narrative of service and sacrifice.

But today, those voices are rising.

In the latest round of the Hidden Voices programme, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) have awarded nearly £600,000 to 26 projects dedicated to changing that narrative for good.

Across every corner of the UK, remarkable organisations are stepping forward with compassion, courage, and innovation - ensuring that no one who has served is left without support, understanding, or community.

From trauma-informed courses that help veterans rebuild after difficult experiences, to weekly fitness and wellbeing sessions tailored for female veterans; from amplifying the voices of children affected by domestic abuse to early intervention programmes addressing loneliness among older veterans in care - these projects are paving the way toward a more inclusive and supportive future for all who have served.

Northern Ireland: The Wessex Cinema Aldergrove, January Showings

Please keep an eye on the BFBS Cinemas website for the latest listings and updates to all missing BBFC ratings and running times.

Information provided by HIVE NI