Royal Wootton Basset: Resilience & Readiness course starting in January - free for Military families

 

This course is ideal for anyone wanting to start or return to work and who may be experiencing barriers. The course supports learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours that will help them feel both emotionally ready for work and more confident about searching for and starting work.

Lyneham: Sling Library at coffee morning - Thu 18 Dec

 

A 'slingmeet' allows parents (or parents-to-be) to find out about and try out different slings, as well as meeting other sling users.

You are welcome to bring your own slings, or if you want to take a sling away to try before you buy (or if you just want a sling to take on holiday or for a specific event) then there will be slings available for hire.

Please click here for further event information

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Blandford: Garrison latest movie 'Silent Night, Deadly Night' Mon 15th & Wed 17th Dec

Rated 18

Doors open at 18.30. Film starts at 19.00

Rohan Campbell, Ruby Modine, Mark Acheson ( festive horror/ slasher)

(A child witnesses his parents' murder by a man in a Santa suit. Years later, as an adult, he dons a Santa costume himself and embarks on a violent quest for retribution against those responsible for the traumatic event from his childhood.)

Watch the trailer here. https://cinemas.bfbs.com/films/silent-night-deadly-nightTicket prices

Adult (15+) £4

Child (3-14 years) £3

Senior (60+) £3

Student £3

Family (2 adults + children or 1 adult + 3 children) £11

https://cinemas.bfbs.com/blandford
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)


STRICT POLICY: Children Must Be Accompanied

All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older) at all times while on the premises.

Our volunteer staff is not responsible for supervising unattended minors.

Unsupervised children will not be permitted entry or allowed to remain in the building. They will be asked to leave, and no refund will be given.

This is a mandatory requirement that our staff must enforce, and we remind everyone this is By Order of the Deputy Garrison Commander.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

West Midlands: Telford Town Centre - Christmas Gardens 11-14 Dec and 19-21 Dec

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub
 

Northern Ireland: Pre-School & Primary 1 admissions for September 2026

 

Admissions criteria for applications to Pre-school and Primary One for September 2026 are now live on our website.

It is important that you read the published admissions criteria for each of the Pre-school settings or Primary schools you wish to list on your application.

Applications open on EA Connect at 12 noon on 7 January 2026 for Pre-school and Primary One, and we recommend you list at least four pre-school settings or primary schools in your order of preference .

More information on applying for a pre-school or primary school place is available at  https://ow.ly/gEVj50XFEeR

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Crumlin Integrated College - Relaxed Open Evening - Tuesday 13th Janaury

 

Relaxed Open Evening at Crumlin Integrated College
Tuesday 13th January 5:45- 6:45PM
This event is ideal for anyone who would appreciate a low-sensory environment or simply prefers a more personal experience.
Additionally, if you couldn’t attend our main Open Night on 9th December due to Storm Bram, this is a great chance to come along and see what makes Crumlin Integrated College a welcoming and inclusive community.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Education Authority Jobs - Crumlin Integrated College

 

Cleaner (Job Reference: 25006792)
Primary Location : Crumlin Integrated College
Contract Type : Permanent
Status : Part-Time
Hours per Week : 10.00
Working Pattern : Monday - Friday (3:00pm - 5:00pm)
Grade/Scale : £13.6288 - £14.2897 per hour
Closing Date: Tuesday 23 December 2025 at 11.59PM.

To apply please click on the link below:
https://eani.taleo.net/careerse.../external/jobdetail.ftl...

Information provided by HIVE NI

Blandford: Garrison welfare support

The Welfare support teams and chaplaincy services offer support and advice to all Soldiers, Officers and families living or working on the Garrison

Should you require help and support or have a welfare issue please contact a member of your Welfare Team during normal working hours on:

Blandford Garrison Support Unit (BGSU)

Garrison Welfare Clerk - BlandfordGar-BGSU-WCSO Tel: 01258 481938

Garrison Welfare Warrant Officer - BLANDFORDGAR-BGSU-GWWO Tel: 01258 482694

Garrison Welfare Officer - BLANDFORDGAR-BGSU-GWO Tel: 01258 481936

11 (RSS) Sig Regt Welfare Team

Unit Welfare Senior NCO - DSCIS-11SR-RHQ-Welfare NCO Tel: 01258 482619

Asst Unit Welfare Officer - DSCIS-11SR-RHQ-AUWO Tel: 01258 482902

Unit Welfare Officer - DSCIS-11SR-RHQ-UWO Tel: 01258 482901

Garrison Padre - Carl.Stokes103@mod.gov.uk Mobile 07971927485

Out of hours emergency contact the Guardroom on - 01258 482402.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Garrison welfare team

The Welfare team aims to provide the best possible welfare advice to all soldiers and their families. The Welfare office is located by Costcutter food store on King George V Road, Bovington. 

Unit Welfare Officer - Mr Adrian Ingham 

Garrison Welfare Warrant Officer - WO2 Scott Forrester

Tel: Welfare Office 01929 402239 or 01929 402240

In case of emergency - duty welfare mobile number 07971 577282

Please only contact the duty mobile number if it is an urgent welfare matter. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Catterick: North HIVE Hub Closure

Information provided by North HIVE Hub
 

Dorset: Veterans hub Dec opening times & Christmas day dinner (Weymouth)

Click on poster above to enlarge

Visit the Veterans Hub – The Veterans Hub

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Hereford: Elves on the Loose - The Great Toy Heist

 

Those mischievous elves have been up to no good at the Old House Museum! They’ve snuck into Santa’s workshop, stolen some presents, and hidden them all around the museum! 

Join us this Christmas for a magical family adventure as you help us save Christmas by tracking down the missing gifts. Each present has travelled all the way from a different part of the world — discover traditional toys and festive treasures from across the globe as you explore the Old House!

2nd December 2025 – 4th January 2026

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Chepstow: MOD CS Vacancy in Chepstow, Closing date: Mon 05th Jan 26

Band 5 Civilian Dental Hygienist
Department: Ministry of Defence
Location: Dental Centre Beachley Bks, Chepstow, NP16 7YG
Salary : £31,049 to £37,796
Closes : 11:55 pm on Monday 5th January 2026
Reference : 438029

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Ross-On-Wye: Ross Town Band Christmas Concert - 7 Dec 25

 

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Cardiff: Free Taster Courses for Adults at Cardiff Met University in January 2026

New Year, Your Way – free taster courses for adults

Start the year with our free short courses designed to help you feel better, move more, and grow in confidence. No resolutions - just real, supportive learning to help you thrive.

Location: Cardiff Met Llandaff campus
Price: Free of charge
Dates and times: 13th, 14th & 15th January 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Taster courses available:

• Kickstart Your Career
• Introduction to Health & Social Care
• Pocket of Light: Colour Mixing and Concertina Making
• Adventure into Abstract Collage.

Courses are open to all adults over 18 years old, however priority is given to learner who meet our eligibility criteria.

All courses can be booked via our enrolment form here: https://gck.fm/tblcl

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Bovington: Free community Christmas event - Friday 12th Dec at Poppies tea rooms

Click on poster above to enlarge

Poppies Tearooms, King George V Rd, Bovington. 

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: Monkey World 50% off entry for locals Fri 2nd - Sat 31st Jan 2026

Monkey World is starting the New Year off with a promotion for all locals to the park- half price off entry during January! From the 2nd to 31st, anyone with a BH, DT or SP postcode will benefit from 50% off the entry price to Monkey World.

To take advantage of this offer, simply book online HERE or buy direct from the gate. 

Proof of address will be required on entry. You will get the best prices by booking online! Offer valid from 2nd-31st January ONLY. Promotions cannot be combined.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Dorset: Wool village cinema - Christmas showing of 'Elf' on Fri 12th Dec.

 

Click on poster above to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Dorset: Christmas fun at Lulworth Castle Sun 14th Dec

Hunt the crackers around the castle and find the gingerbread people as you explore the Park, complete your quizbook and claim your prizes.
Practice your sporting skills with the themed pitch’n’putt, croquet and traditional lawn games.
Get crafty at the activity table making a Christmas mask or completing some festive colouring.
Admire the stunning 14ft Christmas Tree in the castle, climb the tower and visit our Peacock Park woodland playground (weather permitting).

ADD SOME SPARKLE and visit us in the evening 5pm – 8.30pm.
A rare chance to see the castle lit up, explore the castle, climb the tower after dark and marvel at the stars (weather permitting) enjoy the indoor trails & crafts.

Father Christmas Meet & Greet* (Available to book NOW)
Father Christmas will be visiting the castle to meet some of our younger visitors. *Visits are £6 per child (in addition to the entry ticket) and must be booked in advance.
Visit includes a Meet & Greet, photo opportunities with Father Christmas and a small gift for the child.

Dogs on leads welcome in the castle & grounds.

Click HERE to book tickets online.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Citizens Advice sessions at Bovington HIVE every Thursday - Free advice & support

The mobile advice bus will be parked adjacent to the HIVE building (Corner of King George V Road & Swinton Avenue) Speak to advisors face to face.

Available to all Garrison personnel, spouses, partners, reserves, veterans, civil servants, MOD contractors and local civilian community. Confidentiality guaranteed.

Appointments are not necessary, just turn up. First come, first serve basis.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Hereford: Santa Bike Ride with Hereford Bikers - Sun 14 Dec

Sunday 14th December 10am at HR4K, Rotherwas Hereford Ho ho ho 
Look out for the Santa's riding through Hereford.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Grantham: Housing Surgery

Next Housing Surgery at the HIVE Community Centre, Building 162, Thursday 18th December, 1030 - 1230. All welcome!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closure

 

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 www.army.mod.uk/hives, 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.

Grantham: Grantham Link Magazine & Village Link Magazine

Check out page 16 in your local Grantham Link magazine for details re. HIVE Grantham Link Magazine 

Village Link Magazine

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Weeton: Christmas 2025 Refuse & Recycling Collection Date Changes

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Fulwood: AWS Activity Questionnaire for 2026

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

First Defence Finance: Top Christmas Discounts for the Military

Top Christmas Discounts for the Military

The Christmas rush is officially here. The shopping lists, the family visits, the hunt for the perfect gift at the perfect price.

The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. The MOD has partnered with First Defence Finance, a credit union providing savings and loans the military community. Opening an account with them gives you access to their discount platform packed with offers that help you stretch your winter budget.

From food to gifting, we’ve pulled together some of the best festive deals to make the season a little brighter and a lot more affordable.

Gifts for Everyone

Whether you’re buying for family, friends, or Secret Santa, you can find the right gift for anyone with a little discount.

• Virgin Experiences 15% off
• Argos 7% off
• Adidas 11% off
• H.Samuel 7.50% off
• ASOS 6% off
• Harvey Nichols 7% off

Gifts For Her:

From little luxuries to thoughtful treats, these brands are ideal for mums, partners, sisters or friends who deserve something special.

• White Company 9% off
• Swarovski 15% off
• Treatwell 15% off
• Mango 5% off

Gifts For Him:

Stafford: AWS CS The SEN-Sationals Monthly activities supporting military families with SEND - Beg: Sat 10 January

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
 

Catterick: Client Services Advisor Vacancy

WE’RE HIRING! – Receptionist Vacancy

Looking for a friendly, confident person to join our team!

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Eastleigh: Hampshire County Council Vacancy for a Driver

Job Details:


Job Reference: HCC621665
Salary Range: £24,796 - £25,128 pro-rata, per annum (actual salary £16,754 - £16,979 per annum)
Work Location: Hexagon Centre, Eastleigh
Hours per week: 25
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 29 December 2025
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

The Role:
Joining our team at the Hexagon Centre as a Driver, you’ll work a split shift from 7.30am - 10.00 am and 3.00pm - 5.30pm Monday - Friday, safely transporting passengers between different locations, using our minibus.

What you’ll do:

• Play a key role in enabling the people who use our services, to access a variety of personalised and meaningful activities.
• Provide a warm welcome and friendly face to passengers.
• Ensure passengers have a comfortable and safe journey at all times.
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate core values of patience, compassion and empathy, even in challenging situations.

What we’re looking for:

• A current full driver’s licence with a Category D1 code (or equivalent). You’ll undertake MIDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) training once in the role, if you haven’t already completed this.
• Reliability and commitment to provide a professional and punctual service.
• Physically able to assist passengers with mobility issues, including those using wheelchairs.
• Understanding and sensitive to individual needs and able to adapt communication style as needed.

North Wiltshire & Gloucestershire: Bin collection calendars

 

Please choose your area from the following list to find your local rubbish and recycling collection calendars (noting that Bank Holidays may affect the regular date):

• Wiltshire (Colerne, Corsham, Hullavington, Lyneham, Neston)

• Innsworth/Ashchurch/Tewkesbury/Twigworth

• South Cerney

• Shrivenham/Watchfield

• Swindon/Wroughton/Highworth

Details for all other areas can be found at https://www.gov.uk/rubbish-collection-day

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Blandford: Welfare/contact house short term use accommodation

Click on poster above to enlarge

As of January 2026, there are some new prices.

£40 per night for a minimum of 2 nights.

Weekend rates Friday to Monday morning £100.

Full weeks are £225.

A full review of costs will take place at the end of April.

For booking enquiries and to check availability email:

 BLANDFORDGAR-BGSUWELFARE@mod.gov.uk or call 01258 481938

Information provided by Bovington HIVE via BGSU Welfare team

Royal Wootton Bassett: New location for the Carer Cafe as of January 2026!

 

Click here to find out more about Carers Together Wiltshire

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Chippenham: Wiltshire Council Family Hub 'Christmas Fun & Games' session - Wed 17 Dec

 

Click here to visit the Facebook page where you can keep up to date with events and activities

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

London: Historic Royal Palaces Christmas at the Tower

 

A  Storybook Adventure

This Christmas, step into a storybook adventure at the Tower of London.

As you wander through the iconic fortress, you'll find sparkling decorations, glittering Christmas trees and enchanting installations that bring the Tower's tales to life

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

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

Salisbury Plain: BFBS Salisbury Plain Christmas Competition

BFBS Salisbury Plain are holding a Christmas competition on the Breakfast Show (6.30-10am).

They have some amazing prizes - a family ticket for the Army Flying Museum, tickets for the Panto at the Salisbury Playhouse, passes for Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, Karting Voucher for Thruxton Karting Centre and a Christmas hamper!

 It's called Santa Pause, a really easy game based on Christmas music, they will pause the Christmas song, you just have to give the word that comes next in the tune!

It will be playing just after 7.30 each week day this week.

For more information about BFBS Salisbury Plain click HERE

 Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Scotland: Calling all members of the Veterans Tribe Scotland Book Club

 

Calling all members of the Veterans Tribe Scotland Book Club !

16th December 1600-1700hrs

 

Below are the Zoom call details for our current reading book choice: 

'The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder ' by Fiona Leitch

Book Club Meeting

In the week before each discussion meeting a notice is sent out to all members with a zoom link to attend.

Please RSVP to let us know if you are able to attend, however if you can't join the call it would be appreciated if you can provide a few comments about the current reading book above that will be discussed.

The input from all our Book Club members really helps to make our club a success, it would be lovely to hear your thoughts and comments on the latest book (good or bad) so that we can share them on the next call in your absence

** Important Note**

Have you read the current book but are not in the Book Club ?

Or thinking of joining but want to see what it's like before doing so ? Then you would be very welcome to join in the call using the link below.

Please let Gerry know via the email link below if you are looking to do this, it would be great to see you..

Aurora New Dawn: Armed Forces Domestic Abuse Helpline - Christmas opening hours

For more information on Aurora New Dawn support please visit: www.aurorand.org.uk

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

 

Highlights this month include:

• Helping your child navigate the sensory pressures of Christmas
• Festive Lights - where to enjoy them sensitively in Gloucestershire this solstice
• Carer support over Christmas
• SEND Information Fair 2026 - Mon 9 Feb
• Peer support coffee mornings
• December activities

Please click here to read this latest update online

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Hereford: Christmas rubbish and recycling

 

Christmas bin collections

Bins due to be collected on Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December; Boxing Day, Friday 26 December; and New Year's Day, Thursday 1 January have been moved.

Replacement dates are:Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December will be collected on Saturday 27 December.
Boxing Day, Friday 26 December will be collected on Sunday 28 December
New Year's Day, Thursday 1 January will be collected on Saturday 3 January

All other collections remain the same during the festive period.

Please ensure bins are put out by 6.30am as collections may be earlier than usual over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Use the bin collection day search to find out when your bin will be collected.

Powys: Powys County Council - Tips for Recycling over Christmas

Click here to read Powys County Council's Tips for Recycling over Christmas

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Wiltshire: Changes to waste and recycling collections plus HRC opening times this festive period

 

Wiltshire Council's waste and recycling crews will be taking a well-earned break over Christmas, so your collection days will change during the festive period.

Your online collection calendar has already been updated so make sure to check it so you don’t miss your collection!

Check your revised collection days at https://orlo.uk/5CZ6G

Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) which are usually open on a Wednesday will be closed from 1pm on Wednesday 24 December. All recycling centres will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. All other days will operate under normal opening hours on their specified opening days.

Before visiting, please remember to sort your waste correctly so as much as possible can be recycled.

Further details can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/household-recycling-centre-locations

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs