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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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December 4, 2025

Hereford: Free Activities for Eligible Children this Christmas


Parents and carers in Herefordshire can now book up to 16 hours of free, fun-filled activities for their children during the Christmas holidays.

The Here for Herefordshire Christmas Activities Programme, funded by the Department for Education and coordinated by Herefordshire Council’s Talk Community Team, is designed to support families and keep children active and engaged during the festive season.

Children from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals are eligible to take part.

Activities include:Cheerleading
Parkour and breakdancing
Football camps
Christmas cooking and crafts
Digital skills and coding

Every child attending will also receive a free healthy meal.

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We’re delighted to continue this programme for eligible families this Christmas.

“With the help of our fantastic providers, children can learn new skills, make friends, and enjoy fun activities during the festivities.”

Parents and carers can book their child’s activities online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/haf

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub