Chepstow: The Magical World of Reading - Free Summer Reading Sessions at The Drill Hall

 

The Drill Hall: Free Summer Reading Sessions & Books

Come to our next Magical World of Reading session:

Thursday 6th August – You're Called What?
Tuesday 11th August – We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Tuesday 18th August – A Squash and a Squeeze
Tuesday 25th August – Awesome Engines: Emergency!

9.30am to 11.30am
Story reading, colouring, free book, toast, fruit, squash

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Haverfordwest - Haverfordwest Carnival 2026 FAQs - Sat 15th Aug 26

 

Haverfordwest Town Council:

HAVERFORDWEST CARNIVAL 2026, FAQ'S!

We’re getting closer to the return of Haverfordwest Carnival, so here are the answers to a few of the questions we’ve been getting!

• Saturday 15th August
• Parade starts from Scotchwell Car Park at 1pm
• Entertainment at Picton Playing Fields from 12pm to 6pm

Taking part with a float? You can decorate on Friday 14th August, with everything needing to be ready by 12pm on Saturday ahead of the parade.

There will also be a dedicated disability viewing platform at Picton Playing Fields, thanks to the support of Helping Hands. Independent support & care tailored to suit your every need.

Please also be aware that bag searches will be in place on entry to Picton Playing Fields.

There’s loads more information still to come as we get closer to the big day, so keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Hereford: Safer Roads and School Routes Coming to Herefordshire This Summer

Herefordshire Council is set to begin a series of road safety improvements across the county from early August, with projects aimed at making it safer for children, families and residents to walk, wheel and cycle.

The works form part of the council's Safer School Streets programme and will take place during the summer holidays to reduce disruption before pupils return to school.

Areas included in the programme:
Lugwardine
Bartestree
Hunderton
Belmont

Hereford: Could you be the next police constable

 
West Mercia Police is recruiting new Police Constables and is looking for people who want to make a real difference in their communities across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, from:
 Protecting vulnerable people
 Supporting victims of crime
 Preventing crime and keeping communities safe
 Responding to emergencies
 Working closely with local communities
No two shifts are ever the same, making it a rewarding career for those who are resilient, compassionate and enjoy helping others.
If you're looking for a career where you can make a positive impact every day, this could be the opportunity for you.

 Find out more and apply here: https://orlo.uk/lUWBp

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Hereford: The Southside Farm Community Open days

 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Brecon: AWS Free Play Sessions - Summer Holiday dates

 

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

West Midlands: International Day of Birmingham - 24/25 September

#InternationalDayOfBirmingham #IDOB #Brum #Birmingham #TheHouseThatBrumBuilt

Expect two days packed with incredible events, inspiring people, brilliant food, culture, music, nightlife.

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub
 

Staffordshire: Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park 2026 - 5 September - Free Entry

 

Book tickets (free and paid options available) HERE

Full details of event can be found HERE

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Ripon: FREE Children's Fun Day 29th Aug

Come and join in the fun on the Market Square on Bank Holiday Saturday! All attractions are free of charge (even the Candy Floss!)

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: The Beacon Summer Appeal

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Weeton: LCC Mobile Library - upcoming dates

Location: Weeton Camp - on car park opposite Honeypot nursery

Time: 1300hrs - 1330hrs

Next visit:    

• Wednesday   9th September 2026
• Wednesday 30th September 2026

Information provided by Weeton HIVE

Northern Ireland: Job Opportunity - Employment Consultant to join Northern Ireland team - closing date 16 Aug 26

Employment Consultant (Northern Ireland) | £32,000

Looking for a rewarding career supporting the Armed Forces community? Forces Employment Charity is seeking an Employment Consultant to join its team in Northern Ireland, helping Service leavers, veterans and their families transition successfully into civilian careers.

Salary: £32,000
Location: Northern Ireland (travel required)
Closing Date: 16 August

About the Role

As an Employment Consultant, you will:

✅ Build and maintain relationships with employers and partner organisations
✅ Secure employment, training and vocational opportunities for Service leavers and veterans
✅ Provide tailored advice, guidance and support to individuals during resettlement
✅ Help Armed Forces personnel achieve sustainable employment outcomes

We're Looking ForStrong communication and relationship-building skills
Experience in employer engagement, recruitment, account management or employment support
Good understanding of local labour markets and employment opportunities
Confidence using Microsoft Office and CRM/case management systems
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about making a positive difference to the Armed Forces community while working with employers across Northern Ireland.

🔗 Apply now: https://forcesemployment.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=18678ba3-a16d-44ca-a0eb-933d0e93b4fc

Forces Employment Charity welcomes applications from military spouses, partners, veterans and members of the wider Armed Forces community.

Nexus Project: Summer Newsletter

Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families.

Welcome to the summer edition of the Nexus newsletter, where you will find information about:

• Staff updates
• Youth Voice updates
• Young Carers Festival 2026
• Professionals network including: Nexus webinar series
• Project Closure: Resource and Training Needs
• New Resources
• Upcoming resources & Project Legacy
• Useful links

To read the newsletter in full please go to: Nexus Summer Newsletter 2026

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 30 July 2026

Hundreds of New SFA Homes purchased at Imjin Barracks 
Hundreds of brand-new homes have been completed at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, marking an important milestone in the MOD’s plans to improve housing for Service personnel and their families. 

DIO have purchased a total of 281 homes near Imjin Barracks, home to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. These homes were purchased by the DIO from existing developments built by Taylor Wimpey, Bloor Homes and Bovis Homes. 

Construction began in 2023 and was delivered in phases, allowing Service families to move in as soon as their homes were ready. Some families have now been enjoying their new homes for almost two years. 

These homes have been designed with sustainability in mind. Features include energy-saving solar panels, low-carbon heating systems, smart heating controls and electric vehicle charging points. These modern features are helping Service families reduce their energy use and, in some cases, lower their household bills. 

For further information, see the full article on Defence Homes here

Pre-move out and move-out appointment reminder
We know that moving can be a busy and sometimes stressful time, and that plans can change unexpectedly. If you are unable to attend your pre-move out or move out appointment, you can change your appointment on the e-1132 system.

Attending these appointments, or providing advance notice if you can't make them, helps ensure your move out process runs as smoothly as possible

Tune in to Housing Matters Podcast
Episode two of the brand-new podcast, Housing Matters is out now. The podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families.

Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and DIO Operations Manager South, Sebastian O’Hara, will be joined by special guests each week sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing.

The first two episodes are now available. In the latest episode, we hear from John Reynolds, Army Military Housing Liaison Officer, and Stephanie Jervis from DIO Accommodation, who is also a military spouse and has lived in Service Family Accommodation for more than 18 years. Together, they share helpful guidance for families at every stage of military life, from moving home to simple ways to make a house feel like home.

You can watch episode one and two now.

So grab a cup of tea, press play and join us each week for Housing Matters.

Summer safety – travelling over the summer
With the school holidays upon us, many of our families will be thinking about going away, whether that's a staycation or holiday abroad. If you’ll be away from your home for a period of time, we recommend the following steps to keep your home safe: 

• Hot weather can cause burst pipes, so it’s recommended to turn your water off using your stopcock while you are away. The stopcock is the little tap or lever on pipes that are often found under your sink. 
• Turn off and unplug electricals like your TV and small kitchen appliances like kettles and microwaves to reduce bills and to reduce the risk of an electrical fire. 
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to look after your house keys so they can make checks on your home while you are away.

For more summer safety advice, visit Defence Homes.

Families First newsletter
The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website

Lyneham: Free bus travel for 5-15 year olds with Stagecoach this Summer

 

Please click here for full details of the scheme

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Richmond: Town Hall Coffee Morning dates in Aug

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Darlington: Forces Family Track Day at Croft Circuit 19th Aug

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Colerne, Corsham and Bath: Kids Go Free this Summer with Faresaver

Please click here for all the details

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Leuchars: Bright Horizons Day Care Centre and UK Nursery Authority

click on image to enlarge

Further information can be found at Childcare for Service children - GOV.UK

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Defence News Update: Service Prosecuting Authority - Independent and informed

Service Prosecuting Authority: Independent and informed

Nine months into the job, Director of Service Prosecutions, Mary Cowe reflects on her role and the work of the Service Prosecuting Authority within the Service Justice System.

I became the Director of Service Prosecutions in October 2025, attracted to a role where I feel I can make a real difference. The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) is small – with 48 members of staff, including 18 prosecutors – but its work has significant stature.

If the SPA is a new acronym for you, it is essentially the Armed Forces' equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) – dealing only with suspects subject to service law and service discipline.

What makes it distinct is that the SPA is part of a single deployable Service Justice System (SJS), operating at home and abroad, in peacetime and in wartime. Whether reporting an offence or being accused, Service personnel know their case will be treated in line with UK law – helping the government fulfil its obligations under international law. In some cases, we are the only means through which allegations can be tested and resolved overseas.

There is a view held by some that the SPA represents the Armed Forces 'marking its own homework'. We will always face scrutiny because the SPA is funded by the MOD and many of our prosecutors are in uniform. But we sit within the department for financial and operational reasons only. We prosecute for the Crown, just like the CPS, and our independence is well understood and respected within Defence.

I take that independence very seriously. As a civilian entirely independent from the chain of command, nobody – however senior, whether military or a Defence civil servant – can direct who or what I prosecute. I operate under the oversight of the Attorney General (the government's most senior law officer), not Defence Ministers – and my role is to ensure the SPA delivers impartial, high-quality decisions that withstand public scrutiny.

An informed approach
The work of the SPA supports operational effectiveness. Swiftly deciding whether to prosecute and bringing cases to Court Martial enables all involved – where appropriate – to return to supporting Defence, with as little time as possible spent in uncertainty.

Our prosecutors in uniform approach evidence from those who were at sea, deployed on operations, or serving in training establishments, with real-world experience of those environments.

Service context for offending often makes it more serious too, given the impact on operational effectiveness, unit cohesion, and public trust. There is a clear understanding within the SPA that protecting the reputation of our Armed Forces means identifying and prosecuting criminal behaviour – and never ignoring or downplaying it.

Speed to justice and low attrition
Specialist expertise, operational understanding and lower case volumes mean the SJS can progress cases more quickly than the civilian Criminal Justice System (CJS).

Victims of serious sexual offences in the SJS can typically expect their cases to be heard within around six months of charge. The Crown Court currently has around 80,000 outstanding cases, with some trials not listed until 2030 at the worst affected courts. The Court Martial has no backlog.

Victim withdrawals from the SJS are also very low. I believe this reflects well on the quality of support the Defence Serious Crime Command's Victim Witness Care Unit provides, with the same dedicated Victim Liaison Officer staying with each victim from start to finish. That is a level of support that independent inspectors said they would like to see available to all victims in the civilian system.

Recognised robust decision making

Serve & Protect Credit Union: Financial wellbeing information

Serve and Protect Credit Union is available to Service community employees as part of their financial wellbeing offering.

The not-for-profit organisation offers the option to save regularly through payroll and access responsible borrowing if needed.

Prepare for every stage of life

From managing everyday costs to preparing for major life moments, having the right support can make a real difference.

That’s why Serve and Protect want to remind you of one of the staff benefits you can access – Serve and Protect Credit Union. Whether you’re saving, planning ahead or managing life changes, support is available.

Visit the Serve and Protect website for more info: sandpcu.co.uk/plan-ahead

Southsea: The Ultimate VW Show by the Sea Sunday 2nd August 2026 1000hrs - 1600hrs

 

About


Beach Dubbin' - the ultimate VW show by the sea - returns to Southsea Common for 2026!

The not-for-profit charity event - the ultimate VW show by the sea - showcases some of the best VW vehicles around, as well as offering myriad stalls and plenty of entertainment.

The event features:
Show and shine competition
Entertainment
Family area
Local traders
Local caterers (including vegan etc)

Exhibitors will be showcasing an amazing variety of Volkswagens, vintage, and classic vehicles, and everything in between

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Fife: Fife Council free School meals and school clothing grant applications now open for 2026-2027

Applications for school clothing grants and free school meals are open for 2026-27.

We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income. The school clothing grant is £130 per child for primary school pupils and £160 per child for high school pupils.

Applications for the new school year (2026/2027) opened on 1 May 2026.

For more, and to find out if you qualify, visit www.fife.gov.uk/schoolbenefit

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Northern Ireland - Royal Air Force, RAF Town Shows - Enniskillen 4th - 5th September

 

Explore careers, meet serving personnel and experience what the RAF is all about in a town near you.

Enniskillen 4th - 5th September

Find out more: https://jobs.raf.mod.uk/49MlA4H

#RAFTOWNSHOW

Information provided by HIVE NI

Stockbridge: Trout 'n' about 2nd August 2026

 

Trout ‘n’ about 2026

On the first Sunday of August every year, Stockbridge high street is alive with local traders showcasing the very best of local food, produce and crafts, attracting thousands of visitors.
Trout ‘n’ about is a free-to-attend event although we do charge for park so we can raise money for local good causes.

Trout’n’about is run entirely by local volunteers.
We look forward to welcoming you to Stockbridge on August 2nd!

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South Ease HIVE Hub

London : SOHO/ Carnaby Street Summer in the City

 

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE

Brecon: Brecon Classic Car Show - Sun 2nd August at Christ College, Brecon

Brecon Classic Car Show
Sunday 2nd August, 10am - 4pm
Christ College Grounds (LD3 8AF)

135+ Vehicles:
Explore a spectacular lineup of classic cars, vintage motors, and motorcycles.
Absolutely free for the whole family to attend and enjoy.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Haverfordwest: Fun Dog Show on 1st & 2nd August at Scolton Manor Park, Haverfordwest

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Vale of Glamorgan: Volunteering Opportunity for the Food Share Pantry Project

Click poster to enlarge.

Volunteering Opportunity!

Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS) are looking for volunteer drivers to help collect food donations from supermarkets for the Food Share Pantry project!

Your support will help reduce food waste and provide essential items to those in need.

The FoodShare Pantry in Llantwit Major is a community project that tackles food insecurity by offering affordable, healthy food while preventing surplus food from going to landfill.

Can you lend a hand?
Please contact nicola@gvs.wales

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Church Crookham: Army Welfare Service Give Us a Hand

 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Haverfordwest: The Summer Exhibition of Art (SEA) at HaverHub from 29th July 26 to 31st Oct 26

The Summer Exhibition of Art (SEA) is Back at HaverHub for its 3rd year.

We invite you to join us for our Opening Night on July 29th 7-9pm.

Come along to meet the artists, soak up the atmosphere, and celebrate the incredible creativity found right here in our local area. With our weekly Open Mic also on at 7pm, grab your friends and family and make an evening of it at HaverHub!

This year’s showcase features a range of disciplines, from drawing, painting, and textiles to intricate print and stone-carving. From the precision of the figurative to the bold imagination of the abstract—and everything in between—there is something for everyone in this exhibition.

The show will run in both the Cafe and the Sorting Office Hall.

Exhibition Dates: 29th July – 31st October
Opening Night: 29th July, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Chepstow: MOD Civil Service Vacancy in Chepstow, Closing Date: Mon 3rd August 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 3rd August 2026
Reference: 438029

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Crickhowell: MOD Civil Service Vacancies in Crickhowell, Closing date: Fri 7th August 26

Stores Supervisor
Department: Ministry of Defence
Location: Crickhowell
Salary: £27,866
Closes: 11:55 pm on Friday 7th August 2026
Reference: 471638

Technical Storekeeper
Department: Ministry of Defence
Location: Crickhowell
Salary: £24,549
Closes: 11:55 pm on Friday 7th August 2026
Reference: 471602

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Hereford: JOB OPPORTUNITIES | Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

Could your next career move help save lives?
As Midlands Air Ambulance Charity celebrates 35 years of lifesaving service, the organisation is expanding its Marketing & Communications team and is looking for passionate, creative people to join them.
Current vacancies include:
Communications Manager – £43,000–£48,000
 Marketing Executive – £29,000–£32,000
If you’re looking for a rewarding role where your work has real purpose, this could be the perfect opportunity. Every campaign and every story helps support a charity that receives no government funding for its daily operations.
Find out more and apply here: https://ow.ly/htBn50Zt69n

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Vale of Glamorgan: Free Summer Holiday Activities for young people with The Vale of Glamorgan Youth Service

The Vale of Glamorgan Youth Service are offering free activities for any young person aged 11-17 this summer.

Beach Day
Date: Friday 31st July
Time: 11:00-2.30pm
Location: Llantwit Beach

Life Skillz session
Date: Monday 3rd August
Time:12:30-4.30pm
Location: St. Athan Community Centre (Glyndwr Ave, Barry, Wales, CF62 4PP)
Life Skillz Summer Programme 2026 - Registration of Interest – Fill out form

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Northern Ireland: Young Aviators Day at Ulster Aviation Society - Saturday 22nd August

 

The Young Aviators Day is officially back on the calendar.

It’s a full day of learning, discovery, and a circuit flight for every participant. Open to members and non-members
*Ages 11-17yrs

​If you have a future pilot at home, this is the day they've been waiting for.
for an application: events@ulsterflyingclub.com

https://www.facebook.com/ulsterflyingclub

Information provided by HIVE NI

Corsham: Summer Staycation Leaflet from Corsham Town Council

 

To help families this Summer, Corsham Town Council have put together a ‘Summer Staycation Leaflet’ with details of free or low-cost activities, places to visit, and things to do during the holidays.

You can pick up a paper copy at the Town Hall or download the online version at the following link: Summer Staycation Leaflet 2026

Highlights include:

• Family Festival Fun Day at St Barts (Sat 1 Aug)
• Free scooter and skateboard event (Thu 13 Aug)
• Free guided family bike ride event (Sun 23 Aug)
• Mungo Trail
• Free swimming
• Corsham Street Fair (Sat 12 Sep)

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 272 Dispute Resolution Service Decision Maker roles across the UK – closing date 12 Aug

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have a total of 272 Executive Officer (EO) roles across the UK within their Dispute Resolution Service. These vacancies may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs link with further information on the role and locations available, and application details:

Dispute Resolution Services – Universal Credit Decision Maker - Executive Officer - National (Ref 772) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

The closing date is 12 Aug.

DIO: Families First Issue 40 Published

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Edinburgh: The Royal British Legion Scotland Community Coffee morning Tuesday 11th August 10:30-12:00

click on image to enlarge

Fancy another Cuppa?
Come join us for our 4th Coffee Morning 🎉

Whether you're a veteran, Legion member, family member, carer, or represent a local organisation, we'd love to welcome you. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet others, build new connections, learn about local support services, and strengthen partnerships within our community.

Lyneham: Free Friday Family Summer Fun at MOD Lyneham Community Centre

 

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

London: Londist Free Things to do in London 27th July - 2nd August 2026

 

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub