To find out more or to book What's On | Craigtoun Country Park
Information provided by Leuchars
October 22, 2026
St Andrews: Craigtoun Country Park Sensory Santa Sunday Sunday 13th December
Catterick: Vacancy for Community Swap Shop Coordinator at e50k
WE’RE RECRUITING! Join the Bramble Woods team!
Do you love working with people, supporting your local community and helping good things find a new home?
Our Swap Shop Coordinator role is now open!
Based at Bramble Woods, Catterick, this is a lovely opportunity to help run our community Swap Shop, encourage reuse and recycling, support volunteers and help make a positive difference to local people.
Help run the day-to-day shop
Give donated items a new lease of life
Welcome, support and coordinate volunteers
Help spread the word and engage with the community
7hrs per week
£13.45 per hour
Hybrid/home-based, with regular attendance at Bramble Woods, Catterick
We’re looking for someone organised, approachable and enthusiastic, who enjoys bringing people together and making things happen.
Applications close on 30 October!
Find out more and apply here: https://www.communities.e50k.org.uk/catterick
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Catterick: Community Operations Lead vacancy at e50k Bramble Woods
COME AND JOIN OUR TEAM AT BRAMBLE WOODS! WE’RE HIRING!
Do you love the outdoors, enjoy working with people and want to do something that genuinely makes a difference?
We’re looking for a Community Operations Lead to help run and grow Bramble Woods Community Garden at Catterick Garrison!
This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who enjoys a bit of everything – working with volunteers, organising projects, developing community partnerships and getting hands-on outdoors.
You’ll help us:
Run and develop our community garden.
Support and bring together our wonderful volunteers.
Develop our beekeeping and environmental projects.
Support our community Swap Shop and other initiatives.
Build partnerships with local schools, businesses and community groups.
Create a welcoming space that makes a positive difference to the Defence community.
A few details:
Bramble Woods, Catterick Garrison
20 hours per week
£38,000 per annum pro rata
2-year fixed-term contract
You don’t need to have done everything before. We’re interested in people who are practical, organised, good with people and passionate about making a difference. We recognise that valuable skills come from volunteering, lived experience and all sorts of backgrounds.
Want to know more or apply?
Email your CV and a short covering letter to HR@e50k.org.uk by 6 November 2026.
Full job description here: https://www.communities.e50k.org.uk/catterick
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
West Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association - Vacancies
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West Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association have a vacancy for a Defence Relationship Manager (DRM) at West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, Harborne, Birmingham.
and
A Cadet Administrative Assistant (Logistics Support) at Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force
Full details can be found HERE
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
St Andrews and Cupar: Kinship Carers - New Support Groups
click on image to enlarge
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Staffordshire Police: Halloween safety tips and downloadable 'no trick or treat' sign
Be prepared for a fright-free night this Halloween!
Simply download and print Staffordshire Police Force's “No trick or treat” sign and display it near your door to let those spooky sweet-seekers know not to knock.
Full details HERE
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
Staffordshire Prepared - Prepare for the Unexpected
Staffordshire Prepared is your guide to help you, your family, your business or organisation and your community prepare for emergencies.
It is run by the Staffordshire Resilience Forum (SRF). This is a group of local organisations, including the emergency services, local councils, and health services, who work together to help keep Staffordshire safe
Full details can be found www.staffordshireprepared.gov.uk/home
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
Staffordshire: Step into Care - Free online learning pathway
A free online learning pathway
Hosted by the Social Care Academy for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, the programme is designed for people aged 16+ who are not currently working in adult social care and would like to learn more about the sector and potential career opportunities. The programme includes five short online courses covering:
Working in Adult Social Care
Meeting Communication Needs
Person-Centred Care
Strengths-Based Approaches
Adult Safeguarding
Participants can complete the learning at their own pace and access tailored support, including employability advice, job search and interview guidance, further training opportunities, and routes into employment within adult social care.
The County Council’s Care Market Development Team have developed the programme in partnership with organisations including Staffordshire Jobs and Careers, Connect to Work, Skills Bootcamps, Stoke JET Employment Team, local colleges, and Adult Community Learning teams.
Further information is available on the Step into Care webpage
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
British Red Cross: Free First Aid Apps
The British Red Cross First Aid free training apps equip you with simple first aid skills to use during emergencies.
To find out more please go to: www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/first-aid-appsStaffordshire: Rugeley Town Council Remembrance Parade - 8 November
Blandford: Garrison pumpkin carving session - Mon 26th oct
Semaphore Arms
12noon - 3pm
Equipment provided
You can bring your own pumpkin or purchase one on the day
Everyone welcome
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
12noon - 3pm
Equipment provided
You can bring your own pumpkin or purchase one on the day
Everyone welcome
Lichfield: Free Half Term Fun - Ages 7-19 years - Active Lichfield
Looking for things to keep the kids busy this half-term?
Discover LDC's range of FREE activities for ages 7–19 across Lichfield and Burntwood.
Full details: HERE
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
West Midlands Fire Service: Road, Safe Ready free Sessions - 17-24 years old
Weeton: 1st Bn The Duke of Lancaster - Community Bonfire & Fireworks - Wed 4th November 26
Just like in previous years, we will get together to enjoy a Community Bonfire and Fireworks display.
Food and drinks will be available to purchase from the vans.
Shropshire: Free Scavenger Hunts - Shropshire Family Information Service
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Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
Shropshire: What's on at half term - Shropshire Family Information Service
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Defence Update: Veterans learning new skills to help build homes in London
A defence and Places for London partnership scheme is helping veterans use what they’ve learnt in the armed forces to build new careers in the construction industry.
Eight veterans are the very first people to take part in the brand-new ‘Building Beyond Service’ programme at the Earl's Court Skills Centre in London. They are learning how to safely operate plant machinery, which is the type of large equipment used on building sites – like diggers and excavators.
As they train, they are working towards qualifications that are recognised across the construction industry. This means that once they finish, they will have recognised proof of their new skills and a direct route to employers who are looking to hire.
Speaking about why the scheme matters, Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP said:
"Veterans leave the armed forces with skills, experience and a work ethic that employers across the country are looking for.
"The challenge is often making sure those skills are recognised and creating a clear route into civilian careers. That's exactly what this programme is doing, helping veterans move into good jobs while supporting an industry that needs skilled people.
"Having made the transition from military service myself, I know how important these opportunities can be. This is a practical example of how we can back veterans to succeed long after they leave uniform."
The training is being delivered by the Places for London skills academy, working together with two partners: The Skills Centre and L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage.
If this first pilot group is successful, the plan is to help up to 60 veterans in total during the programme's first year.
Building growth and opportunities
Veterans leave the armed forces with brilliant skills: leadership, teamwork, discipline and often hands-on experience of engineering or logistics. But it is not always easy for employers to see how those skills fit into civilian jobs.
At the same time, the construction industry needs more skilled workers. Experts think the UK will need around 41,200 extra construction workers every year up to 2030.
This programme aims to connect those two things, helping veterans find good, lasting careers, while helping the construction industry fill its skills gap.
The scheme also delivers against the Defence Housing strategy, a £9.2 billion government plan to improve homes for military families and build more homes, with veterans and Forces families given priority for some of the new properties built on surplus defence land.
David Brewer, Chief Executive of the Defence Housing Service, said:
“Whilst delivering on the promises of the Defence Housing strategy, we are taking a truly forces first approach to create real opportunities for veterans and employers, which have the potential to lead to lasting careers in the construction industry.”
Joining together to support veterans
This new programme is the result of joined-up working between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Places for London, a property company owned by Transport for London. It recognises the contribution veterans can make to economic growth and the resilience of the UK.
Dorset: Veterans' biker down course - Wed 28th Oct
It is also open for currently serving and reserves.
If interested, please sign up by Fri 16th Oct.
Would you know what to do if you're first on scene at a motorcycle accident?
Biker Down is a free course, originally developed by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which is taught across the UK by emergency service professionals.
Biker Down teaches vital scene management and first aid skills to keep an injured motorcyclist safe and alive until paramedics arrive.
Biker Down is a free course, originally developed by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which is taught across the UK by emergency service professionals.
Biker Down teaches vital scene management and first aid skills to keep an injured motorcyclist safe and alive until paramedics arrive.
Booking form and further details here: Veterans' Biker Down Course - 28th October
Direct Link to Booking Form: https://docbike.beaconforms.com/form/b1574492
Direct Link to Booking Form: https://docbike.beaconforms.com/form/b1574492
Mental Health Motorbike are proud to be working with DocBike Dorset to organise a Biker Down course for motorcyclists who are Armed Forces Veterans, currently serving, or Reservists.
This is a great opportunity for the armed forces community to connect with each other whilst learning essential first aid skills. Our Mental Health Motorbike team will also be here to engage with veterans to raise awareness of mental health, and the support services available.
If you're not connected to military service but would like to attend Biker Down, find out if DocBike deliver courses in your area. Or search DocBike’s National Directory.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Bovington: Citizens Advice sessions at Bovington HIVE every Thursday - Free advice & support
PLEASE NOTE ADVICE SESSIONS ON THURS 22nd & 29th OCTOBER WILL BE HELD IN THE PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL ROOM WITHIN THE HIVE BUILDING.
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.
Appointments are not necessary, just turn up. First come, first serve basis.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Blandford: Garrison monthly book club event - Fri 23rd Oct
Our book club brings people together to enjoy reading, share thoughts on books, and have friendly, engaging conversations in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
For more information on the book club please contact us 07766537726, or drop into the office Wed 1330 - 1530hrs for a chat.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Blandford: Garrison cinema showing 'Ali G: Who Iz I' - Fri 23rd & Wed 28th Oct
Food and drink available to purchase at the door.
Ticket prices
Adult (15+) £4
Adult (15+) £4
Child £3
family ticket £11
Senior (60+) £3
Student £3
Senior (60+) £3
Student £3
For more information and to watch trailers click https://cinemas.bfbs.com/blandford
Dorset: Wool community cinema showing ' Finding Your Feet' - Fri 23rd Oct
Stars Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrey.
Doors open at 18:30, screening starts at 19:00.
Doors open at 18:30, screening starts at 19:00.
Ticket prices - Adults £6:00 Children £4:00.
When Lady Sandra Abbott discovers that her husband of 40 years is having an affair with her best friend, she seeks refuge in London with her estranged, older sister Bif. The two could not be more different - Sandra is a fish out of water next to her outspoken, serial dating, free-spirited sibling. But different is just what Sandra needs at the moment, and she reluctantly lets Bif drag her along to a community dance class, where she starts finding her feet.
When Lady Sandra Abbott discovers that her husband of 40 years is having an affair with her best friend, she seeks refuge in London with her estranged, older sister Bif. The two could not be more different - Sandra is a fish out of water next to her outspoken, serial dating, free-spirited sibling. But different is just what Sandra needs at the moment, and she reluctantly lets Bif drag her along to a community dance class, where she starts finding her feet.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
October 21, 2026
Catterick: Community Engagement Event Thu 22nd Oct
On behalf of the Catterick Garrison Town Centre Project Team, we are pleased to invite you to a community engagement event showcasing the Catterick Garrison Town Centre Development on Thursday 22 October, from 4pm to 8pm at The Bridge Community Centre, Shute Road, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire DL9 4AF.
This drop-in session will provide an opportunity to see the progress being made on the £21 million regeneration project, including the new Community and Enterprise Centre, town square and improvements to Coronation Park.
You will be able to view a virtual tour of the development, meet members of the project team, see the latest plans and find out more about the opportunities the new facilities available for residents, community groups, businesses and partner organisations.
The project will create new community facilities, flexible business space, event and training facilities, improved public spaces and enhanced park amenities, helping to create a vibrant town centre that brings together both military and civilian communities.
We would be delighted if you could join us and help shape the future of this important community asset.
No booking is required. Please feel free to drop in at any time during the session
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Bovington: Wool Parish Newsletter Nov 2026
Local information, events, notices & updates
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Dorset: South West Train services
For all UK Train Services and timetables click National Rail
Please check for updates prior travelling.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Blandford: Garrison halloween & bonfire night - Thurs 5th Nov
Winning poster from Downlands School pupil - Blandford Camp
Event Starts: 1700hrs
Bonfire Lit: 1830hrs
Raffle: 1840hrs
Fireworks: 1900hrs
Event Ends: 1930hrs
Halloween stalls, food vendors, Raffle & SSAFA stall.
For more details or any questions please contact Cpl Shrestha,Rabi.shrestha357@mod.gov.uk.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Bovington: Memorial Hall Christmas market - stall holders wanted (event takes place Sat 28th Nov)
Click on poster above to enlarge
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Bovington: Are you due to move to Bovington, Lulworth or Blandford?
Are you (or someone you know) due to be posted to Bovington, Lulworth or Blandford soon?
If so contact Bovington HIVE to request pre-arrival information.
Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-Bovington-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Core information sheets are available from the HIVE and contain useful information on accommodation,employment,health & wellbeing, finance, childcare,schools & adult education as well as location overview of community amenities, facilities and activities etc. There is also help with general queries regarding the local area.
Bovington HIVE can also provide you with information sheets on other locations across the UK and overseas. Please call in to speak to the HIVE information officer or use the contact details above.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
If so contact Bovington HIVE to request pre-arrival information.
Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-Bovington-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Core information sheets are available from the HIVE and contain useful information on accommodation,employment,health & wellbeing, finance, childcare,schools & adult education as well as location overview of community amenities, facilities and activities etc. There is also help with general queries regarding the local area.
Bovington HIVE can also provide you with information sheets on other locations across the UK and overseas. Please call in to speak to the HIVE information officer or use the contact details above.
Dorset: Craft fair - Sun 8th Nov
Unique local handmade crafts. Refreshments Free entry. Winfrith Newburgh village hall. Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Dorset: Farmer Palmers Oct half term & Halloween family fun - Mon 26th - Sat 31 Oct
Image: Farmerpalmers
Click on poster above to enlarge
Bovington: Garrison kids halloween party - Wed 28th Oct
Memorial Hall
2pm - 4pm
For children age under 13
Games, music & spooky fun
Dorset: Bonfire & firework night (Wareham) - Fri 6th Nov
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Gates Open: 6:00 pm
Children's Fancy Dress: 6:45 pm (Autumnal theme)
Bonfire & Fireworks: Fireworks display begins at 8:30 pm
There will be live music, local food, licensed drinks and refreshments available, plus fairground style stalls and small children's rides.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Bovington: Community together free harvest festival event - Sun 25th Oct
Click on poster above to enlarge
Event is being held at the Memorial Hall, Bovington.
Free family crafts, activities, puppet workshop. Plus story time and shared meal.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Bovington: Tank museum half term family fun - Sat 24th Oct - Sun 1st Nov
This October Half Term, The Tank Museum has a packed programme of exciting challenges, interactive trails, and hands-on creative activities running from 24 October to 1 November 2026.
Visitors can follow the new Magical Mouse Witch Trail and help tank mascot, Mouse Witch, find tank parts around the Museum’s exhibitions to complete her enchantment and conjure a magical tank!
Additionally, on 27th October, children and adults can paint a piece of pottery to take home, guided by Sophie’s Ceramics.
Nicola Burgess, Education & Visitor Engagement Manager, said: “October Half Term is a great opportunity for families to explore the Museum together. “Alongside our programme of half term activities, visitors can create their own tank mascot, just like Mouse Witch, and learn how soldiers protected their food from the hungry rats in the trenches!”
Annual Passes and memberships are valid for this event, and all tickets include free returns for a year. Pre-book your entry ticket online to get 20% off: tankmuseum.org/events/october-half-term.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Shorncliffe: Army Welfare Service wellbeing chill "n" chat every Tuesday 1000hrs - 1200hrs
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
October 20, 2026
Leuchars: Leuchars Station Toy Drive Christmas 2026
click on image to enlarge
This year’s toy drive is in corporation with Fife Council Children’s Services department in support of Children and Families in need.
Please drop of any donations to Leuchars Station Headquarters 0800-1600hrs from Mon 26 Oct- Fri 04 Dec 2026.
We will be collecting for children ages between 0-18. Gifts must be NEW and UNWRAPPED
Dorset: Job vacancy HGV class 2 driver
Working hours Mon - Fri
Wage - Up to £20.73 per hour
Immediate start
Call 01202 497597
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Duke of York’s Royal Military School: The Princess Royal Visits Kent School as Royal Patron
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the school, in her role as Royal Patron. This visit provided an opportunity for Her Royal Highness to meet students and staff, and experience life at the school first-hand.
The visit marked an important moment in the school’s continued commitment to supporting young people, including children from Armed Forces families.
During her visit, The Princess Royal met with members of the school community and attended the annual Beret Parade, where she formally presented ceremonial berets to the school’s new Year 7 students.
London: Halloween at Kew Gardens - 16th Oct - 1st Nov 2026
⭐ A spellbinding after-dark Halloween adventure awaits. Returning for a third year, Halloween at Kew creeps back into the enchanting Kew Gardens for 2026.
👻 Explore one of London’s most enchanting Halloween events, set within Kew Gardens after dark
🕷️ Follow an illuminated trail where you’ll encounter legendary creatures, like Dracula and the Headless Horseman, as well as spell-binding fire performers and other spooktacular surprises
🔥 Enjoy devilishly delicious refreshments along the trail
Click HERE for more information and to book tickets.
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
Blandford: Garrison remembrance service - Sun 8th Nov
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