Generic and local information for the UK Military community including Serving Personnel, Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians.
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March 2, 2026
Harrogate: FREE Entry to Ripley Castle Gardens and Grounds till the end of March
Open 10am to 4pm daily
Explore the hot houses, the pleasure gardens and the walled kitchen garden. The deer park is an enjoyable stroll as well. Please note dogs are permitted in the grounds and gardens but not in the deer park.
https://www.ripleycastle.co.uk/visitor-info/
Lytham St Annes: Blue Skies Dragon Boat Festival at Fairhaven Lake - 16 May
Blue Skies Dragon Boat Festival
Watch teams of 17 people per boat battle it out to be crowned the champions.
With lakeside stalls and food vendors, plus the cafĂ© at Fairhaven Lake, it’s a great day out! All raising money for Blue Skies – Blackpool NHS hospitals charity fund.
You can also register your team to take part! Feel the adrenaline surge as the drums beat in sync with your heartbeat, propelling your team across Fairhaven Lake. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, this is an unforgettable adventure for a fantastic cause.
Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE
February 26, 2026
Richmondshire: Catterick Integrated Care Centre - Myth busting campaign
The NHS and Ministry Of Defence (MOD) have launched a six-week myth-busting campaign – Uniquely Us: The Catterick Integrated Care Centre (CICC) – across Catterick and Richmondshire.
We want to help you understand what services the new centre will (and won’t) provide, and make sure you know where to go for the right care.
Over the coming weeks, our team will be out and about in libraries, village halls, markets and other local spots to answer your questions and hear your feedback.
Come along, meet the team, and have a chat about what the new centre means for you and your family.
For more information on the CICC visit our website: https://humberandnorthyorkshire.org.uk/locations/north-yorkshire/our-work/cicc/
February 25, 2026
February 24, 2026
Ripon: Easter Family Fun Day at Claro Bks 28th March
EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY – BOOKING NOW OPEN!
Join us on Saturday 28th March (10am–2pm) at 21 Community Centre for a brilliant day of Easter fun for our military families!
Easter Egg Hunt
Crafts & activities
Games & prizes
Hotdogs available
Bring your own picnic if you’d like
This event is open to all military families, so spread the word and bring your friends along!
Booking is now available through Welfare – spaces may fill quickly!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Richmond: Big Richmond Book Hunt 5th March
Hello! I'd like to tell you about a FREE EVENT for children that's taking place in Richmond from 3.30pm on Thursday 5th March 2026 to celebrate World Book Day.
At least 50 Usborne books will be hidden around the town centre for children to find. Hunt for a book and then you can take it home to read and keep it or to spread the love of reading, re-hide it for others to find.
Local businesses have sponsored this event, so a big thank you so far to Elixir Ristorante The Town Hall Pub and Dining Market Place Travel - Richmond Specsavers King Street Kitchen & Gift Deja Brew Cafe Dots Place and Scotts, Hall and Birtles Solicitors.
There is still room for other local businesses to get involved and spread the joy of reading, please see details below.
Kids...it's FREE to take part. Books are for around ages 2-10. Hunt until you find one that's suitable for you!
If you would like to get FREE activity sheets and also the chance to WIN a fab Usborne Good Bag, then please REGISTER by following this link https://tinyurl.com/BRBHregistration
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Richmond: Repair & Repurpose Cafe 8th March
We’re excited to invite you to our up and coming Repair & Repurpose CafĂ© at Richmond Town Council's Town Hall.
Sunday 8th March
9.45am – 12.30pm
Town Hall, Richmond
FREE entry – donations welcome
Got something broken or in need of a little TLC? Bring it along! Our friendly volunteer repairers will do their best to help fix items such as:
Clothes & fabric
Small electricals
Computers
Toys
Jewellery
Gardening tools
It’s a lovely way to save money, reduce waste, and give your much-loved items a second life. Even if you don’t have anything to repair, pop in for a chat, enjoy some delicious home-baked cakes and refreshments, and soak up the community spirit.
Interested in becoming a repairer or helping behind the scenes? We’d love to hear from you!
Let’s repair, repurpose, and reconnect together. See you there!
February 18, 2026
February 17, 2026
North East: Military Veteran Football
At MVFC, we believe that everyone deserves a place to play. Our ethos is simple: any veteran or service member, regardless of age, gender, ability, or length of service, is welcome to join our sessions. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where individuals can be themselves, fostering both physical and mental well-being while combatting social isolation.
Led by veterans who understand the unique challenges of military service and the transition to civilian life, our sessions are designed to promote camaraderie, fitness, and friendship. Join us on the pitch to connect with fellow veterans, enhance your physical health, and enrich your life through the power of football. Together, we can build a supportive community that celebrates resilience and unity.
Richmond: The Richmond Banking Hub
Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
The hub offers a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions, whenever it's open.
A community banker service is also available where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on allocated days:
Community Banker availability
Mon:
NatWest
Tue:
Lloyds
Wed:
HSBC
Thu:
Barclays
Fri:
Halifax
Strensall: Health Child Service Drop in Clinic, Every 2nd Thursday of the month 10:00 – 12:00
Healthy Child Service – Raise York
February 16, 2026
Richmondhshire: Screen free time at your local library this half term
Looking for a calm, screen-free half-term activity? Bring your children into your local library in Richmond, Catterick or Colburn and let them get lost in a good book
From colourful picture books to exciting stories for growing readers, there’s something for every child to discover. It’s the perfect chance to choose new favourites, share stories together and spark a love of reading during the school holidays.
Warm, welcoming libraries
Books for all ages
Free to join and enjoy
Pop in during half term — your next great story is waiting!
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
















