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

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

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

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

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