Blandford: Garrison shuttle bus service to Blandford town starts Tues 12th May.

 

Click on poster above to enlarge.

If you have any questions please contact BlandfordGar-BGSUWelfare@mod.gov.uk

Hard copies of the shuttle bus service and map are available from Blandford HIVE and BGSU welfare office, located in the Williams building.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE via Blandford BGSU welfare office.

Blandford: Garrison welfare newsletter - May/June

Click on above posters to enlarge.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

Bovington: Wool Parish Newsletter May 2026

 

The latest edition is available. Click HERE to read. 

Local information, events, notices & updates

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting service children to thrive - a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme now open

Supporting service children to thrive: a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme now open

Service life can bring unique challenges for children and young people. Frequent moves, disrupted learning and periods of separation can all add up - and they can affect how children feel, learn and achieve.

Delivered on behalf of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund, the Service Pupil Support programme (SPSP) funds practical, evidence-led projects that respond to these challenges and strengthen educational outcomes for service pupils. With a new round of funding now open, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are inviting schools and local authorities across the UK to apply, so more service pupils can get the right support to feel settled and succeed at school.

How much funding is available?

Grants of £5,000 to £150,000 for projects lasting up to two years are available. Projects must be evidence-led, clearly planned and time-limited, and work already covered by statutory provision won’t be funded.

South Cerney: New contact information for 29 Regt RLC

 

Please click here to visit the Sway page advertised, or scan the QR code above

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

London, 24 April 2026 – The fifth annual Celebrating Forces Families Awards took place on Friday evening at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, recognising the extraordinary contribution of Armed Forces families across the UK and overseas.

Bringing together families, organisations and advocates from across the military community, the awards shine a light on the resilience, dedication and often unseen impact of those who support Service life every day.

This year’s winners included:

• Young People’s Award: Jack and Luke Woodhouse
• Social Enterprise Award: NeuroDiverse Community CIC
• Business Award: QinetiQ
• Small Business Owner Award: Dionne Ross
• Family Volunteer Award: Lesley Collier
• Social Media Influencer Award: Padwives Unfiltered
• Public Service Award: Lisa Brown
• Armed Forces Advocate Award: Angela Lewis
• Inspirational Adult Family Member: Shelley Ellis
• Overcoming Adversity Award: Jo Gordon
• Away From Home Award: Katherine Sones

Northern Ireland: NIdirect - Dog Licensing in Northern Ireland

 

NIdirect would like to remind residents that if you own a dog you must ensure it is microchipped and you MUST have a dog licence.
By getting your dog licensed you have a much greater chance of getting your treasured pet returned if it is lost or stolen. A licence costs either £5 or £12.50 depending on circumstances.
Once you have your dog microchipped, you can licence it on line by using the link below or request an application form from Environmental Heath Service.

If you keep a dog without a licence you can be issued with a fixed penalty of £75 and non-payment of this could result in a fine of up to £1000.

For more information and to find your local Council Dog Licensing Office, click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements for 4 May bank holiday

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements are different for 4 May bank holiday:

On Monday 4 May offices and phone lines are closed.

To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.

If the expected payment date is Monday 4 May, then benefits will be on Friday 1 May.

If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.

BFBS Signs Game-Changing 10-Year Contract with the MOD in New Era of Defence

24 April 2026: Media organisation and military charity BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has signed a 10-year contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to transform the way that UK Armed Forces access trusted media and entertainment, wherever they are serving.
As Defence dominates world headlines, this agreement comes at a crucial moment and demonstrates the importance of BFBS’s services for the British military community worldwide, and for national security.

Ben Chapman, BFBS CEO said: “We are very excited to announce this renewed partnership with the MOD, and to fulfil our mission of uniting the UK Armed Forces and their families with trusted, creative media experiences for the next decade.

“We are living in complex geopolitical times, with Defence at the top of the global agenda, and never has the media landscape been more disrupted. BFBS plays a vital role in supporting the operational readiness and welfare of our military wherever they are serving, and we help to maintain a healthy democracy by ensuring that all those who serve our country have access to trusted, relevant, and secure media.

“We offer incredible value to the UK Armed Forces through our deep relationships with media partners who trust us to make their valuable entertainment, news, and sport content available to those who need it most – all free at the point of delivery.”

Maj Gen (Ret’d) Chris Wilson, Chair of Trustees for BFBS added: “From morale-boosting entertainment during deployments, and free, legal access to premium sport for those overseas, to our trusted, independent Forces News channels covering all aspects of military life, or AI training courses for military partners, BFBS contributes to the retention of personnel and the sustainability of national security.”

BFBS is developing a next-generation secure platform that will transform and futureproof media experiences for those who are serving, and the organisation already celebrates many successes with its channels and products.

The BFBS Forces News YouTube channel has more than one million subscribers, while the BFBS Esports Pro League — launched in 2025 — is helping to turn gaming culture in the forces into a competitive ecosystem, as military players enhance skills needed for modern warfare.

BFBS is also developing technology to deliver digital media content directly to submarines, ensuring that even in one of the most remote environments on Earth, personnel can access entertainment.

This new contract builds on more than eight decades of dedication to connecting and entertaining the UK Armed Forces and strengthens BFBS’s enduring relationship with the MOD to meet the future media needs of the military.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: “BFBS are at the heart of service life, providing our personnel with access to secure, trusted entertainment, ranging from live football matches to the latest movie releases, and keeping our people engaged in Forces life from gaming to developing news.

“This 10-year contract renewal demonstrates our long-term commitment to our people - and will ensure they have media access relevant to their needs, devices and interests, wherever they serve. Our message to our Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.”

See bfbs.com for details of all services and follow BFBS on social media. Visit Forces News YouTube and Forces News for the latest global Defence news and stories.

North Yorkshire: Citizens Advice - Have you got a Military Connection and need advice?

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Catterick: Citizens Advice Drop Ins for May

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

North Yorkshire: Volunteer Police Cadets - Recruiting NOW!

Further information

Online Familiarisation event Thursday 30th April 6pm until 7pm (the link to join can be found on the NYP Catterick recruitment page just at the bottom)

Application deadline: 9.00am, Monday 11 May 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 25 May 2026

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Hereford: Families invited to enjoy new free Stay and Play sessions in Herefordshire libraries

Parents and carers of young children are being encouraged to visit their local library as Herefordshire Council launches a brand‑new programme of free Stay and Play sessions.

The weekly drop-in sessions will run from 27 April at Hereford, Leominster, Ross‑on‑Wye and Ledbury libraries, offering a welcoming space for children aged 0–5 years and their families.

Building on the success of the libraries’ popular Storytime sessions, Stay and Play gives families the chance to enjoy toys, games, crafts and stories in a relaxed and friendly environment and supports early learning and development in young children through play.

The sessions aim to make libraries fun, inclusive places where families can meet and feel part of their local community.

Parents and carers can find out more about the Stay and Play sessions by contacting Hereford, Leominster, Ross‑on‑Wye or Ledbury libraries, or by visiting the Herefordshire Libraries Storytimes and Stay and Play Eventbrite page.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Grantham: FREE entry Toddlers at Ropsley Hall

 

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Pembrokeshire: The Pembrokeshire Community Hub Newsletter

To sign up to The Pembrokeshire Community Hub Newsletter which includes information about what's on in Pembrokeshire, as well as projects and group initiatives please visit the website here.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Grantham: Housing Surgery

Next Housing Surgery at the HIVE Community Centre, Building 162, Thursday 21st May, 1030 - 1230. All welcome!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

London: Borough Market - Plan Your Visit

 

A food market that never stops evolving

Borough Market’s rich heritage – around 1,000 years of history – is part and parcel of its appeal, but our focus is very much on the here and now.

The Market, which is run by a charitable trust for the benefit of our community, has never stopped evolving.

A few decades ago, it was a wholesale market serving the greengrocers of south London; now it acts as a beacon for sustainable food production, short supply chains and social connection, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Click HERE for further information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Hereford: Parking Machine Upgrades across Herefordshire

 

Parking Machine Upgrades Underway Across Herefordshire
New Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) keypads are being installed on pay and display parking machines across Herefordshire this week.

The work began on 16 April and is expected to take around five days to complete.
These upgrades are part of wider changes to parking across the county, including the introduction of a free 30-minute parking option from 23 April.

Please be aware:
While the machines are being updated, there may be some disruption or changes to how they look and operate. Please take extra care to read the new on-screen instructions and signage when using them.

The JustPark app is not affected and can be used as normal.

Find out more here: Council car parks general information - Herefordshire Council

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Hereford: Spaces available at Whitecross Scouts

Spaces Available at Whitecross Scout Group!

Looking for something fun, active and rewarding for your child? Whitecross Scout Group currently has places available for young people aged 4–14 years

With sections including:
Squirrels (4–6 years)
Beavers (6–8 years)
Cubs (8–10½ years)
Scouts (10½–14 years)
There are opportunities to start in the next few weeks, so now’s the perfect time to get involved!
Scouts is all about building confidence, learning new skills, making friends and having adventures along the way

To find out more or register your interest, email: info@whitecross.hfdscouts.org.uk

Please share with anyone who might be interested.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Fife: Fife Women's Aid National Stalking week

It is National Stalking Awareness week.

We will be sharing a post a day this week to highlight stalking and the dangers associated with it, as well as highlighting sources of support.

If you are concerned about stalking or its impact, please contact The National Stalking helpline.

The Helpline is open:

09:30 - 20:00, Monday and Wednesday

09:30 - 16:00, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

0808 802 0300

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE