Army HIVE Says Thank You and Farewell to Longest Serving Overseas HISO

This week marks our longest-ever serving Overseas HISO - Jo Ratabuli - leaving Episkopi HIVE for pastures new. Over her 14 years in post, Jo has been absolutely central in supporting her customers in Epi and wider across BFC, unit moves to and from Cyprus, our Non-UK Nationals, and so much more – her knowledge, warmth and exceptional customer service will no doubt be remembered by many customers and colleagues from across the last decade and a half. Suffice to say, Jo will be a much-missed member of the Army HIVE team, not only from her current BFC colleagues (Karen-Grace, Donna, Emma, James, Jen and Katie) but the rest of the Army HIVE team too!

Our Cyprus Area Manager, Karen-Grace, penned the attached poem and it perfectly captures Jo’s achievements, the differences she has made over her 14 years in service, and the sentiments of her team.

From us all in Army HIVE, Jo, Vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much), Moce mada (until we meet again), and may your next chapter be filled with joy, peace, laughter, and the same warmth you gave so freely to others.

BFBS Marks 15 Years Since Op TELIC Ended With Commemorative Anniversary Campaign

The Forgotten Conflict: BFBS Gives Voice to the Veterans of Op TELIC

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) today begins a dedicated week of programming to mark 15 years since the end of Operation TELIC (Op TELIC), codename for the involvement of the UK Armed Forces deployed to Iraq between March 2003 and May 2011.

Daily commemorations this week will run across BFBS Radio, BFBS TV, and digital platforms, exclusively bringing together multiple contributors including veterans, serving personnel and BFBS staff as key voices in the special broadcasts forming a comprehensive tribute to the Op TELIC anniversary, and to honour the lived experiences of the UK Armed Forces personnel who served.

While many broadcasters covered the conflict from the outside, BFBS was broadcasting alongside the UK Armed Forces, keeping personnel connected to home throughout operations. From playing music that lifted morale to sharing messages from the families waiting back home, to putting on events to entertain personnel, BFBS served those deployed rather than simply reporting on them. Fifteen years on, that shared experience places BFBS in a unique position to help tell their stories in their own words.

Beginning today, audiences will hear directly from those who served through interviews, long-form specials, bespoke digital content, and live discussions across BFBS radio and social media reflecting on the legacy, with support from BFBS TV. These personal reflections form the heart of the week, capturing a wide range of lived experiences from those who were deployed.

Weeton - Lancashire: The Duke of Lancaster's Christmas Card Design Competition - closing date 22 June 2026

The Competition is open to children up to 16 years from families of serving soldiers and veterans.  

Closing date is Monday the 22nd June 2026.

Information provided by Weeton HIVE

Bovington: Garrison Coworking Hub for Military spouses to work & connect

               

"Need a break from the kitchen table office/study setup?"

We’ve got just the spot! The MCN (Military Coworking Network) Bovington hub. Your little slice of calm, focus and unlimited tea/coffee heaven. 

For just £30 a year (yep, a whole year!), you’ll get:
✅ Access to a professional office space

✅ 900 hours of coworking, about 75 hours per month

✅ Screens ready to go

✅ Free use of a colour printer/scanner/photocopier

✅ Good, reliable Wi-Fi

We offer a FREE trial session (3 hours)! Would you like to get booked in for a look around and a proper test-run of the space? Drop us a message if you’ve got any questions, we’d love to help.

Click Bovington | Military Coworking Network to find out more and grab your spot! 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: BFBS Radio live on air throughout the Garrison

 

The military community in Bovington Garrison can listen to BFBS Radio on 100.8FM.

The schedule brings listeners a great mix of local and global radio, combining the BFBS Blandford Breakfast Show – weekdays from 0630-1000hrs – with programmes from BFBS Radio’s worldwide network.

The BFBS service will continue to be maintained in Bovington on 1287 AM too.

If you have a story or message that you would like to broadcast on BFBS, please contact Producer/Presenter for BFBS Blandford, Jason Herbert, via blandford@bfbs.com.

BLANDFORD CAMP

BFBS radio Namaste, Blandford. BFBS Gurkha 101.5FM

Blandford Garrison radio is live on 100.8FM

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: HIVE Bovington & Blandford annual leave closure Wed 20th May - Fri 5th June

 

To access the online enquiry form click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Dandelions family support group for parents with babies & children under 5.

Click on poster above to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE
 

Blandford: Garrison shuttle bus service to Blandford town (every Tuesday)

 

Click on poster above to enlarge.

Please see below for estimated timetable, please allow enough time to ensure that you do not miss the Bus.

Pick Up	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Drop off only
Pass Gate House for Security Clearance	0930	1015	1110	1230	1325	1420
South Cresent/Racedown Road (either bus shelter)	0935	1020	1115	1235	1330	1425
Gunville Down Road (either bus shelter)	0940	1025	1120	1240	1335	1430
Ashley Wood Road (opposite bus shelter) [Officer's Quarters]	0945	1030	1125	1245	1340	1435
Black Lane	0950	1035	1130	1250	1345	1440
Drop Off
M&S Foodhall (Car Park, end of Nightingale Court walk-through)	0955*	1040*	1135*	1255*	1350*	-
East Street/Market Place Bus Stop [Drop-off only]	1000	1045	1140	1300	1355	-
Arrive Tesco Supermarket (ATM pull-in)	1005*	1050	1145*	1305	1400	-
Return Journey
Depart Tesco Supermarket (ATM pull-in)	-	1055	1215	1310	1405	-
The Ham Bus Stop (Morrisons Car Park) [Pick-up only]	-	1100	1220	1315	1410	-
M&S Foodhall (Car Park, end of Nightingale Court walk-through)	-	1105	1225	1320	1415	-
	*Drop-off by request

This service will run every Tuesday up to and including 22 December.
Pilot Funded by Dorset Council. Service operated by Dorset Community Transport.

If you need any further clarification, please email blandfordgar-bgsuwelfare@mod.gov.uk.

NOTE: Anyone travelling into town on final run (1330/1340/1345 Camp pick-ups) will need to make their own way back.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE via Blandford BGSU welfare office.