Grantham: Grantham Museum Volunteer Open Day

 

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Lichfield: AWS Community Support at DMS(Whittington) is relocating in early 2026

Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

 

Catterick: Careers Info session for Armed Forces Leavers 13th Nov

We’re hosting a Careers Info Session on Thursday 13th November, from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Regional Resettlement Centre, St Aidans Road, Catterick Garrison.

This informal drop-in event will give attendees the chance to:

Speak directly with employability advisors
Learn about current vacancies and sectors hiring
Meet recruiting managers from North Yorkshire Council and NY Highways
Explore roles in joinery, plumbing, driving, property maintenance, and more

It’s a great opportunity for Armed Forces leavers to get practical advice and explore career options in a supportive environment. 

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Gloucestershire: Call for Carers to share their views

 

Carers who have received a survey are encouraged to complete and return it by 31 December 2025.

For those who haven’t received a survey, the Gloucestershire Carers Hub will be holding online sessions via Zoom for carers to provide feedback on 24 November (12-1pm) and 26 November (4.30-5.30pm). To register, email bookings@peopleplus.co.uk using ‘Commissioner Survey’ in the subject line.

Further information can be found at https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gcc-news/news-november-2025/call-for-carers-to-share-their-views-national-survey-2025/

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Mission Motorsport - Banter Brews and Cars Event - Wed 19th Nov 25

Click poster to enlarge.

The Banter, Brews & Cars events at Three Sisters Circuit in Wigan have had a fantastic year, and we’re excited to invite you to our penultimate event of 2025! On Wednesday, 19th November, we’ll be offering exhilarating passenger rides with our volunteer drivers from 9pm to 3pm, allowing attendees to enjoy as many laps as they wish.

Event Details:

Event: Banter, Brews & Cars – Race & Rally Passenger Rides
Date: Wednesday, 19th November
Location: Three Sisters Circuit, Wigan. WN4 8DD

This exclusive event is open to the Armed Forces Community, providing a full day of private track access. It’s a great opportunity to relax, reconnect with others, and experience the excitement of motorsport in a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere. The event is completely free to attend, and all you need to do is sign up to enjoy the adrenaline, fun, and great memories.

We encourage you to please share this invitation amongst members of the Armed Forces Community, serving, veterans and their families - everyone is welcome!

Additionally, I have attached a clickable PDF and a flyer with the event information for your convenience. Our social media post is here (Facebook and Instagram), and you’re welcome to repost it if you have your own social media.

While we can’t predict the weather, we can assure you that the day will be packed with adrenaline, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Registration link : https://bbc-nov.eventbrite.co.uk

Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey

Your opportunity to shape Service life – AFCAS 2026

Halfway through the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS). This is an opportunity for Service personnel to have their say on shaping Service life.

AFCAS gives a random sample of Regular Service personnel the chance to tell Defence what they like and dislike about daily aspects of Service life. This includes where they live, their pay and allowances, and career.

If you are a Regular Service person, check if you’re eligible to take part in the survey. All responses are confidential.

The more people that take part in AFCAS, the better. Every voice in this survey ensures that the needs and experiences of Service personnel are at the heart of driving new and improved Defence initiatives and policies to improve Service life.

Here are recent examples of ongoing work to help improve Service life:

· Families Hub – Check out Defence’s information portal, with useful signposting to information, support and organisations, to help you navigate Service family life. Visit the Families Hub.

· Simplifying overseas service finances – Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork. Read more on the BFBS website.

Who can complete AFCAS, and how?

If you are a Regular Service person, check the eligibility tool to see if you have been randomly invited to take part in this year’s survey. You will need to enter your Service number, which is case sensitive.

If you are in this year’s sample, the tool will direct you to complete AFCAS.

If you are not in this year’s sample, the tool will direct you to a shorter survey to still give your views.

Share your thoughts by 11.59 pm, Monday 2 February 2026.

Bovington: Request for toys & Christmas cheer event - Poppies tea rooms

 

Click on poster above to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

New Defence Housing Strategy published

 
Defence Housing Strategy

Following an announcement by Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP this afternoon, we are delighted to share the new Defence Housing Strategy.

Independently led by a team of experts and driven by the input of more than 6,000 service families, the strategy sets out the most significant change for Armed Forces housing in over 50 years. It marks the start of a fully costed ten-year programme to reshape, redevelop and modernise the Defence housing estate to best meet the realities of modern service family life.

We have summarised some of the key changes set out in the strategy for you and your family below:

Redevelopment and modernisation of UK SFA

• Every service family deserves a home they can be proud of. This transformation will create thousands of high-quality homes, supporting our Armed Forces and their families for decades to come.  
• We will be giving over 40,000 military homes a makeover – new kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems to ensure you have what you need for comfortable modern living.  14,000 of these homes will be substantially refurbished or replaced.
• Rapid improvements are already underway through a Consumer Charter for Forces Families introduced earlier this year. New and upgraded military homes will meet modern property standards comparable to the best professional housing organisations, ensuring they are warm, spacious and of high quality.

Serve and Protect - Free Webinars in November

Boost your financial knowledge with free webinars from Serve and Protect this November!

Through our partnership with Serve and Protect Credit Union, you can access free financial webinars on the following topics every week in November:

• Eco-friendly ways to save money
• Harmful effects of gambling w/ GamCare
• Budgeting to take control of your money
• Practical habits to boost your savings
• Tips to boost your credit score
• Preparing for the unexpected
• Things to know before you borrow

Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Register for free today to avoid disappointment.

Learn More - https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

Op Courage - Midlands - Survey

Op COURAGE Midlands survey

Are you someone who’s supported a loved one through their journey with Midlands Op COURAGE? The team there want to hear from you.

They’re running the following feedback survey to better understand your experience with Midlands Op COURAGE - the NHS mental health and wellbeing service for veterans. Whether you’ve used the service yourself or supported someone who has, your insights are invaluable.

Why take part? The team at Op COURAGE Midlands are working to make Midlands Op COURAGE easier to understand and more responsive to your needs. This survey includes questions about how we talk about the service, what support looks like, and how it ends.

It only takes 8 to 10 minutes, and your feedback will directly help us improve how we support veterans and their families.

Survey closes: Sunday 30 November 2025

Complete the survey at: https://forms.office.com/e/iZseWeFvu0

Victory Services Club, London – October 2025 Newsletter

Read the latest Club Life newsletter from the Victory Services Club

Blandford: Garrison pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty' Mon 8th Dec - Tickets on sale from Mon 3rd Nov

 

This year's Garrison pantomime from the Forces Foundation will be performed by professional actors from the Panto bus.

Venue: Garrison cinema (on camp)

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Bump, baby & toddler event - Sun 25th Jan 2026 Register your interest now!

 

In partnership with Little Pickles Markets, The Tank Museum is proud to present its first Bump, Baby & Toddler event – featuring special guest speaker Zoe Blaskey.

Visitors can browse the baby & children’s nearly new sale, listen to a range of talks from our guest speakers, enjoy baby & toddler-friendly activities and enjoy exploring The Tank Museum – with its soft play area, perfect for tots!

Plus, for this event, The Tank Museum is delighted to offer 50% off admission – and under 4s go free! Register your interest Little Pickles Market - The Tank Museum to be notified when tickets become available.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Fylde: Remembrance Sunday Services in Fylde 2025

Remembrance Sunday Services in Fylde  - 9th November 2025

Residents throughout the borough are warmly invited to join commemorations on Sunday 9 November as communities come together to honour those who have defended our freedoms. These services will offer everyone the opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by our armed forces, both past and present.

Services are always well attended and will take place as follows:

St Annes: Assemble at the Pier car park at 10:30am. The parade will proceed to the memorial in Ashton Gardens at 10:38am, led by Mayor of Fylde, Cllr Frank Andrews.

Lytham: Gather at the Assembly Rooms at 10:30am, with the procession departing at 10:45am. The civic party will be led by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Cheryl Little.

Kirkham: Assemble on Orders Lane at 1:30pm and move off at 1:45pm. The Remembrance service will commence at the Cenotaph at 2:00pm, followed by refreshments at the Community Centre.

Wesham: Led by Mayor Cllr Liz Bickerstaffe, assemble at the War Memorial at 10:45am. A service of remembrance will be held, followed by refreshments at Wesham Community Centre.

Armistice Day Arrangements

The commemorations continue on Tuesday 11 November with a two-minute silence marking Armistice Day. The Mayor of Fylde will attend at Ashton Gardens, the Deputy Mayor of Fylde at Lytham Cenotaph and the Mayor of Kirkham at Kirkham Cenotaph, ensuring every community can mark this significant moment together.

Cllr Frank Andrews, Mayor of Fylde, said: “I’m deeply honoured to lead our community in remembering those who gave so much for our freedom. These services bring us together in gratitude and reflection, ensuring the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces will never be forgotten. I encourage everyone across Fylde to join us in paying tribute to those who served and continue to serve our nation.”

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Grantham: Housing Surgery

Next Housing Surgery at the HIVE Community Centre, Building 162, Thursday 20th November, 1030 - 1230. All welcome!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Local details of Remembrance Sunday Events

Grantham Crematorium 5th November 1100hrs 

A Quiet Remembrance - a Service for Grantham Civilians Lost in the War

A Quiet Remembrance

Join us as we come together to remember and honour the Grantham civilians who lost their lives during times of war. This special service offers a moment of reflection and gratitude for the ordinary men, women, and children whose lives were forever changed by conflict.
We will gather at the Civilian War Memorial in Grantham Cemetery to pay our respects, share in remembrance, and ensure their names and stories are never forgotten.
All are welcome to attend and join us in this act of remembrance.

Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service (Sunday, November 9, 2025) Parade: 

The annual parade is expected to assemble and march from St Peter's Hill, passing through the town centre via High Street and Vine Street on its way to St Wulfram's Church.
Service: A service is held at St Wulfram's Church, which includes the two-minute silence and an act of remembrance at the war memorial.

Armistice Day (Tuesday, November 11, 2025) A two-minute silence is observed in the town centre at 11 a.m. on Armistice Day.
For the most up-to-date information, residents can check with the Grantham Royal British Legion or South Kesteven District Council closer to the date.  

Remembrance

Check out all the activities and Remembrance celebrations at International Bomber Command Centre here:

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Hereford: Remembrance Day - Sun 9 Nov 25

 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Little Troopers: SQUAD Podcast is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year7+ could take part as contributors

SQUAD Podcast - Series

SQUAD is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year7+ could take part as contributors.

The Little Troopers podcast – SQUAD – is created especially for 

young people aged 11–18 who are part of a military family.

As we get ready to launch Series 2, we’re on the lookout for young contributors to feature in the new episodes! Recording will take place throughout November and the podcast will launch in January 2026. You’ll be able to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other major platforms – as well as on the Little Troopers website.

🎧 This is a fantastic opportunity for military young people to share their experiences and join conversations alongside an inspiring line-up of guests – including celebrities, sports stars, and musicians who also grew up in military families.

We’d love to hear your story and your questions for our guests about how being part of a military family has shaped their lives and careers.

For more information and application form

SQUAD Series 1 episodes can be found here

Scotland: Safer Scotland Safest way to enjoy fireworks

The safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is at an organised event. If you are planning on buying fireworks, please ensure that you read the instructions provided to make sure the space you have is large enough to use them safely.

Remember, it is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks.

Find out if there are events taking place in your local area here 👉 https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Wales: Evaluation of the ALN System: Survey of Parents and Carers

As part of our four-year evaluation of the ALN system the Welsh Government is publishing the findings of the Parent and Carers survey that gathered experiences and concerns from earlier this year. The report explores parents’ and carers’ views on topics such as:

• Individual development plans
• Information and guidance
• Identification of ALN
• Person-centred planning meetings
• Additional learning provision (ALP)
• Overall satisfaction with the ALN system

The following link will navigate you to the evaluation on the Welsh Government website:

Evaluation of the ALN System

Thank you to everyone who contributed to these important pieces of work. Your contributions are invaluable in helping us improve the ALN system for all learners. Your insights continue to shape and strengthen our shared vision for inclusive education in Wales.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.