Little Troopers: Latest newsletter, incl Christmas Smiles Boxes – bulk applications are now open for welfare teams!

The latest Little Troopers newsletter includes information about their 2026 Christmas Smiles Boxes, with the following article:

“We're excited to announce that our Christmas Smiles Boxes are back for 2026! Packed with separation support resources and festive goodies, they're designed to bring a little Christmas joy to military children missing their serving parent.

BULK APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Military welfare teams, units, ships and bases can now apply for 15 boxes or more to distribute to families in their communities, via this link: Little Troopers Christmas Smiles: Bid for Christmas Boxes 2026 Survey

Military families: Please encourage your welfare team to apply on behalf of families facing separation this Christmas.

Just need one box for your Little Trooper? Individual applications aren't open yet, so please don't use the bulk application form. Keep an eye on your inbox* for details of how to apply towards the end of November.”

*If not already subscribed, you can do this at: https://littletroopers.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2ba4cd8a62c4d00f3535de174&id=6c080a184f

There is more news, dates for your diary, and free downloadable Remembrance Crafts to explore in the newsletter – please read in full at: There's lots happening at Little Troopers! 🍂

Blackpool: Christmas By The Sea returns for 2026 - 20th Nov 26 until 3rd Jan 27

Image by Gregg Wolstenholme

IT’S BACK! Christmas by the Sea returns to Blackpool for 2026!

Get ready for a festive spectacular as the Tower Festival Headland transforms into a magical winter wonderland! From November 20th to January 3rd (closed Christmas Day), you can soak up the sparkle with:

• FREE Ice Skating
• Festive fairground rides
• Snow-dusted chalets
• Dazzling light installations
• Mulled wine & seasonal treatsPicture-perfect Illuminations

Open daily from 12pm–9pm (Nov 20th-Jan 3rd)
Free entry | Pay-as-you-ride attractions

Whether you’re gliding across the rink, chasing snowflakes, or snapping selfies under the lights—this is your season to shine. 

Information provided by Weeton HIVE

Blandford: Garrison ladies festive shopping night Wed 4th Nov - Book now!

Full details can be found by scanning the QR Code on the poster above or click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Haverfordwest: Pantomime Cinderella at Cawdor Barracks on Thu 19th Nov 26

Click poster to enlarge.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Staffordshire: Christmas Light Switch on - Rugeley Town 28 November

 

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Brecon: Save the Date! Brecon with Bells On - Sun 29th Nov

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS MAGIC IS COMING TO BRECON! 

Have you saved the date yet? 

BRECON WITH BELLS ON takes place on Sunday 29 November 2026, with festive stalls, live entertainment, Santa’s Bus and the Christmas Lights Switch On at Bulwark at 6pm! 

It’s a date for your Christmas calendar, whether you’re planning a family day out, meeting friends or getting into the festive spirit.

Sunday 29 November 2026
Festive fun throughout the day
Lights Switch On at 6pm

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

St Andrews: Craigtoun Country Park Sensory Santa Sunday Sunday 13th December

Craigtoun Country Park are keeping the morning of Sunday 13th December nice and quiet, specially for children with sensory issues.

To find out more or to book What's On | Craigtoun Country Park

Information provided by Leuchars

Blandford: Garrison festive family fun coach trip Sun 6th Dec - Book your space now!

 

Full details can be found by scanning the QR Code on the poster above or click HERE

Save the date – Wednesday 2nd December – Blandford Christmas Kick Off – our events team are in the process of planning this event which will be held in the Semaphore Arms between 1600 and 2000hrs. More details to follow in due course.

A Christmas youth club trip will also be offered, date and place still being confirmed. More information to follow in due course.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Llantwit Major: Christmas Competition with Llantwit Major Library

Llantwit Major Library:

Come to the library to get your templates to join our Christmas competition and be part of the Tractor boys of Aberthin Christmas parade ⭐️🎄🚜

Christmas post – send by 30 Oct for Overseas firm base locations

BFPO will continue to process and dispatch all Operational mail throughout the Christmas period. However, the latest safe posting date for overseas firm‑base locations will be brought forward to 30 October 2026.

Families and friends are strongly encouraged to post early wherever possible. After this date, BFPO cannot guarantee delivery before Christmas, and some items may not arrive until the New Year. Please also factor in current customs import processes, which may add extra time to final delivery.

Customers are reminded of the following:

• All mail items sent to a BFPO address must include a customs declaration form, as required under international import/export regulations.
• Items arriving at BFPO Northolt without a customs declaration will be returned to sender. Non‑compliant items without a return address may be disposed of as undeliverable in line with UK Mail Industry Standards.
• BFPO does not offer a guaranteed timed service and holds no liability for items that are perishable, out of date, or unusable upon receipt.

Please visit https://www.gov.uk/bfpo for further information.

Blandford: Garrison Christmas fair - Decorations needed

The Garrison community team are looking for spare Christmas trees, decorations and festive items to help transform the Semaphore Arms.

Donations can be dropped off at the Williams Building, or contact James (AWS CDW) james.tarring100@mod.gov.uk.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison Christmas fair - Stallholders needed

 

Christmas Fair coming soon. 

The community team are looking for stallholders selling festive gifts, handmade crafts, artwork, cakes, treats, and other Christmas-themed items. If you would like to showcase your products and be part of this community event, please contact James (AWS CDW) james.tarring100@mod.gov.uk to register your interest, giving a brief description on what festive goodies you wish to offer to sell.

Details of the Christmas Fair will be released shortly keep an eye out out on the Eventbrite page: AWS Community Support - Blandford & Bovington

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

BFPO Christmas Posting Dates

More details: www.gov.uk/bfpo

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Leuchars: AWS and Leuchars Welfare Seasonal Craft Sessions for military families only

click on image to enlarge

Limited availability

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Livingston: Leuchars AWS Shopping Trip to Livingston, Sat 12th December

click on image to enlarge

🎄 Christmas Shopping Trip to Livingston Outlet on Saturday 12th of December. We will leave Leuchars Community centre at 0900 and leave Livingston at 1700.

This is for military families only.

Spaces limited, to book see Marie-Anne in Welfare.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dorset: Winter food & drink fair - Sat 7th & Sun 8th Nov

 

Start the season early with a celebration of Dorset’s finest food, drink and crafts all in one place. Set the historic grounds of Athelhampton House, this curated Winter Fair brings together Dorset’s finest producers for two days of delicious discovery ahead of the festive rush.

Click HERE for more details on above and upcoming events at Athelhampton house & gardens. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Weeton: Dick Whittington Panto in the Community Centre - Wednesday 11th November 2026

Information provided by Weeton HIVE

Weeton: Family Christmas Party - Wed 16th December 2026

 Information provided by Weeton HIVE