Veterans ID Card accepted as Polling ID

The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections.

More information can be found here.

Wiltshire: Support to help quit smoking

 

When you stop smoking, you'll see improvements to your health straight away. If you’ve Quit Smoking for Stoptober, your longer-term risks of cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke will significantly reduce.

Free, expert stop smoking support is available across Wiltshire:

• Call 0300 003 4566 (Select Option 1)
• Email health.coaches@wiltshire.gov.uk
• Or contact your GP Surgery

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

St Andrews: The R&A World Museum Little Niblicks FREE multi-sensory play for 0-5 yrs

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dishforth: Come along and experience the Military Wives Choirs!

Dishforth Military Wives Choir, is part of a network of choirs uniting over 2000 women nationwide, in 72 choirs across the military community. The choir welcomes all women whose lives are currently impacted by their military connection; our network supports each other and forms life-changing friendships that lead to new and uplifting experiences through singing

The Dishforth Military Wives Choir currently has 35 members across North Yorkshire and meets weekly at 6 Regt RLC in Dishforth. With no auditions and no pressure to perform, the Military Wives Choirs places welfare at the core, giving its members the opportunity to spend time with women that truly understand the challenges associated with military life. 

The choir is always looking for new members

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Forres: Family Hub after school supper club

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Fylde Memorial Arboretum - Bispham - First UK Fiji Memorial Bench unveiled

The first UK memorial to Fijians serving in the armed forces, veterans, families and those who have died in the call of duty has been unveiled in the Flyde Memorial Arboretum in Bispham during a service on 3 October 2024.

A beautiful bench, decorated with the Fiji National Coat of Arms and motto, was dedicated at a special ceremony attended by civic dignataries, serving soldiers, families and members of the public.

The man behind the memorial, Fleetwood town councillor and veterans champion, Fijian Jimi Kuruvakadua, said: "We have have one thing in common which is always to remember and reflect on the lives of our brothers and sisters, our communites, our individual groups and associations we are involved in.

"I am grateful to you for your support, donations and to the veterans who prepared for today.
This bench is the first memorial in the UK dedicated to the Fijian Community and we appreciate it being situated here.
Comrades are always remembered in our hearts.
Today we remember them, honour them and keep them always in our hearts."

Manager of the arboretum, Paul Binns, welcomed guests and said how proud they were to have this special memorial situated in the arboretum and said that all connected with the Fijian community would be welcome there.

Other speeches welcoming the memorial and its importance were made by Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Brigadier (Rtd) Peter Rafferty; Blackpool Mayor Peter Hunter and Ilimo Torau, founder of the Commonwealth Veterans and Families Support Group.

A posy of poppies was laid by Councillor Kuruvakadua's daughter, Vasanai.

Two poems, written specially, were read by poet Anne Margaret Ward.

The dedication service, with choir of Fijian soldiers, was led by Methodist Minister the Rev Jimione Kaci, who is chaplain to Fijians serving in the British Army.

Visit the Memorial Bench at Fylde Memorial Arboretum, Moor Park Avenue, Bispham, FY2 0LZ. 

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Gloucestershire: Library locations and regular events

 

Gloucestershire Libraries are located across the County, including in the following areas:

• Cirencester
• Fairford
• Lechlade
• Churchdown
• Longlevens
• Gloucester
• Cheltenham
• Tewkesbury

As well as books and digital resources, regular events include:

• Baby bounce & rhyme
• Lego club
• Story time
• Knit & natter
• Author talks
• Nature club
• 'The library of things'

Click here to find your nearest library and the available activities

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Wiltshire: 'Get Out Get Active' community activities

 

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Activities will be held across Wiltshire, including in Chippenham, Calne and Melksham.

Click here to find out more!

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

Swindon: Interested in joining an American Football Women's Team? 'Swindon Storm' are recruiting players!

 

The 'Swindon Storm' American Football team is recruiting for their Women’s team who compete in the National League.

All equipment is supplied, and no experience is needed.

Click here to visit the website

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

North Wiltshire: Support for Veterans in Swindon & North Wiltshire

 

• RBL Wiltshire - local branches include Calne, Colerne, Corsham, Chippenham, Malmesbury, Melksham, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon

• SSAFA Wiltshire branch

• Op Courage - the integrated Veterans mental health and wellbeing service

• Armed Forces Breakfast Clubs - taking place in Chippenham, Calne, Swindon, Devizes, Melksham and more!

• The Churchill Veterans Breakfast Club in Royal Wootton Bassett - third Saturday of every month

• Voluntary Action Swindon's Veteran Support drop-in - last Tuesday of every month

• Information is also available via the Wiltshire Council website

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and may be added to as more support services become known.

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs