Update from Leader, Ian Cooper
See link HERE
Information provided by Stafford HIVE
September 22, 2025
September 19, 2025
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 19 September 25
An update on SFA maintenance appointments
The SFA Consumer Charter announced in April 2025 shared our commitment to provide reliable repairs and clearer communication for serving personnel and families.
In response to your feedback and to improve our service to you, we are making a change to the allocated appointment window for SFA repairs and maintenance bookings.
We currently provide a one-hour window when you can expect an engineer to arrive at your property to carry out repairs and maintenance tasks on behalf of Amey or VIVO. While we had hoped this would provide you with greater certainty around the timing of the engineer’s arrival, we have found that providing such a short window can make it difficult to achieve the best outcomes for you.
We understand it can be frustrating when our maintenance teams arrive early or late for appointments, or when tasks are not completed within the allocated time because they need to move onto the next appointment. Similarly, where jobs require spare parts, there is not always time to complete the task within the allocated time slot and follow-up appointments are often required.
From 1 October 2025, you will be given a 4-hour window within which your engineer will arrive to carry out your repairs and maintenance tasks. This aligns line with common industry standards and will allow engineers more time to complete tasks fully, as well as undertaking any additional tasks identified to reduce the need for follow up visits.
Extending the arrival window will mean our teams will get to more appointments on time and enable them to spend longer completing jobs to deliver a better service for you and families.
Requests for repairs and maintenance to your home should continue to be directed to Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628, who will book your appointment and confirm the four-hour window. You will receive a reminder message from Amey or Vivo the day before your appointment.
New complaints process (UK SFA)
DIO and our suppliers are focused on providing the best service we can to you and your families. However, we know sometimes things go wrong and we want to ensure you feel heard and supported.
The SFA Consumer Charter, published in April 2025, outlines a series of commitments we will be making to improve our accommodation service offer. This includes a revised, streamlined complaints process that will shorten the process to two stages in line with industry best practice, so that you have quicker resolution.
In collaboration with Chief of Defence People Accommodation team, important changes have been made to the complaints process currently outlined in Joint Service Publication (JSP) 464. These changes are designed to make the process quicker, simpler, and more robust, providing you with greater confidence and assurance.
What’s changing?
Scotland: The latest edition of Army Cadets in Scotland Newsletter is now available
The latest Army Cadets in Scotland newsletter is here 👆 click on image to read
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
September 18, 2025
BFBS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF BFBS TV FOR ARMED FORCES AT RTS CAMBRIDGE CONVENTION 2025
On its inaugural broadcast Hilary Osborn declared: “It is a historic moment for us in BFBS as we open up our first television service.” From a 30-foot mobile control room at Trenchard Barracks, with content support and engineering expertise from the BBC and ITV contractor London Weekend Television, BFBS TV began transmitting UK programmes abroad.
From tape distribution in 1975 in Celle, to live news and sports via a bespoke microwave link in the 1980’s - stretching from Wembley across northern, eastern and western Europe, eventually reaching West Berlin – to satellite coverage in the 1990’s and the introduction of multi-channel and initial live services for the Royal Navy, BFBS TV has consistently adapted to meet the needs of its audience.
The launch of secure streaming in 2014, followed by on-demand services in 2018 brought BFBS TV into the digital era, offering over 2,000 hours of content to browse, and up to 40 live channels wherever personnel are posted. This includes bespoke edge solutions enabling streaming, catch-up TV, audio and digital print offerings, whether at sea or in locations where connectivity is limited.
As of 2025, BFBS TV works with more than 20 trusted partners including British public service broadcasters, subscription TV and streaming platforms, international studios and sports rights holders, all supporting the service in reaching armed forces communities overseas.
Ben Chapman, CEO of BFBS, said: “Celebrating 50 years of BFBS TV at the RTS Convention was a powerful moment to honour our history and thank the studios, stakeholders, and teams whose outstanding content and collaborative partnerships have kept the UK Armed Forces connected for half a century. We also raised a glass to every colleague who has made this possible.”
Adam Hardwick, Deputy Director of BFBS TV & Cinemas, added: “Reaching this milestone is about recognising the breadth of services BFBS TV delivers today. From live sports, movies and series to trusted news, children’s content and so much more, we’re proud to offer a service that continues to innovate and evolve to meet the changing needs of the armed forces community wherever they are deployed or posted.”
More information on BFBS TV can be found here.
South Cerney: Trick or Treat event - Thu 30 Oct
Please note this is only for those with access to Duke of Gloucester Barracks
Information provided by Lyneham HIVE
Bath & Bristol: Festival Of Discovery events
Across September and October, FUTURES is transforming familiar spaces into arenas of discovery, creativity, and conversation. From climate change to AI, ancient history to the future of food, world-class researchers are bringing their work to life through hands-on experiments, interactive workshops, thought-provoking talks, late-night museum openings, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a family day out, a chance to ask burning questions, or simply a fresh way to see your city, FUTURES has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a family day out, a chance to ask burning questions, or simply a fresh way to see your city, FUTURES has something for everyone.
Please click here to read more about the events, including four across Bath & Bristol.
Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs
Aldershot: Shots Foundation Sight Loss Soccer
The Shots Foundation run these sessions to provide those over 16 with any range of sight loss the opportunity to keep active and keep their love of football alive, because football is for all.
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
Aldershot: Wellesley Woodlands health walks - every friday
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
September 17, 2025
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