Bovington: Tank museum news - Planting initiative with children from Bovington academy school

  

Images: Courtesy of Tank Museum

Bovington Schoolchildren have been planting wildflower seeds at The Tank Museum as part of an initiative to boost biodiversity.

The Tank Museum is letting 3,000 square meters of its grounds grow wild to support native pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

            

Young carers from local primary school Bovington Academy visited the Museum to find out more about rewilding and helped to plant some of the 64 million seeds provided by Wild Britain. These children are part of the school’s “Dandelion” military children’s club.

The wildflowers are expected to be in bloom for the Museum’s Tiger Day Spring event on 18 April 2026, tickets are on sale now: https://tankmuseum.org/events/tiger-day-spring

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Six projects with one goal - to tackle domestic abuse in forces communities

Plus, a reminder of why the Free from Fear programme is so needed…

“In Defence, we are in a particularly vulnerable position to be abused by partners. Whether you are the serving half of the relationship or not, or if you both are, isolation from our support network due to posting and moving around is commonplace among our community. We experience different sets of challenges as part and parcel of military life.” – MOD victim-survivor

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has funded another six projects under their Free from Fear programme, worth a total of more than three quarters of a million pounds, to further strengthen much-needed support to victim-survivors of domestic abuse in armed forces communities.

The military context

Those facing domestic abuse in armed forces communities often face additional challenges such as:

• economic dependence on the serving person
• isolation from wider family support due to posting locations
• non-UK partners of armed forces personnel being dependent on their partner for their immigration status
• perceptions around rank when raising concerns, or a worry that chain of command won’t support the victim-survivor.

The Free from Fear programme prioritises understanding of the military context, ensuring any additional challenges are considered.

What’s been funded?

The awards encompass many forms of support, including culturally sensitive support for Nepalese families of serving personnel; work to strengthen the local authority response to domestic abuse in serving communities; an online programme for armed forces men who’ve experienced abuse and even holistic work for perpetrators to change their behaviour.

Northern Ireland: Veterans' Roadshow & Lunch Banbridge - Tuesday 21st October

 

Veterans Roadshow & Lunch – Banbridge

Join them at the Banville Hotel, Banbridge on Tuesday 21st October for the next Veterans Roadshow & Lunch.

Meet support organisations, Catch up with friends, Enjoy a bit of craic (and a bite to eat!)

Free to attend – veterans and families welcome. Register now at: www.nivco.co.uk

Information provided by HIVE NI

Blandford: Garrison coffee morning - new parent, pregnancy, maternity network Tues 28th Oct

 

Click on poster above to enlarge

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Lancashire: Are you a spouse or partner of a serving reservist or regular armed forces personnel living in Lancashire?

Has your career, life, or future ambitions been impacted by military life?

Please join us for an online meeting on 20th October 2025 at 7pm where we can hear more about your experiences and discuss what opportunities might benefit you. Whilst you may not wear the uniform or be awarded the medals, this project is about recognising the contributions of military spouses and partners.

Join us for a virtual gathering where you can connect with others who understand the unique challenges you face. This event is designed to provide a safe space for sharing experiences, offering support, and building a supportive community. We've been awarded funding by the armed forces covenant trust to find out what the barriers are for spouses and partners as a result of a family connection to the military. Led by military spouses at the College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services (The University of Lancashire), this project aims to develop meaningful careers, education and development opportunities to support spouses and partners reach their current aspirations. We are working in partnership with the Further Education Colleges in Lancashire and Preston North End to look at what activities spouses and partners may benefit from. This could be a change of career, taking up studies, qualifications, or well-being events that give you an hour to yourself.

You can find out more and register here

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Bovington: Employment support drop in session Wed 1st Oct

Appointments not necessary, just turn up.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Wartime themed sleepover event at the Tank Museum Sat 11th - Sun 12th Oct. Book now.

  

Images: TankMuseum.  

Step into history with a wartime-themed sleepover event. From live character-led history trails to themed meals, guests will be fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and stories of wartime Britain.

Ever dreamt of sleeping next to a tank? How about an eerie night-time tour of WWI trenches? ‘A Night at The Tank Museum’ brings history to life like never before. Tickets are limited, so book now for this special event on 11-12 October!

Events Coordinator Milda Siauciulyte said:

“A Night at The Tank Museum transports you back in time. You’ll meet soldiers, enjoy WWII-themed meals, and after a great night’s sleep amongst some of the most famous tanks in the world, will start the day with a soldier’s drill.

“Whether you're a history enthusiast, or looking for something a bit different, this immersive weekend promises an unforgettable experience.”

Visit The Tank Museum’s website to find out more and book.
https://tankmuseum.org/events/sleepover

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Tank museum 'On Track' free wellbeing network event - Thursday 2nd Oct

Image: Tankmuseum

10am - 4pm

Join us for On Track, a dedicated wellbeing event recognising the unique experiences and challenges faced by those in and around the armed forces.

It’s designed for all members of the armed forces community – including regulars and reserves, service families, the bereaved, service leavers, veterans, and anyone connected to life in the forces.

This year, the focus is on community, celebrating the power of positive, supportive communities and their impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or someone close to you, or simply want to learn more about the resources available, On Track is here to help.

For more details, programme timings and to book your free ticket click HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Bovington: Garrison coffee morning & DIO housing surgery Wed 1st Oct

If you have any housing issues or concerns, please use this opportunity to come along and speak in person to a housing representative from Pinnacle/Vivo

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Staffordshire: Lichfield Cathedral Artisan Market - Saturday 8 November

 Information provided: Central HIVE Hub