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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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November 6, 2025

Grantham: On camp 2 X AED'S to save lives. In the event of a heart attack/cardiac arrest

Can be accessed by untrained personnel as automated. Located at Guardroom & Gymnasium.

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Queen Victoria School - Admissions for 2026 Open!

Cairngorms: Rothiemurchus Lodge - Highland retreat for families and explorers alike

click on image to enlarge
Looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by the beauty of the Scottish Highlands? Just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kinloss, Rothiemurchus Lodge offers the perfect retreat for serving personnel and their families. Nestled just outside Aviemore yet tucked away from the bustle, the lodge is a cozy, tranquil base to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Accommodation options range from comfortable en-suite rooms to bunkhouse-style stays, making it ideal for individuals, families, or larger groups. With a log fire, fully equipped self-catering kitchen, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home. Step out of the front door straight into the Cairngorms—no need to get in the car all weekend!

Special rates are available for serving personnel and their guests.
Rothiemurchus Lodge is a charity-run organisation supporting serving members, veterans, and youth and educational groups.

Find out more or check availability at  
www.rothiemurchuslodge.org.uk


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

November 5, 2025

South Cerney: Children's Road Safety Brief - Wed 12 Nov

 

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

South Cerney: Santa vs The Grinch 'Ultimate Home Visit' to families on camp - Wed 10 Dec

 

Please note this event is for those living on SFA at Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney.

Please use the QR code below to sign up by Wed 3 Dec!

Issues with the QR code? Please contact Welfare at 2 Jackson Rd or by calling 01285 868265.

Stay up to date with what's happening on camp at South Cerney by joining their Welfare Facebook page

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Stanton St Quintin: Christmas Fair at Stanton Manor - Sun 30 Nov

 

Please click image to enlarge

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

National Day Nurseries paid supported employment childcare programme (England and Wales, Veterans and Veteran Partners)

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) have been granted funding by the Veterans’ Foundation to deliver a 16-week childcare programme, to support Veterans and partners of Veterans who might be interested in pursuing a career in childcare. Please find the project overview attached.

Details of the programme:Eligibility: 18+, unemployed or economically inactive, must either be a Veteran or partner of a Veteran
16-week paid programme (National Living Wage)
Participants are employed by NDNA as Trainee Nursery Assistants to work 16 hours per week
Training is delivered remotely during the first 4-weeks, followed by 12-weeks on placement in a childcare setting
Mentor support is provided by the Project Team throughout the programme
The project starts week commencing 05/01/2026
7 places available
As the project is delivered remotely, we can accept applicants from anywhere across England and Wales

You can find case studies on previous Trainee Nursery Assistants that we have supported here: https://ndna.org.uk/ndna-cymru/cymru-case-studies/#childcareworks

The project overview can be found HERE

The Trainee Nursery Assistant Job Description can be found HERE

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


Information provided: Central HIVE Hub

 

Northern Ireland: Statement from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner re the Passing of the Armed Forces Covenant Motion

 

Statement From the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, Mr David Johnstone
On the Passing of the Armed Forces Covenant Motion at Stormont this Evening.
4 November 2025

I warmly welcome the passing of today’s motion at Stormont in support of service leavers, veterans, and their families through the Armed Forces Covenant.
This is a significant step that reaffirms the principle at the heart of the Covenant, that those who serve, or have served, and their families should not face disadvantage as a result of their service. It is about fairness, understanding, and ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated with the respect and consideration they deserve.
It is also important that the narrative surrounding the Armed Forces within our community in Northern Ireland is not misrepresented.
I would like to express my appreciation to all who have signed this motion. Veterans, Paul Frew - DUP, Andy Allen - UUP, alongside Paula Bradshaw - Alliance and Timothy Gaston - TUV. Also a thank you to MLA Johnny Buckley who was instrumental in starting the process that has led to today’s vote.
This is a positive and encouraging development for our Armed Forces community and a step towards ensuring that veterans, service leavers, and their families receive the support and recognition they deserve.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Bovington: Bovitots parent, baby & child group sessions

A relaxed friendly space for the little ones to play and for parents and carers to connect. 
Everyone welcome. 
Large indoor play area and fenced outdoor space with toys.
Toilets and baby changing facilities.
Free car parking.

Poppies tearoom is adjacent to the Memorial Hall serving breakfasts, lunches, kids meals, beverages, hot/cold snacks & takeaway. 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE