Wiltshire: Changes to waste and recycling collections plus HRC opening times this festive period

 

Wiltshire Council's waste and recycling crews will be taking a well-earned break over Christmas, so your collection days will change during the festive period.

Your online collection calendar has already been updated so make sure to check it so you don’t miss your collection!

Check your revised collection days at https://orlo.uk/5CZ6G

Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) which are usually open on a Wednesday will be closed from 1pm on Wednesday 24 December. All recycling centres will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. All other days will operate under normal opening hours on their specified opening days.

Before visiting, please remember to sort your waste correctly so as much as possible can be recycled.

Further details can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/household-recycling-centre-locations

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Chepstow: Chepstow Community Learning - Courses & Workshops for Adults 25/26

Courses & Workshops for Adults at Chepstow Community Hub.

Spring Term begins Mon 05th Jan 2026
Access the brochure here

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Powys: Welsh Government Learning Grant (FE) open for eligible students 19+

Welsh Government Learning Grant FE applications remain open for 2025/26.

If your 19+ family member is eligible, they can still apply for up to £1,919 in funding.
www.gov.wales/making-education-work-you

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

St Athan: Men's Group, every Tues 10 - 12 at The Gathering Place, St Athan

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Catterick: AWS SEND Haven every Wednesday

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Civilian Housing Options Briefings – 2026 Dates

To register for a Briefing, and provide your details please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing

For more information on MoD Veterans Services support for Service Leavers and their families please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-service-leavers-and-their-families

St Athan: Learn & Play, every Monday (Term Time) at The Gathering Place, St Athan

The Gathering Place:

As Monday approaches, we’re looking forward to welcoming you to our Babies and Toddlers group, which meets every week during term time from 9 AM.

This dedicated session provides a welcoming environment for parents and caregivers to interact with their little ones while enjoying structured activities that promote early development, social skills, and fun.

We look forward to seeing everyone there and sharing a wonderful morning together in a warm and friendly environment!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Shots Foundation Sight Loss Soccer

 

On the first Monday of every month, The Shots Foundation run a sight loss soccer session at the Samuel Cody School from 1730-1830.

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

Ripon: Come and join us for Chess Club every Friday for ages 5-17

Children’s Chess Club at Ripon Library! 

Looking for a fun, brain-boosting activity for your children? 

Join us at the library every Friday for our Chess Club!

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026

The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, the Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) will become a permanent waiver for eligible Service personnel (SP) and outdated waivers based on marriage and age will be retired.

First introduced in March 2024 the DAW was designed to support home ownership and replace older SLA waivers. The DAW supports eligible SP to use Single Living Accommodation (SLA) free of charge, providing they maintain a separate home elsewhere in the UK.

What are the key changes from 1 April 2026?

• Enduring Policy: On 1 April 2026 the DAW will go from a temporary waiver to a permanent waiver, ensuring long-term support for eligible Service personnel.

• Removal of outdated Waivers: Waivers for SLA charges based on marital status and age will be retired, promoting fairness and consistency. Regular and Full Time Reserve Services Full Commitment (FTRS FC) Service Personnel receiving outdated waivers will automatically go onto DAW – no action needed.

• Updated Eligibility Criteria: To ensure efficient use of SLA, eligibility rules have been updated. Service personnel must maintain a UK home outside daily commuting distance, and provide annual evidence to HR.

• New Applicants: If you are not currently using DAW but believe you are eligible, please contact your Unit HR directly.

• Full eligibility details are set out in latest news on Defence accommodation policy - GOV.UK