North Wiltshire & Gloucestershire: Upcoming local Armed Forces Day events

 

Events at the following locations are currently listed on the Armed Forces Day website:

• Lyneham
• Royal Wootton Bassett
• Swindon
• Stroud
• Bristol/South Gloucestershire

Other events may be listed in the lead-up to the day.

You can also find details of the Gloucester Armed Forces Day event here and Colerne's Station Fair here.

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

South Cerney: New contact information for 29 Regt RLC

 

Please click here to visit the Sway page advertised, or scan the QR code above

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

London, 24 April 2026 – The fifth annual Celebrating Forces Families Awards took place on Friday evening at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, recognising the extraordinary contribution of Armed Forces families across the UK and overseas.

Bringing together families, organisations and advocates from across the military community, the awards shine a light on the resilience, dedication and often unseen impact of those who support Service life every day.

This year’s winners included:

• Young People’s Award: Jack and Luke Woodhouse
• Social Enterprise Award: NeuroDiverse Community CIC
• Business Award: QinetiQ
• Small Business Owner Award: Dionne Ross
• Family Volunteer Award: Lesley Collier
• Social Media Influencer Award: Padwives Unfiltered
• Public Service Award: Lisa Brown
• Armed Forces Advocate Award: Angela Lewis
• Inspirational Adult Family Member: Shelley Ellis
• Overcoming Adversity Award: Jo Gordon
• Away From Home Award: Katherine Sones

Northern Ireland: Female Veterans Invitation To Participate In Study

 

Jen Robinson is conducting a study exploring the identity of female veterans living in NI as a part of an MSc Psychological Science at Queen’s University Belfast. As a part of this study, she would like to interview as many women as possible who served after the disbandment of the WRAC, WREN or WRAF and who now live in Northern Ireland.

Jen is hoping that this study will inform future support to help more military women to make a healthy transition to civilian life.

If you would like to be involved, then please get in touch by emailing FES@qub.ac.uk

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: NIdirect - Dog Licensing in Northern Ireland

 

NIdirect would like to remind residents that if you own a dog you must ensure it is microchipped and you MUST have a dog licence.
By getting your dog licensed you have a much greater chance of getting your treasured pet returned if it is lost or stolen. A licence costs either £5 or £12.50 depending on circumstances.
Once you have your dog microchipped, you can licence it on line by using the link below or request an application form from Environmental Heath Service.

If you keep a dog without a licence you can be issued with a fixed penalty of £75 and non-payment of this could result in a fine of up to £1000.

For more information and to find your local Council Dog Licensing Office, click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

BFBS Signs Game-Changing 10-Year Contract with the MOD in New Era of Defence

24 April 2026: Media organisation and military charity BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has signed a 10-year contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to transform the way that UK Armed Forces access trusted media and entertainment, wherever they are serving.
As Defence dominates world headlines, this agreement comes at a crucial moment and demonstrates the importance of BFBS’s services for the British military community worldwide, and for national security.

Ben Chapman, BFBS CEO said: “We are very excited to announce this renewed partnership with the MOD, and to fulfil our mission of uniting the UK Armed Forces and their families with trusted, creative media experiences for the next decade.

“We are living in complex geopolitical times, with Defence at the top of the global agenda, and never has the media landscape been more disrupted. BFBS plays a vital role in supporting the operational readiness and welfare of our military wherever they are serving, and we help to maintain a healthy democracy by ensuring that all those who serve our country have access to trusted, relevant, and secure media.

“We offer incredible value to the UK Armed Forces through our deep relationships with media partners who trust us to make their valuable entertainment, news, and sport content available to those who need it most – all free at the point of delivery.”

Maj Gen (Ret’d) Chris Wilson, Chair of Trustees for BFBS added: “From morale-boosting entertainment during deployments, and free, legal access to premium sport for those overseas, to our trusted, independent Forces News channels covering all aspects of military life, or AI training courses for military partners, BFBS contributes to the retention of personnel and the sustainability of national security.”

BFBS is developing a next-generation secure platform that will transform and futureproof media experiences for those who are serving, and the organisation already celebrates many successes with its channels and products.

The BFBS Forces News YouTube channel has more than one million subscribers, while the BFBS Esports Pro League — launched in 2025 — is helping to turn gaming culture in the forces into a competitive ecosystem, as military players enhance skills needed for modern warfare.

BFBS is also developing technology to deliver digital media content directly to submarines, ensuring that even in one of the most remote environments on Earth, personnel can access entertainment.

This new contract builds on more than eight decades of dedication to connecting and entertaining the UK Armed Forces and strengthens BFBS’s enduring relationship with the MOD to meet the future media needs of the military.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: “BFBS are at the heart of service life, providing our personnel with access to secure, trusted entertainment, ranging from live football matches to the latest movie releases, and keeping our people engaged in Forces life from gaming to developing news.

“This 10-year contract renewal demonstrates our long-term commitment to our people - and will ensure they have media access relevant to their needs, devices and interests, wherever they serve. Our message to our Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.”

See bfbs.com for details of all services and follow BFBS on social media. Visit Forces News YouTube and Forces News for the latest global Defence news and stories.

Chippenham: Community Health drop-in for 5-19 year olds at Chippenham Library - Mondays 1100-1200

 

Follow the Chippenham Library Facebook page for updates or visit the HCRG website for further information

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Chippenham: 'Chat Climb Connect' - Men's Mental Health climbing group - Thursday evenings at The Arc

 

Looking for a decent way to spend a Thursday evening? Peak Mindset is an informal group for men to get together, go climbing and have a bit of a chat.

Founded by Ryan and Gary in early 2025, the group was set up to support men’s mental health by simply providing a space to connect. Whether you’re going through a tough time or just want to meet a solid group of lads, you’re more than welcome.

Please click here to find out more

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Northern Ireland: 71 Engineer Regiment are recruiting.

  

71 Engineer Regiment are recruiting in Northern Ireland.
Ballymena
Portadown
Bangor

Regiments in Scotland and the North of England are also recruiting.
Find out how, via the links below
https://linktr.ee/71engineer
#NorthernGrit #SapperFamily #LiveMoveFight #YouBelongHere #ReservedForMore #twicethecitizen #armyreserve #royalengineers
Lowland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association Corps of Royal Engineers North of England RFCA Headquarters North The Army in Scotland RFCA NI Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association The Army in Northern Ireland Army in the North

Information provided by HIVE NI

Bovington: Homestart support for military families

 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE