Alton: What's On in the Library

 

Turn up the volume on reading this summer!

This summer, The Reading Agency invites children to discover the joy of reading through Read to the Beat! — the music-themed Summer Reading Challenge 2026. With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction for all reading levels. Best of all, books are FREE to borrow from the library. As part of the National Year of Reading, libraries are encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures. Children can sign up at Alton library, set their reading goals, and enjoy rewards along the way.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs from Saturday 11 July - Saturday 12 September

Sign up at Alton Library during opening hours:

Monday: 9.30-1.30

Tuesday: 9.30-5.00

Thursday: 9.30-5.00

Friday: 9.30-5.00

Saturday: 9.30-5.00

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Defence children Services: Supporting Armed Forces children’s transitions between education systems - Educators’ toolkit

This transition resource was developed collaboratively by education practitioners and education policy professionals from across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. This involved officials from Government Departments, local authority officers, schools and Service charities from across the UK. It is designed to complement and strengthen existing practice, helping educators support effective transitions in educational settings.

Service parents with children who are moving schools across devolved nations may wish to highlight this guidance to the education professionals that they are liaising with.

To read the guidance in full online, please go to: Transition

There is also an option to download the whole booklet at this link: https://dcs.school/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026051504_BetweenEducationsystems_Transitionstoolkit_FINAL.pdf

MOD Veterans Services: An overview of the support available to Service personnel, veterans and their family members

To find out more about the MOD Veterans Services support available to Service personnel, Service leavers, veterans - and their family members - please go to: Get help from Veterans Services - GOV.UK

Also, a reminder that there is now an online Veterans Services referral form in place, which can be used by the Chain of Command/internal MOD organisations, external stakeholders and for self-referrals: Make a referral to Veterans Services - GOV.UK

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

North Yorkshire: Veterans Workshop at Clervaux Fold every Monday

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Winchester: Home-Start Family Groups

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Wiltshire: New 'Belong in Wiltshire' website launched for Military families

Please click here to visit the website

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Winchester: Family Fun in Winchester

 

From zoos and family-friendly theatre to soft play and parks, there are activities, attractions and events to suit children of all ages in Winchester

If you're visiting Winchester as a family with kids in tow, you're in for a treat. Many of Winchester’s attractions are family-friendly and offer a host of hands-on activities including interactive puzzles, trails, games and quizzes. You can enjoy special events throughout the year including make-and-take workshops, book readings by famous authors, plays and shows. You’ll find plenty of great play parks and picnic spots too. Whatever the weather you'll find loads of great things to do with children in Winchester.

Click HERE for further information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Lichfield: DIO Podcast - volunteer family required - taking part in the DIO Housing Matters Podcast

 

DIO are looking for a family living in SFA for another episode of the DIO Housing Matters podcast who live in the Lichfield area.  Would you be interested in taking part in the podcast?  Get in touch with the Central HIVE on RC-Pers-HIVE-CentralHub-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk for the contact details in DIO.

Information provided by Central HIVE Hub

Cessation of the Service Police Confidential Crime Line

The Service Police Confidential Crimeline (0800 085 0658) has been permanently disconnected and will not be replaced. As a part of Defence switch to digital communications all analogue telephone lines in the host location, including the Confidential Crimeline, have been disconnected. HQ PM(A) have therefore decided to retire the Service Police Confidential Crimeline.

Crimes can still be reported through any of the following telephone helplines: