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

Gloucestershire: SEND reform sessions this week

On February 23rd 2026 the Government launched a consultation on proposals for reforming support for children and young people.

The consultation closes on 18th May 2026.The National Network of Parent Carer Forums has been actively feeding back throughout the process.

Here at Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum we’re partnering with SENDIASS Gloucestershire to deliver sessions in person and virtually for any parent carer to attend FREE.

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

Fife: Welcome to Fife's What's on this week in Fife 26th April to 2nd May

There's lots going in Fife just now. If you're looking for something to do next week check out Welcome to Fife's what's on guide for ideas and inspiration

Here's a summary:

🐾 Sunday 26th
Wemyss Ware Cat Trail – on to 6th Sep - Kirkcaldy
DoubleTree Queensferry Spring Market – North Queensferry
Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K Run/Walk – Dunfermline

🌊 Tuesday 28th
BIAZA Pinniped Conference 2026 – North Queensferry

🚜 Friday 1st May
May Dip Breakfast
Grass to Grill Estate Tour – Bowhouse, nr St Monans
Langtoun Jazz presents New Town Stompers - Kirkcaldy

🌄 Saturday 2nd
West Fife Curated – Dunfermline
The Art of Feeling: empowering workshop – Charlestown
Art in the Park – St Andrews
In Conversation with Louise Minchin and Anna Deacon – St Andrews
St Andrews, South Street Market
Open Studios North Fife

Blandford: The ultimate tribute night - Sat 16th May

 

One stage. Three superstars. The ultimate tribute show! Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga & Dua Lipa.
Join us in the Grade I Listed Corn Exchange for a night of stunning costume changes, high-energy choreography, and sensational live vocals.

All ages are welcome, with children under 14 to be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets £12.50

More details HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Garrison cinema showings Fri 1st May 'Exit' Mon 4th & Wed 6th May 'The Devil Wears Prada'

 

For more information and to watch trailers click https://cinemas.bfbs.com/blandford

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Blandford: Job vacancies (cleaners) across Blandford Forum area.

 

We’re looking for reliable, friendly cleaners to help cover regular and ad-hoc cleaning jobs across Blandford Forum and nearby areas 🏡✨

What the work involves 🧼General domestic cleaning (dusting, vacuuming, mopping)
Bathrooms and kitchens 🚿🍽️
Emptying bins and tidying 🗑️
Occasional deep cleans (by agreement) ✨

What we’re looking for 🌟Reliable, punctual, great attention to detail ✅
Experience helpful but not essential (standards/training provided) 📋
Right to work in the UK 🇬🇧
DBS required for certain sites/clients (we’ll advise) 🛡️
Own transport helpful 🚗

📩 To enquire, email: huttons.incorporated@gmail.com

Please include 📝:Your name and postcode 📍
Your availability (days/times) 🗓️
Any cleaning experience 🧽
DBS (have one + level, or willing to get one if needed?) 🛡️
Whether you have transport (Yes/No) 🚗

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

Cupar: Hill of Tarvit Gardens Bluebell flower & Fairy Trail ***FREE*** 23rd Apr to 16th May

click on image to enlarge

A stunning carpet of bluebells is set to transform the grounds of Hill of Tarvit Mansion House & Garden this spring, as the National Trust for Scotland launches its Bluebell Flower & Fairy Trail from 23rd April to 16th May 2026.

Visitors will be invited to explore seven specially selected locations across the estate, each showcasing some of the finest bluebell displays in the region. A gentle, family-friendly fairy trail adds a touch of magic, encouraging children and adults alike to discover hidden corners of the landscape.

The event celebrates one of Scotland’s most iconic spring flowers, with thousands of bluebells creating a vibrant seasonal spectacle throughout the gardens and wider estate.

Alongside the trail, visitors can take part in a Bluebell Photography Competition, open to all ages and abilities. Participants are invited to capture the beauty of the blooms, with prizes including a framed winning image and a display in the Mansion House. Entries are open until 16 May.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

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

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements for 4 May bank holiday

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements are different for 4 May bank holiday:

On Monday 4 May offices and phone lines are closed.

To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.

If the expected payment date is Monday 4 May, then benefits will be on Friday 1 May.

If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.