Army HIVE Says Thank You and Farewell to Longest Serving Overseas HISO

This week marks our longest-ever serving Overseas HISO - Jo Ratabuli - leaving Episkopi HIVE for pastures new. Over her 14 years in post, Jo has been absolutely central in supporting her customers in Epi and wider across BFC, unit moves to and from Cyprus, our Non-UK Nationals, and so much more – her knowledge, warmth and exceptional customer service will no doubt be remembered by many customers and colleagues from across the last decade and a half. Suffice to say, Jo will be a much-missed member of the Army HIVE team, not only from her current BFC colleagues (Karen-Grace, Donna, Emma, James, Jen and Katie) but the rest of the Army HIVE team too!

Our Cyprus Area Manager, Karen-Grace, penned the attached poem and it perfectly captures Jo’s achievements, the differences she has made over her 14 years in service, and the sentiments of her team.

From us all in Army HIVE, Jo, Vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much), Moce mada (until we meet again), and may your next chapter be filled with joy, peace, laughter, and the same warmth you gave so freely to others.

BFBS Marks 15 Years Since Op TELIC Ended With Commemorative Anniversary Campaign

The Forgotten Conflict: BFBS Gives Voice to the Veterans of Op TELIC

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) today begins a dedicated week of programming to mark 15 years since the end of Operation TELIC (Op TELIC), codename for the involvement of the UK Armed Forces deployed to Iraq between March 2003 and May 2011.

Daily commemorations this week will run across BFBS Radio, BFBS TV, and digital platforms, exclusively bringing together multiple contributors including veterans, serving personnel and BFBS staff as key voices in the special broadcasts forming a comprehensive tribute to the Op TELIC anniversary, and to honour the lived experiences of the UK Armed Forces personnel who served.

While many broadcasters covered the conflict from the outside, BFBS was broadcasting alongside the UK Armed Forces, keeping personnel connected to home throughout operations. From playing music that lifted morale to sharing messages from the families waiting back home, to putting on events to entertain personnel, BFBS served those deployed rather than simply reporting on them. Fifteen years on, that shared experience places BFBS in a unique position to help tell their stories in their own words.

Beginning today, audiences will hear directly from those who served through interviews, long-form specials, bespoke digital content, and live discussions across BFBS radio and social media reflecting on the legacy, with support from BFBS TV. These personal reflections form the heart of the week, capturing a wide range of lived experiences from those who were deployed.

Weeton - Lancashire: The Duke of Lancaster's Christmas Card Design Competition - closing date 22 June 2026

The Competition is open to children up to 16 years from families of serving soldiers and veterans.  

Closing date is Monday the 22nd June 2026.

Information provided by Weeton HIVE

Give Us Time: Summer 2026 Welfare Update

Click poster to enlarge.

To find out more please visit www.giveustime.org.uk

Aldershot: Are You Looking for a Boarding School?

 

Information provided  by South East HIVE Hub

Recruit for Spouses: Empowering You Workshops – 9-11 June

Empowering You is back!

Whether you’re exploring a new career, returning to work, or looking for fresh inspiration, Empowering You is here to help you take that next step.

9–11 June
Hybrid experience – join online + in person (London, Glasgow or Knutsford)

Designed for military family members, this supportive series brings together:

• Inspiring real-life career stories
• Forces-friendly employers
• Practical insights to boost your confidence
• A network of people who truly understand military life
• Flexible, engaging, and full of opportunity—spaces are filling fast.

Register now to secure your place

#MilitarySpouses #ForcesFamilies #CareerSupport

Recruit for Spouses: May Newsletter - NEW careers in Defence, healthcare and more...

The latest Recruit for Spouses newsletter is out now. Please go to this link to read in full: NEW careers in Defence, healthcare and more...

Aldershot: Falcon Fest 26 at New Normandy Barracks - Gates Open at 1130 close 2230

 

Falcon Fest is organised by members of the Ranger Regiment community and proudly supports the Peregrine Fund, raising vital funds for soldiers and families facing bereavement, life-changing injuries, and hardship

Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Mission Motorsport – May Newsletter

The May newsletter from Mission Motorsport is now available, and it’s a packed edition.

Inside, you’ll find updates on upcoming events, motorsport activity, community news, support opportunities, and ways to get involved. It’s a great snapshot of what’s been happening across the Mission Motorsport community, as well as what’s coming up next.

Whether you’re looking to take part, stay connected, or simply keep up to date with what we’ve been working on, there’s something in this month’s edition for the Armed Forces community, partners, and supporters alike.

You can read it online here: https://www.missionmotorsport.org/news/maynewsletter

Northern Ireland: Veterans Welfare Service NI is now Veteran Services Northern Ireland

 

Veterans Welfare Service NI is now Veterans Services Northern Ireland. 

While the name has changed, the support and services you rely on remain exactly the same.

New Contact Numbers:

Coleraine: 0757 096 4330

Holywood: 0738 705 0603

Portrush: 0738 705 0640

Enniskillen: 0738 705 0505

Front Door (Head Office): 0738 705 0640

Email (unchanged):DBSAFVS-VWS-NI@mod.gov.uk

#VeteransSupport #NorthernIreland #VeteransServicesNI

Information provided by HIVE NI