Chester Zoo: Experience the Afterglow - 31st July-16th August

Get the zoo and Afterglow in one visit – with an evening ticket.

Afterglow runs from 31 July to 16 August, excluding Mondays. The zoo will be open until 8pm, meaning you can dive straight into the festival energy and spend time with your favourite animals.

Make the most of it.
From 3pm-8pm, Afterglow transforms the zoo into a vibrant festival for all to enjoy. Interact with dinosaurs in dino discovery, join our Rangers for games and activities and dance away in the jungle disco.
Plus, spend time with the animals including our latest arrival, Nubian giraffe Kris. Animal habitats will remain open later into the evening, alongside Treetop Challenge and Off Road Adventure, giving you even more ways to fill your evening.

Book Evening Tickets Here

Blackpool: Zoo invites Locals to Elefest 2026 - Friday 10th July 26

Get ready for a TRUNK-TASTIC time!🐘🐾

We're inviting those with an FY1 - FY8, PR3 & PR4 postcode to Elefest, an unforgettable charity event full of fun and celebration all in aid of animal conservation!

Join us on Friday, 10th July, 6pm - 9.30pm, for just £6 per ticket where you'll enjoy an evening exploring most of the zoo, with live music, games, tasty food and drink, stalls, keeper talks, prizes and much more!

For more information and to book tickets Click Here

Information provided by Weeton HIVE

Valuing Forces Families Overseas: Focus Group Invitation

RAND Europe has been commissioned by the Army Families Federation, in partnership with the RAF Families Federation and the Naval Families Federation, to conduct a study exploring the experiences of UK military families throughout the overseas postings cycle. As part of this research, RAND Europe is holding focus groups with military families who have experience of overseas postings, including preparing for, undertaking, and returning from an assignment overseas. These discussions aim to provide an improved and up-to-date understanding of families lived experiences and the challenges they face at different stages of the overseas postings cycle.

This research will contribute to the Valuing Forces Families Overseas (VFFO) programme, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which seeks to uncover hidden needs within the Armed Forces community and identify where additional support may be most needed.

If you:

• Are an ex-serving member of the Regular or Reserve UK Armed Forces
• Are a partner of a serving or ex-serving member of the Regular or Reserve UK Armed Forces,

AND if you, within the last 3 years:

• Considered going on an overseas posting (even if you ended up not going), or
• Went on an accompanied posting overseas, or
• Were separated from your partner due to an unaccompanied posting

And are interested in helping researchers to understand how military families can have positive experiences of overseas postings.

Please follow the link below and Expression of Interest to take part in an online focus group to talk about your experience of the overseas postings cycle.

Link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/G0MAAF/

If you have any questions, please contact the RAND Europe research team via email at VFFO_Research@randeurope.org

RAND Europe is a not-for-profit research institute whose aim is to improve policy through evidence-based research and analysis.

Hereford: Job Vacancy - Office Manager/ Finance Assistant

 

Office Manager & Finance Assistant (Full Time for up to 12 months’ maternity cover from mid-August 2026)

We are a small company based in Hereford (only 10 of us here in the UK, all in Hereford, as part of an international defence company across Europe, USA and Australia) but 75% of workforce are either veterans or spouses of veterans so take our Armed Forces Covenant commitments seriously.

We are seeking a proactive and adaptable Office Manager and Finance Assistant to provide 12 months’ maternity cover for our Hereford-based team. Precision Technic Defence (PTD) Ltd works closely with UK defence and security customers, including the MOD and UK Police, to identify, shape and deliver solutions that address current capability gaps, working with global suppliers and UK-based stakeholders.

This varied role supports the day-to-day running of the business and requires a flexible, can-do approach as part of an integrated project team. It also involves regular communication with Group HQ in Denmark and with suppliers providing business services and utilities.

Shropshire - Serving Families: On the Move project

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Tidworth: AWS Summer Cinema - Monday 3rd August and Monday 10th August

  

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub

Dorset: Volunteers needed at Camp Bestival - Wed 29th July - Mon 3rd Aug

• Three fun half day shifts including a full day off
• Work hours: No shifts past 2100 hrs (9 PM) so you never miss the headline acts
• Free time: enjoy the festival when you're off duty
• Perks: Free festival entrance and camping (on completion of your three shifts your deposit is returned)

More details and registration can be found HERE

Information provided by Bovington HIVE  

Grantham: Lincolnshire Fire Aid 999 Vintage Weekend

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Grantham Prep International School - A world of learning begins here

15% discounts for Military families www.granthamprep.co.uk

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Grantham: Housing Surgery

Next Housing Surgery at the HIVE Community Centre, Building 162, Thursday 16th July, 1030 - 1230. All welcome!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE