Scotland: 2 Day Woodland Retreat for the Armed Forces Community – Aberdeenshire

DGS Highland Roots Workshop, a 2-Night Nature - Based Woodland Retreat delivered by Operation Cairngorms in partnership with DGS.

The retreat is open to members of the Armed Forces Community and offers two nights away in a relaxed woodland setting with an opportunity to switch off from everyday pressures, spend time outdoors and connect with others.

Across the weekend participants will have the opportunity to enjoy nature connection, practical woodland skills, time around the fire and space to rest and reset. The emphasis is very much on a welcoming, supportive environment rather than a formal programme and no previous outdoor experience is required.

Accommodation is provided on site in yurts and bell tents, and all meals are included.

Arrival: Friday 25 September from 6.00 pm
Departure: Sunday 27 September by 10.00 am
Location: Operation Cairngorms, Aberdeenshire, AB34 4UX
Cost: Free
Places are limited and advance registration is required.

25-27 Sept 2026 - Highland Roots Op CG 2 Night Retreat - Expression of Interest (EOI) (3) – Fill out form

To register an interest ask any questions or reserve a place, please contact pip@defencegardens.org.

Tri-Service Contact House Directory – where to find it online, or how to request a copy

Contact Houses, also known as Welfare Houses or Short-Term Families Accommodation, are military accommodation available predominantly for short-term welfare-related bookings, but can sometimes be used by those visiting for leisure reasons. These houses are usually managed by unit staff, where there will be localised policies on priorities for bookings, booking procedures, costs and how to pay.

To access the most up to date version of the Tri-Service Contact House Directory, please use any of the following options:

• Go to the Army HIVE webpage at www.army.mod.uk/hives and there is a button to download the Directory at the bottom of the page
• Contact your nearest HIVE or RN Family & People Support to request a copy by email. Army HIVEs are listed on www.army.mod.uk/hives, RAF HIVEs can be found on the RAF HIVE Finder at https://www.raf.mod.uk/community-support/serving-families/hive-finder/ and RN Family & People Support local office contact details are at: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/families-and-veterans/local-support-offices
• Contact Army HIVE HQ to request a copy by email via RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
• Contact us via Direct Message on any of our social media channels – please include an email address so the Directory can be sent as an attachment
• Use the Contact Us button on any of the three Army HIVE blogs, where you can submit a request via MS Forms
• Go to Army HIVE SharePoint (MODnet access will be needed) to download a copy

Catterick: Love to sing? Join the Military Wags Choir

Ever catch yourself belting out tunes in the shower, or treating the kettle boiling to a full blown kitchen concert?

Time to bring that main character energy somewhere it's actually appreciated. 

​Whether you’re a soprano hitting glass shattering high notes or an alto happily rumbling away down below, we honestly don't care if you sound like an angel or a very enthusiastic blender.

There are zero auditions, zero stress, and absolute zero judgment.

​Military wives, affiliates, girlfriends, and servicewomen-you are officially in.
​When: Thursdays from 6:00pm – 7:30pm
​Where: Garrison Memorial Church (DL9 4ES)
​The best bit: We have a free crèche available, so you can hand over the kids, escape reality for a bit, and enjoy some well deserved adult time.

​Whether you want to shine in big concerts or just fancy a weekly singalong to get out of the house, come find your crowd.

​Drop us a message or head over to militarywagschoir.co.uk and come see what all the fuss is about!

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Ripon: Thinking about Learning with ALSS?

 
If you're thinking about enrolling on an Adult Learning Course, the team will be at Ripon Community House between 1pm and 3pm on Tuesday 8th September to give advice and help you through the process.

For more information visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/adultlearning
Tel: 01609 536 066 or Email: AdultLearningService@northyorks.gov.uk

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Harrogate: Family Fun Day Sat 29th Sept

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Colchester: Colchester City Council Public Health Funding - Applications close on 6 September 2026

 

Information Provided by EAST Hub

Lyneham: Paint & Sip night - Fri 23 Oct

 

Please click image to enlarge

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

Catterick: Vacancy for Housekeeper Vimy Bks closing date 9th Sept

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Aldershot: Black Redcoats: The Corps of Colonial Marines 1814-1816 - The Prince Consort's Library Tues 6th Oct 2026 doors open 1730hrs talk starts 1800

 

Black Redcoats: the Corps of Colonial Marines, 1814-1816 – Tuesday 6th October
The speaker will be the author Dr Matthew Taylor, a military historian and Civil Servant who has worked for the House of Lords for over a decade and previously given a talk to the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre.
His book explores the story of when the Royal Marines recruited escapees from American slavery to help them in the War of 1812 against the United States.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Blandford: Garrison cinema movie 'Insidious Out Of The Further' - Wed 26th Aug

Food and drink available to purchase at the door.

Ticket prices

Adult (15+) £4

Child £3

Family £11

Senior (60+) £3

Student £3

From now until 1 September 2026, VAT will be cut from 20% to 5% on eligible activities and items, and this applies to certain cinema tickets.

This saving will be applied to all Family and Child tickets purchased during this period.

                    Was    Now
Child Ticket   £3    £2.63

Family Ticket £11  £9.63

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

Information provided by Bovington HIVE