Gibraltar: Spring Short Story Competition 2026

Gibraltar Cultural Services, in conjunction with the Gibraltar Chronicle, is pleased to announce the launch of the Annual Spring Short Story Competition 2026.

Open to Gibraltarians and residents of Gibraltar, with seven categories covering schools, adults, and submissions in English, Spanish, and Llanito.

Prizes include:

• £1,000 – Ministry of Culture Prize for Overall Winner

• £500 – 1st Prize (English – Adult)

• £500 – 1st Prize (Spanish – All Ages)

• £500 – 1st Prize (Llanito – All Ages)

School category winners will also receive vouchers, pens (kindly donated by the Gibraltar Chronicle), trophies from the Ministry of Culture, and publication in the Gibraltar Chronicle.

Entry forms & rules: www.culture.gi/forms

Gibraltar: ‘Traces of Humanity’ Art Exhibition May to July 2026

 A major landmark exhibition organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, will see artists from Gibraltar, Lloyds Art Group and world-renowned artists exhibiting both in the United Kingdom and in Gibraltar.

This unique project entitled ‘Traces of Humanity’, will feature various events in Margate during the month of May; a major exhibition at Noho Studios, London from the 19th to 29th May; and concludes in Gibraltar from 1st to 31st July at Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery.

The theme, set by curator Philippa Beale, celebrates the Gorham’s Cave Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of global importance in understanding human evolution. The exhibition will pay tribute to the traces left by humanity, reflecting on self-knowledge, history and the everyday aspects of human existence.

Brunssum: CEP have published a new patient healthcare guide and video

Central European Practice (CEP) have published a new patient healthcare guide and video.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67b6fd660495029f3e1c6a4a/Global_Support_Organisation_overseas_guides_Healthcare_Central_European_Practice.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vikFqkI5Ns

Please note one of the changes is to do with children’s vaccinations
Whilst overseas you should follow the schedule for child development checks and routine vaccinations of the Netherlands and not the UK. Schedules can normally be easily found online and you should engage earlier with your local GP or Paediatrician to ensure that they are aware of your child and can advise on any catch ups so that your child is up to date for the local schedule.
The Dutch vaccination programme can be found here - https://www.rivm.nl/en/national-immunisation-programme

CEP are creating a Brunssum specific guide so updates will be shared in the future.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Dutch Medical Centre - Update

The following message is sent on behalf of Dutch Medical Centre

When transporting certain medications with you on holiday, you will need a declaration form. The requirement depends on which medication, the country you are travelling to and for how long you will travel.

Medications that are provided under our Opiumwet will require a declaration to take with you. These medications include sleeping tablets, strong painkillers and ADHD medication.

It is the responsibility of the patient to confirm the requirement and obtain this form. Visit one of these websites for the form.

- Apotheek.nl/opreis
- https://www.hetcak.nl/medicijnen-mee-op-reis

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: BSN needed for NATO employees' Bank accounts

Message from ABN AMRO Bank

We would like to inform you that in the coming period, we will be reaching out to customers who currently do not comply with the BSN obligation that has been in effect for all customers since January 7th of this year. In this communication, customers will be asked to provide their BSN after all.

What does the BSN obligation entail?
As of January 7, 2025, we are legally required to register a verified Citizen Service Number (BSN) for all customers in our systems.
This means that no exceptions can be made for providing a BSN.
It is important to emphasize that holding a BSN is independent of being a tax resident (taxpayer) in the Netherlands.

As an employee of an international organization, they are not registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), but customers can obtain a Citizen Service Number (BSN) via PROBAS (for diplomats) or through the Non-residents Registration (RNI).

The BSN received through PROBAS or the RNI can be submitted via the app or Internet Banking under Personal Details.
If the customer is unable to do this digitally, they can contact our Customer Care representatives at 0900-0024 or, from abroad, at +31 (0)10 241 17 20.

What does this mean for the onboarding of new customers?
Submitting and verifying a valid BSN is mandatory during the onboarding process.
If the BSN is not immediately available, the customer must provide it no later than 120 days after onboarding. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us using the below details:

ABN AMRO Bank
Internet: www.abnamro.nl/en
Mob: +31 (0) 6 30325603 or Tel: +31 (0) 20 3434002
Visiting address: Vestdijk 18, 5611 CC, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Post address: Vestdijk 18, 5611 CC, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Brunssum: Location Guide

Please click here to view the JFC Brunssum Location Guide.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Josie's Café menu and opening times

Josie’s Café Opening Times:

- Mon-Thur 9:45am-1:30pm
- Fri 9am-1pm
Orders Welcome by Phone: Ext 2247

Josie's Café is located in the NCIA Building on JFC Brunssum.

Josie’s Café can also cater for small events & meetings. For further information please speak to a member of staff.

You can also view the Josie's Café Facebook Page for updates and more information.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Updated NATO and Military Discounts

Read on for all the discounts and deals available.

Local DiscountsSpa - Thermae 2000, Valkenburg - Link: https://www.thermae.nl/shop/nato-dag/Please find the updated NATO discount codes for Thermae 2000 below.NATO day: NATOday
NATO evening: NATO-A
To be used on this link:
https://www.thermae.nl/shop/For the hotel, you can use the following code: ZAKELIJK_THERMAE_15 on this link: https://en.thermae.nl/hotel-with-wellness-included/Makro in Nuth - If you visit this shop (similar to a cash and carry) you can get a free day pass with your NATO ID.
Battle Karts in Kekrade offer a NATO discount. Use the code 'brunsforces10' which will give you a 10% discount on any game during the week (this is not valid on Saturdays and Sundays) online or at the Battle Karts center. You will also need to show your NATO ID to get this discount in person/online when you arrive.
GlowGolf Kerkrade - offer a 10% discount on their entrance fee for families from the NATO community. To keep this clear and manageable, we ask guests to make a reservation in advance and mention ‘NATO’ in the reservation notes to receive the discount. The discount will be applied at the counter on the day of the reservation. Please note that payment is possible by debit card or cash only – we do not accept credit cards.The owners of Beaver Creek Wake Park in Roermond, have agreed to provide all NATO ID card holders with a 20% discount off activities and equipment hire. To take advantage of this offer, show your NATO ID when booking in person (not available online).
Crowne Plaza Hotel Maastricht offer the below discounts for NATO ID card holders - Simply show your NATO ID to enjoy these special perks:Free entry to live music
Discounted High Tea experiences
10% off your entire bill at the bar and restaurant
Visit the MWA website here for more discounts from businesses available to NATO ID card holders
Actie van de Dag App

Defence Discount ServiceEurocamp – up to 50%
Fred Olsen Cruises – up to 10%
DFDS – up to 30% on mini cruises
APH – up to 20% on airport parking
Tickets for Troops https://www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk
Holiday extras – discounts on airport lounge, parking and hotels
ForcesTravel.com
www.forcesdiscount.com includes discounts for:Travel – holidays and accommodation
Motoring – new cars and rentals
Leisure and days out – tickets and events
Household – utilities and appliances
Shopping – High Street and online brands
Financial Services – insurance and capital
Blue Light Card www.bluelightcard.co.uk – the UK’s leading discount service for emergency services, NHS, social care workers, Armed Forces/Defence, and other public sector workers. Available for all staff – giving access to thousands of online discounts from 200+ brands. 
MyDiscounts – Available for Defence Civil Servants, via the MyLifestyle hub. Giving access to savings from a broad range of retailers, supermarkets, and travel and tourism companies.

Rail
NS Train – discounts with:

Season Ticket
Holland Ticket
Amsterdam TicketHM Forces Railcard available from J1 Office, Building 603.

Outlet Shopping
Roermond and Maasmechelen outlet centres offer a 10% discount for NATO personnel (except on special discount days). Present NATO ID card at customer services.

Tax Free Shopping and Fuel
Please visit the website: https://www.forax.eu/vat-refund-netherlands

Cars
Forces Cars Direct provide new car discounts for all Armed Forces personnel, past and present to view available discounts and offers visit their website: https://www.forcescarsdirect.com/forcesdiscount

If you know of any more discounts available for the NATO and Military community please email the Brunssum HiVE at RC-Pers-HIVE-Brunssum-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk so they can be added to this list.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BFBS: April Update

To view this latest update from BFBS in full, please go to:
BFBS Update April 2026 | About BFBS

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 360 Case Manager job vacancies across the UK, closing date 14 May

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 360 Executive Officer Case Manager roles, working in Disability Services on the Access to Work scheme. These may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs link with further information on the roles available, and application details: Disability Services - Access to Work - EO Case Manager - National (Ref: 761) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Open for applications until 14/05/26.