Gibraltar: Commonwealth Essay Competition

The Government is once again inviting entries from students who are attending school in Gibraltar, or further studies in the United Kingdom, for an essay competition on Gibraltar’s relationship with the Commonwealth.

There are 56 countries and 2.7 billion people in the Commonwealth, and His Majesty King Charles III is the Head of the organisation. Gibraltar’s association with the Commonwealth is through the membership of the United Kingdom, although in some of its bodies Gibraltar, and other Overseas Territories, participate in their own right.

This year Commonwealth Day is on Monday 9 March. The essay entries will be divided into four categories so that younger children do not compete against older ones. The first category will be for Lower Primary, the second for Upper Primary, the third category for pupils of comprehensive and college age, and the fourth one for students from Gibraltar aged 18 or over in full time education in the United Kingdom.

The prize for the winning entry in each category will be £150.

Those who want to take part should write a short 500-word essay on the theme of “What can Gibraltar learn from the Commonwealth and what can the Commonwealth learn from Gibraltar?” and submit this by email to commonwealth@gibraltar.gov.gi

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: Where to get Flea Bombs for your March Out

If you have pets in your house you need to purchase flea bombs to use before you March Out. Some families have had difficulties in purchasing flea bombs within the limited time frame of Marching Out.

There are two main options to get flea bombs:

• Buy them online - this can take up to 2 weeks or more for them to arrive - especially if ordering to the BFPO address, 4 weeks in advance is advised.
• Fress Napf is a pet shop in Germany (about 10 minutes drive from JFC Brunssum) that sells flea bombs. Below are photos of the items.

These items can also be ordered online, by searching for 'Flea Bombs' or 'Flea Foggers'. Again please bear in mind that delivery of these can take longer than you might expect!

Please note that the prices above are correct as of Feb 2026.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Movies This Week on BFBS TV

At BFBS, we’re celebrating Movie Moments That Matter

In honour of Valentine’s Day, we bring you the premiere of Fly Me To The Moon, a marketing expert and a strict launch director work with each other in order to make NASA's memorable Apollo 11 program successful, finding romance along the way.

Two con-women - one low rent and the other high class - team up to take down the men who have wronged them in the comedy The Hustle.

Moving On sees two old friends reconnect at a funeral and decide to get revenge on the widower who messed with them decades before.

More thrills in Game Night, a group of friends who meet regularly for game nights find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery.

Back to Black is a fantastic biopic centering on the life and career of Amy Winehouse, which takes an unflinching and occasionally heart-wrenching look at the singer's extraordinary talent, passionate relationships, and self-destructive behaviour.

Your weekly guide to the must-see TV across all the channels provided by BFBS. Full listings can be found on our website

BELGIUM: Month of the Military Child Comic Panel for Kids

April is Month of the Military Child and on 24th of April, people are encouraged to wear purple to show support and solidarity with Military Children.

The colour PURPLE represents the bravery and courage of these children who are faced with unique challenges such as frequent moves, changing schools and separation from parents.

The comic panel above has been designed for kids to fill in to respond to how it feels for them to know that people are wearing purple for them on 'Purple Up' day.

If you would like to submit your children's completed comic panels so they can been seen and shared by Never Such Innocence please email them to me on RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk. 

If you want a copy of the poster emailed to you, drop me a message or pop by the office and I can print one up for you.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Chat HV is back

 

Click here to view a larger version of the above image.

CHAT HV

CHAT HV is our innovative program aimed to support military families across Europe and the Far Commands.

Through a combination of face to face and online sessions led by a trained SSAFA Health Visitor, our aim is to give parents both educational support and the opportunity to develop a peer support network to help them through the various stages of parenting.

Brunssum: DIO Newsletter - Issue 4

Click here to read issue 4 of the DIO Newsletter.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BELGIUM: Public Services Strike, Thursday 12th February 2026

REMINDER: 

Public Services Strike Thursday 12th February 2026 in the Brabant Walloon, Brabant Flemish and Brussels regions.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: New Job Vacancy at JFC Brunssum

 

Vacancy available:

• Community Liaison Officer Events (Maternity Cover) - Please note the closing date for applications is Tuesday 24th February 2026.

Click on the link above to view the job advert. The Terms of Reference can be found here.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified supported family members with Full Provision SOFA status, who have at least 8 months remaining in location.

A detailed job description and application form may be obtained from GSO-EJSU-LECHRRecruitment@mod.gov.uk. Completed applications are to be sent to the same email address.

Date for interviews and start date is to be confirmed.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Dutch Medical center closed on Monday the 16th of February

Next Monday the 16th of February the Dutch Medical center is closed because of a holiday.

If you have any emergencies call the nightcare:

Huisartsen Spoedpost Heerlen
Henri Dunantstraat 5, 6419 PC Heerlen
Tel: 045 577 88 44

Huisartsen spoedpost Sittard Geleen
Demystraat 1, 6162 AP Geleen
Tel: 046 400 9925

Huisartsen Spoedpost Maastricht
P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht
043 750 0123

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.