Please be advised that a National Demonstration is planned in Brussels on Thursday 12th March 2026.
WHEN: Thursday 12th February 2026
WHERE: Brussels
Information provided by SHAPE HIVE
WHERE: Brussels
Information provided by SHAPE HIVE
Monday, March 2, 2026
BRUSSELS: Social Drinks, Friday 13th March 2026, downtown Brussels
This month's Social Drinks is being held:
at: downtown Brussels
on: Friday 13th March 2026 - more information to follow once available
All welcome, just turn up and join in!
Information provided by SHAPE HIVE
BELGIUM: Les Gilles: Who are they?
Have you heard of you Les Gilles and wonder who they are and what their costumes and antics mean? The outfits, the shuffle dance and the orange throwing? Well wonder no more.....
Les Gilles date back to 1795 in documented records but speculation suggests they may go back as far as the mid-1500s when they were thought to have been part of a ‘Joyous Welcome’ to Brussels for Charles V, the King of Spain.
Today, they are the renowned characters of the Binche Carnival, an annual spectacle that takes place on Shrove Tuesday each year and has been celebrated for the past 600 years. Les Gilles start at 4am and go through until the late hours, dancing to traditional songs as they parade the streets of their locality. In 2003, the Binche Carnival was named by UNESCO as the ‘Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’.
Les Gilles wear spectacular costumes consisting of a linen suit featuring heraldic designs in the colours of the Belgian flag, with a frilly white lace collar and cuffs. Their suits are stuffed with straw to give them the appearance of a barrel chest & a hunched back and they wear bells attached to their belt. On their heads they wear either, a white cotton skull cap or a large white Ostrich Plume headpiece that stands up to 90 centimetres tall and can weigh up to 3kg! These extravagant outfits are thought to be homage to the inca-inspired costumes worn by those attending the ‘Joyous Welcome’ back in the 16th century. Local touches have subsequently been added to include the wooden clogs that add to the stompy dance they perform.
Les Gilles carry a ‘Ramon’ which is a bunch of dry willow twigs bound together with rattan, to ward off evil spirits or a wicker basket containing oranges, which are thrown to the crowd as they pass by. This tradition hails back to a time when oranges were considered a luxury item symbolising wealth and abundance. Today, this gesture is symbolic of generosity and good luck; they are something of a gift from les Gilles and to throw one back is not only considered bad luck but is seen as a grave insult.
These stars of Belgian folklore are not exclusive to Binche but can be found in many other towns across the Walloon Region. They may all have their own local traditions or unique twists to their costumes; however, one thing is for sure, they certainly are a memorable sight.
Catch them at the Taste of Belgium Event (ToBE) later this month!
Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.
BRUNEI: DIO(B) - X1 Works Commence Announcement
We would like to inform the community in the X1 area of the upcoming works in supplying treated water to the estate. The work scope consists of digging works to lay a new water pipe and associated electrical cables to a new plant room (indicated in Figures 1 and 2 below). Works are expected to be completed by the end of April 2026.
The following disruption may occur during the on-going works:
Your cooperation throughout the construction phase is highly appreciated. Should you have any issues with the ongoing works planned please contact the DIO (B) Delivery Manager, SSgt James Hollingworth (James.Hollingworth197@mod.gov.uk)
The following disruption may occur during the on-going works:
- Road disruption. There will be road disruption as per indicated and DIO will try to minimise the issue by having the contractor to assist on site.
- Digging works. Due to the safety concern, the contractor will undertake excavation works and patch up the soil once new waterpipes/cables are laid into the ground. Hoarding will be provided at the area to avoid the public from entering the area.
- Noise pollution. Upon construction, the area will be affected by the noises from site. Contractors will be working from 0800 - 1700 Hrs daily, works are not planned to be undertaken during the weekends.
- Heavy vehicles. We are expecting heavy vehicles to enter the area for the loading and unloading of materials on site.
Your cooperation throughout the construction phase is highly appreciated. Should you have any issues with the ongoing works planned please contact the DIO (B) Delivery Manager, SSgt James Hollingworth (James.Hollingworth197@mod.gov.uk)
BRUNEI: BFB Social Calendar 2026
Please click the image to enlarge.
The aim of the Social Calendar is to allow garrison personnel and their families to view all social events and activities taking place.
It is also an area where you can advertise an event that you are planning such as a Patio Sale, Bingo evening, Coffee mornings etc. To have an event added to the Calendar it must:
- Be for the BFB Community.
- Include NO military information.
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
BRUNEI: Action for Happiness Calendar - Mindful March 2026
Please click the image to enlarge.
Our monthly calendars are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.
Click here to access the Action for Happiness Calendar.
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
BRUNEI: Thrift Shop - Donation & Selling Guidelines
We truly appreciate your generosity and support. To ensure we can provide quality items to our customers and maintain health and safety standards, we kindly ask that all donations meet the following guidelines:
We are unable to accept:
• Opened or used beauty products
• Opened craft items such as play dough/paint
• Used Swimwear for children or adults (we only accept items with hygiene stickers intact) also including underwear and socks
(Swimming bikini top / or swim top is accepted)
• Items containing batteries
• Clothing with significant stains, holes, or excessive wear
All donated/ Account items should be clean, in good condition, and ready for resale.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. You make a meaningful difference in our community.
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
BRUNEI: Brunei Shell Marketing (BSM) - Ramadan Operating Hours for Petrol Stations
Brunei Shell Marketing (BSM)
Based on Brunei Shell Marketing (BSM) guidelines for previous and recent Ramadan periods, retail petrol stations in Brunei, including those in the Belait District (Seria/Kuala Belait), generally adjust their hours to accommodate breaking fast (Sungkai) and Taraweeh prayers.
Here are the expected Ramadan operating hours for stations in the Seria area based on BSM's typical Ramadan schedule:
Seria & Belait District Petrol Stations (Ramadan)
- Roxana Shell Service Station (Seria): Historically operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a scheduled break for staff during breaking fast, usually around 5:45 PM to 7:15 PM.
- KPPM Seria Service Station: Typically operates from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, with a break from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM.
- Syarikat Perniagaan Melayu Kuala Belait: Usually 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, break from 6:15 PM to 7:00 PM.
First Day of Ramadan: Some stations may have reduced hours or be closed on the first day of Ramadan.
Extended Hours: Stations may extend hours on the last few days of Ramadan to accommodate increased traffic.
Recommendation: It is highly advised to #BeliAwal (Buy Early) and plan your fuel purchases to avoid long queues just before the break.
Note: For the most accurate, up-to-the-minute hours for the current 1446H/2025-2026 Ramadan, it is recommended to check the official Brunei Shell Marketing Instagram page or call their 24-hour centre at 2244739.
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
BRUNEI: BFPO - General Accounting Rate (GAR) for March 2026
Opening Hours:
Monday - Wednesday
08:00 - 12:00
Thursday
10:30 - 14:00
Friday
08:00 - 12:00
Unit's Post Orderly Mail collection and drop-off
Monday - Wednesday
08:30 - 11:30
Thursday
10:45 - 13:30
Friday
08:30 - 11:30
Exchange Rate:
March - £1.00 = $1.7158
BRUNEI: BFB Libraries - Children's Library Closed For Renovation
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For more information, please visit our INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK pages or send an email to BruneiGar-Lib-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
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