BELGIUM: Claim your VAT back from UK Amazon orders to the BFPO address

 

Did you know that you can claim back your VAT from UK Amazon orders that have been delivered to the Belgium BFPO 26 address?

To claim back your VAT you need to email vat-refund-requests@amazon.co.uk.

Below is a basic draft email for you to copy and edit. Once you’ve written your email, you need to send it to: vat-refund-requests@amazon.co.uk to claim back your VAT from UK Amazon orders to the BFPO address. 

SHAPE: Vehicle Access Pass Introduction, Deadline Looming

Please see the update on the introduction of Vehicle Access Passes (VAPs) as parking on base gets tighter with the progression of the redevelopment of SHAPE.
 

If you drive your car onto base, please do not miss the deadline to register for a Vehicle Access Pass. QR Code on the poster or click this link

Who: All Personnel Driving on SHAPE
What: Vehicle Access Pass Registration
When: By 12 June 2026
Where: Use the QR Code in the flyer or click this link
Why: Mitigate the impact of parking reductions and improve oversight

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: The best ice-cream shops in Brussels

Are you an Ice-Cream Connoisseur, a Gelato Gourmet or a Sundae Specialist?

Be sure to check out the favourite artisanal ice-cream shops across Brussels. I wonder how many you could visit this Summer? Challenge accepted? Find out more HERE

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Could your organisation help strengthen support for serving families facing separation and relocation?

Could your organisation help strengthen support for serving families facing separation and relocation?

Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) are inviting applications for a new place-based grants programme, giving organisations the chance to strengthen support for serving families affected by separation and relocation.

For many serving families, separation and relocation can affect every part of life - from daily routines and relationships to wellbeing and a sense of stability. Together for Service Families: place-based grants is a fantastic opportunity to help change that by backing strong local partnerships that make support easier to find, easier to access and better suited to the realities of service life.

What’s it all about?
At the heart of this new programme are place-based portfolio projects led by one organisation and delivered with a range of partners. If your organisation understands its local area, values partnership working and wants to create meaningful change for serving families, this is a fantastic opportunity to drive that change locally.

Up to £350,000 is available for portfolio grants lasting up to 3.5 years, including an initial discovery or development phase of up to six months. This gives organisations the chance to build strong local partnerships, understand needs in depth and create lasting change beyond the life of the grant.

Is it for me?
This programme is open to UK-based registered charities with substantial recent experience of supporting armed forces communities, as well as local authorities. If your organisation is ready to lead ambitious local partnership work that improves support for serving families, we’d love to hear from you.

What type of projects can be supported?
The Trust want to hear from organisations ready to lead projects that tackle immediate challenges and strengthen how support is designed and delivered locally over time.

Applications will follow a two-stage process, starting with expressions of interest from organisations that want to act as the lead organisation for a local portfolio of work.

Find out more

If this sounds like the right opportunity for your organisation, submit your expression of interest by 12 noon 19 August 2026. You can find full programme guidance, eligibility information and application details on the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

For the latest updates and announcements on each of these Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

SHAPE: MyZone at SHAPE

Sgt Boothby has been successful in obtaining funding to get a license to manage Myzone at SHAPE.

He is currently working on another bid to get more Myzone belts; this will allow belts to be available to the SHAPE community at a big discount. Usually priced at £139.99, they will be on offer via Sgt Boothby for €50. The money raised through sales will then go towards prizes.

A fabulous, healthy initiative to get involved in and kick start that Summer Bod!


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Access Changes for Sterrebeek Clinic

Please be aware of the new process for accessing Sterrebeek Clinic...

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Mon-Nimy-Casteau Roadworks Latest Update

From Monday, June 8th to Friday, June 19th, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction on the side of the road usually used towards Mons, between Rue des Wartons and Rue du Grand Pays. Speed ​​limits will be in place in the construction zone. During this period, Rue Comte Cornet, Rue de la Vieille Fontaine, and Rue des Wartons will no longer be accessible from the N6. A detour will be in place via Rue de la Lanterne. Parking will also be prohibited along the odd-numbered side of the N6.

A second phase will follow from Monday, June 22nd to Friday, July 3rd. This time, traffic will be diverted onto the lanes usually used towards Casteau. Access to the N6 from the Cité des Epinois, as well as Rue des Pierres, Rue Baron Dubois de Chantraine, Rue Juniaux, and Rue Léon Dewolf, will be closed. A detour will be in place via Chaussée Brunehault. Parking will be prohibited on the even-numbered side of the road. Sofico specifies that "access to businesses along the N6 and to SHAPE will remain possible for most of the works." The vehicle inspection centre will also remain accessible.

And finally...the project will also allow for changes to the road markings between the Les Portes de Maisières shopping centre and the Nimy interchange. Heading towards Mons, traffic will be reduced to a single lane to free up space for parking and pedestrians. The resurfacing of the final section, between Rue du Grand Pays and Rue Brisée, will be scheduled at a later date.

More Information HERE

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Germany: HIVE What's On Guide For 5th-7th June 2026

What’s Happening: Summer Fun and Weekend Plans!

Summer is on the way. There are many fun events coming up around the Garrison. We have the latest news for you right here.

☀️ Garrison Summer News

Planning has started for the big Summer Fete.

It will take place on Saturday, July 4th. The fun runs from noon until 6:00 PM.

Do you need to keep the kids active this summer? There are two great camps coming up. Both activities welcome all of our families in the community.

* Leeds Rhinos Camp: July 27th to July 31st. It costs €50  per person.

* AWS Summer Holiday Week: August 24th to August 28th. It is for kids aged five and up. It costs €50  and includes trips to Löseke.

⚔️ Medieval Fairs This Weekend

   

You can explore two huge medieval fairs this weekend.

Gütersloh Medieval Spectacular The event runs from June 4th to June 7th. You can see fighting knights and fun performers. Watch out for Fangdorn, a real fire-breathing dragon, after dark! Tickets cost €16.52 for adults and €9.57 for kids.

Maxi Park Spectacular Takes place in Hamm. This fair features jousting knights and storytellers. It is very budget-friendly. Tickets cost €8 for adults and €4 for children.

Tecklenburg is also celebrating its 800th anniversary this weekend. Visit the beautiful town for music and great food.

🎡 City Festivals and Culture

* Bielefeld Leinenwebermarkt: June 3rd to June 7th. The city centre has live music and a funfair.

* Dortmund Brewery Event: June 3rd to June 6th. Taste 300 different beers at Friedensplatz.

* Paderborn Open Studios: This is the final weekend to see local artists. Check their website for details.

* Cologne Cathedral: Entry now costs 12 Euros per person to help pay for repairs.

📝 Updates from the HIVE

Your opinion matters. Please take a moment to share your feedback on two important topics.

The Army Families Federation has a new survey. They want to hear about the challenges of moving overseas.

Brydon House also wants feedback about moving to Sennelager. Your answers will help improve support for new families. Join us for a brew or two and share your thoughts (All confidential).

Belgium Location Guides; SHAPE Mons and Brussels

Welcome to SHAPE and Brussels HIVE! 

Our mission is to provide you with the most up-to-date information. This new and improved Location Guide, replacing the HIVE Arrival Guide, is a collection of such information.

SHAPE - Click Here for Location Guide

BRUSSELS - Click Here for Location Guide

If further information is required, please do contact me at SHAPE and Brussels HIVE on: RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE 

Updated copies for 2026

REME Connect now live!

REME CONNECT is live!

REME CONNECT is the new digital hub for the entire REME Family (our serving personnel, veterans and families). It’s free to download and includes over 150 REME groups, latest news and events across the Corps and Association. Download and register now!

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reme-connect/id6759965779
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details...

For a step-by-step guide https://remeconnect.org