Defence Your Offer: Black Friday 2025 - Defence discounts make your money go further

Black Friday 2025: Defence discounts make your money go further

The countdown is on! Whether you’re ticking off your Christmas list early or saving up for something special, this year’s Black Friday event is your chance to make every penny count.

In Defence, your offer provides access to exclusive savings as a member of:
Defence Discount Service – For all staff, veterans, and Armed Forces families – giving access to thousands of online discounts from over 14,000+ brands.
Blue Light Card – The UK’s leading discount service for the Armed Forces, emergency services, NHS, social care sector and teaching community, giving access to thousands of online discounts from 15,000+ brands.
MyLifestyle – For Defence Civil Servants – giving access to thousands of online and instore retail savings from over 800 retailers.Defence Discount Service and Blue Light Card

Here’s what to expect this Black Friday…

Brunssum: Apres-ski Party XL Sittard 20th December

During the day, the streets of Sittard fill up with hundreds of Santas and Mrs. Clauses during the Santa Run and the Sittard Christmas Streets.

In the evening, the party continues. In the festive hall, you’ll feel like you’re in a ski lodge during the Après-ski Party XL. Cheesy hits, sing-alongs, overflowing beer steins and a lively winter atmosphere are all there.

Visit here for more information: Après-ski Party XL - Sittardse Kerststraatjes | Visit Zuid-Limburg

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BELGIUM: Durbuy Christmas Markets start Today!

Durbuy Christmas Market starts today. Declared one of the nicest Christmas Markets in Belgium, this is a lovely one to kitchen off the season.

Experience the magic of the festive season as you stroll through the alleys of the historic centre and the aisles of the Christmas market. Discover fairy lights, many crafts men and delicious flavours, including the “Patate au Foie Gras".’

WHEN: Friday 21st November to Sunday 14th December 2025, Friday to Sunday only
Wednesday 17th December 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026 daily 11:00-23:00
WHERE: Place aux Foires & Park Roi Baudouin, Durbuy
HOW MUCH: Free Access

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Military Co-Working Online Event ‘How to Make & Edit Great Reels’, Thursday 27th November 2025 10:30-11:30

Military Co-Working are putting on a FREE Workshop…..

You asked for it so we’re delivering it!

An hour of learning from @bfbscreative all about how to make and edit great Reels. Whether it’s for a hobby or your business, if you want to create good short form video content you’ll want to be at this session.

Oh, and best of all? It’s FREE.

Head to our events section to sign up

https://www.militarycoworking.uk/online-membership


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

 

BELGIUM: Departure Pack for SHAPE & Brussels now available, Other Places to Visit Sheets also available!

Departure packs for SHAPE and Brussels Now Available!

To request yours simply pop into the office or drop me an email on RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk. 

Printed and E-Copies available.

Other information sheets available are:

• Belgian Castles
• Water Parks & Wild Swimming
• Woods and Walks
• Local Hotels (SHAPE)
• Swimming (Mons)
• Dog Walks
• Trollenbos
• Underground Palace, Brussels
• Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Germany: Sunday Services at St Bonniface Garrison Church Dec 2025

 Services, St Boniface Garrison church and other locations,  December 2025

 

Date	Service	Theme	Location
7th – 10:30	Holy Communion	2nd Sunday of Advent	St Boniface
9th – 16:30	Christingle	Christingle	Abdinghofkirche, Paderborn.
11th – 19:00	Anglo-German Carol service	Lessons and Carols	Hohen Dom, Paderborn
14th – 10:30	Holy Communion	3rd Sunday of Advent	St Boniface
21st – 10:30	Nativity	Teddy Bear’s Nativity	St Boniface
24th – 16:00 `	Carol Service	Carols for Christmas	Community Centre
24th – 23:30	Holy Communion	Midnight Mass	St Boniface
25th – 10:30	Holy Communion	Christmas Day	St Boniface
28th – 10:30	Holy Communion	1st Sunday of Christmas	St Boniface

 Children and families welcome, refreshments services in Sennelager.

 Any question please contact Padre Nick on +49 1722 595317

 

BELGIUM: Reminder of Notice of Closure of American Pharmacy, impacting UK Dispensary Services, Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November 2025

 Reminder of Notice of Closure: 

Don’t forget that the American Pharmacy will be closed on Thursday, 27th November, and Friday, 28th November, in observance of Thanksgiving and this will impact the British Community too.
 
The UK Dispensary will also be closed during this time, and there will be no access to the pharmacy for medication collection. Any prescriptions issued on these dates will be dispensed via Pools Pharmacy. Be sure to collect any repeat prescriptions prior to this date if you will run out of medications during these two days.
 
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Romanian Christmas Market, Saturday 22 November 12:00-18:00

This weekend on SHAPE sees the Romanian Christmas Fair.

Pop along to the Cavoli Community Centre on Saturday 22nd November between 12:00 and 18:00 for some festive spirit Romanian Style with music, crafts, food and a Tombola.

Bon Weekend!


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: AWS - Parents & Toddlers and Youth Club are closed from 17th - 28th November 2025

Hi Community, 

Please be informed that the Parents & Toddlers session and Youth Club school years 1-8 are closed from 17 - 28 November 2025 due to BFB Children's Christmas event preparations. 

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Primary School Aged Childcare Overseas (PSACO) Allowance

PRIMARY SCHOOL AGED CHILDCARE OVERSEAS (PSACO) ALLOWANCE

1. What is the PSACO Allowance?

a. The PSACO Allowance is the final phase of the Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme. Providing a reimbursement of before and after school childcare costs for 4–11-year-old children (4-16 years old if in receipt of certain UK disability benefits), in overseas locations where due to local rules or regulations the WAC Allowance eligibility criteria cannot be met or because Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) accounts are not available.

b. Service personnel that meet the eligibility criteria could claim around £3,400 per child, per year, for before and after school childcare costs.

c. The PSACO Allowance does not provide childcare spaces, it is a reimbursement of costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

2. Where to find further information? The eligibility criteria, further guidance and resources are available on the Defence Childcare Information page, Families Hub Information Portal, Defence Connect Childcare Information Page and 2025DIN01-122.

3. When will Registration be available? More information regarding registration and claims guidance will be available from January 2026.

4. Have questions? Personnel and Service families can email the policy team at PEOPLE-AFFS-WAC-FRO-mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

5. A poster relevant to the subject can be found at [Annex B].

BRUNEI: BFB Stray Animals

BFB STRAY ANIMALS

1. BFB personnel, incl LECs, UKBCs and Spouses, have been actively feeding stray animals within BFB estates. This needs to stop immediately
because:

a. By feeding stray animals you are encouraging them to breed uncontrollably which can increase its population at an alarming rate and
when it gets too overwhelming to feed, the strays will starve even worse thus causes further malnourishment and diseases will spread between each other, and possibly to humans.

b. Uneaten leftovers attracts flies and, in some cases, maggots, all ideal vectors for diseases.

c. Stray animals leave excreta where they are known to congregate because what goes in must eventually come out. This is no trifling matter for other BFB personnel who have to endure the odour.

d. Stray animals have caused damage to valuable equipment and buildings eg helicopter engines, store rooms, roofs and many small spaces where it is difficult to determine the extent of damage that may have been
done.

2. Do not feed stray animals just because you want to have the ‘feel-good, warm fuzzy feeling’ inside - it doesn’t end well for the stray animals. If you want to be do-gooders, you must then carry out your good deeds through (i.e. adopting AND neutering) without leaving others to deal with the aftermath. The bottom line is that humans and stray animals coalesce is part of living in Brunei but do not be part of the problem.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Pets in SFA Policy

References: 

A. Tri-Service Accommodation Regulation - JSP 464 

B. License to Occupy SFA

1. All dogs and cats kept in the SFA must be registered with the SSO Housing and Welfare Department. Obtain the prior written consent of the SFA sponsor’s local housing staff or station unit commander (as relevant to local instructions) before acquiring or bringing a pet into the SFA. 

2. The Head of Household must keep pets indoors and clean the quarter area, with the owner responsible for cleaning. It is strongly advised not to release your pet outdoors and let it roam around the estate. Pet owners must always take sensible safety precautions and be alert to risks that may affect their dogs and cats outside. Your dogs must be walked on leashes and keep your pet attended when outside to prevent them from being attacked by other animals. Be considerate and think of the health and safety of your pet, you, and the people surrounding it. 

3. All animals in the estate, if found without a collar, will be removed. You are required to have a collar fastened on your dogs and cats at all times with the Garrison Serial Registered No. on a metal identity disc stamped on it. 

4. Occupants caught keeping unregistered pets and feeding stray dogs and cats will be dealt with first by the CoC and then by HQ BFB as required. 

5. At the end of your license, the house must be fumigated and the carpets cleaned before you move out. Proof of the fumigation and cleaning receipt must be provided to the Housing Estate Warden. 

6. Your collaborative responsibility is highly anticipated. All inquiries on this matter should be addressed to the SO2 G1 Welfare/Garrison Support Officer and BFB Health Safety Advisor.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Children's Library - Volunteer Social Morning - Friday, 21st November 2025, 1000 - 1400 hrs @ BFB Children's Library, CCCC

 Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Children's Library - Toy Library is Back - Monday, 24th November 2025, 1100 - 1500 hrs @ BFB Children's Library, CCCC

Please click the link HERE or scan the QR code above for booking session.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: PCMF - Children Flu Nasal Spray Immunisation - Friday, 21st November 2025, 1430 - 1640 hrs & Monday, 24th - Tuesday, 25th November 2025, 1400 - 1640 hrs

Dear parents/guardians,

PCMF is now inviting children from Year 3 to Year 12 to attend the Flu Nasal Spray immunisation clinics (Please see schedule below).

Seasonal flu can spread rapidly among young children and immunisation is a safe and effective way to protect your child’s health and reduce the risk of illness. The nasal spray is quick and painless, designed specially for children.

To support parents who are not able to bring their child(ren) on the designated day, the catch-up clinic is available for them to book in.

Please contact PCMF reception desk at 3224893 or Ext 3226 during working hours to book an appointment.

Clinic Schedules:

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Brunssum: Anytime Fitness Santa Run - 20th December Sittard

On Saturday 20 December at 3 p.m., the Recreational Run through the historic centre of Sittard will commence. The route runs along the city walls and through charming streets, finishing at the Market Square, which will be decorated in the Christmas spirit.

The Run gives a nod to the Winter Olympics in Milan: during this event, you collect Olympic Rings. Beforehand, you indicate how many times you want to run the approximately two-kilometre course.

Army Cadets UK – ‘Our Year in Review’ is now available to read online

Army Cadets UK – ‘Our Year In Review’ is now live.

Check it out to learn more about what Army Cadets have been up to over the last 12 months – to read in full please go to: https://bit.ly/4hrL6Pw

Army HIVE: Relocation Checklist for moves within the UK and to/from overseas - now launched!

Army HIVE has now launched its Relocation Checklist, which is a comprehensive document listing all of the ‘know before you go’ actions to consider for Service personnel and their families on the move.

The checklist is in two parts, all within one document; the first part covers moves within the UK or back to the UK, and the second part covers overseas moves. As well as being a useful planning and reminder document, there are links throughout to the relevant resources that will enable our customers to find out more on each topic area.

To access the Relocation Checklist, please go to any of the following platforms to view, download or print:
Army HIVE Sharepoint (MODnet access required) - HIVE. The Relocation Checklist can be found in both the Overseas Postings and the Relocation within or back to the UK sections.
Our UK HIVE Blog – Information Sheets section: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/search/label/Information%20Sheets
Our Overseas HIVE Blog - https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/ – click the Relocation Checklist button in the top menu
Our British Forces Cyprus HIVE Blog - https://cyprushive.blogspot.com/ - click the Relocation Checklist button in the top menuPlease note that documents hosted on our Blogs can only be accessed from a personal or non-MODnet device.

For any queries on moving or how to find out more about a new location, please contact any HIVE. See www.army.mod.uk/hives , use the contact buttons on any of our platforms, or email HIVE HQ on RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Our iHIVE can support with information on moves overseas worldwide and is listed as an action on the Overseas Supportability Checklist also – please get in touch via RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk with any questions on any location.

Brunssum: Patty Pam-Pam Bingo - 18th December Sittard

A bingo night like you’ve never experienced before!

Drag queen Patty Pam Pam brings glitter, glamour and a big dose of humour for an unforgettable show.

During the bingo night, expect music, surprising prizes and entertainment that will make you laugh from beginning to end.

What: Patty Pam-Pam Bingo
Where: Winterhart (Paviljoen) - Markt 6131EL Sittard
When: Thursday 18th December 2025

Find out more and book your tickets here

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Germany: What's On

22nd Nov - Wundelight Kalkar -  2.5 Hr Drive time from Sennelager 

The popular theme park offer a magical Christmas event for families. Enjoy winter with ice skating, illuminated attractions, a dinosaur playground, cozy winter dining, and discover the four magically lit worlds along our Light Route.

Tickets are 13 Euro  for everyone over the age of 2 years.  Full Details on the Wunderland website here.

Christmas Markets 

Everything starts this week. Here are the key dates:

• Paderborn 21st Nov
• Bielefeld 20th Nov 
• Guttersloh 27th Nov
• Munster 24th Nov 
• Soest 24th Nov
• Salzkotten 14th Dec 
• Detmold 1st Dec 
• Delbruck 29th Nov 

Here are your big city markets to look out for these famous and popular markets in  Germany.

Looking for something different at the Christmas markets. Here are some ideas for markets to visit which are a little further away. 

• Valkenburg Netherlands - Cave market  Drive time   3 hours 
• Hennesee - Maschede - Market on a boat €17.50 
• Colmar, Riquwhir, Strasbourg . These markets in the Alsace region of France are worth a mini trip and are about 5-6 hours drive time from Sennelager

If you prefer to keep local for your choice of markets then this list will help. Each of these markets is located within a one hour drive of Sennelager. 

Bad Driburg 27th Nov

Bad Lippspringe 30th Nov

Bielefeld 20th Nov

County of Rietberg 10th Dec

Delbruck 29th Nov

Detmold 1st Dec

Gütersloh 27th Dec

Horn Bad Meinburg 13th Dec

Hovelhof 5th Dec

Salzkotten 14th Dec

Schloss Neuhaus  6th Dec 

Soest 24th Nov

Warburg 13th Dec

Lippstadt 26th Nov

Bad Pyrmont 24th Nov

Gibraltar: Ocean Village Christmas Event, 28th November

Ocean Village lights switch-on is Friday 28th, next week, with lots of other things going on too. It all starts at 5pm with a Christmas market See poster for details.

Gibraltar: Environment Agency Christmas Toy Drive

The Gibraltar Environment Agency is collecting toys for those Gibraltar children who otherwise may not get Christmas presents this year. If you would like to contribute, you can deliver toys to their offices at 37 Town Range between 8.45am - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.15pm Friday.

If you have any questions, contact them on admin@eag.gi or call 20070620. In an interview with GBC News yesterday, they said that they welcome any donations but are short of boys toys. You can give toys which are either new or in excellent condition.

BRUNEI: HIVE November Coffee Morning - Thursday, 20th November 2025, 9 - 11 AM @ Mumong Community Hall

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: RMP Vacant Property Survey - Register your property as vacant to trigger extra patrols

Please click the image to enlarge.

BFB Vacant Property Scheme

Leaving your property vacant and want the RMP to keep an eye on it whilst you are away? Scan the QR code and fill in the form it takes less than two minutes.

RMP Top Tips

• Make your home look occupied by using lights and timers.

• Make entry difficult by securing all doors and windows.

• Keep valuables out of sight.

• Reporting any faults or overgrown shrubbery to DIO so that potential criminals have no place to hide.

• Consider the installation of CCTV doorbells, they are really effective.

Keep an eye on one another, we are a community. If something doesn’t look right call us on +833 0252.The Vacant Property Survey allows the RMP security team to identify those houses that will be vacant during leave periods more effectively and to trigger more frequent security patrols.

Click here Vacant Property Survey or Scan the QR Code.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: DIO(B) - Gas Safety works : Purging on Intermediate Pressure Gas Network & Legionella Risk Assessment

DIO (B) Gas Safety works : Purging on Intermediate Pressure Gas Network  

Location : J16 Flats Block A to F

Programme Schedule : 24 Nov 25

Time : 0800 am until work complete.

Scope of work: 

1. All works will be carried out by DIO(B) MTC (MARSEE) and will be limited to the external compound only.

2. The scope includes the purging of the intermediate gas line network supplying up to the gas meter box.

3. Disconnect and end cap the downstream supply from the upstream line.

4. The estimated duration for completing the works is 1 working day, subject to weather conditions and the required purging period.

5. For safety reasons, and to maintain the required distance during the controlled release of gas, occupants will be required to temporarily vacate their properties during the purging process.

LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENT

Within this week there will be UK Inspector carrying Legionella Risk Assessment For area List below. Really much appreciate if the occupant can give access to Mr Leigh Session from Ashdale company to carry out legionella risk assessment. He will be in Brunei for a week period of time only. He will start work from 8AM until 5PM

SCHEDULED WATER TEMPERATURE MONITORING AND CHLORINE TESTING

1. In Order to Comply with the UK standard, DIO contractor Marsee will be carrying out the scope of works as shown below:

a. Check temperature reading of hot and cold water at the very sentinel point.

b. Check chlorine level in water using site test kit.

c. Visual check and small adjustment of water heater.

d. To record water analysis

e. Duration of work will take 10mins to 15mins.

Notification of Scheduled External Painting Works – J16 Flat B

As part of this financial year’s painting programme, the DIO(B) contractor will commence work at J16 Flat B starting Monday, 10 November 2025, for a duration of approximately 8 – 10 weeks.

Please inform the occupant of the following important points:

• Curtains must remain closed at all times while contractors are working outside the flat to maintain privacy and safety.

• The veranda is included in the scope of the painting works. Contractors will access it externally using a cherry picker lift.

• Work will be carried out during the following hours:
• Monday to Friday: 0800 – 1700
• Saturday: 0800 – 1700

For any concerns or issues related to the proposed works, please contact the DIO(B) Helpdesk in the first instance.

Phone number: 3224130 or military Ext 3375

Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk during office hours.

DIO Scheduled Work - November

DIO contractors will be carrying out inspection works as shown in the table below. Utilities may be affected during the work but DIO contractors will try to minimise disruption.

To reschedule, please kindly contact DIO(B) Helpdesk either via phone Calls Ext.3375 or 3224130 or Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk during office hours.

Please click the images to enlarge.

Planned construction of Welfare ATAP/ Gazebo work to between building 3 and 9 in H16 area.

As per proposed, DIO(B) contractor will commence work in the area mentioned above according to the schedule provided below.

For safety reason, please avoid entering the construction site at all times. During working hours, the surrounding area may experience increased noise level, loading and unloading activities, and restricted access due to safety measures.

If you have any concerns or issues related to the works, including health and safety matters, please contact the DIO(B) Helpdesk as you first point of contact.

• 13 October 2025 to 15 December 2025

Work description: Construction of 8m x 12m Welfare ATAP/ Gazebo.

Location: Between building 3 and 9

Working hours: 0830hrs to 1500hrs

Working days: Monday - Saturday

Planned renovation works at X1/23 and X1/24

As per agreed renovation or refurbishment programme, DIO(B) contractor will start work at X1/23 & X1/24 for 3 ½ months for next week.

For safety reason, please avoid entering the construction site at all times. During working hours, the surrounding area may experience increased noise level, loading and unloading activities, and restricted access due to safety measures.

If you have any concerns or issues related to the works, including health and safety matters, please contact the DIO(B) Helpdesk as you first point of contact.

• Mon – Fri: 0800 – 1700

• Sat: 1000 – 1700

• Start date: 15 Oct 2025

• Target completion date: End of Jan 2026

DIO Helpdesk Reports

1. From Wednesday 10 September 2025, DIO Brunei will be amending the way

in which they process works request, due to the unprecedented and unsustainable
volume of works requests being received. After detailed analysis of the current issues
DIO Brunei are facing, the following changes are being enacted:

2. The DIO Helpdesk will only be accepting EMERGENCY and VERY URGENT
works request via telephone on Mil: 94193 3375 & Civ: +673 322 4130.

3. All other work requests are to be sent via email to BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk, and are to include the following information:

a. Location (building, room, asset).
b. Full name of customer, if not SP, SP details must be included.
c. Contact details of customer, both email and telephone.
d. Description (as clear and precise as possible).
e. When fault happened/ how long has it been a fault.
f. Photo.

4. These details are imperative to increasing the efficiency of processing works,
reducing the time taken to triage, and ultimately the issue being resolved

5. If these details are not provided the works request will not be raised. Should
anyone have issues or concerns with the above direction they are to contact the DIO
WSM via email.

Click HERE for information on Infrastructure Fault Reporting - DIO(B) Help Desk

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.