SHAPE: Clubs and Activities

 

Are you a golfer? Looking for a group of like minded folks? SHAPE Golf Association are seeking members. Scan the QR Code for more information.

If you have recently arrived in SHAPE, there is a vast array of activities and groups you can get involved in; if you have a hobby there is probably a group for it on base. If not, you can always get one going! Have a look at https://shape2day.com/community/leisure/group-ii-activities to see what’s available at present. New members always welcome.

Kids groups include International Swim Team, International Scouts Pack, American Scout Group and SHAPE Cub Scout Pack.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brussels: NATO HQ Clubs for Kids and Adults

  

Did you know that there are numerous clubs and groups for adults and kids available at the NATO Staff Centre?

If you are new NATO HQ  and haven’t discovered them yet, have a look at what’s available NATO Staff Centre Clubs. New Members always welcome.

Kids clubs include Marlins Swim Team, Juventus Football Club and Aikido.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Kids “Freshers Fayre” Mons, Sunday 24th August 2025, 10:00-18:30

 SAVE THE DATE!

 

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the City of Mons will be hosting a free daytime event for children and young people in the Jemappes municipal park.

 

Similar to a Fresher’s Fayre, 80 "extracurricular" booths will be there to present their activities for children and young people. Here is the Flyer for this event.

 

In addition, a variety of activities, introductions, and demonstrations will be offered by extracurricular organizations: dance (classical, modern jazz, hip hop, breakdance, contemporary, capoeira, etc.), martial arts (Taichi Qigong, Soo Bahk Do, Tae Kwon Do, Taijiquan, self-defense, judo), yoga, racquet sports, mini tennis lessons, rhythmic gymnastics lessons, music workshops, theatre workshops, pony rides, diving, mountain biking courses with obstacles, and for younger children, musical and dance introductions.

 

There will also be a climbing wall, trampolines, bouncy castles and Restaurants available on site.

 

If you are looking for local clubs for your children to join, you won’t want to miss this!

 

FREE admission.

For more information, click here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Baby Swimming Lessons now available at Fleraqua

 Big news at Fleraqua: Baby swimming classes have finally arrived! 

You asked, they delivered!

For over 8 years, Fleraqua has been helping children from age 3 learn to swim with passion and care. Now, it’s time for the little ones (starting at 11 months old) to begin their first aquatic adventure with us! 

What to expect:
🔹 Fun sessions in small groups
🔹 One parent in the water with each baby
🔹 Professional and attentive guidance
🔹 The perfect setting to develop motor skills, water confidence, and strengthen the parent-child bond

💦 Water becomes a playground for trust, growth, and connection.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!

Specific time slots have been created especially for English-speaking families too, so no need to worry about language — Fleraqua have got you covered!

Book your session now: www.fleraqua.be

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to safely introduce your child to the joy of water.

WHERE: Fleraqua – 20, rue Marie Joyle, Havré (Mons)

QUESTIONS?: Contact Fleraqua on +32 499 17 81 38 or via their Facebook page.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Battle of Britain Service, Sunday 14th September 2025, 10:00

 

Padre Craig is conducting the Battle of Britain Service on Sunday 14th September 2025 at 1000h in the SHAPE West Chapel.

The service will be followed by refreshments in the UK Mess.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course (MBSR), starting 6th October 2025

Annmarie Mckenzie is a Welfare Officer is leading a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course later this year. Mindfulness has been proven to help reduce anxiety and stress whilst improving mental health and wellbeing.

Annmarie’s course is FREE and being held online over an 8 week period.

WHEN: Starts Monday 6th October 2025 at 7pm (Belgian Time)

WHERE: In the comfort of your own home, online.

MORE INFORMATION: Contact Annmarie, email in the poster

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE Travel Group’s Autumn Offering

 

If you are dreaming of your next holiday, mini break or day trip, feast your eyes on the SHAPE Travel Group’s Autumn Trips and get exploring.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE Language Centre seeking English Teachers

Are you a qualified language teacher? Hold a TEFL Qualification or a degree in languages? The SHAPE Language Centre needs you!

They are currently seeking native speaking English Teachers. Details in the poster. 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE International Library STEM and MakerSpot regular sessions

If experiments, crafting and technology is more your thing, the SHAPE International Library also offers regular sessions to create and test til your heart’s content!  

Sign-up is required for the STEM Sessions but no need for the Maker Spot sessions.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE International Library - Read to Dude the Dog and Tween Book Club

From young readers to teen readers, SHAPE International Library has you covered.

Readers age 6+ can sign-up to read to Dude the Dog on Monday 15th September 2025. Dude is a regular listener to young readers here; reading to therapy animals has been shown to provide huge benefits in both confidence and reading skill development.

Sign up at the Circulation Desk.

For the more established readers, SHAPE International Library offers a Tween Book Club that meet on Friday afternoons between 16:00 and 17:00 on the dates below 👇🏻.

No sign-up needed, just turn up and lose yourself between the pages of a brilliant book!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

 

SHAPE International Library regular events for various ages

Whether you have just arrived or have been here a week while, do check out the regular events at the SHAPE International Library. There’s something for everyone.

There’s so much more this library than books! You can hire power tools, cake tins, computer games, films, STEM Kits, board games and more.

If Carlsberg did Libraries, it would be SHAPE International Library. This is not just any Library, this is an M&S Library!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Site du Belvedere de Dour, Natural Swimming Pool

If you are seeking a natural, outdoor swimming pool, then look no further than Site du Belvedere de Dour.

With tennis and pétanque available as well as a park to walk in (dogs on leads too) and various events being held, this is the perfect place to chill out, cool off and enjoy some down time.

WHERE: Chemin de Croix 3, 7370 Dour

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.facebook.com/belvederededour/

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Belgium: Planned BFBS Outage, 1st to 12th September 2025

Due to planned maintenance BFBS’s Radio services will not be available on FM around SHAPE between 0830h and 1500h, Monday to – Friday for the period 1st to 12th September 2025.

We apologise for any inconvenience and hope you will join us on another platform.

You can select BFBS Germany from the list of available stations online, on the BFBS Radio app, or through Smart Speaker. Guidance on how to do so can be found on the BFBS website at the following links:
 
BFBS Radio App - https://www.bfbs.com/bfbs-radio-app
 
Online: www.forces.net/radio/stations/bfbs-germany
 
Smart Speaker: https://www.bfbs.com/smartspeaker
 
Video guide to ‘Enable BFBS’ on Alexa: https://www.facebook.com/BFBSGermany/videos/1231661905629247
 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Cars and Coffee Meet-Up, Saturday 13th September 2025, 10:00

Team Muscle Cars, Team Sport Cars or Team Vintage Cars?

Whichever camp you are in, why not come along to the Cavoli Cars & Coffee meet-up and pick your favourite!  

Whether you have a unique car to show off or your ride is a bike, you're welcome to join either way!

WHEN: Saturday 13th September 2025, 10:00

WHERE: Cavoli Community Centre, Building 504

To Showcase a vehicle, register by 1st September 2025!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: UK Netball is Back! Mondays 18:00-19:00

UK Netball is back!

All over 18s Welcome.

No experience necessary, just a desire to play netball and have fun!

WHEN: Monday evenings, 18:00-19:00

WHERE: Main Gym Sports Hall

HOW MUCH: Free!

No need to sign-up, Just come along and enjoy!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Mina’s Wednesday Craft Club, starts Wednesday 3rd September 2025, 15:45

Creative After School Activities at SHAPE Arts and Crafts with Mina are back in September 2025! 

Pre-booking Required. 

WHEN: Wednesdays throughout September 2025, 15:45 - 17:00

WHERE: SHAPE Arts and Crafts, Building 307

WHO: Ages 6 to 15

MORE INFORMATION: artandcraft@shapemwb.be

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunie: Garrison Thrift Shop - Saturday 23 September, 10:00 - 12:00hrs

Avoid the last minute Back to School rush and get school uniform items for only $2* each at the Garrison Thrift Shop.

We have good quality second-hand school uniform items for pupils attending Hornbill School, JIS and ISB, available at unbeatable prices.

Open: *TOMORROW* Saturday 23 August 10am - 12pm

*Excluding school shoes, with pairs individually priced.

*Small change preferred. 

Information provided by Brunei HIVE. 

Brunei: Stop Theft Before It Starts!

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

List of Overseas Location Guides.

Overseas Location Guides

Please note that these are kept up-to-date by HIVE staff - the month of the latest version is shown within each guide. The date of the post is simply the date when this service was set up.

Adelaide, Australia

Akrotiri, Cyprus

Albacete, Spain

Ankara, Turkey

Auckland, New Zealand

Welcome to International HIVE

Welcome to International HIVE, our mission is to provide you with the most up to date information, the Overseas Locations Guides are an in-depth collection of that information.

Berlin - Click here for Overseas Guide.

Cologne - Click here for Overseas Guide.

Diepholz - Click here for Overseas Guide.

Eckernförde - Click here for Overseas Guide.

Welcome to International HIVE

Welcome to International HIVE, our mission is to provide you with the most up to date information, the Overseas Locations Guides are an in-depth collection of that information.

Brussels - Click here for the Overseas Location Guide.

SHAPE - Click here for the Overseas Location Guide.

If further information is required, please contact your nearest HIVE or the iHIVE, details below:


SHAPE HIVE Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Call: +47 (0)1611 678


iHIVE Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Call: +44 (0)797 669 8527

2025 Army Families Federation questionnaire on Service pay.

The Army Families Federation (AFF), Naval Families Federation (NFF) and RAF Families Federation (RAFFF) are jointly running a questionnaire to hear from Regular Service Personnel and their families about satisfaction with pay and personal financial circumstances over the past 12 months.

The responses will help to:

Better understand the financial challenges faced by service families.

Identify any trends or issues specific to each of the single services.

Provide robust, evidence-based feedback to the MOD, the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and other key stakeholders.

To take part in this questionnaire, which is open to serving personnel, spouses and partners, please click the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AFF2025_Pay_Questionnaire

The questionnaire should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and every response helps strengthen the evidence that family federations can present on behalf of families.

Brunssum: AF North Book Sale 27th August

 

The first secondhand book sale of the school year is Wednesday 27th August 2025. For those of you unfamiliar with the book sale, it happens once a month (on a Wednesday) at AF North school.

We have a whole range of children’s books - from board books and early readers to chapter books - as well as books for adults - fiction and non-fiction.

Adults are welcome to come shop the sale as well on Wednesday.

If you are looking to volunteer we are also always happy for help, check out the signup link:
https://www.afnorthespto.org/volunteer

Books to donate? We’ll gladly take those off your hands too!

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunei: Leaving BFB soon? Things to add on your to-do list!

Are you moving back to the UK soon? Here are a few things to add on to your to-do list before leaving Brunei:

Application for Transfer of Residence relief (ToR1) Guidance - SPs should be aware of the application of transfer of residence relief (ToR1) when they are moving back to the UK on completion of their assignment. Individuals should get email when they apply for removal through agility. Please click the link below for Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/application-for-transfer-of-residence-relief-tor1

Pinnacle - Everything you need to know about moving into Service Families Accommodation: HERE

Pre-Move Out Preparation Checklist - Please carry out the following basic pre-march out tasks before march out. Checklist can be found HERE.

Pre-Move Out Cleaning Checklist - Please carry out the following basic pre-march out tasks to ensure the property will be in good order to handover to the State Wardens. Checklist can be found HERE.

Good Conduct Certificate - It’s recommended that people who have lived overseas for more than 6 months during the past 5 years provide this certificate when seeking employment back in the UK.

The Good Conduct Certificate application form can be obtained from the HIVE and the SSO Office. More about Good Conduct Certificate and how to apply: HERE

National Insurance (NI) Credit - The National Insurance credits will fill in the gaps in your National Insurance record and enable you to continue to receive certain benefits like Jobseeker's Allowance and the State Pension. The NI Credit application form can be obtained from the HIVE and the SSO Office. More about NI Credit : HERE

Travelling with pets - Here is some great advice from members of our community.

PCMF - Patients of the PCMF are reminded they MUST De-register before leaving Brunei. Please click the link De-register and complete the information.

DIO - Prior to departing Brunei, please report ALL housing faults to DIO to ensure the next occupant has a positive move-in experience. You must obtain a list of job numbers from the DIO helpdesk and present these at march out as proof of reporting. More information can be found HERE.

BFBS - If you have a BFBS TV box in your home, please return it to BFBS prior to leaving Brunei. More information can be found HERE.

Dental Choices - It is a website designed to make it easier for you to find and register with an NHS dentist.

Dental Choices aims to provide reliable information about dentistry to help you make informed decisions about your oral health and oral health care.

Search now to find an NHS dentist near you accepting new patients in England.

Tell DVLA you've changed address - You must update your driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), Direct Debit for vehicle tax and other details when you move home. Click here for details.

Forces Railcard - The card will save you 1/3 on most rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year. That works out to under £2 a month for huge savings. You're eligible if you're a member of the Regular Forces or Volunteer Reserves or a spouse/civil partner of a member. For more information about Forces Railcard and where to get it click HERE

Royal Mail Redirection - This service ensures your mail moves with you whether moving within the UK or abroad. With unpredictable and lengthy mail transit times to and from Brunei FPO, it is Imperative to remember to redirect your mail to your new location before departing Brunei.

The process is quick and simple and can be done online HERE

School Applications - If you require a secondary school place in England for September 2025, the deadline for secondary school applications is 31st October 2024.

Applications needed to be submitted by 31st October 2024 for your child to be guaranteed an offer of a school place on 1st March 2025.

If you missed the deadline, you could still submit an application for a school place for September 2025. Once you have submitted, you will receive an email confirming when this school place will be offered.

Further information - https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/how-to-apply https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-code--2

See below the link that will take you to the relevant page on www.kent.gov.uk

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/secondary-school-places#tab-2

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/primary-school-places#tab-1

Secondary School Places in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for September 2025

Education is a devolved matter and each of the four countries have different education systems. Dependent on location, it is likely that there will be a different process and deadline for applying for secondary school places in each area. We would advise that you follow your local authority’s application process and ensure that you are aware of the deadline to submit your application by. This information will usually be available on the local authority website and we would advise that you contact the local authority directly if you have any questions or require any further support.

Further information can be found on the links below:

• Scotland - https://www.mygov.scot/browse/education-training/secondary-school https://forceschildrenseducation.org.uk/
• Wales - https://gov.wales/school-admissions https://www.sscecymru.co.uk/
• Northern Ireland - https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

Brunei: Malaysia - Travel Information

Malaysia Tourism

Miri Land Border Crossing Checklist

Miri Travel Guide

Miri Crocodile Farm

Sarawak Tourism

Sabah Travel e-brochures

Kota Kinabalu - Island hopping

Things To Do in Semporna & Tawau

Langkawi Travel Guide

Sibu Travel Guide

Kuching Travel Guide

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

Brunei: Safety Do the Right Thing

Army Safety Group have released several single subject safety videos, aimed at junior soldiers and officers on the theme “Safety Do the Right Thing”. However, whilst Army orientated, these videos are applicable to all service personnel. The videos are 1-3 minutes long, can be viewed on personal devices or modnet, they can also be downloaded and embedded into presentations. Subjects covered thus far include –

Mental Health Awareness
Noise Induced Hearing Loss – On Duty
Noise Induced Hearing Loss – Off Duty
Heat Illness
Convoy Spacing

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

Brunei: Do you have a Will?

WILLS

1. Service personnel are strongly encouraged, and provided with the opportunity, to complete a Will (QRs Ch 7 Pt 7 and 2018DIN01-091).

2. The intention of a Will is to ensure that a deceased person’s estate (money, possessions and property) is distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the deceased person’s wishes. If a person dies without a valid Will they are termed intestate and their estate will be divided up according to a standard legal formula. This might not be what the deceased would have wanted.

3. The recommended methods of making a Will available to Service personnel (SP) can be summarised as follows:

a. As for Civilians:

(1) By drawing up a Will on expert advice.

(2) By using one of the printed forms which can be purchased.

(3) By writing a simple Will on a sheet of paper.

b. Methods available to Service personnel only:

(1) Use of the MOD Form 106.

(2) Exceptionally, usually during war time, by making informal unwitnessed wills, but these should be replaced with a formal Will at the earliest opportunity.

4. There is a Service requirement to record the status and whereabouts of a person’s Will on JPA, or the fact that the Service Person (SP) has chosen not to make a Will or declare their intentions to the Services.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

Brunei: BFB Traffic Offences

Maintaining road safety and the safety of all road users is of utmost importance.

BFB families not to commit traffic related offences at all times.

BFB communities are too aware of the expectations, standards and most importantly the law.

BFB TRAFFIC OFFENCES

1. All BFB SP and their families are reminded of the importance of abiding by the law whilst in control of a motor vehicle.

2. Both Driver and Passengers MUST wear seatbelts. Children MUST be restrained and mobile phones MUST NOT be used whilst driving.

3. Any individual failing to uphold the law will be disciplined accordingly.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

Brunei: Safety Alert - Charging of Li-ion electric devices in escape routes

Please click the image to enlarge.

SAFETY ALERT - CHARGING OF LI-ION ELECTRIC DEVICES IN ESCAPE ROUTES

1. The safety alert as shown at [Annex B] to these orders which concerns the charging of electrical and electronic devices (e-bikes) in designated escape routes.There is a potential for rapid and significant fire spread when Lithium Ion batteries and/or charger develops a fault. Also significant quantities of smoke are produced which affects visibility and could potentially impair the use of escape routes in buildings.

2. All BFB personnel are to ensure that the charging of electrical and
electronic devices is PROHIBITED in Emergency Escape Routes, sleeping or unoccupied areas.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

Brunei: Treetops Setting Leaflet

For any enquiries, please contact Treetops Setting at +673 834 1764; 322 4111 Ext 3803 or send an email to treetops.nursery@modschools.org

DCS has its own website which has a page about Treetops and Hornbill school, as well as other DCS schools, processes, and supporting teams and agencies provided by DCS; Educate the Child, Support the Family, Defend the Nation

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

Brunei: RMP - Seat Belts and Child Car Seats

1. The wearing of vehicle seat belts where fitted by all vehicle drivers and all vehicle passengers is a legal requirement, without exception. This includes the correct fitting and sizing of child seats. Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt. You can choose a child car seat based on your child’s height or weight. See below for more information

a. 0kg to 10kg 0 Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness.

b. 0kg to 13kg 0+ Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness.

c 9kg to 18kg 1 Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield.

d. 15kg to 25kg 2 Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield.

e. 22kg to 36kg 3 Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield.

2. The RMP conduct regular checks and anyone found not wearing a seat belt or with children not correctly restrained could face prosecution and disciplinary action.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.