Generic and local information for the UK Military Community, including Serving Personnel, their Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians, when considering an overseas post or already based overseas
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Monday, December 29, 2025
SHAPE: Christmas Tree Disposal, January 2026
You tree must be:
- Natural, without pot
- Not in a rubbish bag
- Without Artificial Snow
- Left with your PMC/Green waste or next to your container if you live in an Apartment
Mons
Jurbise
Soignies
Or follow their Facebook Page.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Brunei: Free Online Courses
The Open University
The Open University offers a wide range of free online courses across countless subjects — perfect for upskilling or exploring a new interest.
Explore courses on OpenLearn
HarvardX
You can also study with Harvard University through HarvardX, their online learning platform that gives free access to world-class courses from one of the world’s leading universities.
Browse HarvardX courses
Explore Coursera courses.
Information provided by Brunei HIVE.
BRUNEI: 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: Cafes and Restaurants in Seria & Kuala Belait
Here's a list of some of the cafes and restaurants in Seria & Kuala Belait.
Phone: Whatsapp +673 868 8592
Business Hours: Sunday - Thursday - 9am – 6pm
Friday 9am-12nn; 2pm - 7pm
IG: cafehopping_bn
Phone: +673 828 8590 / +673 322 8590
Business Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 6pm
Friday 9am - 12nn; 2pm – 6pm
IG: coffeeindustry.bn
Phone: Whatsapp +673 899 8191
Business Hours: Friday - Closed
Phone: +673 883 1805
Business Hours: Monday - Saturday - 630am – 6pm
IG: macchiatocafe.bn
Address: Lot 2, Shop 31, Jalan Pretty, Kuala Belait
Phone: +673 333 2671 / WA +673 729 9313
Business Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 8am – 5pm
Friday 12pm-2pm – Closed
IG: The Corner House
Phone: +673 333 8255
Business Hours: Tuesday - Sunday - 9am – 6pm
Friday 9am-12nn; 2pm - 6pm
Business Hours: Monday – Saturday - 5pm - 12am
Sunday - Closed
Business Hours: Sunday - Thursday - 9am - 4pm
Food: Nepalese
Address: 47 Jalan Bunga Melor, Seria, KB
Phone: +673 322 1474
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 9am – 11pm
Friday 12pm-2pm – Closed
FB: The Gurkha Palace
Santuari
Address: Panaga Club, Seria
Phone: +673 737 7943
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 730am – 930pm
Friday 12pm-2pm – Closed
IG: Santuari
Serikandi Panaga Club
Food: Western / Asian
Address: Panaga Club, Seria
Phone: +673 336 2350
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 730am – 9pm
Friday 12pm-2pm – Closed
Address: Lot 2657 Jalan Bunga Melor, Seria
Phone: +673 322 3227(Seria) / WA +673 733 2318
Friday 12pm-2pm – Closed
IG: Marilyn Cafe
Kaizen Sushi Seria & KB
Address: No. 26 Jalan Sultan Omar Ali 1st Floor, Seria
Phone: +673 333 2662
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 11am – 230pm; 530pm – 10pm
Friday – 10am – 12nn; 2pm – 330pm
Serikandi Café & Restaurant KB
Address: Lot 4004 Jalan Setia Di Raja, KB
Phone: +673 333 2862
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 730am – 9pm
Friday 12pm-2pm – Closed
Beanery & Co
Phone: +673 334 7772
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 9am - 10pm
Friday 12pm-2pm – Closed
Food: North Indian
Address: Unit 1 & 2, Ground Floor, Lot No 6176, Near Bus Depot, KB
Phone: +673 334 2513 / +673 869 4840
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 830am -9pm
Friday 12pm-2pm – Closed
Buccaneer Restaurant
Food: Western
Address: Lot #94 Ground Floor Jalan Mckerron, KB
Phone: +673 333 0406
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 2pm; 5pm – 930pm
Friday 10am – 12pm; 5pm – 930pm
Nur Wanita
Food: Thai
Address: Jln.Setia Di-Raja, Unit 11-12, G. Floor Komplek Harapan, KB
Phone: + 673 334 7789
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 9am – 10pm
Friday 9am – 12nn; 2pm – 10pm
IG: Nur Wanita
Sweet Lemongrass
Food: Thai
Address: Bgn Urairah, Lot 38564 Kg. Kiulap, Kuala Belait
Phone: +673 333 7333
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 11am – 11pm
Friday 12pm-2pm – Closed
Address: Lot 82, Unit A&B, Jalan Bun Tanjung Pekan, Kuala Belait
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 7am – 2pm; 5pm – 9pm
Friday – 7am – 12pm; 5pm – 9pm
Address: Pandan 4, Kuala Belait
Business Hours: Monday – Sunday 7am – 9pm
Friday – 7am – 12pm; 2pm – 9pm
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
BRUNEI: Brunei - Indoor Children's Playgrounds
MONKEYBARS CO
Hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 9pm
Fri – Closed between 12nn - 2pm
Phone: +673 745 2888
Address: Unit 21, Ground Floor, Lot 7191, Bangunan Hj Hassan Ghani, Jalan Jaya Negara, Kg Pandan, Kuala Belait, Brunei
Hours: Mon – Sun TIME 9am - 9pm
Tue – Closed
Fri – Closed between 12nn - 2pm
RAINBOW PLAYLAWN BRUNEI
Address: S13 & S14, 2nd Floor, Impiana Kompleks, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Hours: Mon – Thurs 10am – 930pm
Fri 8am – 12nn; 2pm – 930pm
Sat & Sun 8am – 930pm
Phone: +673 258 0220
For more information or enquiries, please visit RAINBOW PLAYLAWN BRUNEI
TWINKLE KIDS CAFÉ
Address: Unit No. 6&7, Ground Floor, Block A, One Riverside, Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs 10am – 10pm
Tue 12pm – 10pm
Fri 9am – 12nn; 2pm - 10pm
Sat & Sun 9am – 10pm
Phone: +673 224 1692
For more information or enquiries, please visit TWINKLE KIDS CAFÉ
FUNBLOCKS EDUTAINMENT
Address:: 3/F Huaho Manggis Mall, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Hours: Mon – Thurs 12nn – 9pm
Fri 2pm – 9pm
Sat & Sun 10am – 9pm
Phone: +673 234 1954
For more information or enquiries, please visit FUNBLOCKS EDUTAINMENT
TIMESZONE BRUNEI
Address: 2/F, Times Square Shopping Centre, Spg 13-29, Jln Berakas, Kg Jaya Setia, Mukim Berakas A, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 10pm
Fri – Closed between 12nn – 2pm
Phone: +673 233 0323
Adventureland/Bon Appetit
Address: Unit 4 & 5 Bangunan PSI Spg 363 Kg Tungku, Brunei
Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 930pm
Fri – closed between 12nn – 230pm
Phone: +673 244 9009/ +673 731 7099
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
BRUNEI: PCMF eConsult
Please scan the QR code above or click HERE to access econsult.
Please follow the steps below:
On the eConsult page, enter:
Monday, December 22, 2025
Celebrating the Success of SSAFA’s Togetherness Overseas Parenting Programmes.
Togetherness is available to the Service community living overseas, including UK-based extended family members of Service families assigned worldwide. The BF1 postcode linked to the overseas location where the serving family are based will be needed to access.
Royal Navy Sailing Association FREE sailing courses.
New year. New drama. Same unmissable TV – only on BFBS TV - 27/12/2025-02/01/2026.
Your weekly guide to the must-see TV across all the channels provided by BFBS. Full listings can be found on our website
Friday, December 19, 2025
Gibraltar: Start-Up Hub for new businesses.
The Gibraltar Government Office of Fair Trading has announced a new facility for new business start-ups (for their first year). Based in Europort. The Peter J Isola Foundation will cover the rent of the premises, but the Government will ask businesses to pay the rates and service charges, which is estimated to work out at around £100 a month.
Gibraltar: Three Kings Cavalcade 5th January
Gibraltar Government has released information about plans for this year's event:
As the festive season reaches its peak, preparations are well underway for the annual Three Kings’ Cavalcade, organised by the Cavalcade Committee in collaboration with Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS).
Arrangements for Distribution of Sweets
GCS is working closely with the Committee to ensure sweets are distributed to all attendees. The distribution of sweets will be carried out by GCS’ staff as from 7:00pm, followed by the presentation of floats at 7:30pm. The Cavalcade will start at Casemates Square, continue along Main Street and conclude at the Inces Hall Theatre.
The Mayor’s Stand for Elderly Persons
A seated enclosure will be available opposite the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Crowned. This facility is intended to provide seating for elderly persons, subject to availability, on a first come, first served basis.
Safe Space for those with Sensory Issues
The Supported Needs and Disability Office for the Ministry of Equality will be setting up a cordoned-off safe space outside of No.6 Convent Place for individuals with sensory issues. This area of Main Street is quieter and there are various entrances and exits available via Town Range, Governor’s Lane, Convent Ramp and Victualising Office for those that require a quick exit. Individuals who want to avail themselves of this area will be required to present their Disability Information Card to a member of staff upon arrival. Entry will be on a first come, first served basis.
Stands with seats will not be provided; however, persons with mobility issues who require seating should contact the SNDO on: sndo.events@gibraltar.gov.gi by 4pm on Tuesday 23rd December 2025.
The public are advised that there may be loud music and those affected by this should bring their own ear plugs / headphones.
We look forward to welcoming the community and ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
BELGIUM: Celebrating the Success of SSAFA's Togetherness Parenting Programmes
Launched in April 2025, these courses have grown significantly thanks to your support in promoting and using them. We now have over 100 active users worldwide a fantastic achievement that reflects our shared commitment to supporting families overseas.
What is Togetherness?
Togetherness is designed to support parents at every stage of their journey from pregnancy through to adolescence. These courses empower parents to:
- Understand their child’s brain development and emotional health.
- Decode behaviours and respond effectively to foster positive interactions.
- Develop strong communication skills to nurture confidence, kindness, and emotional awareness in children.
Key Highlights of the Online Learning Pathways:
- Understanding emotional health and brain development
- Reading and interpreting behaviours
- Building effective communication strategies
- Website: Home - Home - Togetherness
- Access Code: MILITARY
- Families should register using their BF1 postcode (e.g. BF1 2AG).
Togetherness is available to everyone, including grandparents, aunties, uncles etc of families living overseas. They can also access it by using the BF1 postcode linked to their family members abroad.
There are no restrictions as long as you have a BF1 postcode you can access our courses.
Courses available include:
- Understanding your baby
- Understanding your child
- Teen brain development
- Parenting children with additional needs
Information provided by SHAPE HIVE
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Give Us Time - 2026 breaks are live!
As always, the criteria for breaks is here https://giveustime.org.uk/what-we-do/faqs/ and the registration form is here https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login
Breaks are accommodation only – Give Us Time do not cover the costs of travel, food, or entertainment as part of the break.
Breaks are booked on a first come first served basis and they ask families to wait 2 years between bookings, but will always consider exceptional circumstances.
More dates for the rest of 2026 will be added soon – announcements will be made on Give Us Time socials here https://www.facebook.com/GiveUsTime and https://www.instagram.com/give_us_time/
Mission Motorsport – December newsletter.
Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you, beneficiaries, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and supporters for your continued commitment. We truly couldn’t do it without you. We’ll be doing it all again in 2026, so keep an eye out for next year’s calendar of events, which will be published soon!
New Awards Made under The Armed Forces Families Fund: The Early Years Programme.
Speaking at the SciP Alliance conference in November, Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones reminded attendees that “Service is rarely an individual act. It’s a collective commitment shared and shouldered by a wide network of people who themselves have to develop the same qualities of strength and resilience that we ask of those family members serving in the military.”
But how does this translate to our youngest service children aged 0-5 years?
SHAPE: Free Parking in Mons increased to 2 hours
A ticket still needs to be purchased and you will need to put your registration number into the meter but the option to select free parking or adding extra paid hours will come up on the parking meter.
Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2025.
To view the Report documents, please click this link: Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2025 - GOV.UK
For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant, how it can support you and the upcoming Legal Duty extension, visit the Covenant website.
BELGIUM: Tips to a relaxed Festive Season from Bounce Forward
✨ As the festive period approaches, we wanted to share a few gentle reminders for parents and carers ✨
Here are three simple things that can really help over the festive period:
- Keep one familiar routine - When days look different, having one predictable anchor - a bedtime rhythm, a regular walk, or a shared meal - can help children feel safe and grounded.
- Make space for feelings (without rushing to fix them) - Excitement, tiredness, frustration and worry often sit side by side at this time of year. Letting children know their feelings are noticed and accepted can be more powerful than trying to solve everything.
- Choose connection over perfection - Children don’t need the festive period to be perfect. What they remember most are moments of feeling seen, heard and connected - even in very small ways.
BELGIUM: Increased number of evening and weekend trains have been introduced
BELGIUM: Great News for Students wanting to work, study or undertake training placements in Europe
Great news for Students!! The UK rejoin the Erasmus Scheme so students can undertake work, university and training placements in Europe.
BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Arts and Crafts Tuesday, 27th January 2026, 0930 - 1100 hrs @ Mumong Community Centre
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
SHAPE: Kids Corner arrives at FSCEP
Recruit for Spouses Upcoming Session – Wellbeing Programme.
Expert-led support
Genuine peer connection
Practical tools for mental wellness
https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in
Recruit for Spouses Upcoming Session – “Routes into the Industry" webinar.
"Routes into the Industry" webinar.
Start 2026 with clarity, direction, and a solid plan for entering the National Cyber Force ecosystem.
What's included:
Complete training pathway overview
Application process demystified
Real opportunities for 2026
Community and support networks
Final places: https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk
BRUNEI: Brunei - Discover the Green Jewel of Brunei
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
BRUNEI: RMP Vacant Property Survey - Register your property as vacant to trigger extra patrols
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.
Click here Vacant Property Survey or Scan the QR Code.
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
Monday, December 15, 2025
BELGIUM: Togetherness pathways to help understand and manage emotions in every day life
Resources can be accessed using the link: British Forces Overseas | Togetherness - Togetherness
Please use the access code: overseasfamilies






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