BELGIUM: Language Centre Courses for Summer and Autumn and Parent-Toddler Classes

 SHAPE Language Centre Summer and Autumn Sessions....

If you fancy learning a new language whilst here at SHAPE, the Language Centre is a great shout. With options of French, Spanish, Italian, German and Russian on the table, you can really widen your horizons!

The Intensive Summer Session for Beginners French is a popular option and a fab introduction or refresher before kicking off the Autumn session.

The GSO Language Fund for British Military Personnel and their Spouses will give you some money back too! What's not to love?

If you have little ones that you would like to introduce to the French Language, then these Parent and Toddlers classes could be just the ticket.

For more information pop into the Language Centre in Building 211 or drop them an email on languagecentre@shapemwb.be

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: On-Board Ticket Sales to be scrapped from Wednesday 1st July 2026

Travelling by Train? No more on‑board ticket sales from Wednesday 1st July 2026.

In a clear measure to tackle fare evasion, starting 1 July 2026, SNCB-NMBS will phase out on-board ticket sales via the train manager. This decision aims to reinforce a key rule: every passenger must have a valid ticket before boarding the train (and be able to show it during ticket inspection).

On‑board ticket sales frequently led to disagreements, and at times even aggression, during inspections. Eliminating this source of conflict helps SNCB-NMBS make the rules clearer and better protect its employees.

This shift lets train managers refocus on what matters most: ensure safety, guide passengers and provide the right assistance throughout their trip.

Find out more here.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: The Extended Low-emissions zone fines in Brussels have been postposed again

Extended low-emissions (LEZ) fines in Brussels postponed yet again...

Since 1 January, Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol vehicles have been banned from Brussels.

The new government is drawing up a LEZ framework that is due to come into force from 2027. This is based on three pillars - an annual pass costing €350, a social tariff of €200 for low earners and a monthly fine of €80. Brussels is taking its cue from the LEZ models in Ghent and Antwerp. There is support for the proposal to introduce the annual pass at €350 from next week, but there is still no agreement on which vulnerable groups should be excluded from paying.

The question now is what the new transitional phase will look like. There is a possible transitional period between 1 April and the end of the year, but consensus is yet to be reached on the details.

A proposal whereby owners of the affected vehicles will not pay a fine from 1 April, but will instead pay a one-off sum of €350 to be able to drive around Brussels without worry for the rest of the year, has been put forward. The governing parties are more or less in agreement on that principle.

In the meantime, De Smedt indicated that no fines will be issued until a legal framework is in place. Its implementation will be preceded by an awareness campaign.

Check also this page for updates.

Q&A:

A fine – in which cases?
Any vehicle owner or driver of a vehicle driving in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) without meeting access conditions can receive a fine in the following cases:The non-compliant vehicle does not have a valid day pass for the day it rides into Brussels.The non-compliant vehicle does not have a valid exemption.The foreign vehicle is not registered, even if it complies with the LEZ standards.

Important: only one fine can be issued per vehicle every three months—up to 4 fines per year.

How much is the fine?

• €350 For a non-compliant vehicle entering the LEZ without a valid day pass or exemption.
• €150 For a foreign vehicle (even compliant) that is not registered.
• €25 For providing incorrect information when registering a vehicle.

Find out more here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: SACEURS Cup Cross Country Team need support, Tuesday 21st April 2026

We are now getting ready for the next event in the SACEURS SPORTS Calendar which will be Cross Country.

We are looking for all those that are willing and able to participate so that we can get ourselves up in the Rankings for the Competition.

This is a great opportunity to get yourselves out of the office and get some fresh air for the morning. Timings will be confirmed but looking at a morning start of around 09:30 as usual.

Interested? Please get in touch with Anthony or Tammy on Anthony.holt200@mod.gov.uk or tammypatt@yahoo.co.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Sittard walking tour dates for 2026

Join us for a walking tour through Sittard. You'll be introduced to the local farmers market, stores, beautiful churches and the historic old town.

Click here to view a larger version of the above poster.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Polish Coffee and Culture Evening 21st April

 

Once upon a time…
Join us for a unique evening dedicated to Polish culture, traditions and atmosphere. An opportunity to come together and enjoy an authentic and welcoming experience within our international community.

For more information and registration, please click here.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) New Vacancies: DWP Work Coach - Bristol, Brighton, Slough - Closing Date for applications: 30 April 2026

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 483 – DWP Work Coach

Bristol, Brighton and Slough

Closing Date: 30 Apr 26

GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

All roles offer a supportive environment, development opportunities, and a buddy to help you navigate the Civil Service.

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.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.

Click HERE to view the annual calendar. Here you can click on each event to take you to the blog post, where you will find more information regarding the event.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support Activities - What's On in BFB...

AWS CS Monthly Calendar

Parents and Toddlers Sessions & Youth Clubs Closed

Senior Club - Temporarily Closed

Due to non-attendance, the AWS-CS senior club for the school year 7-8 is temporarily closed until further notice.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - BFB Local Handmade & Food Stall Bazaar Friday 24th April 2026, 1400 - 1700 hrs @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Adult Arts and Crafts Tuesday, 21st April 2026, 0930 - 1100 hrs @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Adult Arts and Crafts for April 2026: CanvasPainting. Please scan the QR Code above or click HERE to register and join us at Chit Chat Community Centre. BND 6.00 per person.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Movie Session 17th April 2026, 1500 hrs @ Mumong Community Centre

Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Families Club Saturday, 18th April 2026, 1030 - 1200 @ Mumong Community Centre

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: DIO - Legionella Awareness & Prevention and Water Flushing Regime to reduce Legionella Growth

Legionella Awareness

Please click HERE or Scan the QR Code above.

Legionella Prevention

Please click the images to enlarge.

Water Flushing

What is water flushing?

Water flushing is a method undertaken to prevent the build-up of conditions favourable to the growth of Legionella and other bacteria within hot and cold water systems. It does this by:

• Introducing fresh cold water containing residual disinfectant
• Exposing pipework to temperatures at which Legionella bacteria is discouraged
• Dislodging biofilm through the simple act of running water

A water flushing regime should be designed so that it allows for the whole dead-leg (section of stagnant water) to be removed.

The water should be purged long enough for circulating or freshwater to be drawn from the outlet - indicating that all stagnant water has been expelled.

Water Flushing Regime to reduce Legionella Growth.

• Water flushing needs to be conducted once a week for any low use water outlets. These consist of outlets within empty quarters/buildings or low use facilities that have water outlets within them.
• Water flushing takes a minimum of 5 minutes for cold and/or hot water outlets.
• Water outlets consist of anything that produces water – kitchen/bathroom/basin/garden taps, showers, hoses etc.
• Building Custodians are required to keep a record of what outlets have been flushed and when, to prove that flushing has been conducted.

Water Flushing record log.

The table below is an example flushing record log:

Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Action for Happiness Calendar - Active April 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: DIO(B) - Scheduled Work for April

DIO Scheduled Work for April

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.

X1 Road Hacking Works

Following from the recent publish from DIO, we would like to inform the community in the X1 area of the upcoming digging works to lay a new water pipe and associated electrical cables to a new plant room (indicated in Figures 1 and 2 below). The hacking road will commence on 07 Apr 2026 and expected to complete by 10 Apr 2026.

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. Due to the machinery used, there will be noise pollution caused when hacking the road

BRUNEI: Yoga and Meditation with Pandit Ji - Thursday, 16th April 2026, 0915 - 1045 hrs @ CCCC Main Hall

Please click the image to enlarge.

Please click the link or scan the QR code above for the attendance.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFPO - General Accounting Rate (GAR) for April 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:

April - £1.00 = $1.7062

BRUNEI: BFB Fit Force Challenge (SSAFA and GST PRI) - 21st - 22nd April 2026 @ Garrison Swimming Pool Parking

Event Details:

BFB Fit Force Challenge (SSAFA and GST PRI)

Dates: 21 - 22 April 2026

Time: Two sessions each day - 0600 hrs to 0900 hrs and 1700 hrs to 1900 hrs

Location: Gar Swimming Pool Parking

To take part, please register your name on below link

​BFB_Fit Force Challenge_Nominal_Roll_2026.xlsx​

For Donation click below link

BFB Fit Force Challenge/Donation 

Easter weekend break road trips from Motorfinity

Motorfinity blog article: The best Easter weekend break road trips to consider in 2026

Easter is the perfect time to swap chocolate-fuelled sofa days for a refreshing road trip adventure. With spring in full bloom, there’s no better moment to explore the UK’s most scenic spots. Plan your journey with Motorfinity and make the most of the open road. Here are five beautiful destinations to inspire your Easter escape.

https://www.motorfinity.uk/blog/best-easter-weekend-break-trips/

Introducing the Continuity of Education Allowance advisory helpdesk

A new team is ready to help you with questions about Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

Moving around for your work in the Armed Forces can make it hard to keep your children's education on track. This is where CEA comes in – helping your children stay settled in education, even when Service life means your family must move.

Civvy Street Magazine – Apr/May 2026 Issue Out Now

To read this issue online, please go to this link: Civvy Street

To find out more or to read back issues, please visit: https://civvystreetmagazine.co.uk/

Brunssum: Curios Thrift Shop Opening hours

 

An update for our thrifters!

Thrift shop opening hours for the coming week, commencing 30th March:

Wednesday 1st April 0900-1300

You can now find us in building 311, the “UK fleet and logistics section” click here for a map.

RE donations: Our new store is incredibly small and we have very little storage for overflow stock, so donations may be on pause for a while whilst we figure things out. Feel free to message with specific enquiries or alternative donation options.

You can find all the latest updates on The Curios Thrift Shop's Facebook page.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: ASGK Upcoming Events

Click here to see a larger version of the poster.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Supporting the Unsung Hero Business Start-Up Course – Catterick 14-16 Apr

 

To register of for more information, please go to www.x-forces.com/supporting-the-unsung-hero

Recruit for Spouses – Latest Newsletter with FREE support resources and upcoming events

The latest newsletter from Recruit for Spouses includes the following articles:
Free counselling support for military personnel, veterans, and families
Upcoming online events, such as Making Sense of Pensions: Support and Guidance for Military Families on 22 Apr, and Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome: Confidence Building Workshop on 7 May
Information and a survey invitation regarding the Foreign & Commonwealth Programme To view the newsletter in full, please go to: Recruit for Spouses Newsletter – Mar 26

Reading Force: Request your FREE books for Month of the Military Child

With Month of the Military Child just around the corner in April, Reading Force are encouraging families to sign up for their free books and resources, available to all Forces families, serving, veteran, reservist, or ex-serving (including those affected by bereavement, separation, or divorce), with children or grandchildren aged 0–18.

Find out more at: https://www.readingforce.org.uk/

DIO Families First Newsletter - Issue 36 Published

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website.

Brunssum: Brunssum Lions Rugby Club Needs You!

 

BRUNSSUM LIONS RUGBY CLUB NEEDS YOU!

We welcome any level of experience, at ages over 18 years, from the full NATO community! Join us every Wednesday from 1600hrs at the NATO Sports Complex.

We play local teams around the Tri-Border region and plan for more wider matches taking place soon.

If you would like to support the team please visit our shop where you can purchase clothing and accessories that will directly support the Rugby Club: BLRFC Shop

Thank-you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at training!

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Foggy Fields Spring Market - 1st-2nd May 2026

 

Foggy Fields Spring Market brings together small businesses and makers from across the tri-border region—all under one roof, from handmade crafts to unique gifts and home décor

Where: The ICC
When: May 1–2
Hosted by: ASGK

Join us from May 1-2, 2026 for the Foggy Fields Spring Market, a beloved triborder tradition that blends excitement, community spirit, and heartfelt purpose. This highly anticipated event features talented vendors from across Europe, offering a spectacular array of handcrafted goods, unique artwork, gourmet treats, and more!

Brunssum: Visit the Donkey Sanctuary L'Oasis des Ânes in Belgium - 5th April 2026

Donkey Refuge, L'Oasis des Ânes is in Belgium, roughly a 40 minute drive from JFC Brunssum. The shelter is open on the first Sunday of the month from 2:00pm to 6:00pm

The sanctuary is open to the public and a guided tour of the refuge is organized every first Sunday of the month. This is when you can meet all the donkeys, explore the stables and pastures, and meet the volunteers. The oasis also has a small cafeteria where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a soft drink while chatting. A small shop sells all sorts of donkey-related items, such as documentation, stickers, t-shirts, keychains, and much more.

Brunssum: UPDATED An introduction to buying a house in the Netherlands Webinar

ABN AMRO & Welocate would like to invite you to the joined webinar “Buying a house in the Netherlands” by ABN AMRO & Welocate.

ABN AMRO and Welocate have valuable knowledge on this topic, which we would love to share with you.

During this webinar ABN AMRO and Welocate will work together. Welocate is specialized in real-estate services, the housing market and the buying process. ABN AMRO is your trusted partner for arranging your mortgage and they will explain everything to you about the mortgage process.

An introduction to buying a house in the Netherlands: The event will be held from 15:00 pm to 16:00 pm on the 16th April 2026.