Closing Today - Defence Survey: Share your views on Single Living Accommodation

This is an opportunity for you to share your views on Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and help shape the future of Defence accommodation.

The survey will close at 2000 Friday 15th May 2026. Defence wants to hear from all Service personnel regardless of whether you currently use SLA or not.

To complete the survey, please click here: 2026 Single Living Accommodation Survey.

The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. It is entirely anonymous. We will not be collecting any personal information or sharing your responses with your Chain of Command.

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

Mission Motorsport – May Newsletter

The May newsletter from Mission Motorsport is now available, and it’s a packed edition.

Inside, you’ll find updates on upcoming events, motorsport activity, community news, support opportunities, and ways to get involved. It’s a great snapshot of what’s been happening across the Mission Motorsport community, as well as what’s coming up next.
Whether you’re looking to take part, stay connected, or simply keep up to date with what we’ve been working on, there’s something in this month’s edition for the Armed Forces community, partners, and supporters alike.
You can read it online here: https://www.missionmotorsport.org/news/maynewsletter

BRUNEI: Hornbill Helping Hands - Bingo Thursday 21st May 2026, 7:00 PM @ Hornbill School

Join HHH with Bingo and Bubbles to raise money for the school.
Happening next Thursday at Hornbill School.
Cash prizes.
This is an adult only event, alcohol will be served along with other refreshments.
This event is open to all entitled personnel whether you have a connection to the school or not.

Bar and Bingo is cash only.

Please bring your dabber if you have one.

Thank you.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: SSAFA Grant Application Forms

Please click the image to enlarge.

SSAFA Brunei can award 2 types of financial grants: one for projects that will help the community, and one to support individuals and families or a specific financial difficulty. There are funding guidelines within the application forms that outline in more detail what we can and cannot fund, and included a better idea of how we can help.

Forms are available in the HIVE Offices and SSAFA Health Visiting Team.  If anyone would prefer a digital form, please email at this address brunei.sct@ssafa.org.uk.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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: DIO(B) - Fault Reporting Priority Matrix

Please click the image to enlarge.

DIO Scheduled Work for May

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.

DIO(B) 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 sentinal 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.

On-going works X1 Playground

Please be advised that the construction work at X1 playground has extended and it is expected to be completed by end of this week.

We appreciate your understanding. For any enquiries, please reach out to the DIO(B) Helpdesk.

Phone Number: 3224130 or military ext 3375

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

DIO (B) Gas Safety works – NG Decommission Works

1. We would appreciate if you be able to give access for allocated day as we are trying to meet the deadline as agree in term of holding the risk and to cut off whole Natural Gas Supply from the supplier and provide NG Free estate.

2. DIO (B) will undertake an estate wide in cooperate with Natural Gas (NG) Decommission by following work below:

• Install power-point for the cooker and heater.

• Replace gas appliances to electric.

• Capped off supply to the properties. (Low pressure gas network).

3. New cooking utensils to be obtained from ASU Department.

4. Occupant to cooperate and provide access for works to execute.

5. Utilities may be affected during the work but DIO contractors will try to minimise disruption.

6. To reschedule, please kindly contact DIO(B) Helpdesk by using one of the following means:

a. Phone number: 3224130 or military ext 3375

b. Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk during office hours.

NAPLES: JFC Summer Camp

 

Nancy, the camp leader, will be present on June 3rd in the area in front of the supermarket, at the community centre.

On those days, you'll be able to get more detailed information, make payments, and complete summer camp registration.

Starting June 22nd, you'll be able to do so Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 10:30 and from 2:30 to 4:30 at Parco Leonardo. You'll be able to speak with the camp leader and complete registration directly at the camp.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Join the Focus Group - Help to improve military life overseas.

 

If you 

• Are an ex-serving member of the Regular or Reserve UK Armed Forces 

• Are a partner of a serving or ex-serving member of the Regular or Reserve UK Armed Forces,

• 
  

AND if you, within the last 3 years:

• Considered going on an overseas posting (even if you ended up not going), or

• Went on an accompanied posting overseas, or

• Were separated from your partner due to an unaccompanied posting

And are interested in helping us to understand how military families can have positive experiences of overseas postings. Please follow the link below to feel out and Expression of Interest to take part in an online focus group to talk about your experience of the overseas postings cycle.

Link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/G0MAAF/

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: PCMF - Ordering Your Repeat Prescription

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: PCMF - Unwanted or Expired Medicines?

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Yoga and Meditation with Pandit Ji - Tuesday, 02nd June 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.

From spectacular entertainment to edge-of-your-seat drama all on BFBS TV — 16-22/05/2026 - Week

Your weekly guide to the must-see TV across all the channels provided by BFBS. Full listings can be found on our website

For full details and updated listings See Here 

BELGIUM: LOA Rates Survey, open now. Closing date June 13th 2026

Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) is not a bonus for overseas service. It's a financial contribution to address the price differences in necessary day-to-day living and help cover additional costs when you're assigned or deployed overseas at public expense. It recognises the amount by which average essential daily expenditure in an overseas location differs from that in the UK.

 

A full review of LOA is currently underway so this is your chance to have your say about the value of this allowance and how it affects your overseas posting.

The survey is in support of the Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) and the results could have a direct impact on LOA rates, so it is in the interests of all SP serving abroad to complete; there is a section relevant to family members too.

Complete the Survey HERE

The deadline is 13 June 2026.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Germany: Weekend Roundup

Latest news from the Garrison:

• The Garrison Gym on Normandy Barracks is scheduled to reopen on Weds 13th May. Some addition sign off is required from Techno gym before all new machines are active. 
• ARAL Card Outage - Your card will not work on the 17th May 0600 - 1300 hrs.
• Fathers day & Bridging day 14th - 15th Antwerp Gate will be closed on the 14th for a public holiday along with the Post Office, Brydon House and HQ NSTC(G). Many departments will be taking a Bridging day on the 15th also. 

Guide to the Weekend 

Schloss Neuhaus Bierfest 14th - 17th May at the Schloss. Enjoy over 100 different types of beer from across the world. Enjoy a massive range of street food from German classics to vegetarian & vegan options. Opening times are:

• Thusdav 11 a.m - 5 p.m 
• Friday 5 p.m - 11 p.m 
• Saturday 3 p.m - 11 p.m
• Sunday 11 a.m - 7 p.m 

Image copyright Schloss Auenpark

Motorfinity - May Update

Click posters to enlarge

Motorfinity May Update

Motorfinity supports frontline workers with exclusive discounts on brand-new cars, expert support, and a hassle-free buying experience. From reliable daily commutes to family-friendly upgrades and long road trips, Motorfinity helps those who support our communities save on their next car. Share with someone who could benefit.

Exclusive Savings for Frontline Workers

Motorfinity offers:

✔ Exclusive new car discounts
✔ Part exchange options
✔ Family discounts with participating manufacturers
✔ Friendly expert guidance

BFBS Selects Synamedia Following Global Competition to Deliver Landmark Digital Platform for UK Armed Forces

Image: For Illustrative Purposes Only
Credit: fxdigital

BFBS Selects Synamedia Following Global Competition to Deliver Landmark Digital Platform for UK Armed Forces

Strategic three-year partnership marks delivery phase of BFBS’ next-generation media vision

Media organisation and military charity BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) today announces it has selected Synamedia as its strategic technology partner to deliver its next-generation global digital platform, following a highly competitive international tender process launched in February 2025, attracting leading technology and media organisations from across the industry.

NAPLES: Picnic in the Park, Starting Wednesday 3rd June at 1pm at BFS School

 

When: Starting Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Where: BFS School, Lago Patria

Time: 1pm - 3pm 

As the school terms start to finish early, let's break the week up and have a picnic.

Sponsored by SSAFA, in collaboration with FOBFS, we will provide the drinks and the activities.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: BFSWS - Safeguarding Course Date

Safeguarding course in May.

L2 on 14 May 2026

(L2 is designed for a person who has contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults in their working environment including voluntary work.)

BFSWS will be running a face to face safeguarding L2 this May 2026. If you or any member of your team needs to complete this course, kindly book through Rachana Poudel rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com.

This will be the last course in this academic year.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: NAAFI Coffee Morning - Every 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 09:00 - 11:00 AM @ Patio Bar

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Swimathon - 24hrs Charity Event Friday, 26th - Saturday, 27th June 2026 @ Swimming Pool, Tuker Lines

BRITISH FORCES BRUNEI (BFB) SWIMATHON (24 HRS CHARITY) EVENT, 26 - 27 JUNE 2026

Swimathon is an annual charity event in which volunteers from across BFB participate in a continuous 24 hrs swimming challenge. The aim of this charity event is to raise funds for the Pusat Ehsan (Brunei Charity organisation for Special needs) and the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). Administrative Instruction and Risk Assessment will follow NLT end of May 26.

Further details of BFB 24 hrs Swimathon event are as follows:

What: BFB 24 hrs Swimathon 26

When: Start: 0700 hrs, Fri, 26 Jun 26. Finish: 0700 hrs, Sat, 27 Jun 26.

Where: Swimming Pool, Tuker Lines

Who: A, B, C, D, HQ Coy and GST SP (Participants must have MST pass competency recorded in JPA)

Why: Raise fund for Pusat Ehsan and ABF

How: 

a. A group of 12 volunteer swimmers from each Coy will relay.
b. Only one swimmer to swim at one time and can use any stroke.
c. Total distance covered within 24 hrs will be recorded for each team.
d. Attractive prize to the winning team (longest distance covered within 24 hrs).
e. Team entry fee of BND 120 ($10/pax) to be submitted to the Event Coord (cash preferred).
f. Entertainment provisions throughout the event – music, food and drink stalls (pay as you dine), bingo, raffle, etc.
g. First aid point with duty medic on standby.
h. 1x Lifeguard present throughout the event.
i. Provision of sleeping area for swimmers.
j. BFBS live broadcast of the event.
k. Advertisement via flyers, emails, HIVE and BFBS in due course.
l. JustGiving page will be set up for online donations which will be published via official and social media means. Also, there will be charity pots put around the venue for cash donations.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 168 DWP Work Coach EO roles in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber – closing date 21 May

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 168 Executive Officer (EO) Work Coach vacancies throughout the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber. These may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs link with further information on the roles available, and application details:

Universal Credit Job Centre - EO Work Coach - Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber (Ref: 763) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

The vacancies close on 21/05/2026.

Forces Cars Direct: May 2026 Offers

Ready for a change? This May, Forces Cars Direct offers have gone even bigger, with an incredible selection of brands and discounts available. Take the Chery Tiggo 8 with a saving of £5,376, or the Cupra Terramar with an impressive £10,710 off.

The friendly team at Motor Source Group are on hand to help you find the perfect car at a great price.

To explore their latest deals, simply follow this link to view this month’s special offers: https://www.forcescarsdirect.com/special-offers/monthly-offers

BELGIUM: Re-enactment of the Battle of Waterloo, Saturday 27th to Sunday 28th June 2026

Have you visited Memorial Waterloo yet? Climbed the 226 steps up the top of the Butte du Lion? Enjoyed the Waterloo Panorama? Well another thing to tick off is the incredible re-enactment of the Battle of Waterloo.

Every year at the end of June they perform the historical reenactment in full 1815 regalia. Experience cavalry charges and infantry manouevres as the two armies face off. Hougoumont Farm is transformed into a military camp of the period complete with Napoleonic Bivouacs and period costumes.

This is one event not to miss. We thoroughly enjoyed it last year. And don't forget your ear defenders if you have little ears with you, the cannons and muskets are loud.

WHEN: Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2026
WHERE: Waterloo Memorial, Route du Lion 1815, 1420 Braine-l'Alleud
MORE INFORMATION: HERE

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

Defence Update on Long-term relationships: Closing the gap on allowances

If you’re in a long-term relationship, a range of allowances and support are now available to you – the same as your married or civil-partnered colleagues.

What’s changed?

Many allowances were only available to Service Personnel who were married or in a civil partnership. That wasn’t fair – not everyone wants to get married, even when they’re in a committed relationship.

From 1 May 2026, if you are in a Long-Term Relationship (Established) – known as an LTR(E) – you can claim allowances and provisions that were previously unavailable to you, just like your married colleagues.

BELGIUM: BRITFete Volunteers Needed to our Annual British Showcase, Friday 26th June 2026, 15:00-22:00

Brits Assemble!! We need volunteers to support our annual showcase of all things British.... BRITFete!

If you can spare an hour or two to get involved, please sign up here or by scanning the QR code in the poster.

We may not be able to guarantee the Belgian weather but we can guarantee that you will have fun.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: The Naples HIVE Blog - Common Questions and Answers

Q. How can I sign up to receive alerts so I don't miss any new updates on the blog.

A. Simply Click Here

Q. There is a lot of information on the HIVE blog, so I cant find what I want very easily, is there a quicker way to find specific information.

A. Browse the list of posts in the Blog Archive or use the menus on the left and right which allows you to search by topic or country.

If you have contributions that you would like to add to the Naples blog, please email me on 

RC-Pers-HIVE-Naples-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

or whatsapp +44 7900 959 946

HIVE Blogs are an MOD sponsored online presence, registered with and approved by MOD.

Information provided by Naples HIVE

Quest Magazine – May Edition Out Now

 

To read this issue online, or any back issues, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/magazine-archive

BELGIUM: A Guide to Screen Time, encouraging little brains to develop healthy habits

Confused about the whys and wherefores of Screen Time? This useful infographic from the UK Government and NHS provides some useful tips on how to encourage little brains develops some healthy habits in an increasingly digital world.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: 2RGR Post Room Tuker Lines - Opening Times

POC: Email:amar.suryabanshi461@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: 2RGR PRI Shop - Opening Times

Please click the image to enlarge.

POC: Pri2rgr@hotmail.com

Ext: 2007

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Private Vehicle Checks

During recent months there has been a trend of private vehicles being involved in incidents or having to go to a local garage for avoidable extensive repairs. To try to limit both of these LCpl Yuan Rai and Rfn Amrit Rai from 1 RGR LAD, have created a useful video for all of the British Forces Brunei Community to use whilst checking their own vehicles.

This video has been designed to show you what to look for when checking your vehicle, how to do it and also some tricks for good practice when looking after your private vehicles. The video describes checks that we recommend are done weekly and before long journeys. So, if you are planning on driving to KK please do these checks first! This list is not exhaustive and is just a recommendation, it does not remove the vehicle owner's legal requirement to have the vehicle inspected.

The Brunei Governments Land Transport Departments have created an 'Understanding your Vehicle' guide, which has useful Brunei specific information.

The key points to look out for are:

Petrol - Has it got the right fuel and enough for your journey?

Oils - Are all the oil levels correct? Engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission oil?

Water - Is the coolant level correct? REMEMBER DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT CAP WHILE ENGINE IS HOT! Have you got enough washer fluid?

Electrics - Do the lights work properly? Are the switches and buttons working? Are the wipers and washers working?

Rubber - Are your tyres in a good condition? Have you got sufficient tread (Legal Minimum 1.6mm)? Are there any bulges, splits or objects anywhere in the tyre? Are they at the right pressure? All this includes the spare!

The LAD and Garrison Workshop are always happy to help, if you are not sure please come and see us on Tuker Lines and we will have a look.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Support is Always Available

Please click the image to enlarge.

Click HERE for PDF.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Brunei: Strays G15 & H15 Block - a reminder of the stray policy in BFB

A REMINDER to all in BFB.

The number one rule is to not feed stray animals unless want to adopt them. Adopting means  getting the stray animals neutered and with vaccinations etc so when leaving Brunei and deciding to leave the animal behind, it remains as one stray (not an additional litter of kittens/puppies).

All BFB personnel should understand that by feeding stray animals they are encouraging them to be dependent on food/shelter, therefore the stray animals will linger around the area. Generally, when you remove the food source, stray animals will move on to other places in search of food. However, cats are hunters so it is also imperative that the swiftlets’ nests are removed as well by contacting DIO(B) Helpdesk.

There is no short-term or immediate solution to stray animals. All personnel must be constantly reminded of the implications and responsibilities that comes with feeding stray animals, not just to ‘feel good’.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE. 

Brunei: DIO - how to relight a pilot light on a gas boiler

 How to relight a pilot light on a gas boiler!

The recent gas supply outage has resulted in no hot water in many houses that have manual gas boilers. There are different types of gas boilers in our estate, and the pilot light in each must be ignited manually to resume the hot water supply. 

The QR code takes you to a video explaining how to relight the pilot light after outage for four different types of gas boilers in the BFB Estate. If you are still experiencing issues after this, please inform the DIO Helpdesk.

https://youtu.be/TTUC-822xFc

BRUNEI: Transitional mentoring for Service Leavers from SSAFA

SSAFA's mentors provide long-term, one-to-one, face-to-face support during transition and, for up to two years, post discharge. They work alongside the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army, the Royal Air Force and other key partners to provide this service.

The SSAFA mentor programme is well established in helping those who have recently left the forces, and their families, understand and prosper during the transition to civilian life. The mentors will provide reassurance in the face of an often daunting time. They will help you with confidence and relationship issues, particularly in relation to the differences between a military and civilian environment.

Please click here to find out more

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.