BELGIUM: Free Museums Sunday this Sunday!

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Month which can only mean one thing....

FREE Museums Sunday! Over 160 museums are available to visit at no charge whatsoever, so this is a perfect opportunity to explore everything from history and art to the weird and wonderful that makes Belgium a great place to live! Keep warm and dry in the Winter or Cool in the Summer and make the most of this brilliant cultural initiative.

Some popular museums still require you to book online to guarantee entry but entry will be free on the first Sunday of every month.

Check out the participating museums HERE. And do check their website for any reservation requirements.

Happy Exploring!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake comes to Forest for one day only, Sunday 1st February 2026

Experience Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake' performed by the International Festival Ballet this weekend.

This talented group of dancers hail from Ukraine, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States, and they bring international expertise and artistic mastery to each performance.

The Principal dancers include Elizaveta Bogutskaia, Anastasiia Milachenko, Nikita Moskalets, and Lorenzo Lodi.

WHEN: Sunday 1st February 2026

WHERE: Avenue Victor Rousseau 208, Forest

MORE INFORMATION & TICKETS 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Robbie Burns Night at the UK JOM, Friday 13th February 2026 18:30-00:30

Don't miss out on your Burns Night Tickets! On Sale now, until 6th February 2026. A traditional evening of Scottish fayre and fun.

WHEN: Friday 13th February 2026, 18:30-00:30
WHERE: UK JOM
WHO: Mess Members, Honorary & Associate Members and their guests
HOW:  Complete the form > Joint Officers' Mess Burns Night 2026 13 February 18:30 - 00:30 – Fill in form

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Free Monthly movies at The Hub - Saturday 7th February 2026

 

1-3pm on Saturday 7th February 2026

Bring your lawn chair or cozy blanket and immerse yourself in a cinematic experience. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and create lasting memories with your Family and Friends.

Open to U.S. and NATO ID card holders.
Cost: Free

Bistro open for food and beverage purchase between 11AM - 2PM.

Details for the Movie Matinee at the Hub

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunei: RAO Closure 28 - 30 January 2028

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BFB REGIMENTAL ACCOUNTANT’S OFFICE

1. The BFB Regimental Accountant’s office will be closed for business with effect
from Wednesday 28 January to Friday 30 January 2026.

2. Normal opening hours will resume on Monday 02 February 2026.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS CS - BFB Local Handmade & Food Stall Bazaar 24 April 2026 - Calling Vendors

Please scan the QR code above or follow the link to book a stall. 

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

SHAPE: Save the Date for the Big Events of 2026

Here are a few dates for your diaries! Don't miss out on these fantastic annual big events.

Due to reasons beyond CLO control, BRITFete will be a week later that originally planned, the new date will be Friday 26th June 2026.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Been Extended? Read On……

If you have been extended in your current role or promoted/transferred to a new role, please do visit the NSE to start the ball rolling on renewing your SHAPE and Protocol I.D.s

Just a gentle reminder that you will also need to inform DIO and Healix, renew your SOFA card and re-register any vehicles you may have. 

The NSE can signpost you as needed and SHAPE2Day (ArrivingLeaving: SHAPE ID/Extension) is also a very helpful starting point.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

Germany: Local Events Guide

Here are some events and activities to check out in the next week or so. Please double check local police and weather travel advisory notices whilst the chance of icy conditions persits on the roads. 

Regular events on camp:

Zumba classes three times a week in the Gym- Contact Sylvia lane for details. 

• Monday 1715-1815
• Tuesday 1245-1315
• Thursday 1245-1315

Art classes at the Loeseke Community Centre 1st and 8th Feb See booking details on the Garrison Facebook Page or contact the HIVE. Places are 10€ per person. 

Coffee Morning each Weds at Brydon House from 10:30 am.

Cinema Club Every Weds and Sunday at the WRVS cinema. this week is Wicked 2 

More Events......

Germany: St Boniface Garrison Church – February Services

As we settle into 2026 here in Sennelager, St Boniface Garrison Church continues to be a place of welcome, community, and reflection for serving personnel, families, and anyone connected to our British Forces community. February brings a full and meaningful programme of services, children’s activities, and opportunities to explore faith as we move toward Lent.

Below you’ll find everything happening this month across St Boniface and community locations. Whether you're a regular attendee, new to the area, or simply looking for a warm place to pause during the week—everyone is welcome.

🌟 February Services & Activities

📅 Sunday 1 February – 10:30

Family Communion with Sunday School

Theme: The Presentation of Christ

📍 St Boniface

A family-friendly service celebrating Jesus’ presentation at the Temple—perfect for all ages, with children’s groups running alongside.

📅 Sunday 8 February – 10:30

Holy Communion with Sunday School

Theme: Second Sunday before Lent

📍 St Boniface

A reflective service as we look ahead towards the Lent season, supported by our enthusiastic Sunday School team.

📅 Wednesday 11 February – 15:15

Children’s Church

Craft Activities

📍 St Boniface

An after-school creative session for children—crafts, fun, and a welcoming space to unwind midweek.

📅 Sunday 15 February – 10:30

Holy Communion with Sunday School

Theme: Sunday Next Before Lent

📍 St Boniface

Join us as we prepare spiritually for Lent through a warm, inclusive communion service.

📅 Sunday 22 February – 10:30

Holy Communion with Sunday School

Theme: First Sunday of Lent

📍 St Boniface

The beginning of the Lent journey. A meaningful service suitable for adults and families alike.

📅 Tuesday 24 February – 16:00

“Dust and Ashes!” – What Is Lent About?

📍 Community Centre

A relaxed, informative session exploring the meaning of Lent—ideal for anyone curious, families included. Expect discussion, activities, and space to bring your own questions.

☕ Children & Families Welcome

All services and events are family-friendly, and refreshments are provided at gatherings in Sennelager. Whether you’re bringing little ones, attending with friends, or coming solo, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment.

📞 Contact

If you have any questions about services, pastoral support, or upcoming events, please get in touch:

Padre Nick

📱 +49 1722 595317

Brunei: Army Mental Health Resources

Your life matters. Help is here. Real people, real support, anytime.

If you are struggling or are worried about a mate, reach out to get help or get them to talk to someone.

Support is always available!

Where to get help is in the AID booklet AID Suicide Prevention Booklet, AID Suicide Prevention Poster or:

Armed Forces Support Line 24/7 - Call 0800 323 4444

Samaritans 24/7 - Call 116 123

Text SHOUT to 85258 –Text messaging service, available 24/7

You can also speak to your family and friends who know you best, your Unit Medical Officer, Chain of Command, Unit Welfare Team or Padre.

Other information and resources can be found below. Some links will take you to Sharepoint so only Modnet users have access.

British Army - Ask For Help
Army Health and Wellbeing Defence Connect.
Vulnerable Service Persons
Mental Fitness and Resilience Toolbox ​

Ask, Intervene, Disclose - Suicide Prevention Support Guide​
​Ask, Intervene, Disclose - Suicide Prevention Poster​
​Protecting Grey Matter Poster​
​Support Is Always Available​
Army-Health Promotion - Home – Sharepoint page
Army Official Health and Wellbeing – Defence Connect
Army Health and Deployability – AKX

Remember TEAMWORK - ‘Stronger Together’. This is what makes us stronger together. #SupportIsStrength

Information provided by Brunei HIVE. 

Army Health and Wellbeing Campaign - #SupportIsStrength

 

Your life matters. Help is here. Real people, real support, anytime.

If you are struggling or are worried about a mate, reach out to get help or get them to talk to someone.

Support is always available!

Where to get help is in the AID booklet, available on the Army website at https://www.army.mod.uk/media/v4nn31fj/20260119-suicide-aid-booklet-ac64672.pdf Also available on Defence Connect via these links: AID Suicide Prevention Booklet , AID Suicide Prevention Poster or:

Armed Forces Support Line 24/7 - Call 0800 323 4444

Samaritans 24/7 - Call 116 123

Text SHOUT to 85258 –Text messaging service, available 24/7

You can also speak to your family and friends who know you best, your Unit Medical Officer, Chain of Command, Unit Welfare Team or Padre.

Other information and resources to support can be found at: British Army - Ask For Help,  Army Health and Wellbeing Defence Connect.

#SupportIsStrength #BritishArmy #AskForHelp

SHAPE: International Coffee and Conversation presents.... Funco! Wednesday 28th January 2026, 13:00-14:30

International Coffee and Conversation this week is Funco.

If you haven't played this brilliant dice game yet, get yourself along this Wednesday, it really is a lot of fun.

WHEN: Wednesday 28th January 2026, 13:00-14:30
WHERE: SHAPE International Chapel

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Germany: Hike with the Bad Lippspringe Group & Paderborn Groups

If you would like to join local hikes of 7 to 8 km from Bad Lippspringe Paderborn with the Eggegebirge Hiking group. A bus takes the group to a location and the whole route is guided. 

Registration is not required and the cost of the bus per person 12€ for guests and 10€ for members.

The dates of the next hikes are:

• Wed, 28.01.2026 ,  13:15
• Wed, 04.02.2026 ,  13:15
• Wed, 11.02.2026 ,  13:15
• Wed, 18.02.2026 ,  13:15
• Wed, 25.02.2026 ,  13:15

You can find the details for the hiking club on their website here 

Image copyright 

Germany: Step By Step Paderborn 42 km hike 31st Jan

Step by Step is designed to provide a challenging hiking distance across the cities of Germany. Each event is carefully planned with a circular route. Refreshments and a finishing medal are included in the registration fee. 

With our marches ranging from 25 to over 100 km, we offer you the unique opportunity to discover new cities and regions while challenging yourself. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, our events are suitable for everyone. Sign up and take on the challenge.

The enjoyment we got from participating in extreme marches ourselves gave us the idea to make this experience possible for many others.

Gibraltar: Walking Tours of the Northern Defences

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust have announced a series of walking tours of the Northern Defences in collaboration with Fortress Attractions Gibraltar. Tours of the complex, which comprises of medieval, 18th and 19th century military defences through to WWII installations, will be led by Carl Viagas who continues to lead on the task of recovering the site for public benefit.

The tours will take place on the last friday of each month, with the first taking place this Friday 30th January. Attendance is free but booking via the Gibraltar Heritage Trust is essential.  Call now to book your spot and see firsthand this awe inspiring  feat of defensive engineering.

Please note that photography and video recording may take place during this first tour for promotional and social media purposes. 

For more information, please visit www.gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi 

SHAPE: Coffee & Croissants in the Britbar, Saturday 31st January 2026 10:00-11:00

It's the last Saturday of the Month which can only mean one thing.....

Join us in the Britbar for refreshments post-parkrun, pre- or post-dog walk or in preparation to hit the shops.

WHEN: Saturday 31st January 2026, 10:00-11:00

WHERE: The Britbar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: BRAFA Art Fair, Saturday 24 January to Sunday 1st February 2026

BRAFA Art Fair is back for 2026 for its 71st Edition.

Here you will find 147 galleries from 19 countries presenting some exceptional pieces of art. An eclectic collection of antiques, ceramics, jewellery, modern & contemporary art and Old Master paintings to name a few, there will be something for all admirers of art.

In addition to taking in the exhibits, you can enjoy Art Talks from internationally renowned curators, art experts and leading figures as well as hearing from the King Baudouin Foundation who will speak daily at 14:00 about a specific masterpiece. There will also be a surprise concert each noon from talented young musicians.

WHEN: Saturday 24 January until Sunday 1st February 2026
WHERE: Brussels Expo, Place de Belgique 1, 1020 Brussels
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.brafa.art/en and BRAFA Art Fair - The Bulletin

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SSAFA Health Watch Week - Helping Armed Forces families build healthy routines beyond the winter months

Winter and the start of a new year often prompt reflection on health and wellbeing. For Armed Forces families living overseas, maintaining healthy routines can be shaped by different environments, food availability and the pressures of service life.

Through its Community Health Team, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity supports families overseas by focusing on practical, sustainable approaches to health that can be maintained throughout the year. Rather than short-term fixes, the emphasis is on building everyday habits that fit around family life.

SHAPE: The First Home Nation Match Italy vs Scotland, Saturday 7th February 2026, 15:10

Don't miss the first Home Nation Match at the Britbar.

WHO: Italy vs.Scotland

WHEN: Saturday 7th February 2026, 15:10
WHERE: The Britbar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunei: NAAFI - Frozen food offer running from Monday 26 January to Monday 1 February 2026

Naafi great value frozen food offer starting Monday 26th January to 1st February 2026, Naafi welcomes you!

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

BELGIUM: Belgium National Rugby Team Games in Mons this February, tickets still available

Calling all Rugby Fans.....

The Belgium National Rugby Team are playing 2 games in February in Mons!

• Saturday 7th February 2026 - Belgium v Portugal
• Saturday 21st February 2026 - Belgium v Germany

Tickets still available, starting from around 17 EUROs for adults and even less for under 12’s.

MORE INFORMATION: See https://www.rugby.be/


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE, with thanks to Barry!

BELGIUM: Official parkrun at SHAPE, Every Saturday, 08:45 for 09:00 start

Did you know SHAPE has its own official parkrun? The only parkrun in Belgium no less. As a closed event it is only open to Shapians and their sponsored guests but it is held weekly on camp, departing from behind the Continental Mess. 

parkrun is held every Saturday, whatever the weather (as long as it is deemed safe by the run director that week) and welcomes all nationalities, all ages and all abilities. Volunteers are needed too, so even if you don't fancy walking, jogging or running the 5km course, you are still welcome to join the parkrun community by volunteering to support this fabulous event.

What's more, parkrun is FREE and a fabulous way to meet new friends. Follow their Facebook Page to keep on top of what is occurring.

The parkrun group are an international, welcoming, friendly, sociable and most importantly supportive group who are always keen to have new participants join the fold.

If you want to take part or get involved in volunteering, simply turn up on a Saturday at 08:45 or email SHAPE@parkrun.com.

See you there!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Inspire to Lead, Understanding Neurodiversity, Online Session Tuesday 3rd February 2026, 09:30-14:30

Inspire to Lead February session....Understanding Neurodiversity.

This is an in-person workshop that explores how the needs of neurodivergent children, young people and adults are often overlooked, misunderstood or both. Debunk common myths and pick up some useful tips that will help you to be inclusive of difference both at work and in day-to-day life.

WHEN: Tuesday 3rd February 2026, 09:30-14:30

WHERE: via Teams

HOW: Sign-up with Zak on Zakia.Yousaf100@mod.gov.uk by 28th January 2026.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Gibraltar: Commemorating the centenary of the discovery of a Neanderthal child's skull

The second Neanderthal skull to have been found in Gibraltar was excavated by Dorothy Garrod from Devil’s Tower Cave one hundred years ago, 1926. The skull belonged to a four-year-old Neanderthal boy. In recent years, after the wonderful forensic reconstruction done for the Gibraltar National Museum by the Dutch brothers Kennis & Kennis, leaders in this field, the Neanderthal child has been known as Flint. Flint has become a household name, popular in particular with schoolchildren visiting the museum. 

The Gibraltar National Museum will be marking this landmark year with a series of events which will culminate with a milestone Calpe Conference to be held in Gibraltar from the 1st to the 6th of September. Major researchers and speakers in the field of human evolution, and Neanderthals in particular, will be presenting the latest findings at the conference, which is also seen as marking a pivotal moment in which we will be able to reflect on how our understanding of these ancient humans has changed in recent years. In this respect, the work carried out in Gibraltar has been critical in changing our views of the Neanderthals and their cognitive capacities. 

This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the inscription of the Gorham’s Cave Complex on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the first and only time that a site in Gibraltar has received such a major international accolade. The celebration of this particular anniversary, for a site that is the only World Heritage Site to be exclusively dedicated to the Neanderthals, will fit in well into the overall centenary theme. 

A series of events are being organized for the year, and details of these will be released during the course of the year. They will include a special themed museum open day on the 9th of May and a specific highlighting of the day of the discovery itself – the 11th June. A new set of displays is also expected for the museum. The commemoration of the inscription of the Gorham’s Cave Complex will be marked during the Calpe Conference, which will guarantee the presence of an international, as well as local, audience. 

SSAFA Health Watch Week - How SSAFA helps make parental mental wellbeing part of everyday family life overseas

How SSAFA helps make parental mental wellbeing part of everyday family life overseas

Living overseas can place additional pressures on parents in Armed Forces families. Separation from extended family, cultural differences and frequent change can all affect emotional wellbeing, particularly during pregnancy and the early years of parental life.

Through its Community Health Team, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, supports parental mental wellbeing overseas by embedding conversations about emotional health into everyday care. Rather than treating mental health as a separate issue, this approach recognises it as part of routine antenatal, postnatal and family support.

Gibraltar: GibSams Volunteer Recruitment

Become a GibSams Listener

GibSams is once again calling on members of the community to step forward and consider becoming a Listener Volunteer. If you have the compassion to listen and the willingness to support others, you could make a lasting impact in someone’s life. We desperately need new volunteers so anything you can do to help us spread the word would be valued.

We are currently recruiting for our next cohort of Listener Volunteers, with two Selection Days scheduled for Wednesday 28th January and Wednesday 11th February 2026.

What is a Listener Volunteer?

GibSams Listener Volunteers offer emotional support to anyone experiencing distress, loneliness, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. As a Listener, you’ll provide a confidential, non-judgemental space where people can talk openly, often for the first time. You don’t need formal experience or qualifications. What we’re looking for is empathy, a calm and respectful presence, and a genuine desire to help others.

Selection and Training

Selection Day is an informal, supportive session where we introduce you to the role and learn more about you. If selected, our highly experienced training team will guide you through a comprehensive Training Programme where you’ll learn new, transferrable skills and be supported every step of the way.

Get Involved

Selection Evenings: Wednesday 28th January & Wednesday 11th February (both between 5-9pm)

To register your interest in either of these days, please email Lisa at: volunteer@gibsams.gi

BRUNEI: Climb Mount Kinabalu with Mira and make a difference by supporting the Gurkha Museum

Greetings all! l am gearing up to tackle Mount Kinabalu in support of the Gurkha Museum and I would love for you to join me on this meaningful journey. Together, we can train, enjoy some great moments, challenge ourselves and make a positive difference along the way. If you're interested in being part of this inspiring endeavour, feel free to reach out on WhatsApp +673 8371451.

About Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, located in Sabah, Malaysia, is one of Southeast Asia’s most famous peaks and part of Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its highest point, Low’s Peak, reaches 4,095m above sea level, offering spectacular views and the chance to see sunrise from near the summit.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFSWS - Safeguarding Course Dates

Safeguarding courses in March.

1. L2 on the 10th of March

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

2. L3 on the 12th of March

(L3 is designed for those who are in roles requiring decision-making, supervision or leadership responsibilities in safeguarding children.)

BFSWS will be running a face to face safeguarding L2 and L3 again this March 12th and 10th 2026. If you have any member who need to do this course, kindly book through Rachana Poudel rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com

BELGIUM: Do you have Secondary School Age Children? Please Read...

Do you have a child of Secondary School Age, either at British School of Brussels or a British Boarding School? Have you received this letter to your Belgian home address?

If so, if they are at BSB, please complete the following section, sign it and email/drop the form to Host Nation Liaison Officer Nadia in the Community Office:

If you have received the letter and your child(ren) are at Boarding School, please complete this section, add proof of registration at the school for this academic year and sign the form, then email/drop it to Host Nation Liaison Officer Nadia in the Community Office:

If you have any questions, do pop into the Community Office and chat to us.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Family Welfare Matters Newsletter – Jan 2026 Issue Out Now

 

For more information on any of the Family Welfare Matters content, please contact your nearest HIVE or our HQ on: RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox (MULTIUSER) RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

The Families Hub – an information portal to help navigate Service family life

The Families Hub – which signposts to information, support and organisations to help navigate all stages of Service family life – has launched.

For the first time, Armed Forces families will be able to access a “one stop shop” digital platform – which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations – to help you navigate Service family life.

The Families Hub is for all Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) families and personnel – from the moment of entering the Forces, through to leaving.

Visit the Families Hub today and explore a range of topics, including partner support, housing, health and wellbeing, childcare and finance.

Families Hub – empowering you to make informed choices about Service life

Armed Forces families are at the heart of the Defence community and play a crucial role in making sure that Defence is secure at home and strong abroad. Being in the Armed Forces community can be highly rewarding, but it can come with challenges, particularly in times of deployment and separation.

The Hub will direct you to a breadth of family friendly Defence policies and organisations that provide support, to help you face the unique demands of Service life.

See what help is available:

Gibraltar: 2026 Youth Arts Jamboree

Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), on behalf of the Ministry for Culture, is pleased to announce the 2026 Youth Arts Jamboree programme, which will take place throughout the months of February and March. As in previous years the aim of the Jamboree is to offer insights and opportunities in the arts, whilst inspiring young people to get involved and promote the industry. This year’s programme will include tours of our Galleries and Street Art, cultural competitions, a Mayoral Open Day, World Book Day and other literary, music and dance celebrations as well as various interactive workshops.

New this year will be a Youth Saturday in Town, that will bring together many young performers as well as the popular GFA playmakers programme.

Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, The Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP said: “I am a firm supporter of any event that celebrates and promotes the arts, and especially, as in this case, aimed at inspiring young people to join in. I’m sure this year’s Jamboree programme will prove as popular as in previous years.”

For more information, please contact the GCS Development Unit on 20041839 or email development@culture.gov.gi

Here is the full programme of events and activities:

SHAPE: Valentine's Edition Quiz at the Britbar, Tuesday 10 February 2026 at 19:00

The Britbar Quiz is back! 

WHEN: Tuesday 10th February 2026, at the new time of 19:00
WHERE: The Britbar

Share the Valentines Love, come along with a team or join one when you arrive and see how much you know about the subject of Valentines and lurve!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: Supply Teacher Cover Supervisor - Closing Date 27 February 2026

Supply Teacher Cover Supervisor Positions
at British Forces School Naples

The British Forces School Naples caters for children aged between 3 and 11 years. TQCS work is on a zero-hours contract as the nature of the need is ad-hoc. This is due to covering short term absences of class teachers for part or full days for emergency and planned cover, or subject to mutual agreement, longer-term absences.

Main duties are:

• Teach classes, when required, to cover for staff absence and ensure that pupils make good progress.

• Deploy appropriate behaviour management strategies in line with school policy ensuring that children learn effectively

• Encourage and support pupils to develop their personal wellbeing.

• Adhere to the school policies to ensure consistency of practice

• Sustain a safe environment and employ safeguarding practices that promote children’s health, safety and wellbeing.

Applicants must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning Skills Status (QTLS) to be recognised as a fully qualified teacher. Some qualifications, without QTS, which are appropriate and recognised, can result in applicants able to be employed on the unqualified teacher rate. They must have a good standard of spoken and written English, be able to show initiative, work unsupervised, be flexible and have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Experience of working in international, UK or MOD Schools is essential

Applications are invited from suitably qualified dependents who hold Full Provision status in accordance with EJSU SO 1023 and have at least 8 months remaining at Naples. Full job descriptions and application forms may be obtained by sending an email to – CPO Italy via the address: GSO-Italy-LEC_HRRecruitment@mod.gov.uk

The employment contract will be for zero hours per week and the rate of pay is € 27.44 per hour worked for qualified teachers and € 17.04 for unqualified. This hourly rate includes holiday pay.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Recruiting Now - Supply Learning Support Assistant 2 or 2Q (Qualified) Closing Date 27/02/2026

 

Dependant Employment Vacancy

Supply Learning Support Assistant at BFS 2 or 2Q Qualified.

Job purpose

To work under the instruction/guidance of teaching/senior staff to undertake work/ care/ support programmes, to enable access to learning for pupils and to assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom. The post holder may be required to work in any class at the school or outside the main teaching areas including off site as directed by the Head Teacher.

The role also involves delivering programmes of teaching and learning activities for children identified as needing additional support, including support programs aimed at providing for the social and emotional needs of pupils within the school.

You will need to enjoy working with children and be a good team member as well as being flexible and reliable.

Safer recruitment practice will be followed, and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

This post requires a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service which will be arranged for the successful applicants also the successful applicants will be expected to undergo Security clearance checks.

The initial annualised monthly rate of pay for an unqualified LSA2 – 1 is € 1,158.50 whilst the annualised monthly rate of pay for a qualified LSA2-1 is € 1,332.25 per month based on the current 25-hour week.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified dependents who hold Full Provision status in accordance with EJSU SO 1023 and have at least 8 months remaining at Naples. Full job descriptions and application forms may be obtained by sending an email to – CPO Italy via the address: GSO-Italy-LEC_HRRecruitment@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

SHAPE: 6 Nations Home Nations showings at the Britbar

If you are a Rugby Fan and cannot wait for the Six Nations to start, this will be music to your ears.

The Britbar will be showing some of the Six Nations matches this year; however, we will be relying on volunteers to run the bar for these events, so if we can’t get the volunteers we can’t open.

If you would like to come along, serve some drinks whilst cheering on the Home Nations and watch the game with friends, join our volunteers WhatsApp group. We promise you will have fun!

Join the WhatsApp Group here:

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Britbar Community Openings February and March

What is the best way to spend Friyay afternoon? At the Britbar Community Opening of course! Here are the dates for the next couple of months...

All welcome!
Wearing your uniform? No worries, its all the same to us!

WHEN: Fridays 6th & 20th February and March, 15:30 - 18:30
WHERE: The Brit Bar

See you there!


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: Carnevale Season - February

 

February is carnevale season in Italy and the most famous events of all held in Venice with celebrations set to run from January 31st to February 17th 2026.

But Venice is not the only part of Italy famous for its carnival celebrations; there's the famous parade of papier mache floats and political caracutures in Viareggio and an annual orange fight in Ivrea among others.

From Sicily to Tuscany to Marche, the main events and the dates are listed below.

Fano - February 16th, 24th and March 2nd - The sweetest of the festivals

Viareggio - February 8th, 16th,22nd,27th March 2nd 4th - The Masked Parade

Cento - February 16th, 23rd, March 2nd,9th ad 16th - Twinned with Rio de Janeiro

Sciacca - February 22nd,23rd,28th, March 1st, 2nd - Burning of the Carnival King

Ivrea - March 2nd -4th - Annual Orange fight

Acireale - February 15th, 16th,22nd,23rd, March 2nd,3rd - Elaborate flower/light parades

Putignano - February 16th,22nd March 2nd 4th - One of Europes oldest and longest

 Information Provided by NAPLES HIVE                                                                                                                                                                            

NAPLES: Little Passport with NATO - Learn about different cultures

 

Have you been to the library yet? Its absolutely beautiful!

Look out for the FREE event designed for children aged 6 - 14 years old.

Come and learn about NATO community culture, their countries, history, language, food, traditions etc

First Country to discuss - CANADA

When: Saturday 14 February 2026

Where: JFC Library

Time: 10.00am - 14.00 pm

Registration limited to 20 only - For further details Click Here

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Is this the romantic view on Earth?

 

Most travellers visit the Amalfi Coast for the beaches of Positano or the lively streets of Amalfi. But if you want to find the true soul of the coast, you have to go much higher.

Welcome to Ravello, the City of Music and romance. Ravello sits 365 metres above the sea and hidden in the medieval town lies a place that feels like a dream : Villa Cimbrone.

Walking through its gate is like stepping back in time. You wander through beautiful English style gardens, past blooming wisteria, ancient temples and marble statues, until the path suddenly pens up to the sky.

The Infinity Terrace (Terraxxa dell'Infinito) This isn't just a balcony. It is a masterpiece of nature and architecture. Lined with 18th century marble busts, the terrace offers a view so vast that the blue sea melts into the sky.

Describes as "the most beautiful place in the world" it has been a hideaway for the elite for decades . From Great Garbo, who famously eloped here in 1983 to find privacy to Winston Churchill and Virginia Woolf. They all came here for the same reasons: the silence and the view.
What will you go for?

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

Brunssum: Welpen International - Dutch Girl Scouts

 

Membership is 10 euros per month.
For more information please email welpeninternational@gmail.com

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Give Us Time: Latest Update now published

Give Us Time’s latest briefing includes details of tickets for the Birmingham International Tattoo in February, and all remaining March breaks.

To find out more please go to: www.giveustime.org.uk

Brunssum: Opening a Bank Account in the Netherlands for Internationals

 

There will be many factors that influence your decision when looking to open a Dutch bank account, from the bank’s accessibility in English to special features.

For information on what to consider when choosing a bank account; online accounts, traditional banks and pros and cons for each, visit:

https://dutchreview.com/expat/best-banks-expats-netherlands/

If you're looking for some banking options the below are available in the Netherlands:

• ABN AMRO
• Bunq
• ING
• N26
• Revolut

For those with an ABN AMRO bank account please note: if you do not open your bank account as instructed below you maybe liable to pay Dutch tax.