BELGIUM: The Urban Trail Series 2026

Have you heard of the Urban Trail Series Belgium? It really is the best way to see a city.....  

An Urban Trail is an experiential running event where participants — whether walkers, joggers or runners and anything in between — follow a mapped route ranging between 7 and 13km that takes them through streets, hidden alleys, historic sites and even inside notable buildings in towns and cities across the country.

Over the past two years, we as a family, including our (then) 8 and 9 year old daughter have thoroughly enjoyed these events.

This year, the series calendar includes major dates such as:

Brussels: 28 June 2026 — discover the Belgian capital’s heritage on foot in distances typically ranging from around 7 km to 12 km.
Ghent: 25 October 2026 — another chance to experience one of Flanders’ most historic cities in a uniquely engaging way.
Antwerp: 15 November 2026 — weaving through landmark locations in the port city.

Mechelen: 12 December 2026 — a night-time event closing out the series in this scenic city north of Brussels.

Having participated in the Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp events, I can honestly say they are thoroughly enjoyable and truly unique and we are looking forward to ending our Belgian stay with Brussels Urban Trail 2026.

In each event in the series you will see the cities as you’ve never seen them before — running or walking along routes that pass theatres, museums, tunnels, stadia and other urban treasures, with a focus on atmosphere and discovery rather than competition. 

Complete with Hydration stations, waved start times and festive post-run vibes these events are welcoming for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. It is no wonder that Urban Trails have become a distinctive and popular fixture in Belgium’s outdoor activity culture; encouraging people to be active, exploring familiar cities in new ways, and enjoying the blend of urban heritage and sporting fun throughout the year.

See you in Brussels!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: FestiFood, Winter Edition, This Weekend and Next, Mons

The Winter Edition of FestiFood takes place this weekend and next.

Under a large, heated marquee and for a very reasonable price, you will be able to taste some well-known Belgian gastronomy. All whilst having a great time with family and friends in a nice atmosphere.

There will be 11 different delicious dishes to choose from, prepared by six famous “Top Chefs” from the area (three of them are listed in the Michelin Guide).

WHEN: Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March and Friday 6 March to Sunday 8 March 2026.
Open 1700 to midnight on Friday, 1200 to midnight on Saturday & 1200 to 2300 on Sunday.
WHERE: The Grand Place, Mons

HOW MUCH: FREE Entrance, each dish costs 12 € (except opening night when each dish costs 10 €). Desserts are 10 €.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit the website https://www.festifoodrtl.be/festifood-hiver.
ANYTHING ELSE: Happy Hour on Friday 27 February from 1700 to 1800; Buy one drink, get one free.

Bon appétit!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Rail & Bus Strikes and National Demonstrations planned for March and April

Please be advised that another round of strikes are incoming...

A rail strike will take place from Sunday 8 March at 22:00 to Wednesday 11 March at 22:00, socialist union ACOD Spoor announced on Wednesday.

It applies to the entire network and all locations of SNCB-NMBS, Infrabel, and HR Rail.

A national demonstration is planned in Brussels on 12 March, the day after the new rail strike.

De Lijn Brussels bus lines, has also issued a strike notice from Monday 16 to Friday 20 March, days of action (1-day strikes) are West Flanders, Antwerp Province, Flemish Brabant, Limburg and East Flanders.

The second week of action, from Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April, the action will take place alternately in Flemish Brabant, Limburg and Antwerp Province from Tuesday to Thursday while on Friday staff will strike in both East and West Flanders.

Please plan your travels and TDY accordingly.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Make-A-Wish Bowling Tournament, Saturday 9 May 2026, Submissions open now

New for 2026, in support of Make-A-Wish, is the Bowling Tournament.

Why not get a team together and hit the lanes to raise some money for a fantastic charity.

WHEN: Saturday 9 May 2026, 12:30 for 13:00 start
WHERE: SHAPE Pizza Bowl
HOW: Submit your team by 20 April, contact shapebowling@gmail.com for more information


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: BSB Vice Principal Collaboration Visit, Monday 23rd March 13:30-14:30 in the BritBar

If you are a parent or prospective parent of a child(ren) at BSB, don't miss this Visit from the Vice Principal, Whole School Head of Enrichment and Student Journeys Officer.

This is a fabulous opportunity to gain insights into daily life at BSB, hear about and share family's experiences and strengthen the connections between our community and BSB.

WHEN: Monday 23 March 2026, 13:30-14:30
WHERE: The BritBar, Building 309
HOW: Secure your place by emailing Joanne.Cann101@mod.gov.uk

Limited Spaces Available!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Save the Date for the Army v Navy Rugby, Saturday 2nd May 2026

SAVE THE DATE!

WHAT: Army v Navy Rugby Showing with a Curry
WHEN: Saturday 2nd May 2026
WHERE: The BritBar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Fruhlingsfest and Oster Fun Events

The weather seems to be picking up and there are lots of fairs and events to explore this week and through March into Easter.

This list is a mix of events close to home and others with a longer journey time. Check the website links for full details and parking guides. train tickets can be booked online with DB here.

27th Feb - 2nd Mar Datteln - Drive time 1 hr 24 mins

Fireworks on Saturday night, Sunday shopping hours 1300 - 1800, family day is on Monday with cheaper ride tickets.

7th - 15th Mar Munster Send - Drive time 1hr 30 mins This event, held three times a year, is always a great experience for the whole family. The spring Send in Münster typically runs from the third Saturday after the start of Lent (Ash Wednesday) to the fourth Sunday after the start of Lent.

Image Stadt Munster

SHAPE: Six Nations Home Games for March

The March Home Nations Fixtures being shown in the BritBar...

Come along to cheer on your home team with friends and a drink or two.

If you fancy volunteering behind the bar whilst watching the games, please do reach out to the CLOs!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Naples: When in Italy - Italian habits to make life sweeter

 

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

Naples: Summer is coming - The beaches are open

 

The weather is changing and spring is in the air.

The beaches are open. 

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

Naples: Man with a Van

 

As Summer approaches and the movers arrive, it's always useful to have a contact who can help you move the furniture that you acquire.

Recommended by members of our community, here is a number which may be useful to you.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: Temporary Closure Of Dental Centre

Notice

1. The DENTAL CENTRE will be CLOSED until further notice because of significant outage. 

2. Patients who have appointments will be contacted in due course.

3. For any URGENT queries or issues, please contact the Dental Centre for triage.

4. Out of hours emergency care will be supported by KB Hospital. 


Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BELGIUM: Car Park Closed at Braine-le-Comte Station, Monday 2nd March until late-June 2026

If you are travelling from Braine-le-Comte station, please be aware that due to Roadworks, the car parking will be closed from Monday 2nd March until the end of June 2026.

Season tickets holders for this car park will have access to alternative parking at Chemin de Feluy during this time. This is not available for users without a parking season ticket however.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Incredible Ski Offer, until 9 April 2026

Love to Ski? Don't miss this incredible offer...

WHAT: 10% Discount on a room booking.  Rooms also come with a FREE Ski Pass for 2 hours, FREE use of hotel gym, FREE Parking, FREE WIFI, Reduced Rate Breakfast
WHERE: The Alpine Hotel, Landgraf, the Netherlands
WHEN: Until 9th April 2026, hopefully longer

WHO: Open to all

WHY: The question should be Why Not? A night away, a bit of skiing or explore the locality
MORE INFORMATION: shapewintersports@gmail.com

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Arts and Crafts Centre March Programme for Adults

The March Arts & Crafts Calendar for Adults has arrived.... 

Please do sign-up in advance to book your place and to avoid disappointment, don't delay!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Recruit for Spouses March Programme for Training and Education

Recruit for Spouses has released it's latest events and career programmes available throughout March. If you’re looking for training or support with your next step, there are a range of opportunities to explore. 

 

To register your interest, 

Sign in to the RFS Portal:  https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in 
Or email: info@recruitforspouses.co.uk 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES : Lego Exhibition in Rome

 

For those who enjoy Lego...

Mostra di Modelli Construiti con Mattoncini (Roma, Via d'Aracoeli)

Europe's largest 1500 m2, 15 million bricks. Monumental supermodels, art and design. 8 minutes from the Colosseum. The perfect night out : Book now.

Lego Exhibition

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Togetherness - Emotional Resilience for the everyday

 

A fantastic tool to support families with lots of free courses to sign up too.

Click on the QR code to register - so much support for you.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

PAPAYA – ‘Kids and their tech’

 

An invitation to a talk with Dr Suzie Davies (CEO and Founder of PAPAYA) about ‘Kids and their tech’ - further details are available on the attached posters.

There is an opportunity to join the event live online via Teams:

Tuesday 3rd March, 7.00pm–8.30pm (Central European Time)

 

This event is not just for parents or carers - it is for anyone curious about the latest research on screen use, digital wellbeing, and practical ways to navigate life in our rapidly evolving digital age. Dr Davies brings insight, warmth, and practical strategies that resonate with all of us, no matter our background or experience.

 As this session is expected to fill up quickly, please email Zakia.yousaf100@mod.gov.uk soon as possible if you would like to receive the online Teams link to ensure your place is reserved.

NAPLES: Concerti Candlelight a Napoli

 

Looking for something different?

Further information HERE

How about Concert by Candlelight/

Queen vs Abba

When: 8 March 2026

Where: Agora Morelli

Cost: 29 Euros

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE 

NAPLES: Coming Soon - Naples Boat Show - 18-22 March 2026

 

The Napoli Boat Show will be held from March 18 - 22, 2026 at the Marina di Stabia in the Gulf of Naples, Italy. This premier event focuses on a "ready to sea" format, featuring luxury yachts, motorboats and sailing boats available for immediate sea trials.

When: March 18-22, 2026

Where: Marina di Stabia, Castellammare di Stabia (NA) Italy

Tickets: General Admission is 22 Euros

Focus; All boats in water for trials.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE.

NAPLES: Lets talk about kids and their tech

 

An invitation to attend a fascinating and timely talk with Dr Suzie Davies live on Teams.

When : Tuesday 3rd March 7pm - 8.30pm (Central European Time)

This event is not just for parents or carers - it is for anyone curious about the latest research on screen use, digital wellbeing, and practical ways to navigate life in our rapidly evolving digital age. 

Dr Davies brings insight, warmth, and practical strategies that resonate with all of us, no matter our background or experience.

Book your place quickly.

Information provided by Naples HIVE

BRUNEI: ASU Closure - Monday 02nd March - Friday 13th March 2026

Please be informed that ASU will be closed for two weeks from 02nd March 2026 to 13th March 2026 to conduct our year-end stocktake.

During this period, we will not be handling any external work or processing new requests.

Normal operations will resume on 16th March 2026. Should you have any urgent matters prior to the closure, please contact us NLT 26th February 2026.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Army HIVE: Help with navigating MOD and Army Policy is available.

Army HIVE staff, wherever they are based worldwide, all have access to MODnet and are thereby able to source both MOD and Army policy documents to support customer enquiries.

Often, the answers that our customers need on topics like entitlements, allowances, eligibility and access to services are contained within JSPs (Joint Service Publications), DINs (Defence Instructions and Notices), ABNs (Army Briefing Notes), and AGAIs (Army General and Admin Instructions). Whilst these can all be accessed internally by MODnet users, and some JSPs are published externally on Gov.uk, knowing which policy the required guidance is contained within - and where to find it in the document - is not always that easy.

Career Transition Partnership: 2026 Employment Fairs – UK-wide dates and locations

CTP Employment Fairs are open to:

Service leavers
Veterans
Reservists
Partners and spouses

To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

BFSWS: Reasons to Not Smack Your Children

 

BRUNEI: Bingo - Friday 27 February, 1900 hrs @ Patio Bar

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Holi Puja - Monday 2 March 2026, 1700 – 1830 hrs @ BFB Temple

Holi is the festival of Colours. The significance of Colours: The bright colour represent the arrival of Spring and new life. Specific colours carry meanings: Red (love/fertility), Yellow (spring/prosperity), Blue (Krishna), and Green (new beginnings). Some families hold religious ceremonies, but for many, Holi is more a time for fun. We encourage everyone come together and celebrate the colours evening.

What: Holi celebration
When: Mon 2 March at 1700 – 1830hrs
Who: All available BFB personnel. Families are most welcome.
Where: BFB Temple.

Dress: Civilian - Due to mosquito bite long sleeves are recommended.

Significance of Holi Festival:

Holi is one of the most colourful and vibrant festivals celebrated in Nepal. With ancient origins, the tradition of Holi has been followed for decades. The festival holds religious importance and is associated with numerous mythological stories. One popular tale is that of Radha and Lord Krishna, where he playfully applied colour to Radha's cheek, sparking the tradition of playing with colours. The festival's significance remains strong, encompassing cultural, social, and biological aspects of life.

Connected to the Holika legend, during this spring festival, people recall the rescue of Devotee Prahlad from death by fire on Holika's lap. Each year, bundles of wood are burnt at night to reenact this scene, symbolising the belief that those who love God will be saved while those who harm devotees will perish. Through throwing vermilion powder and splashing coloured water, people celebrate this joyous occasion in a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Serve & Protect Credit Union – Upcoming March Webinars

🌍 Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills

Date: 05 March 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM

What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet!


☔ Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters

Date: 11 March 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM

What to Expect: Understand why financial resilience matters and hear some simple, practical tips to help you improve it.

BELGIUM: Neurodiversity (Virtual) Support Group in development

Following the positive reception of the recent Inspire to Lead Session on Neurodiversity, Zak is currently exploring the idea of a monthly virtual support group. 

Are you navigating neurodiversity as a parent, spouse, colleague, friend or personally? Would you benefit from a space to continue to learn, share experiences or access helpful support and resources?

Please do take this opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas by scanning the QR code in the poster above or clicking this LINK.

This is a fabulous chance to get involved and shape this new group as it evolves.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: BFBS Viewing Equipment Agreement

BFBS VIEWING EQUIPMENT AGREEMENT

1.BFBS has provided you with satellite receiving equipment including a BFBS Set Top Box, Viewing Card, CAM Module, remote control, connecting leads and, where applicable, satellite dish or similar (hereinafter referred to in any combination as the “Equipment”).

2. The Equipment is loaned solely for personal use by you and your family members and only at the registered address. It belongs to BFBS and must be returned promptly when requested, at the end of a tour, posting or on March-out. It must not be disposed of, sold, lent, hired, given to any third party or taken with you. Failure to return the equipment when required, may result in a charge or conviction on your military record.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Sale or Gifting of Alcohol to Non-Entitled Personnel

SALE OR GIFTING OF ALCOHOL TO NON-ENTITLED PERSONNEL

1. All BFB entitled personnel are to be aware of the local and Syariah law’s in regard to alcohol (listed below). Under no circumstances are entitled BFB personnel to gift or sell alcohol to non-entitled personnel, there is zero tolerance and disciplinary will be taken against any entitled persons if they are found to be selling or gifting alcohol to non-entitled personnel.

2. Syariah Penal Code Order 2013.

a. Intoxicating Drinks.

(1) 104 (6) Any non-Muslim who sells, advertises, serves, offers, gives as a present or exhibits any liquor or intoxicating drink to a Muslim is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $8,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or both.

b. Penalty For Sale Etc. Of Intoxicating Liquor.

(1) 151. Any person who sells or offers for sale, or permits to be sold or offered for sale, or has in his possession for sale any intoxicating liquor otherwise than in accordance with a licence to sell by retail issued under section 78 shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or both.

3. Summary.

The sale of alcohol is illegal and anybody selling alcohol without a licence is guilty of an offence that will result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years or both.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Re-sale of Entitled Tax-Free Items

RE-SALE OF ENTITLED TAX FREE ITEMS

The re-sale of items purchased from the NAAFI retail facility to the local population is strictly prohibited under the Exchange of Notes, between the UK Gov and HM the Sultan. BFB personnel are entitled to tax free goods for their sole consumption or use, this does not extend outside of BFB personnel. Those found selling goods purchased from the NAAFI retail facility will be classed as profiteering from the sale of tax free goods and evading revenue payments. This is not to happen. Disciplinary action may be taken against those found knowingly doing this.

ALCOHOL

1. As a special concession, the sale of the duty free alcohol to a member of the British Armed Forces is permitted in Brunei. Alcohol is to be purchased by entitled personnel only and is for consumption on camp in Messes and authorised Clubs or at home (SFA).

2. It is not for exchange or resale to individuals outside of BFB entitled
personnel. Such actions will only jeopardise the current position and lead to the withdrawal of the privilege entirely. Furthermore, any entitled person found contravening these orders will have their right to purchase alcohol revoked and will face formal disciplinary action.

3. The consumption of alcohol in public places is offensive to local Muslims and has led to a crackdown by local customs officials. Those found in possession of alcohol in local restaurants are in contravention of Garrison Standing Orders and will face formal disciplinary action.

4. Only entitled personnel are allowed to access the bulk (alcohol) store within the NAAFI complex. ID cards showing entitlement to purchase alcohol are to be shown to NAAFI staff. Personnel who cannot produce a valid ID card on request will not be served alcohol. Those failing to show their ID cards will be asked to leave the facility.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BELGIUM: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course, starting Tuesday 14 April 19:00

The lovely Ann McKenzie is delivering another of her incredible Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Courses; this combines mindfulness practices, meditation, and gentle movement to help individuals reduce stress & anxiety, improve attention & focus, build emotional resilience, cultivate a greater sense of balance & calm and enhance overall mental & physical wellbeing.

This is an accredited and evidence-based programme designed to provide participants with practical tools to navigate the challenges of daily life. Whether you are looking to reduce stress, manage anxiety, improve focus, or simply enhance your overall sense of wellbeing, this course offers a supportive and structured environment to help you achieve these goals.

WHEN: Every Tuesday for 8 weeks, starting Tuesday 14 April at 7pm
WHERE: The comfort of your own home, via Teams

HOW LONG: 1 hour per session

MORE INFORMATION: Contact annmarie.mckenzie114@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Drink Driving Rules tightened

New stricter national drink driving regulations have been introduced to harmonise rules and further deter motorists from driving under the influence.

Previously, national regulations stipulated an immediate license suspension for drivers with a blood alcohol content of 1.15mg/l or higher. This threshold has now been lowered to 0.8mg across Belgium.

Introduced by justice minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) this week, the new rule is valid immediately for the entire country. The debate began when it became apparent that prosecutors were applying different approaches across the country.

Public prosecution offices in Limburg, Antwerp and Flemish Brabant had already taken the initiative of revoking the licenses of offenders with a blood alcohol content of 0.8mg/l or higher. Meanwhile, prosecutors’ offices in East Flanders, West Flanders and Wallonia did not follow this rule.

The minister therefore decided to harmonise the penalty. In addition, driving licences will be revoked for blood alcohol levels of 0.35mg/l or higher, compared to 0.50mg/l previously.

“This stricter approach, which will be applied in strict accordance with existing legislation, sends an unequivocal message: these dangerous driving behaviors will no longer be tolerated,” Verlinden warned.

Regarding the use of drugs when driving, ketamine will soon be added to the list of illicit substances detectable by saliva test.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs remains a recurring cause of road fatalities. The minister notes, however, that social tolerance towards driving under the influence remains too high, despite decades of awareness campaigns.

“That is why the directives issued to the police and prosecutors are being strengthened, and all relevant circulars are being adapted, in order to standardise the application of this stricter policy across the country,” she concluded.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Forest Therapy Walks 28 February and 15, 21 and 28 March 2026

Forest Therapy Walks are back for 2026.

Take this gorgeous opportunity to reawaken your senses after a long and dull winter. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing, these three hour walks with the Tervuren Arboretum provide the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature and yourself.

WHEN: Saturday 28 February, Sunday 15 March, Saturdays 21 and 28 March, 09:00 - 12:00
WHERE: Tervuren Arboretum
MORE INFORMATION: Here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Nabucco at Opera Antwerpen, Sunday 22nd February to Sunday 10 May 2026

If you like a bit of Ballet and a bit of Opera, you will love this. Opera Ballet Vlaanderen presents a new staging of Verdi's Nabucco.

Nabucco was first performed in 1842 and tells the story of the Babylonian king's conquest of Jerusalem, the enslavement of the Hebrew people and his eventual fall and redemption. Today experience this story with a contemporary twist.

The Opera is performed in Italian with Dutch and English surtitles.

WHEN: Sunday 22nd February to Sunday 10 May  2026
WHERE: Opera Antwerp

MORE INFORMATION: Here  

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE