Thursday, April 30, 2026

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

AWS CS Monthly Calendar

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AWS CS activities will be closed from 27 April - 7 April 2026 due to renovations


May Weekly Activities


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: Delivery and Takeaway Services

 

A number of restaurants around Kuala Belait and Seria offer delivery and takeaway services. These can be ordered on the Go Mamam app or directly from the restaurant. 

BRUNEI: Cafes and Restaurants in Seria & Kuala Belait


Here's a list of some of the cafes and restaurants in Seria & Kuala Belait.

SERIA CAFES

Cafe Hopping
Address: No. 72A, Jalan Bunga Kenaga, Seria Brunei
Phone: Whatsapp +673 868 8592
Business Hours: Sunday - Thursday -  9am – 6pm
                             Friday 9am-12nn; 2pm - 7pm
IGcafehopping_bn

Coffee Industry
Address: Unit G4. G/F, Lot 10 Jalan Sultan Omar Ali, Seria Brunei
Phone: +673 828 8590 / +673 322 8590
Business Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 6pm
                           Friday 9am - 12nn; 2pm – 6pm
IG: coffeeindustry.bn

Thinking Cup Cafe
Address: Unit G2, 10 Jalan Sultan Omar Ali, Seria Brunei
Phone: Whatsapp +673 899 8191 
Business Hours:  Friday - Closed
                              Saturday - Thursday 7am - 6pm
                              Sunday - 8am - 430pm

BRUNEI: Malaysia - Miri Hotels - Garrison Discounted Rates 2026

Marriot Resort and Spa


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BRUNEI: Action for Happiness Calendar - Meaningful May 2026

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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.

Brunssum: Visit the Donkey Sanctuary L'Oasis des Ânes in Belgium - 3rd May 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: Visit the Circus in Heerlen until 3rd May 2026

The circus is in Heerlen from the 29th April to the 3rd May!

Award-winning circus artists from around the world bring their unique talents together in one unforgettable show. Check out the details and book your tickets here: https://magicalworldofcircus.com/

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Employment Opportunities Available at Brunssum

Employment Opportunities Available at Brunssum

The Global Support Organisation (GSO) are pleased to inform the eligible dependant community of a variety of current and forthcoming employment opportunities across multiple locations in the Netherlands.

We acknowledge that members of our community may have differing availability due to childcare obligations, family commitments, or other personal circumstances. Wherever feasible, we remain committed to accommodating flexible working arrangements, while ensuring that business and operational requirements are fully maintained.

Areas of Employment May Include
  • Administrative and office support roles
  • Hive and community liaison roles
  • Customer facing and general support posts
  • Housing and estates support functions (DIO)
  • Education support roles (AF North International School)
Please click here for more details

How to Express Interest

Brunssum: AF North International School Job Vacancies

 


New job vacancy at AF North International School: Admissions and Office Administrative Support 
Click on the above link for the job description. Click here for the application form.

Click here for details including suitability and person specification.


Applications are always welcome from UK Military Immediate Family Members or UKBC Dependents who are enthusiastic, motivated and flexible individuals for supply roles within the British Section in AF North International School.

Click here to view the job description and application form.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Updated Job Vacancies at JFC Brunssum

 

Updated email address - please use the email address at the bottom of this blog post rather than the one on the job adverts.

Vacancies available:
Full job descriptions and application forms may be obtained by sending an email to CSOCIGDN-GSO-LECHR-RECRUITMENT@mod.gov.uk. Completed applications are to be sent to the same email address.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BELGIUM: Airport and Flights expected to be impacted on 12 May 2026 with further strike action announced

Please be aware that flights are due to be impacted again...

  • Brussels Airport expected to cancel half of its flights on 12 May
  • Pilots to strike over plans to raise retirement age
Belgium’s joint trade union front has filed a notice for a national strike for the entire Belgian aviation sector - for a date yet to be confirmed.

More to follow as details emerge.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Postal Delays and ongoing strike action in Wallonia and Brussels

Whilst the general Bpost strike may be over, there remains a huge backlog for postal staff to wade through.

From an impact perspective, apart from any personal mail via the Belgian postal system being delayed, this unfortunately also affects the Belgian National Numbers released by the commune. So if you are a relatively new arrival here in Belgium, please be patient; it has been suggested that clearing the backlog could take up to 6 weeks.

In addition, whilst there are no longer any strikers in Flanders, some remain in Wallonia and Brussels. Post delivery remains disrupted in Brussels, with only half of the rounds able to be completed. In Wallonia, about nine out of 10 rounds are going ahead as usual. 

Reassurances have been provided by Bpost that in places with delays, priority is being given to condolence letters and vehicle number-plates.



Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Military Wives, Summer Concert 2026, Sunday 31st May 2026 15:30

The Belgium Military Wives are holding a Summer Concert!

And do join them for refreshments after their concert where you will have a chance to chat to choir members and find out more about them!

WHEN: Sunday 31st May 2026, 15:30
WHERE: St Anthony's Church, Kraainem
TICKETS: Available in advance or on the door - please pay by bank transfer (BE92 3631 2973 5823) stating Summer Concert in the reference.

If you would like acknowledgement of your payment, please email us: belgium@militarywiveschoirs.org.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE




SHAPE: Learn to Face Paint, multiple dates available

Want to learn a new skill, refresh or upskill with a view to joining the face-painting teams at Make-a-Wish or Britfete?


Simply pop-along to one of these sessions in the Britbar. It is a great opportunity to learn some really impressive face-painting techniques and I promise you it is easier than it looks.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: International Food Festival

 


Date: Friday 19th June 2026

Time: 1700 - 2300 

Location: Parco Leonardo

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: PCMF and Dental Centres Closure

Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: The Art of Living - The Happiness Program - Friday, 01st - Sunday, 03rd May 2026 @ IAB Hall, Seria

Please click the image to enlarge.

Please register HERE.

For further information, please contact:
Ravi: +673 8731503
Swati: +673 7411423

The above meditation CSE cost is BND150.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: New Defence Dads Network


All Services • All Ranks • All Grades • All Locations

Calling all dads, stepdads, single dads, adoptive dads, foster dads, non-custodial dads, granddads, and other male carers.


We are looking at establishing a new pan‑Defence Network for Dads, and we’re seeking expressions of interest from anyone who would like to help join and shape this community.

The proposed DAD Network would aim to:
  • Connect Fathers across all of Defence
  • Provide peer support for navigating parenthood alongside Service life, deployments, mobility, shift patterns, and other pressures
  • Create a safe and supportive space to share experiences, challenges, and good practice
  • Champion the voice of Dads in policy conversations and wellbeing initiatives
  • Build an inclusive community for biological fathers, adoptive/foster parents, step‑parents, carers, and those supporting fatherhood roles
Whether you’re a new Dad, an experienced parent, or simply passionate about promoting positive fatherhood and family inclusion across Defence, we want to hear from you.

How to express interest

Complete the MS Form HERE and help us shape a network that supports Dads across the Whole Force and strengthens our Defence community.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Adult Arts and Crafts Tuesday, 19th May 2026, 0930 - 1100 hrs @ Mumong Community Centre


Adult Arts and Crafts for May 2026: Pot and Mug Decoration. Please scan the QR Code above or click HERE to register and join us at Mumong Community Centre. BND 6.00 per person.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Chit Chat and Mumong Community Centres - Hall Availability


Please scan the QR Code above or click the links below to view Hall Availability:

Chit Chat Calendar - Chit Chat Community Centre

Mumong Calendar - Mumong Community Centre


Please email BruneiGar-SpSvcs-AWS-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk for more information.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Flying Kukri's Clubhouse


The Flying Kukri’s Clubhouse is a welfare facility on X1 beside Squash Court available to use by all members of BFB. The Clubhouse boasts a pool table, dart board, TV with BFBS box as well as a stocked bar. The facility is ideal for club gatherings or social events and is free to use. It can be booked by contacting owen.thornton891@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 29 April 2026

 




Damage Charges process

DIO is introducing changes to the damage charges process to make this process simpler for you and your family upon Move-Out.

· From 1st May 2026, on the day you move out, your Housing Officer will provide a formal notification via email. This will include your move-out form, details of any charges incurred and information of how raise a dispute if needed.

DIO Families Families First Newsletter - Issue 37 Published



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

Stop Loan Sharks Week 2026: 11 -17 May


Loan sharks play games with people’s lives

– let’s make it game over

Loan sharks don’t always look like villains. Sometimes, they change
character, switch tactics and reinvent themselves - just like players in an
online game.

But this isn’t a game. And the consequences are real.

Supporting the Unsung Hero: Business Start Up Programme – New Course Dates



For further information about Supporting the Unsung Hero programmes and to register for a course, please go to https://x-forces.com/supporting-the-unsung-hero/

Military vs Cancer: Supporting those in the Armed Forces Community affected by cancer




Military Vs Cancer’s support includes:

Additional family / nursing care funding.
Travel costs for treatment, including hotel stays for family members.
Home adaptations.
Respite breaks.
Memory making trips.
Special experiences, especially for those with a terminal diagnosis.
Peer group / community support for serving forces members and their families. There are also several large-scale events this year including :
Rugby Day Armed Forces Rugby Team vs North Select XV Teams - Doncaster - Free Tickets for Serving Personnel and Veterans
Annual Summer Ball - Lincoln
Heroes Golf Day
Great North Run
To find out more about any of these events please visit: https://www.militaryvscancer.com/events/

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - May Half-Term Activities


Please Note: For May half-term activities *NO* sign-up needed.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Movie Session Friday 22nd May 2026, 1500 hrs @ Mumong Community Centre

  • Please bring your own snacks and refreshments.
  • Bring a jumper or blanket, as it can get a bit chilly with the air conditioning.
  • Parents, please remain available in case your child doesn't want to sit through the entire film. 
Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Flood Preparation Information from DIO(B)




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Please click the link for Flood Preparation Information from DIO(B).


Missing / damaged flood boards. If any of the flood board is missing / damaged, then please report it to DIO(B) using the following QR Code:


If anyone experiences serious isolated flooding, or need urgent assistance, you are to call the 

Garrison Duty Officer on 8746656 
or 
RIB Duty Officer on 8736236.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Recruit for Spouses Webinar on 7 May: Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome.



On Thursday 7th May at 12:30pm GMT, RFS is hosting:

Real Confidence for Real People: Imposter Syndrome

Delivered by the expert coaching team at Aletheia — Sam Ryder, Zoe Hughes, Saskia Hart, and Estelle Bailly — this free, practical session is designed specifically for military spouses and partners navigating self-doubt, career gaps, and the unique challenges of Service life.

Attendees will explore:
Where imposter syndrome comes from and why it's so common in our community
How to identify genuine strengths and challenge the narrative holding them back
Practical strategies to build authentic, lasting confidence
Tools to take confident action — whether exploring new roles, going for promotion, or starting something newThursday 7th May 2026
12:30pm
Virtual
Completely FREE

The session will be recorded but attendees need to register to access it, so we'd encourage anyone interested to sign up even if they can't join live.

Register here: https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in or email e.hartshorn@recruitforspouses.co.uk

International Day of the Nurse and Midwife





🌍 International Day of the Midwife & International Nurses Day 🌍

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be celebrating our amazing midwives and nurses 💙

If you’ve worked with any of them, we’d love for you to share a few words about your experience — even one sentence makes a difference.

Please also share the posters where possible and encourage others to get involved.

📩 Send your comments by emailing ssafaph.socialmedia@ssafa-fhs.org.uk

Thank you for helping us recognise and celebrate their incredible work 🙌

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting service children to thrive - a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme now open.



Supporting service children to thrive: a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme now open

Service life can bring unique challenges for children and young people. Frequent moves, disrupted learning and periods of separation can all add up - and they can affect how children feel, learn and achieve.

Delivered on behalf of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund, the Service Pupil Support programme (SPSP) funds practical, evidence-led projects that respond to these challenges and strengthen educational outcomes for service pupils. With a new round of funding now open, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are inviting schools and local authorities across the UK to apply, so more service pupils can get the right support to feel settled and succeed at school.

SHAPE: Looking After Little Smiles at SHAPE House, Friday 1st May 2026 10:00-11:30

This Friday, the Dental Team are hosting an impromptu Dental session for the children at SHAPE house.


They are keen to catch the toddler/baby regulars and maybe some of those primary school age who are off on Friday for the Labour Day holiday.

Do pop along for a drink and chat with the lovely team who will be answering questions, giving out advice on all things teeth and if time allows doing some check ups for the little ones in a space they feel safe and happy.

WHEN: Friday 1st May 2026, 10:00-11:30
WHERE: SHAPE House


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: British Day VE Day Commemoration, Sunday 3rd May 2026, Hotton

The annual 'British Day' commemoration, celebrating the anniversary of the end of WW2 (VE Day), takes place at Hotton on Sunday 3 May. Everyone is welcome to attend all or any of the events.

VE DAY Programme:
  • Mass at Hotton Church, 09.45 (meet at the Café Le Jacquemart opposite from 09.00)
  • Wreath laying at the memorial outside the Church (around 10.45)
  • Procession to War Cemetery (a bus is available)
  • RBL service at Hotton War Cemetery, starts around 11.45am
  • Wreath laying at the 53rd (Welsh) Division tank monument
  • Reception and lunch
  • Ceremony at the 51st (Highland) Division monument in La Roche-en-Ardenne (around 15.30).

RBL Brussels Branch will be joined at the War Cemetery by WW2 Brigade Piron veteran Count Henti d'Oultremont, the new UK Defence Attache, Colonel Nick Thom, the Burgomaster and aldermen of Hotton, Xavier Puppinck, Area Director Central and Southern Europe Area, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and a guard of honour from the Belgian Army's 7ème Compagnie Ravitaillement et Transport (7 RAV-TPT).

One of the branch members, Martin Banks, has written an article about the background to the British Day commemoration. Read it here.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE



SHAPE: Carrefour Period of Closure for Relocation

You may have noticed a certain huge white tent in the 500 area car park lately......as Carrefour gears up for its relocation there will be a period of closure. 


From Wednesday 6th until Sunday 10th May, Carrefour will be CLOSED for its big move into the White Tent. Work will then commence on Building 505 between mid-May and mid-September with an anticipated grand reopening in early-October 2026.

Carrefour as is, will remain on 'Business as Usual' hours until close of play on Tuesday 5th May.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE