NAPLES: British Forces Clinic opening hours

 

BFC Opening Times and Important Patient Information

Quick reminder of our surgery opening hours and how to access care:

If you need to be seen urgently on the same day, please call +39 081 721 2336 between the hours of 8am and 9am.

Helps to prioritise patients who need immediate care.

Boarding School Parents:-

As per the JSP 770  We are happy to see boarders for :-

Urgent cases
Unexpected illnesses or concerns

However for all routine medical care please arrange this through your child's registered GP in the UK.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Underground City 100 feet under the bustling streets of Naples

The Bourbon Tunnels (Galleria Borbonica)

Imagine walking underground and finding :

Vintage cars and Taxis from the 1940's (rusted and abandoned)
Old Vespas covered in decades of dust.
WW11 Bomb shelters where thousands survived

Please note:-

Its not claustrophobic (huge space)
Perfect escape from the heat or rain.

For Tickets

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : A 7 Day Road trip through Puglia

 

Day 1 - Bari and Polignano a Mare

Start in Bari's old town (Bari Vecchia) where nonna's still make orecchiette by hand. Then head to Polignano a Mare for that iconic cliffside view.

Day 2 - Monopoli

A hidden gem. Think colourful fishing boats, a charming harbour, and way less crowds than other coastal towns.

Day 3 - Alberobello

Walk through a real life fairytale - the famous trulli houses make this one of the most unique towns in Italy.

Day 4 - Ostuni

"The White City" perched on a hill with insane view. Come at sunset.

Day 5 - Lecce

Known as "The Florence of the South" baroque architecture, amazing piazzas, and incredible food scenes.

Day 6 - Otranto

Historic seaside town with crystal clear water and a stunning castle right on the coast.

Day 7 - Gallipoli & Salento Beaches

End your trip with some of the best beaches in Italy

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: Garrison Thrift Shop - Volunteer Opportunities – Thrift Shop Manager and Thrift Shop Accountant

Volunteer Opportunities

1. Thrift Shop Manager

2. Thrift Shop Accountant

Receive $200 per month + Gain Valuable Experience

We’re currently looking for reliable and motivated individuals to join our Thrift shop team as Manager and Accountant. These are flexible volunteer positions with a monthly stipend of $200, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to build your CV while making a difference in the community.

Thrift Shop Manager Role

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing and sharing the volunteer rota
• Picking up essential supplies for the shop (paper, tape, ink, etc.)
• Volunteering in the shop 1–2 days per week
• Going with the Accountant to the RAO to sign paperwork
• Organising 50c sales and updating the Facebook page regularly on our opening days

What we’re looking for:

• Good organisation and communication skills
• Responsible and self-motivated
• Able to work independently
• Making sure each sale items are moved over each month to 1/2 and 1 dollar (other volunteers will help)

Thrift Shop Accountant Role

Responsibilities include:

• Recording money from item sales
• Managing our charity account records
• Updating account holder earnings on the laptop
• Preparing envelopes for monthly payouts
• Going into the RAO each month to process the cash made for that month

What we’re looking for:

• Trustworthy and detail-oriented
• Comfortable using a laptop for simple data entry
• Organised with basic financial record-keeping skills
• Receive and approve funding requests (to be put in the group chat to discuss / approve)

What You’ll Gain

• $200 monthly stipend
• Flexible commitment
• Hands-on management or accounting experience
• Valuable skills to strengthen your CV
• The opportunity to support a community-focused thrift shop

There are no fixed hours, just flexibility and commitment to supporting the shop weekly. If you’re interested or would like more information, please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you!

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Job Vacancies - Learning Support assistant Level 2 (Casual) & Teacher Cover Supervisor (Casual)

 

British Forces Brunei Entitled BFB SPOUSES Job Vacancies

Hornbill School

1. Learning Support assistant Level 2 (Casual)

Click here for Job Advert.

Please note: Only applicable for BFB SP or Civil Servant Spouses, NOT for external applicants. 

Closing date: No closing date

2. Teacher Cover Supervisor (Casual)

Click here for Job Advert.

Please note: Only applicable for BFB SP or Civil Servant Spouses, NOT for external applicants. 

Closing date: No closing date

Anyone who wishes to apply for this role, has any specific questions and to request an application form, kindly send an email to LPPO at BruneiGar-CivSec-LPPO-Group@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - BFB Children Easter Celebration Monday 06th April 2026 1500-1700 hrs @ CCCC

 

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: SSAFA - The Big Brew Up is back

The Big Brew Up is back

Thursday, 9th April at Mumong Hall/Patio bar 0900 - 1100.

The Big Brew Up is back

Friday, 10th April at The Cookhouse, Tuker Lines 1000 - 1100.

SSAFA are relaunching at BFB with two Big Brew Up events. We will be serving breakfast baps and a cuppa for $5 plus we will hold a raffle full of generous prizes.

1. Thursday, 9th April at Mumong Hall/Patio bar 0900 - 1100.

2. Friday, 10th April at The Cookhouse, Tuker Lines 1000 - 1100.

All are welcome at both events.

Please come to support SSAFA!

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: DIO(B) - Temporary Closure and X1 Road Closure

Closure Notice

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF DIO(B) HELPDESK.

1. The DIO(B) Helpdesk will be closed from 03 April 2026 (Friday) to 06 April 2026 (Monday) in conjunction with Good Friday and Easter Holidays.

Normal operating Hours will be resume on 07 April 2026 (Tuesday).

2. During this closure period, Faults may be reported as follows:

a. Emergency Faults – Report to the respective duty officer at 8330220 / 8330230.

b. Routine Faults – Email to BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HELPDESK@mod.gov.uk .
Routine faults will be addressed once the helpdesk resumes operations.

X1 Road Closure

The road between X1 Flats and X1 Officers Qtrs will be closed from 0800 -1600 on Monday 6th April 2026 to conduct essential works. There will be no public access to this area as there will be heavy machinery operating.

Wifinity Armed Forces Offers: eSIM for travel and deployment.

The current MOD offers from Wifinity include:

Low cost eSIM for deployment and travel - Wifinity | Explore our low cost eSIM plans

• Cheapest options on the market for MOD personnel and families going abroad
• 10% discount for MOD personnel and families using code HIVE10
• 20% discount for existing Wifinity customers. Customers can log into their ‘My Account’ to get their code

Hounds for Heroes latest newsletters are now available: 

Winter edition

Autumn 2025 edition

The Hounds for Heroes mission is to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured or disabled service personnel and veterans, helping them to regain independence, confidence, and companionship.

To find out more about Hounds for Heroes please go to: Hounds for Heroes Assistance Dogs | Hounds for Heroes

Department for Work & Pensions Update

Do you know your State Pension age?

DWP is running a campaign to encourage everyone to check their State Pension age on GOV.UK.

Between April 2026 and March 2028, the State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960.

Use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK  to find your State Pension age — you just need your date of birth. You can also use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see how much you might get and if you can increase it, for example, by filling any gaps in your record.

Remember, your State Pension doesn't start automatically. The Pension Service will write to you around four months before you reach State Pension age to invite you to apply.

Brunssum: Kings Camp 2026 Update

 

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BFBS -UK Armed Forces go head-to-head featuring Rocket League, F1 25 and League of Legend

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 

Celebrating 30 Years of Army Welfare Service

On 01 April 2026, the Army Welfare Service (AWS) marked its 30th anniversary - three decades of dedicated support to soldiers, their families, and the wider Armed Forces community in the UK and overseas. Since its re‑rolling in 1996, AWS has grown into a dynamic organisation that unites Specialist Welfare, Community Support, and Business Support, bringing together civil servants and Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) personnel under one mission: delivering exceptional welfare support to the Army family.

The AWS has its origins in the Families Housing and Welfare Service (FHWS), established in 1977 within the AGC. The first male SNCOs joined FHWS in 1993, and the service became the AWS on 1 April 1996. The introduction of civilian Army Welfare Workers (AWWs) in 1999 strengthened the civil–military partnership, while the 2001/02 Welfare Review shaped the modern structure recognised today.

Brunssum: New Job Vacancies at JFC Brunssum

 

Vacancies available:

• HIVE Information Support Officer - Closing date for applications is 12:00hrs Thursday 16th April 2026. Interviews will take place on 20th April 2026 and start date will be 18th May 2026.

• HR Administration Clerk - Closing date for applications is 12:00hrs Thursday 16th April 2026. Interviews will take place on 20th April 2026 and start date will be 15th Jun 2026.

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

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Dual Accommodation Waiver – Information update on changes effective from 1 Apr 26

The Defence Accommodation Policy team have provided updated information on the Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) in line with changes that took effect from 1 Apr 2026.

Dual Accommodation Waiver applies to Service Personnel who live in SLA during the week as their Residence at Work Address and can also evidence a Privately Maintained Property, family home or formally retained Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the UK.

The policy changes relate to timelines for claims, including backdating. This new information is available within the following Sway: Dual Accommodation Waiver Explained (Previously Extended SLA Waiver)

JSP references and key points of contact are included in the Sway for further enquiries, and HIVE can also be contacted for further information.

Brunssum: Warning Sirens - first Monday of the month

 

When are the public warning sirens tested?

All over the Netherlands, the public warning sirens are tested at exactly 12.00 noon on the first Monday of every month. The siren sounds for 1 minute and 26 seconds without interruption. This is a test signal so there is nothing to worry about. The sirens are never tested on a national or religious holiday or Remembrance Day, even if they fall on the first Monday in the month.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BRUNEI: Notification of withdrawal from International Schools

Notification of withdrawal from International Schools

Please take note the following date if you’re wish to withdraw your child from the international schools (ISB/ JIS/ Panaga) in the academic year 25/26.

Kind reminder: Failure to report your child as leaving may incur charges to the SP/UKBC.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

BRUNEI: Mumong Swimming Pool - Important Notice

Mumong swimming pool is a community facility and can not reserved for private events or bookings.

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

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC) - Friday Fiesta Vol.14, 03rd April 2026, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM @ BSRC Carpark

BSRC Contact Details

BSRC CLUB STAFF
GENERAL / MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES - RIZA
Email: Admin@bsr-c.com
Tel: +673-740 3000 (Llysha)
Tel: +673-7191946 (Riza)

Website

IG

Facebook

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

BRUNEI: The Art of Living - The Happiness Program - Friday, 17th - Sunday, 19th April 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.

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

 SHAPE Language Centre Summer and Autumn Sessions....

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

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

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

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

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

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

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

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

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

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

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

Find out more here.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check also this page for updates.

Q&A:

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

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

How much is the fine?

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

Find out more here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

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

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

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

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

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

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Brunssum: Sittard walking tour dates for 2026

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

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

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Polish Coffee and Culture Evening 21st April

 

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

For more information and registration, please click here.

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

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

GFIE- 483 – DWP Work Coach

Bristol, Brighton and Slough

Closing Date: 30 Apr 26

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

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

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

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

Brunssum: Playground season 2026!

 

The Speeltuins (Playgrounds) are open again for 2026. These are enclosed outside playgrounds with lots of equipment and apparatus for children to play on, most of them charge a small entrance fee, or offer season tickets. Most are open everyday during the Summer holidays and are a good way for parents and children to get outside and be social and active.

To find your local one, search for 'SpeelTuin near me' or 'Speeltuin NAME OF AREA' as there are lots in the local areas, such as Heerlen, Brunssum and Sittard. Most have their own websites or Facebook pages that show their facilities, prices and opening times.

Click on the links below for the below Speeltuin info:

• Heerlen Speeltuin
• Brunssum Speeltuin
• Sittard Speeltuin

Information provided by Brunssum 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: AWS Community Support Activities - What's On in BFB...

AWS CS Monthly Calendar

Parents and Toddlers Sessions & Youth Clubs Closed

Senior Club - Temporarily Closed

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

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

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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

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

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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

Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.