BELGIUM: Tutankhamun; the Immersive Experience, Brussels Expo, on now until October 2026

The Tutankhamun Immersive exhibition explores the Valley of the Kings in Luxor where many Egyptian Pharoahs are buried, including Tutankhamun who lived from 1342 BC to 1323 BC.

Your visit includes display galleries with narrative panels, reconstitutes funerary objects and virtual reality experiences of the Valley of the Kings, the camp and Tutankhamun's tomb.

WHEN: from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 11th October 2026 
WHERE: Terminal 1 Brussels Expo, Place de Belgique 1, Laeken

MORE INFORMATION: HERE

'Treasures of Tutankhamun' exhibition is also on at the Digital and Interactive Venue (DIVE) in Antwerp.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Library After Hours for families, teens and adults Last Friday of the Month 18:00-19:30

Here is the updated schedule for the Library After Hours Sessions.

WHO: Open to Teens, Adults & Families, to attend unaccompanied, children must be aged 13+
WHEN: Last Friday of the Month May through August, 18:00-19:30
WHERE: SHAPE International Library

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: SHAPE International Library Summer Reading Challenge, Monday 29th June to Monday 31st August 2026

Plant a seed and Read this Summer. The Summer Reading Challenge is here! 

WHAT: Summer Reading Challenge, includes graphic novels and audiobooks!

WHEN: Monday 29th June through to Monday 31st August 2026

WHO: All ages, Babies through to Adults

WHERE: SHAPE International Library and Chievres Library

HOW MUCH: Free

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Summer Library Activities

Libraries inspire wonder and stories inspire imagination. Check out the Summer Library activities...

No registration required for any of these activities, just turn up and join in!

WHEN: Activity dependent
WHERE: SHAPE International Library

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Sit and Stitch, Mondays September to June, 10:00-11:30

Are you a knitter, sew-er or a crocheter? 

Come along to this crafty session for some chat, crafting and companions! Please note this is not a class.

WHEN: Mondays September to June, 10:00-11:30
WHERE: SHAPE International Library


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Newcomers Briefs 2026 dates

Arrived at SHAPE since November 2025? Don't miss the upcoming 2026 Newcomer's Briefs held by SHAPE Base Support Group.

As you may have worked out so far, life at SHAPE is unique. With 32 NATO member nations and additional partner and military cooperation nations represented at SHAPE, we are a truly diverse community. The Newcomers Brief will help you and your family to acclimate to your new community.

This year these Introductory Meetings will be held in the Alliance Auditorium (Cinema) on the following dates:

• Thursday 30th July
• Thursday 27th August
• Thursday 24th September
• Thursday 22nd October

Find out all about life on SHAPE, Morale & Welfare Facilities, Med Centre Provision and more. These also include a Guided Tour into Mons and can be undertaken on the same day or at a subsequent session, but a seat will need to reserved in advance.

Book your place HERE.

Welcome to SHAPE!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: Travel by Train - Italia Rail

 

Travel Italy by Train

Book your train tickets in minutes.

No booking Fees 24/7

English speaking support.

[Italia Rail](https://www.italiarail.com)

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BELGIUM: Keeping Cool HISO Style!

TOP TIPS IN THE HEAT WITH YOUR HISO:

Struggling to sleep in this heat? Fill a hot water bottle with cold water and take it to bed with you. If there is time, store it in the freezer for a proper chilled nights sleep! #Mumlife

You can also store your sunscreen and after sun in the fridge to keep you cool on application!

 

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Upcoming Events, don't miss out!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES FOR JUNE...

Information provided SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: NAAFI - Chautari - Opening Times

Changes to Chautari Opening Times

Please be informed that as of 25 May 2026, Chautari’s opening hours will change. Instead of opening at 1700hrs, it will open at 1600hrs from Monday to Friday.

This change will allow customers the ability to purchase food and soft beverages earlier in the afternoon – especially with the change to the warm season. Food is served daily from 12.30 - 14.00 & 17.30 - 22.00

Delivery service is available daily from 18.00 – 21.30. For delivery service, please call +673 8379457.

Chautari Menu

Chautari Buffet - Fridays 12 - 2 PM

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BELGIUM: Recruit for Spouses Coaching and Mentoring Programme

RFS Coaching & Mentoring Programme

Feeling stuck, unsure what’s next, or ready for a change? The RFS Coaching & Mentoring Programme connects you with an experienced coach or mentor who will support you to:

• Gain clarity on your goals and direction
• Build confidence in your decisions
• Overcome barriers and take practical steps forward
• Stay accountable and motivated

You’ll receive up to 6 free 1:1 sessions, tailored entirely to you.

Sometimes progress starts with a single conversation.

Sign up: RFS Portal

To register your interest in any of the RFS Opportunities, sign in to the RFS Portal on https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in 

 
Or email: info@recruitforspouses.co.uk  


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: 9th Edition Good Beer Guide Belgium available now

If ToBE has whet your appetite for Belgian Beer, you are seeking a Fathers Day Present for the dad that has everything or you just fancy embracing the Belgian Culture, the 9th edition of the Good Beer Guide Belgium has now been published.

More here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUSSELS: Best Rooftops Bars in Brussels

For a sky high sun-downer in Brussels, check out the Rooftop Bars across the city.

• Rooftop 58
• The Beerlab
• Casa Alta
• Albert
• Soko Rooftop
• Bazar Rooftop
• Beursschouwburg
• The Eight Rooftop
• Secret Rooftop
• Akai
• The Hoxton Brussels
• Perché Rooftop
• The Roof

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Service Cotswold Centre

The Services Cotswold Centre (SCC) is a tri-Service facility, managed by Headquarters Army Welfare Service (AWS) and funded by Headquarters Regional Command on behalf of the MOD.

It provides short-term transit accommodation for Service Personnel (SP), family members and MOD civil servants. The key role of SCC is to accommodate varying numbers of vulnerable Service families, often with diverse and complex welfare needs.

The SCC accommodation consists of 60 self-contained chalet style homes and a 37 bed residential unit and is located in Neston, near Corsham Wiltshire.

The SCC is used for:Emergency accommodation for military families, spouses and civil partners who have been evacuated from assignments
Meeting a welfare need such as supporting injured personnel, their carers and/or immediate family members
Responding to family disruption such as marital breakdown
Provision of accommodation between assignments – both before taking up a post or repatriation back to the UK
Accommodation for discharging married personnel
Short Breaks
Contact Housing
Transit accommodation – both duty and welfare

The centre has recently changed its telephone number to TEL: 0331 1432730

FIND OUT MORE: Services Cotswold Centre - GOV.UK

EMAIL: RC-AWS-SCC-Bookings@mod.gov.uk

BELGIUM: CHAT HV Programme at SHAPE House, Coming Soon

SSAFA's CHAT HV program is coming soon to SHAPE House. 

This program gives military families access to informal parental support whilst also giving them the opportunity to build friendships and support networks. SSAFA recognise that parenting can be a lonely experience and for some in remote military locations this can be exacerbated by local practices. This program aims to break this barriers down.

Although Florence the Health Visitor will be in attendance, any discussions will be parent-led with the opportunity to have some Health Visitor support if needed.

These sessions are open to anyone across the UK military network. 

More information to follow!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: Sassi "Stones" of Matera

 

Matera is one of the most unusual cities in southern Italy, built into cliffs with thousands of cave dwellings known as sassi. What makes Matera stand out is how people lived in these Matera cave homes for centuries, often in poor conditions until they were abandoned in mid 20th century. In recent decades, restoration has turned Matera into a UNESCO World Heritage site and a destination for travellers who want something very different from the coastal towns of Puglia.

The city is divided into two main sassi districts: Sassi Barisano and Sasso Caveosa. Both are worth visiting, and you can cover them in one long day of walking. Sasso Barisano has more hotels, restaurants, and shops, so it feels more developed. Sasso Caveoso is rougher with many caves still looking untouched, which gives you a stronger impression of how people once lived here. Walking between the two districts involves steep climbs and uneven stone paths, so wearing sturdy shoes is essential.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: The Path of the Gods - A Must do whilst living in Lago Patria

 

The Path of the Gods, he Sentiero degli Dei, between Bomerano and Positano on the Amalfi Coast is a high level path that traverses the cliff face above the coast with continuous views of the Gulf of Salerno, the Faraglioni rock of Capri visible offshore, and the terraced villages of the coast below.

The path is one of the most celebrated walks in Italy. The path is approximately 8 Kilometres one way and is best walked east to west with the sun behind you in the afternoon.
Those who walk the Sentiero degli Dei in May or October when the path is less crowded and the light is at its best describe it as the finest coastal walking experience available in Italy and say the views rival anything available on any coastal path in Europe.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE.

BRUNEI: Visa Application Guide - Leave to Enter & Indefinite Leave to Enter - Procedures and Requirements

Please click the images to enlarge.

Slide 1 - Leave to Enter – Procedures and requirements. Link.

Slide 2 - Indefinite Leave to Enter – Procedures and requirements. Link.

PoC – WO2 Bhishma Jabegu, RAWO 2RGR
Email: Bhishma.Jabegu402@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Do you have a visa or consular issue? Please follow the correct procedure....

CONSULAR AND VISA ISSUES

All consular and visa applications relating to SPs’ service in Brunei are processed through the Garrison RAO Dept, with the RAWO as the Garrison lead. All applications, and any issues arising from them, must be processed through the RAO Dept to ensure that the CoC can manage applications on their behalf.

Applications from BFB are processed by either the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur or direct through the Home Office. The British High Commission in Brunei do not process any visa or consular applications and are not able to assist SP with them. SP must not email the BHC in Brunei direct but should direct any issues to the RAWO, who will then engage with outside agencies to expedite applications or resolve issues where necessary.

Please email all enquiries through to 2RGR RAWO: 

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

BELGIUM: DIO European Support Group Families Newsletter

Please find below the May Edition of the DIO Families Newsletter.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Carrefour's New Weekend Opening Hours

Did you know that Carrefour has new weekend opening hours?

From now onwards, Carrefour on camp will be open between 09:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays AND Sundays! 

Happy Shopping!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: PCMF - Unwanted or Expired Medicines?

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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

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

What’s changed?

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

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

NAPLES: The Naples HIVE Blog - Common Questions and Answers

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

A. Simply Click Here

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

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

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

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

or whatsapp +44 7900 959 946

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

Information provided by Naples HIVE

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

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

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: 2RGR Post Room Tuker Lines - Opening Times

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

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Private Vehicle Checks

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

BRUNEI: Support is Always Available

Please click the image to enlarge.

Click HERE for PDF.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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

A REMINDER to all in BFB.

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

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

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

Information provided by Brunei HIVE. 

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

How to relight a pilot light on a gas boiler!

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

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

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

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Transitional mentoring for Service Leavers from SSAFA

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

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

Please click here to find out more

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Army Library and Information Service (ALIS)

Please click on the image to enlarge.

ALIS. The role of the Army Library And Information Service (ALIS) is to provide information and resources in support of operations, education, training, life-long learning and welfare. To help support the professional development of military personnel in BFB, ALIS Online can still be accessed via Defence Gateway. ALIS Online is accessible by all serving British Army personnel both regular and reserve. It contains a searchable catalogue as well as electronic books, journal articles, audiobooks and links to podcasts. Electronic content can be accessed directly and hard copy books from the catalogue can be requested using BFPO to support professional development.

BRUNEI: Prohibited Electrical Item

Reminder to BFB SLA and SFA Occupants

Please DO NOT USE the multi-way wall plug adaptor, as shown in the pictures below. This has very high risk of electric fire and electricity related H&S issues.

If the occupants in SLA require adaptor for their non-UK plug electrical appliances, they must have PAT tested adaptor that complies with the equivalent UK specification such as BS8546 and BS1363.

Brunei: The Brunei HIVE Blog - Common Questions & Answers

 

Please click the image to enlarge.

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

A. Simply enter your email address by clicking the ‘Sign Up’ link, (top - left hand panel) complete the details and click ‘submit’, you will receive the weekly email summary directly to your inbox. or alternatively Click Here.

SHAPE: Little Linguists at SHAPE House, Starting Monday 11th May, Every Monday

Starting Monday 11th May a brilliant new session for Parents and Little Ones. If your petit enfant is due to start a local nursery and you want to get ahead of the game in the language department, join Debbie at SHAPE House.

This is a great intro to basic French words and phrases ideal for the nursery school environment.

WHAT: Little Linguists
WHEN: Mondays, 11:00-11:30, starting Monday 11th May
WHERE: SHAPE House

HOW MUCH: FREE

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Belgian Tax Letters Update

Belgian Tax Letters have been sent out, so please check your mailbox for one. If you, your spouse, your child aged 18+ have received one letter, please use the following guidelines so they can be returned and dealt with on time to avoid any fine.

 

• You will need to complete the French Version of Annex 1, “IPP – Declaration NMR.fr.docx”, these can be collected from the Community Office.

• The Service Personnel/ UKBC should complete the form, and sign it, with the Dependents (over 18 years old) details added in Box B as starred in the English copy below.

• 

• Once you have signed and dated it, take a copy of annex 1 and the tax letter, to the HNLO/CLO Office by no later 14 June.

• The form will be countersigned by the NMR’ s office and released to the BEL NMR for onward action.

• Any question do not hesitate to contact HNLO for assistance : Nadia.ElHamdi329@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Carers UK – Looking After Someone 26/27 England Guide

Click on image to open guide.

The 26/27 edition of the Carers UK Looking After Someone 2026–27 England Guide is now available.

Gibraltar: HM Government of Gibraltar launches official WhatsApp Channel for updates of significant public interest

HM Government of Gibraltar launches official WhatsApp Channel for updates of significant public interest

The new verified WhatsApp Channel provides a simple, reliable way to receive important official information straight to your device.

It will be used only for updates of significant public interest, such as essential notices, alerts, and time-sensitive information relevant to the whole community.

Your privacy is protected, no one can see who follows the Channel or your contact details. Messages are sent one-way only from the Government.

The Channel will be used exclusively for informative content of public interest and will not be used for promotional or political material.

Join here (or scan the QR code): https://shorturl.at/ys0XW

Gibraltar: ‘Traces of Humanity’ Art Exhibition May to July 2026

A major landmark exhibition organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, will see artists from Gibraltar, Lloyds Art Group and world-renowned artists exhibiting both in the United Kingdom and in Gibraltar.

This unique project entitled ‘Traces of Humanity’, will feature various events in Margate during the month of May; a major exhibition at Noho Studios, London from the 19th to 29th May; and concludes in Gibraltar from 1st to 31st July at Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery.

Brunssum: CEP have published a new patient healthcare guide and video

Central European Practice (CEP) have published a new patient healthcare guide and video.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67b6fd660495029f3e1c6a4a/Global_Support_Organisation_overseas_guides_Healthcare_Central_European_Practice.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vikFqkI5Ns

Please note one of the changes is to do with children’s vaccinations
Whilst overseas you should follow the schedule for child development checks and routine vaccinations of the Netherlands and not the UK. Schedules can normally be easily found online and you should engage earlier with your local GP or Paediatrician to ensure that they are aware of your child and can advise on any catch ups so that your child is up to date for the local schedule.
The Dutch vaccination programme can be found here - https://www.rivm.nl/en/national-immunisation-programme

CEP are creating a Brunssum specific guide so updates will be shared in the future.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Dutch Medical Centre - Update

The following message is sent on behalf of Dutch Medical Centre

When transporting certain medications with you on holiday, you will need a declaration form. The requirement depends on which medication, the country you are travelling to and for how long you will travel.

Medications that are provided under our Opiumwet will require a declaration to take with you. These medications include sleeping tablets, strong painkillers and ADHD medication.

It is the responsibility of the patient to confirm the requirement and obtain this form. Visit one of these websites for the form.

- Apotheek.nl/opreis
- https://www.hetcak.nl/medicijnen-mee-op-reis

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.