Brunssum and EU locations: Last BFPO Posting dates for Christmas 2026

Due to expected disruption to BFPO from 1st November, the final posting date for Christmas 2026 is October 30th, 2026.

Anything posted beyond October 30th cannot be guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas and may not be delivered until after the New Year.

It is also advised to expect higher demand and disruption to BFPO deliveries between October and December 2026.

The Government provides detailed information on measurements, restricted items and instructions on how to use BFPO.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

SHAPE: Base Support Group Newcomers Briefing, Thursday 24th September 2026 09:30-10:45

The next of the 2026 Newcomer's Briefs held by SHAPE Base Support Group is coming up.

This is an informative brief that serves to help you and your family to acclimate to your new community here on SHAPE; with 32 NATO member nations and additional partner and military cooperation nations represented at SHAPE, it truly is a diverse community.

Held in the Alliance Auditorium (Cinema), you with learn 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. There is even a glass of bubbles on the Mons Tour!

WHEN: Thursday 24th September, 09:30 - 10:45, Tour of Mons follows.

WHERE: The Alliance Auditorium (Cinema)
HOW: Book your place HERE.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE 

BELGIUM: BFPO last delivery date 2026

To avoid disappointment, please plan ahead and post early for Christmas 2026. 

Anything posted beyond October 30th cannot be guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas and may not be delivered until after the New Year.

It is also advised to expect higher demand and disruption to BFPO deliveries between October and December 2026.

Key takeaway: post early to avoid disappointment!


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Has your Child gone to Boarding School or University?

If you have a child/children who have gone to Boarding School or University having lived here, don't forget to inform the UK Medical Centre...

It is important that their medical records follow them too!


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

📢 DIO Store Closure Notice

Please be advised that the DIO Store will be closed this week due to staff absence.

This affects routine collections, including: 

🗑️ Bin bags
🧂 Salt
📦 Other standard store items

The store is scheduled to reopen on Monday 24 August.

✅ There should be no urgent requirements that cannot wait until the store reopens. However, if you have any concerns or believe you have an urgent need, please contact the Helpdesk for assistance.

Thank you for your understanding.

SHAPE: Base Support Group Newcomers Briefing, Thursday 27th August 2026 09:30-10:45

The next of the four 2026 Newcomer's Briefs held by SHAPE Base Support Group is coming up.

This is an informative brief that serves to help you and your family to acclimate to your new community here on SHAPE; with 32 NATO member nations and additional partner and military cooperation nations represented at SHAPE, it truly is a diverse community.

Held in the Alliance Auditorium (Cinema), you with learn 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. There is even a glass of bubbles on the Mons Tour!

WHEN: Thursday 27th August, 09:30 - 10:45, Tour of Mons follows.

WHERE: The Alliance Auditorium (Cinema)
HOW: Book your place HERE.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: King's Camp Parent/Carer Feedback

King's Camp – Parent/Carer Feedback Request

As King's Camp has now ended, we'd be grateful if all parents and carers could take a few minutes to complete our short, anonymous feedback survey.

Your feedback is incredibly important. It helps us understand what worked well, identify areas for improvement, and, crucially, provides evidence that supports future funding applications so that we can continue offering opportunities like this for our community.

If your child attended King's Camp, please complete the survey here: Post-
Activity Parent/Carer Feedback Kings Camp – Summer Holiday Camp (July 2026) 

📱 Alternatively, you can scan the QR code attached.

Thank you for taking the time to share your views and help shape future programmes.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

France: Wildfires in Gironde

France travel advice

Change made:

Removal of information about wildfires affecting parts of Gironde and Landes

Brussels: 2026 flower carpet extravaganza to honour Japan from 13 to 16 August

After an Art Nouveau floral motif two years ago, this year’s edition of the Brussels Flower Carpet is inspired by Katsushika Hokusai’s world-famous Japanese print The Great Wave of Kanagawa.

From 13 to 16 August, crowds will be descending on the Grand Place to admire the ephemeral floral display sweeping through the medieval square.

Honouring 160 years of diplomatic relations and friendship between Belgium and Japan, the colourful artwork is the design of Japanese artist Hiro Sugiyama and his collective “Enlightenment”.

BELGIUM: Brussels Flower Carpet, Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th August 2026

The Flower Carpet returns this month for its 24th Edition!

Don't miss this beautiful display, of over 1650 square metres of begonias, dahlias, grass and bark in the capital.

WHEN: Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th August 2026

WHERE: Grand Place, Brussels
MORE INFORMATION: Here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Festive Family Fun Weekend at Waterloo, 15th and 16th August 2026

A spectacular adventure is coming to Waterloo this summer!

For the first time, a zipline is launching from the top of the Lion's Mound! For two days only, a range of awesome activities will be on offer for some fabulous family fun. Come and enjoy:

• Bouncy Castles
• Giant Zip Line
• Climbing Wall
• Pony Rides
• Historical Animations with Re-enactments
• Rifle and Cannon Demonstrations

And this is all included in the ticket entrance price - Under 10's go free!

WHEN: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August 2026
WHERE: The Domain of Waterloo
TICKETS: here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

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! So whether its rain or shine this weekend, enjoy your downtime 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

SHAPE: World Breastfeeding Week Walk and Talk, Thursday 6th August 2026,11:00

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2026 by joining the community "Walk and Talk" on SHAPE.

Then enjoy a picnic afterwards.

WHEN: Thursday 6th August 2026, 11:00
WHERE: SHAPE International Library
HOW: Just turn up, no need to pre-book
WHO: All Welcome, Bring a Friend.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Brits in NATO After Work Social, Thursday 30th July 2026 17:00 onwards

This month's Brits in NATO After Work Social is...

WHEN: Thursday 30th July 2026, 17:00 onwards
WHERE: NATO Staff Centre

Look out for the Union Jack.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Base Support Group Newcomers Briefing, Thursday 30th July 2026 09:30-10:45

The first of the four 2026 Newcomer's Briefs held by SHAPE Base Support Group is coming up.

This is an informative brief that serves to help you and your family to acclimate to your new community here on SHAPE; with 32 NATO member nations and additional partner and military cooperation nations represented at SHAPE, it truly is a diverse community.

Held in the Alliance Auditorium (Cinema), you with learn 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. There is even a glass of bubbles on the Mons Tour!

WHEN: Thursday 30th July, 09:30 - 10:45, Tour of Mons follows.

WHERE: The Alliance Auditorium (Cinema)
HOW: Book your place HERE.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

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! So whether its rain or shine this weekend, enjoy your downtime 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

BELGIUM: Directory of Boarding Schools 2026

Are you considering Boarding School for your child(ren)? Did you know that there is a directory that showcases all the Boarding Schools and Colleges that offer discounts and CEA funded places for HM Armed Forces Families?

You can find the Directory of Boarding Schools 2026 here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Federal Police Watch Scheme this Summer

Going away this Summer? Don't forget that the SHAPE Federal Police offer a Watch Scheme.

For the extra peace of mind whilst you are away, SHAPE Federal Police can drive past your property and check all is well.

Simply complete a Police Watch Form (on the board in the Community Corridor) and hand it in to Building 247 at least days 5 days before your departure.

Happy Summer Holidays.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

VIRTUAL CHAT HV and Virtual New Parents Group

SSAFA's Virtual New Parent Group Sessions are open to all military families living in remote areas as a way to connect with other parents in similar situations. Although there will be a health visitor present to answer any questions, the floor is open to talk about whatever you want - from sleep, feeding or just general parental frustrations with no judgment or anything.

Our online CHAT HV sessions are open to all military parents across all time zones. These informal sessions cover a different topic each month to help guide and support you through the different stages of your parenting journey. These are a great way for you to meet other families from around the world and make connections, especially when living in a host country that has different practices with regards to new mum groups etc.

If anyone wants anymore information or to register for an online session, please either speak to your Health Visitor or email us on UKStratCom-DMS-DPHC-NYG-SSAFA@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Top Tips Number Two for Keeping Cool in this Heat

TOP TIPS IN THE HEAT WITH YOUR HISO:

Further to my previous top tip at the end of last month regarding keeping cool overnight by using a frozen hot water bottle, here is my Top Tip number 2:

Keep your skincare, body creams, sun cream, after sun and a water spray in the fridge; this is the perfect way to cool down at any time during the day.

NB if you are a retinol/retinal user, keep these out of the fridge.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE