BRUNEI: Claim your VAT back from UK Amazon orders to BFPO 11

Did you know that you can claim back your VAT from UK Amazon orders that have been delivered to Brunei BFPO 11?

To claim back your VAT you need to email vat-refund-requests@amazon.co.uk.

Below is a basic draft email for you to copy and edit. Once you’ve written your email, you need to send it to: vat-refund-requests@amazon.co.uk to claim back your VAT from UK Amazon orders to the BFPO address. 

BRUNEI: Reminder of Ramadhan rules & Disrespecting the Month of Ramadhan

Reminder of Ramadhan rules

DISRESPECTING THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN

1. Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 articles under the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam defines fines, imprisonment or both if one gets convicted of disrespecting the month of Ramadhan. The duration of Ramadhan in 2026 is from 17 February to 17 March 2026, however, dates maybe subject to change depending on the sighting of the moon.

2. Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 - Disrespecting the month of Ramadhan (Para 195, page 89):

a. Any person who consumes in public any food, drink or tobacco during the fasting hours in the month of Ramadhan is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $4,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.

b. Any person who sells or serves any food, drink or tobacco for immediate consumption at that spot, in a public place, during the fasting hours in the month of Ramadhan is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $4,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.

c. Subsection (2) shall not apply to any medical practitioner or any other person who serves any food, drink or medicine to any patient during the fasting hours in the month of Ramadhan without which such patient will be affected.

d. If any person fails to comply with the provisions of subsection (2) in his status as an employee for another person, his employer shall be deemed to have abetted such offence and to have caused the commission of such offence by reason of abetment unless he can prove that such offence was committed without his consent, power, knowledge or approval and that he took all reasonable steps to avoid such act from being committed.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BELGIUM: Talbot House, a little piece of history in Poperinge

Talbot House was (and arguably still is) home from home for the British soldiers during the First World War. It was a bit of heaven, just behind hell.

Offering a canteen, surreal green garden, concert hall, library, billiards and of course a Chapel, it welcomed some half a million soldiers. The house rules were simple yet specific, everyone was admitted and treated equal. It reminded them what they were fighting for and gave them the hope and courage to return once more to the frontline where so many of them lie still today. 

Today, it’s been kept as it was. Revd. Tubby Clayton, who was it’s instigator and driving force (hurricane force) insisted that it would be used for the same purposes today. 

We are always very keen to welcome serving soldiers in the Club. Besides a ‘museum’ and a guest house, it very much is still a military club which thrives when it gets its old customers in for a cuppa. 
 

If you have not yet visited, do add it to your list of places to visit! It’s gone onto ours!

Photo Credit: Simon Louagie.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: The National Memorial of Fort Breendonk

Have you visited Fort Breendonk yet?

It is one of the best-preserved testimonials of the Second World War Nazi atrocities. Learn about the sinister history of SS-Auffanglager Breendonk through a series of testimonial, picture and film footage and remember the men and women who suffered and sacrificed their lives for our liberty.

If you are a Museum Pass holder you can visit Fort Breendonk for FREE.

• Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
• Command Bunker Kemmel
• Bastogne Barracks
• Trench of Death

are also covered under the Museum Pass.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

Brussels: Have you visited the Museum of Playing Cards yet?

Fancy a different day out?

How about a visit to the Museum of Playing Cards in Turnhout? Belgium really does have a museum for everything!

Check out the authentic printing machines and stream-driven presses and if you time your visit well you could even pick yourself up a freshly pressed demo print. Learn about how Cards were used for propaganda, see some rare card decks and witness the gruesome consequences of cards in the media.

There is also a Room of the Future with interactive games, quizzes & screens complete with a selfie booth and interactive workshops with creative play for kids too.  There really is something for everyone.

Want to find out more? https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/museum-of-the-playing-card/

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BRUNEI: Immigration Run Schedule During Ramadhan Period

IMMIGRATION RUN SCHEDULE DURING RAMADHAN PERIOD

1. With Ramadhan approaching, all BFB personnel are to familiarise themselves with the following changes to OGS endorsement and cancellation processes, and are reminded that all Bruneian Government Departments, including Immigration, will be closed at 14:00hrs on every working day throughout the month of Ramadhan. During this period, the Immigration Run for the LPPO will take place at 09:45hrs every Tuesday and Thursday, unless these days fall on a public holiday.

2. As 17 February 2026 is a public holiday (Chinese New Year), the Immigration Run for that week will take place on Monday 16 February 2026.

3. The first day of Ramadhan depends on the moon sighting on Tuesday 17 February 2026.

NAPLES: Launch of the Study hub for Spouses - Opening Monday 3rd March at 10am

 

In response to popular demand, your SSAFA Committee have launched the first Study Hub for Spouses in Lago Patria.

Based in the wonderful library at JFC, you will have access to desk space, internet and printer.

Initially places will be limited to 4 - 6  participants at a time however we will be continuously reviewing the space to create the optimum learning environment.

To book your slot, contact Poppy Hayes on email poppy.hayes@nato.int or nicki.kewley100@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE 

Brunssum: Baby and Toddler Music and Movement on Mondays

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

NAPLES : Family Fun ideas

 

Looking for something different to do?

Unfortunately the weather is still wet on occasion.

How about trying the following...

Naples Zoo See the Animals

Science Museum History of Science - Visit Here

Palaroccia Napoli Rock Climbing for all

To see what's happening at Support Site - don't forget to download the app - there is lots of information there - new and improved from 10 February - search for NSA NAPLES ITALY and download

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE 

Brunssum: Open Sports at JFC Fitness Center

Want to jump into a fun game without the hassle of sign-ups? Our Open Sports sessions are the perfect way to get active, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition!

Weekly Open Sports Schedule