Thursday, April 2, 2026

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.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

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: 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

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: 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:
Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BRUNEI: DIO - Legionella Awareness & Prevention and Water Flushing Regime to reduce Legionella Growth

Legionella Awareness

Please click HERE or Scan the QR Code above.

Legionella Prevention

Please click the images to enlarge.

Water Flushing


What is water flushing?

Water flushing is a method undertaken to prevent the build-up of conditions favourable to the growth of Legionella and other bacteria within hot and cold water systems. It does this by:
  • Introducing fresh cold water containing residual disinfectant
  • Exposing pipework to temperatures at which Legionella bacteria is discouraged
  • Dislodging biofilm through the simple act of running water
A water flushing regime should be designed so that it allows for the whole dead-leg (section of stagnant water) to be removed.

The water should be purged long enough for circulating or freshwater to be drawn from the outlet - indicating that all stagnant water has been expelled.

Water Flushing Regime to reduce Legionella Growth.
  • Water flushing needs to be conducted once a week for any low use water outlets. These consist of outlets within empty quarters/buildings or low use facilities that have water outlets within them.
  • Water flushing takes a minimum of 5 minutes for cold and/or hot water outlets.
  • Water outlets consist of anything that produces water – kitchen/bathroom/basin/garden taps, showers, hoses etc.
  • Building Custodians are required to keep a record of what outlets have been flushed and when, to prove that flushing has been conducted.
Water Flushing record log.

The table below is an example flushing record log:

Please click the image to enlarge.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Brunssum: Brunssum Lions Rugby Club Needs You!

 

BRUNSSUM LIONS RUGBY CLUB NEEDS YOU!

We welcome any level of experience, at ages over 18 years, from the full NATO community! Join us every Wednesday from 1600hrs at the NATO Sports Complex.

We play local teams around the Tri-Border region and plan for more wider matches taking place soon.

If you would like to support the team please visit our shop where you can purchase clothing and accessories that will directly support the Rugby Club: BLRFC Shop

Thank-you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at training!

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Tri-Border Sailing Club - 2026 season open

 

The NATO Tri-Border Sailing Club (NTSC) is a recognised Club of the Allied Joint Force Command HQ Brunssum (JFCB) Morale and Welfare Activity.  

The club has a variety of boats for beginners and advanced sailors. One membership cost allows the unlimited use of boats throughout the season (April - October) at the sailing location in Roermond. Training is also available.

For more information please visit: https://www.sailnato.org/

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Kids’ Swimming Lessons at JFC Brunssum

 

We’re thrilled to announce exclusive swimming lessons for NATO children at the JFC Brunssum pool! Whether your little ones are new to the water or ready to perfect their strokes, our program is designed to make every splash count.

Why Choose Us?
- Expert instructors focused on building water confidence and respect.
- Lessons follow the esteemed Dutch swimming ABC, ensuring a structured and effective learning experience.

From water safety basics to advanced techniques, we start lessons for children at the age of 4!

Have questions? We’re here for you! Email us at info@swimschool-aquazuyd.com or visit our website: swimschool-aquazuyd.com.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.