The Ripple Pond Newsletter Summer 2026: Together, We're Shaping Better Support for Families

To read the newsletter in full, please go to:
THINKING FAMILY Summer Edition

To find out more, please visit:
Thinking Family Resources | The Ripple Pond

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 279 DWP Executive Officer roles UK-wide – closing date 15 Jul

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have a total of 279 Executive Officer (EO) Work Coach vacancies across the UK. These may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs links with further information on the roles available, and application details:

Universal Credit Review - Case Worker - Executive Officer (National) (Ref: 768) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK 200 roles available, UK-wide

Universal Credit Job Centre - EO Work Coach - Manchester and Cheshire (Ref: 767) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK 79 roles available, North West England.

Closing dates for both of the above is 15 July 26.

Serve & Protect Credit Union: 4% Fixed-Rate Saver - Available in July 2026

Serve and Protect Credit Union are pleased to announce a their latest Fixed-Rate Savings Account.

It’s free to join the credit union and members can open a fixed-rate savings account and lock in a guaranteed rate of 4% AER.

Key details:

✅ 4% AER fixed for 12 months

✅ Balances between £1,000-£10,000

✅No fees or charges

✅Available between 1st to 29th July 2026

If you’d like to learn more about eligibility, terms, or how the account works, please visit: Fixed Rate Savings Account | Serve and Protect Credit Union

For any questions, please contact Serve and Protect Credit Union

Germany: Sennelager Weekend Guide

Welcome to your weekly Sennelager HIVE update. Time for the Summer Fete on Saturday with plenty of things to do in the Paderborn area on Sunday too. The weather should be cooler over the weekend. 

 
Garrison Events

Zumba Class: Join Sylvia at the Normandy Bks gym this Thursday at 12:15 PM. Send her a Facebook message or email to sign up.

The Summer Fete: This is the massive summer event for our families! Head over this Saturday, July 4th, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Kids can enjoy a carousel, bouncy castles, and bungee jump trampolines. There will be prizes, food from the fabulous Taste of the world tent. 

Plus food from NAAFI available for purchase with drinks (Card only payments). No dogs allowed. 

What's On in Paderborn This Weekend 

• Sunday, July 5th is full of festival fun  with the HNF Summer Festival: The Heinz Nixdorf Museum meadow turns into a giant playground from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Kids can race on an 85-meter inflatable obstacle course. Enjoy human foosball, face painting, and crafts. Entry is free. Only 10 mins drive 

• International Festival at Schloss Neuhaus: Taste amazing food from around the world from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Enjoy live music, kids' choirs, and drum concerts at the Fountain Theatre.
  

  
  
  

• Skate & BBQ at Goldgrund Park: Watch professional and amateur skaters compete from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Grab some tasty barbecue while you watch.

                                                         

• Blueberry Picking:  You can pick fresh Blueberries starting Friday at 8:00 AM. Head to Bioland Hof Herber in Salzkotten, just 30 minutes away

Quick Garrison Reminders

• Conserve Water: Please be mindful of your hose pipe and indoor water usage.
• Get Your Fridge Magnet: Missing your Emergency Contacts magnet? Pick one up at Brydon House. It has all the vital numbers for you.

BELGIUM: Social Dinner, Venue TBC, Friday 17th July 2026

This month is the Social Dinner...

WHEN: Friday 17th July 2026
WHERE: TBC

All welcome.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BFBS to deliver live coverage of the 2026 Nepal Cup Final on 4 July

Image Credit: Gurkha Brigade Association

BFBS to deliver live coverage of the 2026 Nepal Cup Final on 4 July

On 4 July 2026, one of the most significant occasions in Gurkha sport returns as the Nepal Cup Final is broadcast live exclusively with BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), bringing together tradition and pride in a showcase event at the heart of the military sporting calendar.

The hugely anticipated final will be streamed live on Forces News YouTube and on BFBS TV (serving personnel and families overseas only) ensuring those in active service, veterans, and military football followers across the globe can follow every moment of the action as it unfolds.

The Nepal Cup is widely regarded as one of the most important days in Gurkha sport, combining elite competition with cultural celebration and ceremonial tradition. The Queen’s Gurkha Signals have dominated recent years, lifting the trophy for the past two seasons, including a 2-0 victory over the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment in last year’s final. In 2024, the competition delivered one of its most memorable editions to date, featuring a five-goal thriller packed with outstanding goals and emotional reactions.

Kyle Dixon, BFBS Sport Reporter & Producer, said: “BFBS looks forward to sharing the livestreamed experience in this final, a standout occasion where tradition and sporting talent come together to unite the military community. Being able to capture the colour and intensity in real-time is at the heart of what BFBS Sport does.”

BFBS broadcasts more than 60 live military sporting events each year, continuing its mission to connect the global forces community through sport. This year’s final promises to deliver another iconic moment in military sporting history, with news coverage also available here: https://www.forcesnews.com/sport/football/nepal-cup-final-experience-amazing-gurkha-football-event-live-bfbs-sport

Don’t miss a moment, follow BFBS Forces News on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Help shape our 2027–2030 funding – your insight matters

AFCFT message to the Service community:

We are beginning our consultation to shape the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s funding approach for 2027–2030, and we would really value your insight as serving personnel. We have the approval of Gen Humphris (ACDS(People)) to reach out to you.

We want to understand the issues you and your families are experiencing, particularly during periods of high operational tempo, and where there may be gaps or emerging needs. Your lived experience is essential in helping us focus our funding on what would be most genuinely helpful.

We are very conscious of the pressures on your time. So we are asking if you are able to complete an online survey, anonymously, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LWPQ6TY.

Our role is to complement what already exists by funding services and support that add practical value for you and your families.

If you are willing to share reflections, examples or priority areas we should be considering, your contribution would directly inform how future funding is shaped.

Thank you for everything you do, and for considering supporting this work.

DIO Update: Publication of NAO Report on the repurchase of the Defence SFA Estate

The National Audit Office (NAO) has today published its report into the MOD’s buy-back of 36,000 homes.

The report confirms that bringing these homes back into public ownership has already stopped what could have been billions of pounds in future losses, while giving the MOD the control it needs to improve housing for families. The homes had originally been sold in 1996 and leased back for many years, at huge cost to taxpayers. Since completing the buy-back in early 2025, the MOD has been able to redirect money previously spent on rent into making homes better.

Whilst the report states that the deal to repurchase was the lowest cost option and handled effectively, it also highlights some challenges for the MOD and the need to establish the Defence Housing Service with the powers and autonomy it requires to deliver planned reform efficiently.

For the full set of NAO recommendations and details on the report’s impact, further information is available on Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can sign up to get Defence Homes updates direct to your inbox via this link: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Gerrmany: Overseas Families Virtual Briefing

 

Germany: Water Conservation in SFA

 Water Conservation Reminder 💧

With the recent hot weather, we’d like to remind all personnel, families, and visitors that water is a valuable resource. Please use it responsibly.

Simple actions can make a big difference:

• Take shorter showers
• Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
• Turn off taps when not in use
• Avoid watering lawns and gardens
• Refrain from topping up paddling pools and swimming pools unnecessarily

By working together and using water wisely, we can protect supplies, reduce demand, and ensure there’s enough water for everyone across the garrison.

Water is especially precious in Service Family Accommodation. Even small issues like dripping taps or running toilets can waste significant amounts if left unreported.

If you notice any leaks or faults, please report them immediately to the MITIE Helpdesk. Prompt reporting helps conserve water, reduce costs, and maintain a comfortable living environment for all.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in protecting this vital resource