Gibraltar: Autumn Bookmark Competition 2026

Looking for an art activity for the summer holidays? The Culture Department has launched their annual bookmark competition. The prizes are great - and the winning bookmarks are widely distributed, so you get to see the art in use. As well as being given out at the November Literary Festival, you can usually get a bookmark from the John Mackintosh Hall Library when you go to borrow books.

Here is the detail about the competition:

Organised in conjunction with Dyslexia Gibraltar, the competition celebrates the different ways people think, learn and see the world. Participants are invited to design bookmarks that capture the 2026 theme below:

“Different Minds, Brilliant Minds” celebrates the unique ways we think, learn, and see the world.

Every mind works differently. Dyslexic thinking brings creativity, imagination, and new perspectives that help solve problems in exciting and innovative ways. By recognising and valuing differences, we create a more inclusive world where everyone’s strengths can shine. When we embrace how each mind works, we unlock brilliance.

The competition is open to adults and children who are residents of Gibraltar. Participants may submit up to three original works.

There will be four categories as follows:

A. School Years 3 to 6

B. School Years 7 to 10

C. School Years 11 to 13

D. Adult Category (18+)

The Overall Winner will receive the Ministry of Culture prize of £500 and a trophy. Additionally, the winner in each category will receive a prize of £100 and a trophy.

The Winning Bookmark will be gifted to all attending this year’s Gibraltar Literary Festival.

Entry forms and rules are available on www.culture.gi/forms, or at the John Mackintosh Hall reception. Completed forms and bookmarks are to be submitted via email info@culture.gi, or handed in at the John Mackintosh Hall reception.

The deadline for entries is Friday 9th October 2026.

For any queries, please contact GCS’ Events Department via email info@culture.gi or on tel. 20067236.

Gibraltar: EU completes formal adoption of treaty and clears way for signing

The European Union formally approved the UK-EU treaty on Gibraltar on Wednesday, 1 July, completing the final internal procedure required before the European Commission can sign the agreement ahead of the planned 15 July date for its provisional application.

The Council's decision marks the last formal EU step before the bloc is able to conclude the agreement.

Although the treaty must still be ratified by both the UK Parliament and the European Parliament, it can be applied provisionally once it has been signed, allowing its provisions to take effect while the ratification process is completed.

BRUNEI: Passport Renewal and UK Visa Application Information

PASSPORT RENEWAL

1. All BFB Service Personnel are advised to apply for passport renewal at least nine months prior to the passport’s expiry date. Please note that the OGS stamp expires six months before passport expiry, which will restrict overseas travel for operational and exercise deployments, as well as in emergency situations.

BRUNEI: Guide to renew your passport – British passport holders

CHANGE IN APPLICATION PROCESS FOR UK PASSPORT HOLDER IN SERVICE

All applications for UK passports (whether serving in UK or overseas) are to be submitted online using the Gov.uk website. The paper application process has been discontinued. Certain passport facilities are provided free at public expense, and others must be paid for personally.

1. Submit your passport and a passport size photo to the Regimental Admin Officer (RAO) for a Special Pass. If the passport belongs to your spouse or child, a copy of the head of family’s passport and OGS must also be attached.

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

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.

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