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Monday, July 27, 2026

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

Brunei: Unannounced Entry to SFA Premises


Unannounced Entry to SFA premises

It has been reported that a civilian wearing overalls had entered SFA premises without prior notification or permission to collect fruits from trees. Unannounced entry to back garden or SFA premises is prohibited as it creates both privacy and security concerns for the occupants and their families.

DIO Brunei has directed all DIO contractors and personnel to arrange an appointment with occupants prior to attending for any official business. No contractor or representative should enter an SFA property without prior notification and agreement. Should occupants observe or experience any unauthorised or unannounced entry onto their property, they are advised to:
  • Remain vigilant and challenge the purpose of the visit where appropriate.
  • Contact the Duty Officer, Duty SNCO or DIO immediately.
  • Report any concerns regarding suspicious activity or breaches of privacy and security.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

BRUNEI: DIO Helpdesk - Operating Hours and Information

DIO Helpdesk Telephone Operating Hours

Monday to Thursday 
 0730 to 12:30; 13:00 - 1630

Friday 
0730 to 12:30; 13:00 - 1400

CLOSED on Saturday and Sunday
  • Occupants and building custodians are encouraged to email to bruneigar-dio-helpdesk@mod.gov.uk for all non-urgent faults. Please continue to report all emergency faults to your respective Duty Officers during out of hours and closure of Helpdesk.
  • All fault reports are to be directed to either Ext. 3375 or 3224130.
  • All fault report emails are to be directed to BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk.
  • All out of hours emergencies are to be directed to the Duty Officers as shown below.
a. RGR Duty Officer +673 833 0220
b. Garrison Duty Officer +673 833 0230
c. Duty Military Engineer +673 820 0853

For any urgent matter regarding Planned Preventative Maintenance or compliance, please contact

DIO Garrison Engineer

DIO Compliance Manager

For routine fault, please contact

DIO Helpdesk contact:

Phone number - 3224130/ or Ext.3375

Email - BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk

DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk

Or Duty Engineer (Out of hours only) can be contacted via the Duty Officer.

RGR Duty Officer - 833 0220

Garrison Duty Officer - 833 0230

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Friday, July 24, 2026

BRUNEI: NAAFI - Notice of Closure


Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Pregnancy & Postnatal Yoga with Kristen Baker - Every Thursdays *Next Date* 30th July 2026, 12 - 1 PM @ PCMF

  
Please click the image to enlarge.

Join a 60-minute pregnancy and post natal yoga class at PCMF every Thurdays, designed around gentle, supportive movement to build strength and stability, ease discomfort, and prepare your body for birth and recovery.

Brunei: Verification of OGS Stamp and Passport Validity Prior to Border Crossing or travelling


Verification of On Government Service (OGS) Stamp and Passport Validity Prior to Border Crossing or travelling.

It has been brought to our attention by the Immigration Department, Kuala Belait (KB), that there have been several incidents involving soldiers attempting to cross the border with an expired On Government Service (OGS) Stamp.

The Immigration officers have expressed concern over these occurrences and have requested that all personnel be reminded to verify the validity of their OGS and passports before making any plans to travel across the border or travel.

All soldiers are therefore advised to:
  1. Check the expiry date of their OGS well in advance of any intended travel.
  2. Ensure that their passport remains valid for the duration of their travel and complies with any applicable immigration requirements.
  3. Apply for the renewal of their OGS and/or passport sufficiently early to avoid any inconvenience or delays at the immigration checkpoint.

Head of Departments are requested to disseminate this information to all personnel under their command and ensure compliance.

Five working days must be given for all routine OGS requests. Only requests accompanied with compassionate or medical documentation will receive urgent priority by Brunei Immigration Department, with no exceptions.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated to avoid unnecessary delays, inconvenience, and potential refusal of border clearance by the immigration authorities.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Germany: Guide to Libori 2026

The Libori festival in Paderborn is a nine-day celebration that blends a holy church festival with a massive funfair. This historic event honors Saint Liborius, whose relics arrived here from France in the year 836A.D. For locals, Libori is known as Paderborn’s "fifth season".

The 2026 Libori festival runs from Saturday, 25th July to Sunday, 2nd August.

The Story Behind the Festival

Libori is one of Germany’s oldest and largest folk festivals. In 836.A.D, the bones of Saint Liborius were brought from Le Mans, France, to the Paderborn Cathedral. This act created a bond between the two cities that has survived for over a thousand years.

   

Today, it is a unique mix of church, culture, and carnival.

What's On: Church events

  • The Opening Vesper: Saturday, 25th July at 15:00. Priests raise the golden shrine of Saint Liborius from the cathedral crypt.
  • The Solemn Procession: Sunday, 26th July at 09:00. Faithful followers carry the Golden Shrine through the old town streets.

© BESIM MAZHIQI

Recruit for Spouses: Your Summer Refresher – How RFS Supports You


Recruit for Spouses have a Summer newsletter with information about their support programmes and how they can help in terms of both employment and wellbeing.

To read the newsletter in full, please go to: Your Summer Refresher: How RFS Supports You

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Germany: Libori 2026

 Libori 2026 

All the information needed to have a great time at this years festivities is here.

The celebration is a mix of religious ceremony and non religious events over a nine day period.

Opening day is the 25th Jul  at 3pm  the procession and enshrinement of St Liborious relics. The Golden shrine is carried on the shoulders of bearers who take the shrine to the Dom.

At  4.30pm the giant Beer barrel is tapped and the  beer guardians serve the crowd. Purchase you commemorative mug from the tourism office this week or on the day and join the que. 

The fair has a soft launch at 12 noon but really comes to life in the evening. This year 150 rides attractions and food stalls lead the entertainment. 

The main concert stage is at the Rathaus. National and local bands perform every night, all the shows are free to attend.  Performers and more music are available on Westerner Str.

PaderSprinter have a range of tickets to get you to and from the celebrations each day. Additional night bus services are running to get you home late night. 

Beer Fountain

The beer flows daily, but the timing changes depending on the day of the week.
  • First Weekend: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Second Weekend: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM 
Waiting in line to get your official mug refilled by the traditional "Jubelhennesse" figures is a  rite of passage. While you hang out and sip your drink, the atmosphere is electric. Local brass bands, orchestras, and music clubs rotate daily to keep the crowd dancing. Plus, festival sponsors are hosting live interviews, stages, games, and daily prize giveaways.


Key websites and links 

Libori app  you can download the app. It is only German Language does have a handy map and event listing. Android or iOS versions available.