BELGIUM: Need to Renew your Passport? Contact HIVE for a handy hand out

 

Since June 2025 all passports, whether personal, official or diplomatic, must be applied for online. 

There is a handy two-pager available at the HIVE, please contact RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk or pop into the Community Office on SHAPE to request your copy.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Winter Sports Travel Advice Changes for Italy

Winter Sports

Get advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations.

You can contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before you travel.

Regulations for the ski season include: 

• From 1 November 2025, all skiers, snowboarders, sledders, and tobogganers will be required to wear CE-certified helmets at all ski resorts. This law applies regardless of age or activity. Failing to do so risks a fine of up to €200 and ski pass suspension for up to 3 days 
• Third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement and can be purchased locally with a ski pass
• You must not eat or drink on ski lifts or boarding areas
• You must not climb a slope with snowshoes except in an emergency
• You must not ski under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Off-piste skiing is very dangerous, with the danger of avalanches in some areas. Follow all safety instructions and go with a qualified guide. For more information about the avalanche risk, visit the European Avalanche Warning Service website.

Make sure your insurance covers off-piste activity. It is a legal requirement for skiers and snowboarders to carry tracking equipment, a snow probe and a shovel if they go off-piste.

See advice on preparing for winter sports.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

SHAPE: HIVE Noticeboard move

Have you seen the HIVE Noticeboard has moved?

Check out the bigger and all improved HIVE Noticeboard in the NSE Corridor!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: Lake Avernus, once believed to be the gateway to the underworld

 The Entrance to the Underworld - Lake Avernus

Tucked away in the volcanic landscape of southern Italy, just a short drive from Naples, lies Lake Avernus - a brooding, mirror like crater lake that has whispered secrets for thousands of years. To the ancient Romans and Greeks, this was no ordinary body of water. This was the Entrance to the Underworld a place where the living could cross into the realm of the dead.

Though the mythology may be dark, the lake offers a tranquil escape. Strolls along the shore, reflections on calm waters and local wines from nearby vineyards make it a surreal blend of eerie and enchanting. Visit for the haunting beauty, stay for the wine.

Located in the Phlegraean Fields near Pozzuoli and also accessible via local buses or the Cumana train line to Lucrino station, followed by short walk or taxi ride.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Cuma Archaeological Park

Cumae is a very ancient Greek colony close to Campania's coast, a few kilometres from Naples. In the past it was an integral part of the Roman Empire and later was invaded by various populations. Nowadays the archaeological park of Cumae is a direct testimony of a fascinating history rooted in the origin of European civilisation where myth and history merge in a suggestive union

Temple of Apollo 

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

    

BELGIUM: Drielandenpunt, the tri-border point

If you are looking for a great day out, Drielandenpunt is a great shout.

Once the only place in the world where the borders of four countries met, when Neutral Moresnet was awarded to Belgium soon after the First World War, Vierlandenpunt became Drielandenpunt.

BELGIUM: Meet Wallonia’s two National Parks

If you want to get out and blow away the cobwebs, there are some beautiful National Parks right on our doorstep.

Discover the two Walloon national parks, where untamed nature immerses you in stunning, breathtaking landscapes. Located in the emblematic regions of southern Belgium, these preserved spaces promise incredible memories.

Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse and Semois Valley, are dedicated to biodiversity and sustainable tourism. They are perfect for hiking, biking, or canoeing, and they offer the ultimate escape into nature.

For more information about the Wallonia Region, click Here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BRUNEI: Brunei - Exploring Labi Guide

Please click the image to enlarge.

Click here to check out the full guide.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Brunei - Discover Tutong

 

Find out what Tutong has to offer with this handy local guide

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Brunei: Gurkha Services for Gurkha Veterans and their families

 

Gurkha Services provide tailored support for Gurkha veterans and their families who have settled in the UK.

Gurkha Services work collaboratively with other Gurkha specific organisations such as the Gurkha Welfare Trust, the Gurkha Brigade Association, the Army Welfare Service, Gurkha communities and others.

Gurkha services are available to all serving and veteran members of the Brigade of Gurkha's, and their families. We provide local SSAFA volunteers with up to date information, awareness and translation services, to ensure the Gurkha community have the same support opportunities as any other member of the Armed Forces community.

Click HERE to find the contact form to communicate with the SSAFA Gurkha team.

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.