BELGIUM: Brussels Urban Trail, Sunday 28 June 2026, still time to sign-up

If you have never experienced an Urban Trail before, then this is the sign you have been waiting for. It truly is the most incredible way to see a City, even one you think you know.

An urban trail is a running or walking event which passes by and through famous and less well known spots and buildings throughout the city.

With two distances to choose from 7-8km and 11-13km you wend your way around the course at your own pace. The event is not timed so there is no pressure but to enjoy this unique experience.

Last year we ran the 11km with our then 9 year old and it was a thoroughly enjoyable morning; we even scoped out our lunch venue en route!

The course and locations are yet to be announced but it will definitely show you a side to the city you may not have seen before. Spaces are limited so registration is required. 

These are brilliantly organised events, with toilets, bag drops, t-shirt collection, entertainment on the course and of course a goodie bag when you finish. You won't be disappointed.

If I haven't sold it to you yet, have a look at this.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Vestalia Festival 2026, Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th June 2026

The third edition of Vestalia is due to finish this weekend!

Around 40 exceptional stately homes around Belgium will open their doors to the public during the festival.

The theme this year is 'Meeting' to honour the individuals at the heart of these beautiful historic homes.

As well as visits and tours of the homes and gardens, there will be concerts and performances in prestigious settings and some gourmet tasting to be sampled as well.

Find out more here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: BAD Festival, Charleroi on Weekends until Sunday 2nd August 2026

The largest food court space in Wallonia is back, until Sunday 2nd August 2026! 

The BAD Festival spans more than 2500m² in the open air, perfect to meet up with family or friends this Summer.

Come and enjoy 10 street food stalls, a cocktail bar, and more than 25 specialty beers in a unique atmosphere. With live music, DJ sets, fabulous food and awesome atmosphere, this is one summer festival you won't want to miss.

WHEN: Fridays & Saturdays 18:00-23:00, Sundays 16:00-22:30 until 2nd August 2026
WHERE: rue Chausteur 26, Charleroi
HOW MUCH: Free Admission, cost on consumables

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Food Handling Courses, next one Thursday 18th June 2026, 15:00 SHAPE Healthcare Facility

For anyone wishing to volunteer on any food or drink stalls at Britfete, there is another chance to get your Food Handling course in.

WHEN: Thursday 18th June 2026, 15:00
WHERE: SHAPE Healthcare Facility, Building 401, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Washington DC Area.
WHY: Food Handling Certificate is mandatory for anyone manning Food or Drink Stalls at SHAPE Events.
HOW: Book you place by emailing antoaneta.s.lazarova.ln@health.mil

You may not get a reply or confirmation email but you will be booked onto the course.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Learn to Face Paint, NEW TIME Tuesday 23rd June 18:00

The final Learn to Face Paint session is later this month. To make it more accessible, the timing has changed!

This is a great session facilitated by Beccy Player. Don's miss this fabulous opportunity to learn some really impressive face-painting techniques and I promise you it is easier than it looks.

WHEN: Tuesday 23rd June 2026, 18:00 NEW TIME

WHERE: The Britbar

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Summer Camp for kids at the SHAPE Arts & Crafts Centre - sign-up now open

If you are looking for Summer Camp opportunities in the School Holidays, check out what the SHAPE Arts and Crafts Centre have on offer.

Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up soon if you are interested.

Pop in to SHAPE Arts and Crafts Centre to secure your space.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Defence Update: Blow the whistle - Domestic abuse support for Armed Forces families

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June, people are urged to: Stop, Notice, and Act against domestic abuse. Don’t look away.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup – which will take place from 11 June to 19 July – is a time for celebration, community and a shared love for the game. But for some people, this period is marked by increased domestic abuse.

Research shows that domestic abuse incidents rise by 38% when England loses, and by 26% when they win or draw.

Football itself does not cause domestic abuse, but major tournaments can bring factors that raise the risk. This includes emotional stress, alcohol and substance use, financial pressures and gambling.

When something isnʼt right – in relationships, at home, at work, or in our communities – “blow the whistle”. That means recognising abuse, signposting to support, and speaking up if you witness or experience abusive behaviour.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): 9 National Crime Agency job vacancies, multiple locations - Closing Date 5 July

 

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (9 vacancies in total):

GFIE-490 - Business Management Officer, Investigations, Operational Delivery - National Crime Agency - Tolworth, Gatwick, Slough, Heathrow, Gillingham, Stevenage, Exeter, Nottingham, Sunderland

Job description: Business Management Officer

GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EoI Form (also see Guidance Notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

BRUNEI: PCMF - BLS and AED Training Wednesday, 17th June 2026, 1500hrs @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFPO - Temporary Closure and General Accounting Rate (GAR) for June 2026

Opening Hours:

Monday - Wednesday

08:00 - 12:00

Thursday

10:30 - 14:00

Friday

08:00 - 12:00

Unit's Post Orderly Mail collection and drop-off

Monday - Wednesday

08:30 - 11:30

Thursday

10:45 - 13:30

Friday

08:30 - 11:30

Exchange Rate:

June - £1.00 = $1.7157

NOTICES 

Temporary Closure

The Post Office located in Chit Chat Community Centre will be closed from 16 to 17 July in support of EX GST JUNGLE SAFARI 26.

COMD BFB DIRECTION ON THE BFPO SERVICE

The use of the British Forces Post Office by SP across the globe is a huge privilege. Changes in the UK’s trading and customs regulations over recent years have created uncertainty around what constitutes acceptable fair use of the system.

Here in Brunei, we have a very limited capacity per week to send consignments via BFPO, and recent inspections have shown that up to half of this allocation has been used for dried goods. This has drawn attention at BFPO HQ, where similar patterns in other regions have triggered intervention from HMRC and resulted in permanent reduced allowances and referral to the Customs Compliance Team. I want to avoid that happening here. Particularly over the unit move, we must protect and prioritise access to the BFPO service, something that remains a privilege, not a right.

In line with guidance from BFPO HQ, I have temporarily suspended the consignment of dried goods via BFPO 11 to prevent excessive gifting and avoid triggering customs scrutiny. I recognise that sending gifts is a valued tradition in our community, but until the move is complete, I ask that you consider more appropriate alternatives to safeguard the system for all.

We kindly ask all customers to treat our Post Office staff with courtesy and respect. If you have any concerns or queries, please direct them to the SO3 Logistic Support, Capt Dan Knott RLC.

Proof of ID Card

With immediate effect, BFB personnel who wish to send a parcel through the British Forces Post Office MUST present a valid ID Card at the counter. The name on the ID must correspond exactly with the senders name stated on the Customs Declaration Form. Unfortunately, parcels will not be accepted for dispatch without valid identification.

Restricted items in the mail (BFPO 11 Service)

1. Sold goods. Commercial postage of clothing, apparels and services for personal gain through the BFPO is strictly prohibited.

2. Any misuse of BFPO services, such as using them for personal business purposes, constitutes an abuse of resources and is subject to disciplinary action. Misuse compromises the integrity and efficiency of services intended to support BFB’s Directives.

Prohibited items

The Following items are not to be sent via the BFPO mail system, for further advice, please contact the Post Office located in the Chit Chat Community Centre.

Compressed gases – butane, oxygen, propane, camping gas cylinders, gas lighter refills, aqua lungs, aerosol (including medicinal and toilet articles including aerosols such as hairsprays, perfumes, shaving foams, medicines, drugs and nail varnish.

Corrosive – acids, alkaline, wet-cell batteries, Bluetooth speakers, power banks and remote controllers vinegar, photographic chemicals, mercury or any items containing mercury.

Infectious substances – bacteria, viruses, medical and pathological specimens, except under the IPBS rules

Oxidising materials – bleaching agent, peroxides and chlorate

Poison – Arsenic, Cyanides, insecticides and weed killers.

Explosives - fireworks, sparklers, flares, toy caps and ammunition

Perishable foods - Dried Fish of any kind, Dairy Products of any kind, Any perishable food items.

Weapons - Knives, Khukuris, Ninja throwing stars (any sharp instruments are not to be sent via the post).

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/bfpo

International Driving Permits (IDPs)

International Driving Permits (IDPs) can be issued from the Post office at no cost to authorised BFB personnel and families.

Please note the following:

The validity periods of IDPs remain extant, only request, as required.

A passport sized photo and valid driving license is required for IDP issuance.

More information about IDPs can be found at https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/get-an-idp, https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/what-is-an-idp/ or on the Royal Mail website.

Forces Post Office (FPO) Chip & Pin Service

Customers are reminded of the upper limit when withdrawing or depositing cash at the PO is the local equivalent of £250 per day, and a maximum limit of £1000.00 per month respectively. This cash limit also applies to MoneyGram services.

Please do not approach the counter staff requesting more than the afore stated amounts. If you require a larger withdrawal, you must first seek permission from SO3 Log Sp or the DCOS, through your CoC if appropriate, in the first instance. Also, a 5 days’ notice must be given in order to ensure enough cash is available at the counter.

Post Office Ration Card 2025/26

QR Code for Post Office Ration Card 2025/26 Renewal

Please be advised, the issuance of the 2025/26 cash transaction cards is through a request system.

Please click HERE for the link or scan the QR code below is the mode of requesting new cards.

Upon submission a message will be displayed, indicating the date for collection.

Address Format for Service Personnel/ Garrison Support Personnel:

Service/Staff number, Title/Rank, Full Name
Unit (1 or 2 RGR, HQ Brunei Garrison, BFB)
Sub Unit (HQ, A, B, C Coy/Department)
Tuker/Medicina Lines
BFPO 11 or BF1 3AG

Address Format for Families:

Title, Full Name
(C/O) Service/Staff number, Title/Rank, Full Name
Unit (1 or 2 RGR, HQ Brunei Garrison, BFB)
Sub Unit (HQ, A, B, C Coy/Department)
Tuker/Medicina Lines
BFPO 11 or BF1 3AG

BFPO Price/Size Guide

Please click the image to enlarge.

Postage requirements

When customers come to the Post Office with parcels to send, please make sure the items are already correctly addressed and securely sealed.

When Posting Parcels please ensure they are clearly addressed properly and within the dimensions of Depth (460mm) x Length (610mm) x Width (460mm) and no heavier than 20Kg.

Use of BFPO to Operate a Business

‘Customers who are operating a business overseas for personal gain, are not authorised to use the BFPO facilities to forward or receive mail items connected with that business. The MOD pays for the transportation of mail to and from overseas by air or surface means. To allow customers to use the BFPO to operate a business for personal gain would constitute an abuse of public funds.

Individuals, who are authorised or choose to operate businesses overseas, are advised to use local civilian post offices to receive or send goods connected with their business, whereby full international rates of postage will be paid.

Should a violation of this Guidance & Direction be suspected, the Chain of Command will be notified and disciplinary action may be taken against offenders’.

Contact information:

For general BFPO enquiries please use the following information

Email: bfpoenquiries@gmail.com

For BFPO mail tracking/ issues, please contact service desk

Email : desbfpo-enquiries@mod.gov.uk
Tel Military: 94676 3450

Tel Civil: +44 (0)345 769 7978 (calls are charged at local rate in the UK)
Alternative: +44 (0)20 8589 3450

Post Office, Chit Chat Community Centre:

Email: BruneiGar-HQ-Post-SNCO
Christopher.Locke173@mod.gov.uk

Phone – (+673) 3224101 ext. 3218

Duty mobile – (+673) 9330239

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.