BFBS Forces News access to First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) will release a special Forces News interview with First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, on 8 July 2026.

In a frank and in-depth interview with BFBS’ Tim Cooper, General Sir Gwyn hosted a rare tour on board HMS Daring, as he discussed his vision for the future of the Royal Navy, including plans for a hybrid navy, recruitment and retention, morale, warfighting readiness, submarine readiness, the work of the Joint Expeditionary Force, and more.

Gibraltar: Walks Through History Programme

 

The Gibraltar National Museum is pleased to announce the return of its popular ‘Walks Through History’ summer programme, taking place on Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:30 throughout July and August as part of the Summer Sports and Leisure Programme. Designed for children aged between 9 and 12 years old, the programme offers young participants an engaging opportunity to discover Gibraltar’s rich and fascinating past through guided outdoor experiences.

Now a well-established feature of the Museum’s summer activities, the walks combine history, heritage and exploration in a way that encourages curiosity and learning beyond the classroom.  This year, two additional walks have been added to the programme, allowing the Museum to offer activities throughout the newly extended school summer holidays.  Accompanied by Museum guides, participants will explore a range of historic sites across Gibraltar while learning about the people, events and stories that have shaped the Rock over thousands of years.

From ancient caves and defensive fortifications to hidden corners of the old town and wartime tunnels carved deep within the Rock, each walk focuses on a different aspect of Gibraltar’s unique heritage.  Through these experiences, children are encouraged to develop a stronger connection with the history and environment that surrounds them in their daily lives.

As in previous years, places are expected to fill quickly.  All activities are free of charge, but advance booking is essential due to limited availability.  Parents or guardians are welcome to accompany children, although priority will be given to participating children where numbers are restricted.  Bookings will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and must be made via email.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate children who arrive without a confirmed booking.

Registration forms are available to download on our website: https://www.gibmuseum.gi/news/walks-2026

BRUNEI: The Directory of Boarding Schools 2026

Are you considering a Boarding School for your child(ren)? 

Did you know there is a directory showcasing all the Boarding Schools and Colleges that offer discounts and CEA-funded places for HM Armed Forces Families?

You can find the Directory of Boarding Schools 2026 here.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - *NO* Families Club during July and August 2026

NOTICE

Please note that there will be *NO* Families Club at Mumong Community Centre during July and August 2026 due to the Summer Break.

Families Club will resume in September 2026. 

Email BruneiGar-SpSvcs-AWS-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk for more information.

Ext: 3785

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Action for Happiness Calendar - Jump Back Up July 2026

Please click the image to enlarge.

Our monthly calendars are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world. 

Click here to access the Action for Happiness Calendar.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Monkey Guarding - Monkey Adventure Walk *Next Date* Thursday, 16th July 2026, 5 PM @ Panaga

*New DATE* Monkey Adventure Walk

Please click the image to enlarge.

Explore the lives of long -tailed macaque!

Understand their behaviour and learn the do's and don'ts for safe, respected interactions.

Kindly sign up using the QR Code above and the link below. You can find out more information about Monkey Adventure Walk and about what we do on our website.

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.

a. British Passports Renewal. All applications for UK passports, whether personnel are serving in the UK or overseas, must be submitted online via the GOV.UK website. The applications submitted from overseas will be deemed as MOD FOC applications. Therefore, all BFB Service Personnel are required to seek guidance from their respective Coy MPAs prior to submitting application.

b. Nepali Passports Renewal. The BFB will periodically coordinate with the Nepal Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to conduct Passport and Consular Camps in Brunei. If applications are required outside of these scheduled camps, SPs must consult their Coy MPAs for advice.

2. All Service Personnel are reminded that claim submissions must be made within 91 days from the date of the expense.

UK VISA APPLICATION

1. The BFB Service Personnel whose spouses do not hold a UK visa are advised to apply for a UK visa at the earliest opportunity. This is essential to facilitate travel to the UK in the event of an emergency. They are required to seek guidance from their respective Coy MPAs prior to submitting application.

2. All Service Personnel are reminded that claim submissions must be made within 91 days from the date of the expense.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

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.