Things to Do - Chateau de la Hulpe

Château de La Hulpe stands in the heart of an estate that is a listed Exceptional Heritage Site in Wallonia.

Formerly owned by Count Solvay, this French-inspired castle has such splendor it is well worth a visit and walk in the grounds.

This is a lovely place for a walk, the grounds are vast so there is plenty of space to wander off and explore.

Map; https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4...

 

Distance from SHAPE; 38 minutes by car

 

Opening Times; 8.00 -18.00

 

Dogs; Allowed on a lead

 

Paths are buggy friendly

 

Cafe; Usually Ice cream vans and waffle to take away vans here. Is a cafe; La Taverne de l’Homme Bleu, we didn't pop in but looks lovely. Website is; https://www.homme-bleu.be/

 

Address; Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe

 

Website for Chateau is; https://chateaudelahulpe.be/domaine/en/home

 

Recommended walks found HERE

 

For other idea's of things to do, check out shapehiveblog; http://shapehive.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20O

 

 

 

Little Troopers hosts free virtual pantomime for all military children

Little Troopers hosts free virtual pantomime for all military children

Charity Little Troopers has organised a free virtual pantomime for British Armed Forces children to watch at home on Sunday 20th December.

Performed by children’s entertainment company, Playhouse Parties, Cinderella the pantomime can be streamed live at 2pm on any device and is open to all children with parents serving in the British Armed Forces. The pantomime is part of the Little Troopers Christmas Smiles campaign which aims to bring smiles to faces of military children, especially those who have a serving parent deployed over the holidays. The charity has also teamed up with the Build-A-Bear Foundation to distribute 1,000 free teddy bears to British Armed Forces families who will be separated this Christmas.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, comments: “2020 has been particularly challenging for lots of military families so we were adamant that we would find a way to bring some Christmas smiles to as many military children as possible. Our usual events have been cancelled, but this virtual pantomime is something that all Little Troopers and their families can enjoy at home. We love the idea that Little Troopers from around the world will all be coming together at the same time and sharing in this amazing performance. We hope this small gesture will bring smiles to the faces of lots of military children this Christmas and help them realise that they are part of a very special community of young people.”

To watch the Little Troopers panto, families need to be signed up to the charity’s newsletter which they can do at www.littletroopers.net A link will be sent out on the morning of the pantomime and families can sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

For more information please email info@littletroopers.net

Childline: Talk To Childline About Any Issue

 For further information please click HERE

A Career With The MOD Police

For further information please click HERE

Things to do; Château de Seneffe

Château de Seneffe is an 18th-century château located in the municipality of Seneffe.

The Chateau is currently closed, however the grounds are open to walk around with a lake, statues and fountains. This is a charming place for a lovely Autumn walk only 25 minutes drive from SHAPE

 

There are often exhibitions inside the Chateau and within the gardens. My children love running around and exploring. If you reach the top of the hill it's a great point to shout out and hear an echo!

 

Cost; Grounds are free and currently open

 

Distance from SHAPE; 25 minutes by car

 

Map; https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4...

 

Where; Rue Lucien Plasman 7, 7180 Seneffe

 

Cafe & Toilets; There are toilets but may not be open. Coffee shop and restaurant are currently closed.

 

Dogs; Not Permitted

 

Open; Grounds are open 10.00 -18.00

 

Website; https://chateaudeseneffe.be/en

 

Chateau prices (when open) Adults -6 euro. Children over 12 -5 euro and children under 12 are free.

 

 

 

HIVE - 35th Birthday

 

Children's Education Advisory Service - CEAS

To read the full leaflet please click CLICK HERE

For more Information on the Childrens Educational Advisory Service CLICK HERE

Childrens Eductaional Advisory Service (CEAS) provides informative, bespoke and impartial advice to service and eligible MOD civilian families on a wide range of educational issues including:

- Parental rights and responsibilities

- Children or young person’s rights and responsibilities

- Special educational needs and/or disability

- School admissions and appeals

- Overseas education in non-MOD school areas

- Retention of quarters for educational purposes

- Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA

Military Investment Announcment

 

 

The biggest programme of investment in British defence since the end of the Cold War will be announced today by the Prime Minister.

HERE

Combat Stress 100 Project - a true insight to living with military trauma

 

Combat Stress 100 Project

A true insight into the impact of living with military trauma. Unfiltered, unguarded and profoundly moving accounts from UK veterans highlight the agony of living with PTSD and the toll this, and other complex mental health conditions, can have on veterans and their families. 

Please click HERE for further information

Live Employability Workshop For Female Veterans, Spouses And Partners

  

If you have a parent who is in or used to be in the armed forces, the NHS would like to hear your views on how it can support you better. Take part in a short questionnaire or virtual event. 

Click HERE for more information:

Quiz on Belgium: How well do you know Belgium?

 

The 1st Discovering Belgium Quiz!

How well do you think you know Belgium? Answer these 10 multiple-choice questions to find out. And remember, there’s one great way to improve your knowledge about Belgium!

See what you know and CLICK HERE

Have your say about Child care at SHAPE

 

Please don’t forget to complete the DCYP SHAPE Childcare Survey:

https://surveys.mod.uk/index.php/577746?lang=en

 

Calling All Armed Forces Children - Have your voice heard through poetry, art, speech, song

 Please click HERE for further information

Alcohol Awareness Week

It's Alcohol Awareness Week, running from 16-22 November 2020 on the theme of Alcohol and mental health. It's a week of awareness-raising, campaigning for change, and more. There's still time to take part. 

Sign up to get your free resources today by clicking HERE

Things to do - Domain De Gavers

 Provincial Domain De Gavers (near Harelbeke)

We went here recently for a day out, we took a picnic and set off early. Despite kid's groans about the hours drive, all was forgotten when they saw the amazing playground! The play equipment is fantastic for kids of any age. 

 

The Domaine is large and has something for everyone. There are lots of different wood walks and nature trails depending on your energy levels. (map and details below) 

 

We walked around the lake which was approx 4.5 km. There were things to see and do along the way and smaller play parks dotted about. Equally the paths are good so you can take bikes. 

 

 

 Swimming Beach Area; 

 

In the summer there is a beach and swim area (life guarded) which costs between 1 - 6 euro. For more Information CLICK HERE This opens on the 26th June 2023.

 

The lake has pedalos, boats, Kayak's and other water activities which you can book either before hand or there. These incur a cost.

 

There is a also a climbing wall and High Ropes course. 

We had a great day out at Domaine de Gavers, it is an hours

drive but well worth it. Top tip - Get there early!

 

Cost; Free (extra activities there is a fee for)

 

Distance from SHAPE; 1 hour by car

 

Map (this is to the west carpark nearest the playground) 

 

Cafe & Toilets; Yes to both. Toilets are open. Cafe, Restaurant and Visitors Centre open.

 

Open; From Sunrise - Sunset

 

Website; https://www.west-vlaanderen.be/domeinen/gavers

Dogs; Are welcome and there are two unique dog walking area's where dogs can run without a leash.

 

Address; Provinciaal Recreatie- en Natuurcentrum De Gavers, Eikenstraat 131, 8530, Harelbeke, Wegbeschrijving

 

Map of the park can be found here;

 

 

Meet The Team - Sarah's Story

 

 

Meet the Team - Sarah's Story

As part of a series of staff stories from HIVE, we are sharing a number of stories

in the coming weeks on our Army HIVE Facebook page at the link below.  

Each story provides a personal account of working for HIVE,

feeling empowered and delivering the HIVE service to our customers across the UK and overseas. 

To read Sarah's story visit www.facebook.com/ArmyHIVE

Building Heroes

 

UK Armed Forces Veterans' Health and Gambling Study

 To take part in the study please click HERE

SSAFA - November Newsletter

 

To read the November newsletter please click HERE

Veterans' Gateway - Still Open

 

COVID-19: During this unprecedented time, we’re still here for you 24/7

Veterans' Gateway have huge supplies of advice, guidance and support 

0808 802 1212 

Click HERE to access the website

JSHAO Talking Mortgages - 25th Nov

 

The Warrior Programme - Fully Funded Course

 

Community Drop In with the Hive - Thursday 12th November; 10.30 -11.30

 

Tomorrow's Community Zoom Drop In is with the HIVE.

Please do call in for a chat if you want to find out more information about life here at SHAPE.. Or simply ideas for days out, things to do, local parks, sports clubs, housing, where to walk your dog, best supermarket to shop at... absolutely anything really! 

 

If I don't know the answer I'll be more than happy to find out for you. 

 

When; Thursday 12th November; 10.30-11.30 

With; Host Hannah Smith (HIVE)

 

To join the Zoom Meeting - details are on the British facebook page

 

Or email me on shapehive@armymail.mod.uk

Or call me on; 0471611678 

 

CTP - Virtual Employment Event

Join CTP for another Virtual Employment Event, where they will be live with a whole host of employers from 11:00 on Thursday 12th November.

This is an opportunity to speak to industry-leading employers with live vacancies who will be recruiting over the next 6-12 months, via video conferencing platforms.

Call to book - 0203 162 4410

Email to book - ctpevents@ctp.org.uk

Click HERE for more information

ABF The Soldiers' Charity National Survey 2020

 Click HERE​ to take part in the ​annual survey of attitudes to soldiers and veterans.

Christmas Shopping - Online Safety

 

To view this helpful leaflet online please click HERE
 

Army Diversity & Inclusion

Every unit in the British Army has a trained D&I advisor who ensures that their unit has an inclusive culture and assists the Commanding Officer in supporting those who are treated unacceptably. 

They lead on informal resolution and signpost the many organisations that are there to support our soldiers including the Speakout confidential helpline and the Army Mediation Service.

To read more online including information on employee support networks and external partnerships, click HERE

Army HIVE: Meet the team

 

As part of a series of staff stories from HIVE, we are sharing a number of stories in the coming weeks on our Army HIVE Facebook page at the link below. 

Each story provides a personal account of working for HIVE, feeling empowered and delivering the HIVE service to our customers across the UK and overseas.

To read Paula and Lindsay's latest story visit www.facebook.com/ArmyHIVE

Armed forces domestic abuse: where to get help

 

Domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men and can impact on anyone, regardless of background. 

Victims are not responsible for another person’s abusive or controlling behaviour. Any victim of domestic abuse has the right to be supported and to stay safe

For more information CLICK HERE

Lock Down Community Hub Zoom Drop In this week

 

Lockdown Community Hub Zoom Drop In

With Belgium now going into Lockdown No2 the community hub will be hosting a daily zoom drop in 10.30 – 11.30 for the whole community. 

 

Each day will have a different host and focus but feel free to join us for a general chat / catch up, join in once a week or every day; share your ideas or just ask a question and if we don’t know the answer on the day then we will get back to you.

 

Monday- Shape House with Siobhan Smith

Tuesday - Well Being with Claire Mellor and the Padre

 

Wednesday -  No meeting - Public Holiday

 

Thursday - Shape HIVE with Hannah Smith

Friday - Families Federation Host with Anna Hall

Join Our Zoom Meeting - Details for log in are on the British facebook page or email; shapehive@armymail.mod.uk

DIO Notice - Stores closed from Tuesday 10th November, reopen Monday 16th November

DIO Notice:

Due to the Belgium Public Holiday and Staff absences, The DIO Stores in Bld 202, Rue De La Tamise, (where you collect bin bags from) will be closed from Tuesday 10 November and will re-open on Monday 16 November .

 

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause – DIO DAS Stores Team

Tri-Service Regulations For Expenses And Allowances (JSP 752)

 

 

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the Armed Forces (Remuneration) Allowances team has worked hard to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on our people. 

 

A number of Directed Letters (DLs) have been published, adapting policy on a range of allowances, which can be found by clicking HERE 

 

 Any individual queries from Service Personnel relating to these DLs should be addressed to unit admin staff.

 

Meet the Team - Lisa's Story

As part of a series of staff stories from HIVE, we are sharing a number of stories

in the coming weeks on our Army HIVE Facebook page at the link below.

Each story provides a personal account of working for HIVE,

feeling empowered and delivering the HIVE service to our customers across the UK and overseas.

To read Lisa's story visit www.facebook.com/ArmyHIVE

JSHAO 'Talking Mortgages'

 

The Ripple Pond - Launch Rebrand

 

 

Ripple Pond launch rebrand. This reflects how the charity is evolving. With a new logo, font, and colour scheme. The new logo represents the ‘ripple’ being cradled and supported – highlighting the peer support our members offer to each other.

With consultation with their members and other outside audiences before, during and after the rebrand. It was found that the military community were aware of The Ripple Pond and some of the work that they do, but it was unclear that their support was for those supporting service personnel and veterans who are living with a physical injury or mental illness.

Please click HERE to access the website

 

Anti-Bullying Helpline For Defence Personnel

A confidential helpline launched to provide support for defence personnel experiencing or witnessing bullying, harassment or discrimination.

Set up by the Ministry of Defence and employee support organisation Health Assured, the helpline is staffed 24/7 by trained bullying, harassment and discrimination advisers and qualified counsellors. The advisors, who are independent from the chain of command, can provide emotional support, information and guidance to callers.

Individuals will be able to anonymously report incidents to independent advisers and seek help on how to take issues forward, including through local support networks or the service complaints system, where necessary.

 For more information CLICK HERE

Things to do - Park d'Enghein

The medieval city of Enghien, at the edge of the Eastern part of the Hainaut region, is home to a superb 182 hectares park, considered major cultural heritage of Wallonia. It's themed gardens, water structures, historical buildings are enjoyed by all.

We often head over to Einghein Park, it is a lovely way to spend the afternoon. My children love going to the lake in the middle and spotting the gold fish (picture below) There are lots of different parts to walk about and things to see in the grounds.

There are often exhibitions or show at the park. 

Cost; Grounds are free.

Distance from SHAPE; 30 mins by car

Where; Avenue Elisabeth, 7850 Enghein

Cafe & Toilets; Yes a small cafe in the park and lots of cafes and restaurants in the town. Toilets sometimes open.  

Park: There is a small children's park out side the main entrance to the left near the car park.

Dogs; Permitted on a lead

Open; Grounds are open 8.00- 18.00

The small town is lovely and also worth a little wander round. Great to grab a refreshing drink after a long walk.