The monthly UK in NATO HQ social is coming up. Keep your eyes peeled for the Union Jack.
Open to NATO Passholders. Held in the NATO Staff Centre.
Monday, 18 November 2024
SHAPE: Paws to Read, Monday 25th November 2024 16:15 - 17:15
Reading to therapy animals is a great way to boost a child’s confidence with reading as well as their emotional comfort. The non-judgemental presence of the animal also helps to reduce stress and makes the experience of reading aloud much more enjoyable.
Open to readers aged 6 and upwards. Sign-up REQUIRED.
Book onto a reading time for Saturday 16th November in CHIEVRES and Monday 25th November at SHAPE for your little one read to Dude the Dog.
SHAPE: The Briqs at B3s, Saturday 23rd November 2024, 19:30 ‘til late.
B3’s is THE place to be this Saturday! The SHAPE Brit Community Covers Band is back and ready to rock.
Saturday 23rd November 2024, 19:30 ‘til late. Be there or be square! You won’t be disappointed.
Friday, 15 November 2024
SHAPE: Tween Book Club, Friday 22nd November 2024, 16:00-17:00
If you have a tweenager who enjoys reading, the SHAPE International Library host a Book Club. Just pop into the Library to find out the current selection and Happy Reading.
Next Meeting is Friday 22nd November 2024, 16:00-17:00.
SHAPE: Upcoming Events, November-December 2024
Don’t miss these fabulous community events going on in SHAPE over the next four weeks.
SHAPE: Kids Get Ready for Christmas, Wednesday 4th December 2024, 16:00-17:30 at SHAPE House
Don’t miss this fantastic drop-in session for kids to make their all important preparations for Christmas hosted by Anna at SHAPE House.
Sign-Up here and please do come by the Community Hub to pay in advance in cash by Thursday 28th November 2024.
Parents or allocated adult do need to stay with the children throughout this event.
Parents or allocated adult do need to stay with the children throughout this event.
SHAPE: Let’s Get Elfed Up, Thursday 12th December 2024, 19:00-21:00 at SHAPE House
Want to Elf Yourself and become Santa’s Little Helper for the evening?
Join Anna at SHAPE House for some festive drinks whilst assisting Santa with his lists.
Sign up via GSO-EJSU-Belgium-Communityhub@mod.gov.uk
BRUSSELS: The Christmas Experience at the Museum of Infinite Realities from 25th November 2024
Join Santa’s elves in their festive wonderland, on a very important mission to save Christmas.
Journey through seven magical rooms; the North Pole Post Office, the Reindeer Stables, a Journey to the North Pole, the Elf Workshop, a North Pole Party, Santa’s Sleigh Ride on the a world’s first holographic ride and arrive in the Elf Ceremonial Hall. This interactive experience is filled with festive fun for all ages.
Why not complete your day with a visit to Brussels’ beautiful Christmas Market?
To book tickets and obtain more information, click HERE
Sinterkluis Post Box and Gift Dispenser returning to Brussels and Mons this month
Bpost are stationing Post Boxes and Gift Dispensers across Belgium so children can send their letters to Sinterklaas and receive gifts.
Visit yours in Brussels at Kinepolis Cinema on 16th -17th November or Docks Bruxsel on 22nd - 23rd November.
Visit yours in Mons at Les Grands Prés on 29th - 30th November.
Additionally, Bpost operate Saint Nicholas secretariat whereby children can post a letter to Saint Nicholas until 15th December 2024 at the following address:
Saint Nicholas, Rue du Paradis 1, 0612 Ciel.
Every letter will be processed and a written reply from Saint Nicholas will be sent back.
ONLINE: Christmas Elf Workshop with Little Troopers, Saturday 14th December 2024, 12:00-13:00
Get into the Christmas Spirit with the Little Troopers Christmas Elf Workshop, facilitated by The Drama Hut.
Meet Elvin the spiritedly elf who is eager to spread some festive cheer.
Admission FREE but do reserve a spot HERE to avoid disappointment.
ONLINE: Little Troopers Cinderella Panto, Sunday 8th December 2024, 15:00-16:30
As part of the Christmas Smiles initiative from Little Troopers, don’t miss the LIVE Cinderella online Pantomime.
Please note this is held at 15:00-16:30 CET.
Registration is FREE but required to reserve a spot. Click HERE for more information and to reserve your place.
SHAPE: Sgt Curtis’ final mile and Ultramarathon celebration, 29th November 2024 16:00
Come and welcome Sgt Curtis back as he returns from his ultramarathon on 29th November 2024.
On Friday 29th November let’s gather at 4 PM at the Main Gate (Berlin Gate), SHAPE to join him on his final mile in this extraordinary journey of six ultramarathons in six days across three countries, encompassing a total of 402km. Sgt Curtis is aiming for at least 60 runners—one for every man lost to suicide every hour—to run this last mile together, in unison, as a community.
SHAPE & BRUSSELS: Design a Christmas Jumper Competition, Open to all children, closes 21st November 2024 at Midday
📣 Calling all budding artists!! Could you be the next Marc Jacobs or Coco Chanel? This is your chance to test your fashion designer skills and design a Christmas Jumper.
Simply print the Jumper template or collect a copy from the Community Office (SHAPE) or Welcombeek (Brussels) and get your festive design on! Submit your entries directly via email to Germany@bfbs.com or drop them into the Community Office or Welcombeek by 20th November 2024.
Open to all children, the lucky winners will have their design printed onto a jumper!
Competition closes 21st November 2024 at midday.
SHAPE parkrun/parkwalk, Every Saturday, 09:00
Fancy a 5km Walk/Jog/Run on Saturday mornings to start your weekend off right? Come along to parkrun/parkwalk and join a group of friendly individuals clocking up the k’s before topping up the cals at Rendezvous-Vous!
Meet behind the Continental Mess at 08:45 for a 09:00 start. No need to register but if you would like to keep track of your times, register Here.
If you don’t want to walk or run, why not volunteer? This fabulous FREE weekly event would not be possible without the support of the lovely volunteers. Scan the QR code to join the Volunteer WhatsApp Group.
The Impact of VAT changes on the Continuity of Education Allowance
In the Budget speech The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that the government will remove the VAT exemption for private schools from 1 January 2025.
For families claiming the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) this is likely to increase private school fees.
NHS England: 2024 Autumn/Winter Armed Forces health stakeholder brief
Welcome to the Autumn/ Winter edition of our Armed Forces stakeholder brief. To mark this year’s Remembrance, NHS England and our partner Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) are urging GP practices to become veteran friendly accredited and prevent ‘silently struggling’ veterans from delaying seeking medical help.
Thursday, 14 November 2024
SHAPE: SSAFA Christmas Fayre, Sunday 24th November 2024 11:00 - 16:00
Get into the Christmas Spirit at the SSAFA Christmas at the International School Cafeteria. Come along for a taste of a British Christmas as well as some Carol Singing and to see the Big Man himself.
Everyone welcome (with access to SHAPE), Free entry, no tickets required. Sunday 24th November 2024 between 11am and 4pm.
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
BRUSSELS: NATO Charity Bazaar, Sunday 17th November 2024, 10:00-17:00
Open to all NATO Pass holders, don’t miss the NATO Charity Bazaar on Sunday 17th November at the NATO Staff Centre, 10:00-17:00.
37 national stands, food and drinks available on site… Perfect for your Christmas shopping!
Bring cash as some stands may not accept electronic payments) and remember to take a reusable shopping bag for your goods and prizes.
BRUSSELS: Christmas Market at the Danish Church of Brussels, Saturday 23rd November 2024, 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 24th November 2024, 10:00-16:00
Come along to the Christmas Market at the Danish Church of Brussels on the weekend of the 23rd November 2024 for a traditional Danish Christmas Market full of real Danish Hygge and authentic Danish Flavours.
Experience traditional Danish sweets, Christmas wreaths and advent decorations, hot chocolates and homemade cookies and plenty of activities hosted by 18:00 despite his busy festive schedule.
In Flanders Fields read by Harper on BFBS this week
Did you catch the beautiful reading of In Flanders Fields, by Harper one of the pupils at the British Section of SHAPE International School?
Listen again here before it expires on 18th November 2024. Harper’s reading can be found at 2:33:00
BRUSSELS: Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, Tour & Taxis until January 5th 2025
If you’re a muggle with a desire to enter the world of Magic, then this all-new interactive art experience could be just for you.
WHERE?: Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86c
WHEN?: Now until January 5th 2025.
See https://harrypottervisionsofmagic.com/be/ for more information.
Get Ready for Defence Discount Service’s biggest Black Friday Sale! 🖤
DDS are thrilled to announce that Defence Discount Service's Black Friday sale is here, and it's bigger than ever! With early access deals, exclusive daily offers, and discounts from over 150+ top brands, this is the perfect chance to save on everything you love – and just in time for Christmas!
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New awards to build sustainable and resilient support networks for Veterans
The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) have awarded grants totalling almost £7 million under the Thrive Together Programme (previously known as VPPP) which will step up support for vulnerable Veterans.
BFPO Christmas Last Posting Date is Looming
If you’ve got Christmas mail to go back to the UK, don’t miss the last posting dates for BFPO.
The last posting date for BFPO 26 is Thursday 26th November 2024.
The last posting date for BFPO 26 is Thursday 26th November 2024.
Tuesday, 12 November 2024
Defence Transition Services (DTS): Civilian Housing Brief Dates 2025
To register for a brief: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing#civilian-housing-briefs
For more information on getting additional support when leaving the armed forces: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-additional-support-when-leaving-the-armed-forces
Little Troopers ONLINE Baking Workshop, Saturday 16th November 2024, 12:00
This Saturday 16th November at midday Cookstars will be joining the Little Troopers live for a baking session to make currant buns. Access link and ingredients list will be sent prior to the session.
Book your family space to join us HERE
There is no charge for the session but please only book if you are confident you can make the date and time as places are limited.
All Together is a separation club for military children, part of that programme is All Together ONLINE! A series of exciting, live, online events aimed at military children under 10 who have a parent away from home for whatever military reason. We welcome everyone from the serving military community who would like to join us.
Monday, 11 November 2024
SHAPE: Breast-Friends Support Group, Thursday 14th November 2024, 17:30-18:30
If you have been affected by Breast Cancer, Fiona Cousins-Webster is hosting a Breast-Friends Support Group meeting at SHAPE International Library on Thursday 14th November 2024 between 17:30 and 18:30.
No need to sign-up, just come along.
SHAPE: International Coffee & Conversation Bunco afternoon, Wednesday 13th November 2024, 13:00-14:30
Get ready for some dice rolling, bell ringing action at the SHAPE International Chapel this Wednesday as the International Coffee & Conversation group present……
Pop along for a fun couple of hours of coffee, conversation and chance, 13:00-14:30 this Wednesday.
SHAPE: Back to the 90s Dance Party, Tuesday 19th November 2024, 18:00 - 23:00
Don’t miss SIWC’s Back to the 90s Dance Party next Tuesday at the SHAPE Club.
Last chance for in-person ticket sales tomorrow at Rendezvous. Online ticket sales continue.
SHAPE: Canadian Christmas Market, Saturday 16th November 2024, 10:00-17:00
Don’t miss the Canadian Christmas Market this Saturday in the International School Cafeteria.
FREE Entry, Open to everyone with a SHAPE ID. If you’re yet to try Moosemilk this is the perfect opportunity. If you’re looking for Christmas Gifts, you will be sure to find something here.
Friday, 8 November 2024
SHAPE: Paws to Read, Saturday 16th November 2024 at CHIEVRES and Monday 25th November 2024 at SHAPE
Reading to therapy animals is a great way to boost a child’s confidence with reading as well as their emotional comfort. The non-judgemental presence of the animal also helps to reduce stress and makes the experience of reading aloud much more enjoyable.
Open to readers aged 6 and upwards. Sign-up REQUIRED.
Book onto a reading time for Saturday 16th November in CHIEVRES 11:00-12:00 and Monday 25th November at SHAPE 16:15-17:15 for your little one read to Dude the Dog.
SHAPE: Dinovember, Saturday 16th November 2024, 11:00 - 15:00
Do you have a Dinosaur enthusiast at home? This could be the perfect way to spend a Saturday!
Come along to the SHAPE International Library between 11:00 - 15:00 for some Cretaceous Crafts, Super Stories and STEM activities, Giganotosaurus Games and More!
SHAPE: Britmas, Friday 6th December 2024, 16:30-21:00
Get right into the Christmas Spirit British Style with Britmas!
Join us in the SHAPE Club for some festive fun and food. Sign up using the QR code above.
If you are wanting see Santa, please ensure you sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!
Tuesday, 5 November 2024
Families First Newsletter - Issue 20
Please use this link to read issue 20 of the Families First newsletter (and previous issues) online: Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
SHAPE: Trivia Night, Tuesday 12th November 2024, 19:00
Want to get busy with the quizzy? Come on down to the BritBar on Tuesday 12th November 2024 to get quizzical at Trivia Night.
Don’t worry if you haven’t got a team to come along with, there’s opportunity to make teams when you arrive. Bar Opens from 19:00, Trivia quiz-off at 20:00.
Monday, 4 November 2024
SHAPE: Lt Col Alex Price cycles the Silk Road Presentation, Thursday 14th November 2024, 17:30-18:30, the Britbar
This August, Lieutenant Colonel Alex Price, currently serving at SHAPE, completed the Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan. The race is an unsupported bicycle race, following a route totalling 1938km and climbing 38,000 metres over the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.
Red Bull have described it as possibly the toughest ultra endurance cycling event in the world. 172 racers started and only 98 completed the race within the cut-off, including Alex.
Come along to the Britbar on Thursday 14th November at 17:30, to hear Alex’s remarkable story of endurance. The Britbar will be open for drinks for this event.
SHAPE: Bingo, Wednesday 6th November 2024, 19:00h
Don't miss out on Bingo!
Pop along to the Brit Bar from 19:00 this Wednesday 6th November 2024 to buy your books. No need to pre-book. Eyes Down at 19:30. Good Luck!
Friday, 1 November 2024
SHAPE: Shoebox Appeal Reminder
Don’t’ forget there’s still time to get your Shoebox filled and returned!
Get yours to the Community Office by November 6th to spread a little joy this festive season.
Thursday, 31 October 2024
SHAPE: Services over the month of November, including Remembrance 2024
As we approach this annual period of reflection and remembrance, please see the services being held in the West Chapel of SHAPE International Chapel this Month. All Welcome.
SHAPE: Hike/Trek the Sonian Forest and Arboretum, Sunday 17th November 2024
If you like hiking, then you’ll love this 8km hike through the Sonian Forest. Contact the SHAPE Outdoor Recreation team to book your spot on outdoor.recreation@outlook.com.
Open to all US and NATO cardholders, ages 8 and upwards. Participants aged 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult and be in good general health.
SHAPE: Tween Book Club, Friday 8th November, 16:00-17:00
If you have a tweenager who enjoys reading, the SHAPE International Library host a Book Club. Just pop into the Library to find out the current selection and Happy Reading.
Next Meeting is Friday 8th November 2024, 16:00-17:00.
SHAPE: Closet Organising Workshop, Wednesday 6th November 2024, 13:00-14:30
Would you like to know how to fold your clothes effectively so you minimise creasing and maximise wardrobe space?
Pop along to Vesna’s Workshop at the SHAPE International Chapel to learn more. No registration and no costs involved but if you would like to bring in any clothes donations for a local maternity home, they would be wholeheartedly welcomed.
SHAPE: New Cosmos Exhibition at SparkOh! Now open.
Do you have an interest in the Cosmos or are you parent to a budding Astrologer, Astronaut or Star Gazer? This new exhibit at SparkOh! could be right up your street. This new exhibit opened on 19th October 2024 https://sparkoh.be/en/exposition/cosmos/
If the Solar System isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other scientific discoveries to be made at SparkOh! Explore 12,000m of interactive spaces and find out how science can be child’s play!
AWS Community Support Annual Report 2024
This Report outlines some of the key achievements delivered and challenges faced by our team over the past year. It provides an overview of key areas of work, statistical information and also looks forward to the year ahead. It demonstrates the breadth and depth of the impact that the Community Support team have.
20240903-Strategic_Plan_Annual_Report_2024.pdf
Stem Cell Donation: Sign up to save a life!
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