SHAPE: Base Support Group Newcomers Orientation Briefings, July through October 2025

Don’t miss the BSG Newcomers Briefs; they are different to the British ones and very informative.

Do get your name down for one of them this Summer, they are brilliant sessions and include a Guided Tour of Mons.

American Independence Day Celebration, Uccle Saturday 5th July 2025, 17:30 onwards

 

Celebrate American Independence Day at the David Lloyd Health Club Uccle, on Saturday 5th July. With an evening of BBQ, Music and Family Fun.

More Information here

Seven second-hand gems and one vintage treat for luck in Brussels

In the spirit of re-use recycle and repurpose, did you know that Brussels has eight gems for vintage finds or clothing by the kilo?

Whether you want to release your inner designer or simply refresh your wardrobe, there’s sure to be something perfect in the capital for you. Check them out here.

First edition of the Summer Quays event opens in Brussels, Thursday 3rd July to Sunday 13th July 2025

Introducing Brussels’ new open-air event Quai d’Été, opening this Thursday for 10 days.

 

This event is aimed at offering city dwellers a summer staycation with an urban oasis vibe.

You will find FREE Quayside activities during the day focussing on sport and relaxation. Deckchairs and FREE children’s entertainment targets a wider audience by day with a lounge and a DJ Set ensures a more relaxed evening feels. The bar offers non-stop food and drink throughout.

Enjoy a Summer Festival feel in the City. Find out more here.

Top Ten Castles of Belgium

Love a bit of History? Are you are Castle fan? Looking for something to do this Summer? 

With over 3000 Castles in the country, Belgium is the most Castle dense country per square kilometre in the world. Around 400 of these are open to the public so there are certainly plenty to choose from. 

This article presents one Castle per province for Belgium; a beautiful mix of medieval fortress, enchanting estates and classy castles. Something to really get your teeth into this Summer. Enjoy…https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/10-top-castles-in-belgium/

FREE Museums Sunday this week

It’s that time of the month again when Museums across Belgium open their doors to the public for FREE.

Make the most of this opportunity to take in some history, culture, art or general quirkiness of this fantastic country.

BRITA Urban Trail Ghent, Registrations Open tomorrow!

The second round of the BRITA Urban Trails series is coming up!

 

On Tuesday 1st July, registrations for the Ghent Urban Trail opens at midday.

Don’t miss the early-bird rates.

Sign-up here.

The Urban Trail is an incredible way of seeing a city with a 7/8km and a 12/13km route taking in the streets and building interiors of lots a different places.

You can walk it or run it or do a bit of both, one thing for sure is, you won’t forget it in a hurry!

SHAPE: 4th of July Event, SHAPEFest Tent, 16:00-23:00

Celebrate 4th of July with our American Colleagues. 

Please note: there will be Fireworks at this event, please make sure your pets are safely inside.

SHAPE: Stand Up Paddleboarding on Lake Nisramont, Sunday 10th August 2025

If you are an adventurer, read on….

WHAT: Stand-Up Paddleboarding
WHERE: Lake Nisramont
WHEN: Sunday 10th August 2025

WHO: 18+
HOW MUCH: 60 Euros
MORE INFORMATION: Contact OUTDOOR.RECREATION@outlook.com

Annual Events by Season

I am pleased to introduce these new Annual Seasonal Events Posters.

Available in hard and soft copy.

Just pop into the Community Office or email RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk to get your copy.

Make-a-Wish Amount Raised….Drum Roll please……

🥁 🪘 🥁 🪘 🥁 

What a community we have here! It’s heart-warming to know that the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

Summer Maker Spot, July 2025, SHAPE International Library

Summer Maker Spot is here throughout July!

No registration required, just come along and join in.

All welcome but for young people to attend alone, they need to be aged 11+.

New digital tool: Overseas allowance planning now easier

Check out the Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR), to get a fast, personalised estimate of what you’ll receive – if you’re in the Armed Forces and preparing for a posting abroad. 
  

Reckon it’s worth a look… 
A reckoner is ‘a table or device designed to help with calculations’ and that is exactly what our new Power BI OAR tool does. It puts financial clarity at your fingertips, transforming how you and our HR teams plan for postings abroad, by producing accurate values in minutes – rather than the hours it may previously have taken.  

Fully integrated with JSP 752 policy rates, the OAR offers real-time figures for a range of products – including Local Overseas, Disturbance Expenses, and Get You Home Overseas allowances.  

Been Extended? Read on….

If you have been extended in your current role or promoted/transferred to a new role, please do visit the NSE to start the ball rolling on renewing your SHAPE and Protocol I.D.s

Just a gentle reminder that you will also need to inform DIO and Healix, renew your SOFA card and re-register any vehicles you may have. 

The NSE can signpost you as needed and SHAPE2Day (ArrivingLeaving: SHAPE ID/Extension) is also a very helpful starting point.

Army Families Federation (AFF) Q1-2025 Snapshot

Have you used the Army Families Federation Rep whilst you have been overseas this year?

This infographic shows the types of enquiries that AFF have received in the overseas space from January to April 2025, and the positive impact that they are making.

AFF use this data to build evidence, analyse patterns and advocate for positive change; the more issues that they are made aware of in the overseas space, the more they are able to drive positive change for serving personnel and their families.

If you want to contact your AFF Rep, email ejsu@aff.org.uk.

SHAPE: Cavoli Community Centre is holding a Flea Market, Saturday 12th July 2025

The Cavoli Community Centre is holding a Flea Market!

Whether you are looking for hidden treasures, vintage finds, or a great bargain, there’s sure to be something on the tables of the Flea Market on 12 July 2025. 

Open from 9:00 to 14:00.

Whether you're selling or browsing, it's the perfect way to spend a summer morning!

🪑 Interested in selling?
Reserve your spot now – it's only 10€ per table.

Contact the team at communitycentre@shapemwb.be to book your space.

BRITA Urban Trail Brussels, Sunday 29th June 2025

Have you seen the Urban Trail Series in Belgium? It’s an incredible way to see a city, discovering known and unknown sights as you walk or jog your way around the 7 or 12km circuit.

This Sunday is the Brussels Urban Trail, at Beursplein. Starting in 5 waves from 09:00, you can discover the city in running shoes. There is free bag a storage available to participants and race number & T-shirt collection opens at 08:00 on Sunday.

Registration is still open for Online registrants.

Brussels Urban Trail takes in:

• Ancienne Belgique
• Brussels Parliament
• The Museum of Illusions
• De Wolf,
• City Hall to name a few locations.

For more information and to sign-up check out https://brusselsurbantrail.be/en/

Later in the year there is also an Urban Trail in Ghent (19 October), Antwerp (16 November) and Mechelen (13 December, an evening event). More information here.

Château de Freÿr

The Château de Freÿr in Wallonia has a rich, architectural history and enchanting gardens, so makes for a perfect Summer day out. 

Although the Château dates back to 1378, its current format started to take shape in 1571 after the destruction of the original Castle Keep.

You will find a blend of renaissance and baroque styles throughout the building and when exploring the Château interior, keep your eyes peeled for the award winning Children’s Coach.

In the gardens you can visit Europe’s largest potted Orange trees that date back to the early 18th Century and incredibly, they still live in their original wooden cases! There is also a labyrinth to explore in the beautiful grounds of this stunning Castle.

Château de Freÿr is located in 5540 Hastière and is family friendly place to visit with interactive tours, special events tailored for children, enchanting gardens and captivating stories of the history of this grand old Château.

Find out more at: https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/chateau-de-freyr/

BRUSSELS: Bozar Restaurant cited in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants

 

The two-Michelin star Bozar Restaurant in Brussels has been awarded the great accolade of being named one of the 50 best restaurants in the world!

With artisan-led menus, offering Belgian fare this culinary jewel is well worth a visit if your pockets are deep:

• The seven course menu is priced at 245 Euros
• The five course Horta menu is priced at 195 Euros and
• The three course lunch menu is priced at 115 Euros.

Find out more at: https://bozarrestaurant.be/

BRUSSELS: The Guinguettes des Marolles return for Summer 2025

If you are looking for a chilled Thursday evening in the capital, then look no further!

 
Every Thursday throughout the summer, at the Place du Jeu de Balle you will find free concerts and entertainment, starting at 6.30pm. 

A great way to spend time with family, friends or colleagues after work and to make the most of the long Summer evenings.

Find out more here: https://localguide.brussels/en/blog/the-guinguettes-of-the-marolles-are-back/

BRUSSELS: The Roller Parade, Friday 20th June until Friday 12th September 2025

Brussels’ summer roller parade started on Friday evening, and will also roll into other cities around the country, including Hasselt, Leuven, Antwerp, Charleroi and Namur.

The free parades, accompanied by music, are for rollerblades, bikes, longboards, skateboard and even electric bikes.

Beginner and advanced riders welcome from age 10. Don't forget safety gear and water!

Check the website for updates in case of bad weather.

WHEN: Friday Evenings from 20 June to 12 September, at 20:00
WHERE: Place Poelaert
MORE INFORMATION: https://rollerbikeparade.be/en/

Armed Forces Health Survey, Open to all Serving Personnel

Armed Forces Health Survey
 
Army Health and Performance Research team are conducting a study aimed at understanding how certain aspects of military and physical activity may impact urinary incontinence (accidental peeing). It is crucial for us to gather insights from individuals who do not experience any urinary symptoms as well as those who do, to comprehensively assess the issue. Despite being a common symptom in both men and women, many individuals do not report these symptoms to healthcare professionals so this research will help us to understand how many people in the Armed Forces are affected.
 
The survey is open to all Armed Forces trained personnel (Regular and Reserves), men and women, so please do take part.

You can complete the survey at this link: https://surveys.mod.uk/index.php/129672?lang=en or via the QR code in the poster.
 
For the sharing of information across Defence Connect please use this link - https://jive.defencegateway.mod.uk/docs/DOC-1227070

NHS ‘Say You Served’: Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

 

Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Whether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.

It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.

Why It Matters for You

Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas

From September 2025 eligible working families assigned overseas will have access to up to 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare for their children aged from 9 months old.

Early Years funded childcare overseas.
To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).
 
Defence is expanding the childcare offer for working families assigned overseas with children aged 9 months to school starting age, to match the entitlement in England.
 
From September 2025 eligible working families can claim funding for up to 30 hours per week, per child aged 9 months old to school starting age, during term time (38 weeks per year).
 
This is an increase to the additional funded hours that became available in September 2024, in which 15 hours of Early Years childcare funding, per week, per child, during term time, became available for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 3 years old.
 
For more information about the Early Years Childcare available in England, please go to Early Years childcare | Childcare Choices (GOV.UK).
 
When can parents assigned overseas access the funded childcare hours?
 
From September 2025 Eligible working families will be entitled to the additional funded hours from the term after their child turns 9 months old. 
 
Who is eligible?
 

• Regular Service personnel including FTRS (FC)

• UK Based Civil Servants (UKBCs) assigned overseas with accompanying pre-school aged children. Fee-paying contractors cannot apply. 

 
To be eligible for the additional funding available to working families, both parents i.e. the Defence person and their spouse/partner (or a sole parent in a lone parent family), must meet the minimum earnings threshold, of at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the UK National Minimum or Living Wage, and not exceed the maximum earnings threshold of £100,000 per year adjusted net income.
 
What do parents need to do?
 

• Check eligibility by reading the DIN content.

• Identify a suitable Defence Children Services (DCS) setting.

Where there is no DCS provider, or if DCS are unable to meet the requirements of the family, Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA) can be applied for and used. However, the childcare provider must be registered, regulated and inspected by the host nation.

• Get sign-off from Commanding Officer, Commander, or Head of Location for non DCS Providers, or the Head Teacher / Early Years Manager for DCS providers.
• Keep supporting evidence/receipts of application forms and ongoing claims for audit purposes. 

 
Full information can be found in the DIN, search ‘Funded childcare entitlements and processes for overseas Service personnel and UK Based Civil Servants (UKBCs) with accompanying pre-school aged children’ on defnet: DINs Search or Defence Connect: Group: Defence Instruction Notices - DIN's | Defence Connect
Further guidance can be found on the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect.
Families can find further information on Discover My Benefits -  Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force
 
Early Years childcare within the UK
 
Defence remains committed to enabling access to appropriate, enriching, and safe childcare for the children of Service families.
 
Options are being developed for how Defence might provide parity in pre-school childcare for those serving within the UK, recognising that this is likely to have tax implications for those impacted. The options analysis will conclude during 2025.
 
Who to contact if you have any questions.
 
Early Years childcare funding overseas, email:
PEOPLE-AFFS-Child-Expenses@mod.gov.uk
 

SHAPE: International Military Boxing Competition seeking participants

If you are a boxer and like competing, keep reading….

Closing date for registration is 15th July 2025. Application details in the poster.

SHAPE: Cavoli Community Centre is now open!

Have you seen the new Cavoli Community Centre in the 500 area?

This brilliant community space is available to book for private events, kids birthday parties, conversation groups and group sessions.

Currently open Monday to Friday 09:00-14:00 with aspirations to open for longer if the space is well used.

The Cavoli Community Centre is open for an under 5’s session from 09:00-10:30 every morning with coffee, chat and fun, for parents and kids under 5.

Then from 11:00-13:00 it becomes a relaxed lunchtime space.

Based in the old Flower Shop Unit, pop in and check it out next time you are passing.

 

Cosi fan Tutte by Mozart in Mons, Tuesday 1st July 2025

 Like Opera? Don’t miss this performance in the Theatre Royal de Mons.

WHEN: Tuesday 1st July 2025 at 19:00
WHERE: Theatre Royal, Grand-Place Mons
DURATION: Three Hours with intermission
TICKETS & INFO: public@surmars.be or https://surmars.be/agenda/2025-07/musique/cosi-fan-tutte

CHIEVRES Summer Story Times, Monday 30th June to Monday 11th August 2025

CHIEVRES Library is running a series of Storytime and Crafting sessions over the Summer. 

Suitable for all ages, no registration necessary, just pop along and join in!

Remember to take your SHAPE I.D. and a second form of I.D. too.

SHAPE: Cinema at the Library, July and August 2025

If you are looking for a family activity over the Summer, why not give the Family Movies at go at SHAPE International Library?

No registration required, just turn up.
All movies will be G or PG Rated. 

Contact the Library direct for Movie Titles.

DIO Services Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 20 June 2025

 

Prolonged dry weather and water conservation

Those living overseas will be well-accustomed to warmer weather, but for those living in the UK please note several areas across England and Wales have experienced the driest spring for over 60 years, and in some cases since records began. This has led to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales declaring a combination of drought status and prolonged dry weather status for many regions.

To help conserve water follow the recommended actions:

• Consider taking a quick shower instead of a bath. 
• Be mindful not to keep taps running for longer than needed to avoid water wastage. 
• Try to run dishwashers and washing machines with a full load. 
• Check and report any leaks in toilets, faucets or pipes to Pinnacle by calling 0800 031 8628. 

Collectively, these small actions can make a big difference to available water resources. Thank you for your support and co-operation.

Summer safety tips

Summer is upon us, and we want to share some Summer Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe during warmer weather.

For advice on summer safety including window restrictors, BBQs, and what to do if you find a wasp or bees nest inside your property, visit: https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/in-my-home/summer-tips/

Festival au Carré, Mons Friday 27th June to Saturday 12th July 2025

From Friday 27th June to Saturday 12th July 2025 the Festival an Carré arrives in Mons.

From wacky fanfares on the Grand-Place to acrobats in the parks and music in the streets to theatre & dance in the halls, this family-friendly event has something for everyone.

New for this year too, is the artistic Guinguette in the Mayor’s Garden and the Mons Street Party!

For more details and to book tickets (some of the events are ticketed) click here. It may be advisable to access this link from your smartphone to enable translation.

Monthly Library After Hours sessions throughout the Summer, SHAPE International Library

Library After Hours is Back for the Summer!

For Family Fun or Activities for Teens & Adults, come along to SHAPE International Library.

No need to register, just turn-up.

To attend without a parent, young people must be aged 11+ 

SHAPE International Library, Summer monthly Crafternoons

Don’t miss the Crafternoons at the Library this Summer. 

Everyone welcome to come along and get your craft on!

parkrun/parkwalk celebrates 100 events, Saturday 5th July 2025

SHAPE parkrun is celebrating 100 events!

Come along and try it out; walk, jog, run or volunteer. parkrun is FREE to all participants and is always looking out to welcome new faces! If you don’t fancy participating in the 5km route, why not volunteer to support the event; all roles are very simple and very much appreciated by the par runners/parkwalkers.

WHEN: Saturday 5th July 2025

WHERE: Meet behind the Continental Mess, 08:45 for a 09:00 start

WHO: Adults, kids, Dogs (On a short lead) and pushchairs all welcome

 

Then join us in the Britbar for some Coffee and Cake! 

No Passenger Flights Departing Brussels and Charleroi Airports, Please Read

No passenger flights will depart from Brussels Airport on Wednesday 25 June due to a strike, with disruptions to arriving flights also expected.

The disruption is part of a broader nationwide pan-industry day of strike action that is also likely to affect public transport, schools and other public services.

All flights departing from and arriving at Charleroi Airport scheduled for Wednesday 25 June have also been cancelled.

Read More Here: 25 June strike: no passenger flights taking off from Brussels Airport

 

Abbaye Notre-Dame du Vivier awaits you

The Abbaye Notre-Dame du Vivier was founded in the early 12th Century, consecrated in 1103 and affiliated with the Cistercian Order in 1236. 

Discover this hidden medieval gem in Gelbressee and enjoy a guided tour through the site lasting from 90 minutes to 2.5 hours. As well as the architectural beauty of the Abbaye itself, the gardens are a place of tranquil and serenity to also be enjoyed.

If you want to make a weekend of it, there are three charming self-catering guesthouses on site, offering the chance to experience monastic peace overnight.

For family-friendly adventures, wind your way around the forest trail walks, participate in some themed activities or have a magical dining experience in the tree-tops (suitable for age 6+)!

For more information, see https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/abbaye-notre-dame-du-vivier/

Have you visited the Museum of Playing Cards yet?

Fancy a different day out?

How about a visit to the Museum of Playing Cards in Turnhout? Belgium really does have a museum for everything!

Check out the authentic printing machines and stream-driven presses and if you time your visit well you could even pick yourself up a freshly pressed demo print. Learn about how Cards were used for propaganda, see some rare card decks and witness the gruesome consequences of cards in the media.

There is also a Room of the Future with interactive games, quizzes & screens complete with a selfie booth and interactive workshops with creative play for kids too.  There really is something for everyone.

Want to find out more? https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/museum-of-the-playing-card/

SHAPE HOUSE: Call For Volunteers…Please Read

Can you help support our brilliant SHAPE House? See Anna’s plea below….

Volunteering Request!
 
We have fantastic volunteers supporting regular SHAPE House groups, one-off events for different ages groups, and running Pop-Up Coffee weekly at the BritBar. Some of our core volunteers are moving to pastures new this summer, and we would love to broaden our pool of volunteers in preparation. We welcome everyone over 18, whether you want to volunteer at ad-hoc one-off events or would like to regularly run a weekly baby/toddler group, start a new group or anything in between. If you want to chat through different options (without any commitment) just email the community office or pop in and Gemma or Anna would be really happy to help.
 
We are also aware that some of you who have already kindly signed up to be volunteers need to finalise some paperwork – if this is the case Anna is opening SHAPE House for a volunteer drop-in with coffee and cake 9.30-11.30am on Friday 27^th June (children welcome to come and play while you have a coffee and catch up on the paperwork). There will be paper copies of the paperwork you can complete there or a laptop ready to go if you prefer. If you want to come along and find out more but haven’t previously expressed a desire to volunteer, do pop in and we can help you find out more.
 
Volunteering is a fabulous way to meet people, feel involved in the community and settle into this new lifestyle, especially if you are not working out here. 

There is a real risk that without further volunteers coming forward, we will need to cancel some groups, events and sessions.

SHAPE: Sunday Services at the West Chapel, SHAPE International Chapel, 10:00

 

All welcome, always!

Invitation to attend Financial Literacy Focus Groups

 

Financial literacy is a key life skill and is critical to the development of our personal and collective resilience.  The Financial Times charity FLIC is has funding to expand financial literacy into the Armed Forces and they are running 2 online focus groups in June and one face to face focus group in July (details below).  20-30 Service personnel and family members across a mix of ranks, ethnicity and gender are being sought for each focus group, to help FLIC understand the financial challenges that the Armed Forces face, and the information that would be useful.  

 

The three focus groups will take place on the following dates/times:

 

19 Jun 25 (1130-1230 GMT tbc) – Online focus group delivered by via MS TEAMS  (25 pers)

 

24 Jun 25 (0900-1000 GMT tbc) – Online focus group delivered via MS TEAMS (25 pers)

 

17 Jul 25 0900-1200 GMT – Face to face focus group delivered by FLIC, Buller Conference Centre, St Omer, Aldershot. (35 pers). Civilian attire, lunch at PAYD facility.

 

Register interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/at8DSE3evc

 

Volunteers will be asked to take part in a discussion to help shape a package that informs our Service community in a way that is relevant, engaging and accessible.  The discussion will explore their topics of interest, financial challenges and how they want to receive the information.  The session will also include the opportunity to test video and e-learning platform capabilities. 

 

SHAPE: American Independence Day celebration, Friday 4th July 16:00-23:00

Come and celebrate 4th of July with your American colleagues, at the SHAPE Tent.

Be sure to submit any Visitor 550 forms by Wednesday 25th June 2025.

Please be aware that there will be Fireworks at this event, do ensure your pets are safely at home.

SHAPEFest Headliners Act announced

Have you seen the Headliners for SHAPEFest this year? It’s going to be every Dancing Queen’s dream.

Get the date in your diary and be sure to submit those visitors pass forms in early doors. It’s going to be abba-solutely fantastic.

SHAPE: Whisky Needed for BRITFete and SHAPEFest

If you are due to leave SHAPE soon, don’t pack or throw away that half empty Whisky bottle…..

Support BRITFete and SHAPEFest from afar by donating your Whisky to the Whisky Stall! 

Forces Pension Society Online Armed Forces Pension Update

25th JUNE 12:30-13:30(GMT) - SAVE THE DATE!

 

The Forces Pension Society will deliver an online Armed Forces Pensions update for Serving Personnel, Veterans and Dependants at 12:30 GMT on Wednesday 25 June via MS Teams.
It will cover:

• The latest on the 2015 Remedy (McCloud) implementation

• A reminder of how pension benefits are/were earned during service and the ages that deferred pensions are paid

• When and how the pension benefits increase

• How to obtain a pension forecasts whilst serving or as a Veteran

• Dependants Benefits

• When and how to claim a deferred pension

• The benefits of membership of the Forces Pension Society

 
For more information, click here.

It’s the Doudou this Weekend. What’s it all about?

The Doudou of Mons: Resisting the Plague and Fighting the Dragon!

If you are wondering what the history of the Doudou is, wonder no more and cast your eyes over this…… https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/the-doudou-of-mons/

BRUSSELS: Two new Galleries open at the Cinquantenaire Museum

The Cinquantenaire Museum in Brussels has opened two new exhibitions; one dedicated to 19th Century Movements and the other to Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

For this weekend only, admission to these two new galleries is FREE.

WHERE: The Museum of Art and History, Brussels.

For more information, click here

Civvy Street Magazine – June/July 2025 Issue out now

 

To view Civvy Street online, go to: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=6b09d14d-165d-4488-891f-7f1b5eb6edda