Candle in The Wind - D- Day 80 Remembrance Service at the Mohnesee

 

What's on Over Easter

Fort Fun Easter Event 31st March & 1st Apr  standard admission tickets get kids access to the Easter Egg hunt. Drive time from Sennelager is approx 1 hour.

A fun treasure hunt in the amusement park for little explorers up to 12 years old on the large playground near the Adventure Area (opposite the Dark Raver attraction).

Who finds the golden egg and wins a basic annual ticket for a year of fun at the amusement park.

Safari Land Stuckenbrucke - The Easter Bunny will out and about in the Park

In the Safariland the African safari feeling is guaranteed, even without traveling to another continent. With us you can experience over 600 animals directly plus enjoy the amusement park and indoor play area. Drive time is approx 15 mins from Sennelager

Wisentgehege Wildpark-  Easter Sunday Funday 

Easter skill games for children, puzzles and crafts. Drive time from Sennelager is approx 1hr 25 mins.

 

 Dippemess

Frankfurt's  spring festival "Dippemess" is one of the largest folk festivals in the Rhine region. 

You can find the main fair on the Festplatz Am Ratsweg . This year the fair opens between 3rd -22nd Apr.

The Dippemess dates back to a medieval market called the Maamess. Potters from the Westerwald, Kannebakerland and Urberach also sold their products at the market, especially ceramic bowls and containers.

These are called "Dippe" in the local dialect and over time the name changed to the Dippemess.

Opening hours:

• Monday closed (except Easter Monday)
• Tuesday to Thursday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m
• Friday to Saturday 2 p.m. to midnight
• Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m
• Every Tuesday between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., children up to the age of 12 receive two tickets for the price of one at all participating children's rides.
• Parking is not available at the site organisers suggest using public transport to arrive by train or bus. 
• Frankfurt Hbf is about 20 mins by U-Bhan

"freDOlino" Dortmund

"Fredolino", the Dortmund Easter fair. Entry costs 1 euro.© Andre Schuchert

The Dortmund spring fair opens between 1st Apr - 16th Apr.

You can find the fairground at the Fredenbaum park . 

Parking is available directly at the Poco fairground car park – Eisenhüttenweg 11.

Entry to the fairground €1 - Pay per ride in addition.

• Monday and Tuesday: 2pm to 10pm
• Wednesday: 2pm to 11pm
• Maundy Thursday: 2pm - 11pm
• Thursday: 2pm to 10pm
• Friday to Saturday: 12 pm to 11 pm
• Sunday: 12.00 to 10.00
• Closed on Good Friday

The highlights this year are the firework evenings on Saturday 30th Mar & 6th Apr.

On Family Days - every Wednesday (March 27th and April 3rd) - families can look forward to a 50 percent discount on all carousels, a great incentive for trips with the whole family.

Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund

Fund applications are now open!

​Last year, The Open University supported around 28,000 disabled students. And, since the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund was established, more than 300 additional disabled students have been able to access higher education with us.

What is a Disabled Veterans' Scholarship?

If you’ve been injured or disabled in, or as a resu​​lt of, military service, you could be funded to complete a full Open University qualification.

We offer 50 scholarships annually. All undergraduate and postgraduate modules and qualifications are eligible. You’ll have your fees waived for up to 120 credits per seasonal academic year, up to a maximum of 360 credits, which is equivalent to a full honours degree.

Information and eligibility criteria can be found here

Disabled Veterans' Scholarships | How to Pay | Open University

HIVE 40th Anniversary: Request for Anecdotes and Memories

 

Social Media Specialists - Free BFBS Social Media Training

Free BFBS social media training programme for military spouses plus Veterans and their spouses.

The BFBS Academy has announced the launch of Social Media Specialists, a free course open to the broader military community offering the opportunity to upskill in social media marketing techniques.

Free BFBS social media training programme for military spouses plus Veterans and their spouses.

Click here for further details

Join the RBL at the National Memorial Arboretum to Mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

The Arboretum will be open to the public as normal on 6 June as RBL host WW2 veterans and their families, and commemorate the service and sacrifice of all those involved in the Normandy Campaign.

Members of the public can watch the D-Day 80 Service of Remembrance in the grounds, with seating available on a first come, first served basis.

Entry to the Arboretum is free, but booking your visit in advance is recommended to guarantee entry, and save on parking (£4 in advance, £6 on the day)

Defence Discount Service: Veterans Privilege Card Video

Defence Discount Service have introduced a new video to support veterans with signing up for a Defence Discount Service Privilege card.  To watch the video, please go to this YouTube link. 

National Adult Social Care Recruitment Campaign - Made with Care

23red is the partnerships agency working with DHSC on their national adult social care recruitment campaign Made with Care.

The campaign aims to highlight the amazing opportunities which the care sector can provide for a fulfilling career, showcasing the amazing difference you can make every day and demonstrating that it is easy for people without any previous experience to get started.

Family Action Job Vacancy: Practice Development Support Office - Part Time & Home Based

Starting at £24,724 FTE per annum, raising to £27,232 FTE per annum

Additionally, £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum

Permanent Contract

UK home based with some travel

Part time – 22.2 hours per week

To apply: fill out the Application Form & send to: completed.application20@family-action.org.uk

To learn more about the role and requirements, read the job advert and the job description and person specification

Closing date: Friday 12th of April at 5pm

Accommodation Survey - ARMY 2024

Army - Accommodation Survey - ARMY 2024

Extension to Closing Date: Modernised Accommodation Offer Review – don't miss the opportunity to have your say!

1800 Tues 9th April.

Modernised Accommodation Offer Review – don't miss the opportunity to have your say!

The MOD is undertaking a review of the Modernised Accommodation Offer (formerly New Accommodation Offer), following the pause in rollout of elements relating to Service Families Accommodation (SFA).

As part of the review, we want to gain a clearer picture of your personal circumstances and your future accommodation choices. We will use this data to improve our understanding of the potential demand for family accommodation, including where, how and with whom Service personnel would like to live. It will help us to create an improved accommodation offer for the Armed Forces.

Visit your Pharmacy first!

 

Defence Victim Witness Care Unit: We Stand With Victims

 We stand with victims. 

A year after its formation, we look at how the Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) supports victims and witnesses of serious crime during their journey through the Service Justice System.  

Here to support 

Whether you’re in the Armed Forces or a civilian, the VWCU is here to support you. If you’ve been affected as a victim or witness of serious crime committed by Service personnel in the UK or abroad, we are here to help. 

Independent from the Army, Navy, and RAF chains of command, the unit is made up of specially trained civilian Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) who act as supportive guides throughout the Service Justice System – from reporting a crime, to the investigation, and any subsequent court martial and outcomes.  

Each referral to the VWCU is allocated a VLO as their primary contact who will remain with them throughout the process, ensuring they are supported in accordance with the code of practice for victims of crime (JSP 839).  

Togetherall: Neurodiversity Celebration Week Support

We all experience and interact with the world in a way that makes sense to us. Neurodiversity highlights the idea that there's no one right way to think, learn, behave or feel.

People think differently, which means we can also utilise different ways to feel better. With Togetherall, members can share their experiences and share community.​

Read more about Neurodiversity in @Togetherall's blog post.

Reserves Continuous Attitude Survey: ResCAS 2024 Closes in 2 Weeks, Take Part Now!

The Reserves Continuous Attitude Survey (ResCAS) closes on Tuesday April 2nd 2024.  

Please take time out to provide feedback on your experience as a Reserve.   

Why complete it?   

We would like to hear your views and experiences so that we can help shape the policies that support and enable your service, including providing the right support and training. The more responses we have, the clearer the picture MOD has of your experience. 

For more details on whether you can take part and how, please find your service below. 

Non-UK Nationals: Lower Minimum Income Requirement Agreed for the Armed Forces

On 4 December 2023, the Government announced that the MIR would be increased to align with the new minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers, which is currently £38,700, with an initial increase to £29,000 in Spring 2024. 

This will no longer include an additional income requirement where a child is included in the application. 

The Ministry of Defence has worked with the Home Office on options to mitigate the potential impact on recruitment and retention the increase may have, and it has been agreed that the MIR will be aligned with the salary threshold for Other Ranks on completion of training, which is currently £23,496. 

Officers earn £31,304 until completion of Initial Officer Training when their pay increases to £37,425. The MIR for HM Armed Forces will be reviewed in line with the annual pay award. 

The Government introduced the MIR in July 2012 for partners and children of British and settled persons, and in December 2013 for a partner and child(ren) of HM Armed Forces, including the Brigade of Gurkhas, under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules.

The full Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules can be found at: HC 590 – Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (publishing.service.gov.uk)​

A Q&A document has been prepared and can be accessed at this LINK

Garrison Family Day Trips - We need your input!

 

The Sennelager Welfare and Community Support Team are planning coach trips for all entitled members of the community with SOFA Status. 

We need your input!

If you would be interested in the day trips  please use this link or scan the QR code above to answer a very short survey.

Family Action - Job Opportunity Alert

Advice Line Worker, PAC-UK – Part Time, UK Homebased, London or Leeds

Homebased, starting at £31,991 FTE per annum, raising to £35,445 FTE per annum, plus £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum.

Month of the Military Child 2024

Each April, we celebrate Month of the Military Child, a time to recognise the important role that military children play in the wider armed forces community.

We invite individuals, organisations, schools and groups to participate in Month of the Military Child this year through 3 key activities:

1: For the 3rd year running, we are holding a poetry and art competition, with the theme: Life As a Dandelion. The competition is open to young people 6-18 and begins 1 April and entries must be received by 3 May. Winners announced 27 May and winners will be invited to London in June to receive their certificates and a special day out. Each winner will also receive a £25 Amazon Gift Voucher and a goodie bag! One lucky school will also receive a £250 Book Grant. Cash prizes were very kindly donated by the Armed Forces Education Trust!

Centrica Forces Pathway News Letter

 Read the Newsletter here

World Sleep Day Friday 15th March

Why is sleep so important?

SLEEP is the Foundation Stone that supports both our mental health and physical wellbeing, which is why we spend a third of our lives asleep.​

The information contained in this Sleep Resource Page will help you to adopt heathier lifestyle choices, these small changes will help you to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. All of ​​​​​​these changes are inside your control.

​Fd Army Sleep Resource Page (cloud.microsoft)

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Service Pupil Support With New Round of Funding

Great news for schools supporting Service children in the UK! The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme.

Part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3), the Service Pupil Support Programme will award grants of £5,000 to £80,000 to projects supporting Service children along their educational pathway.

Civvy Street - March 2024 Edition

The latest edition of Civvy Street is available here​

Sennelager BFPO Updated Opening Times

 Here are the current opening times for the BFPO on Normandy Bks.

DAYS	OPENING HRS		UPO
	Counter		Mail collection
MON	0830 - 1200	1300 - 1530	1000 – 1130	1300 – 1600
TUE	0830 - 1200	1300 – 1530	1000 – 1130	1300 – 1600
WED	0830 - 1200	1300 – 1500	1000 – 1130	1300 – 1600
THU	0830 - 1200	1300 – 1530	1000 – 1130	1300 – 1600
FRI	0830 - 1200	Closed	1000 - 1130	Closed

What's On 23rd -31st March 2024

The BBQ & Streetfood Festival in Verl for the whole family

• 23rd March Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 10 p.m
• 24th March Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 8 p.m

Directions

12 Food stalls will cater for meaty, vegetarian & vegan choices. For the kids a  specially equipped kids area with a bouncy castle, while parents enjoy their food and drinks

For the first time, a selection of sports cars will also be on display, which may be helpful when deciding on your next car.

On Saturday evening, our DJ awaits you with the Food & Wine Lounge, where you can try our wine and menus in a great evening atmosphere.

Paderborn special event tours

31st March - Explore The Water Cellar- Paderborn Imperial Palace Museum 15:00

The tour is free to join you will need to pay €4.50 to enter the museum. Families get to the bottom of the legends surrounding the Paderborn springs and explore the spring cellar together in the museum in the Imperial Palace and in the Pader spring area.

Paderborn Easter run

27th March - Paderborn Easter Run

Enjoy watching Germany's oldest road race. Or you can register to take part in any of the public events held over the weekend.

Bad Lippspringe Forest Lights 

This event runs until Apr

Enjoy the forest with brand new lights for this year. Food and drink available from the beer stand. 

The prices for the forest lighting are valid from 4 p.m.

€9.50 for young people and adults   

€3.00 children aged 3 to 17 inclusive

Entrance until 9:00 p.m
Lighting until 10:30 p.m

Bonfires - Celebrate the end of winter in the traditional German style with a bonfire to scare of the dark of winter and welcome in spring.

• 31st  March Paderborn Easter Bonfire
• 31st March Arnsberg  1 hour from Sennelager - Arnsberg Easter Bonfire

Every year, Lent ends in Arnsberg with a remarkable Easter fire spectacle with huge fireworks displays.

On Easter Sunday, after dark, 350 torchbearers parade past the Stations of the Cross bathed in Bengali light and then form a huge cross on the top of the mountain.

With all the church bells in the city ringing solemnly, the pile of wood is lit and Easter songs are heard. A fireworks display concludes this remarkable event.

Ludge 46 mins from Sennelager  -  Ludge Giant burning wheels

Every year on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon, in Lügde, following the custom of the fathers, on the first day of Easter at nightfall, burning wheels are rolled down from the Osterberg into the Emmer valley at 9 p.m.

Recklinghausen Palmkirmes 1hr 20mins from Sennelager

The Recklinghausen Easter fireworks take place this week on the 21st at 9pm. 

The Palm Kirmes runs until the 24th March. 

Drive time to Recklinghausen is 1hr 20mins 

Army Welfare Service: A Message to Domestic Abuse Victims/Survivors

 See the.pdf here

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 Takes Place 18-24 March

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 takes place 18-24 March, and a calendar of online webinars and Q&A sessions has been scheduled as a part of this.  There are events relevant to individuals, parents and carers, employees and employers included; registration is via this link: 

​Recordings of the webinars will be emailed out to those who register, if they are unable to join their selected event(s) at the scheduled time.

For those working within MOD, also have a look at the Neuro Inclusivity Network.

NHS 'Get Your Blood Pressure Checked' Campaign Launches Today

 

The NHS ‘Get Your Blood Pressure Checked’ campaign launched today, and has the following primary messages: 

● High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. 

● You could be one of millions living with high blood pressure without knowing it. 

● An estimated 4.2 million adults in England currently have undiagnosed high blood pressure.

● Left untreated, high blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations (TSARs) JSP 464 updated to reflect Modernised Accommodation Offer

The following changes have been made to incorporate the elements of the Modernised Accommodation Offer (MAO) that are being implemented from 11th March:

• JSP 464 Vol 1 Part 1 V 30Ch 12: Forces Help to Buy Scheme – Section XII Para 1251. Refund of Legal Expenses (New Buyers) policy
• JSP 464 Vol 3 Pt 1 V24Ch 3: Single Living Accommodation and the Substitute Equivalents - ChargesSLA Waivers 0303c. Amendment to Over 37 Provision. SLA Waivers 0303 y. Inclusion of the Dual Accommodation Waiver.

Details of the amendments are at this link and the full policy document can be found here.

Contact House Directory

Did you know that Army HIVE holds and maintains a directory of all Contact Housing available across the UK and Overseas?

For a copy, or for contact details for a location, do g​et in touch with any HIVE or drop us a message at

rc-pers-hivecomms-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Celebrate the Month of the Military Child with Little Troopers

April is the international month of the military child. Little Troopers has organised a  month packed full of events, workshops and downloadable activities, so wherever you live, your little troopers can get involved.

Family Action Job Opportunity: Content Executive, Digital Marketing - UK Remote, Part Time & Flexible Working

Home based Hours: 22.5 hours per week (part-time)

Salary: £28,315 – £31,073 FTE per annum (£17,218.58 - £18,895.74 per annum + £480 home working allowance)

Contract type: 12 month contract (with the aim of being made permanent)

Family Action are looking for a skilled web copywriter who is passionate about creating helpful content for families and comes with a track record of working with subject experts to translate difficult topics online. 

You will have the opportunity to develop and shape a distinct area of our upcoming website and provide direct support to families looking for information and help as part of Family Action and our helpline, FamilyLine's digital offer. This is a part time role with the flexibility to fit around candidates' lives and brings with it the chance to makes a real difference to families looking for help and guidance.


To read more & apply – click HER​E​ (Vacancy ID 1112)

Armed Forces Pension Schemes: Pension Savings Tax Changes and the 2015 Pension Remedy

A newsletter has today been published on the Armed Forces Pension Schemes Gov.uk website, providing guidance on:

​1. Pensions Savings tax and the latest changes
2. Pensions Savings tax and the 2015 Pension Remedy

Links to supporting guidance and sources of further advice can be found on pages 13-15 of the publication.

Please go to this LINK to view the newsletter, or to Armed forces pensions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)​ for all AFPS-related information and guidance.​

Sennelager Families Easter Challenge Trail 2024

 

AWS Easter Families Event 29th March 2024 10:00 - 13:00 Loseke Community Centre.

Join the family challenge trail to win your Easter prize.

RBL Easter Egg Hunt 2024 in Sennelager

 

Easter Sunday 31st March 2024, 15:00 Loseke Community Centre

Easter Egg Hunt 1445 - 1500 

High Tea follows the Easter Egg Hunt. Donations to the Poppy Appeal.

To reserve places for high tea please email paderborn.secretary@rbl.community

Choice of two times for High Tea 15:00 - 16:00 or 16:00 -17:00.

Army HIVE Non-UK National Support: New Email Address for Enquiries

RC-Pers-HIVE-NonUKNat-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk​

Certes IT Services - Support to Former Forces

Certes IT Services Solutions offer a free service seeking to create a community with knowledge and understanding that supports each other and champions ex-military personnel.

 
For more details on the offer to former​-forces please see the website below:

Link to website

Defence Discount Service: Veterans Research

NEW STUDY REVEALS THAT NEARLY FOUR IN FIVE VETERANS FEEL LACK OF RECOGNITION DESPITE SACRIFICING KEY LIFE EVENTS

New research conducted by Defence Discount Service has revealed that nearly four in five (75%) veterans feel they are not sufficiently recognised or rewarded by society for their service, despite many sacrificing key family events.

The study, which surveyed 11,500 veterans in the UK, found that while in service, 40% had missed key life events such as Christmas, anniversaries, weddings, funerals and even the birth of their own children.

Defence Children Services, Education Advisory Team (UK) - School Place Offers & Appeal Advice

There are some key dates coming up for families who have children due to start primary or secondary school in September 2024. 

Defence Children Services Education Advisory Team (UK) have prepared an information sheet, which offers advice to families about responding to the school places they have been offered for their children should it be needed.  This guidance is relevant UK-wide.​

For further information use this link

Serve and Protect Credit Union - March Free Financial Webinars

Free financial webinars this March from Serve and Protect Credit Union! Boost your financial resilience with actionable tips. Don't miss out! 💪💰

Domestic Violence - The Financial Impact

🕑 Friday 8th March 2024 13:00 - 14:00

Managing the Cost of Living

🕑 Friday 8th March 2024 14:00 - 15:00

Budgeting & Spending

🕑 Thursday 14th March 2024 14:00 - 15:00

Boost Your Credit Score

🕝 Thursday 21st March 2024 14:00 - 15:00

What Lenders Look For

🕑 Thursday 28th March 2024 14:00 - 15:00

​🔗 Register for free here

Defence Infrastructure Organisation: Service Family Accommodation Communications Update

 A message from DIO Chief Executive, Mike Green:

“On Tuesday, I gave evidence to the House of Commons Defence Committee inquiry into service accommodation.

I welcome the scrutiny of our past performance and the opportunity it provides for us to share the improvements we are making.

I care deeply about the homes that DIO provides for you and your families, and during the evidence session, I was again able to offer my sincere apologies for the unacceptable living conditions that many of you have had to experience.

I am determined to resolve the problems that have affected Service family homes and over the last 18 months we have done all in our power to grip the issues.

Maintenance service performance has significantly improved and more than 80% of jobs are now fixed on first visit. Call waiting times have vastly reduced and complaints are at their lowest level since the contracts began. However, there is much more still to do.

Breastfeeding Support Groups - A Short Survey for Serving Personnel & Spouses

Please click here for a short survey on potential Breastfeeding Support Groups across the UK.

​This survey was created by FAB (Families And Babies) and is tailored to the military community including spouses, either those who may wish to volunteer/undertake training to run the groups, or those who may be interested in attending​.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024: Online Events Schedule - 18th to 24th Mar

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 takes place 18-24 Mar, and a calendar of online webinars and Q&A sessions has been scheduled as a part of this. There are events relevant to individuals, parents and careers, employees and employers included; registration is via this link.

Recordings of the webinars will be emailed out to those who register, if they are unable to join their selected event(s) at the scheduled time.

Victory Services Club D-Day 80th Anniversary

Bring your dancing shoes and prepare for an unforgettable experience as The Polka Dots take the stage at our D-Day 80th Anniversary Luncheon at the VSC on 6th June 2024! 

Cost £44pp 

Their beautifully blended voices, high-energy dance routines, and stunning designer costumes will infuse the event with an irresistible swing. Get ready to groove to classic tunes from legends like Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters, as well as cheeky retro twists on modern hits by Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston. The Polka Dots deliver each performance with a perfect blend of pizazz, professionalism, and audience interaction, ensuring that everyone will be up on their feet and immersed in the celebration!