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Friday, August 8, 2025

Recruit for Spouses Career Academy: Foreign & Commonwealth Programme

Are you a member of the Foreign & Commonwealth community with a qualification from your home country that you need transferring to its UK equivalent?Then RFS has some very exciting news to share with you!

RFS are thrilled to announce that applications are now open.

RFS will cover the costs of obtaining a Statement of Comparability and facilitate the application process, working with trusted service providers to ensure qualifications meet UK standards.

Eligibility:

- Partner of a Foreign or Commonwealth national serving in HM Forces (Royal Navy, British Army, or Royal Air Force)
- Over 18 years of age
- Partners include spouses, civil partners, fianc¨¦s(e), or individuals living with serving personnel in a relationship akin to marriage/civil partnership for at least two years

Application Requirements:

- Partner¡¯s service number
- Date of entry to the UK
- Visa status (if applicable)

To apply for this support and service, sign up to our portal and navigate to 'programmes.



Give Us Time: new donor in the NE of England

 


Evolve House in partnership with Motorfinity and She’s Electric

An opportunity for frontline women….

Motorfinity in partnership with She’s Electric are hosting an inspiring day at Stubton Hall in Nottinghamshire / Lincolnshire border on Sunday 28th September – created especially for you, the incredible women who keep everything moving.

Whether you’re part of the UK’s Armed Forces, a Veteran, or work in the Emergency Services, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance services, Prison Services, Education, Social Care or the NHS – this event is a way to say thank you, and to give something back to the women who do so much for others.

Expect powerful conversations, expert wellbeing insight, a fun electric drive experience and a chance to recharge.

If this sounds like you, or someone in your circle, we’d encourage you to register – places are complimentary but limited.




Hot Weather can Bring Big Smells in the Green Bin

After the weather was rather cool at the end of July and the beginning of August, warmer temperatures are forecast for the coming days and weeks. 

As temperatures rise, unpleasant odors and hygiene problems can quickly arise in organic waste bins. "When it gets hot outside, life begins in the bin," reports Jonathan Geldmacher, a recycling management consultant at ASP. Heat and moisture promote the decomposition of organic waste – sometimes with undesirable side effects. But this can be prevented.

A shady location for the organic waste bin is especially recommended in summer. The pre-sorting container in the kitchen should also be emptied regularly, especially if there are a lot of food scraps, fruit, and vegetable waste. After emptying, it's a good idea to let the bin dry thoroughly—for example, by leaving the lid open for a while. A layer of crumpled newspaper or dry garden waste on the bottom of the bin helps absorb moisture. Paper can also be placed between damp organic waste to improve the climate in the bin.

Proper packaging is also important: "Plastic bags – even those made of compostable bioplastics – do not belong in the organic waste bin," emphasizes Geldmacher. They do not fully decompose during the recycling process and can enter the environment as microplastics. Paper bags or plain newspaper are suitable instead. Suitable paper bags and pre-sorting containers, known as "Bioboys," are available for purchase at the ASP for a small fee.

The ASP continues to monitor the correct sorting of organic waste bin contents within the city. It's repeatedly discovered that bins cannot be emptied due to excessive weight. "Stones, soil, large amounts of fallen fruit, or heavily compacted grass clippings do not belong in the organic waste bin," explains Geldmacher. Those who have more garden waste seasonally can use the ASP's additional "seasonal organic waste bin," which is available during the growing season, or drop off this additional waste free of charge at the ASP's two recycling centers.



New BFBS Royal Air Force Documentary: Top Flight Fitness – Available to Watch Now


BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) spent six months at RAF Cosford following trainee Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) on one of the Royal Air Force’s toughest and most demanding courses, in a brand-new programme, Top Flight Fitness.

BFBS Forces News had special access to this intense and demanding training journey, capturing the brutal workouts, military theory lessons, real-world teaching sessions, and relentless physical and mental assessments that push even the fittest to their limits.

From raw recruits straight off civvy street to experienced service personnel, the series reveals what it really takes to become a PTI, and it’s not just about six-packs and speed.

BFBS Forces News reporter Kirstie Chambers joins the course every step of the way, sharing insight into the teamwork, psychology, resilience and sheer determination it takes to earn the coveted PTI badge, she said: “They didn’t just train bodies, they built minds. The women matched the men, the competition drove camaraderie, and the real test? Just keeping up the pace.”


Wednesday, August 6, 2025

What's on This Weekend

Munster Wein Festival 8th - 10th Aug - Free entry





This year, the wine festival will take place from August 8th to 10th, 2025, at Münster's beautiful Überwasserkirchplatz . Sample wines from a range of top-class national and international wineries.

Drive time is 1hr 30 mins the train journey is roughly the same time.

Rietberg - Water fun - €6 adults, €2 Children



Six and a half weeks of water fun during the summer holidays! The Garden Show Park offers refreshing cool-off on hot days.

From the large bouncy castle, you can slide directly into the pool. Small electric paddle boats are available, and the giant water balls require just the right balance.

There's no stopping you on the waterslide – it's a blast when the weather's nice! Water fun is available daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer holidays in the North section of the park.(make sure you head to the correct area of the park.)

The water fun is included in regular park admission. Season ticket holders pay nothing. A day ticket costs €6 for adults, and €2 for children ages four and up. Children under four are free.

Drive time 27 mins.

Time for Fishing?

At the last NFS Town Hall, it was raised that SOFA members in Paderborn were unable to renew or obtain a German fishing licence.


The GEO has now re-enabled this facility for SOFA Members to gain a German fishing License in Paderborn.


Applicants MUST attend the 2 hour GEO Briefing.
The intention is to run a pilot course briefing (Week commencing 1 Sep. Register with the pilot exam two weeks later (week commencing 15 Sep).

Applicants MUST pass the GEO Angling Exam (in English)


30 Hr self-learning package. The GEO exam (in English) is aimed at already experienced anglers and not for complete novices.
https://garmisch.armymwr.com/programs/hunting-fishing-sport-sho


Summer Nights Cinema - Schloss Neuhaus 6th -11th Aug







You chance to watch new and classic movies in the open air and in German too!
Tickets are available here.

Festival On The Lake

Things won't be quite so tranquil at this year's Bridge Festival, which runs from August 7th to 10th. With live music on two stages, a funfair, and a varied program for all ages, the festival is once again an experience for the whole family after a three-year hiatus.


Tickets are available online at 7.50 Euro each. Use this link

Machsee - Hannover Colourful programme on the children's meadow

Colourful children's programme every Wednesday and Friday - Sundays from 14-19h on the meadow at the stadium.

The children's meadow at the Maschsee Festival is the best place in Hanover for all those who like to play, do handicrafts, jump and run around. From Friday to Sunday and on Wednesdays there is a brilliant programme for the kids from 2pm to 7pm.

All play, creative, movement and hands-on activities are free of charge.


Drive time is a 1hour 30 mins from Sennelager. The lake is transformed during the festival with several music and event stages set up around the shore.

you can walk around the lake and visit all the pop up restaurants, lounges and bars. Or use the boats laid on to transport people between the venues. music is from choirs to rock, dance DJ's and funk.

Check out the website here for the complete details.




Monday, August 4, 2025

Women’s International Defence Rugby – 14 Aug to 4 Sept

 

Simplifying overseas service finances…

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.  

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.  

 Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin. 

 These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders. 

Easier claims with more flexibility 

From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya, and select European and Rest of World locations (administered by the Global Support Organisation) can opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.  

This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for expenses receipts to be provided before claiming.

The GMA Calculator gives a real-time, tailored estimate of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit – with JSP 752 providing guidance on expenses the combined allowances can contribute towards.  

Thursday, July 31, 2025

SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse - Welfare staff interviews request

SafeLives are also keen to speak with Army Welfare Officers and Unit Welfare Officers who have experience of supporting victim/survivors of domestic abuse. 

They want to understand your experiences of providing welfare support, and hear your views on the barriers victim/survivors from military families and relationships may face when trying to access help.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Army Personnel ABF



SafeLives: Service community domestic abuse victims/survivors interviews request

Survivor Interviews

SafeLives, with support from the Army Benevolent Fund, is looking to improve the domestic abuse response for victim/survivors from serving and veteran families.

SafeLives want to hear directly from victim/survivors who have lived experience of domestic abuse in military families or relationships. Their voices are central to this work.

Victim/survivors who take part will also receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for their time.


If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please scan the QR code on the poster to find out more.

Alternatively click on this link: Survivor ABF



Wednesday, July 30, 2025

What's On This Weekend

Libori fireworks - Sunday Libori comes to a close this Sunday with a fireworks display scheduled to take place at around 10:30pm. You can use this interactive map to work out where the best viewing spots are.


Other events

Cricket lovers should head to the Peoples park in Dusseldorf for an open tournament  2nd - 4th Aug. Go along and watch, there are more events to come if you want to take part on another date. 


Weinsommer Düsseldorf  31st July - 3rd Aug 

WINE Summer invites you to taste, discover, and enjoy in a cheerful community. Here you have the opportunity to find wines and meet the people behind them – the passionate producers.







Full information here

Detmolder Sommerbühne 2025 31 Jul -2nd Aug. 

A Free music festival turning the city’s marketplace into a vibrant open-air concert venue. For three days, the city’s heart pulses with handpicked live music, blending urban vibes with a festival atmosphere. 

Expect everything from Afro-Brazilian rhythms and singer-songwriter tunes to groovy electro beats, smooth jazz, and powerful brass sounds. With big names, newcomers, and hidden gems, there’s something for every music lover.

Full website in English available here

Machsee Festival Hannover 30th July - 17th Aug 

The massive annual festival starts this week on the iconic Machsee in Hannover. 

Drive time is a 1hour 30 mins from Sennelager. The lake is transformed during the festival with several music and event stages set up around the shore. 

you can walk around the lake and visit all the pop up restaurants, lounges and bars. Or use the boats laid on to transport people between the venues. music is from choirs to rock, dance DJ's and funk. 

Check out the website here for the complete details




Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF): Carers and Careers Survey

 


Are you juggling life in the Armed Forces while caring for someone with additional needs or a disability? Whether you're serving yourself or you're the partner of someone who is, if you're a carer, the Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) wants to hear from you!

FANDF is collecting lived experiences through a short survey, and the results will be shared directly with the MOD and policymakers at our next committee meeting.

Complete the survey now—it only takes a few minutes but could help shape the future

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Family Focus Programme reopens for applications

The Support for Wounded, Injured or Sick personnel and veterans - Reopens for new applications!

When a serving person becomes wounded, injured, or sick, life can change quickly for those around them. Family members might take on the role of primary carer, carrying a heavy emotional and practical load during recovery.

Ongoing support is essential. Its helps carers recognise their own needs and ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved.

In 2024/25, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded more than £1.3 million to 16 projects under the Family Focus programme to improve the lives of family members of Wounded, Injured or Sick personnel and veterans.



Give Us Time: Welfare Summer Update

 



The bulk of our breaks have now been booked, although we may have some last minute donations or cancellations over the summer, so please ensure you and any families are following us on social media at Facebook and Instagram.

 


ManKind Acorn Recovery Programme

 


Monday, July 28, 2025

Forces Employment Charity: Empowering You Employment Workshop - 15 to 17 Sept 2025

Empowering You is a hybrid three-day employability and confidence-building workshop in collaboration with Barclays and Forces Employment Charity

Event Overview

Days 1 and 3 are virtual. On day 2, delegates will be hosted at three Barclays locations (simultaneously). Day 3 you will meet employers online from across industries who value the skills and qualities that people from the Armed Forces Community bring.

Join us in person at one of the illustrious Barclays locations in London, Knutsford or Glasgow.

The event is for military spouses and partners (all genders), ex-military women and reservists.



What can you expect:


  • Receive a free one-to-one mentoring session with a corporate mentor.
  • Hear directly from employers about pathways for the Armed Forces community and regional job opportunities.
  • Understand the value that your transferrable skills can bring to employers and gain confidence in yourself.
  • Expert sessions delivered by our Families Employment Advisors who are all military spouses or partners with lived experience and who have served too.

Dates and times:

This event takes place on the 15th - 17th September 2025.

Virtual event timings (days 1 and 3): 10:00 – 13.00 (duration may vary due to group sizes)

In-person event timings (day 2): 10.00 – 16.00

Locations on day 2:


  • Barclays Radbroke Campus – Knutsford WA16 9EU
  • Barclays Glasgow Campus – 30 Clyde Place, Glasgow, Glasgow G5 8AQ
  • Barclays Headquarters – 1 Churchill Pl, London E14 5RB

Registration Link and Further Info:

Recruit for Spouses: What’s on this Summer?

RFS are offering a number of events programmes and services over the coming months.

 All services are free to access for military spouses, partners, veterans, and serving personnel.


Events include:

  • Wellbeing Programme: We are currently accepting registrations for our six-week virtual programme, supported by a psychoeducational therapist. The sessions are designed to reduce isolation and help participants forge meaningful connections.
  • Coaching & Mentoring Programme: We have spaces available in our coaching and mentoring initiative. With a pool of over 80 volunteers from various sectors – including BAE, Virgin, and AMS – we’re ready to match individuals with mentors who can support professional development or help build confidence. Our Coaching and Mentoring Manager, Helen Callis, is available to guide participants every step of the way.

 

For more information on Recruit for Spouses, please visit: https://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/

To register and sign up, please go to: RFS Portal.





Friday, July 18, 2025

Paderborn and Bolton celebrate twinning with new exhibition for the Libori




Paderborn and Bolton,  celebrate the 50th anniversary of their town twinning.

To mark the occasion, the two cities, together with the Raum für Kunst (Space for Art) and the German-English Club Paderborn, have conceived an exhibition that will be on display in the city library.

In March of this year, the German-English Club launched an ideas competition under the motto "Look at – Spot on." Ten selected entries from Paderborn and Bolton will now be presented. They will be presented in pairs to reflect the twinning connection expressed in the English term "twin town." 

The artworks were created by students from both cities, while the photographs were taken by German and English students.

The exhibition "Mind the Gap," which was shown in the Raum für Kunst (Space for Art), was created on the occasion of an artistic exchange between Paderborn and Bolton. 

"Mind the Gap"—originally a warning sign from the London Underground system—becomes a symbol of the gaps and disruptions of our time. 

The presentation in the city library features a selection of works by Paderborn artists that were part of the exhibition in the Raum für Kunst (Space for Art). 

The focus is on questions of social, cultural, and personal spaces in between.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Libori 2025

All the information for this years celebration can be found on the Libori website here.

Here are some dates for the calendar 

Sat 26th July 

  • At 3 p.m. the relics of St. Liborius are solemnly raised in the cathedral, accompanied by the Libori fanfare. A vespers service follows.
  • 2 p.m the funfair opens on the Liboriberg 
  • 4.30pm Mayor Michael Drier will tap the giant beer barrel at the Rathausplatz which is the traditional start of the non religious celebrations. 

Throughout Libori week you will find entertainment in the city including: 

At the main stage on the Rathausplatz live acts every evening. The Lenz stage a few minutes away on Westernstraße has a smaller stage for bands.

© Matthias Groppe

The forecourt of the city library will be transformed into the "Square of Small Arts." Visitors to this square can look forward to nine special days with a mix of acrobatics, comedy, theatre, puppetry, and music.

Food and drink is well covered with many street food stalls and beer gardens set up to enjoy. The Plaza Europa again will be the focus of the food stalls.

Transport 


A Park & Ride shuttle service is available on both Libori weekends, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The large parking lot at Heinz-Nixdorf-Ring (Riemekestraße 154) Parking at the HNF ring is free. Bus tickets are 2 Euro for Adults and 1 Euro for children aged 6-14 years.

Padersprinter are offering some low cost tickets on bus services. for the festival:
  • 2.00 €/adult in advance*
  • 2.50 €/adult on the bus
  • 1.00 €/child (6 – 14 years) in advance and on the bus
  • *Discount applies when purchasing an online ticket (timetable app), at the smilecard terminal, at the ticket machine and at the mobile sales points
  • Valid for 90 minutes in the city of Paderborn
Details of all bus services can be found on the Padersprinter website here.

The image below shows where you can park and which streets are closed:




Wednesday, July 16, 2025

What's On at the Mohnesee

The summer holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia have begun, and with them, there's a lot going on at the Westphalian Sea.  It goes without saying that there's a lot going on in, on, and on the water at Lake Möhne this summer...


Starting on the water. If you don't just want to chill by the lake and occasionally plunge into the waves, you can rent all kinds of boats, go diving, or fishing. The options are there! 


Further information

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Wraparound Childcare funding updates for autumn term 2025

What is Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

The WAC scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if in receipt of disability allowances), who are in full-time education in school or being home educated. WAC funding is available to eligible working Service families in the UK, assigned overseas within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S), assigned overseas and using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision or assigned overseas unaccompanied with family remaining in an eligible location.

Since September 2022 WAC has provided funding for 12,500 Service children's before and after school childcare.

WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

Wraparound childcare is also known as ‘Out of School care’ in Wales and ‘School Age Childcare’ in Scotland.




Monday, July 14, 2025

What's On This Weekend?

Lots of fun to enjoy this weekend. With the start of the holidays kids can access swimming pools in Paderborn / Sennelager free of charge. Rietberg has a water park set up for the kids. Brackwede has a DJ pool party set up. 

Dusseldorf is hosting Germany's biggest funfair with spectacular drone and fireworks show. 

Munster is hosting the Summersend fair.

The Kaltenberg medieval fair puts on a full arena show with jousting and sword combat plus an immersive themed market. 

Rietberg Gartenschau Water fun - Open Now 

The Garden Park is hosting six weeks of water based fun for kids this summer. From 1000 - 1800 each day you pay to enter the park (6 Euro for adults and 3 Euro for kids.) Then the water slides and boats are free to use. 


You will find the water park in the North section of the park (Make sure you head to the correct side of the park you can spend a long time walking between the two sides.)

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins


It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

From 1 July, eligible Service personnel are now invited to register for a new overseas allowance that offers an easier claims process and greater flexibility on spending.

Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) is being trialled as a new way to receive a financial contribution towards expenses that arise when you move to or from an overseas permanent assignment in:

• Brunei – 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) and Brunei Garrison Staff (incl. 667 Sqn, 5AAC) only
• USA – British Defence Staff US (BDSUS) administered locations only
• Kenya – British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) Garrison Staff only
• Europe/ Rest of World (RoW) – Global Support Organisation (GSO) administered locations only

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life


If you and your partner are assigned overseas, Defence wants to hear from you on what Service family life is like. Share anonymous feedback in the Overseas Families Survey.

Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey: spousal / partner

  • employment
  • education and childcare
  • communications
  • safeguarding




Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.

How to complete the survey


You can complete the survey online. You and your partner can share your views individually using same survey link. The survey is open to all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses / civil partners. Please be assured that survey responses are anonymous.

You have until Saturday 30th August to make your voice heard.

Help us to help you

The more people that complete the survey, the better able Defence is to make informed choices on how to improve various aspects of Service life for you and your family.

The previous Overseas Families Survey contributed to the launch of Defence’s new Families Hub – this is a one-stop-shop digital platform, which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations, to help navigate Service family life. Topics include childcare, partner employment, housing, welfare and much more. – this is a one-stop-shop digital platform, which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations, to help navigate Service family life. Topics include childcare, partner employment, housing, welfare and much more.

If you have questions about the survey, please contact the MOD Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding team: people-AFFS-data-research@mod.gov.uk.

To view previous survey results, visit GOV.UK.
Useful information and resources

To find out about the range of allowances, opportunities, and benefits for you and your family, visit the Discover My Benefits site.

For useful signposting to information, guidance and support to help navigate Service family life, visit the Families Hub.

To explore Defence’s plan to drive forward positive initiatives for Service families, read the Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022-2032.

For information and support on a wider variety of topics affecting your Service and personal life, including relocation and local area information, contact the relevant HIVE:Royal Navy Family and People Support
Army HIVE
Royal Air Force HIVE

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 28


Click to enlarge.

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter is now available on the Defence Homes website and Defence Connect.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 27 June 25


An update on communal areas

We have heard from many of you at our SFA roadshows and we know families wish to be able enjoy communal spaces and gardens to the front of their properties. In many cases, these areas provide a valuable space for garden furniture and play equipment.

We have a duty to ensure that communal areas are safe, but we also want to see a common-sense approach that balances safety and convenience for families.

The SFA Consumer Charter announced in April sets out our commitment to empower families and to enable you to take decisions about your home.

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in Scotland - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners


GFIE – 438 - DWP Fraud Officer, Leith & Glasgow
10 positions available

Closing Date extended to : 07 July 2025

Job Description

​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

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.



Click on the link below to find out more -

New digital tool - Overseas allowance planning now easier

Friday, June 20, 2025

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.  

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

Revised move-in and move-out specification

We are pleased to update Service Personnel and families that the specification to which homes are prepared for move-in has now been revised. This follows changes to the specification that we had to make last year.   

One of the commitments of the Consumer Charter to improve SFA announced in April 2025, is to provide a more robust move-in standard so that families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional. These commitments support the new Defence Housing Strategy, that will be published later this year.   

The revised move-in and move-out specification, effective immediately, returns to the previous standard with additional specifications including:  

  1. Hard flooring being used in downstairs areas instead of carpet when replacement is required.  
  2. The use of white paint to decorate inside homes.  

Vinyl flooring being used in all bathrooms, WC, kitchens and utility rooms if floor tiles, or hard flooring are not already installed when replacement is required.    



Monday, June 16, 2025

What's on this weekend?

Heidefest  Paderborn / Stadtheide 20th - 22nd Jun 

Hopefully a weekend of calm, warm weather is on the way. So why not enjoy a free festival in Stadtheide on  Friday & Saturday and then a family focused Kinderfest on the Sunday.

Located in Stadtheide Festplatz there is no charge to join in and watch the bands or for the kids entertainment on Sunday. Location has no address but is listed as the Festplatz on Schwabenweg. Schwabenweg is about a 10 min drive or 25 mins on bus service Nbr 5.



Outdoor concerts in the Spa park at Bad Driburg 

The Counts Park in Bad Driburg offers Gardens to enjoy and free music concerts at the bandstand each day. You will hear classical to modern pop instrumental music. Entry to the park is 7 euro pp but the concerts are free to enjoy.

Besim Mazhiqi, Gräflicher Park Health & Balance Resort

Home to a Spa hotel and public gardens, the park is a 35 mins drive from Sennelager. 

Friedas Tea Party - Rietberg Gartenschau 19th -21st

A two day dance party with world class DJ's not far from Sennelager. Tickets are available for Friday night from 15 Euro pp (Age restriction is over 16 yrs.) Parking fee 8 Euro per car.   Drive time to the park is 29 mins


Dortmund Beer & Culturefest 19th - 21st Jun

100 Breweries present 300 Beers on Friedensplatz. A relaxed event where you can meet the people behind the beer. 

You can also purchase a Hop travel pass for the event. This will give you vouchers for sampling the beer and some themed gifts from the event.