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.

Register on this link

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.”

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.

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

 

More info on the tournament can be found here 

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.