Japanese Market XL Utrecht on Saturday 5th July

The largest indoor Japanese market in the Netherlands

Experience real Japanese street food like Takoyaki, karaage, Gyoza and yaki soba. Also Korean street food like Korean fried chicken. All available on the food strip of the Japanese market XL in Expo Houten.

To insure no one goes hungry there are also fries, snacks & sandwiches available!

There will be Japanese youth culture, Japanese swords, board games and other things you might not expect!

Order your tickets now for Japanese Market Utrecht XL on July 5th in the Expo in Houten. 

Street food | Japanese market food | Gaming | Spectacular shows Street| & many more!

Click here for more info

JFC Library Summer Reading Program

 

Get ready to read, log, and win! From June 1st to August 17th, track your reading minutes and earn badges, each badge = one entry into our grand prize raffle!

• Create your account at: brunssumlibrary.beanstack.org
• Log your minutes (books, audiobooks, or reading to your kids — any language counts!)
• Earn library prizes and grand prize entries for your age group

Help us reach our community goal of 500,000 minutes!

Don’t miss our Kick-Off Party — June 21st, 13:00–16:00 at the JFC Library!

Free to join and open to all U.S. and NATO ID holders

Special events all summer long: click for details

Outdoor Swimming in Gangelt

Family friendly outdoor swimming pool in Gangelt is now open - daily (seasonal) from early morning until evening. There is a paddling pool for little ones and a giant slide for older children.

For more information and online booking, click here

Bospop 2025 - Music Festival

 

Bospop 2025 is a music festival that takes place at Event Area Noord in Weert. See the poster above for the currently confirmed line-up.

To see more details and book tickets visit the Bospop website: https://bospopfestival.nl/

Bicycle Adventures in the Triborder area

Below are the links from the above image.

• www.heinsberger-land.de/erieben/radfahren/themenrouten

• www.heinsberger-land.de/erieben/radfahren/lokale-radrouten

• www.west-bike-route.de

• www.komoot.de

JFC Brunssum Swimming Pool Closure July

The below message is sent on behalf of JFCBS Morale and Welfare:

Important Notice: Swimming Pool Closure

The swimming pool will be closed from 1 – 31 July due to scheduled maintenance and seasonal preparations.

Operations will resume on 1st August. Thank you for your patience and continued support.

Job Vacancies at JFC Brunssum

Vacancies currently available:

• Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Events Brunssum - Maternity Leave position - closing date of 28 Jul 2025

• Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Arrivals Brunssum

Click on the link above to view the job advert and details.

A detailed job description and application form may be obtained from GSO-EJSU-LECHRRecruitment@mod.gov.uk. Completed applications are to be sent to the same email address.

2025 NAAFI delivery dates and How to use the NAAFI Delivery Service

2025 NAAFI order delivery dates:

How to use the NAAFI delivery service at JFC Brunssum:

You’re invited to our SSAFA fundraiser!

You’re invited to our SSAFA fundraiser!

Please come along for food, drinks and games, all to raise money for SSAFA.

Please bring cash for donations, however the Brit Bar drinks can be paid for with card. Sign-up isn't necessary but helps to ensure we have enough food. Please let us know if you can make it, via this link or you can use the QR code in the poster.

SSAFA is the UK Armed forces charity, that provide welfare, health and support services for the UK military’s serving personnel, veterans and their families. You can find out more about them here.

Visit the Donkey Sanctuary L'Oasis des Ânes in Belgium - 6th July

Donkey Refuge, L'Oasis des Ânes is in Belgium, roughly a 40 minute drive from JFC Brunssum. The shelter is open on the first Sunday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

There are lots of donkeys at the sanctuary for you to meet, and if you want to know more about each individual donkey, the L'Oasis des Ânes website has a page dedicated to each donkey and how they arrived to live at the refuge. 

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 30 August to make your voice heard.

X-Forces Enterprise: Virtual 3-day Spouse and Partner Self Employment Workshop

Click on this link for further information: X-Forces Enterprise

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.

Kooth: a free online mental wellbeing community for young people

Children and young people with a parent Serving in the Armed Forces often face moving from place to place with their family, living overseas, attending several schools, leaving friends behind and making new ones. Being part of an Armed Forces family can also mean long periods of separation from the Serving parent when they are deployed or away training.

Kooth and the British Army Regional Command, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, are working together to provide easy access to mental health and well-being support for children and young people aged from 11 to their 19th birthday.

Here is a link to a video explaining more about Kooth: CYP in a Serving Family kooth.com/MOD Awareness Video

Kooth.com/mod is available for all children and young people with a Serving parent and children and young people who are living overseas with parents working for the MOD or British Government.

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 28

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

​

Tri-Border 4th July Celebration

Click here to view details

Playground Fort Willem, Maastricht

Looking for something fun to do with the kids for €2 per person? Fort Willem playground in Maastricht is suitable for children up to the age of 12. There are playgrounds, mini golf, a splash pool with slides, sandpits and shaded areas to sit.

Regular children's entertainment (see Facebook for updates)

Every first Wednesday of the month, from 14.00 - 15.00 read aloud in the playground, with a free book for each child.

Opening Times
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 12.00 - 18.00
All public holidays, and (NL) children's holidays from 12.00 - 18.00

Kastanjelaan 50
6217 SB Maastricht
info@speeltuinfortwillem.nl
Telephone: +31(0) 43 321 13 97

For more information please click here

JFC Library activities update

 

From JFC Library:

Lego set building as well as other regular programs (Sewing, Dutch Conversations) will be paused during Summer Reading while we focus on our time travelling adventures. Worry not though! Once we've travelled from the ancient era all the way back to modern times, the Legos (and other programs) will return!
That said, for our storytime parents, we will continue storytimes on Monday mornings.


We hope to see you all next week for our time travelling adventures!

Alliance Theatre July showings

Location: Alliance Theatre on JFC Brunssum - Located between the Fitness Center and JFC Chapel. Doors open 30 minutes before movie begins.

New release Ticket prices: Adults: € 7.50 Child: € 4.25

Regular release Ticket prices: Adults: € 7 Child: € 4

Payment: PIN only (bringing cash as a backup is advised though)

Click here for more details and to book your seats
Didn't RSVP? No worries, you can come out to any of our showtimes and enjoy the movie! Grab some popcorn and we’ll see you at the theater.

NATO and Military Discounts

Read on for all the discounts and deals available.

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).

CrossFit at GK

 

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 20 June 25

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/

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

Declaring your military status ensures that you and your family can access the right services, at the right time. The NHS and local authorities recognise that the needs of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families can differ from those of the general population—particularly around mobility, deployment, mental health, and continuity of care.

By identifying your military connection, healthcare professionals and service providers can take these unique circumstances into account. This could mean faster access to treatment (Dependent on personal circumstances), for a better understanding of your housing and educational needs during a posting or resettlement.

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).

Galop's support for LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence

Domestic abuse is any kind of threating behaviour committed by a family member or current or ex intimate partner.

Galop support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence. Their website has a domestic abuse survivors' forum and a page devoted to domestic abuse in the context of the LGBT+ community, as well as several factsheets: 

Domestic abuse - Galop the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity - Galop.

Contact details:

• ​Website: https://galop.org.uk
• National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence: 0800 999 5428
• Email help@galop.org.uk

Blue Light Card - Fuel Savings

All SP and families are eligable for a Blue Light Card which amongst other offers, provides access to the discount available via ESSO for fuel:

See Link for further details  FREE ESSO CARD™ FOR BLUE LIGHT CARD MEMBERS

 

The Best Banks in the Netherlands for Internationals

 
There will be many factors that influence your decision when looking to open a Dutch bank account, from the bank’s accessibility in English to special features.

For information on what to consider when choosing a bank account; online accounts, traditional banks and pros and cons for each, visit:

https://dutchreview.com/expat/best-banks-expats-netherlands/

Bouldering Social Evenings, Heerlen

 

No climbing experience is needed and family members are welcome; it is a relaxed environment, providing the opportunity to try something new and meet others from the HQ. There are boulder ‘problems’ for all levels and a small café for when you want a break and a cold drink!

• A short induction will be provided by the centre for newcomers at your first session.
• No equipment needed – shoes can be rented from the Climbing Corner (€3.50)
• 20% military discount when NATO ID shown. You can pay per session (€9.20 including discount), purchase 10 sessions at a reduced rate (valid for 12 months), or a monthly membership for €36 (including discount)

Take a look at The Climbing Corner website for more information about bouldering and to bust a few myths for newcomers.

Citizen Service Number (BSN) and Digital Identification (DigiD)

Did you know that you can book appointments with staff from the Municipality of Heerlen at JFC Brunssum to apply for and obtain a Citizen Service Number (BSN) and subsequently, a Digital Identification (DigiD).

These are required if you have a dog to register in the Netherlands or if you want to access Dutch medical records.

Appointments are held in Building 100.

Bookings are made through JFC Brunssum Services Scheduling Portal. Click this link to arrange an appointment.

For any BSN & DigiD questions, email: 

rnimobile@heerlen.nl

Samaritans Veterans app

The Samaritans Veterans app​ provides UK military Service Leavers and Veterans with emotional health and wellbeing information, guidance and resources. 

Samaritans Veterans is designed to give you the tools to identify and navigate the emotional health challenges that can be experienced when transitioning out of the military and in your life beyond the Forces.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call us free on 116 123 (within the UK or Ireland) or email us at jo@samaritans.org. 

Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, we won’t judge you or tell you what to do. We’re here to listen so you don’t have to face it alone. www.samaritans.org.​

Deutschland Ticket On Sale Now For Use From 1st May

                                     

Get your Germany ticket now!

With your Deutschland-Ticket you can use all local and regional transport in Germany for 49 euros per month. The ticket is only available as a monthly subscription. Pre-order your subscription now and look forward to travelling.

For more information click here

Mosaqua

Our subtropical experience certainly deserves a place on your activity-to-do list. Splash in one of the indoor or outdoor pools. Take your relaxing moment in a whirlpool or experience shower. A game of beach volleyball on the sunbathing lawn. And the kids? They enthusiastically test one of the many slides, search for Captain Kid's treasure or venture into the white water course. Oh yes, there is also plenty of seating to stay connected during your swim break thanks to our free WIFI. 

For more information Click Here

 

JFCBS Car Wash details

The car wash is located on JFC Brunssum, in the Transportation Cell (building H304) car park. Tokens are available to buy at the Car Craft Centre in building H402. 

Summer water safety

As the warmer weather approaches and we enjoy more time outdoors, the risks to families around pools, rivers and beaches increases.
Please read these top tips from the RLSS to keep your family safe in the water.

Reading Force - Claim your free book

 

Street Jump Heerlen - Indoor Trampoline Park

Largest indoor trampoline park in Heerlen and the surrounding area. 40+ trampolines and 8 different areas.

It is mandatory to wear Jump socks, with extra grip to make jumping on the trampoline more fun and safer. Jump Socks (worth € 2.50) are included with your entrance ticket

You can choose to jump for 1, 1.5 or 2 hours.

You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the Jump session so that there is enough time to put on access wristbands, jump socks and receive instruction.

Price from 7 years

60 minutes        €12.50

90 minutes        €15.00

120 minutes      €18.00

Mini jump up to 6 years

60 minutes        €8.95

For more information visit: https://www.streetjumpheerlen.nl/

Discount available through Social Deal

Thermae 2000, Valkenburg

With the aim of relaxing in a luxurious way and creating the balance between mind and body, all facilities of Thermae 2000 offer everything to create a perfect wellness day.

With indoor and outdoor pools, many (panorama) saunas, whirlpools, relaxation rooms, several restaurants, the beauty salon and the wellness hotel, Thermae 2000 has everything you need to spend an entire day, on the beautiful Cauberg. 

The latest addition to Thermae 2000 are the wine baths, where you can bathe in wine and you can now enjoy the heated outdoor pool again with a view over the beautiful South Limburg hills!

Price for day entrance: €32,50 p.p.
Price for evening entrance: €25,00 p.p

NATO discount available. See the HIVE blog post on NATO and Military discounts for more information.

To book click here

Dutch Corner, JFC Brunssum

The following message is on behalf of the Host Nation:
The Dutch Corner in building H-201 is the coffee break/living room for the Dutch delegations and NSE-members working on base. Everybody is more than welcome to join us for a (free) cup of coffee and company.

Schutterspark in Brunssum

There is so much to do in Schutterspark - for little ones, there is a nature playground, a mini steam train to ride on, mini sailing boats, a petting zoo and barefoot walks.

At Adventure Park- The Plateau, there is climbing, treetop activities, archery, axe -throwing, and mountain biking.

There are good catering facilities: 

Brasserie Schuttershüske 

Alpine Hut 

The Barefoot

The Ice Hut is now open - providing traditional Italian ice cream, coffee, soft drinks, freshly baked bubble waffles and milkshakes. Even your four-legged friend can enjoy an ice cream especially for dogs. 

For information and opening times for all attractions and places to eat, visit:  https://schutterspark.nl/zienendoen/attracties/

Office for Veterans’ Affairs: Analysis of responses to the Veterans’ Survey 2022 relating to family support for UK armed forces veterans

The Veterans’ Survey 2022 was the first survey of its kind in the UK and was a collaboration between the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the devolved administrations.

Alongside the Veterans’ Survey, a smaller Veterans’ Family Survey was made available for immediate family members of UK veterans who resided in the UK and were aged 18 years or over. Family members could complete the survey if their veteran family member was living or deceased, and the survey was open to any immediate family member including stepparents and adult stepchildren. The survey was conducted through a voluntary self-select sample which relied on advertising and promotion primarily by veterans’ charities and organisations.

In total, 2,390 people responded to the Family Survey and response rates varied by question asked. This represents a small proportion of family members that would have been eligible to respond to the survey. These data are presented as unweighted data only.

To view the full survey analysis, please go to: Family support analysis of UK armed forces veterans

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 tbc) – Online focus group delivered by via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
24 Jun 25 (0900-1000 tbc) – Online focus group delivered via MS TEAMS (25 pers)
17 Jul 25 0900-1200 – 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

NATO GK Summer Ball

 

Building Confidence and Your Career” – a FREE session designed specifically for spouses in our community

Join us for “Building Confidence and Your Career” – a FREE session designed specifically for spouses in our community on Tuesday, 24th June.
The session will be informal, engaging, and will include dedicated time to focus on you and your career goals and aspirations.
Whether you’re restarting your career, thinking about a new direction, or wondering how to talk about your unique experiences in job interviews – this session is for you.

In this session, we’ll:

✅ Recognise how military life can affect your confidence and career path

✅ Understand the transferable skills you’re building right now

✅ Identify your own unique strengths

✅ Learn how to showcase these when applying for jobs or promotions

✅ Explore career support available within the military community

The session will be delivered by Rachel Parkes, a spouse based here in our community. Rachel has worked in HR for over 20 years and is an experienced coach, specialising in supporting others to build confidence to achieve their potential.

To book your space, please click here. On the sign-up, you can share if you would prefer a daytime session, an evening session, remote or in person.

If you’d like to find out more, you can contact Rachel on 07593 043873 or Thea at 07807107772.