JFCB International Club upcoming Events

The JFC Brunssum International Club has an updated calendar of events!

Along with monthly Coffee & Cultures, they offer activities and trips! They added a new ones that you won't want to miss including a chocolate day trip to Antwerp and a spa day in Belgium!

Sign up now:

Mission Motorsport March & April Newsletter

The Mission Motorsport team has continued the fast-paced start to the year, packed with recovery sport and memorable events—and there’s still so much more to come. Check out their latest newsletter to see what they’ve been up to, what’s ahead, and how you can get involved, including:

• National Transition Event 2025: A Resounding Success at Silverstone
• Upcoming events: Veterans@Heritage, Prodrive Tour, Bicester Scramble and a tour and Millington Engines
• Details on how to be a 'Grid Person' for Speedworks at BTCC
• Volunteering Opportunities:  Get involved in running the Mission Motorsport Scalextric
• Fundraising: Simon Griffiths completes his ride from RAF Gibraltar to RAF Benson
• Other news and information

To read the newsletter, please click here

Open Sports at JFC Fitness Center

Every week, the Fitness Center hosts free open sports, including badminton, cricket, basketball, football, and volleyball.

Whether you're a pro or just starting out, all levels are welcomed! Come out, get active, and have some fun with us!

To join, just show up at the Fitness Center Main Hall and enjoy the game! Must be 18+ to join.

To see the full fitness schedule including open sports and fitness classes, click here to our website: https://www.jfcbrunssum.com/spor.../fitness-center/schedule/

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

Movie Matinee at The Hub

Make your Saturdays spectacular by joining us at the HUB every third Saturday of the month at 1pm for an enchanting Movie Matinee! Bring your lawn chair or cozy blanket and immerse yourself in a cinematic experience. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and create lasting memories with your Family and friends.

Open to U.S. and NATO ID card holders

Cost - Free

Click here for more details

Explorer Tots Group at JFC Brunssum

 

'Explorer Tots' community group at JFC Brunssum. The inclusive group, aimed at parents and tots aged 0-3 (and also those expecting a baby), is designed to offer an interactive environment for both parents and little ones to play, talk and engage with the British community.

Brunssum International Club

Brunssum International Club is a thriving organisation of over 200 members with all NATO nations and some partner nations represented.

The Club hosts a coffee and culture morning once a month, which is a chance to get together, enjoy a chat and a coffee and sample food from the hosting delegation. However, there’s much more on offer!

The Club has a number of Activity groups from Dog Friendly Walking to French Conversation, Pilates to Arts and Crafts. They also have a dedicated team who arrange trips throughout the year from Delft and Keukenhof to the Coffee Roastery and Cocktail Making.

If you want to spread your wings and make friends outside of the UK community, the International Club is a great, friendly place to start. Membership for the 24/25 year is €25 and you can sign up here.

Visit Hasselt

In Hasselt, Belgium, a 45 minute drive from Brunssum, is a tranquil Japanese garden.
It is the perfect setting to fully experience the Japanese culture.

There are benches to sit on to enjoy the sound of waterfalls, koi fish to spot and feed, picnic places and paths for peaceful walks.

There are different activities/events on every month.
Cherry Blossom Season - Hanami
From 21st March to 30th April 2024, the garden will officially open its doors and you can see the cherry blossoms in bloom.

For more information click here

Hasselt is the largest city in Limburg, nice place to visit, shop and eat. For more information:
https://www.visithasselt.be/nl

Send Mail with the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)

 

The following information must be clearly stated on all packet/parcel mail:
Sender/return address in full
Recipient name and address in full, destination in full
Customs declaration - CN22 must be completed

Address format

Service Number

Rank or Title

Name

Unit

BFPO number

For family members start with:
Name of Recipient C/O Service Number, Rank and Name

The BFPO number for Brunssum is BFPO 28. The shadow postcode is BF1 2AH

For further details: https://www.gov.uk/bfpo/how-to-address-bfpo-mail

The minimum allowable address to ensure delivery in the UK is:

Number or name of residence
Name of Street
Town or City
Postcode

Brunssum Book Club

Brunssum Book Club details:
    When: The last Monday of each month from 7:30pm-9pm.
    Where: The Brit Cafe, in the NSE Building, on JFC Brunssum.
    Contact: Ask at The HiVE for details or you can search ‘Brunssum Bookclub’ on Facebook

Our April book pick is Capital by John Lanchester.

Tea and Toast at the Brit Community Cafe every Monday

Tea & Toast will be on offer every Monday morning from 09.00 - 11.00 in the Brit Community Cafe, UK NSE building.
€2 - cash only
Tea - Fresh Coffee - Toast - Crumpets - Biscuits & Pastries
Hope to see you there, all NATO ID holders welcome!

JFC Brunssum Library Story time on Mondays

 

Guide for Bringing Your Dog to the Netherlands

For information about bringing your dog to the Netherlands, including how to go about obtaining a Pet Passport and details of vets, boarding kennels and walking routes, read the Pet Guide
 

Springo Bingo in the Brit Bar

NHS England: Talking Therapies Mental Health Support

Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help if you're struggling with things like feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

You can access talking therapies for free on the NHS.

For more information click here

Month of the Military child Brunssum Commissary event

Month of The Military Child is in full bloom at your Brunssum Commissary. We want to celebrate our smallest heroes with a special day just for them.

We hope you will join us on Wednesday April 16th for our 3rd annual Purple Up Day!

We will have military and police vehicles on display right in front of the store and the kids are encouraged to climb inside and take a look.

There will be Corn hole, Giant Jenga and a dancing area so the littles can get their boogie on.

Come for the fun and stay for the giveaways!

This event is FREE and open to all NATO ID card holders that have access to USAG Brunssum Base

Open Air Museums

 

Spin Class at The Hub

 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned spinner, this is the perfect way to energize your week and stay on track with your fitness resolutions.

When: 9-10AM every Wednesday
Where: The Hub Fitness Center

Lego brick freestyle @ The Hub

 

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. 

UK Health Security Agency advice - be tick aware

Ticks can be active all year round, but they are most active in the months April to July, and sometimes later in the autumn.

Don't let ticks stop you from enjoying the outdoors but reduce the chance of acquiring a tick bite by:

1. Using a repellent that prevents ticks
2. Wearing long sleeves and long trousers to reduce direct skin exposure
3. Keep to clearly defined paths and avoid brushing against vegetation
4. Regularly check for ticks and brush off any you find immediately
5. When you’re back indoors, check for any ticks on you, your children and pets
6. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible with a removal device

Find out more, including what to do if you're bitten

For information about Lyme Disease from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands, click here.

VE80 Day Street Party and Afternoon Tea Celebration

Please see information here about our upcoming BCM Event, VE80 Day Street Party and Afternoon Tea Celebration on Friday the 16th of May 2025.

This event will be held in the British Community Club (Brit Bar) on Camp Hendrik starting at 1500 until 2000. Afternoon Tea will be served from 1600 by Lady Jane Maastricht and her team. 

This event will be free to attend to all BCM members, their family’s and member of the British Community here in Brunssum. Please confirm your attendance by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the poster or fill in this Microsoft Forms link, the signup will close 8th May 2025 . It is important for us to know how many people are coming so we can cater for everyone attending.

LOCKER ROOM RENOVATION – JFC Brunssum Swimming Pool

Beginning 14th April, renovations will begin at the JFC Brunssum Swimming Pool. Temporary shower unit trailers will be set up outside the main entrance to serve as an alternative while our locker rooms are renovated. Additionally, new lockers will be available in the “Kiddie Pool” area inside the pool building.

During this time, the front entrance to the locker/shower rooms will also be closed and there will be a reduction in parking at the front of the building.

Renovations are expected to last until November 2025. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we're excited to continue to welcome you for lap swimming, lessons, and more!

Visit the Donkey Sanctuary L'Oasis des Ânes in Belgium

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. 

Free Stroopwafel food truck tomorrow!

On Thursday the 10th of April The Aelia Duty Free Store will have a food truck in front of the store serving a Dutch Specialty: Stroopwafels, with all kind of toppings. FREE of charge!

Come shop and enjoy a typically Dutch treat with us!

The food truck will be at the store from 12:00 to 16:00.

Flower Fields at Keukenhof

Keukenhof will be open from March 20 to May 11, 2025. During this period, you can enjoy the most beautiful spring park in the world every day! The park is open from 08:00 to 19:00 (entrance possible until 18:15). Plan your visit in advance to ensure you secure tickets for Keukenhof 2025 via www.keukenhof.nl.

There's lots to do such as:

• Explore the Mill
• Whisper boat tour through the flowers
• bicycle rental
• guided tour
• Children's Playground
• animal pasture
• treasure hunt
• Restaurants

Visit the Keukenhof website for more information on what to do, FAQ and to book your tickets.

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

Lego sessions at JFC Library

 

Karaoke Night at The HUB this Friday

 

HUB Flea Market on Saturday 12th April

Annual Eggstravaganza Easter egg hunt

 
Come join us at our 7th Annual Eggstravaganza! It will be held at CYS Brunssum on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 am.

There will be Easter egg hunts for all ages, yummy snacks, and Easter themed activities, so bring your baskets! The Easter bunny will be present and hopping by for family photos.

This event is absolutely FREE!

Egg Hunt Time Slots (by age group):
11:00 am - Infant Age Group
11:15 am - Toddler Age Group
11:15 am - Age 10 and up - Brain Games/Obstacle course
11:30 am - Preschool Age Group
11:45 am - School Age Group (K-5th grade)

Egg hunts for each age group will start promptly at the above-mentioned times.

Reach, Release and Mobility Flow Class at The Hub

 

Reach, Release & Mobility class is TOMORROW at 9:00 AM
Join in for a morning of stretching, strengthening, and increasing your mobility!

NATO and Military Discounts

Read on for all the discounts and deals available.

Tulip season: Cycle the Flower Route

The Netherlands really blooms in spring. This is especially true in the world-famous flower bulbregion known as the Bollenstreek, where you can wonder at the sight of beautiful tulips, crocuses and daffodils as far as the eye can see.

The iconic Bollenstreek is fairly large and not all flower bulbs bloom at the same time. That’s why the Flower Map was created. This digital map is perfect for seeing which flowers are currently in bloom and also comes in handy when planning a scenic bicycle route. The 2025 tulip season is from 20 March to 11 May 2025.

Cycle route | Bollenstreek Flower Route

The Flower Map shows the Bollenstreek Flower Route.  This 35-kilometre cycle route is the ideal way to enjoy the spring. You will pass many flower fields, but you will also get to know the beautiful dune area and the lovely beach.

To find out about the flower route, which flowers are in bloom and where, starting points, bike parking, rest stops, hotels along the way click here.

Aurora New Dawn: Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness & Recovery Programme – 3 Jun to 22 Jul

Aurora New Dawn’s Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness/Recovery Group is military specific and all online via zoom. This programme is for 8 weeks taking place on Tuesday evenings 3 Jun to 22 Jul, and is open to serving personnel and families worldwide.

Details of how to sign up are on the poster, and to find out more about Aurora New Dawn’s support to the Service community, please go to: https://www.aurorand.org.uk/armed-forces/

Civvy Street Magazine – April/May 25 Edition now available online

The latest edition of Civvy Street magazine is now available to read online at: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=9e5aa915-ce5f-49af-9183-1f88a6967914

JFC Library April opening hours

Please see above for the April opening hours for the JFC Library.

Please note in particular that they'll be closed Tuesday morning on the 8th for training. You can still drop off your books, and those attending the Dutch Koffiekransje will still be able to do so.The library will also be closed on Saturday, April 19th, due to the surrounding holidays.

But they do have some Easter fun planned for everyone so it's worth going to the library and getting involved!
 

Job Opportunity at JFC Brunssum

Josie's Brit Themed Café Assistant required ASAP

The details:

• Assist the Brit café manager with food prep, cooking, & serving.
This is a paid position at the Dutch national hourly rate, paid fortnightly
• Hours to fit within normal school hours of 09.30 am to 13.30pm
• Starting off Mon to Wed but may increase to 4 or even 5 days per week (Demand) OR you can do 1, 2, 3, or 4 days.
• Hygiene Level 2 needed - but cost covered for the right candidate

If you're interested or would like more details please contact Sian Featherstone - sianfeatherstone@yahoo.co.uk or pop into Josie's cafe for a chat.

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

See below for the 2025 NAAFI order delivery dates:

How to use the NAAFI delivery service at JFC Brunssum:

Brunssum Lions Rugby Club shop

Visit the Brunssum Lions rugby team shop to buy your official Lions clothing and accessories which will directly support the Rugby Club: BLRFC Shop.

The Brunssum Lions play local teams around the Tri-Border region and plan for more wider matches to take place soon. Last year the Lions played the Ecole de Guerre (Staff college France) in Paris, which was a very popular event for the team!

The Brunssum Lions Rugby Club are always happy to get new members and welcome any level of experience from ages 18+ from the full NATO community!

Join them every Wednesday from 1600hrs at the NATO Sports Complex. If you're intrested you can find more details here.

Sign up now! Register for the team.

Thank-you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at training!

Young Carers within Armed Forces Families - Nexus Easter Newsletter

Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families.

To find out more, and the latest updates, you can read the Easter Newsletter at: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/lf8Y498zQGK5rJt9?ref=Link

Headspace: New Ebb Chat Service now available

Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.

To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.mod.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.

Autism Awareness and Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

For anyone interested in Neurodiversity Awareness week then you can check out https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/ to sign up for the 2026 sessions, all of which are free to join.

If you missed the 2025 sessions you can still catch them via the Neurodiversity Celebration Week Event Recording Library.

Alliance Theater April showings

 

JFC Arts and Crafts Center April Workshops

The JFC Arts and Crafts center are offering the following workshops:

Spring/Easter Wreath Making – April 2nd 18:30 - 20:30
Create your own spring wreath with real greens!
€35 per person.

Paint & Sip – April 9th, 18:30 - 20:30
Theme: Spring. Guided painting suitable for all skill levels.
€25 per canvas. Open to ages +16 years.

Black Light Painting - April 16th, 10:30 - 12:00
Join us as we paint in a black light room! 
€15 per person. Fun for all ages!

Dutch Clog Decorating - April 23rd, 10:30 - 12:00

Decorate your own Dutch clog with paints, decoupage, and more.

€18 per person. Fun for all ages!

Intro to Stained Glass Workshop – April 30th, 18:15 - 20:45
Learn the basics for Tiffany styled stained glass projects. Suitable for all skill levels. After this intro course, you will have access to our monthly stained glass open studio on Monday evenings!
€38 per person. Open to ages +16 years.

*Classes not meeting minimum registrations by identified date(s) are subject to cancellation.

To see more details and book for any workshops please visit the JFC Arts and Crafts website

New guidance for schools and local authorities on supporting Service pupils

On 1st April 2025, the Ministry of Defence and Department for Education published non-statutory guidance to help state-funded schools and local authorities in England to understand and address the needs of Service pupils in schools (reception to year 11).

Speaking about the new guidance, Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said:
“Armed Forces families play a vital role in supporting our Service personnel to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. Fittingly, this announcement coincides with the Month of the Military Child, which is a time to speak up for our Service children.

Weekly update to the Community Resource List

Weekly update to the Community Resource List!

Access the Community Resource List here

Submit your recommendations here 

To make it easier for everyone to find local recommendations and information, check out the Community Resource List or CRL for short.

This is a go-to list for information guides, local businesses, babysitters, pet sitters, restaurants, days out, local businesses, mechanics, hairdressers, and more!

This resource should help new arrivals and anyone with a burning question that might have already been asked and answered previously in different groups. The benefit of this being you can check the list anytime, especially if you need to know something ASAP.

This list is for and by our community so please add any and all of your if you have a recommendations by using this quick MS Form.

The list will be updated each week with any new entries.

JFC Library Easter Events

See the above poster for what's on this Easter at the JFC Brunssum Library. For more details you can find their contact details and opening times here.

FOR CHILDREN: Festival Expeditie NEXT is coming to Roermond on 30th April 2025

Attention all children, parents, carers and friends! Festival Expeditie NEXT is coming to Roermond in Limburg on Wednesday 30th April this year.

The city centre will be immersed in science during this holiday. There will be experiments, real scientific research, mini-lectures and spectacular shows!

The Details:
When: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Indoor and outdoor locations in the city centre of Roermond
For whom: Children from 4 to 12 years old and their parents/guardians
What is there to do: Experiments, workshops, shows, games - view all the different expeditions available here