BIG Changes to the Brunssum Hive Blog!

The Brunssum Hive blog is moving!

Now you can find all of your local and general updates on Army HIVE Overseas Info.

You can filter the new iHive (International Hive) blog posts in a couple of different ways to find Brunssum specific content on the blog:

• Click on 'The Netherlands' from the list of country labels on the right hand side of the blog
• Click on the list of subject labels on the left, for example 'What's On' or 'Noticeboard'
• Use the search box to search for a specific location e.g. Brunssum. Or by typing in ‘Brunssum HIVE’ you will also find all the posts added by that HIVE.

Brunssum: Visit the Donkey Sanctuary L'Oasis des Ânes in Belgium - 7th September

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. 

Brunssum: Soul Party – at Brikke Oave on 27th September 2025

An evening full of soul, funk & classics!

On Saturday September 27th the Brikke Oave will hosting the Soul Party again! Expect the best soul, funk and disco vibes, played by none other than:

DJ Marz
DJ Arno Krijnen
DJ Benoahen

Put on your dancing shoes and let yourself be carried away by the rhythms of the past and present!

Get your tickets via: shop.tickli.nl/event/SoulParty-27sept

Don't miss this swinging evening. Be there & feel the soul!

Brunssum: Autumn 5-course Game dinner

Head to the Brikke Oave for a 5-course Game dinner, adapted to autumn, incl. 5 accompanying wines, in collaboration with the Friends of Austrian Wines,

INFORMATION

Date: Tuesday 7th November 2025
Location: Brikke Oave
Walk-in: 6.30 pm
Dinner starts: 7:00 PM
Price: €67.50 pp
Book here or call 045-5256868

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: 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!

Brunssum: SnowWorld's SnowCamps and AdventureCamps - Register 18-22 August

SnowWorld's SnowCamps and AdventureCamps are BACK for the summer!

Whether skiing on the slopes or climbing through the adventure park, the camps are all about fun, activity, and professional supervision.

And they're offering an exclusive NATO discount for our community!

Brunssum: FALL SEMESTER LANGUAGE COURSES CANCELLED

NOTICE – FALL SEMESTER LANGUAGE COURSES CANCELLED

Due to unforeseen events, the Fall Semester Language Courses at JFC Brunssum will not be taking place this year.

We understand this may be disappointing news and apologize for any inconvenience caused. We appreciate your understanding and patience, and we look forward to welcoming you back for future courses.

Please follow our page for updates on upcoming language programs and new class schedules.

Thank you for your continued support
— JFC Brunssum MWA

Brunssum: JFC Arts and Crafts Center Workshops

The JFC Arts and Crafts center run workshops every month. Click here for details of what's on and to book your place.

*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

Brunssum: British Community Mess Annual Summer BBQ

Please see below signup information for the British Community Mess Annual Summer BBQ on Saturday 23rd August 2025.
This event will be held at the JFCBS Sports Complex (Flevolandstraat, 6443 VA Brunssum, Netherlands) starting at 1300 until 2000. The BBQ will be served from around 1430. If desired, you can also pitch your own tent or stay in a motorhome on site (if that is of interest).

This event will be free to attend to all BCM members, their families and members of the British Community here in Brunssum and GK. Please can you confirm your attendance by scanning the QR code on the poster below, or fill in the below Microsoft Forms link.

Forms Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/MBt2gxJ0FB

Brunssum: Brunssum Book Club

Brunssum Book Club details:
    When: The first or last Monday of each month from 7:30pm-9pm - Our next meet-up is Monday 1st September 2025
    Where: The Brit Cafe, in the NSE Building, on JFC Brunssum.
    Contact: Ask at The Brunssum HiVE for details or you can search ‘Brunssum Bookclub’ on Facebook

Our August book is 'The Butcher' by Jennifer Hillier.

Brunssum: Lego sessions at JFC Library

 

Brunssum: NATO and Military Discounts

Read on for all the discounts and deals available.

Brunssum: Tug of War Competition

 

Brunssum: JFCBS Mount Everest Charity Challenge

We are now only three weeks away; time is running out! Time to pull your teams together and enter the challenge.

Nations, Directorates and Supporting Elements are invited to take part and International Duty Release has been secured. Individuals can also join without a team and will be grouped together closer to the event.

What:
Mount Everest Charity Challenge – complete 100 circuits of the steps and return path as a team, reaching the equivalent height of Mt Everest, 8848m.

Where:
The foot of the Wilheminaberg Steps, Witte Wereld 1, Landgraaf.

When:
Thursday 4th September 2025.
Teams arrive 0730 for briefing and administration.
First Ascent at 0800 from “Base Camp”.
Prize Giving following completion of event – 1400 approx at Snowworld.

Who:
Teams of 6 – 10 people.
Open to all NATO Service Members and civilian employees along with their guests.

All Nations are encouraged to enter a team into the event along with directorates and departments.

Brunssum: Military Wives Choir

The Brunssum Military Wives Choir meet on Thursdays 7-9pm. Please see here for more details if you're interested in joining.

The new terms starts on Thursday 21st August 2025. The choir is a great way to meet others and enjoy some sociable singing each week.

How satisfied are you with family life while serving overseas?

How satisfied are you with family life while serving overseas?

Halfway through Defence’s Overseas Families Survey – have you had your say?

Wherever you are in the world, Defence is here to support you and your family to navigate various aspects of Service life, including:

• spousal / partner employment
• education and childcare
• communications
• Safeguarding.

If you’re serving overseas, it’s important that Defence understands your positive experiences and any challenges. Your feedback will help to improve Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet your family’s needs.

Take the Overseas Families Survey.

Shape your future
Your feedback will help to enhance Defence’s support for overseas personnel and families, and will build on recent progress:

• Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial an overseas allowance that offers an easier claims process and greater flexibility on spending.
• New Overseas Allowances Reckoner tool – providing personalised allowance calculation estimates, for those preparing for overseas assignments.
• Extending the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme – contributing towards up to two return journeys per month, to an eligible Service person’s family home in Europe.
• Disturbance Expenses rate uplift – enabling eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas to claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ as those moving overseas from the UK.
• Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas – helping Service families with up to 80% of costs for before and after school childcare.

Find out more on how Defence is simplifying overseas service finances.

What should I know?
All Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses/partners are encouraged to take part.

• All feedback is anonymous.
• You can use a personal device to complete the survey.
• You have until 11.59 pm, Saturday 30 August 2025 to make your voice heard.
• It should take you no more than 20 minutes to compete the survey.

The more people we hear from, the better able we are to make informed choices on how to improve your experience of Service life.

If you have questions about the survey, 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 explore allowances, opportunities, and benefits for you and your family as part of Your Offer, visit Discover My Benefits.

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 wide 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.

Considering an overseas posting? Already overseas and have a question?
You and your family can find information on overseas locations through the international HIVE (iHIVE) - explore the iHIVE.

New exit gate Camp Hendrik

The following message is sent on behalf of MGT BSG IM

Following the installation of the new exit gate from Camp Hendrik (“speed gate”) there are some specifics to highlight to drivers.

• There is a traffic light on the top right of the gate. It is separate from the one on the barrier and only notifies actions for the gate.
• Only proceed through the gate when this is green.
• Do not drive through the gate when the light is red.
• The gate may be open when the light is red. This can occur when the gate is about to about to close. This could happen when you follow another car but there is a reasonable gap between the vehicles.
• If there is no red or green light, the gate is locked in position. It will be common in the day that the gate will be left in the open position and the no lights will show.
• There is a sensor just in front of the gate which activates the opening. The gate has no connection to the sensors for the barrier before it so do not assume when the barrier is down and its own traffic light is green, that you can proceed through the gate immediately.

Brunssum: Updated NAAFI order forms and How to use the NAAFI Delivery Service

2025 NAAFI order delivery dates (November and onwards dates TBC):

How to use the NAAFI delivery service at JFC Brunssum:

First you need to register by emailing the the Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) on GSO-EJSU-Netherlands-Community@mod.gov.uk

Email subject: NAAFI delivery service registration
Email message content needed: Please could you register me to use the online NAAFI order and delivery service for JFC Brunssum

Then you can download the NAAFI order form by clicking here* and save a copy of it.

Please send your completed order via email to naafionline@naafi.co.uk and remember to include that the order is for JFC Brunssum in your email.

On the day of the delivery, a message will be sent out on the EJSU Community WhatsApp group to let you know when the NAAFI delivery driver is on site. Collection is from the front of the National Support Element (NSE) building, and the usual time is around 11am.

Important message from the NAAFI:

Wherever your assignment order is taking you, HIVE is here to provide the local information!

 

If your posting is in the UK you can find our blog and location guides here. Please use our MS Forms enquiry function for any additional locations or if you have any enquiries.

Are you assigned overseas? If you’re posted to an overseas location where we have a HIVE, you will find information – plus our local office’s contact details – at:

• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

Posted elsewhere overseas? Don’t worry if your new location is not listed above, the iHIVE covers the rest of the world, with over 100 location guides available plus online enquiry support. 

Our iHIVE is tri-Service and is listed on the Overseas Supportability checklist as an action, so that Service personnel and families can obtain the relevant information they may each require, to ensure that their new location can meet each individual’s and family’s needs. 

For those with MODnet access, Army HIVE’s SharePoint sitecan also be used to download our information sheets or ask questions – please go to our Overseas Postings area

If you’re relocating back to the UK from overseas, or moving within the UK, our SharePoint hosts guidance and resources in our Relocating within or back to the UK section

Brunssum: Job Vacancies at JFC Brunssum

Vacancies currently available:

• Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Events Brunssum - Maternity Leave position

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.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

NAAFI Fund - NATO Shape's Community Spaces Are Officially Open

The NAAFI Fund recently awarded a £17,500 grant to NATO in Shape, Belgium to give their community spaces a much-needed makeover! This project was all about creating a centralised, welcoming space for the British Military Community. To read NAAFI Fund’s blog post on this project, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/project/from-dream-to-reality/

Brunssum: Alliance Theatre August 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.

Brunssum: Curios Thrift Shop Information

 

You can find all the latest updates on The Thrift Shop's Facebook page.

Brunssum: 2025 Summer Days out and Activities

New surveys for Service children aged 8-18 – share your experience of growing up in a military family

Links for Survey:
Age 8 - 11
Age 12 - 15
Age 16 - 18

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 11 August 25

SFA Consumer Charter – greater freedoms for families
Service Personnel and families deserve homes that reflect your unique needs and lifestyles. Outdated, lengthy policies are unhelpful in fostering a sense of belonging where you can make a house feel like your home. This is particularly important given the transient nature of military life, which we know can be disruptive.

Brunssum: Free Movie Matinee at The Hub

 

7th Sept 2025: National emergency alert test and guidance for victims of domestic abuse

 

There will be a test of the national emergency alert system on 07 September. This will come through to all mobile phones across the country. SafeLives have issued the following guidance for those who are victims of domestic abuse:

A UK-wide emergency alert test will take place on Sunday 7th September 2025 at 3pm. Mobile phones will emit a loud siren and vibrate — even if they’re on silent.

Whilst these alerts aim to protect the public in emergencies, they could put victim-survivors of domestic abuse at risk — especially those who rely on hidden phones as part of their safety plan.

Please know, you CAN opt out of this test.

If you need to disable alerts for safety reasons, follow the steps here: Opting out of emergency alerts - GOV.UK

Brunssum: 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: 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.

Ice Cream Social on 11th August

 

You're Invited to Our Ice Cream Social!

Join ASGK for a sweet summer celebration!

Who are we?
ASGK (Allied Spouses of Geilenkirchen) is a NATO organization dedicated to supporting spouses and families in the Tri-border area. We focus on building community through connection, encouragement, and service—offering events, volunteer opportunities, and support for newcomers and established residents alike.

Brunssum: JFC Brunssum Library Story time on Mondays

 

Brunssum: Welpen International - Dutch Girl Scouts

 

Brunssum: Permanent notification for recruitment

 

Applications are always welcome from UK Military Dependants or UKBC Dependants who are enthusiastic, motivated and flexible individuals for supply roles within the British Section.

For more information including job descriptions and application forms, please contact Jenny Brown, School Business Manager via email on jenny.brown@modschools.org

Brunssum: River Cruises in Maastricht

The Rederij Stiphout organizes many scheduled boat trips. The journeys are made according to a fixed timetable. These include cruises on the Meuse, the 4-lock tour (including a ride through the lock Ternaaien with a difference in height of 15 m), the famous day trip to Luik, a pancake, brunch and evening cruise .

For more information please click here.

 

Give Us Time: new donor in the NE of England

 

Give Us Time have a new donor I the North East of England – please see the poster for more details and for how to book.

Brunssum: 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
 

Reading Force’s memoir competition for adults, children and young people – closes end of Aug

 

Discover the Tri-Border Area with JFC Brunssum Official Clubs

Discover the Tri-Border Area with JFC Brunssum Official Clubs
Are you ready to explore new activities and connect with others in the vibrant Tri-Border region? Join our official clubs at JFC Brunssum and be part of a welcoming community that offers something for everyone!

For Individuals and Families
Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, engage in exciting activities, or involve your whole family, our clubs have got you covered. From sports and fitness to hobby and interest groups, there’s a club for every interest!

Brunssum: 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

Alternatively you can book BSN appointments in your town's Gemeente (Dutch for municipality) online:

Heerlen: Inschrijven in Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen (RNI) en Burgerservicenummer (BSN) | Gemeente Heerlen

Sittard: Burgerservicenummer (BSN) - Sittard-Geleen

Mission Motorsport August Newsletter is now out

August is here, and it’s been a fantastic summer season so far. Mission Motorsport has been running powerful and inspiring recovery sport experiences — and the best part? There's still a lot more on the horizon.

This edition of our newsletter brings you the latest stories, a look ahead at what’s coming up, and plenty of ways for you to join in. Here's a taste of what’s included:

• Mission Motorsport Racemakers Shine at Silverstone
• Mission: Possible - Mission Motorsport Featured in IMI’s MotorPro Magazine
• Upcoming events - Beneficiary tickets available, and the Forces Family Track Day in Croft
• Fundraising Force - great efforts continuing to raise money for Mission Motorsport

You can read the newsletter by clicking the attachment or visiting our website here.

As always, if you have any questions or just want to say hello, drop us a line at team@missionmotorsport.org.

Brunssum: Brunssum Lions Rugby Club and rugby 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!

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BFBS to Broadcast 2025 Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition as Official Media Partner

BFBS to Broadcast 2025 Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition as Official Media Partner

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) will deliver exclusive livestream coverage of the 2025 Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC), bringing forces audiences around the world closer to the action.

Now in its 21st year, the IDRC is the world’s premier military rugby tournament. In 2025 the second Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition will take place, running throughout August and September, featuring elite teams made up of soldiers, sailors and airwomen from armed forces around the world, plus a unique squad brought together by Vodafone and rugby mental health charity LooseHeadz. All teams will compete for the title of the greatest armed forces rugby team in the world.

Quest Magazine - August Edition now available

To read this issue online, or any previous issues, please go to: Quest Magazine | Quest Online

Brunssum: 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/

If you're looking for some banking options the below are available in the Netherlands:

• ABN AMRO
• Bunq
• N26

Families First Newsletter

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

JFC Arts and Craft Centre August Workshops and activities

Looking for something fun, creative, and family-friendly to do during this summer? We’ve got you covered!

Perfect for all ages and skill levels — whether you’re painting for the first time or diving back into a favorite hobby!

Upcoming Workshops:

• Clay sculpting class – Thursday, August 7th, 2025

• Canvas painting - Blacklight room – Thursday, August 14th, 2025

• Ceramic Sculpting workshop – Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

• Thursday's Open Studio Walk in - Thursday, August 21st, 2025

• Open Studio - Stained glass - Monday, August 25th, 2025

• Intro to Stained Glass Workshop -Tiffany style - Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

• Thursday's Open Studio -Walk in - Thursday, August 28th, 2025

• Paint&Sip with Arts & Crafts Classes - Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025

• Thursday's Open Studio -Walk in - Thursday, September 4th, 2025

Under 6? Adult supervision required.

Sign-up deadlines are a week before each class – don’t wait!

REGISTER NOW or drop in for Open Studio!
https://www.jfcbrunssum.com/community/arts-craft/classes/