Duke of York’s Royal Military School: The Princess Royal Visits Kent School as Royal Patron

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the school, in her role as Royal Patron. This visit provided an opportunity for Her Royal Highness to meet students and staff, and experience life at the school first-hand.

The visit marked an important moment in the school’s continued commitment to supporting young people, including children from Armed Forces families.  During her visit, The Princess Royal met with members of the school community and attended the annual Beret Parade, where she formally presented ceremonial berets to the school’s new Year 7 students.

Ay Nik Paintball Volunteers Wanted!

The Ay Nik Paintball season has started and more volunteers (SP or UKFM's) are required to help run events.

What's required?

1. The ability to be added to the Signal chat group.

2. Attend a 20 min Marshall Training package.

3. Complete PREVENT

4. Complete Safeguarding Level 1 Training

5. Complete a Basic DBS check - claim cost back via the Paintball Fund.

If you can do the above, contact Jan Tocknell, Ben Robus or Dan Halor for more details.

ESBA Ay Nik - Learn To Fence!

 

Learn to fence!

Rhys is running three taster sessions starting on Tuesday 27th October (also 3rd and 10th November) in the Ay Nik Sports Hall 15:30 - 17:00.

If you are interested please get in touch via email or phone: 

📧 rhys.melia102@mod.gov.uk  

🖁 +357 97 566 951

All equipment will be provided, you just need to wear sports kit and bring some water with you. Decent trainers are recommended though. 

Any questions feel free to message Rhys directly.

Access to Mercury Barracks will be required to take part in the sessions.

Please note: 

Unfortunately this is currently only open to serving personnel due to insurance reasons. 

Rhys is working on a solution to be able to offer fencing to the wider community. 

Watch this space!

Ay Nik Paintball is now taking bookings!

The Ay Nik Paintball Course is now open for the season!

Paintballing is great for team building, birthday parties or just general fun with your friends.

For more details or to book your place, contact the team via WhatsApp - 07437 338272

Cost:

Kit - 10 euro (paintball marker, mask and overalls)

Paintballs - 3 euro for 100 balls, 12 euro for 500 balls

New for 2026!

Paintballing at Ay Nik is now open to children age 13 and above (subject to DBS qualified staff available to run the event).

ESBA Home-Start and BFC Youth Services: The Saturday Club - Saturday 24th October

ESBA Home-Start and BFC Youth Services are hosting The Saturday Club this Saturday (24th October) at Ay Nik.

This is a popular monthly family event to make friends or spend time as a family.

It costs 2 euro a child which includes a drink and a snack plus a breakfast bap for the adults. 

No booking is required, just turn up and have fun!

Please contact the HIVE or ESBA Home-Start for the time or check out the Facebook pages / TeamUp.

Department for Work and Pensions: Latest news update

 

Don’t pay to claim

Claims Management Companies (CMCs) are contacting pensioners, offering to handle claims for benefits like Attendance Allowance or missing Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), for a fee.

This isn't illegal, but the fees can be several hundred pounds. Some people don't realise they've entered into an agreement until it's too late.

The message we want to get across is straightforward: if you're eligible for these benefits, it's free to claim them. Independent and trusted help* is available for free from organisations including Citizens Advice and Independent Age.

You can visit the campaign site to find out more about how we are protecting our customers from financial harm and also watch our how to apply for Attendance Allowance video.

*For Armed Forces veterans, FREE support with Attendance Allowance claims (and other potential benefits) is also available through MOD Veterans Services. See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-help-from-veterans-services, which includes contact details, and an online self-referral form.

National Careers Service update

On 1 October 2026, the National Careers Service in England was brought in house to DWP, supporting the creation of a more joined-up service for people at every stage of their career.

Customers will continue to receive free, impartial careers information, advice and guidance from qualified Careers Advisers through telephone, digital, face-to-face and community channels, with existing appointments and support continuing uninterrupted.

Those wishing to contact the service in England can call 0800 072 0288.

The National Careers Service website has been renamed Get careers information and advice, although the URL and existing links will remain unchanged.

Applicable to England only. Careers services are devolved in Scotland (Skills Development Scotland – My World of Work ) and Wales (Careers Wales).

Highground: Spouses and partners Rural Weeks residential programme for 2027 - Devon

For further information click the link: Rural Weeks Programme

Costco: Membership benefits offer for serving Armed Forces and MOD staff

For more information on Costco membership, please go to: Why become a Costco Member

Serving personnel and MOD civilian staff are eligible for this membership offer. Costco membership starts from £42 for two people for one full year depending on the membership which best suits the Armed Forces/MOD employee. Once employees join, they are able to shop Costco worldwide straight away for the year.

Costco have warehouses across the UK, plus also in many locations overseas. The UK store finder can be found at: costco.co.uk/store-finder

 

Seasonal Flu Advice and Vaccinations – Defence and Department of Health Security Agency guidance for seasonal flu season 2026/27

 

Information and advice has now been issued regarding preventing influenza for the 2026/27 seasonal period, including eligibility criteria for vaccinations.

Please go to Flu vaccines: 2026 to 2027 flu season - GOV.UK for general guidance on vaccinations. An online version of the infographic attached can be found at Flu vaccines 2026 to 2027 season A3 landscape poster

For Serving personnel, a DIN has been published on this topic – please search on Defnet for 2026DIN06-016-Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Season 2026-2027. All Serving personnel are encouraged to review this DIN, and to arrange a vaccination at their earliest convenience (if eligible).

For further guidance please contact the medical centre that you are registered with, or ask your nearest HIVE for more information.

Ay Nik Library Halloween Competition - 20th - 30th October 2026

Borrow 6 books between 20th - 30th October to receive an instant prize!

Check TeamUp or contact the HIVE for Library opening times.

ESBA Home-Start What's on

 

Check the ESBA Home-Start Facebook page for up to date information.

ESBA Home-Start Shakers - NEW TIME

 

ESBA Home-Start Shakers is now at a new time of 1115-1215 on a Monday morning during term time in The Cubs Den, DHK.

Cost is 1 euro per child which includes a drink and a biscuit.

Fear lives on BFBS TV this Shockctober 👀📺 — 17-23/10/2026 - Week 42

 

Your weekly guide to the must-see TV across all the channels provided by BFBS. 

Full listings can be found on our website

Must-Watch TV Heading Your Way!

FEAR LIVES ON BFBS TV THIS SHOCKTOBER!

A spooky season of premieres, classic and terrifying films cremated just for you.

Face your fears with the BFBS Extra premiere of Salem's Lot (2024), revisit Stephen King's terrifying Carrie (2013), survive the deadly party game of Bodies Bodies Bodies, and brace yourself for blood-soaked horror in Evil Dead (2013).

Michael Myers returns for more terror in Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends , whilst the original Halloween (1978) on BBC Two, proves why it's still one of the greatest horror films ever made.

There are more chills from BBC Two with the horror-comedy The Blackening, and the creepy supernatural thriller Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is on BBC One.

For more Frights Shocktober

Big fights. Big hits. Big moments.

Dubois and Wardley go toe-to-toe once again in a blockbuster DAZN Fight Night rematch, while Buckley faces Malott at UFC Fight Night.

Add in football, NFL, NBA, MLB and the Rugby League World Cup, and it's another huge week of sport on BFBS TV.

It doesn’t get much bigger than this – See what’s on!

https://www.bfbs.com/sport

Motorfinity - October Community Update

 

Motorfinity – October Community Update

Autumn has arrived at Motorfinity! From celebrating 10 years of supporting Lowland Rescue to welcoming new brands and exciting electric models, there’s plenty happening across the Motorfinity community this October.

10 Years of Supporting Lowland Rescue

We’re proud to celebrate a decade of supporting Lowland Rescue and its incredible volunteers, who work tirelessly to help find missing people across the UK. We’re honoured to support their vital, life-saving work.

Read the full story → https://www.motorfinity.uk/blog/lowland-rescue/?source=outreach&utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=october

Welcome, Geely!

We’re delighted to welcome Geely to the Motorfinity line-up. With a focus on electrification, technology and innovation, Geely brings even more choice for customers.

Find out more → https://motorfinity.uk/blog/geely-partnership/?source=outreach&utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=october

Introducing the New Audi A2 e-tron

The wait is over! The new Audi A2 e-tron is open for UK customer orders, combining distinctive design, premium technology and efficient electric performance.

Discover more → https://motorfinity.uk/car-manufacturer/audi/a2-e-tron-hatchback/?source=outreach&utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=october

Dacia Spring: Customer Success Story

Thinking about going electric? In our latest case study, Royal Navy veteran Andy shares his experience of getting behind the wheel of a brand-new EV and making an impressive £4,700 saving.

Read Andy’s story → https://motorfinity.uk/blog/andy-customer-story/?source=outreach&utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=october

Looking Ahead

There’s plenty more to come from Motorfinity this autumn, with exciting vehicles, new partnerships and community stories on the horizon.

Thank you to our customers, partners and community for being part of our journey.

Here’s to a fantastic autumn, from all of us at Motorfinity!

Browse the Motorfinity website or speak to our team to see how we can help you save on your next new car!

https://www.motorfinity.uk/?source=outreach&utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=october

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 108 Executive Officer roles across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire – closing date 30 Oct

 

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have a total of 108 Executive Officer (EO) roles across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The roles are EO Work Coach opportunities.

DWP welcome applications from veterans, reservists, their family members and currently serving personnel looking to transition into civilian life..

Civil Service Jobs links with further information on the roles available, and application details:

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Yorkshire and Lincolnshire (Ref: 784) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

The closing date is 29 Oct.

BFPO Mail: Christmas post – send by 30 Oct for Overseas firm base locations

 

BFPO will continue to process and dispatch all Operational mail throughout the Christmas period. However, the latest safe posting date for overseas firm‑base locations will be brought forward to 30 October 2026.

Families and friends are strongly encouraged to post early wherever possible. After this date, BFPO cannot guarantee delivery before Christmas, and some items may not arrive until the New Year. Please also factor in current customs import processes, which may add extra time to final delivery.

Customers are reminded of the following:

• All mail items sent to a BFPO address must include a customs declaration form, as required under international import/export regulations.
• Items arriving at BFPO Northolt without a customs declaration will be returned to sender. Non‑compliant items without a return address may be disposed of as undeliverable in line with UK Mail Industry Standards.
• BFPO does not offer a guaranteed timed service and holds no liability for items that are perishable, out of date, or unusable upon receipt.

Please visit https://www.gov.uk/bfpo for further information.

Ay Nik - The Black Knight Bingo - Thursday 22nd October 2026

BINGO AT THE BLACK KNIGHT!

Always a fantastic evening - bring the family down and enjoy a cracking night with great vibes, laughs, and BIG cash prizes!

The more people that attend = the bigger the prize money!

BINGO INFO

4 Games for just €20
Prize money depends on attendance numbers
Always turns into a quality night with serious cash won!

PLUS - bring an extra €5 for the special Straight Full House Game after the main session finishes!

Spot Prize Challenge:

Call a FULL HOUSE in 50 numbers or less and win a special bonus prize!

IMPORTANT

STRICTLY CASH ONLY for Bingo tickets
No card payments accepted

Check Facebook and TeamUp for times.

ESBA Home-Start and BFC Youth Saturday Club - Saturday 24th October

 

Poppy Factory Support

 

The Poppy Factory supports veterans facing barriers to employment, as well as their family members, on their journey towards sustainable work.

Their support is tailored to each individual and can include:

• Skills mapping and career planning
• Training and development opportunities
• CV writing and job application support
• Interview preparation
• Up to 12 months of in-work support once employment has been secured

Their Families Service operates exclusively remotely, enabling us to support family members across the UK. Their Veterans Service is delivered regionally, with consultants able to provide face-to-face support.

Through their Families Service, they can support:

• Spouses and partners
• Ex-partners (including those whose former partner may still be serving)
• Adult children of veterans
• Parents
• Bereaved family members

You can also find more information on their website: https://www.poppyfactory.org/supportservices/

England: National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) 16-week paid childcare employment programme

 

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) have received funding from The Utley Foundation to deliver a 16-week paid childcare employment programme, to support Veterans and/or partners of Veterans who are interested in pursuing a career in childcare. We are looking for 10 participants, to start the programme on 1st December.

There will be an initial 4-week training period, followed by 12-weeks placement at a childcare setting

• Participants will be employed by NDNA as Trainee Nursery Assistants
• Participants will be paid NLW to work 15hrs per week, for the full 16-weeks of the project
• The programme is delivered remotely, so participants can be located anywhere in England
• Ongoing mentor support is provided by the project team throughout the programme.

For further information contact: claudia.wood@ndna.org.uk

X-Forces Enterprise: Business Start-Up Drop-In Sessions

To find out more about the support available through X-Forces Enterprise, please go to: https://x-forces.com/

Defence Children Schools: Guidance for Service families on school admissions for September 2027 entry

 

Is your child starting primary school or moving to secondary school in September 2027?

Service families are encouraged to check admissions deadlines and start planning ahead.

If you are applying for a school place in England:

• Secondary school applications close 31 October 2026 
• Primary school applications close 15 January 2027

Admissions arrangements and deadlines vary across the UK. Families in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should check the requirements set by their local authority or education authority.

Read the full information and find out where to access support on the Defence Children Services website: School admissions information for Service families: September 2027 entry

Mission Motorsport: October newsletter out now

 

There’s plenty happening across Mission Motorsport this month, from new partnerships and fundraising initiatives to upcoming events and preparations for Race of Remembrance.

Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find:

Legacy Lap – a new way to become part of Race of Remembrance, wherever you are.
The unveiling of our third-generation Mazda Poppy Art Car.
Our new partnership with Gama Aviation.
The growing #YourRoR community.
Upcoming events, volunteering opportunities and fundraising challenges.

Every activity helps Mission Motorsport continue supporting wounded, injured and sick veterans, serving personnel and their families through recovery, rehabilitation and opportunities beyond military service.

To read online, please go to this link: Read the October newsletter

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 116 Executive Officer Case Manager roles across Wales and the West Midlands – closing date 20 Oct

 

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have a total of 116 Case Manager roles across Wales and the West Midlands. The roles are within Disability Services - Disability Living Allowance as EO Case Managers.

DWP welcome applications from veterans, reservists, their family members and currently serving personnel looking to transition into civilian life..

Civil Service Jobs links with further information on the roles available, and application details:

Disability Services - Disability Living Allowance EO Case Manager (Ref: 781)

Supporting Wounded Veterans: Skihabilitation 2027 – applications now open

 

To find out more please go to: https://www.supportingwoundedveterans.com/sport-rehabilitation

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) scheme: DHSC Response Support Officer, London - Closing Date: 30 October 2026

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 513 - Response Support Officer, Emergency Preparedness & Health Protection - London

Closing Date: 30 October 2026

Job description: [GFIE- 513- Response Support Officer, Emergency Preparedness & Health Protection - London]

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)