RESIDENTS in Basingstoke have never been shy in getting behind a campaign they feel passionate about.

And this year has been no exception. Whether it is a bid to get more women involved in business or an appeal to protect a much-loved ice-skating rink, there are plenty campaigns running for the people of the town to get behind.

This week we take a look at seven groups and campaigns that people can get involved in to help.

1.Basingstoke Town Community Football Club

In the last couple of years, the Gazette has extensively reported the troubles which have fallen on the town’s football club.

However, since summer 2018 the club has been community-owned which has seen a shift in the club’s future prospects.

Basingstoke residents now have a lot more involvement with the club, in particular helping with the move to its new home in Winklebury.

The community club is looking for support in an array of areas.

Volunteers are being sought to help out as general helpers, matchday stewards and gate attendants.

But people with expertise in areas such as sales and marketing are also being sought to help out while tradespeople such as builders, painters and electricians can also play a role.

A Community Clubhouse Raffle has also been launched in a bid to raise £60,000.

Anyone interested in supporting the community owned club or finding out more should contact club secretary Steve Williams stewill@hotmail.co.uk or 01256 770434 /07966921584.

2.Ark Cancer Centre Charity

In 2012, a campaign was launched to help raise £5million to deliver a new-state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre in Basingstoke.

Thousands of residents and businesses have put on their fundraising hats since in a bid to support the drive.

From individual fundraising efforts to the Arkriders, groups of people have come up with a whole host of unique challenges.

On June 21 this year, the charity launched the Ark Day where the aim was to spend 24-hours fundraising, which managed to raise more than £30,000 for the charity.

To date £2,387,318 has been raised against the £5million total.

To get involved, visit arkcancercharity.org.uk.

3. Ice Rink User Forum

REGULAR users of the Planet Ice Rink have come together to protect the site’s future.

This comes after Basingstoke’s council agreed a £300million redevelopment of Basingstoke Leisure Park with New River Retail.

As a result, the Basingstoke Ice Rink Users was set up to put pressure on the borough council to make sure an ice rink remains a focal part of the town.

Since forming the pressure group has attended a number of council meetings and have constantly pushed for answer around where a new home of ice in the borough would be.

The group also launched a social media campaign using the hashtag #keepiceinbasingstoke where people shared what the ice rink means to them.

There is a Facebook where regular updates are given on the current state of proceedings regarding the future of the ice rink.

To join the Facebook group visit facebook.com/groups/1788973161161811/?epa=SEARCH_BOX.

4. Chineham Post office

Ward councillors, residents and Basingstoke’s MP have been campaigning in recent weeks to ensure that a Post Office is reinstated in Chineham.

The petition came about after the old facility in the area closed its doors in August doors following the resignation of the postmaster as the reason.

Residents have told their ward councillors this is a vital service they need in the area, and the councillors have set about making sure a Post Office remains in Chineham.

The parliamentary petition aims to demonstrate Chineham residents’ concerns about the closure of a local Post Office branch and to call for any redevelopment proposals to include plans for a new branch to reinstate these important services.

This comes after a similar campaign was launched to save the Post Office in the Top of The Town earlier this year.

To sign the petition visit http://maria4basingtoke.co.uk

5. Climate crisis

With climate change one of the hot topics in news recently, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint.

The borough council recently declared a climate crisis in the borough.

Now, cabinet members has begun work to help enhance the environment and reduce the impact of its buildings and services on the planet.

As one of the steps being made, the borough hosts its annual Green Week each year.

This year saw events showcased the good work going on in the borough, including local organic and environmentally friendly products and services. The activities during the week aim at finding new, fun and innovative ways of celebrating all things ‘green’.

This year Green Week has spread even further across the borough with Whitchurch now organising a whole week of events in that area.

The borough council has said it will consult with environmental pressure group Basingstoke Transition Network to make sure the right steps are being made.

6.Cycle Basingstoke

Cycle Basingstoke aims to help people cycle in the borough.

The group aims to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling and the reasons it can be fun, such as improving a person’s health, cycling for leisure, commuting, visiting, recreation, exploring.

Members believe that cycling is an ideal form of transport and want to make the borough of Basingstoke cycle friendly.

Cycle Basingstoke was founded during Green Week in 2014 with the support of Brookvale Community Centre. John Buckley, a Bikeability Cycle trainer, mayor of Whitchurch, founded the Whitchurch Cycle Campaign.

The groups hope to highlight safe cycle routes around the borough and helps to advise MPs, councillors, the police, businesses.

To find out more visit cyclebasingstoke.org.uk.

7. Encouraging more women in business

ENCOURAGING more women into business is the aim of one incredible Basingstoke entrepreneur Elaine Phoon.

Elaine runs the Basingstoke Ladies Who Latte alongside June Marsh, both of whom are members of Basingstoke Business Club. Elaine, who lives in the town, was working as a nurse in London but after having children she wanted a more flexible career.

Now she runs a business to help people save money. And one of her passions is inspiring women into business.

“When I took over the club last February there wasn’t many people coming. Now we see around 15 to 20 women every month at our meetings,” she said.

Elaine said she thinks it is important women have the chance to meet up to discuss business strategy and plans in their own space. “Networking with other women is really important. Our group is very supportive and we like to work with each other to see other people do well. “We have all sorts of different people who come, from those just starting up to more established businesses.”

Basingstoke Ladies Who Latte are next meeting on Monday, October 21, at the Apollo Hotel from 10am until 12pm.

Find out more here: eventbrite.co.uk/e/basingstoke-ladies-who-latte-tickets-7346893656.7