Every week and in every edition of the Gazette, we include community news from around Basingstoke and surrounding boroughs.

Chineham

It is something of the end of an era. Dr Catherine de Mars has now retired from her role as senior partner at Chineham Medical Practice. She was by far the longest serving clinician at the surgery and well-liked by patients. She will be missed by many and a heartfelt massive thank you goes to her for her years of service. That said, she is not disappearing off the scene all together. After a sabbatical, she will be back with the practice as part of the practitioner team.

Chineham Library will be open right up to and including Christmas Eve when carers who may wish to provide some creative distraction for the younger ones will be able to join in the Christmas Construction Club and colouring club from 10am to 1pm, on the 24th December.

Seasonal greetings to all the readers of this column.

Fiona Biermann

Cliddesden

Earlier this month, Jack and the Beanstalk save Panto was a great success! Each performance saw audience numbers average over 100, with up to 50 per cent of those in attendance being children. Everyone joined in the fun, singing and laughing. A spokesman for the panto said: “The Cliddesden Players have a great time at rehearsals, but knowing our audiences appreciate what we do makes it very special. The profit from the performances totalled £3,048, including the raffle. This will be donated to the Village Hall and Sebastian’s Action Trust. Donations in exchange for a programme generated £196 for Basingstoke Foodbank. What generous people!”

I think you will agree that this was a brilliant way to wind down 2022, so well done and thank you to all those involved.

As the big day approaches, I have taken time to reflect on all the various news and events which have shaped my little columns over the last six months, since I took on the task of writing for Cliddesden back in June. It has been a pleasure to get to know new people and to learn more about all the wonderful events taking place in our village. However, things will surely quieten down over the next couple of weeks as we all settle in for time with family, me included. Therefore, I am going to be taking a break next week, before restarting my entries in the new year, with the promise of fresh and exciting things ahead. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Helen Walker

Hatch Warren and Beggarwood

Warehouses Decision: The big news this week is that the appeal against the refusal of planning permission for warehouses on Oakdown Farm has been dismissed by a government inspector. Opponents hope that this will be the end of the matter, though it is always possible that the developers could submit another application, perhaps for smaller buildings. The main reasons for the refusal were the size of the buildings and the impact on the local environment. I opposed the application at the public inquiry for other reasons too: the overloading of the local roads system and the fact that Basingstoke has enough warehouse jobs already (in my opinion). I am now hoping that the borough council will produce detailed plans for the west of Basingstoke and not be at the mercy of developers.

Brighton Hill Roundabout: The contractors have cleared the roads, as far as possible, for the Christmas break, so that traffic can move freely through the holiday season. The project is about half-way through now.

Father Christmas: Children of all ages were delighted to welcome Father Christmas to Hatch Warren last Monday evening. He was accompanied by friends from Basingstoke Round Table and together they raised almost £800 for their good causes.

Christmas Services: A reminder that our local churches are putting on seasonal services. On Christmas Eve there is a crib service at Immanuel Church at 3pm and a Christingle Service at St Mark's at 4pm. Midnight Communion starts at 11.30pm at St Mark's and the Christmas Day all-age celebration is at 9.30am.

Merry Christmas: As this is the last of these columns before the festive break, I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Stephen Reid

Kempshott

Firstly, my best wishes for a happy Christmas and don’t forget to tell me the news that you know about and I don’t, so that we can share it with our neighbours - my email’s in the Kourier under the WI on the Village Hall page.

Secondly, for those of you who like to celebrate Jesus’ birth, St Mark’s offers you a Christingle service at 4pm on Christmas Eve and Midnight Holy Communion at 11.30pm, with an All-age Celebration at 9.30am on Christmas Day.

Kempshott Methodist Church has a Christmas Day service at 9am with the Rev David Jenkins who is also conducting the Covenant Service at 10.30am on New Year’s Day.

Diana Manville

Lychpit and Old Basing

The recent plea for more volunteers to help the Old Basing and Lychpit Good Neighbours Scheme, which is now in its seventh year, proved to be successful but more new volunteers are still needed and will be made very welcome. People who benefit from the scheme are asked for a small donation towards costs and at the end of the year surplus funds are donated to local organisations. This year, thanks to the generosity of users, £250 was donated to The Big Turkey Pie Dinner. The chairperson of Good Neighbours, Sue Wilson and her fellow volunteers wish all the people who use the scheme a happy and healthy 2023. If anyone would like their help, please call 0333 0440 116.

The Ivy Club has had a busy time lately enjoying a Christmas party, trip to Winchester Christmas Market, music from The Bells Choir and Christmas Bingo. The club was recently awarded £100 by Old Basing and Lychpit Parish Council annual award for their work which benefits so many people in our community. Although the club is now closed it will reopen on Wednesday 11th January 2023 and then take place every Wednesday from 1.30-4pm in the Royal British Legion. The cost is just £2 each week which includes refreshments and a free raffle. Bingo, a jigsaw and book exchange, quizzes, speakers, outings, cream teas, fish and chips are just some of the things which are organised for members. Although the club is well supported with a membership of 65, new members are always very welcome.

There are a number of Christmas Services this year. At St Mary’s Church, the Blue Christmas Service is on Friday 23rd December at 3.30pm; Nativity Services are on Friday 24th December at 2.30 and 4pm; Midnight Mass is on Saturday 24th December at 11.15pm and Christmas Day Services are at 8am and 9.30am. At Old Basing Methodist Church Christmas Morning Worship will be at 10.15am and led by Revd David Jenkins.

Finally, a very Happy Christmas to everyone.

Elspeth Lee

Oakley

Calling Oakley Calendar – now on sale: Thanks to everyone who sent in photos, they have been finalised to create our most beautiful calendar yet!

To get your copy please order by emailing callingoakleycalendar@gmail.com with the number you would like. They are priced at £10 each, with all profits being divided between the two village schools this year. Once orders have been received, we will then send you bank details and instructions how to pay. As usual, we will deliver the calendars around Oakley once payment has been received, however they can be posted for an additional cost.

St Leonard’s Church services: Saturday 24th December Christmas Eve Services Oakley ‘Ramshackle’ Crib Service, 3pm – a bouncy, fun and festive Christmas Eve service for all ages. Experience the heart of Christmas with stories, music, readings and much more in St Leonard’s Church.

Wootton Candlelit Crib Service, 5pm – a traditional candlelit crib service for the whole family in Wootton St Lawrence Church.

Oakley Midnight Communion Service, 11.15pm – a contemporary and reflective service at St Leonard’s with readings, reflections, carols and poetry inviting us to kneel in wonder at the mystery of the mange.

Sunday 25th December Christmas Day at St Leonard’s Church Christmas Day Communion, 8am – a festive and reflective service.

Christmas Family Celebration, 10.30am – a joyful service for all age Have a wonderful Christmas everyone, keep warm and stay safe.

Tiffany Wise