Community news from Basingstoke and surrounding villages

Chineham

Green-fingered Chineham residents have a real bonanza of horticultural events with which to engage this coming Saturday. There's the plant sale at Christ Church Chineham, details of which were shared in last week's column. And then, there's the ever popular Annual Plant and Cake fundraising sale being held by Chineham WI. As usual it will be held in the Chineham Shopping Centre, outside Tesco. It will start at 10.00am. Do go along and buy your Lemon Drizzles and Lobelias. They are there until 2.00/2.30pm (unless they have sold out earlier).

The next meeting of Chineham WI is on Monday 22nd May at the usual time of 7.30pm, in Christ Church Chineham.  This month it is their AGM.  After the serious business, (hopefully short), they will be holding a Tea Party in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.  Tea and cake and chatter all-round. Wear your crowns.

For more information call 07588 533340, 02380 616712 or email reception@hampshirewi.org.uk.  

This month, the Chineham Library online reading group, The Digital Readers, have chosen Beautiful World, Where are You, by Sally Rooney to read/listen to. She is the author of Normal People, which was made into a popular TV series.

Join the Facebook group: https://bit.ly/31jMxci  and download the eBook/eAudiobook through the free app, BorrowBox. Login with your library account number and 4 digit PIN. At the end of each month, the group meets on Zoom to have a friendly and informal chat about the title. It's a great way to meet new people and talk about books!

Fiona Biermann

Cliddesden

So much was happening in the village for the Coronation, I am continuing my write up of some of the events in this week’s column, taking a particular focus on some of the younger members of our community:

The Farleigh Parish Playgroup enjoyed party food during their normal meeting on the morning of Friday 5th and the children there made some fabulous crowns to take away. Meanwhile, at Otters Nursery, a lunchtime picnic was held in the garden, for all the children in attendance that day. There was delicious food and glorious sunshine! Also holding a picnic was Cliddesden Primary School and this carried the special theme of ‘English High Tea’. Pupils were permitted to wear non-uniform and some went one step further to ‘dress for a Coronation party’, or chose outfits of red, white and blue.

Changing topic slightly, you may be aware that this week is ‘Walk to School Week’, and Cliddesden Primary have encouraged as many children as possible to participate. Not only will this make for a healthier start to the day and allow young people to observe more of their local environment, but there is an opportunity to develop important road safety skills. Every child who walks to or from school at least once during the week will receive a certificate – this will include walking part of the way. Please offer your support and, if you are driving in the village during school start or finish times, be mindful that there will be a greater number of children on foot.

Helen Walker

Kempshott

The Sunday Market at the Village Hall was buzzing on Sunday morning. Basingstoke Horticultural Society’s stall was almost sold out. It never ceases to amaze what gets people started on their activities making up the stalls. One lady started sewing for her grandson and then branched out into clothes for girls too. Nookary are probiotic cleaning refills, something I’d not seen before. However Oakley Stitchers May be something you are familiar with. They started because there was a huge shortage of scrubs at the beginning of lockdown and my, how they have branched out! They now get requests for all sorts of sewn, knitted and crocheted items from hospitals and care homes. Their latest venture is that they will be at  the Village Hall twice a month for people to drop in, collect patterns and materials and chat to fellow enthusiasts. If you’re handy with needles or hooks and would welcome the opportunity to indulge your hobby for a good cause, the next session is 24th May from 10 to 11.30. The bonus is that it coincides with Kempshott Daytime Club, so you can have refreshment at the same time.

For those of you, with a longer perspective than next week, Kempshott Pantomime Group’s auditions for Dick Whittington will be on 16th July. So, if you have thespian ambitions, make a note of the date. If you’re not confident of your acting abilities, there are also opportunities for stage crew and a keyboard player. You can find them on Facebook.

Diana Manville

Hatch Warren and Beggarwood

A30 roadworks: I have enquired why the road works at the entrance to the Bloor Homes development appear to have stalled. The cones remain, causing delays, but no progress is being made. The answer is that the remaining works will require overnight closures of the A30. But the A30 is the diversion route for a couple of other scheme, including a National Highways plan to resurface part of the M3. It would be a nonsense to divert traffic down a road and then close that one too. I am advised that there is a window of opportunity coming up and the final work is scheduled for 22nd May to 4th June, subject to the other works completing on time and no unforeseen delays such as weather. Fingers crossed!

Deputy Mayor: Councillor Dan Putty has been re-elected to represent Hatch Warren and Beggarwood for the next four years. At the Mayor-making ceremony he was nominated to be the Deputy Mayor for the coming year, which means he will be Basingstoke and Deane's Mayor next year.

Patient Participation Group: The next meeting of the Camrose, Gillies, Hackwood and Beggarwood PPG was scheduled for yesterday (17th May). Items that the PPG is looking to discuss with the management of the four local surgeries include metrics (how many staff, appointments, waiting times etc), volunteer projects such as Dr IQ training, and a potential annual meeting for patients.

St Mark's School Farm: With contributions from many people, the school now has a farm and is setting about establishing a booking system to allow families to feed the animals. Latest additions include two child-friendly, egg-laying hens, complete with coop. Guinea pigs and rabbits are expected by half-term.

Community Association AGM: a reminder that the Community Association's Annual General Meeting is taking place on 7th June. They are hosting the meeting at Beggarwood Community centre and via Zoom link if you’re unable to attend in person. The link will be available nearer the time. Tickets are required (no fee) and these are available via the link - ticketsource.co.uk/hwca/t-avzleqa. This is an important meeting: the Association is emerging from very difficult times and the trustees need the community's support.

Stephen Reid

Oakley

Colour Youth Event: You may have heard that being a teenager in 2023 is more difficult than it was in the 1990s. Today's youth confront so many problems and obstacles that they are unsure who to talk to about them, how to deal with them, or what to do to overcome them. Social anxiety, self-image, self-harm, choices, well-being, and many other issues are among these concerns.

Some of our young people are currently dealing with these issues, and we understand how difficult this can be for any parent, especially when we don’t have enough information and skills to help our young children navigate these difficulties.

The Just GIRLS-JG and Just BOYS-JB festival have been designed to help our young people sail through this difficult situation. To address various perspectives and world views, we termed it colour.

We've invited experts to speak and answer questions on the following hot topics: peer pressure, weight, lifestyle, self-image, identity, faith, mental health, wellbeing, choices, relationships, friendships, sex, drugs, alcohol and academics.

There will also be time for fun activities, networking and food. Check out what we’ve got for you; pool party, disco beach, photo booth, ice cream, souvenir, cocktail and much more.

Time: 12pm-3pm - just boys and 3.30pm-7pm - just girls. Age: Year 8+. Dress Code: Beach/ Pool Theme.

Register now! Invite your friends! Contact sochi@oww.church for any enquiries.

Oakley Scout & Guide Premises Management Committee: This committee manages the Scout and Guide premises in St John's Piece, Oakley, meeting approximately four to six times a year. The small committee comprises a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer with representatives from the Oakley Scout and Guide organisations.

Are you someone who is looking for a voluntary post to help a village organisation? We are seeking two new trustees - a secretary and a treasurer, each with an average commitment of just two to three hours a month.

Want to know more? To discuss or ask for the job description for either voluntary post please email the Chair, Eric Askew on eric.askew21@btinternet.com

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary: In preparation for Op Sceptre week which runs from the 15th-21st May 2023, a Police amnesty bin can be found at the Northern Police Investigation Centre, Jay's Close, Basingstoke, RG22 4BS in order to surrender your knives. This is your chance to hand over any knives, bladed items or unlawful weapons. The opening times are Monday to Sunday 8-8pm.

Don’t forget to register for this year’s Oakley Front Garden Stalls on Saturday 24th June between 12noon and 4pm.

Visit a wide range of stalls all around Oakley. Full details and booking form can be found online at ocaoakley.org.uk

Book your stall by Saturday 17th June. I will send a confirmation to those I have email addresses for in the next few weeks.

Village map available of stalls in the following week.

Tiffany Wise

Old Basing and Lychpit

The Friends of Lychpit Hall is a new not-for-profit group which was set up in the autumn of 2022 to provide a focus for the community within Lychpit and the wider area. The group of volunteers have agreed to organise events throughout the year to help create a sense of community by bringing residents together for social events. All money raised will be used to fund future events and/or help maintain the upkeep of the interior of Lychpit Community Hall for generations to come and to enable all to enjoy this wonderful building. The group have organised their first event which is a quiz night for adults. It takes place on Friday 19th May in the Lychpit Community Hall from 7 to 10pm and costs £5 per head. Teams should consist of up to six people per table and the theme will be 'Lychpit Road Names'. This is sure to be a great way to socialise with neighbours and test your local knowledge. There will be a raffle and tea and coffee will be available, otherwise take your own refreshments, as elaborate or as simple as you wish.

Old Basing Health Centre urgently needs a new ECG Machine. One of the Practice Partners of Old Basing and Odiham Health Centre, Dr Jessica Pizzotti along with popular Paramedic Jason Rausch will be running the 10-mile Hook Road race on Sunday 21st May to raise money for the much-needed machine. ECG machines are important to help the medical team at the surgery diagnose or exclude problems with patients’ hearts. Since the current machine failed, patients who need an ECG travel to Odiham which can be inconvenient and at times, impossible. If you would like to show your support more details can be found at www.hookfunrun.com and if you’d like to make a donation a page has been set up at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/oldbasinghealthcentreneedsecg 

Saturday 20th May sees the return of the Phoenix Choir to Old Basing in a concert entitled ‘In the Midst of Life’ at St Mary’s Church at 7.30pm. Tickets which are available from admin@stmarysoldbasing.org.uk cost £15 for adults and £3 for those under 16 years of age.

Elspeth Lee

Sherfield

Percy’s Plant Sale is this Saturday, 20th May from 9.30am till 12pm at the Village Hall. Go along and enjoy the morning. A wide variety of plants will be available ready for your Spring Planting and offered at very keen prices.

A regular local village event held jointly by Sherfield Village Hall, Sherfield Gardening Club and St Leonards Church. Further details contact Dan Farrow 01256 882680

Fete: There’s just over four weeks to the Fete which, this year, is on Saturday June 10.  The Village Green and Hall will host to this fabulous family day out.  Attractions include: The Old Basing RBL Corps of Drums, line dancing, Sherfield School Performing Arts, Basing Clog Morris dancing, Grand Raffle and the annual tug of war ‘Tussle of the Taverns’. For children there’s Juggling Jake’s circus skills tent, Hollycross Farm Pets, face painting, children’s races, teacup roundabout and our giant inflatable slide and bungees. There will be stalls, a classic car display, dog show and traditional fete games crockery smashing and coconut shy. 

Food and drink is on offer, a beer tent, cider stall, wood fired pizzas, barbecue, loaded nachos and cream vans. Live music on the green, a jazz band and folk duo in the Village Hall garden. This year the fete will combine with the Village Hall Market where there will be many more stalls both in the garden and inside the hall.  The fete raise funds for our village as well as our chosen charity which this year is Basingstoke & Deane Young Carers.  Free entry, plenty of free car parking.   12-5pm. 

Annual Parish Meeting is on Thursday 25th May in the Village Hall at 7.45pm. However, before the meeting, at 7pm there is a discussion about the developments threatening the Parish. Potential development sites in the Parish of Sherfield include south of Wildmoor Lane, Land at Sherfield Hill Farm and North of Redlands Farm. The total number of dwellings proposed for the Parish would be in the region of 1900 which would almost treble the current housing stock.

Tonight: NWR will be holding a meeting with the speaker Kate Parker who will talk to the group about Herbalism, the world of herbalism and how herbs can be used for our health. The meeting is 7pm. www.horsechestnutherbals.co.uk.

Chris Horton