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

Chineham

A week today on Thursday, the 7th of September, the Basingstoke and Deane, Economic Planning and Housing Committee (EPH) will be holding a meeting as part of the process of determining which areas of land around Basingstoke should be developed and be confirmed as part of the next Local Plan. Within this will be a recommendation for the inclusion of land to the east of Chineham (also formally called East of Basingstoke).

If you have misgivings that potentially another 900+ houses on the incinerator side of the A33 can be sustained by our existing infrastructure, you might wish to attend said meeting, or even speak. Residents are allowed a two-minute slot to express their views. The meeting commences at 6.30pm.

A further burden on the Chineham infrastructure is also coming forward to the borough Development Control Department under reference number 23/02003/RES. This is for approval in connection with the building of approximately 350 houses on Upper Cufaude Farm and represents a northern extension of the current development being undertaken by Croudace. The application is open for comments until next Monday 4th September, although submissions made later than that date are sometimes still eligible for consideration if a final decision has not yet been made at the time. A search on the web for Upper Cufaude Farm provides a further insight to this proposed housing increase.

And a reminder to keep the evening of 14th September from 7.30pm to 9pm clear if you wish to hear a presentation by Martin Heath on behalf of Greener Basingstoke on the topic of climate change in Chineham. The event takes place at Christ Church Chineham and a very informative event, with the opportunity of questions, is promised.

Fiona Biermann

 

Cliddesden

In just over two weeks’ time, on Sunday 17th September, St. Leonard’s Church will hold their annual Harvest Family Service, at 11.15am. All are welcome to this relaxed and uplifting celebration, which includes refreshments. Donations of non-perishables for the Basingstoke Foodbank would be very gratefully received.

Helen Walker

 

Hatch Warren and Beggarwood

Broadmere Road: The resurfacing of the entrance to Broadmere Road entailed removing the previous surface and replacing it. Also the crossing point has been simplified. The works were carried out overnight and attracted a little criticism regarding noise, but it is an essential step towards getting the area adopted.

Brighton Hill Roundabout: Over the next couple of weeks we are going to see some of the exits from the roundabout closed overnight to allow for the installation of ducting under the roads. The works will be carried out between 8pm and 6am, and some additional disturbance should be expected.

Schools Go Back: Our local schools restart next week, so it worth leaving a little extra time for early morning journeys. For new parents at St Mark's School, Danebury Road, the recommended parking place is in the Community Centre, with a short walk across Woodbury Road, where there is a school crossing patrol. For new parents at Hatch Warren Infants, the Portsmouth Arms offers parking with a short walk down Hatch Warren Lane.

M3 Motorway Services: The proposal to put a motorway service area on Junction 6 of the M3 is attracting opposition. On the face of it, this does not impact on our area - but it might. This is because a second company was expressing an interest in the past to build an MSA. Their site was nearer to junction 7 with looping access ramps that would impact on homes in Hatch Warren and cause the loss of part of the Brighton Hill playing fields. The outcome of the Junction 6 application could therefore be important to Hatch Warren and Beggarwood,.and is one for residents to watch carefully, I think.

Patient Participation Group: After the holiday season, the Hackwood, Camrose, Gillies and Beggarwood PPG has scheduled its next meeting with the management of the surgery for 6th September.

Stephen Reid

 

Oakley

Wasn’t the Bee Fayre fantastic? Well done to all involved. We will all be buzzing about it for weeks. 

St Leonard’s Church: Have you got an interesting hobby you would like to share with others, or are you looking for an outlet for your creative skills? There will be a Hobby Fayre in the Centre from 2-4pm on Saturday 9th September. If you are interested in taking part please contact the church office or Claire Bowers.

Friends of St Lawrence (FoSL): Good news, our FoSL recipe book is now in print and on sale. £10 each. Tried and tested family favourites. Contributions by many of you. Available in St Lawrence Church, Wootton. Church open daily. Wall safe for cash or card reader available. Come along and get your copies. Local honey and jams also on sale at the back of the church. All proceeds towards St Lawrence for Our Time improvement project. Recipe books also on sale after Sunday services at St Leonards, Oakley. If you would like a number of recipe books (they would make lovely Christmas gifts), or have any queries, please email: friends@oww.church

Watership Down Health: From Thursday 24th August 2023, Watership Down Health has a new, main telephone number 0333 034 1033 as part of our service improvements.  Please use this telephone number going forward (although the old numbers will still work for some time). When we call you, this is the telephone number that will appear. Please add this telephone number to your Safe Call List. Thank you. The Partners, Watership Down Health

Calling all budding detectives and would-be sleuths! The Oakley Pantomime Society presents, Murder in the Village Hall. This is your chance to watch the action unfold on stage, while you use your powers of deduction to work out “whodunnit” as well as “whodidn’t.”  Plus, you get supper! Saturday, September 9th. 8pm. Andover Road Village Hall. Will you dare to come to the Village Hall? £8-00 to include supper (bring your own drinks). Tickets available from Murray Simmons Murraysimmons@hotmail.com or telephone 782916.

Tiffany Wise

 

Old Basing and Lychpit

Old Basing 2023 Village Show takes place this weekend on Sunday 3rd September at 2.30pm. Growing conditions have been favourable for many plants recently so if you have flowers, fruit or vegetables that are thriving why not check out whether they could be entered in one of the many competition categories. There are 25 trophies and certificates to be won so there should be an interesting display of domestic produce, handicrafts, photography, drinks, original writing and a section displaying exhibits made by children. There will also be a raffle, tombolo, refreshments and a chance to buy prize-winning exhibits at the auction. All this for just £1 entrance fee.

Old Basing WI will be meeting on Tuesday 5th September in the Parish Rooms, St Mary’s Church at 7.30pm. The guest speaker will be Toni Kent who is a social mobility speaker, writer and stand-up comedian. This long-running and thriving group also meet monthly for lunch at a local pub and have weekly coffee mornings at a nearby garden centre. They also plan to visit the Houses of Parliament in October. If you would like to join this friendly group please go along to the next meeting or contact the President, Sue Stewart email: oldbasingpres@hampshirewi.org.uk

Lychpit Brownies who have had a fun-packed summer taking part in the Carnival with their Golden Coach and enjoying a Brownie Holiday now have a few places available for girls who are aged between 7 and 10 years old in September. They meet every Tuesday in Lychpit Community Hall from 6-7.30pm. Contact 1st.lychpit.brownies@gmail.com for more information.

Elspeth Lee

 

Sherfield

Sherfield Show: This Sunday is the 55th Annual Sherfield and District Flower, Produce and Craft Show. The theme this year is on the King and his interests – the natural world, ecology and green responsibility plus his interest in gardening together with sustainability, art and community. The show needs volunteers, so if you would like to get involved, please get in touch: enquiries@sherfieldshow.org.uk. Last year the show hosted Pippa Greenwood and she enjoyed herself so much, she’s making a guest appearance. Pippa has appeared frequently on Gardeners Question Time on BBC Radio 4 and she was Gardening Consultant on the TV programme, Rosemary and Thyme from 2003 to 2006. For 13 years she appeared on BBC2’s Gardener’s World. The show is fun and open to all. If you need any guidance, please call Richard Elphick on 07768 004820.

Last Night of the Proms is on Saturday 9th September. You can watch it on the big screen in the village hall. First of all, Lauren E Newman, soloist appears and you can bring your own interval food hamper. Smart casual wear, black tie or Promenader, red, white and blue. Adults £12, children (12 and under) £6. Tickets from the Shop (cash) and to reserve your table or pay by BACS events@sherfieldvillagehall.co.uk or Tel: 01256 880075. Doors open at 7pm.

Chris Horton