Cliddesden

ON THE night of Sunday, October 29, the children of the village will be out and about on their annual Trick or Treat, along Southlea.

They will only call into houses which display a pumpkin outside.

The organisers and the children involved would like to thank in advance their neighbours, for agreeing to continue this fun tradition. All children are welcome; please call Claire if you would like to find out more: 07757498653.

We wish all the children of Cliddesden a happy half term next week; please note that this means the Playgroup and Singing Group will be taking a break and returning on Friday, November 3.

Helen Walker

 

Old Basing and Lychpit

BOOKINGS are now being taken for the Ghost Walks at Basing House which run from Thursday, October 26, to Tuesday, October 31, at 5.30pm, 7pm and 8.30pm.

The grounds and ruins have witnessed many things, especially during the sieges so there are a number of ghost stories to hear and a chance to venture into the deep and dark Tudor tunnel – weather permitting.

The tours are limited to 12 people so be sure to book early.

THE Loft Music Night takes place on Friday, October 27, at Lychpit Community Hall with a chance to hear live music from talented musicians.

The lineup this month consists of Jack Warshaw, The Tim Shez Band and Babsie Brown and the Miniature Orchestra.

THE Millfield Conservation Group meet on Sunday, October 22, at 10am to clear paths by the stream.

This popular and well-used beauty spot is looked after by a group of volunteers who will be meeting most months during the winter.

New volunteers are always very welcome – no special skills are required just wear suitable clothing, footwear and gardening gloves.

For more information or updates email millfieldnature@gmail.com  or check out FacebooK Mill Field Conservation Group.

SAVE the dates of December 8-10 for the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church.

Tickets are now available for the Christmas Sing-Along on the Friday night with a chance to sing your favourite festive songs and get out your Christmas jumpers.

Email Debbie at admin@stmarysoldbasing.org.uk for tickets.

THERE’S a chance to get your Christmas cards early and support The Children’s Society on Saturday, October 21, from 10am until noon in the Parish Room of St Mary’s Church at a coffee morning.

There will also be a cake stall, raffle and Children’s Society Christmas goods for sale. Contributions to the cake stall, raffle and this worthwhile charity are always gratefully received.

Elspeth Lee

 

Hatch Warren and Beggarwood

SCHOOL Crossing Patrols: As mentioned before, the school crossing patrols in Woodbury Road will be subject to review over the coming months.

I am opposed to any move that leaves the Woodbury Road crossing unassisted.

To raise the profile of this issue, I attended a meeting on site last week with Dame Maria Miller MP and Mr Charles Applegate, headteacher of St Mark's school. We viewed the queue of children and parents crossing the road and spoke with the crossing patrol herself.

A30 Road Closures: To say I am dismayed is an understatement.

I have been notified that remedial works are required at the recently completed signalised junction into the Bloor Homes development on the old Golf Course, to ensure it is safe and compliant with highways standards.

My translation is that the closure is needed to put right work that could and should have been done correctly the first time around.

To facilitate the works, the A30 will have to close again overnight from November 1-4.

Just to remind everyone, these were the closures that were so badly organised and signposted last time that residents in Saunders Way thought they couldn’t get home at night and ended up parking in the Holly Blue.

I visited the site three nights running, asking and then checking that they improve their communications and signage. I have raised the point that November 4 is the night of the Hatch Warren fireworks display.

DOCTORS’ Surgeries: the Patient Participation group, representing patients at the Camrose, Gilles, Hackwood and Beggarwood surgeries, has been investigating what would happen if Operose were to close down its activities in the UK.

The PPG has been told that, contrary to carelessly worded comments in the past, the contracts for running the surgeries are held by GP partners - the doctors.

They, in turn, hire Operose to run the day-to-day operations. The PPG has done well to get that clarification, though it doesn’t actually answer the question.

BRIGHTON Hill Roundabout: A new table of planned road closures has been published on the project website.

As the approach roads receive their final surfaces and the traffic light loops are fitted, there will be many closures overnight. It is worth visiting the website and watching for the advance warning signs. It looks as if the last closures currently planned will be on the night of November 8-9.

FIREWORKS Spectacular: A reminder that the best fireworks display in town is taking place at the Hatch Warren Community Centre on Saturday, November 4.

Tickets are on sale now and it is worth booking now, as they have been known to sell out.

Stephen Reid

 

Sherfield

LODDON LILIES are hosting a fundraising Halloween Party. 

Brought back by popular demand is the Halloween disco at the village hall. Tickets are now available for just £12.50.

Bring your own booze and fancy dress is essential. Call Jane on 07758755774 or ask one of the Lilies for your tickets. Date and time: Saturday, October 28; 7.30pm onwards.

PUMPKIN Day. Sherfield Allotments is holding a Pumpkin Day on Saturday, October 21, from 12 noon to 2pm. There will be a carving demonstration, refreshments and a tombola.

NWR National Women’s Register: Our most recent meeting was our annual play reading. The play chosen was ‘And A Little Love Besides’ by Alan Plater published in 1973.

His most notable work was ‘To See How Far It Is’ and ‘Z Cars’ for television, the screenplay for DH Lawrence’s ‘The Virgin and the Gypsy’ and the musical ‘Close the Coalhouse Door’ by Alex Glasgow.

The play was first presented on October 13, 1970, at Hull Arts Centre. Coincidentally, we read it a day short of its 53rd anniversary.

The play is set around the Friday Fellowship, a group of parishioners who meet to organise various events for the parish church of St Amber.

There are comedic moments arising out of wordplay, chaos at the meetings and the activities of the vicar’s wife (a political activist) but the play has serious moments when it is revealed that one of the Friday Fellowship (Mr Briggs) has been accused of inappropriate behaviour, with a young woman, Linda, while on a youth outing.

The truth eventually came out that it was Mr Briggs who was touched by Linda – she placed his hand on her chest.

Although serious issues were highlighted in this play, there was always the undertone of humour. We enjoyed reading the play. Past plays that we’ve read include The Diary of Anne Frank, Calendar Girls, London Suite and The Importance of Being Earnest.

Chris Horton