Community news from around Basingstoke and villages

Cliddesden

Last Friday, 8th December, the Farleigh Parish Playgroup enjoyed their annual Christmas party. There were delicious nibbles, fun ways to play and warm conversation for the parents and carers. I hear on the grapevine that Father Christmas himself dropped in to say hello!

Playgroup will now take a break and return on January 12th 2024. New members are always welcome. Thank you to everyone who helps with the group throughout the year- it’s an asset to our village community.

Helen Vivash

Hatch Warren and Beggarwood

Beggarwood Surgery: The activities of Operose in the UK are being taken over by the HCRG Care Group. Part of Operose’s current responsibilities is the Camrose, Gillies, Hackwood and Beggarwood group of surgeries. HCRG Care Group is UK based and owned and is one of the UK’s largest community health and care service providers. This brings to an end a period of speculation that started when Operose announced its intention to withdraw from the UK. The CGHB practice manager has acknowledged that the issue of Operose’s future caused uncertainty, and hopes that this news will provide some welcome clarity for patients and surgery staff.

Brighton Hill Roundabout: An inaccurate story has been circulating that Hampshire County Council had designated the Brighton Hill Roundabout project as 'completed', at the end of November when it clearly was not. The background is that Hampshire had published a table of road closures, and it is that list that was completed at the end of November. The total scheme is nearing the end: I understand that the traffic lights have been tested (with their covers on) and the number of cones is visibly reducing.

Broadmere Road Adoptions: The latest report I have is that four streetlights need to be replaced or repaired by the developers and then the roads will be ready for adoption. The legal 'Deed of Dedication' has been prepared, so everything is ready to go once the final works have been carried out.

Community Lunch: December's Community Lunch at Beggarwood's Cafe in the Park was especially well attended. The lunches are held on the first Wednesday of each month and offer an opportunity for friends to meet and talk over a plate of food.

Community Market: The Holly Blue at Beggarwood is hosting its community market tonight (Thursday 14th December). There will be festive gifts, food and much more on offer, including mulled wine. They also have 'Jazz and Jingle' for the evening, to sing some Christmas Carols and help set the mood.

Stephen Reid

Kempshott

It’s the time of year for pantomime. This one has the added benefit of giving you something to look forward to in January. Kempshott Pantomime Group presents Dick Whittington, a traditional family pantomime at Oakley Village Hall. Performances are 10th, 12th and 13th January at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. You can get your tickets at £10 (£7 for under 16s) from kpgtickets@yahoo.com  or 07734203325. You can also find them on Facebook.

Diana Manville

Oakley

Oakley & Deane Parish Council Carols at the Pond: Enjoy singing your favourite Christmas carols with friends, family and fellow residents. All are welcome on Saturday 16th December, 6pm

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served at the Methodist Chapel. A collection will be taken and donated to Oakley organisations.

Next Saturday at St Leonard’s there is Blue Christmas if you prefer a quiet reflective space, and on the Sunday Wootton St. Lawrence are holding their annual Christmas tree Festival in the church followed by The Big Sing - with lots of Christmassy songs, poems etc!

Safe Haven: You don't need to face a crisis alone. Safe Haven is here for you over the festive period.

North and Mid Hampshire Safe Haven is a free crisis service, open 6pm-10pm 365 days a year including weekends and bank holidays. Out of hours service, no referral or appointment needed, a safe space when you feel at your lowest practical support and signposting

Call 0300 303 5772. Visit Andover Mind Wellbeing Centre, 3 Vyne Road, Basingstoke, RG21 5NL

Please remember that the CAS Youth Cafe is now held at a new location, The Methodist Church by the pond. Please remind your children know if they usually attend. New location is Methodist Chapel by the village Pond. Time: Same as before, 3.30-5pm

Annie’s Orphans Oakley: Christmas raffle tickets now on sale - win yourself a food hamper!  Tickets 50p a strip. winning tickets drawn on Saturday 23rd December. We have plenty of Christmassy items in the shop - new gift selections, secret Santa presents, fancy dress, partyware. Look forward to seeing you.

Tiffany Wise

Old Basing and Lychpit

Once again there will be lots of Christmas activities in the village during this year’s festive season and a number of things to ‘save the date for’.

On Sunday 17th December there are two Carol Services to chose from. The first is at 10.30am in Old Basing Methodist Chapel and the second in St Mary’s Church at 4pm.

St Mary’s Christmas service times are then as follows: Friday 22nd December the Blue Christmas Service at 3pm; Christmas Eve Sung Eucharist at 9.30am; Christmas Eve Nativity Services at 2.30pm and 4pm; Midnight Mass at 11.15pm and then Christmas Day Services at 8am and 9.30am.

Plans are well underway for ‘Christmas at the Rec’ on Friday 22nd December at the Recreation Ground in Old Basing.  From 5.00pm onwards there will be festive refreshments, a Christmas Sing-a-Long and a wonderful opportunity to take part in Christmas celebrations with family, friends, neighbours and local people. Please walk if you can but if not the car parks in Riley Lane and in front of the Recreation Ground will be available.

Elspeth Lee

Sherfield

Reindeer Trail was last Saturday.  John, from the Village Green Volunteers, said: “We had about 500 people who braved the elements and the weather wasn’t kind to us. In fact, we had some wind damage as one or two of the gazebos blew down! But the sun did come out eventually. The children really enjoyed themselves and its worth the effort to see their smiling faces. Of course, Father Christmas put in an appearance, we had a raffle, and a 50 per cent lottery and Alan Chalwin was the winner. We also had a human fruit machine and that went down well too. Thanks to all who came and those who supported us with help and donations for the raffle.”

Santa’s Grotto: On Sunday the Loddon Lilies held their annual Santa’s Grotto at the White Hart in Sherfield on Loddon, raising much needed funds for their chosen charity, Tadley Elderly Day Care (Registered charity no. 1192821 tadleyelderleydaycare.co.uk. Santa made his appearance and with the help of his Head Elf, spoke to lots of children to find out what was on their Christmas present list. Each child received a small gift on the day and a certificate that officially put them on Santa’s Official Nice List. For the adults there was a Christmas hamper raffle, with seasonal meat provided by the butcher at The Shop in Sherfield plus other Christmas goodies. Overall, the Loddon Lilies raised just over £400 for Tadley Elderly Day Care on the day. Jan Holden says: “Grateful thanks to all the Lilies, and their families, who helped on the day, the White Hart for their hospitality and to The Shop at Sherfield for their continued support and generosity.

Christmas Market: You can find gifts for Christmas, local artisan food, craft stalls and much more at the Village Christmas Market on Sunday at the village hall from 10.30am till 1pm. There will be refreshments and a Christmas raffle. All welcome!

Chris Horton