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

Cliddesden

Many villagers decided to see in 2024 at The Jolly Farmer, where vocals by Basingstoke singer and musician, Kate Aherne, helped the party to go with a swing.

After the midnight countdown, everyone took to a packed dancefloor for ABBA’s Dancing Queen, before joining together in a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Back by popular demand with a keen social media following, it was the second time that Kate has performed in Cliddesden, and she was delighted to return. Kate expressed what a lovely village Cliddesden is, and The Jolly Farmer “one of Basingstoke’s best kept secrets…. such a friendly and fun atmosphere”.

Happy New Year to you all!

Helen Walker

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Hatch Warren and Beggarwood

Kempshott Roundabout: I have written to the county officers about the flooding on the roundabout. The rainfall levels must have been way above normal, and I have inquired whether the problem is down to a blockage or the water table rising so high as to stop the soakaways working.

Bin Collections: A reminder that next week (beginning Monday 8th January), our bins will be collected a day later than normal. The garden waste collection service restarts next week.

Brighton Hill Roundabout: I have had some detailed points brought to my attention regarding lane markings and signage and am looking to broker a meeting in the new year to discuss them. I believe that the phasing of some of the traffic lights has been adjusted in the light of experience as traffic flows become more established.

New Year's Party: The Warren is holding a party for school pupils of years 6, 7 and 8 tomorrow (5th January) from 6 pm to 7.45 pm. Tickets are £5 and can be booked through Ticketsource on ticketsource.co.uk/hwca/t-earkxak.

Christmas Tree Recycling: Residents can drop off their real trees at one of 22 collection points organised by the borough council. Hatch Warren Community Centre is one of them. The trees will be transformed into wood chippings for parks and ProGrow soil conditioner for local gardens and parks. Trees can be dropped off from Tuesday 2nd January to Sunday 28th January.

Stephen Reid

SEE ALSO: Dashcam footage shows flooding on Kempshott Roundabout

Kempshott

If you’re reluctant to leave the festivities behind, how about Dick Whittington by Kempshott Pantomime Group? They can be found at Oakley Village Hall on 10th, 12th and 13th at 7.30 (all the matinee tickets have gone). £10 and £7 for under 16s - tickets from 07734203325 or kpgtickets@yahoo.com.

Happy Days, which meets at Kempshott Village Hall on a Wednesday morning on 10th and 17th, has an intriguing new offering from 21st January with Happy Days Train Time which promises an immersive experience for train lovers. From 10-11.30 a more tranquil environment for 5s and under while from 12-1.30 all ages are welcome. Tickets at £5 from happydays19821.simplybook.it/v2/#book/service/4/count/1/provider/1/ payment is via the links in the comments.

Diana Manville

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Sherfield

Happy New Year! The year is a few days old now, but I hope it’s not too late to thank everyone who was in touch with me during the past twelve months, letting me know what has been going on with your clubs and societies. Please can I remind you that I am always happy to hear of upcoming events or past activities and if you would like to see your news appear in this column, please get in touch. I can be reached via email cshorton0@gmail.com, by phone 01256 882426 or mobile: 07769 568904 or by contacting me at 11 Poplar Close.

Village Hall matters: There are several things going on in the village hall during January. On Saturday January 28 there’s the annual barn dance. Dancing to Diatoics Ceilidh Band, tickets are £16 to including fish/chicken and chips. Tickets from The Shop or email: iansellars249@gmail.com

Nosy Little Troll is the annual family puppet show and is on Sunday January 29. Garlic Theatre’s Iklooshar Manara is back with her new production is back at the village hall. Tickets are £6 (under twos free. For tickets see social media, posters or visit Sherfield Shop.

Stan Richardson: I was sorry to hear about the recent death (December 1) of Stan Richardson who moved into 71, Northfield Road when it was newly built, along with his wife Zoe and family. Stan was the manager of Rumbelows Basingstoke and Zoe was the manageress of Madame Louise Ladies Hairdresser in Basingstoke from 1961 onwards.

Stan lived an amazing life, including seeing active war service in the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm and died in a nursing home at the age of 104. His son, Stuart has planned a memorial service and interment of ashes at St Leonard's on Thursday January 25 at 11am. The service to be conducted by Rev Karen West. Stuart would be pleased to hear from anyone who may remember the Richardsons. His email address is spandkerich@btinternet.com.

Chris Horton