MEMBERS of Oakley and Deane learned a lot of interesting facts about Basingstoke at their March meeting, when they were given a talk by a member of the Basingstoke Heritage Society.

This society was formed in l989 and is dedicated to making Basingstoke a better and more interesting place. They review planning applications and keep a photographic record of town development as well as campaigning to save threatened buildings, where appropriate.

They are also installing commemorative plaques in places of historical local interest of many famous Basingstoke people, including Jane Austen who spent some time in the town, John Arlott, Thomas Burberry, Oliver Cromwell, Richard Aldworth who founded the Blue Coat school and, of course, Mrs Blunden who was apparently buried alive.

To date, the society has unveiled 16 plaques and has more under way. Some pictures were shown of some of the most interesting and oldest buildings in Basingstoke including the ruined remains of the Holy Ghost Chapel, St Michael’s Church which goes back to 1086, and the Goldings, now the Register Office, which dates back to about l600 and was bought by Thomas Burberry in l919.

During the meeting, there was a Traidcraft stall and details of some forthcoming events were given including the spring council meeting at the Guildhall in Portsmouth at which Ann Widdecombe is one of the guest speakers, a jumble sale and a visit to Lechlade and Buscot Gardens.

A group of members recently enjoyed a lunch at Longbridge Mill, others have attended the birthday meetings of other WIs in the area and also the group spring meeting.

The meeting in April will be the 93rd birthday of Oakley and Deane WI and they will be entertained by Julie Horton, a jazz singer, and enjoy a buffet meal.

The monthly meetings of Oakley and Deane WI are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Andover Road Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Guests will always be made most welcome.