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

Chineham

Chineham residents, and many far beyond, will know that Iceland was one of the original retail outlets when the Chineham Shopping Centre first opened. It is therefore a great shame to learn that they will now be permanently closing their Chineham store at 4pm on Saturday 25th of February. It is a real sadness to lose this alternative grocery outlet in the centre. 
Calling conservation volunteers for Chineham woodlands. Help maintain these ancient woodland copses by undertaking activities, such as coppicing, dead hedging, and species surveys on the following dates: Saturday 11th February, 10am to 12 noon. Saturday 11th March 10am to 12 noon. Meet at Great Sorrell’s Copse. For more information, please e-mail wildlifeconservation@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Fiona Biermann

Cliddesden

This week, some news from Claire, who is one of the Family Service Planning Team at St. Leonard’s Church: “It was wonderful to see so many in church during advent, and to have a full church on Christmas Eve. A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who took up the advent challenge….we raised an enormous 53kg of food for Basingstoke Food Bank.  This donation was very gratefully received.    

“Frequently at this time of year, we think about trying new things to make us feel better, either physically, emotionally or spiritually. Why not come along to our family services more frequently? You are always sure of a warm welcome, fun for the children, refreshments and a space to learn more about Faith. Our next family service Sunday 19th February at 11.15am.”

Finally, a reminder that the Children's Singing Group is back in action, every Friday with Sylvia: 3.45pm snacks & chat, followed by 4-4.30pm singing.  The group has grown in popularity and recent performances have been amazing. We look forward to what 2023 will bring.  

Helen Walker

Hatch Warren and Beggarwood

Lloyds Pharmacy in Sainsbury's Hatch Warren: It looks as if the pharmacy will close some time this year. Lloyds says it is cutting its in-store services following a strategic review “in response to changing market conditions”. It is exploring options for each branch individually and will confirm exact closure plans on a branch-by-branch basis but it expects to complete the process over the course of 2023. It remains to be seen whether Sainsbury's will find another operator. If they don't it will be a blow to Hatch Warren, as there has been a pharmacy at the complex from the day it opened - at first a free-standing shop before it moved inside Sainsbury's. Nearby pharmacies are at Beggarwood and Brighton Hill.

Hatch Warren and Beggarwood Community Association is advertising a scheme where people who volunteer to help at fundraising events will receive free membership of the association. Important events such as the quiz nights, lager festival, summer festival, fireworks extravaganza, Christmas market and theatre trips all benefit from volunteer help. They contribute hugely to the life of Hatch Warren and Beggarwood and represent some of the major fund-raising events for the association. If you could help, please contact the community office at office@hatchwarren.org for more information.

Hatch Warren Women's Institute has a meeting scheduled for 2nd February at the Hatch Warren Community Centre. It will be a fish and chips supper followed by Member Liz James' travelogue. More details are on their webpage at hampshirewi.org.uk/wi-page/hatch-warren-wi.

St Mark's School will be taking part in a Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 7th February. Children are invited to come to school that day wearing something either orange or blue (or both!) to match the Safer Internet Day logo.

Please contact me if you have an item of news or an event coming up. My email address is sreid17786@aol.com.

Stephen Reid

Kempshott

Kempshott Pantomime Group put on a brilliant show for four performances of Sleeping Beauty last week. Everyone involved had a great time, as did the audience! At the Saturday matinee at Oakley Village Hall the audience participation (of the “it’s behind you!” variety) was vociferous. All the traditional elements were there and it made a great experience. Next year’s offering is already scheduled and if anyone would like to get involved, they will be welcomed into the group.

The monthly Kempshott Village Hall Quiz takes place on the first Wednesday at 7.30pm. New quizzers are welcome for a small fee with the incentive of winning a bottle of wine. Every week, you can find a coffee morning from 10.30 till 12 in the Community Room on Wednesday and Friday, for £3, while the children enjoy themselves at Playdays in the main hall.

Diana Manville

Oakley

Oakley Gardening Club: Our next meeting is Monday, 6th February at St Leonard’s Hall Oakley, 7.30pm start. Our speaker is Nick Gilbert talking about Dahlias. New members welcome. The programme for the next half year is in February’s Link Magazine

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will be collecting real Christmas trees for recycling from 2nd - 29th January.

The collection point in Oakley, is the same as last year, near to the playground on St John's Piece. There is a notice in the ground showing you where to put your tree - don't forget to check you've removed all decorations and lights!

Annie’s Charity Shop: Half price continues on clothing, shoes & bags. Also material remnants and placemats!

Oakley Warm Hub: Join us and give your heating bill a rest on Thursdays at 10am. The parish council invites you to spend a few pleasant hours with us at the Newfound Pavilion. There you will enjoy warm drinks and a meal with other members of our community.

We will provide transport from your home and back.

Meet your councillors and parish clerks; use our computers and internet links; test your skill, Scrabble, cards, Dominos etc.

Spaces are limited, first come, first served. To book call John on 01256 781704  

Oakley Ramblers: We have a six-mile walk in the Cheriton area on Friday, 3rd February. There is an option of lunch at Flowerpots (need to let leader know beforehand if eating). If you want to join us, and try a walk, meet at Oakley schools lay-by at 9am for 9.15am depart. For further details, including who to contact, go to our website oakleyramblers.org and scroll down under Latest News. Timings can change so please check website near the walk date too.

Job Opportunity: Early Years Pre-School Practitioner (Term-Time Only) at St Leonard’s Pre-School, Oakley. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and caring pre-school practitioner ideally with a level 3 early years qualification to join our friendly staff team. We provide a stimulating well equipped environment and attractive outdoor space for children aged two to five years. This popular pre-school is a non-profit making setting with a broad Christian ethos. Hours – Flexible part-time term time only. Informal enquiries and applications to: preschool@oww.church

Bags to School collection, school layby: Sunday 29th January 1-2pm and Monday 30th January 8.15pm - 9am. All profits are shared between both schools.

We accept the following ‘good quality’ items for re-use: men’s, ladies’ and children’s clothing; paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around); handbags; hats; bags; scarves and ties; jewellery; lingerie; socks; belts; soft toys; household linen; household curtains; household towels; and household bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers).

We do not accept: duvets and blankets; pillows and cushions; carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats); soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing; school uniforms with and without logo; corporate clothing and workwear; and textile off cuts.

Tiffany Wise

Old Basing and Lychpit

Friday 27th January sees a welcome return of the Loft Music Night at Lychpit Community Hall with Ma Bessie and her Pigfoot Band. Julia Titus formed the band in 2015 and continues to receive rave reviews for her interpretations of the music of Bessie Smith plus original songs and covers of the music from the inter-war era. Doors open at 8pm; entry is just £5; take your own drinks and nibbles.

Keen quizzers in Old Basing and Lychpit who are missing their weekly quiz nights in the village will be pleased to know that there will soon be two opportunities to flex their brains and show off their general knowledge in the near future.

The first quiz night is being held on Saturday 4th February in Old Basing Village Hall from 6.30–10.30pm and is a fundraiser for the junior and infant schools. As well as the quiz there will also be a raffle and mid-round games. A drink upon arrival and food is included in the price of the ticket. Drinks will also be available at the cash only bar. This event is for adults only with a maximum of 6 people in each team. Tickets cost £15 and are on sale until 31st January. For more information, to purchase tickets and make food choices go to the Junior School website then F.O.O.B.S or contact friendsofoldbasingschools@gmail.com.

The second quiz night is at the Old Basing Royal British Legion on Saturday 11th February with Quiz Master Neil. The quiz starts at 7.30pm and doors open at 6.30pm. The maximum team size is six people and tickets cost just £2 per player.

Elspeth Lee

Sherfield

Village Hall is busy this weekend. On Saturday’s there’s the Barn Dance with dancing to Diatonics and a fish and chip supper. The fun is from 8pm to 11.45am and the ticket price includes supper of fish/chicken and chips.  There’s a cash bar with real ale and tickets are available at the Shop for £16. You can also get tickets from iansellars249@gmail.com and details of how to reserve a table will be on the ticket. And on Sunday, Garlic Theatre return for the Annual Family Puppet Show. The new production is called ‘The Nosy Little Troll’ and tickets are £6, (under 2s free) you can call 01256 880915 (4pm to 7pm), call at The Shop or via events@sherfieldvillagehall.co.ukl to book and pay by BACS.

Loddon Lilies are proud to present The Piano Man at the White Hart on Saturday February 4 from 8pm till 11pm. Spend a Saturday evening dancing and singing along to Greg Agar, The Piano Man and raise money for this year’s Loddon Lilies’ cause: Basingstoke and District Young Carers.

Chris Horton