A VERY happy New Year to all residents of Old Basing and Lychpit.

My e-mail address is springfield93@btinternet.com and not as printed in the last column – Christmas gremlins at work perhaps?

CREDIT crunch: Emma-Lees boutique (off Wade Road) is no longer with us due to the credit crunch, but Nancy promises to let me know when she brings out the new lines which she will be offering from her home in Tadley.

OLD Basing and Lychpit Parish Council: Has voted to raise the parish precept by 3.5 per cent from April. Apparently like everybody else, they have been hit by increasing costs. Yet I thought that prices, like interest rates for savers, were falling.

THE Friends of St Mary's Church: Still have four spaces left on their 100 club draws, so contact Max Deadman on 01256 817259 if you wish to participate.

December winners were No 49 for the first club and No 66 for the second club.

PARK Lane residents: Start this year with a plea to motorists to drive with far more care and consideration on this wide road alongside the common.

In the last month, two pet cats have been badly hurt and one has been killed, despite the 30mph limit.