You know that Brian Simmonds and David White have a letter published in the Basingstoke Gazette nearly every week.

You know that large spiders are called Basingstoke spiders (especially in Basingstoke)

You know that the world-famous raincoat maker Burberry started out in Basingstoke.

You know the world-famous cricket commentator and broadcaster John Arlott was born in Basingstoke.

You know that Eric Clapton's favourite groupie came from Basingstoke (as revealed in his autobiography).

You know that the following future pop stars/musicians appeared live in Basingstoke in the mid-1960s in what is now The Willis Museum: Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, John Mcvie, Christine Perfect, Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Byrds, The Who and The Troggs.

Steve Partridge
Old Basing

 

Basingstoke Gazette: Thomas Burberry opening his first store in 1856 Basingstoke in 18Thomas Burberry opening his first store in 1856 Basingstoke in 18