THREE projects undertaken by groups in Hook scooped up awards at the Village of the Year Awards.

On Thursday September, 29 Hook Parish Council had the pleasure of attending Hampshire Association of Local Councils (HALC) Village of the Year Awards, hosted by Bishops Waltham Parish Council, winners of the 2019 award.  

Having had a three-year break due to Covid restrictions, the council said it was wonderful to hear the inspiring talks from local groups and other parish and town councils about projects they have undertaken, despite the pandemic. 

Following on from the five awards Hook Parish Council won in 2019, they were delighted to receive three this year. 

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These were:

  • Best Community Initiative - Winner - Hook In Bloom poppy drapes project
  • Inspiring Places - Runner up - Bassetts Mead Country Park
  • Inspirational Individual - Runner Up - Dr. Nick Maslin - for his outstanding research into the history of Hook and sharing his knowledge throughout the community

Chairman of Hook Parish Council, Cllr Rob Cowell OBE said: “We are absolutely delighted to win these awards.  Hook has a wealth of dedicated and talented voluntary groups and individuals that contribute to making Hook the great place it is.  It is wonderful that the local groups and individuals are recognised for their efforts by winning these awards”.

The poppy drapes will be up from November 1 and the Parish Council will be putting up (with the help of a number of residents) over 400 poppies on lampposts throughout the village from October 24. 

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The village comes alive with colour and it really is a beautiful sight. 

Dr Nick Maslin has written a number of books detailing the history of Hook that can be purchased from Hartletts Café or from Hook History Society: MemoriesofHookinHampshire.  He is also a regular contributor in the Monthly Village Magazine Hook Focus hookfocus.weebly.com/.