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

Chineham

If you are interested in Chineham Library‘s new coat rack and haven’t recently visited, you may not know that this has proved to be an outstanding success. There is one problem. So many coats have been brought in that there is currently no longer room to display more. Meanwhile, there are plenty of coats to choose from if you are looking for one. 

Apart from a very creatively, decorated Christmas tree and a bookshelf full of “Christmassy“ books, the library will hold a special Christmas Story Time on Saturday 10th December at 10:30. There will be the usual stories and rhymes and there will also be a special guest, but who it might be is a tightly kept secret!

Christchurch Chineham will be holding a “Blue Christmas“ service on between 4pm and 5pm on Wednesday 21 December. You are invited to join the congregation for a quieter and reflective celebration of the birth of Jesus. It is said to be particularly suitable for those who know pain or grief.   

On the 25 December there will be a Sunday service commencing at 10am. This will also be accessible via the church YouTube channel. It is programmed to last about 75 minutes and will include separate group time for children and young people. For those attending the church, there will be refreshments afterwards which are normally enjoyed outdoors.

Do remember also that the church team is offering its premises as a Warm Space where everyone is welcome and free hot drinks, Wi-Fi and activities will be available every weekday morning between 10and 12am.

If you have any questions about these activities, please call 01256 474280.

Fiona Biermann

Cliddesden

It has once again been a busy Autumn term for Cliddesden Primary School. Learning activities have included sports tournaments and fieldwork; the children have also enjoyed a visiting ambulance; ‘Be Safe Be Seen’ day; and visits to the Farleigh Estate and Butser Hill Ancient Farm. Many village residents will already have enjoyed reading the details of these in our village newsletter. I believe that the school community are now very much getting into the festive spirit, with Salvation Army carols, a Nativity and a Christmas lunch on the horizon. We all wish the staff and students of Cliddesden Primary a restful Christmas holiday, when they break up next Friday 16th December, at 2pm.

For the younger children in the village, tomorrow is the Farleigh Parish Playgroup Christmas Party, held between 11am and noon, at the Millennium Hall. The cost is £2 per family and rumour has it that there will be a bearded visitor in red.

Finally, a reminder that the Millennium Hall is also home to the Pantomime this weekend, with three performances across Friday and Saturday. Please see my column from last Thursday 1st December for more information; you could also look on the website: cliddesdenhall.org.uk.

Helen Walker

Hatch Warren and Beggarwood

Christmas Services: The Parish of Basingstoke Down has organised a series of festive events this Christmas, tonight (Thursday 8th December) and next week (Thursday 15th), see 'Jazz and Jingle' at Beggarwood's Holly Blue, from 5pm to 7pm. On Sunday, there is a nativity service for all ages at St Mark's Church at 10.30am. On 17th December there is a blue Christmas reflective service at Immanuel Church, starting at 5.30pm and on Sunday 18th December there is a Carol Service at St Mark's Church at 6pm.

Burglaries And Car Thefts: Once again, I am sorry to report that our area continues to be targeted by criminals. There have been two thefts from vehicles in Cyprus Road and a van broken into in Ketelbey Rise. There were residential burglaries in The Cornfields. Such crimes can be heartbreaking at any time of year but especially so at Christmas, so Police advice is to make sure that your homes are secured and vehicles locked. Keep valuables out of sight.

Rabbiter Front Cover: One of the traditions in our area is for the December Rabbiter magazine to carry a Christmas painting on its front cover. Every year the young artists at the After Schools Club present some lovely pictures This year’s front cover picture was drawn by Poppy Wright and the two runners-up were Grace Burrows and Owen Fletcher. Our local Sainsbury store sponsored the competition.

Christmas Bin Collections: The borough council has published its plans for bin collections over the holidays. For the first collection after Christmas (and only that one) the binmen will take extra sacks. In the week after Christmas collections will be put back by a day, but things should be back to normal by 2nd January.

Stephen Reid

Kempshott

Festive events aplenty, as you’d expect in the run up to Christmas. In date order: Sunday 11th sees the second Christmas Sunday Market at Kempshott Village Hall from 10.30 till 1; also on Sunday the nativity service at 10.30 at St Mark’s in Homesteads Road. Monday 12th WI meeting at the Hall at 2.30 and Basingstoke Horticultural Society’s Social at 7.30 also at the Village Hall. If you’re planning to attend and haven’t already indicated so, please phone 07751452386 to book your place – non-members welcome at £5. There’s a further Festive Favourites at The Holly Blue on 15th between 5 and 7. And advance notice of a Carol Service at 6 on 18th at St Mark’s and Christmas Karaoke on Monday 19th from 6.30 to 8 at Old Down Hall.

Diana Manville

Oakley

Jolly Olly’s, Thursday 8th December – 12noon – 3pm - Winter Sale in aid of the Charity Samaritans. We will be selling knitted items produced by our Jolly Knitting Team including; blankets, hats, scarves, cushion covers, festive novelties and more. Plus, new to the shop, hand-made, re-usable gift bags, in all sizes and made with recycled materials by local lady Verner Kinder.  Cash only please

CAS Oakley with Sochi - Youth Worker for St Leonard’s Church:

Hey, young adults in Oakley, I've got some exciting news for you.

If you're between the ages of 18 and 30 and are interested in establishing new friendships, exchanging ideas, going on social outings and hangouts, dining with people your own age, communicating, and developing yourself, have you been trying to find a way to meet other young adults in Oakley?

The launch of a Young Adult group in Oakley is something we're incredibly excited to announce.

AThe CAS YA aims to unite and foster community & relationships among young adults in Oakley.

Visit https://linktr.ee/cas_oakley to sign up to the YA group.

The Wootton St Lawrence Christmas Tree Festival and Big Sing 2022 - Saturday 17th December 3-5pm

If you would like to decorate a small Christmas tree in St Lawrence Church ready for the Big Sing & Christmas eve service, please contact Anna at Buds Floristry (info@budsfloristry.co.uk) by Friday 30th November.  Trees cost £15 each and will be available to decorate in the church between 3pm and 5pm.  
The best decorated tree will receive a beautiful bouquet from Buds Floristry. The winner will be announced at the Big Sing.

Sunday 18th from 4pm - The Festival Continues

Explore the brilliant display of community Christmas trees. Vote for your favourite as you enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and a fun and festive atmosphere. Children – enjoy some crafts and follow a discovery trail around the church. General entry: £3 per person , children free.  (Covers entry, voting slip, mulled wine, mince pies, carol singing and general delight!) All proceeds to the St. Lawrence Church for Our Time improvement project.

The Big Sing starts at 5pm Stick around for a fun-filled Christmas celebration event with musical performances, poetry, readings, Christmas singalong and much more! We are looking for people to contribute a sketch, musical performance, poem, etc, the more, the merrier!  If you play a musical instrument, please join the group accompanying the singalong If you would like to contribute, please contact Teresa (teresabatesrgn@aol.com) or Ben (ben@oww.church) by Friday 3rd December

Thank you for your interest and support for our beautiful church.

We look forward to many more events in 2023. We are planning for the 'Twelve Hours' Jane Austen play produced by Phil Howe of Hidden Brittain tours to be staged in the spring. We appreciate any ideas you can give us for musical evenings, socials, fundraising activities going forward.

The Barley Mow

Dates for your Diary

12 December at 6.30pm: Santa’s Sleigh Pitstop at The Barley Mow (Children eat for £1 with every adults meal)

13 December at 10am: Christmas Coffee Morning

13 and 14 December Kick off at 7pm: World Cup Semi Finals

15 December at 7pm: Christmas Bingo

17 December from 11am to 3pm:Brunch with Santa

7 December Kick off at 3pm: World Cup Third place playoff

18 December Kick off at 3pm: World Cup Finals

19 December All Day: Elf Day —Come dressed as an elf (Children eat for £1 with every adult meal)

20 December from 7pm: Christmas Karaoke Night

22 December from 7pm: The Barley Mow Christmas Party

Call us on 01256 242906 to book your spot with us.

Tiffany Wise

Old Basing and Lychpit

Lychpit Community Hall will be opening its doors as a ‘Warm Welcome Space’ at 12.30-3pm every Thursday until the end of March. There is no charge to enjoy the warmth of the hall and refreshments will also be provided free of charge.

Get out your Christmas jumpers and hats because it’s all happening. Firstly, there will be a coffee morning with mince pies from 10.30-11am at Old Basing Methodist church. Then later in the day St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival starts with a Christmas Sing-along plus refreshments and a raffle drawn at the event. Door open at 6.30pm ready for a 7pm start. Tickets are £5 for adults, £2.50 for children or £12.50 for a family ticket with up to 4 children. Tickets can be booked at: christmastreefestival.stmarys@gmail.com  or telephone 07541 698235.

The Christmas Tree Festival Market, with stalls selling all sorts of goodies, a BBQ, children’s choirs at 2pm and of course lots of wonderfully decorated trees to admire and vote for. Takes place on the Saturday from 11am-4pm.

Then on Sunday there will be a chance to enjoy bacon rolls and hot soup while listening to the British Legion Band play at 2pm. The raffle draw will be at 3pm and at noon, on both days, there will seasonal music from a quartet of musicians.

As mentioned previously, there will be a New Year Celebration at Old Basing Village Hall on Saturday 31st December from 8pm until late. Fancy dress with the theme of favourite pop star or group is optional. Party food and a licensed bar guarantee a fun night. All proceeds will be donated towards the upkeep of Old Basing Village Hall. For more information or to book tickets contact: sheenagrassi@hotmail.com

Elspeth Lee

Sherfield

Reindeer Trail is on Saturday. This very popular family activity starts at 10.30am and for £1 you get a free bade, map and entry form.  All completed entries win a treat from Santa. The fun starts at The Pavilion, Goddards Lane, RG27 0EN.  As well as the Reindeer Trail, there’s festive songs and carols from ‘Song Circle’, raffle tickets to win a first prize of a Rudolph Reindeer, refreshments to buy as well as face painting, pig racing and much more.    Debit/credit cards accepted.   Bring your wellies and wrap up warm.

Magic Show: At Sherfield Park Community Centre, there’s Close up Magic, Christmas café, festive games, gifts and crafts from 11am to 3pm. 11am to 11.45 (ages 3-8) Professor Potty, 12 noon to 1pm (ages 8+). To book, email: events@sherfieldparkcommunity.co.uk  Family ticket £12 (2 adults and 2 children).

Saturday evening, John Kirkpatrick will be at the Village Hall for Carolling and Crumpets , 7.15pm for 8pm. Cash/contactless bar and real ale.  Tickets £12 (Under 12s £7.50) available from The Shop, contact: derek_tarrant@hotmail.com or 01256 882504/07484 314533 or natalie@larner.net – 01256 880075.

Christmas Market at the Hall on Sunday December 11 from 11am till 2pm.  Gifts for Christmas, craft stalls, refreshments and Christmas raffle.  And in the evening, carols at St Leonard’s on Sunday 11 at 6.30pm. Sherfield Village Christmas Concert with the Basingstoke Concert Band is on Wednesday December 14 from 7.45pm to 9.30 pm.  This is a lovely, informal, fun concert of Christmas musical favourites, community carols, season refreshments and a Christmas raffle. Tickets £5, 12-16, £3 and Under 12s free, from The Shop, events@sherfieldvillagehall.co.uk.

Chris Horton