The Villager

February 2017

Sherbornes and 1 04412_Villager_July2012:19191_Villager_Oct07 2/7/12 17:08 Page 40

2 Editorial the Villager CONTACTS February – and my first opportunity to wish all the Villager readers a Happy New Year. Editor: I am always delighted to receive pieces of prose, poems, random thoughts and Julie Crawley photos – so please make it a New Year’s resolution to share some of these with the 01256 851003 Villager readers during 2017. [email protected] A First Aid Course is being planned for Saturday 25th March from 9.30 until 12noon at the Chute Pavilion in SSJ. This will be a one-off 2.5 Advertisements: hour session and is open to all ages, for a donation of £3 per person. This donation will go to Heartstart Triangle, the charity who Emma Foreman organises these courses. If you would like to take part in this course please let me 01256 889215/07747 015494 know as soon as possible so that I can add your name to my list. [email protected] Ranil Jayawardena, M.P. Promotes Local Beer in the Houses of Parliament Distribution: George Rust Ranil Jayawardena, M.P. for North East , has 01256 850413 recently nominated Little London [email protected] Brewery to provide a guest beer for Strangers’ Bar in the Houses of Future Events: Parliament. When on sale, it will be Lindsay Berry enjoyed by Parliamentarians as well as guests from across the country 01256 850495 and overseas. [email protected] This is an initiative of The All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, Pamber Correspondent: which was formed to promote understanding of the UK beer and pub industry Ann Ellis within Parliament. It is designed to give small, local breweries the opportunity [email protected] to promote their products on a larger scale. Members of Parliament are able to nominate a local brewery within their constituency to provide the guest beer in Strangers’ Bar for a week. Little London Brewery, which is owned by Andrew and Joan Watts, creates ales sourced from natural English ingredients, predominantly Norfolk Malted Barley and Worcestershire Hops. Mr. Jayawardena thoroughly enjoyed a visit to Little London Brewery late last year and was very pleased to include them Contents in this initiative. Future Events 4 Ranil Jayawardena, M.P. commented: “It is fantastic to see local businesses thriving in North East Hampshire. I was delighted to nominate Little London Brewery to provide a guest beer in the Rev. John Hamilton 6 Houses of Parliament and I am sure it will be thoroughly enjoyed!” The Editorial Team Church Services 7 Parish Council Reports 9-11

Our Schools 11, 17 Whilst we are happy to publish items and opinions in this magazine it should be noted that the views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily endorsed Local Events & issues by the Editorial team. Readers should also make their own enquiries about, and assessment of, claims and services made by advertisers in this magazine. 13, 18, 19, 25

Contact us at [email protected] Bert’s Blog 28

Cover: Spring Legal Issues 31 3 Future Events

February 2017 6 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 6 Pelican Film Society “Eddie the Eagle”, The Ark Conference Centre, Guests welcome £6 7.30pm 7 SSJ Women’s Fellowship, AGM, SSJ Village Hall 2.00pm 20 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 27 Parish Council Meeting, Chute Pavilion. (Planning meeting 7pm) 7.30pm

March 2017 6 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 6 Pelican Film Society, “The Lunchbox”, The Ark Conference Centre, Guests welcome £6 7.30pm 18 Jumble Sale in aid of Guides, Brownies and Rainbows, SSJ Village Hall (Hall open from 1.30pm) 2.30-4.30pm 20 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 27 Sherborne St John Parish Council Meeting, Chute Pavilion. (Planning meeting 7pm) 7.30pm

April 2017 3 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 3 Pelican Film Society, "”, The Ark Conference Centre, Guests welcome £6 7.30pm 17 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 22, 23 The Sherbornes Art Exhibition, Sherborne St John Village Hall 10am – 4pm 24 Sherborne St John Parish Council Meeting, Chute Pavilion. (Planning meeting 7pm) 7.30pm

May 2017 1 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 8 Pelican Film Society, The Ark Conference Centre, Guests welcome £6 7.30pm 15 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 15 Sherborne St John Parish Council AGM, Chute Pavilion 7.30pm 22 Sherborne St John Parish Council Meeting, Chute Pavilion. (Planning meeting 7pm) 7.30pm 29 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am

June 2017 6 Pelican Film Society, The Ark Conference Centre, Guests welcome £6 7.30pm 12 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 17 Sherborne St John Village Fete 26 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 26 Sherborne St John Parish Council Meeting, Chute Pavilion. (Planning meeting 7pm) 7.30pm

July 2017 3 Pelican Film Society, The Ark Conference Centre, Guests welcome £6 7.30pm 10 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 24 60+ Coffee Morning at SSJ Village Hall 10.00-11.30am 24 Sherborne St John Parish Council Meeting, Chute Pavilion. (Planning meeting 7pm) 7.30pm

4 5 Church Matters February

This is a time of year when money may all comes home to roost. This may not The third however did nothing – he seem to be in somewhat short supply! be our situation specifically, if we have made no effort to invest it in any suitable By that I don’t mean to refer to that taken care to budget and resist spending security – he simply hid the money key economic indicator – the “money beyond our means, but we should under the bed. When the employer supply” – thought by many economists realise that many families face real stress called him to account he was angry to be the single most important factor in around this time. with this man for his faithless inactivity. the condition of the national economy. “You should have put my money on The truth is that money plays a big part For example if the money supply is deposit with the bankers, so that when in all our lives. We have to learn to be too large there will be inflation since I returned I would have received it back careful how we deal with it and how it the same amount of goods is being with interest.”(v27) He doesn’t berate affects us. Some may feel that money is pursued by a greater amount of money him for failing to produce the 100% evil and that Christians should give it all – or something like that! Actually return achieved by the other two fund away and live without it. But that does such economic theory is outstandingly managers, but for refusing to accept that not solve the problem – it just leads to difficult to sustain because there are so he was a fund manager at all – even the skiving off other people. By contrast the many variables, other than the money lowest risk investment option yielding New Testament tells church members supply, all affecting the outcome. the smallest return would have been to “settle down and earn the bread they preferable to this man’s disobedience. But the financial state of the nation was e at .” 1 Money itself is not a bad thing not what I was thinking of. Let such – it is necessary in some form for the Now of course Jesus is not holding “macro-economic theory”, as it is called, functioning of society – it is “the love a seminar on how to be a successful be for the university lecture theatre and of money which is a root of all kinds of City Trader! Even less is he telling the Governor of the Bank of ! e v i l .” 2 As Jesus said in the Sermon on his listeners to see profit as the Our concern is the “micro-economic” the Mount “You cannot serve both God supreme objective in life! No, this is reality of the household budget. and money.”3 an illustration – that is what a parable This may well have been put under is – the lesson is to do with faithful In fact Jesus spoke quite a bit about considerable strain around Christmas discipleship and the application is money and he used it in his teaching – time with large extra expenditure. In along the lines of the call to a lifetime for example the parable of the Talents4. the bleak winter weather of February it of fruitful service. We must take care In this three employees are entrusted that we do not allow a love of money, with substantial sums of money by or anxieties about money, to hinder us their wealthy employer who then goes from heeding the Lord’s command. away for a long time. These three are like Fund Managers operating a John Hamilton discretionary fund – they have to make all the decisions to do with it. Two of them make a variety of investments which turn out to be highly profitable and when the employer returns he 1 is delighted to find that both have 2 Thessalonians 3:12 2 1 Timothy 6:10 doubled his money. They are duly 3 Matthew 6:24 rewarded. 4 Matthew 25:14-30

6 St Andrew’s – Sherborne St John All Saints – Services for February The Priory – 5 February 10am Parish Communion, Sunday Club & Crèche St Andrew’s 6pm ‘Sundays at Six’ Sherborne St John Village Hall

12 February 8am Holy Communion The Priory 10am Morning Service, Sunday Club, Crèche St Andrew’s 10am Morning Service All Saints 6pm ‘Sundays at Six’ Sherborne St John Village Hall

19 February 10am Family Service St Andrew’s 6.00pm ‘Sundays at Six’ Sherborne St John Village Hall

26 February 10am Family Service St Andrew’s 10am Morning Service The Priory 6pm ‘Sundays at Six’ Sherborne St John Village Hall

5 March 10am Parish Communion, Sunday Club & Crèche St Andrew’s 6pm ‘Sundays at Six’ Sherborne St John Village Hall

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM... Feb 5 Who is Jesus? Luke 9:18-27 Andrew King Feb 12 Highs & lows Luke 9:28-45 John Hamilton & Andrew King Feb 19 Sibling rivalry Luke 9:46-50 Scott Seivewright Feb 26 Fire from heaven? Luke 9:51-55 John Hamilton & Andy Spence Mar 5 The power of God Romans 1:16-20 John Hamilton

SUNDAYS AT SIX Feb 5 The unfaithful wife Hosea 1:1-2:1 Scott Seivewright Feb 12 The faithful husband Hosea 2:2-3:5 Scott Seivewright Feb 19 A nation’s unfaithfulness Hosea 4-5 Steve Howe Feb 26 Unrepentant Hosea 6-7 Steve Howe Mar 5 Reap the whirlwind Hosea 8-10 Scott Seivewright

MIDWEEK We meet to pray together on Tuesday 7th at 8 pm in the Parish Room (coffee & biscuits at 7.45pm). Home Groups meet in the weeks beginning 13th & 27th February. The third week is half Term.

A seven week ‘Christianity Explained’ course begins on Wednesday 1st February at 8pm. Further details from Scott Seivewright – Tel: 01256 416272.

Roman Catholic Services (Tel: 819772)

Sunday Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St Bede, Popley at the following times: 9.00am 11.00am 6.30pm Weekday Mass Tuesday Church of St Bede, Popley 9.30am * Wednesday HG Church, 9.30am * Thursday Church of St Bede, Popley 9.30am * Friday HG Church, Basingstoke 9.30am * Saturday Church of St Bede, Popley 9.30am * * Time & Venue could vary

St Andrew’s Sherborne St John All Saints Monk Sherborne The Priory Pamber End

www.swpchurch.org.uk 7 04412_Villager_July2012:19191_Villager_Oct07 2/7/12 17:07 Page 11

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11 Monk Sherborne Parish Council

Defibrillators. Planning Applications The Mole The PC are pleased to report that 2 The latest planning applications since Many of you will know that Monk defibrillators will be installed in the the last Parish meeting are Sherborne’s pub opened in the autumn near future. One will be in the phone and since the New Year the kitchen 16/04682/HSE Orchard Cottage, box in Monk Sherborne and the other has opened. There are 3 menus for Pamber Road , . outside the hair salon in Charter Alley. sandwiches, bar and a la carte. The Many thanks to Community Heartbeat Single storey rear extension part two opening times for FOOD are as follows. and SSE for providing one machine free storey rear extension over single storey Monday……….closed for food of charge and the second machine is 16/04745/HSE Beaufort Chase, Old funded through a grant from County Tuesday – Thursday Chapel Lane, Charter Alley Councillor Keith Chapman with the 12.00 – 2.30 and 6.00 – 9.00 balance kindly donated by Stan Gibson Erection of two storey side extension Friday/Saturday in memory of his late father Wilf, who and single storey rear extension 12.00 – 2.30 and 6.00 – 9.30 was a central figure of Charter Alley for Precept many years. Sunday Unfortunately it is likely that the precept 12.00 – 4.00 Parish Lengthsman Scheme for the next financial year will rise The choice on the menus will increase An annual grant of £1000 has recently slightly due to the need to cover the loss as time goes by and a specials board been used to carry out the following of 50% of the grant towards Parish grass will appear as soon as possible. It is works around the Parish. The contractor cutting. The Council have managed to recommended to make bookings jet washed the area outside the MS have eight years without an increase but particularly at weekends. phone box and the bench as well as the are left with no alternative in order to play area surfacing. The ditches around balance the books. Please support your local pub the War Memorial were cleaned and hedge cutting was carried out in Salters Heath Road and Pamber Road from the Priory School to Charter Alley. It is hoped that the scheme will run in the next financial year in order to make savings on Parish funds.

9 SHERBORNE ST JOHN PARISH COUNCIL

Neighbourhood Plan The Chute village. There are examples of old BDBC have now appointed a plan The schedule of works to repair/upgrade telephone boxes being transformed into examiner who will determine whether the Chute is almost complete. There libraries, etc. or not the plan conforms to existing is some additional work required to The only concern is that given the recent BDBC Local Plan, etc. upgrade/repair the showers and water deliberate damage to the scarecrows supply. The current schedule indicates a formal that were part of the Village Hall sign-off on the plan in the 2017 mid- Additionally the alarm system will competition would it be a wise move to summer timeframe. be upgraded and new equipment spend money on such a project ? purchased to clean and maintain the With Rydon’s premature application Are there any other ideas ?? new floor. for the development that is included Village Party – 2017 as part of the SSJ Neighbourhood Plan Mobile Shop/Post Office July 8th is in the diary I’ve received a number of e-mails/ The mobile shop continues to visit the calls premised on the assumption that Village Hall car park on Monday and 2017 the plan is close to/has been adopted. Friday afternoons On behalf of the Parish Council a This is NOT the case. There will be a big thank you to those parishioners formal vote, much like the national/ The Parish Council has been in who regularly attend the monthly local election process, where all villagers discussion with the PO as to the meetings and work on behalf of the will be entitled to vote for or against the possibility of providing a mobile Post village in areas such as transport, the plan. Office to complement the shop. Neighbourhood Plan and the general As per previous communications However the Post Office has decided upkeep and well-being of the village. relating to the SSJ NP it is important that given the presumed number of Best wishes to you and yours for 2017. to note that this is a village led transactions ( based on the old Village initiative and that the Parish Council Post Office ) a mobile service is not Richard Morgan, financially viable. is facilitating and supportive of the Chair, SSJ Parish Council process. Village Infrastructure 2017/2018 Precept There are a number of issues including You will have seen in the national press road re-surfacing, replacement of road that the cap on 2017/2018 increases in signs and manhole cover replacement Council Tax has been removed to allow that remain outstanding. for Councils to generate additional We continue to badger BDBC/HCC but funds for Social Care. Currently it looks very much get the impression that these like BDBC will be raising the Council type of repairs are being ‘rationed’ given Tax by approximately 4%. the apparent ever decreasing funds The Parish Council has yet to set the available to spend on these areas. level of precept for 2017/2018 but Telephone Box despite increasing costs and the loss of some key grants we’re hoping to There may be the possibility of getting maintain a precept pretty much in line a grant to make something of the with that of 2016/2017. Telephone Box in the middle of the

10 Pamber Parish Council Notes for Pamber End and

The last meeting of Pamber Parish access roads, footpaths, landscaping, Avian Flu Council was held on Monday, 9th surface water swales and associated In light of the recent news the following January 2017. Planning. ancilliary development, with access to link from the Government Chief be determined at land in Pelican Road, Planning decisions Veterinary Officer has advice for . After receiving feedback protecting any birds against Avian 16/02911/HSE: Conversion of from residents in the area and looking at influenza, as well as details of the bungalow into house, including front the plans themselves, Councillors agreed extension of the Prevention Zone: and rear extensions and addition of to formally object to this application for https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ fist floor, with new vehicular access. a number of reasons. avian-flu-prevention-zone-extended . 15 Clappsgate Road, Pamber Heath GRANTED Parish Lengthsman Scheme The next meeting of Pamber Parish The Lengthsman Scheme has been Council will be held at 7.30pm on 16/03713/HSE: Erection of two-storey extremely successful and all required Monday, February 13th 2017 in St extension following demolition of works have been completed in the Stephen’s Hall, Little London. All conservatory. Rose Cottage, New Road, Pamber area. A huge thank you has parishioners are welcome to attend. Pamber Green. GRANTED to be given to David Saunders and his Details of meetings are displayed on the 16/03783/FUL: Revised siting for team who have been highly efficient in notice boards and on the website www. erection of 1 no. three bed dwelling carrying out all works for Pamber and pamber-pc.gov.uk (Amendment to approved scheme the neighbouring Parishes in its cluster. L. S. Browne (Clerk). Tel. 07920 787170. 16/00508/FUL). Plum Trees, Green Email [email protected] Lane, Pamber Green. GRANTED Highways Highway issues can be reported directly At the meeting planning application to Hampshire County Council - visit 16/04159/OUT was also discussed. http://www3.hants.gov.uk/transport or This relates to an outline application telephone 0300 555 1388. for the erection of up to 64 dwellings, together with garages, parking areas,

The Priory Primary School

Happy New Year to you all, we hope that chosen to go to a spelling club with no tie breaker. And you you had a very pleasant Christmas. One Mrs Salsi every Wednesday for half an might be wondering who of the highlights of our new term was hour. We did a lot of spelling games and won? So here is the leader board… the final of our spelling bee competition. mini competitions along with learning different spelling patterns in fun and Erin 1st, Zack and Alex were joint 2nd, Here are Erin, Zack, Alex, Eva and Lucy different ways. At the end of the term Eva was 3rd, and Lucy 4th. Everyone did to tell you a little bit more about what we were given a list of words to learn as well as they could. has been going on. over the Christmas holidays to prepare Thank you for taking the time to read Tense spelling bee occurs in for a spelling bee competition. our monthly articles; if you would like Priory Primary in year 5 Our classmates were watching us so it to visit us in person, a warm welcome At the start of last term Year 5 were became quite intense. There were six will always await you at The Priory; given a spelling test of words they may different rounds. In each round we all please contact the school office on or may not know. The top spellers were got two words to spell luckily there was 01256 850062.

11 04412_Villager_July2012:19191_Villager_Oct07 2/7/12 17:07 Page 14

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1214 Notes from Pamber Green and Pamber End

Unfortunately our all too short family been significantly limited and made the last Villager about John Wilson’s Christmas and New Year break is over. exceptionally muddy. Extensive beautiful shire horses previously located Coastal temperatures in Mediterranean ditching work has been carried out in Sherborne St John. Priory School Spain were very favourable and the sun alongside the field which bounds the Christmas Fayres of years gone by when shone every day we were there. But it’s parking area and the spoil dumped on my son, Thomas, was a pupil featured back to the lots of dirty washing, chores Road side of the fields. John’s shires giving cart rides to raise and dismal English weather. Latest published Pamber Parish Council funds for the school. What a wonderful A splendid gathering of villagers filled minutes for November 2016 include a sight they were, so great news to hear St Stephen’s Hall on December 18th discussion of how the Council will deal that two new shires have now been for the festive offerings enjoyed from with future planning applications in the welcomed back to Sherborne St John. readers and musicians. Paul James and South Ward. The Chairman reiterated Life in the choirs is just beginning to Jenny Spence provided delightful solos that in June 2016 the Council agreed awaken and a busy schedule for all along with the octet of “Generations” that a series of public meetings would is being enthusiastically welcomed. who accompanied the villagers through be held when legislation relating to the Basingstoke Ladies Choir has a new all the carols under the direction of 2016/17 Act was finalised. He added venture, a Valentine Cabaret Concert on Steve Hetherington They added to the if the Council wished to press on with Saturday 11th February at 7.30pm at the evening with their own lovely seasonal the Neighbourhood Plan, they would Carnival Hall, Basingstoke to raise funds offerings. There were Christmas need to wait a month and fully read for the very worthwhile Pink Place related and humorous readings from the protocol document. Parishioners North Hampshire Cancer Charity in Lauren and Colin Armitage, myself argued that a Neighbourhood Plan Wote Street, Basingstoke. It is a cabaret and Liam Elivish, a villager who is now could be drawn up for certain parts of variety show with guest performers pursuing a professional career in the the Parish and the Parish Council agreed and tickets are £10 to include the first theatre. How fortunate we are to have that there was no harm in investigating drink. Basingstoke Hospital Male Voice so many talented individuals in our this. It was planned to discuss this Choir is planning a series of concerts midst and who are prepared to share further at the December meeting. The with the first likely in May (more details their talents. The evening finished with Chairman reminded those present that to follow) and Tadley Singers are also everyone joining together over glasses each planning application was looked making plans. of wine, mulled wine and refreshments at on its individual merits and if anyone in addition to trays of sausage rolls had a query about a specific planning Fancy something different? Then and mince pies. It was judged a great application they should contact the remember the long running quiz night success and raised round about £100 Clerk and raise the matter under Public at The Plough, Little London every third for Hall funds and it is likely to be Participation. It was also minuted that Monday of the month. Teams battle it replicated again in December 2017. a small Committee would meet with out each month to win a prize for an A range of events will continue to be the St Stephen’s Village Hall Committee entry fee of 50p per person which also organised at the Hall in the coming year to discuss the lease, as this would covers some finger food. So arrive by including a Quiz Night on Saturday restore communication points on both 8.30pm for an 8.45pm start for some fun 11th February 2017 back by popular sides. The next Pamber Parish Council and friendship. demand. Bring family and friends meeting will be held on 13th February and make a team or come along and 2017 St Stephen’s Village Hall starting The small Pambers don’t have the same join one on the night. Please bring at 7.30pm and please diary date the 8th volume of events that the larger areas your own refreshments. Regular hall May 2017 for the Parish Council AGM covered by the Villager enjoy. However, events are the Tuesday Club held every at Pamber Heath Memorial Hall. please help this page contain interesting Tuesday from 10.15am - 12noon with news so that we are not forgotten. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife coffee and chat; Pilates every Thursday Please send me anything you think will Trust note a fun wildlife-themed starting at 9.30am (contact Hannah on be of interest. outdoor activity for children aged 07887 791614 for more information); a 5-15 years in the Basingstoke area on As I finish this article the much Kundlini Yoga and Meditation course Saturday 25th February 2017 between forecasted snow is starting to fall. Will from 7pm to 8.30pm every Monday 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Telephone 01256 it match expectations? Part of me hopes with the last session being on 20th 782665 for details of location. A so as I love walking through Pamber February ( for more information phone donation of £4 per person is suggested Forest in the virgin snow, scuffing 07541742588 or email MARIA.J.COX@ to cover costs. through it like I did as a child. GMAIL.COM). As activities are on the increase at the Hall, it is therefore Whilst not directly Pamber news, I Ann Ellis very unfortunate that parking has was interested to read the poem in [email protected]

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16 Sherborne St John Church of England Primary School

January is the time for New Year On a rather cold resolutions, and fitness is certainly near January morning, the top of our list! There are plenty of 15 Year 6 children different sports activities at school this (plus Miss Biles and half term to keep everyone on their Mrs Rogers) boarded toes. Our dance coach, Faye, is running the bus for their weekly classes with years 1, 5 and 6 residential week at each week and she certainly keeps us Stubbington. Despite all moving! Premier Sports are training the cold weather, with Class 1 every week developing as the Infants were visited by the Fire they managed to take part in a range of football skills. Our usual Judo, Dance Service and had a chance to climb on outside activities and seemed to have and Gymnastics Clubs have now been board the fire engine and learn how to a great time! Hopefully we can include supplemented by a Football Club run by put out fires. The siren on the fire engine some photos in next month’s Villager. Basingstoke Football Club, and the Tag sounded very loud in the confines of the Rugby team are in serious training for School grounds, and some of the small Sherbert – SSJ School Villager matches this term. We also have a year5/6 trainee firemen became rather wet in Correspondent Athletics team and a KS1 skipping team learning how to use the hose, but great participating in a local competitions. fun was had by all and we learnt a lot of On the 6th January, the School useful information! Playground became a ‘fire safety’ zone

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17 Women’s Fellowship

For our December meeting we all like Marlborough in Wiltshire. The Poirot. Of course Mervyn always drives attended along with some partners and richest coach line ever owned at one this very special coach himself on these friends the annual Christmas Lunch. time involved 68 coaches, 1800 horses occasions. The model car company Corgi Again it was held at Sherfield Oak Golf and had over 2000 employees in various have brought out three different sizes Club and what a splendid Lunch it turned jobs in the trade. At one time there was of this particular coach so that makes out to be. The room was decorated a “QUICK” service from Edinburgh Mervyn still more proud every time he beautifully and the meal could not be in the north to London in the south climbs up into her cab. faulted or the standard of service either. which took a total of nine days. In We were seated around large tables of 1824 the railways came and this was the Throughout the talk Mervyn regaled us eight persons each and judging by the beginning of the coach and horses demise with some extremely funny and hilarious volume of chatter an absolutely great time despite the coming of the mail coach in anecdotes which had the hall in fits was had by one and all. 1874. Then during the 1st world war of laughter and delight. We just didn’t mechanisation began. want the talk to end but eventually, very For our January 2017 meeting (which reluctantly, broke for tea and biscuits. incidentally fell on the 3rd) after the usual He then went on to tell us about his own Mervyn was thanked by Mrs Jenny business was completed we were treated company which started 35 years ago in Cullum. to the most delightful talk by Mr Mervyn Dummer and then moved to its present Annetts one of the partners that own base in Innersdown 22 years ago. These Mrs Joan Brandon Mervyn’s Coaches. days himself, his son James and one of his grandsons drive a fleet of luxury coaches Mervyn first explained a potted history but the queen of his fleet is a 39 year of coaching (the transporting of persons old Bedford O.B. which is still running and goods) which started with a coach perfectly and has appeared in many and four horses in the 1600’s. At the peak well-known films along with stars like of it’s popularity there were as many as Anthony Hopkins and Michael Caine as 40 coaches a day passed through a town well as several episodes of Foyle’s War and Basingstoke Civil Service Retirement Fellowship

The Chairman, John Lambeth, welcomed This month’s speaker was Anne Court Waterloo’s bicentenary celebrations. Her members to the first meeting of 2017 who gave a talk on her year as Mayor most abiding memory of the year was on 4th January and wished everyone a of who is the though, she said, seeing the extraordinary Happy New Year. The Secretary, Tony Queen’s representative in the Borough. amount of voluntary work carried out in Brazier, gave details of the forthcoming She gave a history of the position which Basingstoke by a huge number of people trips to The William Morris Gallery is an unelected one and is usually held by spread over a wide range of organisations. in Walthamstow on Wednesday 22nd the longest serving councillor. She gave The next meeting is on 1st February February and Chichester on Wednesday details of her charities for the year and the when the speaker will be Alan Grace on 22nd March. He also reminded members reasons she had chosen the Ark Cancer “Amazing Berlin 1914 – 1989”. The group that subscriptions for the year were due Centre, the Basingstoke Multicultural meets on the first Wednesday of each and that nominations for the committee Forum and Inspero to receive the month at Brookvale Village Hall from should be sent to him. The Welfare £24,000 raised. Besides attending over 10 am to 12 noon and all retired Civil Officer, Christine Broadbent, then gave 380 functions in the borough she also Servants and their partners are welcome. her up-to-date report and welcomed back went to the linked Belgian town of The year’s programme and further details those who had not been for a while. Briane L’Allend to attend the battle of about meetings can be obtained from the Secretary Tony Brazier on 01256 418770 or at [email protected] and if you would like to join us on any of our trips please contact Kate Lambeth on 01256 328791.

David Cowling

18 The Launch of the Bramley and District Branch of the Royal British Legion

2016 marked the amalgamation For a few years now, membership of the that goes into the arrangements, an of the Bramley, Stratfield Saye and Royal British Legion no longer requires appointment sooner rather than later Sherborne St John Branches of the a history of service in the armed forces, would be highly beneficial. The appeal Royal British Legion into the newly so any member of the public is welcome goes to anyone from the area, even if named Bramley and District Branch. to join if they have a wish to support you are not currently a member of the In doing so it stabilises the Branch and British Armed Forces personnel, ex- Royal British Legion, because we can gives a strong base to move forward. Service men and women and their fast track membership for a willing 2016 has also seen an increase in the families. So anyone wishing to dip a toe volunteer. Training and guidance will, branch membership (not due to the in the water and find out more please of course, be available. get in touch with Rhydian Vaughan. amalgamation), and also bodes well Bramley & District Branch for the future. Branch meetings for 2017 are scheduled – Royal British Legion The Branch accounts are in a good shape for 14th March, 9th May, 11th July, 12th Standard Bearer and will allow the Branch Committee September and 14th November. All at Our Branch Standard Bearer Tony to do more for its membership in terms Cross House, 7.30pm start. Evans has been a member now for 59 of meetings and events throughout the Royal British Years. An ex Warrant Officer in the year. To that end the Committee is Legion Royal Marines, Tony can always be seen planning a programme of meetings to at Royal British Legion events both be held every two months, along with Poppy Appeal locally and at County Level, carrying visits and an Annual Dinner. This year’s Royal British the Branch Standard. He is never put Legion Poppy Appeal Branch meetings will include some of off by the weather, and will attend the was an amazing success for the Bramley the traditional elements such as the events that are required. He can be and District Branch. In 2015 we had a Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph, relied upon to be immaculately dressed very good year, with £6,889.56 raised, and is a credit to both the Branch and but will also include a presentation but this was surpassed in 2016 by an the National Royal British Legion. We to the Branch on subjects that aim absolutely stunning total of £9,328.72. hope that he will continue to represent to be of interest to the Members and This was a phenomenal growth and can the Branch for many years to come, as the wider community. We may even be directly attributed to the hard work the Branch Members owe him a debt of start some experiments on the style of and dedication of the Branch Poppy gratitude. presentations so they can become more Organiser Jean Young and all her band interactive with the members. of volunteers who supported her. Next month we will have more news about events and meetings planned for As a taster, below are some of the Sadly, for health reasons, Jean now has the members (and potential members) activities planned for the coming year: to retire from the role of Poppy Appeal of the Bramley and District Branch. • Visit to RAF Odiham Organiser for the Branch, and we would therefore like to appeal to anyone in the Steve Day – Branch Treasurer & • An Annual Dinner Bramley, Sherborne St John, Sherfield Rhydian Vaughan – Branch Vice • A summer BarBQ and Stratfield Saye areas for a volunteer Chairman • Stories from the Members to take on this essential role for 2017. (For SSJ area please contact Whilst the Poppy Appeal seems a long • Visit to the Imperial War Museum John Delafield on 01256 889789 or way off now, with the organisation • And many more….. 07850 950349)

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22 Calling all Makers

Makerspaces are increasingly popular where access is possible throughout community workshops set up by local the week, preferably on a 24-hour volunteers to share tools, knowledge basis. Makerspaces are funded through and ideas with like-minded individuals. members’ subscriptions but we would Reading already has one (R-Lab) as does also like to hear from potential sponsors Southampton (SoMakeIt!) and Newbury willing to support local community (NaDhack). We want to start one for ventures through donations of any kind! the Basingstoke area and would like to Sentinel Housing have kindly offered hear from anybody else interested in temporary storage facilities for tools and helping out. equipment until the workshop is ready. What goes on in a particular Makespace Whether your preferred tool is a very much depends upon its members. needle, a brush, an Arduino, a lathe, Applying new technologies such as or a plane, as long as you like making laser cutting and 3D printing is popular, things, Basingstoke Makerspace would along with computing and using more love to meet you! Come along to our traditional metal working and carpentry planning meetings at the Four Lanes techniques. What comes out of a Community Centre, off Hanmore Road Makerspace is equally varied, from arts in , held fortnightly on a and crafts projects through to robots, Tuesday, between 6 and 9 pm from software applications and perhaps a January 10th onwards, or have a look at scaled-down medieval siege engine! our website at basingstokemakerspace. org.uk/ or contact Paul Hyde on 01256 Apart from its members, the heart of 470135 for more information. a Makerspace is its workshop and the search is on for rental accommodation

Probus learn about the Art/Science of the Dowser

Michael Haxeltine, a member of the around him. The weighted end of a British Society of Dowsers, gave a flexible metal rod was seen to rise when Everyone had a corrugated plastic pipe presentation to the Probus Club of placed in the middle of the pyramid. with a weighted end called a bobber Basingstoke. Most of us have heard which if rotated clockwise had been All present had a dowsing rod made of a about water divining. However not used to find oil fields. All down to our wire coat hanger which we had to use to many attendees knew about the mental process, apparently. search for articles previously hidden in extensive use made by dowsers in the room. Some had success but others Michael Haxeltine is an enthusiastic all manner of circumstances and the had to count backwards to stabilise their amateur member of his society and so is speaker gave practical demonstrations mental position. One volunteer had not listed on their web site but see to help his cause. the left side of his body checked by a www.britishdowers.org for more And members of this social club for dowsing rod to identify any old injuries. information about this fascinating retired professional and business Some foods were checked if still suitable subject. For information on the managers were encouraged to take part. to eat by suspending a pendulum over it, Probus club see their web site One member sat with an open design similar in style to a plumb line, and if it www.probusbasingstoke.webs.com or pyramid over his head for half an hour rotated clockwise the food was edible. phone Paul Flint on 07770 886521. which when removed was shown to have created an aura of about 75 cms

23 24 Elizabeth Banks Presentation

At November’s SSJ Village Quiz Night Richard Pettifer and Debra Morgan presented Elizabeth Banks with a bouquet and gifts on behalf of the Village Hall Management Committee. Elizabeth has recently retired from the committee after an incredible 40 years of dedicated service. Richard thanked her for all the hard work and tireless effort she’s put into village events and commented how much she would be missed. The committee and her many friends in the village all wish Elizabeth well and look forward to seeing her as a guest at future events.

25 Household Soldiers Sailors and Waste Airmen’s Families Association

This is SSAFA Forces Help. The charity As well as SSAFA being able to assist Once upon a time we had a bin was founded 125 years ago and is a those in need, we have a need for more That we put all our rubbish in. national organisation dedicated to helping caseworkers. And every week on a specified day serving and ex service men and women It was collected and taken away. and their families who are in need or There are 7,000 volunteer workers distress and have a financial or housing throughout the United Kingdom and Life was simple and complete need. In 2016 the Basingstoke branch was on service bases, there are also SSAFA Happiness reigned in the street able to assist in 70 cases. caseworkers in Europe where there are Then we were given another bin expatriate communities. To put our recycling in. Locally SSAFA Forces Help has a team of trained caseworkers who are able to Being a caseworker is a voluntary job to Even then this was not enough visit ex service men and women and offer undertake at times to suit the volunteer, There was still some other stuff assistance in various ways. Sometimes qualification is by attending a fully funded Like bottles that had once held wine the need is to replace a piece of household residential course and working with other Now needed a box to join the line equipment or help with special medical trained personnel. aids or a much needed holiday. There are Soon green bags appeared as well many ways in which we can make life a If you feel that you would be able to give a For garden clippings and to swell little brighter for people who have given few hours per week to undertake this very The coffers of the council more so much for us. rewarding work please contact SSAFA With extra charges made galore Forces Help on Anyone who has received at least one And if the rules you dared to flout day’s pay in Her Majesty’s Services as a 0118 981 3700 - We need you. You’ll get three strikes and be out regular, reservist or national serviceman With no more collections from your bins is qualified to seek assistance from SSAFA You’ll be made to suffer for your sins. Forces Help.

With talk of slop buckets on the way Please call 0118 981 3700 for information And fortnightly collections any day I begin to think, where this will this end? It’s driving me around the bend!

Bill Breakspear Sunshine Deficiency “Sad” Syndrome

When I wake up in the morning and the sky is dark and grey, I don’t want to get out of bed and start another day. But if when I awake the sun is shining bright, I jump eagerly out of bed, my spirits high and light.

Sometimes when the day is dull and my chin is on the floor, Eventually the sun peaks through and once again my spirits soar. There’s definitely something to be said for S.D.S.S. as they say. For sunshine makes a difference to everybody’s day

Joan Brandon

26 Have Fun Supporting Today – on Mad Securing Tomorrow

Hair Day! Why are gifts in Wills so important? A record number of people As a local charity St. Michael’s Hospice join together to Light Up A Life provides all of its services free of charge St. Michael’s Hospice is delighted to patients and their families. Each year On a beautiful clear night, over 1000 to announce the return of their fun St Michaels receives less than 20% of its people came along to St. Michael’s campaign Mad Hair Day which will take funding from the government and so Hospice to pause and remember loved place on Friday 10th February to raise must raise in the region of £3.1 million ones this Christmas. much needed funds for the Hospice. from the local community through The local community are encouraged to fundraising and retail activities. Gifts The service, led by Richard Harlow, wear crazy wigs and style their hair in in Wills are hugely important towards Rector of Tadley with Pamber Heath and weird and wacky ways. this total as they raise nearly 10% of the Hospices annual income. Silchester, featured Christmas Carols sung ‘Mad Hair Day’ is the perfect excuse to We recognise that for many people by local choir groups, Voices and go wild and have fun with your hair’, it is difficult to give to their favourite the Ooh Mama Ladies Choir as well as says Lynne Grimshaw, Community charity during their lifetime and that is music from the Basingstoke Silver Band. Campaigns Co-ordinator at the Hospice. why leaving a gift in your Will is such a ‘Maybe you have always wondered what wonderful way to give, as it will cost you This year’s Light Up A Life service raised your hair would look like pink, permed nothing now. We also appreciate that more than £30,000 from donations in or in a beehive, or perhaps ladies, you family and friends must always come first memory of loved ones. Iain Cameron, have always wanted to be brave enough in your thoughts when deciding on what Director at St. Michael’s Hospice said to have your head shaved, or gentlemen gifts to include in your Will. However, ‘We are extremely pleased with the your legs or chest waxed. Well Friday any gifts, whether small or large, make a response from the community. We know 10th February is the day to give it a try. huge difference to St. Michael’s Hospice that Christmas can be a poignant time You can have great fun and really help and will help to protect the future of your amid all the festivities and this service is your local Hospice at the same time by local hospice for generations to come. important for those who want to pause getting sponsored too.’ In the past, the It’s very easy to leave a gift in your Will and remember as well as to give thanks Hospice has had wonderful support to St. Michael’s Hospice and gifts to for the lives their loved ones led. .’ from schools and hairdressers but charity included in your will are exempt individuals and businesses are always from Inheritance Tax. If you already The event is made possible by the welcome to join in too. have a Will and wish to leave a cash gift, support of volunteers who help on the night with car parking, making St. Michael’s is the local Hospice for then simply ask your solicitor to add a tea and handing out glow sticks to all North Hampshire, providing care and Codicil to your existing Will. A Codicil participants. Chris Griffiths, Marketing support through the In-Patient Unit, is a simple legal document that changes and Events Manager at the Hospice Day Service and Hospice at Home specific provisions of a Last Will and said, ‘We have many people we must services. All services are completely free Testament but leaves all other provisions thank as without their support this event of charge to people with life-limiting unchanged. would not be the incredible success illnesses. The running costs of the If you do not have a Will then a Solicitor that it is. We are extremely grateful to Hospice last year were £3.9 million of will be able to guide you on making De La Rue Charitable Trust for their which only 20% is funded by the North your Will and how to include a gift to St. financial support as well as to the Rotary Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire). Basingstoke Deane, the Apollo Hotel, Group. The support of the local Asset Advantage, Stuart Freeman from community in campaigns such as Mad Please get in touch Hype Photography, Projected Image, B & Hair Day really does make a huge Whether you have already included St. M Stores and, of course, the band and the difference to our fundraising. Michael’s Hospice in your Will, or are considering doing so, we would love to choir. We are very thankful too for our For more information about supporting hear from you. Please call Jackie Ridge, wonderful volunteers and supporters who Mad Hair Day or holding an event, Legacy Manager, on 01256 848 854 or are the backbone of all our events. We please call Lynne in the Fundraising email jackie.ridge@stmichaelshospice. would like to give everyone our sincerest Department on 01256 848845 or email org.uk thanks for their goodwill and loyalty [email protected]. throughout the past year and we look uk for a fundraising pack. forward to meeting them next year.’

27 has to go through to obtain any sort of firearm and definitely not a pistol I can’t Bert’s Blog imagine what sort of skulduggery the housekeeper has been up to. Wouldn’t do for the Mrs to wield such deadly I know I permanently support a stuff, her worst weapon is the hoover ‘chocolate’ fur coat but rumour has it which when occasionally wielded there is going to be a cold spell so I nearby tries to nip at my tail while I thought I should try some of the Boss’s am tucked up in bed. I usually wait headgear to ensure my ears do not for it to sweep round the rear of my freeze in the arctic wind. I think this basket then leap for the door to avoid a one rather suits me, gives off a faintly chance in the garden of deducing carefully wielded suction grooming - I Sherlock whiff while doing the job of anything, Sherlock goes barking mad need all the hair I’ve got at the moment keeping the ears warm. Speaking of having eaten too many doggy treats and to combat the snowy winter weather Sherlock – I was allowed in one evening Mrs Hudson should never be allowed forecast – the hoover will just have to to watch it but could not make head nor near a vehicle, especially one without wait! Happy New Year to all you K9 tail of it – neither could the Boss who off road tyres and four wheel drive. lovers, wrap up warm and keep on gave up and resorted to loud snores The gun! I ask you – where did she get the move. from his corner. It turns out the bird it – did she have a licence – what was I thought was the most pleasant was the constabulary thinking of? When I a ghost, Dr Watson hasn’t got a bones think of the hoops and checks the Boss

Violet

When Violet came to live with me she was young and very fit We walked for miles and played for hours and hours every day I took her everywhere I went by bus and train and car We even travelled on a ferry far far away.

As we two got older I’ve slowed up and so has she. Walks have grown much shorter, and her ball’s abandoned on the grass. We enjoy each other’s company in silence and content And sit now in the garden and let the hours pass.

Her life and mine are creeping toward the ending We understand each other’s every mood and more. I cannot imagine my life without her in it, But that day will come eventually I am sure.

Joan Brandon

28 29 04412_Villager_July2012:19191_Villager_Oct07 2/7/12 17:08 Page 33

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30 COUNSELLING IN BASINGSTOKE with Pauline Myint

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CORNER Cold and dark mornings result in many On the other hand, some employers are people feeling the winter blues, tempting left with malingering employees either some into “pulling a sickie.” If you are constantly pulling sickies or on long term an employee considering calling in sick, sick leave, which can have a crippling effect or an employer dealing with this issue, it on their business. If employers do not follow is important to understand the potential a fair process they could find themselves consequences. pulled into lengthy and sometimes costly employment tribunal litigation. If an employee makes up or exaggerates an illness or injury in order to pull a sickie, We offer fixed fee initial consultation they can be dismissed by their employer meetings where you can discuss your work for misconduct. This is because it breaches issues in a supportive environment and an implied term of their employment receive the advice you need to help you contract called mutual trust and confidence. protect your rights and resolve any work An employer will usually be able to fairly related issues. dismiss an employee if there were reasonable If you have been taking sick days for genuine grounds for belief in the misconduct, reasons and feel that you have been treated following a reasonable investigation, and unfairly or if you are concerned about the misconduct in question was sufficiently a member of your staff taking sick days serious to merit dismissal. you can contact Karen Bristow on 01256 Employees may take a sick day for a genuine 854670 [email protected] or reason and in some cases there is added Gill Brown on 01256 854605 gill.brown@ employment protection for such employees. phillips-law.co.uk For example, where their mental and or By Karen Bristow physical condition amounts to a legal disability, relates to a pregnancy, an accident at work or is due to the unreasonable conduct of their employer. Employees should note that there are very short time limits that apply to employment claims, in most cases three months, so they should not delay in seeking advice.

31 Small Ads Enquiries and items for inclusion please contact Emma Foreman on 01256 889215/07747 015494 or [email protected] - The advertising rate is £4 per month or £6 for a box entry. Cheques to be made payment to ‘The Villager’. - Payment for advertisements must be received in advance and are limited to 10 lines of type. - For information on annual block advertisements please contact Emma Foreman

TSI COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC BUILDING ARE YOU A VICTIM OF S#ARP PRACTICE? BOOKKEEPING SERVICES River K Solutions MAINTENANCE. Electrical. Plumbing. HAVE YOU BEEN LED A MERRY DANCE? Ltd, for all your bookkeeping needs. Please Capentry or Decorationg. For a quotation, please Well you could be...! Let our six piece SSJ village contact us on 07402173137 for free initial phone 01256 780460 or 07989 940210. band S#arp Practice shake, rattle and roll you. consultation or check our website Popular tunes from recent decades, available for www.riverksolutions.co.uk PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AND parties, dances and fetes. Please contact Steve DECORATOR (Interior and Exterior) - Does Howe on 01256 851616 or Chris Cooke on PILATES CLASS - Priory School, Pamber End, your house need decorating? Never have the 01256 850837 for more information. on a Wednesday eve 6:45 - 7:45. Beginner & time? Keep putting it off? then get in touch with intermediate level, £6 per class with a 6 week me - Dave Hawthorne, Pamber Green. PRIVATE TUITION IN FRENCH AND rolling course (6 weeks payable up front). Limited Tel. 851533 Mobile. 0789 9993844. GERMAN with qualified, experienced, CRB spaces, please call Maurice Still on 01256 889817 checked teachers. All ages and stages, including HOLIDAY COTTAGE Restored character preparation for examinations (CE, GCSE, LARGE 3 BEDROOM TOP FLOOR cottage in Beaminster, West Dorset. Three IB, A-level etc.), adult conversation and DUPLEX APARTMENT IN THE HEART OF bedrooms (sleeps five) with a four star rating primary/nursery language clubs Daytime CARCASSONNE. In a tree lined square, around from VisitBritain. Quiet location but close to or evenings, at home, work or school. Call the corner from all the restaurants, patisseries shops and restaurants. Just eight miles from the Samantha Cruickshank (Language and shops in the old town, on the 3rd and 4th Jurassic Coast and in the heart of ‘River Cottage’ Services Specialists) on: 07944 820284 or floor of a 19th Century building, our apartment country. Tel. 850440 for more details. email: [email protected] looks out at the restored UNESCO site of the SPIDER’S WINDOW CLEANING Windows ABLE GARDEN SERVICES Grass and hedge Medieval Cité. 5* Trip Advisor sleeps 6. Phone: cleaned (inside, outside). For free quotation call cutting, fencing, turfing, patios, planting, tree 01256 850058 for more details. 850925 or 07990 585397 (mobile) or email me work, gravel drives etc. Please call HOME HELP SERVICES on [email protected] . professional Eddie on 01189 700765 (Pamber Heath) or and friendly services to free up your life PILLS ARE NOT THE ONLY ANSWER 07904 440468 and aid independence. Housework and Hypnotherapy can bring rapid relief from HOUSE CLEANING BY MARIA Reliable and ironing, light cooking, shopping, sitting, depression and other emotional problems. Local affordable services. Experienced, easy going local social trips and befriending, pet sitting and practitioner, qualified with 14 years experience. lady, who checks every corner. Ironing services dog walking.Dementia friendly, fully insured Will give free initial consultation. Phone Derek also available. References available upon request. and DBS checked. call; Sue on 07460511411 Joseph on 01256 850653 Email: [email protected], email; [email protected] DRUM TUITION. Professional musician with tel. 07933316989. over 24 years experience. Teaching all aspects of ALL YOUR FLOORING, PROPERTY AND drumming from counting, reading, playing to GARDEN SERVICES. Carpet, Karndean tracks, and technique etc. All ages and abilities and vinyls. Patios, water features, driveways welcome from total beginners to advanced. For and all types of landscaping. Please call: David more info please contact John Lezana on 07947 Thomas on: 01256 560784 or 07794867326 728 686 www.johnlezana.com BARRY’S BUILDERS All types of building INSIDE/OUT Property maintenance, work undertaken: patios, garden walls, carpentry, decorating, locks fitted and garden extensions etc. Over 30 years experience. maintenance. Tel: 01256 882696/ 07713 For free estimate phone: 470223. E mail: [email protected] 01256 417862. mob 07543580340.

ONLINE BOOKINGS All classified adverts can now be booked on the website: www.fromthesmallestseed.co.uk

To book a classified advert for the Villager, register with this website. Then search for The Villager using any of the searches allowed. There is no online payment – you can pay by cheque at the end of the booking process as normal. Once monies are received you will be able to access receipts and check your booking history from this site.

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