The Loddon Valley Link Church and Village Magazine for Sherfield-on-Loddon, Stratfield Saye, with and Bramley

Issue 476 Issue

March 2015

www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

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Editorial Welcome to the March edition of the Loddon Valley Link. I’m sat in the sunshine of what feels like an early spring. For those of you lucky enough to still have their mothers with them don’t forget the 15th. For the rest of us we can remember with love. Contents We’re saying goodbye to one of Editorial P 3 our most respected residents - Church Services P4&6 James Russell - in the centre Messy Church P 7 pages plus there’s the usual Register & Lent Services P 9 plethora of things going on. Pastoral Letter P 11 Stratfield Saye Reports P 17 Easter weekend looks like an arty Borough Councillors Report P 19 affair with a couple of local Probus & CSR Reports P23 exhibitions. Gardening Club P 25 Just to reinforce their appeal on Prayers P 28 P50, if you can spare any time to James Russell P 30 help with the organisation of the Sherfield Village Hall P 33 wonderful local events please get NWR P39 in touch. Sherfield Parish Council P 41 SPCC P 44 As ever, please keep your articles Poem P47 and especially photographs Beat Reports P48 coming in, as they are vital to the Help Run Events P 50 success of your magazine. This Useful Numbers P 55 month’s cover photo is from Small Adverts P 56 Andrew Dance. Committee and Deadlines P 58 Sincere apologies to the Sims family for our publishing error in the Parish Registers, Funerals section in last months Link. We’re happy to report Charles Sims is alive. [email protected]

Congratulations to local councillor & PPC - Ranil Jayawardena I’m delighted to report that daughter Daisy arrived on 13th February. Alison and daughter are both doing well.

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Services

March 2015

Sunday 1st March Lent 2 10.00am Holy Communion with the St Leonard’s Sherfield Bishop of 10.00am Family Service St Mary’s Stratfield Saye* 11.45am Meet & Greet the Bishop St Mary’s Hartley Wespall Wednesday 4th 11.00am Lent Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield

Sunday 8th March Lent 3 10.00am Morning Worship & Sunday Club St Leonard’s Sherfield Wednesday 11th 11.00am Lent Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield Friday 13th 4.15pm Messy Church Sherfield Community Centre

Sunday 15th March Mothering Sunday Lent 4 10.00am Family Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield 6.30pm Evensong St Mary’s Hartley Wespall Wednesday 18th 11.00am Lent Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield

Sunday 22nd March Lent 5 10.00am Family Service St Leonard’s Sherfield Wednesday 25th 11.00am Lent Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield

Sunday 29th March Palm Sunday 10.00am Benefice Holy Communion St Leonard’s Sherfield with Palm Sunday Procession Maundy Thursday 7.00pm St Leonard’s Church Room Agape Supper with Holy Communion Good Friday 11.00am Hour at the Cross St Mary’s Hartley Wespall

Sunday 5th April EASTER DAY 10.00am Family Communion with Lenten Cross St Leonard’s Sherfield 10.00am Family Communion by Ext St Mary’s Hartley Wespall 11.30am Holy Communion BCP St Mary’s Stratfield Saye*

*Drive up close to the white gates, which will open automatically. Children are wel- come at all our services. Services in italics are particularly geared to children and families. BCP - Book of Common Prayer. Page 4 www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

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BREACH LANE CHAPEL Geoff Belsham 01256 882534 / 07519 708416 Transport is available for all events at the chapel March 2015 Services Sunday 1st 10.30am Family Worship led by Neil Owen 11am Youth Group – “The Flock” Tuesday 3rd 7.45pm Deacons Meeting at Frimley Road Sunday 8th 10.30am Family Worship led by Graham Locke Tuesday 10th 2pm Church Walk from the Chapel Thursday 12th 7.45pm House Group & Bible Study at 9 Coopers Lane, Bramley Friday 13th 10.30am Open Morning at the Chapel Sunday 15th 10.30am Family Worship led by Neil Owen with Holy Communion Tuesday 17th 7.45pm Church Meeting at Frimley Road Sunday 22nd 10.30am Family Worship led by Steve Smith Tuesday 24th 2pm Church Walk starting at Sherfield Garden Centre Wednesday 2.30pm Midweek Fellowship at Chapel led by Geoff 25th Belsham Friday 27th 10.30am Open Morning at Chapel Saturday 28th 2.30pm Saturday Fellowship in the Chapel led by Geoff Belsham Sunday 29th 10.30am Family Worship led by Geoff Belsham Friday 27th 10.30am Open Morning at Chapel

St Leonard’s Open Days Catholic Services Everyone is St Bede’s and Holy welcome to visit for Ghost Churches, reflection, prayer, Basingstoke. or to view with a Parish Office wedding in mind. Tues to Friday The church is open 9.30 am-1.00 pm in March on the 7thand 14th. Tel.465214. Sunday Mass 9.00 am, 11.00 am and 6.30 pm

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Friday 13th March 2015 I Love You Mum! Lots of craft, worship and tea for the children! All welcome 4.15 Arrive, Register, prepare for Worship 4.30 Worship followed by activities in three groups 5.15 Meal - cafe style (finish at 5.30pm) It is essential that you book (and please advise of any food allergies). For more information and to book, please contact : Amanda Prince 01256 880733 [email protected] Or on Facebook : Messy Church-Sherfield On Loddon

St Leonard’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held on Sunday 22nd March 2015 at 11.30am in the Church Room. All welcome.

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL St. Leonard’s faithful hardworking cleaning teams continue to keep our church looking lovely and welcoming and they deserve our thanks. We would welcome new recruits so please consider volunteering – it is not a huge commitment but it is a great way of helping our church maintain its appeal to our local community, especially now we have our new extension up and running. Our new rota is due to be organised. We are meeting on Monday 11th May at 7:45pm in the new church room, followed by coffee/tea and cakes. For more information contact Valerie Burrows on 01256 880087 or email [email protected] Page 7

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Parish Registers Funeral Betty Banister 16.01.15 Sherfield Correction to February Parish Register Funeral Philip Donald Sims 21.01.15 Sherfield

Sincere apologies to the Sims family and especially Charles for getting it wrong last month

On Wednesdays in Lent there will be a short service of Holy Communion at 11.00 a.m. at St. Leonard’s .....it would be good to see you at these brief reflective services as we prepare for Easter. Wed. 4th, 11th 18th and 25th of March

Join us at one of our Special Services this Easter!

29 March – PALM SUNDAY 10.00 a.m. at St. Leonard’s 2nd April – MAUNDY THURSDAY Benefice Holy Communion 7.00 p.m. with Palm Sunday Procession in St. Leonard’s Church Room Agape Supper with Holy Communion

3rd April – GOOD FRIDAY 11.00am Hour at the Foot of the Cross at St. Mary’s Hartley Wespall

5th April – EASTER DAY 10.00 a.m. Family Communion, with the Floral Lenten Cross at St. Leonard’s

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GARDEN MACHINERY SERVICES Miles Elliott Servicing Repairs Tuning Adjustment Sharpening

Turgis Green Phone/Fax: 01256 882224 Mobile:07810573479 E-mail: [email protected]

Spring is on its way

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Pastoral Letter When was the last time that your opinion was canvassed about anything? As the General Election approaches, the likelihood increases of being stopped in the street or summoned to our doorsteps to answer questions. I'm wondering what response I'd get if I was to conduct a small survey of members of St Leonard's as they left this week's Sunday service, asking them how they view this time of the Church year - or indeed from anyone else that I happened to bump into whilst in the queue at the Post Office or Village Shop. We are now in the season of Lent which begins each year on Ash Wednesday. Pancakes have been tossed and eaten and for those who have committed to giving up chocolate, coffee or alcohol, it still feels as if there's an awfully long way to go until Easter Day when all those treats can be enjoyed again. So maybe it's not surprising that for many, Lent is seen as a somewhat low and downhearted, miserable time of restraint and denial - mirroring albeit in just a little way Jesus's period of 40 days in the wilderness when he was tempted to do things more awful than sneak the odd packet of Maltesers into a supermarket trolley. This thought set me wondering - maybe that's how many who wouldn't call themselves Christians view those of us who are? Do they see us as people with lots of 'can't's or 'shouldn't's in our lives, somehow less joyful than those who don't have to worry about obeying all those commandments, written in an age that is as different from today's society as it could possibly be? In fact, quite the opposite is true - or at least it should be! For we Christians remain confident in the knowledge that God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us, and so we can look forward to eternal life with Him. Therefore whatever life may throw at us (and Christians have their fair share of life challenges too, that's for sure), we have a Father in heaven who has known us and cared for us since before we were born. That's what we look forward to celebrating on Easter Day - so far from being a time of misery I'd prefer to think about Lent as a time of waiting, for new birth and new life. Of course, at this time of the year signs of new life to come are all around us - as I write this I've just seen my first daffodils in flower, the fields are ready to welcome baby lambs and trees that just a while ago looked bare and dead are suddenly full of green shoots and buds. Whilst at St Leonard's we wait patiently for the appointment of our priest in charge, we have welcomed other new lives into our Church family - it's been a real joy to celebrate the births of babies within our community, brought by their parents for baptism. This is also the time of the year when we celebrate and give thanks to God for our mothers and those who mother us in other ways. We'd love you to join us on March 15th for our special service marking Mothering Sunday and on behalf of the congregation, even if it is still Lent, we promise a joyful welcome! Karen Page 11

Start Something this Lent! Turn your small change into safe water this LENT

Every minute, every day, people suffer and lives are lost needlessly because of a lack of safe water and sanitation. Help us end this global crisis and transform lives.

Collect a sleeve for your jar....or get more details from Dan 01256 882680 or Sammie 0118 9816593 ...or use your own jar! All jars will be collected in on Easter Sunday

Let’s do that! at St. Leonard’s Church on Mothering Sunday, 15th March 10.00 a.m.

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www.classictreeservices.co.uk

PHONE 01276 473118 www.ovenclean.com

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The Garage at Sherfield www.thegarageatsherfield.co.uk

Goddard’s Lane, Sherfield-on-Loddon, HOOK, Hants. RG27 0EZ

MOT’s Cars and Motorcycles 90% of Service our work Diagnostics is repeat Have a service with Repairs your MOT and get business Air Conditioning your MOT for £30 Recovery

Collection and Delivery Tel: 01256 882271 service available. Mobile: 07812 939 498

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STRATFIELD SAYE PARISH REPORT At the recent meeting there were reports on the conditions of the local rural roads which are still not being adequately repaired. I will be contacting HCC to report problems but can I ask everyone to also go online to report problems as well as the more complaints the better chance we have of remedial action. Oil tanks are again a target for thieves so can all residents please keep a sharp eye out for any suspicious vehicles in the area and report immediately to the police on 101. The Parish Council have agreed to place another bench in the Parish commemorating the late Duke of Wellington. Also it is hoped to put up a new sign by the recreation ground, and potentially provide picnic tables on the site, to encourage more local residents to use the amenity. You may have heard about a new initiative called ‘The Village Agent’, sponsored by Age Concern which signposts people, in particularly older people, to find local services and information. They are currently looking for volunteers. You would be offering a few hours per week and be fully supported with training sessions and informal get-togethers with other Village Agents across the county and neighbouring villages. If you could help or want more information please telephone 01962 892443 or Free phone 08003287154 or by email [email protected]. Don’t forget to come along to the monthly coffee mornings on the first Monday of each month – next 2nd March – in the Village Hall at 11.00a.m. – a great opportunity for a chat with neighbours and friends and a chance to tell either myself or Suzanne Nixon of any concerns you might have. The next Parish Council meeting is on 2nd March 2015 at 7.30p.m - all are welcome – it is only with your participation that the Parish Council are informed of any problems or concerns in the Parish. Please note the following dates: The Parish AGM 11th May 2015 with Parish meetings on 6th July, 5th October and 7th December 2015 The provisional date for the Parish Christmas lunch is 15th December 2015 and all are welcome so please keep the date free. Please note, for those of you who can’t get hold of the magazine it can be downloaded or obtained automatically by email from the Link website Penny Mayo, Stratfield Saye Parish Clerk Page 17

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It has been some time since I submitted an article but hopefully I will be able to bring you up to date with events within the Borough Council. I hope that you all enjoyed the festive period – the weather was better than last year and we all had power! The draft Local Plan was submitted to the Government planning Inspector in November and his initial review resulted in the officers re-evaluating the basic housing numbers. The Inspector suggested that our 748 houses per annum figure may be unsound and that we should look at a figure nearer 850. This will mean that we will need to find space for nearly 1800 extra houses with potential constraints including transport, general infrastructure, schools and medical facilities. The Borough is therefore exploring various solutions. This may include using more sites that were in the Land Assessment (SHLAA) listing and possibly adding numbers to already proposed sites. There is one site, Manydown, that could take many more houses but there is some resistance to develop more than a few extra houses and even doubt as to whether the commitment for 40% affordable homes will be honoured. No wonder that there is a split of views amongst councillors. So the Local plan moves on slowly, facing more public consultation and an earliest approval date sometime in early 2016. Meanwhile developers are free to develop where they see fit because the Government planning guidelines are pro development, requiring us to have at least a 5-year supply of approved housing sites and a Local Plan in place – neither of which we have. The Borough planning committee find planning reasons to reject such applications but we lose at the appeal stage – often having to pay costs to the developer! Locally we have recently seen Minchen’s Lane in Bramley approved, Razor’s Farm and more than likely, a site on Business Park will follow. Other planning news is that the Dixon road Caravan application was rejected by the Borough planning committee; an appeal has been lodged with Winchester City Council regarding the Bullington Cross Wind Farm proposal and the proposed Critical Care Hospital to the west of the town is being opposed - it is reported that even some medical professionals have questioned its feasibility. Closer to home I was pleased to support local village projects and report that along with St Leonard’s Church extension, the Borough has approved the funds for the Village Hall facility improvement scheme plus funds for the enhancements of the burial ground. Let’s hope we have a lovely spring.

Chris Please contact me on 880558 or email: - Page 19 [email protected]

Woofs and Wellies Sunday 19th April 2015 Starting at Home Farm, , Basingstoke, RG25 2HX St. Michael’s Hospice is delighted to announce the return of their popular event Woofs and Wellies for 2015, giving you the exclusive chance to walk around the exquisite grounds of the Earl of Portsmouth. Registration at www.stmichaelshospice.org.uk/events Alternatively call the Fundraising Hotline on 01256 848848 Follow all the latest updates on; Twitter @smhbasingstoke #WoofsandWellies15 Facebook (St. Michael’s Hospice North ) 5K and 10K Run Wednesday 13th May 2015 Make a difference. Go the distance! Starting at Down Grange Sports Complex, Pack Lane, Basingstoke, RG22 5SN

St. Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire) welcomes the family 5 & 10K Basingstoke Run to Down Grange Sports Complex, Basingstoke on 13th May starting at 19.00hrs. To sign up and for more information please visit the Hospice website: stmichaelshospice.org.uk/events or call fundraising on 01256 848 848. Follow us on Twitter @smhbasingstoke #HospiceRun #BasingstokeRun

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Probus hears about Microlight Flying Kim Taylor, a Landing Site Officer with The Queen's Helicopter Flight, gave an illustrated presentation on microlight flying. The pros and cons of factory versus home built aircraft were examined and an in-depth account given of Kim's own experiences in constructing three very different flying machines. He also touched on how the airworthiness aspects were addressed. Kim reminisced how microlight flying had led him on adventures over the past few years. Besides the simple fun of flying from airstrips and airfields he has toured extensively and been involved with rallies all over the UK. Kim's finest event was organising the 'Help for Heroes' flypast over Wootton Bassett in 2010. This was a tribute to the armed services and to the people of the town itself. It involved one hundred and forty aircraft and raised over £3000. www.probusbasingstoke.webs.com or ring the Secretary Paul Flint for an informal chat on 07770 886521.

BASINGSTOKE CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP welcomed 51 members to the monthly meeting The speaker was David Ogborn who presented a talk “Singing for Fun”. He gave a history of his own involvement with choirs in the area since 1975 which included his time with the Basingstoke Male Voice Choir which did many world-wide tours and eventually led to his setting up the Festival of Choirs in 2011. Last year a special concert “A Century of War and Peace” was held at the Anvil which was a sell-out. This involved 13 choirs and raised money for the charity Care for Casualties. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Brookvale Village Hall from 10-12 noon and all retired Civil Servants and their partners are welcome. Further details about from the Secretary Tony Brazier on 01256 418770 or at [email protected] Page 23

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ASH BROOK INDEPENDANT FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS

 Independent family Funeral Director  Day or night we provide a complete personal, caring & professional service for all your funeral requirements  Dignified funeral service £895 plus disbursements Please call Terina on 0118 9821111 28 Mulfords Hill, , Hants, RG26 3JE www.ashbrookfunerals.co.uk

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Sherfield and District Gardening Club On Monday 16th March we will be joined once again by Pamela Holt. Pamela will be telling us all about ‘Hardy Annuals’. Pamela’s claim to fame is that she trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew with Alan Titchmarsh and tutored Charlie Dimmock at Cannington College in Somerset. She has been a horticultural lecturer for many years and has travelled widely in South America and Alpine Europe. Monday 20th April sees the return of Ray Broughton whose lively talks about ‘Soil Management’, ‘Plant Propogation’ and ‘Easy Plants for Difficult Places’ were very well received at previous meetings. This time Ray will tell us about ‘Cold Greenhouses’. This talk is based on his own observations and is backed up by years of scientific study and practice. If it’s anything like his previous talks, he will have us enthralled and scribbling notes to catch his words of wisdom. Ray was trained at RHS Garden Wisley, is a fellow of the Institute of Horticulture and a lecturer for the Royal Horticultural Society. Finally, just a reminder to please pass on any of your spare plants for Percy’s Plant Sale to be held on the 9th May. Anyone interested in gardening will be most welcome to join us at the Sherfield Village Hall at 7:45pm. For arrangements contact Linda on 882341 or Vanessa on 881760

“To all those people who helped me celebrate my 75th birthday so fantastically – Thank you. I had an amazing evening and I know it would not have been possible without the help of many of you. As it was a surprise party I do not know the names of all the helpers, but you know who you are and I am grateful to you all. Especial thanks to Natalie as co-ordinator in . Many, many thanks. Jane Brydges”

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TEXT FOR THE MONTH… … John15 : 4& 5 The NIV Bible Jesus said Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Prayer for the Month. Gracious God, we thank you at this time of Lent, for the example you have shown us in Christ. Forgive us that we so rarely follow his example. We turn a blind eye to what we know to be wrong, even bending the rules ourselves. We close our eyes and ears to what we would rather not think about. We make excuses for, and seek to justify, our faults. Forgive us and renew us through your Spirit, restore us through your love, equip us with your power and so enable us to live faithfully as your people. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Prayer Points for March Give thanks for the signs of Spring as we enjoy flowers appearing again in our gardens and along the hedge rows. Pray for those who are recovering illness and for those undergoing debilitating treatment and facing an uncertain future. Pray that the Holy Spirit will calm their fears and help them to trust in you. Pray all who mourn the loss of a loved family member, may they know your love and be able to trust in you to bring them through this time of sorrow Pray for peace in Syria and Iraq and for Ukraine, may all countries where violence and terror cause so many to live in fear each day be able to come to peace. Pray for world leaders to take forward the peace processes in these countries.

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James Russell - obituary James Cecil Cumine Russell of Aden, CBE died at home on 3rd January 2015 after a short illness, aged 81. James Cecil Cumine Russell was a soldier, lawyer, politician and devoted supporter of Hartley Wespall church whose shrewd mind, courtly charm and thunderclap of a laugh helped and heartened people in so many walks of life.

It was characteristic of a man who had been such a pillar of Hartley Wespall since moving to the village in 1973 with his wife, Diana, that he read a powerful lesson in St Mary's at last year's Christmas carol service, just a few days after he had learned that he had "a spot of bother with cancer".

He was in church again on Christmas Day, nine days before he died, proudly sporting his Highland bonnet, a testament to his Scottish roots which meant so much to him. He confided later he was even more proud to be flanked by Diana, their three children and their families, for he was very much a family man.

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Born in June 1933 in Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, he served in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders for a decade and was then a lawyer in London, becoming senior partner of his firm.

He was an assiduous Conservative Party organiser, rising to become party chairman for Wessex Area. He and Diana were blown out of their beds in the Grand Hotel at the party conference in 1988. He was awarded the CBE for his political work and for public service.

In his 41 years in Hartley Wespall he did a long stint as church warden and parish councillor, and at different times preached, rang the bells, and led a church choir. He died on January 3rd at home, after spending his last days with his family and his labrador, Sky - as he wanted. Alec Russell

James & team building the jubilee beacon He will be fondly remembered by the whole community. Ed.

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Village Hall Matters Sherfield on Loddon Village Hall Reg. Charity No. 272385 Tel: 01256 883624 Email:

[email protected] BARN DANCE The Village Barn Dance at the end of January was another sell out and a super evening for all ages. There's nothing like live music and a friendly atmosphere to get things going and with an experienced 'caller' to lead the way, even the most shy people were encouraged to join in. The event was run as a fundraiser by ‘The Friends of Sherfield Village Hall’. Next year, please note – do book early to avoid disappointment! LIDDELL HALL KITCHEN We will be refurbishing the Liddell Hall kitchen during February. The Village Hall Management Committee apologises for any disruption that the work may have caused, particularly to the regular users of the Hall. However, we hope that the disruption will have been kept to a minimum.

ZUMBA CLASSES Zumba classes are starting on Thursday evenings in the main hall 7-8pm from 26th February. Any fitness level welcome and the first class is free!

Contact Kim on 07787 506112. . THE HALL GARDEN The Village Hall Management Committee would again like to thank Roger Rivers for all his hard work in tending the garden and, most recently, the restocking and care of the planters. The garden, which is fully enclosed, has lovely views over the Village Green, is ideal for hiring out for parties and wedding receptions, and is also very important to the Happy Faces Nursery.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Sat 14th March – Coffee morning Sat 14th March – Quiz Night

For more information on activities, events & booking the hall, visit: www.sherfieldvillagehall.co.uk “At the heart of our community for over 100 years Page 33

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For information call: 0118 932 6308 Brochure hotline: 0118 932 6480 www. wellington-riding.co.uk e-mail: [email protected]

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Our Favourite Things ‘Our favourite things’ was the topic of our recent meeting – things which cheer us up over the winter, although some of us didn’t latch on to the winter element and spoke about our favourite things generally. As far as cheering ourselves up over winter was concerned, many spoke about various pleasant smells, new buds and spring flowers, a hot bath, a lovely scarf and hat, furry winter boots, a peat fire, cold frosty mornings when everything sparkles, and roast dinners, a roaring fire and long walks with the dog.

More general favourite things included an appreciation of the English countryside and one member’s love of bluebell woods which featured in one of her lovely paintings and also in some poetry. Some us brought objects/family ‘heirlooms’ such as semi-precious earrings, a grandmother’s brooch, Art Deco bottles, intricate cross-stitch treasured her pictures, miniature clogs, a bookmark from husband’s Raffles Hotel in Singapore with the recipe for credit card! Singapore Sling, an old doll and a Sooty puppet! Books and photos were mentioned quite a few times and on a sad note (but with some happiness) a stone from a beach where a member’s son died. Someone owned up to a slight obsession with puffins, those cheeky clown-looking seabirds which inhabit some beautiful cliff faces around our coast. She brought a small painting of one on driftwood, a ‘beanie’ toy puffin, and pictures of them on a drinks tray! As for drinks, one loved her cup of tea or five a day whilst another appreciated the odd glass of sherry. Last, but not least, one member treasured her husband’s credit card!

We really enjoyed this fun, light-hearted evening to start off our year. Our next meeting is entitled ‘What’s wrong with being a dinosaur?’ – a discussion on technology and social media. Gill

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No WI report this month as the Ladies were out at their Annual lunch.

Basingstoke Children’s Centres Your local Children’s Centres are based in: Chineham, Popley, Oakridge and Lychpit. To access our current timetable or to register your interest in an activity, please visit our website at: services.actionforchildren.org.uk/basingstoke-and-deane-childrens- centres/basingstoke-deane-cluster-a/whats-on/ Or please call us at Pebbles Children’s Centre on 01256 357028.

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Sherfield on Loddon Parish Council Meeting dates The next Full Parish Council meeting dates are 11th March and 8th April 2015 at 7.30pm in the Liddell Hall. Governance Review A report on the Governance Review will be considered by Borough Council at its Full Council meeting in March. Tree work on the Village Green Work will be commencing shortly on trees on the Village Green. Contractors will be working on nearly 100 trees to remove deadwood and potentially unsafe limbs, to crown lift and crown reduce where necessary and to remove a number of trees where overcrowding of better specimens has occurred. All areas where work is being carried out will be cordoned off for safety reasons, but you should still remain vigilant and not allow your dogs or children to stray into these areas. There is bound to be a certain amount of disruption during the month of March and your patience and understanding for the need to carry out this work will be very much appreciated. Our sincere thanks to our Tree Warden, Jane Jordan, for the considerable amount of work she has done on this project.

Karen Ross - Clerk to the Parish Council, Sherfield-on-Loddon, PO Box 6862, Basingstoke, RG24 4QZ Telephone: 01256 842662 Email: [email protected]

Basingstoke Ladies’ Choir Concert Sunday 26th April 2015, 3pm St Joseph’s Church, St Michael’s Road, Basingstoke. With guests ’Berkshire Brass’ Supporting the ‘Life’ Charity. Tickets £8 each (no concessions) available from: Jan Hodges—01256 781035/07771848437 Or Chantal Brown—01256 320474

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Will’s Garden Services Tel: 07951917943/01256 881354 Email: [email protected] A complete range of garden services: Garden clearance, Mowing, Hedgetrimming, Paving, Pruning, Fencing, Turfing, Tree Care

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QUIZ NIGHT & HOT & COLD BUFFET Saturday 7th March 7.30pm

Tickets £8 and include food (No minimum team numbers, but a maximum of 6) Pre book only Over 18s only. Licensed Bar

There are fantastic groups and classes at the centre for everyone FOR ADULTS Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing, Studio Cycling, Ballroom & Latin, Badminton, Football FOR CHILDREN: Theatre4Kids, Tiny Tykes, Maths tuition, Streetdance, Monkey Music, Ballet, Ball Skills, Football COMMUNITY GROUPS Fabrics & Threads, Over 55s social , Bump into Mums, Sherfield 0-5s And our very own Puppy training School! Details can be found on our website

SHERFEST! YOUTH ZONE Saturday 4th July 2015 12-8pm Every Wednesday Live Music, Entertainment, Sports, School Yrs 4-6 Food, Bar and loads more! 6.15—7.15pm School Yrs 7-11—7.30—9pm

All activities must be booked in advance of visit Tel: 01256 883967 or email [email protected] or visit www.sherfieldparkcommunity.co.uk

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Evergreens Club contributed by May Macqueen

This month was our AGM. Jean Berntsen our chairperson/treasurer gave the financial report for the year ending 2014 and this was accepted by the members. There being no other candidates the previous committee were re-elected for another year, proposed by Brenda Monger and seconded by Gwen Hunt. The programme for 2015 was distributed to the members present before welcoming Peter Hayes and Pamela Darker who are members on the planning sub committee for the Sherfield on Loddon Neighbourhood Plan. They came to talk to us about the progress of the plan and the vision for the future. There was also an opportunity to raise any questions and concerns. The meeting ended with tea and a raffle. The next meeting on the 2nd March is a general knowledge quiz.

Friends of Sherfield Village Hall - Fundraiser

Fun Quiz Night th Saturday 14 March 2015

Enjoy local rivalry with Friends or Family or Club Enter a team of up to Six people or come as a single Drinks & Nibbles from the cash Bar Doors open 7pm

Tickets @ £3 per person from 01256 886550 Also see [email protected] & THE SHOP

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Helen Burningham recently visited from Uganda and left us with these thoughts. “I am the CMS Mission Partner living in Uganda, Kampala that St Leonard's supports. I have a poem that I would love to share with people that I wrote when I was going through a difficult period after being evacuated from the original location that I was sent to in South Sudan (2013). You will be stretched So that you will strengthen And lengthen So when you feel the tension Please stand still Not moved You will not be doomed One day all will see The light that shone so small Will stand tall No longer will I fall And I will rest For I will know I did my best In all tests And I got through it all No longer do I need to prove myself Or do I need to hide on the shelf It was worth it Endurance got me there God held my hand so now I stand” Page 47

News from the Beats Sherfield & Bramley Beat Report January 2015 Burglaries: Shed and Outbuilding Burglaries have decreased by two this month. They still remain a big concern for and local residents. Three offenders have been arrested. One narrowly avoided a Prison sentence, another has been bailed pending sentencing (on an unrelated incident) and has been placed on electronically monitored curfew to prevent further offending. The third is still awaiting their time in court. This is a great result and shows our communities and the offenders that we are taking these incidents seriously. There are still many out there who would not have a second thought about breaking into your shed and stealing your items. Register your property for free on www.immobilize.com Anti Social Behaviour: We have had a significant increase of ASB reports from Longbridge Road, Bramley, it is suspected that the same group of people are using Longbridge Road as a “cut through” from the German Road Estate via the Cinder Track. While passing through, these people are deliberately damaging the front gardens of residents by snapping tree branches and cycling/ walking across the lawns and flower beds. They are also knocking loudly on doors and windows late at night. There are a few elderly residents from Longbridge Road who are frightened because of this and will no longer answer their doors. A few will not leave their home after 5pm in fear for their own safety. This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and it is causing vulnerable members of the community to fear living in their own home. It is probable that this behaviour is a local group of youths who think they are having fun or “a laugh,” however these incidents will not be tolerated and Police are increasing the amount patrols around the area to catch these people. I would like to encourage all residents to report any incidents of anti social behaviour to us on 101. Speeding: Speeding is a local beat priority and we use the information gathered from our various Community Speedwatch Schemes (CSW) to target where our speed enforcement operations will be carried out. PC Dean Stickland carries out regular speed checks at various times of the day and on occasions, invites members of CSW to observe him when he does this. If you do not have a local CSW running or you are interested in joining your local CSW then please don’t hesitate to email me. RSPCA Door to Door Various reports continue to circulate as to “representatives from RSPCA” making door to door calls. The local RSPCA shop has had many calls and

Page 48 (Continued on page 49) they say that no local collections are taking place. It is said that residents are being told that this is an “awareness visit and we are not collecting”, when they have been visited by these persons. Residents are asked to be extra vigilant. Stats ASB 7 Assault 5 Burglary 6 Concern for Welfare 2 Criminal Damage 2 Domestic Incidents 7 Driving Complaints 5 Missing Persons 0 Drugs 1 RTC 4 Suspicious Incidents 62 Theft 1 Theft from Vehicle 1 Other 7 Email [email protected] Crime update for Chineham & . There was a spate of thefts from vehicles in the lead up to Christmas, targeting vehicles accidentally left unlocked by their owners. Two males have been arrested for these offences. One has appeared in court while the other remains on bail pending conclusion of our enquiries. Once they had been arrested the series of crimes concluded very promptly but please make sure that you have locked your vehicle when you leave it overnight and do not leave valuables inside. I am pleased to finish this month's report with a good news story. Just before Christmas a number of outdoor decorations were stolen from Sherfield Park. Fortunately a neighbour's CCTV captured footage of the male involved and his vehicle. No registration could be seen, but after some enquiries I was able to identify the vehicle and a few days later tracked down the male at an address near Reading. I am happy to say that the decorations, along with others he had 'appropriated' were returned to their owners in time for Christmas and he received a hefty fine. Email [email protected] [email protected] Tel - 101 (or request to leave a message using collar numbers). Further Afield A few days ago in , a blue VW Golf SE 5 door saloon reg. RV13 JYC was seen on a private driveway and made off at speed when spotted. The owner is a convicted rural thief from Surrey who stole from an farm in 2013 and was sent to Prison. He is an opportunist and will visit homes as well as farms, please be vigilant as he has a good knowledge of all parts of our area. Any sightings please call Andrew REID Police Constable 3746. DD: 01256 389050 HQ: 101 Mob: 07768:776844 [email protected] Page 49

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We install beautiful FUNERAL DIRECTORS & bath and shower rooms MONUMENTAL MASONS. with care and attention by time served, ALEXANDER & DRY qualified tradesmen. Twenty four hour service. We replace radiator repairs and undertake Pre-paid funeral plans many smaller plumbing available. jobs such as leaking taps, toilets that won’t 1 Seal Road, Basingstoke, flush outside tap RG21 7NQ Contact us online servicing. All aspects of about your project domestic and small Tel: 01256 844663 or problem - commercial non gas bramleyplumbing.co.uk plumbing…..free estimates Bramley Plumbing Services Ltd. Trading Standards 01256880853 Approved since 07770851598 2005

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PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALIST Serving the local community for 30 years

 Bathrooms & shower installations  Solar thermal installations and energy-friendly controls  Gas Safe and Oftec registered for peace of mind with gas and oil installations 29164 Telephone: 01256 882309 Email: [email protected]

YOUR LOCAL TRADE PROFESSIONAL FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HEATING & ELECTRICAL NEEDS FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT US: Tel: 01256 880044 MOBILE: 07754 554554 Email: [email protected] www.pscservices.co.uk Page 52 www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

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Happy Faces Play group

Sherfield-on-Loddon “Bring your happy face to our happy place”

A small, friendly playgroup for children aged 2 years 6 months to school age

Flexible Sessions including all day Further information: 01256 880903 Prospectus/application form: 07791 141176 [email protected] www.happy-faces-playgroup.co.uk Est. 1982. Charity No. 1029688

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USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS The dialling code is 01256, unless otherwise stated.

Allotments Bruce Batting 882605 Basingstoke Gazette Chris Horton 882426 Brownies Sue Handasyde-Dick 882337 St. Leonard’s Church See inside back page Breach Lane Chapel Geoff Belsham 882534 Catholic Church Fr. Chris Rutledge 465214 Clift Surgery Patient Group John Darker 882334 Cricket Club (Sherfield) Andy Stevens 882414 Cricket Club (ST & HW) Paul Baldwin 881973 Evergreens Jean Berntsen 882798 Football (Junior) Fred Berntsen 882798 Happy Faces Playgroup Peggy Hutchins 880903 Loddon Players Chris Horton 882426 Loddon Quilters Pris O’Rourk 881839 Loddon Valley Link (See back pages ) Lunch Club. Helen Belsham 882534 NWR Gill Fearon 882106 Police - local beat officer PC James Rickaby 07554 775429 Police - report an incident Police Control Room 101 Poppies Natalie Larner 880075 Post Office 882210 Rainbows Pam Luck 882687 Sherfield. Community Care Grp Doreen Tosswill 882344 Sherfield Fete Bruce Batting 882605 Sherfield Dist. Gardening Club Linda Syckelmoore 882341 Sherfield Show Natalie Larner 880075 Short Mat Bowls Norman Stanley 881021 Stratfield Saye Parish Council Penny Mayo 01189332 379 Stratfield Saye Village Hall Linda Bishop 01189332106 Stratfield Turgis Parish Meeting Sheila Campbell (Chair) 882351 Sherfield Parish Council Karen Ross (Clerk) 842662 Toddler Group 0-5s Judith Sullivan 883551 Tree Warden. Jane Jordan 880852 Village Green Volunteers Bruce Batting 882605 Whist Drive Virgilius Vickers 882453 Women’s Institute Val Denny 882410 Sherfield Village Hall Caretaker/Bookings Loraine Smith 883624 Management Committee Ivan Gosden 0794 021 2441 Fund Raising Committee Alan Ball 883838

Please inform the Editor of changes to the above information.

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SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS HOUSE CLEANING BY MARIA. Reliable and affordable service. Friendly, experienced lady who cleans every corner. Ironing also available. References. Tel 07933 316989. [email protected] LOCAL PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR and EXTERIOR DECORATOR First class job guaranteed. Over 30 years experience. No job too small. For a free estimate ring Ian 01256 882132 or 07876021772 SEWING, EXPERIENCED AND CONVENIENT. Di is now back in the conservatory, Sherfield Garden Centre. Bespoke dressmaking, clothing alterations, repairs, curtains & blinds and soft furnishings. Call Diana on

07796 045944. PC SUPORT. For technical help with PCs, Macs, tablets, internet, wi-fi: repairs, upgrades and installation: Call Ian on 07977 143310. WINDOW CLEANER. Windows cleaned or gutters cleared - one off or regularly. Local, reliable window cleaner (testimonials available). For a quote call Pete Owen on 07762 616600 [email protected] INSIDE/OUT. Property maintenance, carpentry, decorating, locks fitted, garden maintenance. Tel 01256 882696 or 07713 470223. E-mail: [email protected] LOCAL INDEPENDENT CLEANER Honest and trustworthy, excellent service, excellent references, excellent rates. Telephone 07407543891. LOCAL EXPERIENCED TAX ADVISER. Self assessment tax returns, arrears, claims, payroll, self-employed, VAT returns. Initial consultation

SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS SMALL free. Call 07920112533 or e-mail [email protected] MARK COZENS EXQUISITE GARDENING Do you need a little help in your garden? Available for weekly garden maintenance in the Sherfield Park area. Call 07867 658599 [email protected] DICKINSON’S GARDEN AND TREE MAINTENANCE. Qualified tree surgeon and general garden maintenance - mowing the lawn, hedge cutting, weeding borders and soft landscaping. please contact Graeme on 07955310046 /01256880504 [email protected] MENCAP. We are recruiting in your area and would like to hear from you if you are passionate about supporting people with a learning disability. Visit www.latestvacancies.com/mencap or call Tracy on 07983346341

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Dates for your diary. Stratfield Turgis Parish Annual General Meeting Friday 15th May 2015 at 7:30 pm In the Cricket Pavilion on Stratfield Turgis Recreation Ground. All parishioners welcome

STRATFIELD SAYE PARISH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MONDAY 11TH MAY 2015 AT 7.30P.M. IN THE STRATFIELD SAYE VILLAGE HALL All parishioners welcome

Hook Choral Society - Spring Concert

The concert will take place at 7.30 pm on Saturday 18th April at St John’s Church, London Road, Hook.

The Hook Choral Society Spring Concert is entitled ‘Serenity’ after a work by Ola Gjeilo who is one of the most exciting composers of the 21st century. The programme also includes other beautiful and moving music from Fauré’s ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’ and Parry’s ‘I Was Glad’ to more contemporary pieces by Arvo Pärt, arguably the greatest living composer, as well as works by Harris, Purcell, Rachmaninoff, Rheinberger and Rameau.

Tickets are £12.00 (concessions £10.00 and accompanied children under 11 free) and will be available from Trees Newsagent, Hook or by calling 01256 882067. Page 57

Loddon Valley Link Management ADVERTISING IN THIS MAGAZINE AND ONLINE Small ads are £5 monthly for a maximum of 30 words, space permitting. Requests are dealt with in order. Display Ads, please contact the treasurer below. Advertising enquiries to Pip Iles Tel. 01256 880559 [email protected] Deadline for ads. for next edition is 10th of the month Editor for the April edition – Simon Boase Please submit copy no later than 16th of the month Email: [email protected]

Chairman: Dr. Donald Dawson 01256 882379 ([email protected]) Treasurer: Pip Iles 01256 880559 ([email protected]) Secretary: Ilene Iles 01256 880559 ([email protected]) Committee: Rev. Sammie Armstrong. 01189816593 ([email protected]) Dr. John Williams 01256 882705 ([email protected]) Eileen Leivesley 01256 882938 ([email protected]) Germano Giugovaz 01189 332166 Claire Osborne 01256 324458 ([email protected]) Simon Boase 01256 881250 ([email protected]) Brian Archer 01256 882099 ([email protected]) Jane Abrams 01256 881188 ([email protected]) Church Officers Priest in Charge: Vacancy Assistant Priest: Rev. Sammie Armstrong 01189 816593 ([email protected]) Curate: Rev. John Lenton 01256 880570 Priest responsible for Bramley & Little London Licensed Reader: Richard Elphick 01256 882860 Licensed Reader: Dr. John Williams 01256 882705 Licensed Reader: Andrew Doggart 01256 880092 Church Admin: Lisa Goodall 01256 882788 ([email protected]) ST. LEONARD’S CHURCH, CHURCH END, SHERFIELD ON LODDON, RG27 0JB (no mail) Churchwarden: Peter Gould 01256 882538 Churchwarden: Richard Elphick 01256 882860 Treasurer: Dan Farrow 01256 882680 Organist: Mike Abrams 01256 881188 Organist: Brian Archer 01256 882099 ST. MARY’S CHURCH, STRATFIELD SAYE Churchwarden: Dr. John Williams 01256 882705 Treasurer: Charles Atkinson 01256 882459 Organist: Dr. Gill Williams 01256 882705 ST. MARY’S CHURCH, HARTLEY WESPALL Churchwarden: Pip Iles 01256 880559 Treasurer: Michael Webster 01256 882413 Please note: the Loddon Valley Link Organist: Dr. Gill Williams 01256 82705 Management Committee cannot be held Organist: Andrew Doggart 01256 880092 responsible for the reliability or quality MESSY CHURCH, SHERFIELD PARK of any goods, work or services Leader: Amanda Prince 01256 880733 in this publication. Leader: Carol Armstrong 01189 816593 Page 58 www.Loddonvalleylink.org.uk

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