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2005

Dec 30
Film Award: Fleet actress Raquel Cassidy's latest film, Festival, has won the award for Best Comedy film of the year at the British Comedy Awards. The award was presented by Jack Dee. 
Christmas Baby: Lisa Wigmore and mark Medler from Elvetham Heath estate were the proud parents of a baby boy at 3.17 on Christmas day. Lisa decided to go into Frimley Park hospital for a check up at about 10am. The couple became engaged on Christmas Eve. They have named the boy Jack.
Competition Winner: Six year old Stan Hearn and Hannah Lineker, 10, have both won family tickets to the Starburst production of Cinderella At the Harlington Centre after winning a programme cover design competition. 7 year old Miles Wheway was runner up. Hart District cabinet member Sharyn Wheale presented the prizes.
Fleet v Aldershot: The rearranged Hampshire cup game will be played on Tuesday Jan 10th at Aldershot's Recreation Ground. 

Dec 23
Fund Raisers: Fleet Lions Club and staff at the new Sunrise Senior Living development in Church Rd have joined forces to collect toys and gifts for local children during a local Carole concert. The presents will be handed out to deprived families and individuals.

Dec 8
School On Fire: Children at Church Crookham Infants school were preparing for there annual nativity play when a lighting control switch caught fire and the children had to be evacuated. 12 firefighters from Rushmoor and Fleet carried the control unit outside and then ventilated the school. The play was staged on the following Wednesday.

Dec 2
Mast Fears: Residents in the area of Chesilton Crescent, Portland Drive and Conifer Close in Church Crookham have started a petition to object to Hutchinson 3G putting up a 12 metre mobile phone mast on the pavement near their homes.
Fleet's Best Yet: Sue Collen, Fleet's Town Centre Manager and organiser of the annual Fleet Christmas Festivities said that this years was the best yet. Over £2,500 was raised towards local charities. Held last Wednesday the whole of Fleet Rd was turned into a night of fun with all sorts of entertainments to enjoy for people of all ages. More
Smokeless: Cafe Giardino in Fleet has become the 20th business to join Hart District Council's smoke free zone. 

Nov 30
Sorry, The Libraries Full: Extract from the latest Fleet and District Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter; "The Editor reported that currently 600065000 copies of the newsletter were delivered. The next run would be 6,200 copies. Any surplus were normally left in Fleet library."
Hair Cut Takeover: Brenda Smith, daughter-in-law of Brian Surtees is taking over the long established hairdressers, Hair Cut Sir in Reading Road South. Brian, who had owned the business for the last 35 years, died earlier this year.
Times Are A-Changing: Pubs in the Fleet area started to operate under new licensing laws this week. As far as fleethants.com can find out there are no pubs in the Fleet and Crookham area that have applied for round-the-clock licenses. Click here for a list of new pub closing times.

Nov 23
Rovers Sponsored: Crookham Rovers FC's under 12 team are being sponsored by Urban Rebounding fitness equipment who have provided the squad with new rainproof tops.
Fleet Man Would Have Been Charged: Surrey police have closed their inquiry into the stabbing of Abigail Witchall naming former Salesian College pupil Richard Cazaly as the man they believed carried out the attack. Cazely has since been found dead in Scotland and appeared to have taken his own life.
Police Raid Store: Fleet police have seized hundreds of bottles and cans of alcohol from the Heatherside Stores in Reading Rd South. The police claim that the shop does not have a licence to sell alcohol.
18 Hours Selling Alcohol: Esso Glenlands Service Station in Reading Rd South have applied for a licence to sell alcohol for 18 hours a day. A hearing at Hart Council will decide after complaints from residents in Glen Rd, Clarence Rd and Albert Street.
Do You Want An Allotment?: Green campaigner Maria Keith, Fleet rep of north and east Hampshire Green Party has called upon residents to lobby the Hart District Council to provide adequate allocation of allotments for Fleet and Church Crookham. Anyone interested can contact Ms Keith at maria@nehantsgreenparty.org.uk or call 07967 276052.

Nov 10
Swimming Record: Fleet swimmer Tom Greenwood set a new British record of 25.75 secs competing in the 50m freestyle in the 45-49 age group.

Nov 4

Fleet Pond Safe: Goverment advice has stated that there is no  danger to the public of avian bird flu in the birds continuing use of Fleet Pond.
Phone Robbery: A delivery driver was abducted by robbers who stole thousands of pounds worth of mobile phones from his van in Cove Rd, Fleet.
Boot Fairs: Boot Fairs could be introduced in the Victoria Rd car park next summer. A request for a licence from April is being made to the Hart Council.

Oct 28
100ft Mobile Mast: Mobile phone company Orange have plans to build a 30metre mast in woodland at the former sewage works off Aldershot Rd, Church Crookham. Residents are fighting to stop the mast which will overshadow their homes.
Road Closed: Fleet Rd will be closed from the Oatsheaf junction to Upper Street from 31 Oct to 12 November. Drivers can expect delays.
Boy Found: Brendon Airs who was last seen in Tavistock Rd on Oct 12 has been found on Monday 24 Oct in Aldershot by police officers conducting house to house inquiries.
Development Story: Elvetham Heath developers have produced  a brochure called "The Elvetham Heath Story" to celebrate the anniversary of the development which has more than 1,450 homes occupied since the year 2000.

Oct 21
Pensioners Move Fear: Sentinel Housing association has outlined plans to knock down homes in Campbell Close, Fleet and replace them with 60 flats. Residents do not want to move while the work takes place stating that they are happy were they are and were also confused about the move saying they were used to living in there little bungalows, not a block of flats.

Oct 14
Tsunami Trail: Fleet's James Holt and friend Andy Sheppard from Ash Vale have left for Sri Lanka to help raise £5,000 for the tsunami disaster. Sponsored by The International Childcare Trust they will make a 400km trip which should take about 5 days.

Oct 6
Football Sponsors: Crookham Rovers FC have landed a 33 year old club record sponsorship deal with Amazon Windows and Doors. The club provides football for more than 180 boys aged between 7 and 17. If you are interested phone Nigel Lennard on 01252 624237.
Wine Bar Death: Manuel Mendez boss of the former Manuel's Wine Bar in Fleet has died in his native Spain. He ran the bar for 18 years before retiring in 2000. He was 62.
More Flights: Campaigners from Church Crookham living under the Farnborough Airport flight path are angry that they were not consulted about a proposed plan to increase annual movements from 2,500 to 5,000 at weekends.
Bin Probe: There is to be an all-party probe into Harts plans to introduce an alternate week waste collection system where recyclable waste is collected one week and black bin waste the next.
Butterfly Effect: 9 year old Anastasia Watson has won a contest organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and Fleet Tourist Office to design a butterfly. The contest was organised to help promote a new book  called Blackwater Valley Butterflies by Fleet resident Peter Martin. The book costs £2.50 and is available in tourist information centres.
Milly's Fund Closes: The charity fund set up by the family of Milly Dowler to help promote teenagers' personal safety is closing three and a half years after she disappeared. It raised more than £800,000.
Vicki's Victory: Fleet athlete Vicki Hansfors has won the 100m gold medal in the recent Wheelchair and Amputee World Games at Rio de Janeiro.

28 Sep
Cheers: The Prince Arthur pub in Fleet Rd is the only pub in Fleet to be mentioned in "The Good Beer Guide 2006" compiled by the Campaign for Real Ale.
Drinking Bans: From Saturday 1 Oct police will have the power to control drinking by confiscating alcohol if people refuse their requests to stop drinking. Fines of up to £500 can result from refusal to cooperate. (Click here for a list of public places were the ban will take place)
Its Your Birthday: Matthew Webster manager of the Propaganda  Music Canteen in Fleet Rd is offering a free meal to anyone who can prove its their birthday. The offer is only available on their birthday. For more details call 620198 or visit www.musiccanteen.co.uk  

16 Sep
New Home: Fleet Hockey Club are moving to a new pavilion in Aldershot which they will share with Army hockey teams. Rob Scott of Fleet Hockey Club said "The Army hockey Club is very keen to have a relationship with the civilian clubs and we think this will be a great community facility. The development cost £850,000.

9 Sep
United Fight: Three groups of residents have joined forces and called on local MP James Arbuthnot for support in their fight to stop new developments in Kings Rd, Clarence Rd and Wood Lane.
Stylish Nomination: Heidi Davison from Wella salon Marc Antoni has been nominated for the British Hairdressing Awards Newcomer of the Year title.
Too Noisy: There have been complaints by local residents that noise from the new skateboard park in the views is oppressive. They state that readings taken at the park were during the lunch hour when levels would have been quieter. 
Set Aside: Donna Lambert fell asleep on a train going to Fleet and woke up on a locked train in sidings 40 miles from her home in Crondal. Donna used her mobile phone to get help and police eventually found her at 2am. South West trains have apologised and paid her £75 taxi fare home.
Outside Toilets: Hart Council is proposing to build flats for homeless people above the public toilets in Victoria Rd. The loos are in need of refurbishment at a cost of £158,000.

1 Sep
Local School Results:

26 Aug
Traders Celebrate: Fleet traders have held a party at El Castello restaurant in Fleet Rd to celebrate the start of the Fleet Town Centre improvement works. 20,000 leaflets have been sent out explaining the works and have been well received. Traders are sending out the message that despite the works all shops are still very much open for business.
Harts Public Health: A Public Health Annual Report has placed Hart District top of the list as the least deprived in England.
Fire Risk: Firefighters were called to a flat in Turgis Rd at Elvetham Heath after it had been sprayed with a flammable liquid and set alight. Fortunately the fire had burned out by the time they arrived. The police want to hear from anybody who saw anything suspicious on Aug 15 at about 10pm.
Race Called Off: This years popular Fleet 10Km road race has had to be called off due to the extensive roadwork's taking place in the town centre. It was due to take place on Oct 23.
Open All Hours: Jaxx night club has applied to stay open until 3.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and until 2.30am on Thursday nights. Fleet police are objecting on grounds of public nuisance.
Swimming For Charity: Stephanie McAllister of Pear Tree Ave who suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and spondylosis of the thoracic and cervical spine has completed a 7,000 metre sponsored swim at Farnborogh Recreational Centre. She is trying to raise money for a sports wheelchair and an everyday chair. To make a donation call Stephanie on 01252 810570 or email stephmcallister@gmail.com 
Spraying Yobs: Yobs have sprayed tough cavity wall sealant on several parked cars along Clarence Rd, Church Rd and Connaught Rd 

19 Aug
MP's Appeal: Local Tory MP James Arbuthnot has appealed for people living in the Hart District with various skills and expertise in planning matters to help with appeals to government with regard to the stopping of further developments such as that at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks. If you can help write to Mr. Arbuthnot at 14a Butts Rd, Alton, Hants. GU34 1ND or email james@nehants-conservative.org.uk with the heading QE Barracks.
Married 60 Years: Fleet couple Jim and Dorothy Dawson have received a message from the Queen congratulating them on their diamond wedding anniversary. Jim and Dorothy met in Oxford in 1941.

12 Aug: 
New President: Former Clarke's butcher Mr. Paton has become the new president of Fleet Rotary Club.
Top Shot: Fleet teenager Private Mark Wylie has become the youngest person to become a member of the elite TA50 club the top 50 shots in the TA.

5 Aug
At Last: Work starts on the transformation of Fleet town centre on 8th Aug. It is expected to take 8 months to complete with a break at Christmas to ensure retail shops do not lose out on this vital shopping time.
Last Orders Please: Brian and Val Fulker have left Delia Fruiterers in Linkway Parade after 30 years. Brian said he thinks he deserves a rest after getting up at three in the morning and working until 6 at night for the last 30 years.

29 July
End To Silt Problem?: For 30 years silt has washed down from the Army land around Long Valley and entered Fleet Pond. Fleet Pond Society have called for help to solve the growing problem and the MOD have given assurances that solutions will be found. Gelvert Stream which flows into the pond will be monitored and the ponds silt will be analyzed. Pond Society chairman Colin Gray thanked MP James Arbuthnot for taking the matter to the minister concerned.
No Blue Triangle Care Home: Hart Council have thrown out an application  to build a 64 bedroomed care home  in place of two large detached houses in Victoria Hill Rd.
Raquel's Success: Fleet actress Raquel Cassidy stars in her first major film "Festival" which has just gone on general release. It has been described as "one of the best ensemble tragi-comedies since Robert Altman's heyday". 
Bus To Go: Stagecoach bus route 75 which serves Fleet Station to The Verne is to be axed in a number of cuts to save Hampshire County Council £187,000 a year.
New Church: Work on the £2 million "Church on the Heath" will soon start at the new Elvetham Heath Estate. Supporters can buy bricks at £5 each by calling Mr. Price on 01252 695067.

22 July
Great Skating: Cllr Sharyn Wheale has opened Fleet's new skateboard park near the views. Built as part of the New Fleet Plan the park is one of the best in the area and much larger than the previous park which it has replaced.
Plans Thrown Out: Hart District Council's planning committee have thrown out plans to build 1,132 new homes on the former QEB site in Church Crookham. Developer Tayler Woodrow is considering an appeal.
Allotments: Green Party member Maria Keith has started a campaign to provide an adequate allocation of allotments for Fleet. Over the past years Fleet has seen three allotments make way for building development.
Car Success: About 3,000 people attended a motoring extravaganza at Elvetham Heath. All proceeds go to the estates school and church.

15 July
Andy Opens Shop: TV presenter Andy Collins has opened a new kitchen studio, Daden Interiors, at 347 Fleet Rd. 
No New Pub: Plans to turn the Help the Aged shop in Fleet Rd into another pub have been turned down by Hart Councils Planning Committee.
Gurkha Walk: Caroline Malone and her son Dan from Church Crookham will be taking part in a 62 mile walk to raise £1,500 for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust in Nepal. To support them visit www.bmycharity.com/v2/carolinemalone 

8 July
Meeting Chaos: A debate on the new mini town at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks has been deferred due to the hundreds of people trying to attend the meeting at the Harlington Centre. The meeting is to be rearranged at the Princes Hall in Aldershot.
Needle Shock: A five year old boy was cut by a hypodermic needle whilst playing in Oakley Park. The boy will have to undergo blood tests for the next 6 months to see if anything develops.
Old Mobile Phones: Morrisons supermarket staff are raising money for a Breast Cancer Campaign by handing out freepost envelopes so that customers can send their old mobile phones away to be recycled.

New Look Pub: The Hogshead pub in Fleet Rd has been transformed into a Propaganda Music Canteen with an electric mix of eating, drinking and entertainment. Only over 20's allowed.
Retailers Angry: Retailers attending a Fleet New  Plan meeting at the Harlington Centre were angry at the delays in finishing the Victoria Rd car park. One claimed that she had lost thousands of pounds due to reduced footfall. They urged the council to consider free parking during the months ahead when the Fleet Rd improvements are taking place.

24 June
Accidents: A 34 year old motorcyclist was thrown of his bike when he collided with a Honda Civic turning into Knoll Rd. Nether rider was injured but witnesses should call 0845 0454545 and ask for PC Dobson. Police are also appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist died on the B3013 Minley Rd when he collided with a blue Laguna. Again witnesses should ring 0845 0454545.
Playground Revamped: Oakley Park playground has been resurfaced and all the old equipment replaced after pressure from a local group of parents who complained at the state of the old playground which had very little equipment and was covered with broken glass.

17 June
A Mothers Thank You: Angie Lalanne and three other mothers who are grateful to Frimley Park Hospital for help they received after the premature birth of their children have set up a fund to raise money towards a new incubator. So far they have raised £1,140 by holding a baby and toddlers fair at Velmead Community Centre.
First Class Petunia: Eight year old Church Crookham Junior School pupil Zoe Westwood has won the regional champion title in the baby Bio National Schools Growing competition which was judged at Redfields Garden Centre. She grew her winning potted petunia on the dining room window sill.
Ticket Mania: A Fleet traffic warden issued a ticket to a Chevrolet which was parked on private land outside North Hants Tyres. One of the managers tried to explain to the warden that it was private land but was not believed. Later the council admitted its error

10 June
Parking Charges Increase: Hart District Council have increased parking charges by a massive 122% from 1997-98 to 2003-04. 
Open Longer: The Wyvern pub in Aldershot Rd, Church Crookham is the first in Hart to apply for a 24 hour drinking licence.
Probus Club: A new Probus Club has been formed by a group of woman in Fleet. It is known as the Fugelmere Ladies Probus Club. The club places emphasis on friendship, care and enjoyment. Contact Pat Grist on 01252 684584.

3 June
Welcome Community Support Officer: Welcome Break at Fleet Services have hired PCSO Karen East to prevent car break-ins. A spokesman said "We strive to work closely with police authorities on efforts to crack down on any matters of security or personal safety.

New Football Manager: Former England, Tottenham and QPR player Andy Sinton has become the new manager for Fleet Town FC. 

25 May

Carnival Programme Winner: Millie Hagart from Church Crookham Junior School has won this years competition to design the front cover of the 50th Jubilee carnival  programme. More     Photo courtesy of WhataPhoto

Millie

Benches Set On Fire: Six new benches which had been installed by volunteers from RAF Odiham Fire Station at Fleet Pond's Sandy Bay have been destroyed by fire the very following day. Fleet Ponds Chairman Colin Gray can be contacted on 01252 616183 if anyone has information that could lead to the arrest of the vandals who committed this crime.

New Paper: Alan Franklin has launched a new free newspaper "The Free Press" which will cover the Fleet area, the  Blackwater Valley and A30 corridor. Alan recently retired from editing The Star newspaper. 

19 May
Costly Accommodation: The flats at the new development on the old Rose Farm Diary site in Fleet Rd are being offered at about £180,000. The retail shops are going for £350,000.

Bikers Farewell: More than 50 bikers followed the funeral of John Martin aged 53 of Church Crookham who died of a heart attack during a family barbecue on Sun May 1st. John was a respected motorcycle trader.

14 May
New Headteacher For Calthorpe Park School: Catherine Anwar has been selected as the new headteacher to take over from Kit Heason who is to be replaced in September and is moving on to new challenges after 17 years at the school. Mrs. Anwar is currently deputy headteacher at Weydon School in Farnham. Calthorpe Park School also becomes a specialist mathematics and computing school in September.
Withdrawn Pub Application Resubmitted: An application to turn the Help the Aged shop in Fleet Rd into a pub has been resubmitted. It was withdrawn two weeks ago. Protests have now to be resubmitted. The application is similar to the previous one apart from a technicality.
Pictures Of New Bridge: 

9 May
Local Drug Taking: Evidence of drug taking has been found at the Basingbourne Rd area near a park popular with local youngsters. A resident found a number of needles used for heroin in the back garden.
Bikes Charity: Fleet Lions have raised an estimated £2,000 for charity as about 400 classic motorcycles packed Victoria Rd car park. Although the current building works produced a reduced area that was not expected it was still a success.
Election Results: Mr. James Arbuthnot was returned as Conservative MP for NE Hants with a massive majority. Click here for all the local election results.
Close call: Needing a draw to be sure of avoiding relegation Fleet Town FC lost 4 - 1 to Met Police but fortunately both relegation rivals Ashford Town and Dorking lost thus Fleet avoided the drop.

4 May
Carnival Princess Crowned: This year’s Princess is Rebecca Eales age 11 who attends Church Crookham Junior School, she loves swimming and athletics. Her attendants are Ella Jennings age 11 who goes to Calthorpe secondary school and Olivia Cure age 8 from Velmead Junior school. Full Story and Pictures

28 April
Logical Success: Local company, Fleet Logic has won a 2005 Queen's award for innovation for playing a leading role in the development of chip and pin technology.
No Pub: A developer has withdrawn his application to open a pub on the Help the Aged site in Fleet Rd.
Rape Appearance: Fleet teenager David Sutherland has been charged with two offences of rape and one of attempted rape.
New Headteacher: Current Deputy head of Court Moor School Beverly Stevens will take over as headteacher from Ken Storey on Sep 1st. She said she was completely overwhelmed with getting her dream job in her dream school.
Bin Speeds: Councillor Peter Hutcheson is asking residents to display warning signs on their wheelie bins in an attempt to alert motorists of speed restrictions.

15 April
Last Bus: Bill Smith who lived in Fleet most of his life and spent 50 years of his life driving buses and coaches died last week. He was carried to his final resting place in a vintage Aldershot & District Traction Company bus.
Fleet Rower: Malcolm Knight from Pondtail Close rowed down the Thames from Lechdale in Gloucestershire to Gravesend in Kent in 43 hours and 40 mins beating the old record of 60 hours for the 165 mile trip. His journey was in aid of the Rowing Foundation and the MacMillan Cancer Relief. 
Silver Jubilee Celebration: Wood Lane Playschool is having a family day on Fri May 20th at Wellington Country Park to celebrate 25 years. The school was established by Liz Hume-Write in 1980. Former pupils and staff wanting to attend should contact 01252 616950.
Signs of the Times: Hart Council has turned down two additional signs put up by a Fleet hairdressing salon and beauty parlour located at 2 Aldershot Rd adjacent to the Basingstoke canal as an "excessive" display that harmed the street scene and the character of the canal. There are already two sign there.

12 April: 
Out With The Old: 

8 April
CD Tribute: Fleet Guitarist Dean Hughes has recorded a CD tribute to his son Daniel who died from B Strep last year. Dean and his wife Sarah hope that the CD will raise awareness of the devastating infection which most expectant families have never heard of. Proceeds will go to Group B Strep Support charity. The CD called Wildflowers, which  contains songs that he would have wished Daniel could have heard, can be purchased from the charity by calling 01444 416176 or by visiting www.gbss.org.uk 
Police Station Improvements: At a cost of £52,000 Fleet police station has had a number of facilities improved to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. 
Jaxx Assault: Police are looking for witnesses to an assault on a 24 year old man at the Jaxx night club at 12.30am on April 3rd. Call Det Con Ian Cullen on 0845 0454545 with any information.
Rugby Champions: Aldershot & Fleet Rugby team have been crowned champions of Hampshire 2nd division.

6 April
Polling Station Move: Fleet Courtmoor Ward polling station is moving to Church Crookham Baptist Church on Basingbourne Rd.
Can You Afford It: Hart Council have decreed that 20% of the 1,868 homes to be built at Elvetham Heath must be affordable homes either for rent or under shared ownership schemes. People wanting to know more about shared ownership should contact Kelly Gill on 01252 788723 or email Kelly. gill@hart.gov.uk .
New Political Force: The Community Campaign Hart (CCH) group has picked Simon Ambler as its candidate for Church Crookham West's by-election on May 5th. The seat has been vacated by Tory Michael Poulton's resignation.
Fire Sweeps Reserve: Young arsonists are thought to have set fire to two acres of heathland within the estate's nature reserve. Considerable damage has been done to the environment which had been cultivated to attract wildlife.
Hair Finalist: Carly Roberts, who works at Marc Antoni hairdressers in Fleet Rd, has reached the finals of the 50th Anniversary L'Oreal Colour Trophy at the Novatel in Hammersmith.

30 Mar
100 Not Out: Kitty Gent who lives in Pinewood Hill, Fleet has celebrated her 100th birthday. Her secret, she says, is hard work. Kitty also enjoys a glass of sherry.
Tories Resign: No less than three Tory councillors have resigned. Mark Fullbrook, Roger Jones and Michael Poulton all resigned now to save council tax payers money in election costs. 
Marathon Winner: The winner of this years Fleet Half Marathon was Haggi Chepkwony. His time of one hour, six minutes and eighteen seconds was a course record. knocking almost 2 minutes of the course record set last year.
Yes and No: Numbers 30 and 32 Fleet Rd are to be knocked down to be replaced by a three storey development. However numbers 335-337 Fleet Rd have been refused permission for three new flats.

25 Mar
Flute Award: Ten year old Victoria Wilson from Fleet has won the junior flute section in the Hart Young Musician of the Year awards.
Park Plans Slammed: Plans to build a large warehouse and distribution park between Fleet and Farnborough will bring the area to its knees according to the Fleet and Crookham Civic Society. It believes that the infrastructure of Fleet, already under considerable strain, would  be exacerbated.
Milly Link: A red Daewoo Nexia  with a possible registration in 1996 has been found on CCTV footage which showed the car in Copenhagen Way, which is very near to the Walton-on Thames train station, at about the time Milly disappeared. The police are appealing for anyone who may have information about this car to call Surrey Police on 0845 1252222 or call Crimestopers anonymously on 0800 555111.

17 Mar
Heartening Success: Jean Burgess, Sue Pointon, Brian Poulter, Jamie Madden, Claire Murphy, Lisa Reid and Ada Pawson from the British Heart Foundation shop in Fleet collected more than £340 for British Heart Nurses when they dressed up and collected from outside their shop in Fleet.
For Sale: The removal of the old Skateboard Park in the views will be started after Easter. A new improved park is to be built further into the Views to allow for a new link road between Victoria Rd car park and Harlington Way. The old park is up for sale. Contact Sharyn Wheale by email on    sharynw@ntlworld.com    if you are interested.
Works Along Fleet Rd: Fleet Rd will be closed in sections to allow for SE Water to carry out major works. The work is being completed ahead of further disruption due to take place after Easter for the Fleet Centre Improvements.

4 March: 
Walking Rights: Police have advised walkers to stay away from Tweseldown Racecourse as the battle for roaming rights heightens Holes have been cut into new fencing placed around the course.
Sewage Action: MP James Arbuthnot has called for action to put a stop to the continued failure of the sewage system in Fleet which causes flooding. He says that the larger than inflation rises in water charges leave no excuse for the water companies not to take action now.

25 Feb
650,000 More Houses: The Regional Assembly for the South East has recently published, for consultation, a draft Plan for the South East. This proposes as many as 640,000 new houses in the South East by 2026. To find out more come to a public meeting at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 2 March 2005,  Civic Offices, Harlington Way, Fleet
Stephen Gorys, Hart District Councillor and Jonathan Glen, Hart District and Hampshire County Councillor will expand on the plans and answer questions
Snow Finally Arrives:
After anticipation on Thursday when the forecast was for lots of snow, which ended up to be a sprinkling of snow and sleet, snow finally fell in Fleet on Fri morning although by the afternoon most of it had melted.
Sad Loss: Brian Surtees, for 40 years the owner of Hair Cuts Sir salon in Fleet, has died suddenly aged 61. Staff and customers paid their last respects as the horse drawn coffin, he always expressed a wish for, passed by his Fleet Shop.

20 Feb
Fifth Best in World: Fleet indoor rower Carol Dunbar came fifth in the world whilst competing in the 30-39 lightweight category at the World Championships in Boston, USA.
Tyred of Thieves: Derek Bell, boss of Lynchford Tyres in Kings Rd has put up a £2000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the thieves who have raided his premises three times in four days.

12 Feb
Fleet Rd Water Works: Starting in Early March, Pipeway Ltd., Contractors for South East Water will undertake mains rehabilitation work in advance of the highway works along Fleet Road. (click here for more information)

4 Feb: 
At Last: On Monday 7th Feb work will start on the removal of the Elvetham Heath Rd chicanes. The road will be closed for 4 weeks.
Tsunami Pennies: Fleet Infant School pupils are collecting 150,000 pennies towards victims of the tsunami. The school cleaner, Colin Phillips is doing a sponsored run which includes running up Beacon Hill twice.
Minitown Snag: A draft planning brief for the Queen Elizabeth Barracks development has been rejected by the Conservatives on Hart District Council amid fears of severe congestion which could result from the existing plans.
Duel Exit: Both Kit Heasman, who has completed 17 years as headteacher at Calthorpe Park School and Ken Shorley 18 years headteacher at  Courtmoor School have announced their retirement from Fleet's two secondary schools.
Ebay Challenge: Colin Humphries, Rob Lloyd, Ros King and Analisa Cotton, all from Fleet, have set up a website which enables people to swap goods. The site is www.theswapstore.net 

28 Jan:
Library Success: Fleet Library visitor numbers have increased by 43% since its summer refurbishment and ten hours extra opening time.
Inactive: Church Crookham West councillor Michael Poultin is under pressure to resign after coming under fire for from opposition parties who claim that he is not actively representing his electorate.
Cheaper Homes: INplace has built 75 new homes on Britain's richest estate Elvetham Heath. The timber frame houses and flats are available for rent and shared ownership to  anyone from young first time buyers to pensioners.

20 Jan:
Blueprint Criticized: Fleet Hospital blueprint for treating the elderly has been criticized for not addressing the problem of providing enough beds to cope with the areas fast growing population. Demands for six beds to be put into existing offices have been turned down due to the cost.

14 Jan
Smarties Guild: Fleet Morning Townswoman's Guild member have found a novel way of raising money for Naomi House. They raised more than £1,000 of a total of £2,210 by filling empty Smartie Tubes with money.
School Accreditation: Tavistock Infant School in Fleet has won a prestigious accreditation by Ofsted.
Talented Violinist: Local violinist Eloisa-Fleur Thom, aged 16, will play Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with the Farnborough Symphony Orchestra on Sat Jan 22nd. Eloisa studies with Maurice Hasson.
PO To Go: The sub-post office in Reading Rd South is to go. Postmistress Mrs. N. Patel will be closing the PO on Feb 2. The nearest PO for local residents will be in Fleet Rd.
Record Football Crowd: Fleet Town's Calthorpe Park ground had a record crowd of 1,336 when the reformed Wimbledon visited on Sat. Wimbledon won 3-1.

7 Jan
Raquel's Part: Fleet actress Raquel Cassidy has landed a part in a new BBC1 sitcom. She plays Chris in "According to Bex". Raquel previously played Susan in the channel Four hit "Teachers"
Advent Winner: Helen Priston has won the Fleet Town Centre Managers Advent Calendar competition. She won a luxury weekend for two at the Lismoyne Hotel in Fleet.


1 Jan
Rotary Collections Record: The Rotary Club of Fleet collected an astonishing £9957.32p in two days, 30th and 31st Dec 04,  in Fleet Rd and the vicinity of Hart Shopping Centre for the Tsunami Disaster Fund. Also a new record of £10,022 was collected in the local area during the Rotarians annual Christmas collections.

2004    TOP

31 Dec
Taxi Treat: A team of six taxis,  organised by Hart Operators Drivers and Proprietors, took 32 special needs people with their carers to a pantomime in Fleet. Afterwards they were treated to a meal by McDonalds.
Homes Refused: Application for four homes to be built behind two existing homes in Grenville Drive has been refused. The Council said the homes would be cramped and spoil the character of the area.
Fleet Pond Health Concern: Colin Gray, chairman of Fleet Pond Society, has expressed concern at the increase risk of dangerous toxocara worm due to dog excrement around Fleet Pond. He stated that responsible dog owners should either collect and take the waste home or place it in one of the dog bins provided.

24 Dec
Overdose Verdict: A coroner has recorded a verdict of misadventure on the death of Darren Barnes from Church Crookham. Mr. Barnes was found dead on his bed on October 11 after a call from a neighbour alerted the police.
Lots of Turkeys: Fleet Butchers Clarke's have sold about 550 turkeys in the run up to Christmas. 

17 Dec
Fundraising Trek: Val Pryor, whose son Iain suffered massive head injuries after he was involved in a car accident as he crossed the road in Fleet, is organising an epic seven day fundraising trip up Mount Kilimanjaro. Money raised will go to Headway, the brain injury association which has helped Iain. Val is looking for 20 people to take part. More info on 01252 819805
Another Application: Berkley Community Villages has put in another application to build a 300-home development in Hitches Lane. John Prescott has already turned down a similar application. This is the third application to build on land adjacent to Hitches Lane.
PO To Close: Reading Rd Post Office is to close. The closure date will be announced soon.
Mast Permission Withdrawn: Roadwheel has withdrawn permission to build a mobile phone mast on its chimney in Kings Rd after discussions with local residents.
New Cat Book: Fleet resident Jenny Rayner's book called Theo's Great Adventure is now available in Mahler The Bookseller in the Hart Shopping Centre. Jenny says she always wanted to write a book and decided to write about her cat Theo and the adventures of his colourful life.
Girl Assaulted: An 18 year old woman was sexually assaulted as she was walking home from Jaxx Nightclub. She was dragged into the driveway of a house in Keats Gds. The attacker was described as white, aged 16-18. He fled towards Kings Rd with most of her clothes and her handbag which were later recovered. Witnesses should call DC Ian Turner on 0845 045 45 45 or anonymously on 0800 555 111.

9 Dec
Party Brawl: Police were called to Fleet Town FC after a brawl at an 18th birthday party at the clubhouse. Following refurbishment this will be the last 18th birthday party to be held. There are now no venues in Fleet that will cater for 18th birthday parties.
Official Chicanery: It is now official, the dreaded Elvetham Heath Rd chicanes are to be demolished early in Spring at a cost of £30,000. There will then be a review following the completion of the Fleet Town Centre plan improvements.
School Award: Church Crookham Junior School has gained the Investors in People Award as well as an impressive Ofsted report.
Parking Confusion: A long term problem about understanding parking charges for all night parking at the Gurka Sq Car park outside the Harlington Centre hit people attending a concert. Up to £3 was inserted into the machines to try to ensure that a correct ticket was purchased. Hart Council continue to state that the instructions are plain for all to see. (Fleethants.com  comment; If they were plain to see why are people confused? Why don't Hart Council understand?)

2 Dec:
Successful Festivities: Over 10,000 people attended this years Fleet Christmas Festivities organised by FTCG manager Sue Collen  who said "I have never seen so many people in Fleet which was buzzing". The lights were switched on by the lights raffle draw winner Lesley Leather and Mark Chivers from 96.4 Eagle Radio.
Ten-Metre Mast: A mobile phone mast application for Elvetham Heath Rd is being fought by local residents who claim the companies seeking permission to put up the masts are waging a war of attrition as two similar applications have already been turned down. Local resident Peter Eldridge said the residents will not give up the fight. 

25 Nov
Plans Crushed: Plans to knock down a bungalow in Kenilworth Rd and replace it with a block of four flats have been turned down by Hart Planning committee.
School Objection: Heatherside School governors have objected to plans to build a block of flats which would overlook the school's playground. There are concerns over privacy, shade, animal fouling and safe access to the school.
Loo Awards: Fleet's "Welcome Break" Services on the M3 have been given a four star rating for its southbound toilets and a three star rating for its northbound toilets in the 2004 Loo of the Year competition.

19 Nov
End in Site: The Elvetham Heath chicanes may be removed early in the new year. Councillor Sharyn Wheale wants the chicanes removed at no cost to the taxpayer. She also demands that the road is "cleared" and alternatives to controlling speed, such as cameras, are discussed after the removal of the chicanes.
Fleet Pond Development: More than 200 people have objected to plans to build new homes close to Fleet Pond. Environmental problems were the main concerns of the objectors.
Taxi Wish: A team of ten taxis will be taking 42 people with special needs to watch a panto in Basingstoke.

15 Nov
FTCG Xmas Raffle: Nearly £2000 has been collected for the FTCG raffle organised by the FTC Manager Sue Collen. The money is to go towards new Christmas lights. Winner Lesley Leather of Resource Recruitment won a Waitrose trolley full goodies.

10 Nov
Guy Fawkes Artwork: fleethants.com's  children's Guy Fawkes art competitions overall winner was Karen Ellis from Velmead school. Full Results.

7 Nov
Scrabble Hope: Fleet Morning Townswomen's Guild member Penny Robinson has won the right to represent the guild at this years National Scrabble Final. She has been playing scrabble for 15 years.
Goodbye to Joe: Hundreds of mourners have drunk a final farewell to  popular member of Albert Street Social Club Joe Barrett. Friends & family travelled from around England to say farewell to Joe who was a well known and much loved man.
All For Michelle: Staff at Fleet's Lloyds TSB bank have been amazed at the generosity of the people of Fleet who have given £1,5000 for Michelle Horton who has leukemia.
Stocks Replaced: Hampshire County councillor John Stocks has been de-selected by the Tory party and replaced by a delighted Hart councillor Sharyn Wheale. 
Latest Plan: Developers Taylor Woodrow's have unveiled their latest plan for the development of the former Gurkha camp at Church Crookham. It includes 1132 houses and more recreational areas.
Scouts Awards: Four Fleet Explorer Scouts, Richard Bennett, Rachel Kelham, Carla Denyer and Jared Cajiuat, have achieved the Duke of Edinburgh's bronze awards. They are the first scouts in the district to achieve the awards.

2 Nov
Chicanery To End: Elvetham Rd's infamous chicanes may be removed after all. Hart District Council have voted to remove the chicanes and to discuss alternative traffic calming measures.

27 Oct
Fleet Rd to be Dug Up: From April 2005 Fleet Rd is to be dug up and re-laid in sections from Kings Rd to the Reading Rd North/South traffic lights. The work will take 6 months to complete and may effect the Carnival procession and Fleet Festivities event.
Carnival Theme: The carnival theme for 2005's golden jubilee is "Fifty Glorious Years". The Carnival committee hope to put on a bumper show with extra events and possibly two marques instead of the normal one.
Peter Remembered: Peter Driver, who  won the six mile gold medal in the 1964 Empire games,  was remembered last week by hundreds of runners who ran in the Memorial 10K event last week. Toby Lambert won in a time of 31min 30sec. Peter moved to Fleet in 1961.

15 Oct
Linking Bridge: A million pound footbridge will be opened to the public in the new year. The bridge will link the Elvetham Heath development with the rest of Fleet. The bridge will soon be lifted into place across the railway line at the Church Rd junction along Elvetham Heath Rd.
Beware Cyclists: Police have launched a crackdown on cyclists who ride on pavements in the Fleet area. Offenders will get an on the spot fine of £30.
Stylists Success: Heidi Davison and Dean Gregory of Marc Antoni in Fleet Rd have made it to the final 12 of the Fellowship Academy of Merit and Excellence team. Five will be selected to form the final team whose work will include styling for Vougue magazine.
On Time Again: The landmark clock above the Emporium has been repaired and is now working thanks to The Rotary Club who funded the part and Roger Cockram of Cockram Jewellers in Fleet Rd who repaired it. FTCG manager Sue Collen co-ordinated the effort to restore the clock.

7 Oct
Garden Waste: The good news is that if you subscribed to the "green bag" service from Hart Council you are now able to purchase 10 bio-degradable sacks  for £5.50 to help cope with the Autumn leaves. The bad news is that fly tipping is rampant throughout the area.
Gurkhas Return: Hundreds of Gurkha soldiers where cheered by a large crowd who had gathered in Gurkha Sq on Sunday. The soldiers are fighting for the right to British citizenship.
Lottery Grant: An award of £4,353 has been made to the Rushmoor Concert Band. The band director Leader Len Tyler said "He couldn't be more pleased. 

1 Oct
Andy Opens Library: Fleet Town FC's developments manager, Andy Sinton, opened a new library and information Centre at Tavistock Infant School. Andy, former star of QPR, Tottenham and Sheffield Wednesday, told the children how lucky they were to get such a new facility and encouraged them to ask their parents to take them down to the FC to support the local team.
Sharyn's Support: Councillor Sharyn Wheale, who has recently had treatment for breast cancer, has lent her support to a coffee morning held to raise £250 towards the Macmillan Nurses charity. 

Sep 26
Firefighters Car Wash: Fleet fireman made £315 for the Fire Service Fund by cleaning cars at their station in Connaught Rd. Two cars drove off without making a contribution.
Happy Residents: In a survey conducted by Elvetham Heath Developments 87% of residents gave their seal of approval for the estate.
Renamed Supermarket: Fleet's Safeway shop on the Elvetham Heath estate is to become Morrisons. Over 100 new jobs have been created for the opening on Oct 7th.

Sep 20
Park Protest: More than 200 people have signed a petition in protest at the dangerous condition of Oakley Park. A mosaic made of sharp glass pieces has been made from glass found in the park and the play area has not been fit to use since the beginning of the year.
New Medical Centre; Partners at Fleet's Richmond surgery are putting forward plans to build a new surgery on the site of the old Shotts nightclub at the Peter Driver sports facilities which was burnt down in Feb 2000 and has been left as an eyesore ever since.
New Retirement Home: Planning officials have recommended approval of a 33 apartment retirement home to replace three homes in Branksomewood Rd. One of the homes is a 19th century Adcote and local residents are protesting that the area is becoming a retirement village and also that Adcote is one of the oldest houses in Fleet.
Carnival Changes: Fleet Carnival Chairman, Mike Hitchens, and Secretary Sue Mclaren  both resigned their posts at the Carnival AGM. The new chairman is Justin Dale and Secretary Donatella Maschio. A bumper Carnival is forecast for next years 50th Jubilee. 
Wild life Danger: Fleet Pond Society members are concerned that plans to build 200 flats and 20 houses on land between Fleet Pond and the railway station would cause the pond wildlife to suffer through an increase in cats and dogs as well as people.

Sep 15
New Minister: The Rev. Stephen Thornton has been welcomed as the new minister for Fleet United Reform Church. He has two children. Mark and Jill. 

Sep 10
Help For Romanian Children: Matthew Gibson, a young musician from Elms Rd in Fleet, is joining a team from "Aid to Children Everywhere" going to Romania to help children in need. The group will travel by road and then spend ten days working in Romania before travelling back. Matthew found out about the trip from a stall at the Fleet Carnival.
Just Missed Promotion: Fleet Cricket team just missed out on promotion as rivals Hampton Hill took the first place and promotion by beating Chenies & Latimer. Fleet skipper Tim Downes praised his side saying "We have had a fantastic season. If we can keep this side we could go one step further next season.

Aug 30
Survey Flawed: Hart District Council are asking for people to send in their views on the proposed humps to be added to Elvetham Rd. They are saying that the County Council survey which stated that there was a strong level of support for the additional traffic calming measures is flawed.
Tree Damage: Five vehicles were damaged when the large branch of a tree fell off in the car park at the rear of Reps 'n' Pets in Church rd. No-one was hurt. The tree had been struck by lightning earlier in the month and was under investigation by Hart Council.

Aug 28
Court Moor School GCSE's:

Results from The Daily Mail
Calthorpe Park School's results not known yet.

Aug 20
Plans Thrown Out: A plan by Berkeley Community Villages to build more homes and a sporting centre of excellence plus many other community facilities on land adjoining Hitchens Lane, has been thrown out by John Prescott after a government planning inspector had agreed to the plan. Local residents groups Feedback were delighted.
Olympic Bronze: Former Heatherside School pupil Helen Reeves has won a bronze medal in Athens for slalom canoeing. Helen tried slalom for the first time on the Basingstoke Canal at Fleet Wharf. Her parents Mary and John moved to Devon last year after living in Fleet for 28 years.

Aug 13
Skateboard On The Move: As part of the Fleet Town Centre Improvements Scheme the Skateboard Park in Victoria Rd car park will be moved north into the views to allow access for the new relief road.

Aug 6
Chicanes Given The Hump: Hampshire County Council are not only going to keep the Elvetham Heath chicanes but are to add 17 pairs of speed cushions. 
Homes Refused: Plans to build seven new homes at 88 Reading Rd South have been refused by Hart Council's planning committee.

July 30
Sewage Overflow: Raw sewage has poured into a Fleet car park used by Fleet Rd traders. Ian Wilson of Design Matters said the problem had existed for a number of years. Thames water believe the spillage is caused by a build up of grease and advised all customers not to put cooking oil, fat or grease down the drains because it sticks to the edges and causes blockages. A 700m length of sewer is to be cleaned in August.
Well Done: The Samantha Dickson Research Trust was presented with a cheque for nearly £500 from a well at the Hart Shopping Centre. The well was made and donated by the Rotary Club of Fleet.
Red Card: A system used by referees in football matches is to be introduced in Fleet by police to help control anti social behaviour. Initially a yellow card is given when a troublemaker is caught. The person is then told that if they commit another offence within 6 months they will be given a red card and charged.

July 23
Crookhams Knight: Stan Knight, historian and parish counciller has died aged 83. Stan served on Crookham Village Parish Council for over 30 years, he was a founder member of the Crookham Village Association, was involved in the Surrey and Hants Canal Society and was a skipper of the John Pinkerton canal boat. He supported the Fleet Boats for the Handicapped Assoc and also appeared on Mastermind his subject being Roman Coins. He helped set up the Fleet and Crookham  Local History Group and contributed regularly to "The News"  history articles.
*** Star rating: Fleets local hospital, Frimley Park, has been given a three star rating, the highest possible.
Champions: 14 year old Jamie Broadey has become the English Schools Under 15 javelin champion. He also took the Hampshire County & Aldershot District titles and won the Trophy for the best field performance at the districts. Jamie's 12 yr old sister Emma took the Hampshire County and Aldershot District Under 13 titles. Other winners were David Brice, County & District u14's titles and best field performance, Lisa Turner the u15's Championship and the Inkpen Trophy and Emily Turner, u14 javelin champion for Aldershot District and runner-up in the county competition. All the children were from Fleet's Coutmoor School.

July 16
Top Violinist: Former All Saints and Calthorpe Park schools pupil Eloisa-Fleur Thom is trying to raise £40,000 to buy her own violin. She was the first Hart Young Musician of the Year, the highest placed British musician in the Yehudi Menhuin International Violin Competition and has played for the Epsom Symphony Orchestra. She has also played at the Royal Festival hall and in The Czech Republic and Romania.
Eyesore Permission: Lynchford Tyres has been given permission to develop its site bordering Kings Rd And Aldershot Rd. The site consists of a former petrol station, kiosk and shop, the tyre and exhaust centre and a storage building. The owner of the site is not keen to develop the site.
Booze Clampdown; Fleet is included in an operation to crack down on binge drinking and alcohol induced violence. During the eight week summer campaign pubs clubs and off-licences could be shut for 24 hours and named and shamed if prosecuted.
New Group Management Team: Fleet Town Centre Group have elected Sarah Anderson as new chairman and Maria Jones as new vice-chairman. Sarah has run Mochaccinos for five years and Maria has run Reps n Pets for four years. Both are looking forward to working with Fleet Town Centre Manager Sue Collen.
Top Cricketers: Fleet Town Cricket Club are top of the Thames Valley League after a victory at Beaconsfield. 

July 9
Parking Uproar: Traders and residents are up in arms at a decision by Andy Artemis, who owns the parking at the rear of Ridgeway Parade, to charge £110 a year to park there.
Highly Commended: All Saints School Junior Orchestra received a "Highly Commended" award when it played in the National Festival of Music at the Royal Festival Hall in London. 11 year old percussionist, Simon Wyld received the New Composition award for a piece called Samba Calypso.
New Rotary President: Jet research engineer, Martin Holmes, has taken over from Ron Postlethwaite as Fleet Rotary Club president.

July 3
New Elderly Complex: A large complex for the elderly is to be built on the site of 22-26 Church Rd by Sunrise Senior Living. The first residents should be there in spring 2006.
Flying Fish Assault: A 34 year old woman has been assaulted outside the Flying Fish in Fleet Rd. A 28 year old man was bailed after being questioned. 

June 28
Music For Youth: All Saints School in Fleet have been asked to perform in the National Festival of Music for Youth at the Festival Hall. The school have performed in three of the last five years.

June 21
Knocked Off Top Spot: Elvetham Heath estate (GU51 1)has come second in a CICA survey which studies household incomes related to post codes. Last year the estate came first with an average income of £64,000 but that has now reduced to £61,000. Top was Kings Hill (ME19 4), West Malling, Kent with an average income of £62,000
Rich Area: Fleet is in 10th place in a new report on towns with the highest income from Claritas Acxiom. It shows that 21.3% of households earn over £50,000 per year. Camberley was eighth with 22.2% and Hook second with 26.3%

June 18
New Start: Claire Brand has opened a new shop following the destruction of her premises in Kings Rd by a car crash earlier this year. The shop, called Walnut Tree, sells gifts and homeware. Claire hopes to bring something different to the area which can't be found in the High St.
Lucky Escape: A driver emerged unhurt when his Peugeot 306 somersaulted on to the bonnet of another car parked in Velmead Rd. Locals in the area said there are many accidents along Velmead Rd due to the tight bends.
Staying Put: Although Fleet Town FC came bottom of the Ryman League Division one they will not be relegated. There is some concern as to how Fleet will perform in the league as they only won five games last season.

June 12
Kebbabed: A kebab van parked in a Cove Rd lay-by was robbed by a man wearing a black balaclava with a handgun. He escaped with £10. Anyone with information should contact Aldershot CID on 0845 0454545 or call anonymously on 0800 555111.
Crack Down: Police are to get tough with local teenagers after complaints about local behaviour in Basingbourne Park and The Verne. There are also problems with youngsters cruising the Fleet and Church Crookham areas. Another problem area is on the land surrounding Parsons Close, Johnson Way and Basingbourne Rd.

June 4
Carnival Royalty:

Tent Event: Although Basingbourn Rd's Tent Event got of to a bad start when Tim Grant broke his arm falling of a ladder whilst helping to erect the tent, event organiser Mark Reilly was pleased with the hundreds of people who attended this years event. He said " The festival has something for everyone."
Longer Hours: From June 14th Fleet Library will open on Wednesdays from 9.30am - 5.00pm and for an extra hour on Tuesday until 8pm and on Saturday until 5pm. The Library will close from June 7th to 12th for maintenance work.

May 31
On Your Bike Bobbies: Fleet's local Beat Officers have a new tool to assist them in their patrolling strategy - Mountain Bikes. . They are able to reach more out of the way places and they have already seized drugs from teenagers in one of the parks. These teenagers were amazed at how quickly the Police had arrived on the scene. Fleet has three more officers on the Beat Officers team: PC Dan LEESE, PC Martin COLE and PC Steve RIELLY who have recently moved to Fleet from Yateley. They join the original team members: PCs Rob LETCH, Jon RICHARDS, Charlie ROSE, Clair CHEGWIDDEN, Steve FRANCIS and Rob LEVEY. They can all be contacted on 0845-045-4545 . Police
Pondtail Targeted: There has been a spate of burglaries in the Pondtail area of Fleet. Homes, garden sheds and garages have been targeted in a spate of 26 reported raids in the past two months.

May 29
All Saints Musicians: The All Saints Junior School orchestra has been invited to play in the National Festival of Music for Youth at the Royal Festival Hall.
More Pitches: People of all ages collected signatures at Hart Shopping Centre to petition for more sport and leisure facilities in Fleet. The petition will be presented to Hart Council by organiser Simon Hedley, secretary of Fleet Town Colts.
Worst Council: Audit Commission inspectors have given Hart District Council the lowest score in Hampshire in their Comprehensive Performance Assessment. The criticisms include, few examples of cost-efficiency measures, loss of services due to budget cuts and the most expensive and worst waste collection service in Britain.

May 27
Sixth Time Unlucky: A sixth attempt to redevelop land at 68 Reading Rd South has been turned down by  Hart's planning committee.
More New Homes Turned Down: Asbridge Homes has failed to get its bid to build nine homes on land at 27-31 Basingbourne Rd.
Plans Approved: Hart's Planning Committee has approved plans to knock down Nos 10 and 12 Fleet Rd near Fleet Station to build 13 new flats.
Carr Out: Former Hart Chairman Peter Carr has left the Consrvative party to stand in Fleet Central as an Independent. 
Doubling Up: Shoppers at Waitrose in Fleet have been seeing double. The store has employed two sets of twins, Katrina and Katherine Gray and Amy and Kelly Scaife.

May 20
Bike Ride: Glen Blake from Constantius Court, Church Crookham has helped raise £25,000 for the NSPCC in a charity ride from the Ace Cafe in North London to the Houses of Parliament in the annual Autoglym Parliamentary Ride.

May 14
Medical Award: Dr Michelle Sinclair has been awarded second place in the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Focus Awards for her work in setting up the first GP-based treatment clinic for patients with rheumatoid arthritis at the Richmond Surgery in Fleet.
New Vicar: Roy Woodhams will be inducted as the new vicar of All Saints Church, Church Rd.
Rotary Donation: Sailer Laura Baldwin has recieved a cash donation of £2.200 from Fleet Rotary Club to help her compete in the Olympic games in Greece.
100 Years Old: North Hants Golf Club in Fleet celebrates its 100th birthday with a book called  North Hants Golf Club Centenary History 1904 - 2004. The book can be obtained from the club secretary priced £25.

May 7
CCH Candidate: Steve Cantle has agreed to stand as a candidate for the Community Campaign Group in the Fleet West ward. Mr. Cantle said "The current council has ignored the needs of young people and residents in Fleet." The group was formed last year following a meeting over plans to develop the Queen Elizabeth barracks in Sandy Lane.
Tory Leader Resigns: Lorraine Fullbrook, conservative leader of Hart Council has resigned. Counc. Parker takes over until a new leader is chosen

April 29
Tragic Death: Alan Purnell, a 68 year old glider pilot  from Knoll Rd Fleet, was killed near Andover when he collided with another glider in mid-air. An inquest and investigation will take place.

April 23
Protest Against New Sports Facilities: A scheme to build  football, cricket and rugby pitches, a new community building, country park, doctors surgery, and children's play areas plus 300 new homes between Hitchens Lane and Pale Lane has been resisted by local residents group FEEDBAC. A representative from the group said that the present infrastructure is having difficulties coping with recent major developments. 
Not Enough Sports Facilities: A march through Fleet ending in a rally in The Views is being held on the morning of Cup Final day to highlight the lack of sports and leisure facilities in the town.
Revamp: Fleet libraries first floor will be closed from 27 April to 7 June for improvements in lighting and other maintenance work. A local studies area for anyone wanting to find out more about the local area will also be set up.
Loss of Independence: Stephen Gorys, the Independent Fleet councilor is a possible contender for the Tory safe seat of Odiham. Stephen said he had not made up his mind yet.
Specialist Cash: Calthorpe Park School has received  a donation of £500 towards attaining Specialist School Status in maths and IT.
School Improvements: Crookham Infants School is to get £500,000 worth of investment which will provide for two new classrooms bringing all the children under one roof.`

April 16
Lucky Escape: A Honda Accord crashed unto the front of Production Techniques Ltd in Kings Rd. The driver, a pensioner in his seventies, walked away unhurt. The front of the car was buried in a pile of bricks.
Dancing for Charity: Students from the June White Academy for Dance raised £5,000 pound in a sponsored dance at Fleet's Harlington Centre.

April 14
Charity Begins At Fleet: A national survey has placed Fleet as the eighth most generous town in Britain with 71% of households making donations to two or more charities.

April 8
Easter Bunny Winner: The Easter bunny competition run by FTCM Sue Collen has been won by Janice Bell with her children Jessica & Matthew who were presented with a   personalised Easter Hamper and two special Easter Bunnies supplied by Marks & Spencer Simply Foods. Contestants had to find 10 bunnies placed in differing shop windows along the High Street.

April 2
Waste Case Dropped: Eight Hart residents who were going to take the council to court over its £20 garden waste collection service have dropped the case because if they had lost they would have to pay the costs of both parties.  More recycling information 
Heart Shop: Hart Council chairman Brian Leversha has opened Fleet's first British Heart Foundation charity shop in Fleet Rd. Manager Sue Pointon said we are always looking for more volunteers to help run the shop.
School Certificate: Ancell's Farm Community Pre-school has gained the Pre-school Learning Alliance's national certificate. "It is a tribute to the professionalism and commitment of our staff and helpers," said chairman Carolyn Shead-Jones. 

March 26
Canal Woman Dies: Janet Googe who helped raise money for the dredging of the Basingstoke Canal has died aged 68. She was known as "that lovely lady" by everyone who knew her.
New Rail Parking System: Fleet railway station commuters can now use a new system to pay parking fees. Instead of paying by using the pay and display method they can pay by making two phone calls, one to activate and the other to terminate their parking session. Membership cards need to be displayed on the windscreens.
Fleet Half Marathon: Despite the wind and rain hundreds of spectators cheered the runners in this years Fleet Half marathon. First man home was Hagi Chepkwony of the 21st Signals Regiment in one hour seven minutes. First woman was Amy Stiles of Bristol AC in one hour eighteen minutes.
First Lady: Lorna Donnelly has made history by becoming by becoming Fleet Rotary Club's first female member.  

March 17
Chicanes Stay Put: Despite objections from several Hart councillors Hampshire County Council have ruled that the infamous chicanes in Elvetham Rd are to stay.

March 12
Action on Garden Waste Scheme: Four Fleet residents have joined a group of householders from the Hart area who are planning to take Hart Council to court over the scheme to ban garden waste from being put into black bins for collection. They believe that the council has a statuary duty to remove  wheelie bins even if they contain garden waste. More recycling information The scheme starts on the 31 March.

March 5
Hellvetham Rd: Two crashes in just two days have added to the misery suffered caused by the Elvetham Rd chicanes. On Monday a woman crashed into one of the build-outs and less than 24 hours later another woman smashed into another. 
Olympic Hope: Laura Baldwin from Fleet will represent Great Britain in the "Europe" single handed class sailing event at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens. Laura receives little funding and is appealing for sponsorship. Phone 01252 622443 to help.

Feb 26
No More Planks: Fleet Pond Society has been flooded with requests to sponsor planks. The planks form boardwalks over muddy areas of path round the pond. Names of sponsors are put on the planks. There are now no more planks left to sponsor.

Feb 20
Hospital Will Not Close: Fleet Hospital will not close says director of nursing for Blackwater and Hart Primary Trust adding "I think people are suspicious at what the NHS is doing and that this is a done deal but it is not".
KFC Robbery: A gang of 8 to 12 went to a house in Darset Ave and tied up two men and took a third to the KFC in Fleet. The man was forced to open a safe containing several thousand pounds. All three men worked in the KFC shop. The man was driven back to the house and then the gang left the three men unhurt.

Feb 12
Fleet Crash: Four youngsters escaped serious injury when their car crashed into the side of a house after shooting from Basingbourne Rd across Reading Rd South. A young couple and their two children inside the house were shaken but unhurt.
Fleet Hospital Fear: Health chiefs want to turn Calthorpe Ward into a rehabilitation centre and use Cox Ward as a base for a 44 strong intermediate care team. Campaigners have held a meeting at a Fleet church to warn that these proposals could mean the end of Fleet Hospital.
Basis Achievement: Velmead Junior School has successfully applied for the Basic Skills Quality Mark awarded by the Basic Skills Agency. The award is presented to schools who have reached  quality standards in basic education skills such as Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
New Store: A new Tesco Express will soon be opening on Ancells Farm.
Rescue Award: Church Crookham roofer Paul Perry has been awarded  the Royal Human Society award for rescuing a pensioner who fell into the Basingstoke Canal last January in freezing weather.

Feb 8
Richest Estate Eviction: Sentinel Housing Group have had to evict a father from his house at Elvetham Heath development because of his teenage daughters behaviour. 
Halfway There: Calthorpe Park School has raised £25,000  towards a total of £50,000 which is the government target to enable it to access more than £600,000 of funding to become a specialist ICT school.
Reduced Carnival: Fleet Carnival will run from Friday 9th July to Monday 12th July this year. It has been reduced from 7 to 4 days to enable the the committee to start preparing for the carnival's 50th anniversary in 2005. Click here for more info.

Feb 3
Golden Success: Former Fleet schoolboy, Ash Atalia,  has won a Golden Globe award as producer of the hit comedy show "The Office". Ash lived in Stockton Ave for many years.
Fire: A fire in Clarence Rd that had been going for about four hours was put out by three fire engines. A firefighter said he thought the fire had been started by an electricity meter. 
Even More Chicanery: A stolen builders van has smashed into one of the Elvetham Heath chicanes near the Church Rd junction. There have been several accidents since the controversial chicanes were built.

Jan 30
Schoolboy Robbed: A 17 year old and his 16 year old friend were robbed outside The Suntan Studio in Fleet Rd. All three thieves were youths. One was black, just under 6ft tall wearing a hooded top. The other two were white and about 5'8 tall. The incident took place at 4.40pm in broad daylight. They got away with a small amount of cash.
Black Swan: A black swan has appeared at Fleet Pond and is being bullied by the resident white swans. Blackie has a yellow ring round its beak and a white underside. Colin Gray, chairman of Fleet Pond Society, thinks it may have escaped from a private collection.
Exhaustive Robbery: A commuter driving his car away from Fleet Station discovered thieves had stolen his cars exhaust box. 

Jan 26
People Award: Deputy head teacher Tracy McCarthy and teacher Debbie Swallow from Elvetham Heath Primary School have both been awarded the "Investor in People" award. The school is looking forward to moving into a new purpose -built building next month.

Jan 23
World's Best: Court Moor School pupil Gemma Rudyard has won the Junior Youth Intermediate Classic Line Dance World Championship in Nashville. Gemma started Line Dancing when she was only nine years old. This is her second world championship win. Sarah Poulter from Brookly Gds was fourth in the showcase for Open Adults section.
Black Bin Ban: From 29 March 2004 garden waste will be banned from black bins. For £20 per year a fortnightly collection service will be available. The £20 also buys a 120litre reusable bag. Further bags will be available for £10 each. More recycling information
Attempted Robbery: Detectives are appealing for witnesses to an attempted robbery at the Alldays store in Aldershot Rd. Two men wearing balaclavas produced a knife and told a member of staff who was locking up to get back in the store but he managed to run off and hide.. Any one who can help should phone 0845 045 45 45 or 0800 555 111.

Jan 15
TV Too Loud: Council officials have seized an elderly deaf ladies TV because it was too loud. She had been offered hearing aids and induction loops but refused. Fleet Lions offered her a controlled volume TV that she also refused. The noise was affecting the health of neighbours.

Jan 13
Fleet & Church Crookham Health Check: In an initiative created by the Countryside Agency the people of Fleet and Church Crookham will be given the opportunity to influence their future.  The Fleet Town Centre Group are initiating a ‘Health Check’ for the area following a seminar hosted by Hart Council last November.  The Health Check will involve the whole community to produce an Action Plan covering all aspects of life in the area. Andrew Macallan, who is coordinating the  Health Check, said “This is an exciting opportunity for the community to work together to solve local issues.  The review will include development, leisure and recreation, the town centre, transport and social issues and will concentrate on areas of particular concern to the community.  I believe the initiative can have a real impact on the area because the  Action Plan produced will be taken forward by many different Authorities and voluntary bodies.” Members of the public are invited to a presentation at the Harlington Centre on the 27th January at 7.30pm which will explain the project. The Fleet & Church Crookham Civic Society, who are supporting the project  added  “We are excited by this opportunity to address  the many issues which affect the quality of life  in the area.  It is re-assuring to see that Hart Council are embracing the views of the community to shape future policy for the town.  It is important that the project represents the views of the whole community and I hope many interested people will be able to attend the presentation on January 27th”. Anyone requiring further information should contact Andrew Macallan on 01252 668076 or e-mail andrew@macallan-penfold.co.uk.

Jan 10
Post Lady Dies: Popular Postlady Jessica Lees died suddenly at Frimley Park Hospital on 23 Dec aged 77. Mrs. Lees delivered the post in Fleet and Church Crookham for over 20 years.
Site Setback: Fleet and Crookham planning Advisory Group have objected to the application by Lynchford Tyres who want to build 36 apartments on its site at the junction of Kings Rd and Aldershot Rd.

Jan 8
Accidents: A sports car burst into flames after striking a tree in Beacon Hill Rd, Fleet. Although the driver escaped with minor injuries the car was wrecked. Also three people were taken to hospital after a two car crash in Hitchens Lane, Fleet. It was the second accident at the same location in two months.
Trapped Animals: Fireman Dave Hommersham was called out by the RSPCA to free a cat from a tree. The cat had spent three days up the tree at Ancells Farm. Two colleague rescued a parrot and a dog from  a smoke filled house at Park Hill, Crookham. 
Chicane Questionnaire: Forms are available from Fleet Library and Hart Centre asking people's opinion regarding the chicane system used along Elvetham Rd in Fleet. Forms and letters should be sent to: Hampshire County Council, Environment Dept, The Castle, Winchester, Hants. SO23 8UD by Jan 30th.

Jan 2
Ton Up: Fleet's Kathleen White has celebrated her 100th birthday. Katherine who lives in Derriford House, Pinewood Hill says the secret of long life is keeping happy and helping other people. She received a birthday card from the Queen.

2003    TOP

Dec 31
Rotary Record: A record £9,672 was collected by Fleet Rotarians during their annual Christmas collection around the streets of Fleet and Church Crookham, as well as at Redfields Garden Centre and Safeway’s at Elvetham Heath. Click here for full story.

Dec 26
Flat(s) Tyre Plan: Lynchford Tyres has submitted a plan to build 36 flats on its controversial site at the junction of Kings Rd and Aldershot Rd. The owner intends to relocate the tyre and exhaust business. The existing premises have been condemned by local residents as unsightly giving the wrong image to people coming into Fleet.
Safety Crashes: Road safety campaigner Ted O'Toole's family have been involved in two road accidents. His wife was in an accident on the M3 and his daughter has been involved in an accident in Los Angeles. He said his wife was lucky to be alive and fortunately his daughter is not too badly injured.
Diamond Couple: Fleet's Ron and Evelyn West have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. They first met on a train in 1941. Evelyn is 81 and Ron 87.
Long Lasting: Derick Hayes, who runs the Hayes & Son shoe shop in Reading Rd South, has celebrated his 80th birthday. Ron has been in the shop for 67 years.

Dec 8
Specialist Schools: Calthorpe Park and Court Moor Secondary schools are both making a bid for Specialist School status. Calthorpe has 947 pupils and wants to become a mathematics and ICT college whilst Court Moor is seeking to become a Science college. Each school must raise £50,000 to get the extra government funding.
More Homes Battle: Residents of Basingbourne Rd are protesting against planning applications to build ten homes were there are now three and also the demolition of a bungalow on the corner to build a row of terraced 2,3 and 4 bedroomed houses.
Fleet First Festivities: Thousands of people flocked to Fleet's first "Fleet Festivities" organised by new town manager Sue Collen. Ten year old Rosie Ehlen switched on the lights. Money raised goes to the "Make a Wish" charity.

Dec 4
More Skating Time: Hart Council have given a two year temporary permission for the Views skating facility to continue. This will give more time for the council to find an alternative site.
Give a Plank This Christmas: Fleet Pond Society is offering planks for sale . The planks will form part of a boardwalk. Buyers will get a certificate and be able to choose a name to be engraved on the plank. They cost £5 each.

28 Nov
Flats Application Withdrawn: Developers Lypar Properties have withdrawn an application to demolish two family homes at 28 and 28a Kings Rd and replace then with 22 flats after objections from local residents.

25 Nov
Off School Legally: Sharon Allsopp and PC Jon Richards were on a truancy trawl in Fleet when they spotted several children out with their parents. But they were exasperated to find the children's school was closed for the day. Sharon said "The school should have told us."
Reduced Beds: Plans to cut the number of beds at Fleet Hospital from 34 to 18 received an angry reaction from volunteers who help keep the place running. They fear it could be the beginning of the end for the hospital.
Promoted MP: Fleet MP James Arbuthnot has been promoted to a top job in Michael Howard's Shadow Cabinet reshuffle.

21 Nov
Excellent Hospital: Fleet Hospital could become a centre of excellence for the rehabilitation of the elderly. The plan drawn up by the Blackwater Valley and Hart Primary Care Trust has gone out to public consultation.
More Drinking Time: The Emporium in Fleet Rd has been granted an hours extra opening time from 11.00 - midnight from Sat to Thursday. It is subject to a condition that there will be no entry or re-entry after 11pm.
Sex Attack:  Two woman aged 19 and 20 were sexually attacked in Jaxx nightclub in Upper Street. A 34 year old man was arrested and later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

11 Nov
Flower Power: David Parry of Oasis Florists has been made one of only 10 honorary members of Interflora.

8 Nov
McDonalds Sign: There is to be a meeting this Wednesday the 12 Nov at the Council Offices to discuss a new McDonalds with 10ft high illuminated sign to be built at the Total r/b in Fleet Rd. See Opinion

6 Nov
Charitable Wall: Geoff Nuzam from Church Crookham has ran the length of Hadrians Wall for charity. It took him six days to complete the 89 mile run. He and a friend, Ed Mawby, raised £1,200 to be split between the Soldiers, Sailors and Airman's Family Assoc and the South African children orphaned by Aids, Starfish. 

26 Oct
Pondtail Election: There is to be a by-election in the Fleet Pondtail seat for Hart Council on 11 Dec following the resignation of Independent member Jan Pearson.

18 Oct
Twinned Pond: Fleet Pond has been twinned with Ham Common LNR, near Poole in Dorset.  The twinning idea was born of the friendship between Peter Martin, Newsletter editor of Fleet Pond Society, and Ian Rabjohns, bird and butterfly recorder at Ham Common. Click for more

17 Oct
Mast Protest: Parents of children attending All Saints Junior and Tavistock Infants schools have sent protest letters to Hart Council objecting to a 29 foot mobile phone mast to be erected in Lea Wood Rd.

9 Oct
Housing Scheme Rejected: Hart Council has rejected the Basingbourne Rd homes scheme because the development was too big and too compact and also lead to the loss of trees and wildlife. The scheme also did not include affordable housing and no prospect of transport and school leisure facilities.
Cloned Car: Church Crookham's  Nicola Pope has been given three London Congestion Charge penalty notices even though she has not visited London on the dates in question. The car involved has the same reg number as Nicola's. The police say there is nothing that can be done other than change her car registration.
Milly's Show: 2,000 people attended a star studded gala to celebrate the life of Amanda "Milly" Dowler. Money will go to Milly's Fund.

3 Oct
Wrong Type of Sign: Mr. Dove, the owner of Ace Electric in Kings Rd has been asked by the council to remove a sign which has been there since the 1920's. Apparently a new the sign put up in 1997 needed planning permission. The council says it is not in keeping with the area. 
More Homes Worry: Redfield's Garden Centre are looking to build more homes in Church Crookham to fund improvements to its garden centre.

25 Sep
Cash Splash: Fleet Rotary Club's Splash 4 Cash charity swim at the Hart Leisure Centre has raised over £5,000 for charity.
Flats Protest: Plans to build 22 flats in Kings Rd have been criticized by local residents. They are concerned about the street scene impact and properties being overlooked. Councillors have been given a number of planning reasons why the proposals should not go through.
Charity Fun Run: Vanessa Higgins hopes to raise more than £200 to help raise awareness of heart disease by running in the Flora Light Challenge for Woman around Hyde Park.
Traffic Light Chaos: Workers who set up traffic lights on the junction of Coxheath Rd and Gally Hill had to switch them off 45mins later because of the ensuing traffic chaos. Total gridlock was experienced as a woman's car jammed across the junction unable to go backwards or forwards.

19 Sep
Town Centre Accident: Edward Beattie and Lisa Darke both suffered injuries when their Saxo car was in a collision with a Clio at the junction of Church Rd and Fleet Rd. Lisa's four year old son Arran suffered from shock.
Peak Challenge: Sarah Bryant of the Secret Garden shop will climb Ben Nevis on Sep 27 to raise money for Homestart. To support Sarah phone 01252 810213.
Still in the Pink: The John Pinkerton celebrates 25 years of fundraising for the Basingstoke canal.
Carnival Payout: Starburst Group, The Fire Service, Friends of Guiding and Fleet Cricket Club have all benefited with donations from this years Carnival success.
New Chairman: Molly Ebdon has resigned as chairman of Fleet Carnival after successfully chairing the committee for a number of years. Mike Hitchen takes her place. Molly will remain on the committee.
Shotts Future: Talks to settle the future of the Shotts nightclub which was destroyed by fire in Feb 2000 are under way. Owner Brian Tydeman says he has lost interested in the land and is willing to give up the lease to the council subject to price agreement.

12 Sep
More Chicanery: Another accident has occurred in Elvetham Rd. A driver smashed into one of the posts at the build out close to Church rd. Cllr Denis Gotel commented "We can but hope that the county remove these chicanes before there is a fatality."
Cowpatch: Plans to fence of part of Fleet Pond Nature Reserve to introduce cattle grazing have been critisised by residents who claim that the plan would prevent the use of the path between Guildford Rd and Gelvert Stream. It would also cause problems with pushchairs and dog walkers. The council stated that cattle grazing is the best method of preserving the natural habitat and would also provide an opportunity for visitors to enjoy countryside management.
New President: Hart Lions Club has thanked Marilyn Robson for all her hard work as president over the last year and welcomed Enid Woods as her replacement.

4 Sep
QEB Delivery: The Queen Elizabeth Barracks Campaign Group have distributed a newsletter about over development of the Fleet area. They state that they are not about stopping all development but to limiting it to a sustainable size. For further info visit http://qeb.jradley.com 

29 Aug
Fleetfest: The Oatsheaf pub and Fleet Lions raised £1,000 for local charities when hundreds of people enjoyed the sounds of Slipstream, Swerve and Rude Mood at the pubs music festival.
Friendly Footpaths: Thanks to a £4,000 donation of top dressing from Grundon Ltd new wheelchair and pram carrying footpaths have been provided at Fleet Pond.
Greener Recycling: An extra collection of garden waste will be introduced in 2004. Putting garden waste in rubbish bins will be banned.
Black Widows: Nesting Black Widow spiders have been found in a truck at the North American Car Co in Fleet. Mark Roe took one to the council's Iris Thompson who identified it. The premises have been fumigated and are now safe.
Flooding Breakthrough: To prevent flooding two and a half million pounds is to be spent replacing pipes in the Kenilworth Rd/Avondale Rd area of Fleet. Plans to help Hitches Lane are being finalised.

28 Aug
Foxes Foxed: The Army has come to the rescue of birds roosting islands at Fleet Pond by dredging Sandy Bay to stop foxes crossing over the low water level to get them.
Silent Plane: A life sized replica of the Whittle jet plane has been officially unveiled by Sir Ralph Robbins. Roy Fowkes, a friend of Sir Frank Whittle, headed a group that raised £80,000 to build the replica.

22 Aug
Flats Protest: Proposals to demolish two homes in Fleet Rd and one off Stockton Ave to build 33 retirement apartments have been critisised by local residents. Any objections to the plans should be sent to Hart's environmental services in Harlington Way, Fleet by Sep 4th.

15 Aug
Skatepark Rubbish: Views Meadows skatepark has been the subject of complaints by local residents and councillors because of the rubbish that has been strewn around.
Umpire Attacked: A teenage who had been asked to move away from the sight-screen attacked the umpire and caused the match between Fleet II and Kidmore End III to be abandoned. 

13 Aug
Ton for Winifred: Winifred Downton has celebrated her 100th birthday. Winifred from Award Rd, Church Crookham had three different birthday parties and 84 cards one of which was from the Queen. She said the secret of long life was contentment and divine intervention.

8 Aug
Golden Transplant: Kidney transplant athlete David Slater, of Victoria Hill Rd, Fleet has won a gold medal for squash and bronze for 200 metre individual and 100 metre relay.
Operation Vortex on BBC : Next Wednesday the BBC1 documentary "Watching the Detectives" will feature the case of murdered Fleet schoolgirl Marion Crofts. Marion's killer, Tony Jasinsky was convicted after 20 years of investigation by Hampshire police.
More and More Homes: Nearly 4,000 new homes are either being built or are planned in the Fleet area over the next few years. Main sites are: Elvetham Heath, Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Hitchens Lane, Basingbourne Rd and Crookham Rd.

1 Aug
Milly's Song: Foundations lead singer Colyn Young has teamed up with detectives who worked on the murder of Milly Dowler to record a version of one of her favourite songs "Build Me Up Buttercup" to raise money for a fund set up by parents Sally and Bob.
Stagecoach Cut: The cost of a weekly bus ticket on Stagecoach has been reduced from £11.50 to £7.50. The ticket would cover the Fleet area.
Pullen Pulls Them In: Fleet's Graeme Pullen has claimed what is thought to be a national record catch of Carp on floaters. He fished with mate Ted Kershaw at Lake Farm near Aldershot. They netted 117 carp in an 11hour daytime session. The largest fish was 14lbs caught by Graeme.

28 July
Welcome Generosity: The Rotary clubs of Fleet and Hart collected £769.80 for Naomi House, Wessex Children's Hospice at the Welcome Break M3 services on 25/26th July 2003, and wish to thank the public for their generosity in supporting this very worthwhile charity.

25 July
25 Years Pre-school: Fleet Methodist Church pre-school leader Linda Stevens has stepped down after 25 years of service, 15 as supervisor. Julia Gledhill tales over as the new leader.
PO on the Move?: Crookham Camp PO in Reading Rd South could be on the move to the Londis store in Northfield Rd. Views of local people are required before a final decision is made. Comments should be sent to Alan Shawyer. PO Ltd, c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford. WD18 8ZW.

18 July
Vandals In Bloom: The apex Centre in Fleet has decided not to enter this years Fleet in Bloom because vandals continue to ruin their flower displays. The centre has often won prizes in the  competition and last year it was joint runner up in the community gardens class. Fleet Rd has also had problems with people trampling on the plants there.
Taxi Is a Business: Hart Council have refused Roger Smith of A2B Taxis parking permits in Clarence Rd because he is a business. He has paid £150 on five parking tickets. He has been told it could be up to a year before permits are granted.
Best Carnival Ever: Carnival Chairman Molly Ebdon has declared this years Fleet Carnival  "The best ever". She thanked the carnival committee and everyone involved.

11 July:
Flying Visit: The Flying Scotsman, the most famous steam engine in the world, has paid a visit to Fleet station. It pulled in for a 15 minute stop to take on water.
Thank You: Miranda Smith-Gander of Church Crookham has repaid staff at Frimley Park hospital by presenting them with a wheelchair. She wanted to thank them for the care she received after undergoing a liver transplant. The transplant was performed at Kings College Hospital but she spent many months at Frimley recovering.

4 July
Police Not On The Move: The area's most senior policeman, Supt Apps, has allayed fears that Fleet police station will be closed down. Speaking at a Hart Council meeting he said we have big decisions to make regarding our estate.
Rotating Club President: Ron Postlethwaite, a former policeman, has taken over from Chris Johnson as The Rotary Club of Fleet's president. He has been a member for 22 years.

28 June
Ten Years Of Charity: Hart Lions Club have celebrated ten years of having fun raising money for charity with a lunch held at Oak Farm Golf Club in Crondall.

26 June
School Held Up: Building work on Elvetham Heath Primary School has had to stop because the builder TSL Construction has gone into receivership. An Ofsted report has found the school outstanding and praised the staff.
Fleet Flats Fall Flat: Plans to turn office buildings into a flats at the corner of Reading Rd South and St James Rd have been turned down by Hart planners on the grounds of overlooking and loss of jobs. The plans would also lead to on-road parking and should have included provision for secure cycle parking.
Police On The Move?:  A police shake up could lead to the closing down of Fleet police station. This follows a decision to move 18 police officers to Yateley.
Will Carling In Fleet: The former England rugby captain  launched a Hart Council and police initiative against crime and anti-social behaviour in Fleet Town Centre. Called Fleetlink it will ensure that troublemakers banned from one pub will also be banned from the rest.

23 June
Hart Mini-town: Hart Council are looking at a 107-acre site at Pyestock between Fleet and Farnborough as a potential for a new mini-town. The land is owned by Qinetiq. The town could contain up to 2000 homes.
Four For One: Hart Council have renewed planning permission to knock down "Lingfield" house in Elvetham Rd to build four detached houses.

17 June
Dedication: Local golfer Justin Rose dedicated his magnificent 5th place in the US open on Fathers day to his Dad who died last September.

June 12
Britain's Richest Community: According to  figures produced by CACI Information Solutions Elvetham Heath has been named Britain's richest community. Average household incomes on the estate are £64,000, the highest in the country. The estate is placed second to Popular in London's East End with regard to the highest number of households with incomes of more than £100,000.

June 9
Mail Referendum: Fleet residents may cast their Daily Mail referendum  vote on the EU constitution by going to the Welcome Break on the M3. Voting day is Thurs 12 June.

June 7
Woman Bites Man: A Fleet woman admitted biting a neighbours arm. The 31 year old mother said she was trying to prevent a row outside her home. She was ordered to do a six month community rehabilitation order, attend an anger management course and pay £50 compensation.
Mast Removed: After a four year battle campaigners are celebrating the removal of a mobile mast from Potters Industrial Estate. A new mast is to be erected on the former sewage works off Aldershot Rd in Church Crookham.

May 30
Eyesore Complaints: The site of a former petrol station at the junction of Kings Rd and Aldershot Road is the subject of a clean up campaign by local residents. The owner has been refused permission to build a car wash there because it would not be environmentally acceptable. The site originally contained a car wash. The council says it has powers to secure tidying of the site.
 

May 23
New Council Chairman: Brian Leversha has taken over as chairman of Hart Council.
Roadwatch: Campaigners fighting plans to build new homes at Queen Elizabeth Barracks have spent this week carrying out their own surveys at various points around the area. They are keen to ensure that they understand the issues and are able to challenge Hart Council surveys.

May 15
Hart Leader: Cllr Lorraine Fullbrook has been elected the first woman leader of Hart Council. She was newly elected to represent Church Crookham West only 52 weeks ago.
Crime Increase: Violent crime in Fleet has gone up by 70% in the last year. Rapid growth of pubs is blamed.

May 11
Awaited Chicane Crash: The expected crash along Elvetham Road's infamous chicane system has taken place. One of the chicanes has been knocked flat at about 11.15pm on Saturday 3rd May. It seems that someone drove straight over the chicane.( fleethants.com  comment: No surprises there then!)
Tory Quits: Cllr Jan Pearson Tory representative for the Fleet Pondtail ward has quit the Tory group in Hart. She claimed her face didn't fit. She is to continue as an Independent.
Drug Death: A Basingstoke inquest recorded a verdict of misadventure on the death of Andrew Cambell who was found lying on the kitchen floor of his Church Crookham home. He had died following a cocaine binge.

May 9
No Change: The local election results for Fleet and Church Crookham showed no change to the previous council. Click here for full results

May 2
Mast Worry: Gillian Al-Khalaf. her husband and three children are calling for a 75ft mobile phone mast to be removed from her home. Orange were give permission to erect the mast by their back garden six years ago.
Crash Concerns: Campaigners are concerned about the Public Safety Zone map regarding the probability of an individual being killed as the result of an air crash on the Queen Elizabeth Barracks new homes site.

April 18
Mapped Out: Graham and Helen Jones have published a new map of Fleet. They have had 30 years experience and in 1984 formed "Location Map Services" which they run from their home in Fleet Rd. The map has taken three months to produce. The folding map is available from The Tourist Information Centre and bookshops throughout the area.
Flat Flood: Cllr Denis Gotel has hit out  in support of a pregnant woman, Louise Biles and Steve Burgess who are living in a flat close to Fleet Town Centre, which suffered flood damage in December and has still not been properly repaired by Hart Housing Association.
Lions Indeed: Five members of Fleet Lions have been praised for their service to the community. They are Robin Hotchkiss, Graham Cooper, David Matthews, Brian Proctor and Alan Coleman who between them have given a total of 135 years of service.

April 4
Fleet First: Sue Collen has been appointed as Fleet Town Centre Manager. Hart Council and Fleet Town Centre Group have been working for months to arrange and fund the post Sue is married to husband Mike and has two children Felicity. 18 and Simon, 16. She says the new job is a dream come true. Sue can be contacted on 01252 613475 or 07717083188.
 

29 March:
Toilets Stay: Plans to close Harts public toilets are to be scrapped. The council admitted making a mistake in trying to save money in this way.
More Chicanery: Elvetham Road's chicanes are set to stay despite protests by councillors and motorists. Hart Council has passed a resolution to have the chicanes removed but the County Council want them to remain.

28 March:

27 March:
Musical Winners: The winner of this years Hart Young Musician of the Year is clarinetist Rachael Williams. The Hart Club Merit Trophy was won by Refiye Mehmet and James Davison won the Philip Jones Memorial Cup for Brass.

21 March: 
Red Noses: Calthorpe Park School raised money for Red Nose Day by introducing a congestion charge on all parents and coaches entering the school grounds. Also pupils walked as far as they could during the day with free refreshments from Safeway's. Fleet Infant School raised more than £330 dressing in brightly coloured red clothes with weird hair styles. Local shops ran out of red hair spray. Many children gave out of their own pocket money.

14 March:
Winning Debate: Court Moor School pupils Hannah Crowle, 16, and Jonathan Flynn, 15, won the southern district round of the Schools Mace Debating Competition to put them in the south east final.
Toilets Demolition: Tories are to demolish Fleets Public toilets as part of their cost cutting budget. Residents and local charity groups who hold events in Fleet are protesting.
Top Dog: Rita Scott and her three year old collie Kilo have won the Sunday Inter-regional Competition for Obedience at Crufts, . Mrs. Scott trains Kilo at the Elvetham Heath estate where she has lived for two years.

8 Mar:
Bulldogs: A bull, referred to as docile by an Army spokesman, and other cattle are to return to graze in heath land adjoining Fleet Pond. The land belongs to the Ministry of Defence. Walkers are asked to keep their dogs under control.

7 Mar:
Town Plans: Hart's cabinet have recommended that the full council backs the controversial Fleet Town Centre plans. Cllr Sharyn Wheale warned that the Hants County Council plans costing £2.5 million would be lost if the existing package was not accepted. Cllr Denis Gotel insisted that the councilors should back his alternative plan. Only three or four members of the public bothered to turn up to oppose the existing plan.
Resignation: Cllr Carol Leversha has resigned from Hart Council's seven member council.
Chicanes Bleak Future: Hart full council has condemned the Eltham Rd chicanes.
Mini-Town Attacked: Gurkha barracks mini-town development was attacked by over 500 people at a meeting in Church Crookham. The objections were about traffic problems, medical facilities and local school pressures.
Proud Mum: Russell Ward has received a "Daily Mirror" Pride of Britain award for his heroic efforts in trying to save the life of Jodie Cearns after the Bali bomb blast. His Mum said the award ceremony was like something out of "This is Your Life."
Rugby Charity: Fleet Rugby Club has raised £1,640 for the cancer research fund.

21 Feb: 
Deadly Bouncers : Cllr Denis Gotel claimed that members of Fleet Town Centre Group made sure that the public did not get a view of his alternative plans for Fleet Town Centre improvements. The daunting "picket line" as it has been described was manned by Molly Ebdon,  who has been awarded an MBE for her years of charitable work, Colin Gray, a gentle man, who belongs to many charity organisations in Fleet including the Civic Society and Fleet Pond Society and Sharyn Wheale a slim lady who has spent years as a councillor trying to improve life in Fleet. (fleethants.com comment -  "How this trio of respected citizens of Fleet could be capable of stopping the reported scores of members of the public that turned up is beyond the imagination of fleethants.com")
Splash 4 Cash: Teams from various businesses, clubs and schools have raised £4,017 for charity by swimming as many lengths as possible in 55minutes at Hart Leisure Centre. Fleet Rotary Club organised the event to raise money for the Samantha  Dickson Research Trust. The trusts founders Neil and Angela Dickson opened the event.

19 Feb
Mini Town Plans: Over 250 people have viewed plans to build the Gurkha barracks mini-town. Residents have until 27 Feb to comment on the plans.
Local Derby: Fleets two senior schools, Court Moor and Calthorpe park met at Fleet Town's football ground at u16' level to win the schools cup challenge sponsored by Bluestone plc. The result 4-0 to Court Moor reflected their superiority with Jack Chambers (2) Luke Voyce (1) and Sam Broadbent (1) scoring the goals.

16 Feb
Flats Get Approval: Forty flats are to be built on the coach depot site in Crookham Rd. The work is subject to legal agreements and conditions. A previous scheme was turned down by the council on neighbours privacy grounds.

15 Feb 
Wrong Plans: Hart Council has criticized misleading planning documents proposing another 300 homes on fields at Hitchens Lane saying the plans are wrong and demanded apologies from the developers.
End of Free Parking: Cllr Denis Gotel has attacked a plan by Hampshire County Council to improve traffic flow through Fleet Rd and has put forward his own plan which would retain the free parking which exists along Fleet Rd. He also complains about proposed traffic calming tables to be provided at Fleet Rd junctions. Fleet Town Centre Group say that if the plans are not excepted the money will be lost and further Fleet Centre improvements would be put in jeopardy.
Memory Honoured: A service to honour the memory of the late Colonel Ken Briant CBE of Fleet who died last year at the age of 91 was held at the Royal Garrison Church. Col Briant was founder and life president of the British Korean Veterans Associations.

14 Feb
St Valentines Day:

Seen in the Court Moor area this perfect example of St Valentines day and what it means. The message on the heart says:   "Happy Valentines Day"

7 Feb
Outstanding School: Heatherside Infant School has been highlighted by Ofsted for its outstanding results.
Taxi Dispute: Claremont Taxis is taking Hart Council to court over its refusal to license older vehicles because of a rule that states licenses will only be issued to vehicles less than five years old and in good condition.
Dusty Harlington Centre: Pensioner Ruth Mackaill suffered an asthma attack due to a dusty carpet at the Harlington Centre. She complained about cobwebs and poor decoration and the centres slovenly appearance. A Centre manager said there was extensive daily cleaning in operation but promised to review the situation.

31 Jan
Canal Heroes: Paul Perry and Terry Fitchet both jumped into the canal after spotting a pensioner who had fallen in. Ambulance spokesman Jon Lane said "The man had swallowed a lot of water and was not far from drowning". The water was very cold and mucky. Their boss Trevor Martin said "They have done themselves proud".

25 Jan
Lions Praised: Local MP James Arbuthnot has praised the Lions Community Store in Fleet. The store holds unwanted furniture and household items before distributing them to those in need. 
Gurkha Mini-Town Progress: Hart Council could approve a final version of the development brief in April. Outline planning permission could be submitted in June with building work starting next spring. It could take up to five years to complete.
Dreams Could Come True: Staff at Charles Church sales office organised an event at Elvetham Heath Community Centre in aid of the charity "Dreams Come True" and raised £1630. Many local shops supported the event.

18 Jan
Sarah's First in Line: Sarah Poulter, 21, of Brooklly Gardens has become the Women's World Open Novice Line Dance Champion in Nashville, Tennessee. She was up against 26 other contestants, as she performed five different dances. She also went to the world championships in Holland, and gained third place. She is now looking for sponsorship.
Crookham Mini Town: Plans to build a 1,100 home minitown in the former Gurkha Barracks in Sandy Lane are going out to public consultation. The site will be called Kukri Park after traditional weapons used by Gurkha soldiers. Copies of the draft can be viewed at Harts HQ in Harlington Way. People have until Feb 27 to comment.

16 Jan
Poet Visits School: Top poet Kit Wright set up a work shop in St Nicholas' School, based on his poem 'The Magic Box,' performing and signing copies of his work.  Encouraged by his father Kit began writing at six, and has won major poetry prizes in the country.
Campaigners Fight Falls Flat: Campaigners living close to Fleet town Centre are trying to stop a 40-flat complex being built on their doorsteps behind the Oatsheaf pub in May. This will bring more traffic, loss of light, wildlife, privacy, trees, unsympathetic design and inadequate parking. Knocking down the coach shelter is said to give extra parking places. Although the coach depot will not be knocked down. The debate will take place in the council chamber, Harlington Way, Fleet on January 22 from 7pm.
Fleet Lions: Fleet Lions club raised £7,000 from it's Christmas float. Lions members were dressed as Father Christmas and Snowmen.
Raquel in New Role: Actress Raquel Cassidy, from Fleet, has quit school to join the drama series Red Cap on BBC1. The series is shot in and around Aldershot. She is also guest starring in Trust, and played the female lead in Possible Worlds, at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow.

15 Jan
Record Collection: Fleet Rotary Clubs annual Christmas Collection for 2002 was a record £8,598.  President Chris Johnson wishes to thank the people of Fleet and the surrounding villages for their generosity.  Click for more

9 Jan

3 Jan
Mast Sanity: Protesters from "Mast Sanity" who have successfully campaigned to get a mobile mast removed in Exmouth have turned their attention to the Shell petrol station in Fleet Rd which stills houses a T-Mobile phone mast within its garage forecourt sign. "Mast Sanity" director Lisa Oldham called upon residents to boycott the station an action which worked in Exmouth. Brain illnesses including hormone malatonin have been linked to the effects of phone masts.
More Mast Time: Residents of Lea Wood Rd have been given more time to object to a 29ft mast which Orange wants to put up to fill a gap in coverage.
Police Station Revamp: Thanks to a £750,000 grant from the Home Office Fleet Police Station will be one of many stations in the county to be improved. The work is due to be completed by March 2004.
Raising The Roof: St Philip and St James Church roof fund raised more than £1500 by holding a Christmas Tree decoration competition. The children's competition was won by the Churches Playgroup, All Saints Wives Group won the organisation category and the individuals/families class was won by Munday family.

2002     TOP     

27 Dec
Saved By The Bell: Will Parker thanked his B&Q alarm for waking him up just before midnight and allowing him time to get his family out of his Fleet home as smoke and fire came out of the kitchen. He dialled 999 and waited outside with his wife and three children until firefighters arrived. The blaze damaged a dishwasher and surrounding units and fittings.
Charity Worker Honoured: Wendy Brown has been presented with a Vocational Service Award for her services for charity. Wendy joined the WRVS in 1972 and is still there. She has helped with the Brownies for more than 30 years and has been on the CAB management committee for many years. She is also President of the Fleet Carnival Committee. The award was presented by Chris Johnson, president of Fleet Rotary Club.

20 Dec
Kiss Before Bed: Gordon and Hilda Coote of Pine Grove swear by the advice a vicar gave them on their wedding day, that if they had an argument during the day, a kiss goodnight will make everything fine. This has worked for 50 years. They believe in family togetherness, and keep in regular contact with their five children, and six grandchildren. Two grandchildren who live in America flew all the way over to see them on their anniversary. 

19 Dec
Unwelcome Visitor: Alex Williams had a near escape when the front of an Audi crashed through the front wall of his house in Clarence Rd. His partner Netta Sjodin was shocked when she arrived home to see the damage and stated that it was the third accident in the last three years and they would be calling on Hart Council to investigate.
Marathon Date: Fleet & Crookham Athletics Club has fixed the date for 2003's 1/2 marathon as Sunday March 16. Further info can be obtained from www.fleethalfmarathon.com 

14 Dec
New Chairman: Fleet Town Centre Group have elected Ian Wilson as its new chairman. Fleet's TCG is a non political group which exists to help develop the economic and social future of Fleet in the community, establish its position in the wider area and encourage business and visitors. together with providing an attractive environment for the people that live in the town.
Click here for more information

7 Dec
Shoebox Success: Waterfords Estate agents in Fleet have received over 200 shoeboxes full of Christmas goodies for children after an appeal on behalf of the Mustard Seed Relief Mission's "Love in a Box Appeal". Managing director Brendan Cox was absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone involved.
Carnival Fun: The annual Christmas Carnival organised by the Fleet Carnival Committee was a great success again this year. Hundreds of people enjoyed the festivities in Gurkha Sq with Santa, the Carnival Princesses and Starburst's Aladdin switching on the lights. Other entertainment included a Tiny Tots Roundabout, stiltwalkers, Heatherside School and Fleet Methodists Junior Choirs, Starburst and The Cheese Brothers. 

5 Dec
Primary School Results:

CY = Community   VA = Voluntary Aided   
English, Maths & Science figures are percentages achieving expected standards.

1 Dec
New Supermarket: Safeway have opened a new supermarket on the Elvetham Heath estate. Store manager Jim Hogben said "This store has everything the customer could possibly need". The store has a petrol filling facility and  parking for 260 cars. A waste recycling centre is to be provided.

28 Nov
Delivering Charity: Newspaper boys working for Martins Newsagents in Fleet Rd raised £1052 for  the Royal Marsden Hospital by riding their bikes the 40 miles from Fleet Pond to Woking and back

23 Nov
Poles Apart: Mrs. Garford who lives in Ramsdell Rd has had a row of wooden stakes planted on a grass verge outside her house. They are placed there to stop parking on the verge to ensure that the road is in perfect condition.
Cat Killer: The deaths of four cats in a week in Fleet have raised fears that a pet killer may be on the prowl. They were all found in the Darset Ave area. Local RSPCA Inspector Joanne Bowling describes the situation as "worrying".
Chicanes Under Review: The row regarding the Elvetham Heath Rd Chicanes rumbles on as the Hampshire Highways Hart Panel told the county that it should monitor and review the system. County officials believe no change is required whilst Hart's Coun. Sean Holden believes all the obstructions should be removed. Coun. Peter Carr's solution is to put traffic lights at the junction with Church Rd.

22 Nov
Steps For Charity: Lorraine Bowden and her sister Michelle joined four pals to climb the 135 metre high Guy's Hospital Tower in London. Between them they climbed 49.500 steps to raise £2.000 in sponsorship so she can travel with Raleigh International to Namibia to participate in a charity expedition.
Fit For Service: St James Church in Kings Rd in now reopened after a five month refit. The church had its roof removed, refitted and repaired, a new ceiling and walls, a complete rewire and decoration with a new carpet.

11 Nov
Children Pay Their Tribute: 

8 Nov
Church Roof: Patrons of St Philip and St James Church in Kings Rd are trying to raise £80,000 to repair and refurbish the roof of their church. The wooden church heats up quickly with its new heating system but then cools down quickly which causes condensation.
Lollipop Award: Leon Potter, 83, lollipop man at Crookham Infants school has received a Jubilee Unsung Heroes award from Prince Charles. He has been doing the job for 17 years.
Vicious Attack: Semi-professional goalkeeper Richard Barnard suffered severe injuries after being attacked by a gang of men as he arrived at his parents home in Fleet in the early hours. Mr. Barnard has had to postpone his marriage to fiancée Wendy Nelson-Cooper until the new year. 

30 Oct
Jodie Dies: Russell Ward, who spent 2 hours saving the life of Australian women Jodie Cearns after the bomb blast in Bali, is devastated at the sad news of her death. Jodie's parents have invited Russell to attend her funeral.

28 Oct
£400 To Train Puppy: Heatherside Infants school has raised £400 to help train a dog for the disabled. The money was raised by Parents, Children and Staff who ran a collection for Canine Partners for Independence. The dog will be trained to help a disabled person to live more independently.
Bypass Under Threat: English Nature has objected to the completion of the last phase of the eastern by pass for Fleet. The scheme is to realign and upgrade the existing Kennels Lane to provide a straight and modern connection between the new Ively Rd and Summit Ave and hence to the M3. The bypass, if completed, will take traffic away from the busy Kings Rd and Fleet Rd in Fleet. English Nature claim that it would lead to a loss of heathland.
Proud Mum: Mrs. Ward of Fleet has welcomed home her son Russell who helped save the life of Australian Jodie Cearns who lay dying in the Bali Airport after the Bali bomb blast. Russell, who is setting  up an appeal fund, hopes to go to Australia and meet Jodie where she is recovering.

25 Oct:
No Station For New Estate: The Strategic Rail Authority has refused to agree plans to build a station at Elvetham Heath new town. The Hart Council has seven more years to persuade rail authorities to change their minds.

24 Oct
French Farmers Market: Farmers from France will be displaying their goods at a French Farmers market to be held in Gurkha Sq from 9.0am - 4.30pm on the 3 Nov. A reciprocal visit to France for English farmers is to be arranged.

18 Oct
Pets Poisoned: A dog has died after eating something in Calthorpe Park. Also another dog which suffered from poisoning but recovered had also walked in the park. A cat belonging to the dogs owners who live near the park has also died.
Strike Reassurance: Retained firefighters have said that it will be business as usual in the event of a full-time fireman's strike. The part time officers who man the Fleet fire station will be ready to respond to emergencies as normal.
Opportunity to Visit fleethants.com For Free:Fleet library will have ten new free Internet terminals provided out of lottery funds in the new year. The scheme is part of The Peoples Network campaign.

12 Oct
Power Cut: A major power cut affected about 20,000 homes in Fleet just after 8pm on 5 Oct. The blackout halted The Gurkha Band Concert at The Harlington Centre. Some parts of Fleet did not get the power restored until after 9.30pm.
Hidden Transmitter: Shell have admitted that a mobile phone antenna is concealed in its Fleet Rd garage. A Shell UK retail director said "We believe this service to be a safe and common practice."
Redfields Inquiry: The delayed inquiry into Redfields proposed move to a new site off the A287 in Crondall is now due to re-open on November 6
Fleet Town FC Hopes: New management team Adie Aymes and Mark Dennis hope to raise Fleet Town away from the relegation zone 

4 Oct

Fleet Cracking Up: Local councilor Sharyn Wheale has found more than 200 danger spots in the pavements alongside Fleet High Rd. She also found many holes and uneven surfaces in the roads. Cllr Wheale said Hampshire County Council's highways dept is responsible for the maintenance. The complaints have been passed on to the councils chief engineer.

Sharyn Wheale

26 Sep
Shock, Sadness and Anger: Fleet is shocked by the terrible discovery of the remains of Amanda Dowler in Yateley Heath Wood. Children are being asked to be extra careful and urged not to speak to strangers. They should also keep their parents/guardions informed as to their were-abouts, particually with the nights drawing in. The police are looking for anyone who may have some information and may have see something suspicious around the woodlands near to the date of Amanda's disappearance in March. Anyone with information should contact the Surrey police on 01372 471212 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line 0800 555111. 

25 Sep
Parking Mayhem: Since Hart Council's stricter enforcement of car parking in Fleet many side roads have been used to park cars and residents in areas such as Dinorban Ave, Albany Rd, Aldershot Rd and Castle St are up in arms.

19 Sep
Khukri Park Homes: Bryant Homes have bought the old Gurkha barracks at Church Crookham. They aim to build 1,100 new homes a quarter of which will be classed as affordable housing. A new primary school, a medical centre a pharmacy/doctors surgery, a neighbourhood centre, sports pitches and shops are also planned.

14 Sep
Volunteer Award: Barbara Marin has been declared runner-up in the Hart Voluntary Action Volunteer of the Year for her work with the Crookham Wives Group and Fleet Pond Society.
Fourth Best: Fleet Town's cricket club have ended up fourth in the Thames Valley League. Skipper Tim Downes said "We feel a little disappointed to finish fourth but this gives us a great platform for the next couple of years.
Sad Loss: Justin Rose's father Ken has died following a long fight against cancer. Ken supported and helped Justin's career ever since he gave him a plastic club when he was only 11 months old. fleethants.com expresses its deepest sympathy to Justin and his family at this very sad time.

11 Sep

Hart Pays Its Respects: Major Bill Davies, representing the American Ambassador William Farish, attended a moving memorial on the forecourt of the Fleet Council's Civic Centre.
	A commemorative flowering dogwood tree, native to America was planted above a commemorative plaque which was unveiled by two Americans - Pat Franklin and Sharon Glen.

More Homes: Plans for 316 new homes at Elvetham Heath have been given the go-ahead. Plans for a pub/restaurant have also been approved.
Scotland or England?: Former Courtmoor School pupil and gifted footballer Darren Campbell has to decide which country to play for. Although he was born in England both his parents come from Scotland. Darren has just signed for Reading and has already played games for England at youth level.

8 Sep
Lions Award: Daniel Shennan has been awarded the Lions Young Leader in Service Award for spending many hours helping at Fleet's Point Youth Centre and the SNAP drugs discos held at the Harlington Centre.
101 Years Young: Peggy Bowtle celebrated her 101st birthday at her new home in Thurlston House, Fleet. Peggy from County Cork said the secret of long life is to have "a little of what you fancy."
Well Done Sebastion: A Mongel called Sebastion who is owned by Fleet resident Paula Kent has reached the final of the RSPCA Dog of the Year competition. Seb originally came from the Windsor branch of Battersea Dogs Home.

5 Sep
£5 Plank: Fleet Pond Society wants people to buy planks of their new boardwalk for £5 each. If you sponsor a plank you will have your name placed on a notice board.
Pond Herons: A pair of grey herons have nested for the first time on Fleet Pond and have raised a chick.

Power walkers raise £4.400: 

Sep 4
Poppets Celebrate: Poppets Day Nursery celebrated its 15th birthday with an afternoon of fun in Westover Rd in Fleet.There was custard pie throwing, balloon modelling, bouncy castle, slide and a show from entertainer Silly Sausage.

Aug 29
Fox Cubs: Kay Newby who lives in the Pondtail area of Fleet is looking after 6 fox cubs given to her by the National Fox Welfare Society. Kay aready has gerbils, cats and budgies. She is doing her best to keep the cubs healthy and strong before their eventual release.
Rugby Club Win: The annual barbecue and cricket match between Fleet Rugby Club and the Tweseldown pub team, and a netball match between the Quinetiq ladies raised £1700 towards Cancer Research. The RFC were the delighted winners of the cricket match.

26 Aug
Volunteer Teacher: Catherine Simmons leaves for Rwanda for two years voluntary teaching A-level English at a boarding school. 
Dream Role: Karen Bull has landed a part in the Star EFX show at the London Palladium. 
Hot Charity Work: Fleet fire station raised over £500 for the National Fire Service Fund when the station had an open day last Saturday. 

24 Aug
Load of Bull: A bull was seen loose in a field in the Pondtail area. It was grazing by a footpath with a few cows and a calf. 
New Nature Reserve: Laura Willing has been appointed as the warden of the new nature reserve at Elvetham Heath. The reserve will be home to deer, badgers, foxes and snakes. Laura loves her new job working with animals.
Fleet Pond: The Ministry of Defence has agreed to an additional trap to stop yellow silt from washing down from Army training areas. The scheme for an education centre for Fleet Pond has been given the go ahead after objections from some Councilors. Fleet Pond Society Chairman Colin Gray is delighted that he can now go ahead with planning permission.

23 Aug
GCSE Results: 

16 Aug
M3 Charity Cash:Fleet Rotary Club raised £3.312 for charity from its weekend M3 Fleet services collections.
Redfields Delay: The proposed 4 day inquiry into the Redfields Garden Centre move to a new site off the A287 in Crondall has been adjourned for two months over barrister problems.
Club May Go: Crookham Street Social Club  may be closed due to lack of support. An EGM is to be held on Sep 4 to discuss the problems.
Pitch Plans Ditched: An all weather pitch promised to the residents of the Elvetham Heath estate has been scrapped due to lack of funds.

8 Aug
Off For Now: Plans to build 260 new homes on land off Hitchens Lane have been put off by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott awaiting the new Hart Plan due this autumn.
Cycle Holiday: Nigel Smith who lives in Coxheath Rd is spending his holiday cycling 1000 miles with his friend Jim Saunders to raise money for cancer charity. To sponsor the pair visit www.velociteam.ocatch.com for more information. 

3 Aug
Travelling: Travellers who have been occupying land around the burnt out Shotts nightclub have been moved on. They had parked all over the football playing areas.
Football Winners: Fleet Town Girls Football Club won a cup at a recent tournament. It is their first season. New players are required at various ages. Ring Steve Cantle on 01252 622789 if interested.
Volunteer Award: Steve Cantle who runs both Fleet Colts and Fleet Town Girls football clubs has won Hart's top Volunteer award. He was described as a very humble man taking praise with a sense of surprise. Runner up was Barbara Martin, secretary of the Fleet Pond Society.

30 July
Arts Award: All Saints Junior School has won the Artsmark Gold Award for its commitment to providing opportunities across all the arts. It is one of only eight schools in the south to get the prestigious title.
Residents backed Traffic Calming Claim: Ken Thornber, Leader of the Council in Winchester, says that there was a significant balance of local opinion in favour of the Eltham Rd Chicane system. He says the objectives of the scheme  were to reduce traffic speeds and encourage use of the new spine road through Elvetham Heath.  Meanwhile Senior Hart Councillors are to put their case for ending the scheme to Mr Thornber this month. The scheme is due to be reviewed in the autumn.

18 July
Chicanery: Several Hart councillors have called upon Hampshire County Council to remove the ridiculous serials of chicanes in Eltham Rd before someone is killed. It would appear that most people in Fleet are against the road narrowing although Coun. Stocks seems to favour the idea.
Carnival Success: Molly Ebdon chairman of Fleet Carnival committee has stated that this years carnival has been a great success. Starburst, who sang  "Songs from the Musicals" was definitely one of the high spots of a very enjoyable week.
Mast Gets Go-head: A 40ft mobile phone mast is to be built at the junction of Norris Hill Rd and Velmead Rd despite local protests. Hart Council threw out the application but a Government inspector from Bristol has given his approval. (fleethants.com comment - "that's alright then!" )

3 July
Top of the World: Julie Pengelly of Byron Close, Fleet has raised £500 for the Make-A-Wish charity by scaling to the summit of Mount Snowdon. It took her four hours to reach the 3,560ft mountain peak.
Gypsies Moved On: Gypsies who had moved on to Basingbourne Rd rec ground have been given 24 hours to leave the ground by Aldershot magistrates.

29 June
Parking Ban Rethink?: A strategy panel meeting about plans to scrap free parking in Fleet Town centre has been postponed. Trader Kevin Whibley said "This is a positive sign that Cllr Estlin has listened to the people of Fleet". 
Tragic Accident: Flt Sgt John Willis, 39,  from Church Crookham, died in hospital after being hit on the head by a cricket ball while batting during a services cricket match in Truro, Cornwall. He leaves a wife Julie, and three children. Tributes have described John as someone who never had an enemy. He was a top man and extremely popular. He loved cricket and was a great servant for his club.

24 June
Reverend To Move On: The Rev. Dave Bonney will be leaving Fleet Methodist Church in July and will be leading his last services on the 21st July. A "Bring & Share" or "Faith" Buffet lunch for Dave and his wife Chris will be held after the morning service. He has been at the church for five years. Dave feels that his journey is not over, but is simply moving on. 

21 June
Rich Town: Fleet has topped a postcode league of the country's highest earners. In one part of the town 13% of residents earn more than £100,000 a year.
Redfield's Relocation Protests: A four day public inquiry at Hart Council's Fleet headquarters starting on July 30th will try to sort out the controversial relocation bid by award-winning Redfield's Garden Centre to a new site off the A287 in Crondall. Local residents are opposed to the move  because of increased traffic, noise and light pollution.

6 June
Dakotas Shut Down: The pub has been shut down and is undergoing a £250,000 refit to be opened under a new name in August. This follows a fine of £1,500 and £950 court costs following  inspections by the Environmental Health Inspectors. The judge stated that conditions at the pub were utterly revolting.

31 May
100th Birthday: Delia Byrne celebrated her 100th birthday at Derriford House retirement home in Pinewood Hill last Monday. The secret of her long life was revealed by her son Ray who stated that she'd been hard working all her life and hardly ever drinks apart from occasional sherry at Christmas. Delia was born in Monanimy near Buttevant, County Cork.
£1000 raised: Hart Lions Clubs first swimathon raised £1000 for the Frimley Park Hospital Children's A&E Appeal and the Macmillan Prostate Cancer Nurse Appeal. Teams from Waitrose and Hart Swimming Club took part. 
Careful When You Park: Hart Council are clamping down on illegal parking from next week and will be collecting the parking fines themselves. Seven enforcement officers are being recruited and will patrol the streets six days a week.

Ively Rd: Ively Rd was finally opened to traffic at 11am on Wednesday morning. The old Ively Rd becomes a service road. Drivers will find the new route to Farnborough from Fleet is a little longer but traffic flow should be improved.

10 May
Fleet Births: Fleet has been named as the town with the lowest rate of babies born out of wedlock in England. 19.3% of Fleet babies were born to unmarried parents last year.

8 May
Fleet Town lose cup: Fleet Town have lost 1-0 to rivals Andover in the final of the Jewson Wessex League cup. Last week Fleet came second to Andover in the league championship. Although their goal of gaining promotion has been achieved the team must be disappointed at finishing second again. They have one last chance to win something this year as they go into the Southern Counties Floodlit Final against The Metropolitan Police.
PO open 7 days a week: The new sub-PO situated in the Londis food store  in Ridgeway Parade, The Verne will be open 7 days a week. It was officially opened by MP James Arbuthnot last Saturday. Graham Brown, owner of the store, is delighted that he has provided the PO for the residents of Church Crookham.

7 May
Denis Gotel stops Tory clean sweep in local elections: Fleet Roads campaigner Denis Gotel has secured a famous victory for those campaigning against the new road calming measures being forced upon Fleet by the County Council. Standing as an Independent he beat Tory John Stocks  by 95 votes to send a strong message of support from the people of Fleet Central District to think again on the future of Fleet's Roads.
Click here for all the local election results

2 May
Ively road opening date: The new Ively Rd is to be completed 2 months ahead of schedule and is expected to be opened at 11am on May 15th. The road links the Norris Bridge gyratory system to the new Kennels Lane roundabout. The old Ively Rd will remain as a service Rd.

30 April
Local Mums fight for pre-school funding: Ten Mums living on the Elvetham Heath development in Fleet are setting up a badly needed community pre-school for the area. With existing pre-schools in both Fleet and Hartley Wintney greatly oversubscribed, there is a growing requirement for this facility. Click here for full story and picture

28 April
New carnival princess crowned: Charlotte Georgina Keen has been crowned the new Fleet Carnival princess.  Yasmin Emily Scares and Natasha Louise Startup are the two new princess attendants. Click here for full story and pictures

27 April
Fleet Town Promoted: A record crowd of 623 watched Fleet Town fail to defeat Andover to become champions but did enough by drawing to gain promotion. Their opponents Andover secured the championship in the 1-1 draw leaving Totnes who won their game trailing at number three. With Totnes winning Fleet had to secure at least a draw to get promotion.
Andover took the lead in the first half whilst Fleet wasted chance after chance, one a completely open goal but the ball was sliced just past the post. In the second half it was pretty even for the first 20 mins but Fleet gradually got on top desperate to score the vital goal. Chances were again missed and they had to wait until 10 mins from the end to finally send the crowd crazy with delight. The Fleet players were not happy with the draw and came off disconsolate at the end having conceded the championship, but after some  reflection will be delighted to being going up after a terrific season. Fleet play Andover in the league cup final at Gosport on May 6th.
Click here for all Fleet Towns results

26 April
Special Award: Pauline Vickery, WRVS volunteer since 1974, who also worked on the carnival committee making dresses for the princesses gets a civic reward for her contribution to the community. It was presented by Hart Council chairman Cllr Susan Band at a special awards ceremony.
Vital Match: Fleet Towns match at home to Andover this Sat will decide the top two places in the Jewson Wessex League. Fleet Town need to win, any other result will give the championship to Andover. 

20 April
London Marathon: Rev. Mary Vickers from Church Crookham completed the marathon in 4Hrs 20min and 56sec beating her best time by five 1/2 mins. She raised almost £1000 for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.
Colin Wilson from Ancills Farm rowed the marathon instead completing 26.1 miles on a rowing machine inside three hours. 
Moving PO: The ridgeway Parade sub PO in The Verne closed on Tuesday, but do not despair, it has moved to The Londis food store at the end of the parade and will now open 7 days a week.

More Fleet Homes?: A public inquiry into the building of 260 homes on land off Hitchens Lane ended on Friday 12 April 2002 and now awaits a government decision.

16 April

 12 April
Fleet Pond Life Dying: Dave Goddard says that silt in Fleet Pond is now so dense that it is killing sub-aquatic water weeds and lilies. This has led to a reduction in fish stocks. Other wildlife is also adversely affected. Problems have been made worse by the felling of huge areas of trees over the long valley area.
Drinks from WRVS: People queuing to pay their last requests to the Queen Mother have been served drinks by local WRVS members Wendy Brown , Janet Barnes, Molly Ebdon (MBE), Pat Bedale, and Roy & Olive Bowley who also met and chatted with Prince Andrew.

7 April
Great turn out for sponsored ride:

The Fleet Lions 20/10 mile sponsored bike ride got of to a great  start from the views on a lovely sunny morning. Although a cold wind was blowing, 132 cyclists set off on the journey to earn money in aid of the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre.		Right: signing in
	Left: receiving final instructions Below: on the way	Right: before the start
Right: finished! Getting a well earned badge

4 April
More Traffic Calming for Fleet: If you are angry at the road calming along  Elvetham Road you will be incensed to find out it is just the beginning. According to Fleet Roads campaigner Denis Gotel,  Fleet Rd traffic will be reduced to a crawl by traffic humps, extra pedestrian crossings and pinch points. But it won't stop there, "calming" measures will be built into Albert Street, Clarence Road and Connaught Rd. Oh and you can rule out the inner relief road.  How can county councillors in Winchester dictate what happens to Fleets' Roads?
Nature Reserve Opened: Phase one of Elvetham Heaths 48 acre nature reserve has been opened. Visitors can walk along a marked nature trail with information about the birds, animals and plants on route. It is planned to open phase two next September.

28 March
Hart Young Musician of the Year: Eloisa-Fleur Thom, 13, has won the award for her four minute violin piece. She also won the Intermediate Strings prize. David Price, 11, won the junior Brass section and Bridget Taylor, 11, came second. All three come from Calthorpe Park School. Eloisa hopes to become a professional one day.

12 March
Corrugated Road in Fleet: No its not April 1st. Corrugated Roads are the latest attempt to get motorists to reduce speed. The faster you go the more it rattles. The pilot project in Fleet raised this comment from local resident Marion Payen "This has absolutely no effect on the speed of cars going along our road. When an empty lorry goes through it sounds like a house falling down". But Yvonne Harris thinks its great saying "You don't hear any noise from passing traffic like you would from cars revving as they go over speed humps.
Gold Award: Velmead Junior School have won the Activemark Gold Award from Sport England for showing a strong commitment to promoting the benefits of physical activity. It is the only school in Hampshire to win the award.

7 March
Dragons, snakes, iguanas: all paid a visit to the children at Fleet Methodist nursery in Reading Rd South courtesy of local pet shop owner Maria Jones. Maria of Reps 'N' Pets in Fleet Rd said "I don't usually bring pets like these to schools but I brought them here as a favour." The "wild animal day" was held as part of a learning curve for the pre-school toddlers

4 March
First part of New Ively Rd Open: The short link road between the DER R/B and the new Kennel's Lane R/B is now open. According to Rushmore Council we will have to wait until April / June for the main New Ively Road section between the Norris Bridge Gyratory and Kennel's Lane R/B to be complete. The Gyratory System was completed at the end of summer school term last year.
Fleet girls music award: Hannah Grayson has won an award of £500 from Hart District Council. Hannah, aged 12, will use the money to help with her music career studying the flute at the Royal Academy of Music.

24 Feb
Ray shot by airgun pellets: A despicable act of cruelty occurred to a cat belonging to Sarah Bozman who has just moved to Fleet from Leicester. Yobs are thought to have shot the cat from close range. Two days later Ray had to be put down. Anyone with information should phone boyfriend Trevor Williams on 07889 647270 or Fleet Police on 0845 0454545.
A New Shopping Trolley System for Waitrose in Fleet: To protect the local environment from abandoned trolleys, Waitrose in Fleet are introducing a new trolley security system. From Monday 4th March, their shopping trolleys will no longer operate once taken outside The Hart Shopping Centre.  (Although the Hart Shopping Centre Car Park will be unaffected).

17 Feb
Hart Council's residential team: have won a prestigious Charter Mark government award for excellent public services. The team covers pest control, housing grants, dog wardens, pollution control, drainage and animal welfare.
Graeme's furniture store: Fleet's oldest one-man business is closing at the end of February. Situated opposite the railway station the shop was opened 34 years ago.

10 Feb
The car park at Kennel Lane: sports ground has been overtaken by Gypsies putting the future of Fleet Rugby Club into jeopardy. The council is "looking into" how to secure the site. A generator has been stolen and equipment destroyed. The rugby team won every game last season.

Well done to Heatherside Junior School: whose pupils have raised £500 for Save the Children's Afganistan appeal.

4 Feb
Thomas Biffin, Mark Roberts and David Sutherland:                                                               
of 29th Odiham Pondtail Scouts have been picked by the Hampshire Scout County to be part of the 3000-strong contingent to represent the UK at the 20th World Scout Jamboree in Thailand in December. They raised £60 at a bring and buy sale this weekend and are now almost halfway towards the £8,500 needed for the trip. If you can help contact Brian Biffin on 01252 616692

16 Jan
Fleet Morning Townswomen's Guild: Well Done to the Guild for making £2,050 fundraising in 2001. The proceeds were presented to the Blackwater Alzheimer's Society.
Diamond Wedding Celebration: Congratulations to Doug and Irene Dimes of Grange Estate Church Crookham who celebrate their diamond wedding. Irene is 78 and Doug 80.

14 Jan 
Linedancing at Fleet Carnival:    A Linedancing event is to be reintroduced at this years Fleet Carnival. It is to be organised by "Cactus Jack's" famed in the area for their Line Dance Events. It will be held at the Harlington Centre on Friday 12 July. Tickets to be on sale soon.
Fleet Rotary Club Christmas Collection: The Fleet Rotary Club raised £6,850 when its Christmas float toured Fleet and Church Crookham. David Steers thanked the local people for their generosity. All funds go to local charities.
Honours List Local Women Named: Beverley Allardice of Windholt, Fleet and Jennifer Rodgers of Oaken Copse, Church Crookham have been awarded honours in the New Years Honours List. Beverley was made an MBE for her services to the community of Hart. Jennifer earned an OBE for services to health care.
Dangerous Sweets: Hants trading standards officers are warning parents and children to watch out for dangerous sweets which can cause choking to death. The MINI FRUIT GELS are on sale in the UK. The sweets come in a number of guises including ABC Mini Fruit Bites, New Choice Mini Fruit Gels and Rolin Mango Jelly Cup.