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Archived News for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005
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2010
4 March
Fleet Pond Volunteer: Hart District Council chairman Sharyn Wheale has
presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Brenda Brown who has been a
volunteer working to ensure Fleet Pond remains one of the best natural lakes in
Hampshire for thirty years.
12 Feb
Longer Hours: The Co-op in Ridgeway
Parade has been given permission to sell alcohol up to 11pm in spite of
objections by local residents.
OAP's Flays: Plans to demolish the Curtis Court building in Award Rd and
build 24 two bed roomed and 3 one bed roomed flats for the over 60's has been
given the go ahead by Hart Council.
Carnival EGM: Fleet Carnival is holding its EGM on
Monday 22 Feb at 7.30 in the Harlington civic offices when this years theme will
be revealed.
5 Feb
MP To Pay Back Expenses: Fleet MP James Arbuthnot has been asked to pay
back a total of £13,470.33 of overpayment expenses from his second home. So far
he has not appealed against this demand.
Charges Dropped: Charges against former Hart
Council chairman Denis Gotel have been dropped.
29 Jan
Councilor Faces Charge:
A Fleet councilor and former Hart Council Chairman, Denis Gotel, is
facing a charge that he brought his authority into disrepute. The allegation
centres on a bid to build a nursing complex in Ewshot.
New Town Plans:
Developer Taylor Wimpley have submitted new plans to build a mini town on
the old Queen Elizabeth site in Church Crookham.
Loss Of Play Areas:
Furious residents are protesting at Hart Council plans to build homes on
land in Elizabeth Drive, Church Crookham and Netherhouse Court in Crookham
Village.
Fix Broken Bench:
Guildford Rd resident Ralph Elliot has lost patience with Hart Council
after reporting that the bench by the Kings Rd bus stop out side
Lynchfield Tyres needs fixing. He first reported the problem in 2004. Ralph has
given the council one last chance before he arranges to have it fixed himself.
Pyestock Hearing:
A High Court judge will consider an appeal by the Pyestock Mega Warehouse
group SPLAT on May 26 and 27.
Haiti Appeal:
Fleet schoolgirl Emily Sleet swam 90 lengths of the Farnborough swimming
pool to raise more than £400 for the Haiti victims. Fleet Rotary Club are
raising money to supply Shelter Boxes. To support their appeal take your
donation to WC Baker in Fleet Rd.
22 Jan
Gurkha Funds: Friends of the Gurkhas group have raised over £2,000 when
300 people attended a music contest at the Harlington Centre.
Lion Loose in Fleet: A huge Chinese style lion paraded through the Hart
Centre to promote a new self defence workshop run by the Eagle Claw Kung Fu
Association. For more info phone 07880 721765.
Young Person Winner: Richard Bennett has been awarded a £100 voucher and
a glass trophy for winning the first Young Person of the Year award organised
by the Fleet Festivities Partnership.
Anniversary Celebrations: SeeAbilitys Fairways
residential home in Fleet has celebrated its 10th year of helping adults with
sight problems and learning difficulties.
15 Jan
Angry Residents: Hart Council are to build either a
single home or two flats on land at Netherhouse Court in Crookham Village and
four homes in Elizabeth Drive in Church Crookham. Local residents are shocked at
the proposals which would entail selling of some of the local playparks.
Bin Chaos: Bin collections have virtually ceased in
the Hart area due to the cold weather. Re4sidents are complaining that some blue
bins in the Elvetham Heath Estate have not been collected for up to seven weeks.
Graffiti Removal Week: Local residents are being
asked to report any graffiti they come across to the Safer Hart Partnership which
is to run a Graffiti Busting Week between March 29 and April 5th when graffiti will be
removed by a community safety team. Report to community-safety-team@hart.gov.uk
or phone 01252 774229.
8 Jan:
Fleet Hit By Snow: The BBC recorded Fleet as the third worst hit snow
area in the country as a depth of 28cm, 11inches, of snow was measured. It
snowed continually for over 24 hours but most of the downpour took place within
the first two hours from 6 to 8 pm when huge snowflakes descended on the area.
Even the New York Times in the USA mentioned the snow in Fleet. Most people
found it difficult to remember anything like it for decades.
Motocross Application: Fleet taxi driver, Mickey Mcleod has submitted
controversial plans to build a new motocross track on farmland in Totters Lane
which is farmland between Winchfield and Hook.
Acadamy Success: 90% of girls from the June White
Acadamy in Fleet have passed their stage one musical theatre exam with honours.
Acadamy details from 01252 614639.
Cat Saved: A cat stranded on a duck house after ice
melted on Turners Pond on the Elvetham Heath estate escaped to safety across the
melted ice after firefighters and RSPCA officills had tried to rescue it.
2 Jan:
Christmas Day Baby: Fleet's Claire and Tim Elversin were delighted when
daughter Zoe was born at 6am on Christmas Day. Claire thought it was the best
Christmas present ever.
Off Licence Saved: The Church Crookham Wine Rack in
Aldershot Rd has been bought by Wickham Vineyard after the previous owners went
into administration.. The Wine Rack store in Fleet has been closed down.
Questions In The House: Both Aldershot MP Gerald
Howarth and Fleet MP James Arbuthnot have put questions to Harriet Harman in the
commons regarding the Pyestock Mega Depot development. Harman declared that the
aim to promote employment within the planning system is in the public interest.
2009
25 Dec
Snow Chaos: Snow in the Fleet area caused traffic chaos particularly on
the M3 were motorists were held up for hours due to lack of gritting.
Lighting Up Christmas: Craig Colclough spent three days setting up his
dazzling light display at his house in Frere Ave. Over 10,000 computer controlled
lights. All donations received go to the Fleet and District Guide Dogs.
19 Dec
MP Paying Some Back: Fleet and Crookham MP, James Arbuthnot has agreed to
pay back some of the expenses he has claimed. But LibDem opponent Denzil Coulson
has called for his resignation. list
of expenses claimed
New Recycling Bins: Two new can recycling bins have bee placed in the
Fleet Town Centre to encourage more recycling by local
shoppers. James
Arbuthnot
12 Dec
Ideal Christmas Present: Cheyenne Kai, a young
Fleet author, has just published her first book called "All the Lost Souls:
Damnation". She had been writing it since she was 12 years old and is now
22. It is aimed at the young adult audience but would be suitable for any reader
who likes fantasy adventure written in a colourful and descriptive style. For
more info telephone 01252 629420 or go to www.allthelostsouls.info.
She is in the process of writing her second book "All the Lost Souls: Redemption"
New Pharmacy: A new
chemists has been opened at 157 Aldershot Rd, the old hairdressers in Church
Crookham.
Fine Refund: After a
four month battle Wendy Still has had a parking fine overturned. Last July she
parked in a bay in Fleet Rd and after reading the signs decided she was allowed
to park for half an hour. She returned 20 mins later to find a ticket to pay a
fine of £70. She appealed and because the parking information was not on a
single sign, as it should have been, she won the case.
Best Cook: Chris
Hearn, who is the chef at Elvetham Heath Day Nursery and Pre-school, has been
voted the best Nursery Chef in the country. He was presented with the award by
Esther Ransom at the Hilton Hotel in London.
8 Dec
New No Cold Calling Zones For Fleet: 108
households across Fleet will be covered by four new No Cold Calling Zones.
The new zones cover Holland Gardens, Little Copse, Southby Drive and Coach
House Gardens and bring the total number of No Cold Calling Zones within
Hampshire to 108, covering 9,318 households. Each
zone is aimed at discouraging rogue traders from approaching residents and gives
households the confidence to say ‘no’ to people seeking business at their
doorsteps. They are not meant to stop legitimate
callers such as charities or the local Avon representative, but to deter people
who are unknown to the residents, from seeking work that is often overpriced
and/or unnecessary. Residents receive
special No Cold Calling Zone packs, with information about the zone, consumer
advice and information on cancellation rights. Also included are window stickers
telling visitors that cold callers are not welcome, and a copy of the new ‘Buy
With Confidence’ directory, featuring over 500 organisations from across
Hampshire who have been approved by the County Council's Trading Standards team.
Annual Festivities a Success:
This years Fleet Festivities enjoyed a dry evening and attracted thousands to
the Town Centre for the switching on of the Christmas lights. Amongst the
attractions were an open air ice rink, inflatable horse racing, Victorian swing
boats, Millers Arc Animals, a Tiny Tots R/b and other fairground rides.
Assault In Fleet:
Three men jumped on a 21 year old man in Fleet Rd. One attacker was white around
6ft2inches with short dark hair. Another was white about 6ft, blond hair and
light coloured clothing. The third was white around 5ft8inches. The attack took
place near to a nightclub. Contact Crimestoppers on 0800555111 if you can help
the police.
28 Nov:
Lake Appeal: A 3.5 million appeal to dredge Fleet Pond amidst fears that
the lake may turn into a stagnant ditch is being launched by Fleet Pond Society.
The silt has been building up for over 30 years. To help phone Colin Gray on
01252 616183.
Free Parking: Local traders are up in arms following Hart District
council proposals to allow unlimited free parking in the Fleet Rd car bays
after 3pm when the restrictions are lifted.
New Man U Book: Free lance sports journalist Bob Wightman from Church Crookham
has brought out a new book about Manchester United. It is full of memorabilia
and new pictures. It can bought from Amazon or visit Bob's website at www.RobWightman.co.uk
21 Nov:
Young Dancer: Nine year old ballet dancer Grace Kinnell from Elvetham
Heath is to play the part of one of the mice in the Royal Ballets production of
The Tales of Beatrix Potter.
New Community Store: The old Crookham Village store has bee renovated by
David Long and Caroline Shand to become a successful community store.
15 Nov
Fleet Accident: A man has been taken to Frimley Park hospital with
possible serious injuries after an accident in Norris Hill Rd.
New Fleet Town Plan: A new vision of Fleet is to be put on display in
Fleet Town centre on Dec 4 and 5. A document outlining the ideas will shortly go
out for public consultation.
Pointing In The Right Direction Takes Four Years: After a four year
campaign Monster Raving Looney member Alan "Howling Laud" Hope has
finally succeeded in getting the Saturday Market sign at the Oatsheaf crossroads
to point in the right direction instead of towards Crookham Village.
New Arts Centre: St Nicholas' school has opened a new performing arts
centre called the New Pritchard Hall. The new theatre seats over 300. For more
info phone 01252 850121.
Grant Awarded: The after school youth and study group run by Fleet and
Church Crookham Churches Together has been awarded a £5,000 grant.
12 Nov
Restaurant Fire: Three fire engines were used to fight a fire at
the Tree House Harvester in Cove Rd. Residents from the Innkeepers Lodge were
evacuated as it took 40 minutes to control the blaze.
8 Nov
Remembrance Parade: For the first time in over a decade Fleet and Church
Crookham commemorated Remembrance Sunday with a parade which started from Church Rd car park after the
first half of the remembrance service at All Saints church. The march ended in
Gurkha Square
were the service was continued with the laying of wreaths by the Mayer, local MP
Mr. Arbuthnot and various other organisations. The parade was organised by the
local British Legion. pictures
The Hart Council Chairman, Sharyn Wheale, lays a wreath
Fleet Shoe Site On TV: Helen Chapman's website selling shoes on line has been featured on an ITV programme called "Could The Internet Make You Rich". Helen starting making her own shoes in 2005 and has never looked back. She has launched a new range this year called My Twinkle Toe Shoes. website
30 Oct
Make a Difference: As part of the "Make a Difference "campaign
the Church Crookham Sue Ryder shop is asking for volunteers to help them make a
difference to the community. more
Colourful Spring: The Friends of Oakley park have organised
volunteers to plant thousands of bulbs in Oakley Park. The bulbs were provided
by Hart District Council.
No Amusements: Hart Council have thrown out plans to open an amusement arcade
at 208 Fleet Rd.
Signs Will Not Be Changed: Despite complains about the ambiguity of the parking
restriction signs along Fleet Rd they are not be changed. The council have taken
more than £300,000 in fines since the modernising of Fleet Rd in 2006.
23 Oct
School Club Award: An after school youth and study club at Court Moor
School and run by Fleet and Crookham Churches Together has been awarded a grant
of £5,900. The grant is part of a total of £133,931 awarded to organisations
working with children and young people by Councillor David Kirk, Hampshire
County Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services.
Fleet Road Parade: Fleet's Royal British Legion branch are organising a Remembrance
Sunday parade along Fleet Rd from Church Rd car park to the memorial in Gurkha
Square. The parade will form in the car park after the remembrance service at
All Saint Church.
School Tidy Up: Students from Court Moor School have spent an afternoon clearing
up Basingbourne Heath as part of the Keep Britain Tidy's Big Tidy Up campaign.
10K Winners: This years Peter Driver 10K race was won by Ted Dicker of Fleet and
Crookham Athletic Club with a time of 33:17. First woman home was Shan Morgan in
37:57.
Mission To Sri Lanka: Ten members of Ocean Stars Trust, a Fleet based charity,
are to travel to Sri Lanka on a 10 day mercy trip. The charity was set up by
Dilanee Bunter from Church Crookham after the 2004 tsunami and has raised more
than £100,000. more
16 Oct
Seatbelt Checks: Officers from Hants fire service, the police and Safer
Roads Partnership have caught 68 people driving without seatbelts during a 6
hour operation in Fleet. Four people were caught using their mobiles whilst
driving and one driver was fined for not being in control of his vehicle.
Warehouse Challenge: Campaigners have launched a high court challenge to the
governments decision to approve the plans for a super warehouse to be built in
Pyestock.
Star Visit: Pop star Peter Andre popped in to Jaxx night club to launch
"Passion" a new Friday night event for the over 21's.
9 Oct
Jobs In Fleet: A new Job Centre Plus service is to open in Fleet at
Hart's Civic Officers every other Friday from 9am to 5pm. For more information
phone 01252 774420.
Parks and Open Spaces: Elvetham Heath Local Nature Reserve came 8th in
its class out of 41 nation-wide. Oakley Park was ranked 11th and Calthorpe Park
16th of 181 national sites.
High Speed Connection: Virgin Media has launched
the UK's fastest broadband service ion Fleet. The 50Mb service is nine
times faster than the average UK headline speed.
Not Amused: Residents are objecting to an amusement arcade which Hart councillers
are being recommended to grant permission to open at the former Portman Building
Soc premises at Norway Parade in Fleet Town Centre.
Plans Thrown Out: A 58 bed nursing home planned by
5k Design and Build to replace two bungalows in Kings Rd have been rejected by
Hart District Council officers because they say it would be unduly dominant and
fail to meet a high quality of design.
Memorial Run: The annual Peter Driver Memorial 10k
run will be taking place around the streets of Fleet on Oct 18th. It will start
and finish at the Harlington Centre.
2 Oct
Learn To Sing: Church Crookham's Victoria Beebee,
who has shared the same stage as Paul McCartney, Status Quo, Bill Wyman and Eric
Clapton, has set up a vocal coaching school called VoxSkool. She welcomes all
kinds of singers from beginners to pro's. website
Cheers: The Prince Arthur has been listed in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2010.
It is the only local pub to be chosen by branch members.
Mayers Collection: Last years Hart District Council chairman, Denis Gotel, and
his eldest daughter Caroline and her partner Alan Greenfield have presented a
cheque for over £11,000 to Naomi House Children's Hospice which had been
collected during his period in office.
Nordic Walking: Susan Braganza is holding Nordic Walking taster sessions in
Fleet. Each session costs £5 with the proceeds being donated to the Farnborough
and District branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS). You can call Susan
on 01252 674200 or email nordicwalking@ntlworld.com
Gurkha Memorial Call: Hart District Council's new chairman Sharyn Wheale is to
raise funds through the Gurkha Welfare Trust to pay for a permanant memorial to
the Gurkhas.
25 Sep
Indoor Market?: Jon-Lee Butler from Church Crookham
has come up with the idea of using the old Woolworth's retail area for an indoor
market to replace the outside market held in Gurka Square. Fleet Town Centre
Manager Paul Doughty said Fleet Forward, the towns volunteer management team,
had discussed the idea. The problem at the moment is that nothing can be
done until Woolworth's is wound up.
Warehouse Challenge: The Pyestock warehouse
development campaigners SPLAT are to mount a High Court challenge over the
governments decision to approve the development.
Outstanding Local Schools: Both Tweseldown Infants
School and Tavistock Infants School have received "outstanding"
awards from OFSTED.
18 Sep
Development Turned Down: A development of 14 homes to be built in
Bowenhurst Rd, Church Crookham has been rejected by Hart officials. Failure to
reach quality and ecology standards was stated by the officials.
New Owners Of Centre: Hart District Council is to hand over the
Harlington Centre to the new Fleet Parish Council. The centre is making a loss
of around £350,000 a year.
Garden Project Opened: A Hart Voluntary Action Gardening scheme has
been officially launched. Set up to clear and tidy the gardens of the elderly,
disabled and vulnerable by a team of volunteers the scheme has been masterminded
by Guy Clayton of Hart Voluntary Action. To find out more phone Sue Vincent on
01252
815652.
Some of the volunteers with Guy
Running For Charity: Paul Gurney who works for the Co-op is taking part
in The Great North Run to raise money for deafness and hearing loss charity
RNID. To help go to http://www.justgiving.com/Paul-Gurney/
11 Sep
Three Of A Kind: Fleet triplets Emily Katherine, Sophie Ann and Grace
Isabel Cooke have been babtised at The Church on the Heath in Elvetham Heath.
The triplets were born 6 months ago to proud parents Naomi and Barry. The couple
also have a daughter Annabel.
Park Vandals: Vandals are ruining Calthorpe Park by setting fire to 70%
of new trees that have been planted and throwing hundreds of bottles around the
Park. Locals are complaining that the problems have been going on for a number
of weeks.
4 Sep
Best Charity: The Lions Community store has been voted Sainsbury's
charity of the year. The store, founded in 1995, has handed out furniture and
household items to more than 45,000 people. For more details contact 01252
616998.
Mega Warehouse To Go Ahead: After years of campaigning SPLAT have lost
their battle to stop the building of a massive warehouse development at Pyestock
on former MoD land. Although they are to appeal it would seem that the battle is
lost. The Department for Communities and Local Government gave the go ahead in
spite of Hart Councils refusal which was backed up by the planning inspectors.
28 Aug
New Town Centre: A long term vision of Fleet Town Centre is to be
published next year. Architects Denning Male Poliano have been appointed to
produce the vision and the project team is to be led by Martin Pearson.
Space Invader: Humphrey Peak who lives in Cove Road is convinced that a
meteorite was responsible for shattering his conservatory.
Cattle may be moved: Cattle grazing on the Velmead common may be moved
because they are being chased by dogs causing them to be nervous. For more info
call 01256381190.
21 Aug
New Mini Estate: 5K Build and Design wants to build
a mini estate in Bowenhurst Rd Church Crookham. They want to demolish four
bungalows to make way for 14 new homes. Hart Council have received a number of
objections to the scheme.
Gluten Free: Fleet's Pippa Rushton-Wines has founded
a range of gluten free cookies which are sold on line.
more
Cookies
14 Aug
Pondtail To Fleet Mini/Taxi: A new service providing transport using a
A2B taxis is to be trialled from Monday Sep 14th. The idea is from conservative councilor
David
Healy as a result of concerns from local people in the Pondtail area during his street surgeries. The loss of Alldays and
A2B Taxi
the local PO has made
this service even more urgent. The fare will be £2 per trip. more
No Late Opening: Propaganda Music Canteen has
withdrawn its application for an extra hour every night of the week. It will
want only to stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Reduced Glass Collection: The fortnightly glass crate collection service
provided by Hart Council is to change to a monthly service commencing in
September.
Swine Flue Collection: The National Pandemic Flu SErvice have identified
Morrisons as the areas Tamiflu collection point.
A2B Taxi
Fleet Man's Plunge: Steven Reeves escaped with his life after falling 60ft
through the roof of the Crown Pub in Chertsey. He suffered hip, back and neck
injuries. It is thought he was trying to reach a stone owl.
6 Aug
Picnic Celebration: Around 300 pupils and former
pupils of Wood Lane Playschool attended a picnic in Oakley Park to celebrate 30
years of local education.
Objections To Nursing Home: Local residents in Kings Rd are fighting to stop the
demolishment of two bungalows to make way for a 58 bed Nursing Home.
Veteran Honoured: Fleet war veteran 88 year old
Eric Brown has been presented with an Armed Forces Day flag by counciller Sharyn
Wheale. Eric was in the Anti-Tank Regiment and was awarded the Military
Cross in 1944.
Not Amused: An
application to open an amusement arcade in Fleet Town centre has caused concern
for local residents who feel it will change the face of the area.
Shocked d Pensioner: Maurice
Stafford was handed a parking ticket after spending 6 minutes delivering a table
to a Debra's charity shop in Fleet Rd.
31 July
Sports Shop Owner Dies: Basil Hawkins who ran Fleet Sports in Fleet Rd has
passed away aged 70.
Possible Sites: Hart Council have identified the coucil offices in Harlington
Way as a brown field site for new homes. Three hundred homes could be built at
Grove Farm in Crookham, 325 at Watery Lane in Church Crookham and 400 on land
near to Pale Lane Farm in Eletham Heath.
Arson Attack: Police are looking for those rersponsible for an arson attack at
the rear of a derilict bungalow in Cambell Close between 2.30 qand 3.10am on
Tuesday. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you can help.
24 July
New Wine Bar: Claire Stacey is to open the Bamboo Bar opposite the Prince
Arthur pub in Fleet Rd. The new licence was approved conditionally upon CCTV
being installed inside and out, two trained door staff and bar staff to monitor
noise levels. Claire was denied opening hours until 2pm but can open until 1pm
on Fridays and Saturdays. Other town centre pubs are open until 2pm on these
days.
Asleep On The Job: Chris Carrigan smashed the rear windows of a car in
Aldershot, got in and promptly fell asleep. In court he pleaded guilty to
criminal damage.
High-Tech Centre Approved: Plans to build a data centre between Fleet and
Farnborough have been approved despite local residents fear that the development
will ruin the gap between the two towns and add to the already congested roads
traffic.
Dance Success: Fifty-six pupils with the June White Academy of Dance have
achieved between 81% and 96% in their recent dance and freestyle exams.
more
16 July
Punch Cost £385: Antony Stephens from West Byfleet was fined a total of
£385 for punching another man in the face in front of a police officer after a
night out in Jaxx nightclub in Fleet. He pleaded guilty to common assault and possession
of cannabis.
Fleet's Wheelchair Champion: Lucy Shuker has won the ITF 2 Series Wheelchair
Tennis Doubles with her partner Daniiela di Toro. A week ago they reached the
final of the Wimbledon Women's Wheelchair Doubles.
Champion Lucy
10 July
100 Not Out: Hilda Neville has celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded
by family and friends at the Prince of Wales pub. Hilda moved to Fleet from
Andover when she was 5 years old.
Donor Award: Dorothy Fitchen from Church Crookham
has been awarded a crystal plate by the National Blood Service for giving blood
75 times. It is estimated that she could have saved up to 225 lives.
2 July
Andrews Memorial: Andrew Macallan has donated an
interpretation panel, individually designed by local graphic artist Andy
Bardell, which gives information about Basingbourne Heath. The panel is a
memorial to Andrews wife who lived in Fleet most of her life and cared about the
environment.
New Walks Book: Fleet's Stephen and Pam Turner
have published a revised and updated edition of "Walks Around The
Blackwater Valley". Get your copy by phoning 01252 810852
25 June
No Objection: Natural England has
decided not to object to the Pyestock Mega Depot as they do not think that the
development will have a significant effect on the habitat of threatened bird
species. A decision on the development is expected on Aug 6th.
Boards Threat: There are now more than 50 sandwich advertising boards in Fleet
and many of them are under threat because they do not meet Hampshire
highways guidelines and are a danger to disabled people and the elderly. Fleet
Town Centre manager Paul Doughty has warned that the County Council are ready to
take action.
Free Parking: The Hart Council is to allow free parking for the Fleet Carnival
procession day on 11 July.
Jobs Website: A Fleet mother has launched a jobseekers website for those who
want to work away from a desktop. To find out more visit www.jobswithoutdesks.com
Promotion: Fleet netball champions Heath Hoops who were formed only three
years ago have won promotion for the second year running.
19 June
No Extension: An application from the Jaxx nightclub in Fleet to stay
open until 2am on Bank Holiday Sundays has been turned down by Hart Council.
Missing: Police are looking for a Christopher Wells
who was last seen in Church Crookham on June 5th. He is white with a stocky
build and light brown stocky hair. He is clean shaven, with a round face and
wears glasses. Last seen he was wearing black and white checkered shirt and blue
jeans. Call 0800555111 if you can help.
New Care Home: A new 74 one and two bedroomed care home to replace old buildings
in Campbell Close has been given the go ahead by Hart District Council.
Ebay Scam: Andrew Masterson has been jailed for 5 years for his
involvement in a £350,000 ebay stolen goods scam.
OBE: Fleet's Michael Ankers who is chief executive of the Construction
Products Assoc has bee awarded an OBE.
12 June
Sharyn Beats Denis: Conservative Sharyn Wheale held on to the Hart seat
in the county elections beating Denis Gotel by over 1.5 thousand votes. In the
Church Crookham & Ewshot seat Community Campaign Hart gained the seat from
the Conservatives. full
results
Bakers Fined: The previous owners of the two Wrights Bakery shops in
Fleet and Church Crookham have been fined £1,780 for hygiene offences. Dirt,
cobwebs, debris, ineffective cleaning equipment, mold, rodent and mouse
droppings were amongst the problems discovered at the premises.
Time Capsule: A time capsule has been buried by children from the
Buttercups Day Nursery at the Bupa owned Freeland's Croft nursing home in
Redfields Lane. The capsule was filled with memorabilia including hand drawn
pictures of the area.
Coast To Coast: James Starling from Woodcote Green has cycled from Lands
End to John O'Groats in just four days for charity. Contact Malcolm Inglis on
01252 615 916 to make a
donation.
Buttercups Day Nursery
5 June:
Pyestock Decision Delayed: A decision on the
Pyestock mega depot has been put off because the Dept for Communities and Local
Government needs more information from Natural England regarding the impact the
proposals would have on The Thames Basin Special Protection Area - land
protected because of its habitat for a number of threatened bird species.
Bike Ride For Charity: Fleet's Paul Hobson is to
attept a 2,600 motor bike ride from the UK to Casablanca and back next month to
raise money for Honypot Charity. To donate go to www.justgiving.com/rideofthebumblebee
30 May
Increased Members: Fleet and Church Crookham Society has a reported 20%
increase in membership since the demise of the Fleet and Church Crookham
Residents Society last year. For more details and to see what the society does
click
here
New Pond Book: A new book called "Fleet Pond Society - The First
30 Years" has been written by the Pond Societies president Peter Martin.
For more info call 01252 629420 684828.
more
24 May
Pond Plans Rejected: Plans by Helical Bar (Fleet) Ltd to build over 200
new homes overlooking Fleet Pond have been turned by Hazel Blears, Secretary of
State for Communities and Local Government. Hart District Council had already
rejected the scheme.
School to Close: Wood Lane Playschool is to close in July. Owner Liz
Hume-Wright has decided to retire.
Lost Snake: Driving Instructor Stuart Taylor discovered a snake on the
King's Rd opposite Lynchford Tyres. His pupil did a perfect emergency stop and
Stuart managed to get the snake in a plastic bag and take it to Pets Emporium in
Sandhurst. If you know who might own the snake phone Mr. Taylor on
07786517855.
Shoe Sale: Kristena Shoes has been bought by Hart Travel owner Roger
Crocker and his daughter Sally Hitzalla.
Top Marks: Court Moor Centre Community Group have received the highest
award of "outstanding" from
Ofsted.
Playgroup Logo
Champions: Crookham Rovers U16s have won the NEHYL Premier league.
15 May
MP's Expenses:
Fleet
and Church Crookham MP James Arbuthnot, who is a direct descendant of James 1st
of Scotland, has apologised for claiming expenses for pool maintenance, a
housekeeper, work on trees, property insurance, furnishings, a house sign, an
oven, decorating and windows.
Art Award: Jean Haines, who is from Church Crookham, has won the Anthony
J Lester Art Critic Award at the Society of Women Arts annual exhibition at the
Mall Galleries in London. One of the award presenters was Gloria Hunnerford
Jeans Website 
James 1st of Scotland Watercolour by Jean
Climbing Fun:
Two new climbing boulders are to be unveiled at Oakley Park on May 22nd.
The boulders, which are ideal for older children, were bought with lottery
money.
Poll Battleground: The candidates for next months County
Elections are Hart Fleet: Sharyn Wheale (con), John Davies (lab), Denis Gotel
(ind). Church Crookham and Ewshot: Jenny Radley (community campaign hart),
Pritpal Singh (con), Jim White (lab)
7 May
Drama Award: Fleet's Alex Maude from the Ann Bauer School of Drama in
Fleet has won the open Shakespeare Cup playing Bottom from A Midsummer Nights
Dream at the recent Bristol Eisteddfod.
Parking Victory: After an appeal lasting 7 months over a parking ticket
Eric Moggach, 62, has had his penalty Charge Notice overturned. Eric, who is
disabled and needs extra space to open his car doors to get out, parked in two
spaces in the Gurkha Square car park. Eric stated that he had been given special
dispensation to park by parking attendants but nevertheless was still given a
ticket.
Tyre Fire: A blaze at Lynchford Tyres in Kings Rd took 20 minutes to
control by firefighters. Vandals are suspected to have started the fire. By the
time owner Derek Bell arrived after being informed just after midnight the blaze
was under control.
Reduced Parking Fees: Evening charges for parking in Victoria Rd, Civic
Officers, Harlington Rd and the Central Courtyard have been cut from £1.60 to
£1 and Gurkha Sq charges cut by 10p.
Money Swimmer: Matthew McAllister, 10, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Type
3(EDS) is hoping to raise £4,000 for a younger child, Olivia Court, who has
also been diagnosed with EDS, by completing a 1,000 metre swim. The swim will be
a tough test for Matthew. To help visit www.teamcoloursuk.org.uk
Fleet FC More Success: Fleet Town FC have won the Russell Cotes Cup Final
by beating Hayling Island 3-1 with goals from Michael Douglas, Tom Bird and
Bernard Asante. They have recently won the Hampshire Cup.
1 May
£20.000 Raised: Christ Church Community Project has raised over £20,000
at its fundraising launch event. Aiming to raise £500,000 towards a major
building project at Christ Church in Church Crookham fundraisers were delighted
with the fantastic start made. For details of future events visit
www.christchurch.crookham.org.uk 
30 May
Fleet Win Cup: Fleet Town FC uncorked the champers after winning the
Hampshire Cup at St Mary's ground, the home of Southampton FC. After two
previous finals in the last three years Fleet finally got their hands on the cup
after a very even game against VTFC in front of a crowd of 1,242 fans. With
chances at both ends the game seemed to be heading for extra time when, with
only seconds to go, Nathan Smart scored with a thunderous drive into the back of
the net. Fleet skipper and MOM Steve Noakes lifted the cup to the delight of
Fleet fans who were left disappointed two days ago when they failed to clinch a
place in the play-off final in the Ryman One league.
St Mary's Ground
28 April
Fleet Lose Promotion Chance: Fleet Town FC went down 1-0 at home to the
Metropolitan Police in their Ryman One South play-off semi-final. The police
took the lead in the first half and held on until the end after determined late
attacking failed to produce a vital goal for Fleet. This is the third consecutive
year Fleet have lost out in the play-offs.
Butchers Success: Kevin Horn, who joined Clark Butchers from Court Moor
School, has reached the semi-final stage of BBC3's Young Butcher of the Year
competition. Although Kevin did not reach the final he hoped his efforts will
bring more business to the shop in Fleet Rd and promised to win the competition
next year.
23 April
Damaged Path Repaired: A walkway at Fleet Pond has been repaired by
volunteers as part of Action Earth 2009. Pond Chairman Colin Gray stated that
erosion by high water had damaged the timber bridge and part of the footpath
causing a risk to cyclists.
Stylish Win: Stylists from the KJM Salons in Fleet have won the
Schwarzkopf Professional Creative Team Competition 2009 held in London.
17 April
Rejected: A plan to build four detached homes behind 41 to47 Wood Lane
has been turned down by Hart Council.
House Fire: Colin Johnson and his wife and children suffered smoke
inhalation and burns after a fire at their home in Dinorban Close.
15 April
Not Enough Schools: Next year children in the Fleet and Crookham areas
may have to go to secondary school in Aldershot or Farnborough due to lack of
facilities in local schools.
Parking Freeze: Parking charges in the Hart area are to be frozen this
year.
More Room: Hart Council has agreed to increase the burial space at Fleet cemetery.
Without an increase there could be no space left within the next few years.
Speed Limit: A speed limit of 30mph is to be introduced along Hitches
Lane from Reading Rd North to the new roundabout were the road will be diverted.
10 April
Charity Canoe Marathon: After three months training local canoeist Brian
Biffin will be paddling the World's longest canoe marathon from Devizes to
Westminster over the 4 days of Easter. Brian who wants the money raised to go to
the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice will be backed up by his wife Anne and fellow canoeist
Mike. To donate
click here
Brian at the back with partner Mike
Reunion: Former Court Moor School pupil Peter Cole
is arranging a class of 84 reunion on Sat June 13th. for more info email
petecole@hotmail.com
Five Years of Charity Raising: Volunteers from the British Heart
Foundation shop in Fleet rd have celebrated the shops 50th birthday.
Outstanding School: Oftsted have judged Court Moor School as outstanding
for overall effectiveness and capacity to sustain
improvement.
more
Expensive MP?: Expenses claimed by local MP James Arbuthnot total
£146,192 for the year ending 5th April 2008. Allowances totalled £141,026 and
Travel £5,166
more
James Arbuthnot
First Aid: The Red Cross is running an Emergency
Life Support course at the Fleet Red Cross Centre at 141 Clarence Lane in Fleet
on April 22nd. The course costs £20. Call Charlotte on 01483447872 to find out
more.
3 April
Carnival Recovers: After the Fleet Carnival EGM in February a meeting was
called to discuss the future of Carnival. At this meeting the Carnival Chairman
and a member of the committee resigned. This left only four committee members and no Chairman or Secretary was in place. Since then, after an advertising
campaign run by Vice President Allan Gibson, the Carnival committee has grown to around 10 with a new Chairman and Secretary
elected. This years Carnival will be held on 11 July with a Children's and a
Grand procession. A line dance will also be held on 10th July in the Harlington
Centre.
Illegal Signs: Campaigner Peter Ashford is calling on Hart Council to
stop giving parking tickets and refund paid fines for parking in what he claims
are illegal parking bays in Connaught Road and Clarence Road.
Free Swimming: From the 1st April over 60's and under 17's can go
swimming in Hart Leisure Centre free of charge. The government scheme is set to
run for two years.
New WI Group: A new Woman's Institute has been set up in Elvetham Heath.
For more details contact heathuns@googlemail.com
Drama Awards: A Fleet School of Drama run by Ann Bauer has won many
awards in the drama section of the Woodley Festival held over two weeks in
Reading. The
group, aged between 10 to 19, won 8 trophies in total.
Gurkha Portrait Moved: Martin Bennett has won a two year battle to move a
portrait of a Gurkha Soldier from a hidden corridor to a prominent position in
the Harlington Centre Reception area. The portrait was presented to Fleet Town
when the Gurkhas left some years ago.
27 Mar
Jump For Charity: Melony Robertson and her sister Louse Jankoski plus
some old school friends from George Abbot school in Guildford have come up with
the idea of skydiving for the Help For Heroes charity. To donate contact girlsjump@hotmail.co.uk
Centre Refurbish: A £360,000 project to refurbish the Velmead Centre in
Church Crookham is under way. There will be an extension to the hall and the children's
play area plus a new kitchen and disabled toilet.
Bone Marrow Donors: Around 40 people signed up to a bone marrow
recruitment clinic at Court Moor School organised by teenager Jo Smith to
celebrate the success of her sister Beth who has been given the all clear by
doctors after treatment for leukemia.
21 Mar
We're Well Off: Hart District is officially rated
by the Government as the least deprived district in the whole of England. This
means that we receive the lowest level of government grant per head of
population of any other district.
M3 Control: Lights are to be installed on the M3
Fleet northbound junction to help control traffic joining the motorway. Lights
have already been installed on the southbound junction. Work is expected to be
completed by summer 2009.
Half Marathon: Matthew Blundon won the Fleet half
marathon in a time of 1hr10min48sec. Mark Croasdale was second and Matthew
Bennett third. Victoria Gill was first woman home in 1hr17min49sec followed by
Claire Donald and Louise Vallier. The race was run in lovely sunshine and well
supported by local people who crowded into Fleet Rd.
Donors Needed:
Caroline Bicheno, who is suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma, is urging people to
join a bone marrow database. Caroline who fears she may not see her children
start school, requires a bone marrow transplant. Those willing to help should
visit the Anthony Nolan Trust website at www.anthonynolan.org.uk
Fleet Festivities Threat:
The annual Fleet Festivities Christmas event held in Fleet Rd and organised by
Kevin Whibley, chairman of the Fleet Business Partnership, may not be held this
year unless more support is forthcoming. Kevin has decided not to organise the
event this year due to business committments and family pressures. He is also
putting the Business Partnership into mothballs for a year. It is hoped that
Paul Doughty, Fleet's Town Centre Manager will be able to take on the event with
the support of Hart Council but he requires willing volunteers to save the
event. If you can help contact Paul on 01252 774079.
News Merger: The Fleet
News and The Fleet Mail are to merge to produce one broadsheet which will be
published every Friday.
Young Chef: Chloe
Tayler, from Calthorpe park school, is through to the finals of the Future Chef
competition.
16 Mar
Canal Threat: Hart Council have approved plans to redevelop Poulters
Bridge Cottage a beautiful residence by the Basingstoke canal in Crookham
Village. Local residents have criticized the development of two storey
extensions at the site.
Volunteers Wanted: The British Red cross are asking for volunteers to
give some of their time to collecting money in Fleet for vulnerable people at
home and abroad during their appeal week between May 3 and 9. To help call
Charlie on 01962 866833.
Fleet Reach Final Again: Fleet Town FC have reached the final of the
Hampshire Cup after beating Eastleigh 2 - 0. It is their second final appearance
in three years. They will play VTFC in the final at Southampton's St Mary's
Stadium on April 30th.
12 March
Pond Appeal For Help: Fleet Pond, the largest freshwater lake in
Hampshire, needs volunteers to join its conservation team. Repair of the pond's
spring banks will take place on April 12th and footpaths fixed on May
10th. Contact Mr. Gray on 01252 616183 if you want to help.
Fleet Pond in Winter Courtesy of photographer Claire Gibson
Lollipop Winner: Michael (Mike) Cotton, who patrols the Gally Hill Road site in Church Crookham near to Crookham Infant School, has been voted Hart’s district finalist in a competition to find Hampshire’s favourite School Crossing Patrol of the Year. He was nominated by the the Morris family, whose two children attend the local infant school, wrote: “He (Mike) always has a wonderful smile and is cheerful, no matter what the weather is. He is always very smart, a true gentleman and good role model. We were without a lollipop man for over a year and that’s why we really do love Mr Cotton.”
6 March
Redfield Revamp: Redfields Garden Centre has been given permission by
Hart Council to redevelop its business into a new hi-tech centre. Owner Malcolm
Goater hopes to start the work this Autumn and it is expected to be complete by
Spring 2011. The old garden centre will remain open during the work.
Shops to stay Closed: Fleet Town Centre Manager, Paul Doughty has warned
that due to administrators work on the affairs of Woolworth's, The Officers Club
and Adams shops in the Hart Centre re-letting the units may not be possible for
a year or so. Even ideas to make the shop fronts more attractive have been
rejected.
University Challenge: Fleet's Simon Baker has won the University Challenge
Quiz show as part of the Manchester University team after a member of a rival
team had been disqualified.
27 Feb
Dutch Painting: Fleet artist Peter Richardson has completed a portrait of
the retiring President of the International Court of Justice, Rosalyn Higgins.
The painting is being displayed at The Haig in Holland. Peter had a gallery in
Fleet for more than 20 years and has paintings on display at the Phoenix Gallery
and Farthingale Centre at Hartley Wintney.
102 Celebrations: Agnes Apsey who lives at a Marlborough Hse nursing home
in Church Crookham celebrated her 102nd birthday on Feb 17th.
20 Feb
Load Of Rubbish: Areas of Fleet and Crookham, such as Pondtail Rd and
Elvetham Heath have not had rubbish collections for over three weeks due to the
recent heavy snowfall. Residents have complained about bags being left on the
pavement attracting vermin. The council blames Health and Safety problems during
the bad weather and refuse to put in earlier collections to deal with the
backlog.
Dinner Cancelled: A charity dinner dance in aid of the Naomi Trust has
been canceled by the organiser Hart Council Chairman Denis Gotel. Mr. Gotel
blamed the recession, redundancies and the weather for people not buying the
£20 tickets. He added "Fleet has lost its community spirit.
Upper Street Danger: A "call for action" has been made from
residents and business owners regarding the junction between Upper St and Albert
St and Clarence Rd. There have been a number of accidents near to the junction
and it is feared that someone will get seriously hurt if nothing is done.
Boar Spotted: Wild boar have been seen near Dogmersfield by Fleet
resident Mrs. Mead. They have been extinct in the area for 300 years.
6 Feb
Harlington Meeting: At a packed cabinet meeting to discuss the future of
the Harlington Centre it was disclosed that 70% of the footfall for events held
at the centre were from Fleet and Church Crookham residents. 22% from elsewhere
in Hart and 8% outside Hart. 100% of costs were paid by Hart Council. It was
proposed that the annual losses incurred be reduced from £350K to £175K. For
the year 2009/10 events booked by current users will be honoured. Existing
concessionary rates offered to charities will be retained but there will be an
increase of 5% in hire fees. Concessionary rates offered to commercial users
will be curtailed. The staff requirement will be reduced from 11.7 to 4.5. It is
proposed to close the centre when there are no events running. For the future it
is proposed that the Parish Councils take ownership of the centre in April 2010
and will be responsible for the running costs. It was also proposed that in the
long term a more modern facility should be built locally to replace the
Harlington Centre. Only this years changes will be put in hand all other changes
are only proposals at this time and all users will be kept fully up to date.
Development Condemned: The Carling Homes housing
development at the Peter Driver Centre has been condemned by the government
agency Sport England .
Winter Wonderland: Fleet was covered by a record breaking
6"of snow with on Monday. more
pictures
Closed Down: Thomas Day Motors in Fleet have called
in administrators. They are closing down after 40 years in the area. The
recession has been blamed.
30 Jan
For Children: A new under water themed play centre has opened in Church
Rd called Archie's Submarine. website
Crondall Rd Danger: Residents were invited to
give their views on new plans, which include reducing the speed limit to 30mph
and introducing more signs, to make Crondall Rd safer. One residency stated that
he wanted features to force drivers to slow down not signs and paint.
Offices Like Houses: Invista Real Estate plans to
build new officers in Ancells Park to replace The Beech Hse and Hays Hse have
been thrown out by Hart Council.
School Remembers: Pupils from Court Moor School
wore paperclips to school to mark the Holocaust Memorial day. The theme of the
event was Stand up to Hatred.
Well Done: The Fleet and District group of the
Phyllis Tuckwell Trust raised more than £37,000 in 2008.
fleethants supports the trust events
New Sponsor: This years Fleet half marathon to
be held on March 1st is to be sponsored by Lucozdade Sport.
23 Jan
Harlington Not Closing: The council confirmed to a meeting of the
Harlington Centre users that it had no intention of closing down. The meeting
was called to get the users views on new manning proposals. The council aim to
provide 1 and a half men i.e. a staff manager and caretaker, to be on duty
whilst events were taking place. At a noisy meeting many of the users feared
that the centre was to be closed or class hire fees were to be substantial
increased, had started to look elsewhere to run their events. Starburst
stated
that this years summer show could be called off. The point was made that this
could lead to further non-use of the facilities and further problems to add to
the £350,000 losses already being made per annum. £500,000 is already being
spent on the centre with an income of only £250,000. The council is to have
meetings with the staff and will then report back to the users.
Chess Champ: Seven year old Harry Grieve, a pupil
at Velmead Junior School, has won the London Junior Chess Championship. He has
only been playing for one year.
Composer Champ: 15 year old Fleet student Ralph
Wyld has been named best jazz composer in the Sibelius Student Composer of the
year competition. click
here to hear the composition
Ralph
16 Jan
Recession Bites Hard: Woolworth's have closed their
doors for the last time in Fleet. Also Adams and Officers Club have closed and Maher's
Book shop is due to close on Feb 14th. The good news is that their are no
plans to close the Fleet outlet of M&S.
No Markets: There will be no Hampshire Markets this
year in Fleet. This is due to reduced footfall.
Cold Start: A temperature of -8.8C was recorded in
Fleet on the 7th Jan by Fleet amateur weather enthusiast Chris MacDougall. more
Reunion: Peter
Cole wants to bring together Court Moor School's class of 1984 Tickets for the
event at S Farnborough Working man's club are £10. For more info phone 07801
496455.
Man Steals Drill: A Fleet man stole a power drill
from his friends house "but did not know what to do with it". He rec
40 hours of unpaid community work.
Velmead Tragedy: Luke
Soane, aged 17, was killed in an accident along Velmead Rd when his motorcycle collided with a Hyundai car. He was taken to Frimley Park Hospital were he died
the following day.
Thousands Raised: Fleet
Morning Townswomen's Guild has raised £2,620 for its 2008 chosen charity. The
money is to be donated to the charity Help for Heroes.
8 Jan:
Cycle Warning: Last year 57 bikes were vandalized
or stolen from Fleet Station. Cyclists have been warned to ensure they
secure their bikes.
Getting Ahead: Many police in the Fleet area are to
be fitted with head mounted cameras (head-cams) which can provide evidence to be
used in court.
Ice Warning: People are being warned to keep of the
Basingstoke Canal and Fleet
Pond when iced over. The ice may be very thin
causing a high risk to any one skating or walking on it.
Double Whammy: Parents Dean Durrant and Allison
Spooner have had a second pair of twins. Sven years ago twin girls Lauren and
Hayleig were born and now the Church Crookham pair have done it again with the
births of Miya and Leah.
New Year Babes: Lucy and Lawrence Godfrey had Toby
at 2am on New Years day and Katie Coughlan and Adam Warren saw their daughter
Aaliyah born at 6.20am
2 Jan
Special Present: Oliver John Nicholson was born at
Frimley Park Hospital at 5pm pm Christmas day. Mum and dad, Kylie and Lawrence
were delighted. Both parents, who live in Fleet, are planning to move to
Australia this year. They plan to wed in April.
Well Done: The recent Fleet Festivities raised
£3,523.10 to give for holidays to sick children.
2008
18 Dec
Can You Help: Members of the Surrey and Hampshire Canal
Society are asking for helpers to carry out maintenance work along the towpath
of the Basingstoke canal in Fleet. If you want to help phone Mr. Hornsey on
01252 623591.
Charity Lights: Graig Colclough has spent a whole weekend
putting up a dazzling display of Christmas lights outside his home in Frere Ave.
Craig hopes to raise money for Fleet Lions
Tag Exhibitions: Tag Farnborough Airport are to
hold exhibitions and consultations for the public in Fleet and Crookham at the
Harlington Centre at 9.30 to 1pm on the 31st Jan and 4.30 to 8pm on 4th Feb.
Also in the Crookham Memorial Hall at 9.30 to 1pm on 7 Feb.
Fleet Carnival at Serious Risk: Fleet Carnival are
appealing for more committee members to help organise next years carnival. At
the moment there are only 6 members left. There is also a critical need for a secretary.
If more people do not come forward then the carnival will be axed for the first
time in 54 years. Call Allan Gibson on 01252 629420 if you can help save
carnival.
11 Dec
Allotment Wait: Land set aside for allotments in Fleet and
Crookham has not been developed as quickly as had been envisaged and the
campaign by the recently set up Fleet and Church Crookham Allotment association
for new allotments will have to wait another year.
Free Christmas Song: Local singer Victoria Beebee is
giving away her Christmas single "Apple Eyes" as a gift to all her
supporters. All you need to do is visit her website at www.victoriabeebee.com
Return of Free Parking?: Plans have been made for either
the return of free parking or a complete ban of parking along Fleet Rd. A full
public consultation is to be held before any final decision is made.
4 Dec
Festivities Fun: Fleet Rd was amass of visitors
all enjoying this years festivities. Amongst the attractions were Father
Christmas, farm animals, carousal, market traders and traders. A firework
display followed the switch on of the towns lights.
Dance Success: Eight pupils of the June
White Academy of Dance in fleet are to appear in the show Annie at the Princes
Hall in Aldershot.
Bakers Closed Down: D R Wrights bakers in
Fleet Rd was closed down by health inspectors following the discovery of
evidence of poor cleaning and unchecked mice infestation. The shop has now been
reopened after the owner Lucas Borek arranged for a deep clean of the shop and
pest control contractors stopped the mice from getting in.
Parking Bays Still Wrong: Campaigner Peter
Ashford has claimed that the repainting of parking bays in Fleet have still not
been done correctly after three attempts. The county council state that the work
has been completed correctly.
Samantha's Fund: The St Nicholas PTA has
raised £3,150 for the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust. The cheque was
presented to Samantha's parents Neil and Angela who set up the trust following
the death of their teenage daughter. Samantha had been a pupil at the school
from 1991 to 1996.
28 Nov
Good Place To Live:
Hart has been placed 5th in a survey listing the best places
to live in the country
Theatre Group Need Help:
Starburst Theatre group need a small piece of land to site
its 40ft metal storage container. If you can help please phone Mr. Phillips on 01252
642066.
Fleet Town FC Under Threat: Calthorpe Park landlords Hart Council are becoming
"hostile" to Fleet Town Football Club according to the club. Hart
Council have reported bright lights and noise problems from local residence. The
club is asking for the support of residents to secure its future at the ground.
Battle Begins: The fight to prevent the mega warehouse development being built
at Pyestock has begun with 400 people filling Hart Leisure centre on the first
day of the inquiry. latest
21 Nov
Lots Of Medals: Acting group "Beginners on
Stage" have received 8 gold, 8 silver and 16 bronze medals at the annual
British Arts Festival for Speech and Drama held in Guildford.
More Medals: Fleet Matinee Club have won 3 gold
medals, 1 silver and 5 bronze in the 2008 REACT Games a competition held for
over 50's in the South East. The 65 plus age group were second overall and won
the runners-up trophy.
Music Grant: Fleet Lions have secured a grant of
£4,250 to help fund the SMART music project for 11 to 19 year olds in the Hart
district.
Gurkha Tributes: Tributes have been paid to Colour
Sergeant Krishnabahadur Dura who has been killed in Afghanistan. He was based in
Church Crookham for 18 months and was married with two children.
14 Nov
Pyestock Public Inquiry Dates: The inquiry opens at Hart
Leisure Centre at 10am on Nov 25th then continues each weekday until 16 Dec.
There will be a morning and afternoon session on each day. The public evening
session is at 7pm on Dec 4th also at Hart Leisure Centre. The Stop Pyestock bLot
Act Today (SPLAT) group urge everyone to demonstrate their feelings to the
Inspector by attending sessions and signing in. more
£1 million For Development: Developers Helical Bar
have been asked to provide a million pounds contribution towards the building of
over 200 new homes on the Waterfront Business Park by Fleet Pond. A previous
application had been thrown out by Hart Council but the developers have
appealed. An inquiry starts on Jan 6th.
Road Works Diversion: Local Residents are
complaining at the diversion due to the closure of Reading Rd North for drainage
and resurfacing work. It has been described as "barking, raving and
mad."
Waiting For Loss: After a two year selection
process Fleet resident Leigh Hagger has been granted a government funded weight
loss gastric bypass operation.
Light Up A Life: The Sue Ryder Care charity shop in
Church Crookham invites everyone to make a donation in return for a Lights of
Love Christmas star on which they can write a message to a loved one and hang it
on their tree at home. more
Best Loos: Fleet's motorway services station
toilets has won the highest award in this years Loo of the Year awards.
Green Tokens Raise £1000: Waitrose have given the
Gurkha Welfare Trust £375, the Naomi House children's trust £425 and the Starburst
Theatre Co £200 as a result of their green token scheme were customers are
handed a green token to place in one of three labelled boxes in the front of
their store.
8 Nov
Carnival Pizza: The new Pizza Express opening at the old
Electricity Showroom shop in Fleet on Friday 14 Nov is using old Fleet Carnival
Programme covers for the wall decor. The posters are A1 size. Pizza Express are
to sponsored next years Carnival Programme Artwork Competition.
Fight To Stop New Nursing Home: Powell Jessavala, son of
the long serving councilor Keki Jessavala, is joining the campaign to stop the
building of a 60 bedroomed nursing home on the former Shotts nightclub site by
the Peter Driver centre in Bourley Rd. Plans have been put forward to move the
centre to a new location within the Hitches Lane development.
Parking Risk: Local resident Stephen parker has claimed
that car parking along Tavistock Rd near to the junction with Reading Rd North
is a risk and feel that someone could get seriously injured if it is allowed to
continue.
Poignant Visit To Ypres: Year 10 and 11 pupils from St
Nicholas School have spent a day visiting Ypres, an area of historic interest
from the 1st World War. They visited the Menin Gate, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Flanders
Field museum and Sanctuary Wood were they could walk through the muddy trenches
left as a memorial to the battle of Passchendale where tens of thousands of
soldiers died in just 100 days.
30 Oct
Rushmoor Help: Rushmoor Borough Council are to provide expert consultancy
advise
at the forthcoming inquiry into the proposed mega warehouse development in
Pyestock.
Fleet Rd Shopkeeper Honoured: Fleet Lions have made Geoff Baker from WC Bakers a
Melvin Jones Fellow. Geoff has sponsored many activities in Fleet including
Fleet Carnival and Festivities. His family shop is now in its 100th year.
Slow Upgrades: Fleet station upgrade projects have been
under fire for progressing too slowly. A Double Decker car park and lifts for
the footbridge are among many improvements to be made.
Photo Competition: This
years winners of the Fleet Business Partnership photography competition are: Up
to Year 2 Archie Hamerton, Up to Year 11 Robin Davies, Up to Age 25 Leo Janson,
Up to age 50 George Willoughby, Over 50's Roger Cansdale, Spring - Ian Larkin,
Summer - Danny Lewis, Autumn - Marilyn Larkin and Winter Kay
Newby-Driscol.
24 Oct
40 Brownie Years:
Fleet Brownie pack have celebrated their 40th birthday with a
special event held at St Philip and St James church Hall. The pack registered
in 1968 with 18 girls led by Brown Owl and Tawny Owl Mildred Ormisher and Susan
Collings.
Cats Whiskers:
A picture of Sarah O'Garros cat Jonny-Blaze was runner-up
in the national PDSA's pets gallery photograph competition.
More Help For Pyestock Campaign:
Yateley Town councillors are to do "everything in
their power" to stop the mega warehouse development in Pyestock.
17 Oct
Yellow Lines To Go: Double yellow lines and hatching along
Velmead Rd and deemed as illegal by campaigner Peter Ashford are to be removed
after an inspection by John Foggo Hart District Councils Highways Team Manager.
How's That: Tim Thornton, long time head of a very successful
junior section at Fleet cricket Club has decided to retire.
Quality Selection: Fleet Pond has been selected by
the University College London as the site in the South East which is to be monitored
for the next five years in a study to determine the quality of water in the
countries lakes
Just Reward: Colin Gray, chairman of both the Fleet
Pond Society and the Fleet and Crookham Society, has been presented with a
special award in recognition of his work in the community. Colin said he was
surprised to receive the award of a special trophy and £50 worth of garden
vouchers.
Photo Competition: Hart District Council Chairman
Dennis Gotel has launched a photographic competition for digital pictures that
reflect the "spirit of the district". There are two age groups, 16 and
under and over 16. Entry forms can be collected from the Harlington Centre.
Closing date November 30th.
9 Oct
Illegal Chutney: Five officers from the UK Border Agency have surrounded
Chutneys Indian Restaurant in Fleet and arrested a Nepalese man who has been
sent back to Nepal as an illegal worker.
Liable to Flood: A list of all local sites susceptible to
flooding in being drawn up by Hart District Council.
£600 To Go To The Loo: Restaurants in Fleet have rejected
a council plan to pay them £600 a year to allow the public to use their toilets
thus saving money in providing public conveniences.
Free Swim: Hart leisure centre is to provide free
swimming for the over 60's from next April as part of a government move to
promote sport before the 2012 Olympics.
Seeing Double: Double yellow lines and white
hatching on the Velmead Rd near two schools has been condemned as illegal and dangerous
by illegal road markings campaigner Peter Ashford. He has called for their
removal.
2 Oct
Splat Money: Yateley Town Council have donated £500 to
SPLAT the group campaigning against the Pyestock Development. They are concerned
about rising traffic levels in the Yateley area.
25 Sep
£20,000 Pledged: The Pystock fighting fund has now
reached more than £20,000 towards the fight against the development of a mega
depot plan.
Meter Confusion: People are staying away from Fleet
restaurants and other areas of the town because of confusion over car parking
meter charges. New rules concerning daytime and evening parking are to blame.
People are running out of restaurants in the middle of their meals to top up the
meter at 8pm when the evening charge comes into force and do not realize that
they can pay for the evening parking at the time they arrive even if it is
before 8pm.
Eye Catching Offer: Fleet Specsavers are sponsoring
Crookham Rovers u 16's and have provided them with a brand new kit.
23 Sep
Carnival Charity Donations: This years Fleet Carnival has
given out £2,500 to local charities. Mayor Denis Gotel handed out cheques to
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Parity for Disability, Friend of Fairways
(Seeability) and Calthorpe Park School Association at the AGM held at the Civic
Centre. more
New Branch: Thomas Yau, star of Halifax Bank
commercials, has opened up a new branch in Fleet Rd.
Saddled With Cash: Fleet man Mark Ryder was part of a five
man team of cyclists who have raised money for charity by completing a 500 mile
ride from Belfast to London.
Annual Rally: The Basingstoke Canal Boat Club's annual
rally has been held at the Fox and Hounds pub in Crookham Rd.
11 Sep
Antiques Road Show: Eric Knowles who is one of TV's top
Antiques Roadshow experts staged a one man show at the Harlington Centre called
"Antiques Antics"
Stars Christie Roll: Local actress Raquel Cassidy is to
star in the first of a new series of Poirot called Mrs. McGinty's Dead on TV at
9pm on Sun Sep 14th.
Quality Centre: Hart Leisure centre have received a commended and the
Harlington Centre an accredited mark by Quest a national quality scheme for
sport and leisure.
5 Sep
Eat Safely: A new website lists the worst and best places
to eat in Hart. Outlets are listed as excellent, satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
In Fleet, New Support Options in Farnham Rd, Cafe Giardino in the Hart Centre
and Seeability in Elvetham Rd were all classified as excellent. Visit the site
at www.safe2eat.com
Pyestock Latest: Residents are being invited by planning
inspector Christina Downes to attend public meetings to discuss the Pyestock
warehouse development plans inquiry. The inquiry will be at the Civic Offices
starting at 10am on Nov 25th.
Harlington Centre Losses: Fleet's Harlington Centre is
losing £350,000 a year and will be reducing staff levels and cutting opening
hours to try to save money which would then pave the way for the three new
parish councils in Fleet and Crookham to take over the running of the Fleet Rd
centre.
Men Wanted: Fleet Choral Society is looking for more male
singers. if you are interested call Pat Hundley on 0118 973 2847.
Charity Trek: Jackie Skinner is taking part in the Dales
Way Challenge, which is a trek along a footpath running from Ilkley in Yorkshire
to Bowness in the Lake District. She is undertaking the 90 mile walk in memory
of her nephew who died from leukemia aged just 22. If you wish to help you can
her raise more than ",500 for the Teenage Cancer Trust visit
www.teenagecancertrust.org/sponsor/jackieskinner
29 Aug
Cows Dying: Scottish Luing cattle have been removed from
an area of heathland between Aldershot and Fleet after some animals had been
found dead. It is thought that the cows had died from lead poisoning caused by a
discarded putty, batteries, metal, oil and paint.
Illegal Workers: Illegal workers at KFC in Fleet
have been arrested during coordinated raids accross NE Hants.
Another Place To Drink:
A new wine bar is to open opposite the Prince Arthur in Fleet Rd. The unit has
been empty for at least five years having been previously marketed as a shop.
21 Aug
Park Development Appeal: The Waterfront
Business Park developers Helical (Fleet) Ltd have lodged an appeal to fight the
decision by Hart District Council to say no to the development. A public inquiry
is now likely with the final decision to be taken by the Secretary of State.
Thirsty Fleet: The Fleet Lions second beer festival was deemed a success with a
record crowd of nearly 500 drinking every clear pint got out of the barrels.
Clear Sighted: Specsavers staff in Fleet got into fancy dress to raise £120 for
young Joshua Wilson who is battling eye cancer.
It Goes On:
Parking fees in Fleet have increased by 33% in spite of protests from local
people and retail shops. Charges are now £1.60 hour compared to £1.40. (Don't
our council members ever walk down Fleet Rd and see the empty shop windows. This
sort of narrow view will inevitably lead to even more closures. Is this what the
council want? - Webmaster) forum
More Access:
Consultation with Hampshire County Council
is under way on £6 million 20 year plans to make Fleet more accessible. The
county began working on the Fleet Town Access plan in May 2007. (Reducing
parking fees would be a nice start - Webmaster)
A Party For Connor:
Ten year old Connor Couzens, who is
suffering from a life threatening condition, has had his dream of going to
Disneyland come true after local people raised £4,000 through a special
community party at The Black Horse in Crookham Village.
14 Aug
Centenary Success: In spite of a damp day weather wise Fleet has celebrated 100
years of retail therapy. WC Baker and Son, the Catholic Church, Avondale Tennis
Club and the National Scout movement all celebrated 100 years when Fleet came
alive with many activities along the high road. Organiser Kevin Whibley from Captured
Moment declared Fleet a community town and the day a success.
7 Aug
Office Conversion: Sanctuary Housing Association have
applied to Hart Council to knock down empty offices at 125-147 Fleet Rd
and build a new care home.
Recycling Website: Elly and Chris Russell from
Church Crookham have had some success with their new recycling website www.rehomeyourstuff.co.uk
They have 170 registered users in NE Hants and over 70,000 page visits so far.
Grazing Back: Cows have returned to graze on the
wet heath at Fleet Pond and Elvetham Heath and will be joined by Shetland ponies
later in the year.
Works Complete: Major refurbishment of Hart Leisure
Centre is now complete. A state of the art gym which is fully air conditioned
and with integrated multi media entertainment and new aerobics and dance studies
have been provided. Vibrant colours are decorating the walls and carpets.
Assessments: Both the Hart Leisure Centre and the
Harlington Centre have scored well in a Quest assessment which is the UK standard
for quality in sport and leisure. Hart scored 73% and The Harlington Centre 65%.
Keeping An Eye On You: There are now 62 cameras located at the Civic
Centre's CCTV control room in Fleet. They cover the Hart District Council area.
Grave News: Fleet cemetery has been given a three
month tidy up and refurbishment by unpaid workers from the local probation service. They
dealt with undergrowth, neglected graves, footpath, boundaries and bench
painting.
31 July
QEB Held Up: The Labour government have rejected the plans to build a
1000 new homes at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks. The Secretary of State Hazel
Blears wanted more urgent action on affordable homes and thought there was not
sufficient funds for schools. It is expected that the developers, Taylor Wimpey,
would re-submit an new application.
Fleet Shop Burglar: A shop assistant working at Clarks shoe shop disturbed
a burglar as she opened up the shop in the Hart Leisure Centre. The man was at
the shops safe and ran away empty handed. He was around 40, 6ft tall, of heavy
build with short spiked hair and wearing a black, leather jacket. Call Crimestoppers
on 0800 555 111 if you can help the police.
Successful Artist: A painting by local artist Linda Gresham of Westbury
Gdns has featured in the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy in London.
New Boatshed: Following a mammoth fund raising effort a new boat shed has
been built by the Fleet Pond Society.
Calthorpe Car Chaos: Posts, which have been erected
to stop cars parking along the entrance road to Calthorpe Park to stop
compacting the earth and causing tree damage have caused havoc. Parking spaces
have been reduced from 100 cars to 20. Some minor accidents have occurred.
Car Show: Around 3,000 people went to the 5th
anniversary on the Elvetham Heath car show.
24 July
Blood Doner: Alexander Furneaux from Church Crookham has
been has been honoured by the National Blood Service for giving blood 147 times
in the last 20 years.
Flats Turned Down: Plans to demolish three family homes
and build 33 flats have been turned down by Hart Council. The one and two
bedroomed flats were to be built in Reading Rd North by Millgate Homes.
New Bus: Court Moor School have taken delivery of a new 17
seater minibus which has been bought out of funds raised by the schools Society.
Join The Band: Local singer Victoria Beebee is looking for
talented musicians to back her at future gigs. If you are between 18-35 then
send a demo MP3 with a recent photo to info@victoriabeebee.com
Opposition To Court Move: Local residents are trying to
stop the move of a games court next to the new 60-bedroomed care home being
built on the old Shotts Nightclub site in Bourley Rd. A plan to move the court
to the new 300 home development in Hitchens Lane has been put forward.
16 July
Elvetham Heath Smell: 300 people living on Elvetham Heath
Estate who have been suffering from the smell of a nearby sewerage works
from across the M3 have signed a petition demanding action from the Thames Water
Authority. One stated "Its just like breathing in toilet water"
Carnival Success: Organisers are patting themselves
on the back after an excellent weekend at Fleet carnival. Although forced in the
last week or so by the local council and the police to run the funfair at the
top of the views, thus much reducing the space available for the two processions
to gather at the end of their route through Fleet, the organisation was enough
to avoid too much crowding and chaos. The Walls funfair has run at the bottom of
the views for over 50 years with very little in the way of problems. results
9 July
More Travellers: Travellers have moved into playing fields
at Ancells Farm. A judge has given them seven days to leave the site or an
eviction order will be applied for.
Juliet's Success: Fleet born actress Juliet Aubrey has
been acclaimed for her performance in the recent BBC production "Criminal
Justice"
4 July
Free Bays Are Back: 24 free car parking red bays have been
marked out in Fleet. 6 each are in Victoria Rd and Gurkha Square car parks and 12 in Church Rd car park.
30 minutes free parking is allowed.
Bays Still Wrong: Parking campaigner Peter
Ashford still thinks the newly laid out parking bays along Fleet Rd are
incorrectly marked. A national adjudicator ruled the original marking of the
bays unenforceable some weeks ago.
New President: Chrys Goodburn has been
made the new president of the Fleet Rotary club.
Powerlifting Success: Andrew Shipman set a
new European record for the 82.5 Kg class in the European Championships weight
lifting event. Dean Drury set a new world record in the 90Kg class. Both men are
from Fleet and won Gold medals.
Roads OK: A report by the Highways Agency
who studied the PRUPIM and Astrals plans for the mega depot at Pyestock have
come out with the surprising conclusion that the roads around the proposed depot
will be able to support the increased traffic.
Pyestock Cash: Hart District Council has
set aside £300,000 to fight the Pyestock Warehouse development appeal.
Fleet Pond Birds: Hart District Council
and Fleet Pond Society are encouraging the breeding of new birds at Fleet Pond
by providing two artificial islands at the reserve.
Twinning Celebration: Crookham Village and Levignen in Picardy have celebrated
25 years of twinning. More than 40 people from Church Crookham travelled to
France to celebrate with a dinner and dance and renewal of the twinning charter
which was originally signed in 1983.
June 26
Drug Den:
A crack house at 65 New Barn Close has been closed down by police. Nobody can
enter the property for 3 months without police permission.
Gambian Garden:
A garden at All Saints Junior School has been opened by former Headteacher Janet
Roberts who started the garden 5 years ago. The garden is designed to mark the
schools links with Soma Lower Basic School in Gambia.
Remarked Bays:
Fleet Rd parking bays have been remarked and Hart Council is now satisfied that
they comply with national guidelines.
June 20
No Power: First Choice travel agency in Fleet Rd are
facing the possibility of having their electricity cut off by energy company Eon
because they have not paid their electricity bills.
Man Accused: Shane Seddon of Larmer Close has appeared in
court charged with possession of a knife.
MP's Award: Local MP James Arbuthnot has narrowly missed out on a prestigious
Charity Champions Award but finished in the final short list of three. James was
nominated for the award by the Fleet Pond Society for his support in their heavy
silting campaign.
June 14
Fine Again: Over the next few weeks parking regulations in
Fleet Rd will be enforced again. The regulations have been suspended for more
than 7 weeks following a legal challenge.
8 June
Ruined Football Pitches: Travellers who set up camp in Calthorpe Park for a week
have been ruining the Fleet Town Colts football pitches. The club spent
thousands of pounds improving the playing surface last year.
Nursing Home Problem: A new 60 bed nursing home at the site of the former Shotts
nightclub near the Peter Driver Centre is under threat due to its proximity to a
Farnborough Public Safety Zone.
Centenary: The
Church of our Lady in Kings Rd is celebrating 100 years with a flower festival.
No More Bread: DR Wright and Sons
bakers in Fleet Rd and Linkway for nearly 50 years are calling it a day. The
shops have been sold to a Polish father and son.
Another Centenary: Avondale Lawn
Tennis Club is celebrating 100 years this year with a display of photographs and
memorabilia at Fleet Library. It started as a cycle club. There are currently
400 members and 200 juniors.
Playing With John Prescott: Local
actress Raquel Cassidy who has appeared in Lead Balloon and Moving Wallpaper is
to star in The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist alongside former deputy prime minister
John Prescott. The play will be in three parts and be broadcast on Radio 4.
3 June
New Chairman: Independent councillor Denis Gotel is the new chairman of Hart
District Council.
28 May
Roman Remains: Prehistoric and Roman remains have been
found on the Hitchens Lane development site were 300 new homes are to be built.
Building has stopped whilst the remains are being assessed.
Big Cat Spotted: Delia Irving has reported seeing a big
cat running in front of her car in Gally Hill Rd. She described it as about 3
feet up to its back and a sort of beige colour with black edging round its ears
and a lighter colour on its tummy. It had a huge tail and big teeth and was
three to four feet long without the tail.
Abortion Limit: Local MP James Arbuthnot has voted with
the government to keep the abortion limit to 24 weeks.
Local Time Capsule: A time capsule has been buried at
Cadogan Court in Branksomewood Rd. Amongst many objects placed in the capsule
was an insight into the Rotary Club of Fleet with a pennant and information
about the County Federation of Woman Institutes and a history of Denham
Cottage.
19 May
Carnival Winner: This years Fleet
carnival programme winner is Caitlin Griffith from Dogmersfield Primary School.
With over 230 entries competition was very keen. Caitlin's picture will be seen on
the front of thousands of Carnival programme's to be distributed throughout the
area.
more
Pyestock Donations: To date more than £10,000 has
been donated towards the Pyestock redevelopment opposition fund. more
11 May
Fleet Win Cup: Fleet Town FC have retained
the Russell Cotes cup they won last year after a 3-0 win over New Milton.
Forward With Fleet: A new group called
Fleet Forward has been set up by Fleet Town Centre manager Paul Doughty. It is
made up of councillors, businesses and various local organisations. Mr. Doughty believes
the steering group will succeed as it focuses on getting everyone in Fleet
working together for the common good. The old Fleet Town Centre group broke up
in July 2006.
Attack: The police are looking for
witnesses to an attack in Ancells Park when a man was left with facial injuries.
Anyone with information should contact 0800555111
5 May
Election Results: The Conservatives made
two gains in the local council elections. In both Fleet Pondtail and Fleet
Courtmoor the LibDems fell to the Conservatives with
over 50% turnouts. The Pyestock
campaigner David Healey took Fleet Pondtail with a majority of 493 in a straight
fight with Sue Fisher. The Hart council remains with no overhaul control. more
Fleet Miss Out: Fleet Town lost their play off game 2-1 to
fourth placed Uxbridge to deny themselves the opportunity to gain promotion from
the BGB Southern 1
South and West league. Fleet finished second to Farnborough in the league, their
highest ever position.
Shots Club Site Offices: Plans to build offices on
the old Shots nightclub site which was burnt to the ground some years ago have
been lodged with Hart Council. The site near the Peter Driver sports ground was
once going to be turned into a medical centre but insufficient funds were
found.
Mr D.Healey
David In Town: Opposition leader David Cameron has
visited Fleet. He popped into W C Baker's who are celebrating their 100th year,
then toured The Point youth centre.
Asked about the Pyestock development the
Conservative leader explained that this was a local matter best dealt with by
the local council. more
Mr Cameron with local conservative councilors
Picture courtesy of Louise Lamb
30 April
Chimes Back: The clock above the Emporium Pub in
Fleet Rd is now fully working thanks to Fleet Trader Geoff Baker and resident
Derek Bardon and also £1,500 raised from The News readers and £1,000 donated
by Betty Barney in memory of her husband Ken Barney who was manager of the
Midland bank in Fleet and president of the local chamber of trade. He was also a
local councilor and involved in the Rotary Club and the CAB. The clock now
chimes on the hour and keeps the correct time.
Bangers Back: A new Stock Car racing track has been
built near Rushmoor Arena by Spedeworth Racing. The track has been built at the
same place used by Fleet Motor Club for many years before they moved to Paices
Hill Tadley. The new arena has lots of parking spaces, toilets and burger bars.
Spedeworth Racing owned the old racing track at Tongham before it was demolished
to make way for the Blackwater Bypass. Racing is every Sunday starting at 1pm.
Record Success: Breathe, a song by Victoria Beebee
from Church Crookham, is to be released worldwide by Active Universal
distribution on June 9th.
24 April
Fleet Centenary Celebration: The Fleet Business
Partnership and W C Bakers in Fleet Rd are planning to celebrate Bakers 100
years trading in Fleet and 100years of the Catholic Church and 100 years of the Horticultural
Society. Also 50 years of Wrights the Bakers and a few 25 and 20 years
celebrations. The date is Saturday 9th August and there will be entertainment,
stalls Kids stuff etc etc along Fleet Rd. Also this years Fleet Festivities will
be held on 26th November. To take part and for more information email
chairman@fleetbusinesspartnership.com
Sports Event:
Hart Leisure are to stage an outdoor sports open day at Calthorpe
Park on Saturday June 7th.
Fleet In Playoffs:
Fleet Town FC have qualified for the promotion playoffs in the BGB Southern 1
South and West league
School To Be Extended: Elvetham Heath
Primary School is to be given a £ million extension which will enable it to
cater for all the children on the Elvetham Heath estate. The current capacity of
420 will increased to 630. Work will begin in July 2008 and finish in April
2009.
17 April
Cemetery Refurbishment: Fleet Cemetery is
being refurbished by unpaid probationers. hey are attending to unkept graves,
footpaths, boundaries and repainting benches.
12 April
100 Years Of Service: W C Baker and Son hardware are
celebrating their 100th birthday. The family run business has been operating in
Fleet for the past 100years and has won many accolades including business of the
year in 1987, 1988 and 1989 and the Fleet in Bloom shop frontage award for six successive
years. more
Oak Trees Protected: Bollards are to be installed
along the entrance to Calthorpe Park from Reading Rd North to stop cars parking
near the Oak trees and compacting the earth causing the trees to be stressed.
Golden Year: Peter and Mavis Smith are celebrating 50
years of marriage. Family members from around the world came to Brookly Gns
in Fleet and then on to a 16th century hotel in Holford in Somerset to
help them enjoy their golden anniversary.
Potted History: Avondale Lawn Tennis club is celebrating
its centenary by looking for memorabilia and old photos to compile a history of
the club to be displayed at the clubhouse and in a presentation case at Fleet
Library. If you can help contact Doreen Healy at the Avondale Lawn Tennis Club,
Ewshot Lane, Ewshot. GU10 5BT.
Charity Climb: Andy Auge-de-Rancourt is to take part in
the Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge in the Lakeside to raise money for
charity. If you wish to support Andy visit www.woodenspoon.com
6 April
Spring Arrives In Fleet:
Early April snowfall in the area signalled the arrival of Spring with up to an inch of snow and a cold Northerly wind. |
Parish Councils: Hart council
have voted to set up three parish councils in Fleet, Church Crookham and
Elvetham Heath. A second ballot will be held in Fleet Courtmoor offering the
electors the choice of going in with either Fleet or Church Crookham.
No Topless Dancing: The Albert Street Sports Bar
has been refused permission to introduce Semi-naked pole dancing to its
entertainment plans.
30 March
Not Giving Up: Joint developers of the Pyestock site,
Prupim and Astral, have decided to continue to press for the building of the
proposed warehouse scheme at Pyestock. The next step is a public inquiry at
which all parties will have their say before an independent planning inspector.
SPLAT Tory: Leading Pyestock Development campaigner
David Healy has joined the conservative team in Pondtail. He wants to better
defend the area's quality of life by becoming aware of problems at an early
stage.
24 March
Fleet Get Their Revenge: Fleet Town, who lost to
Farnborough 5-1 at Christmas, scored a 3rd minute goal from a shot by MOM Ben
Wright which trickled in of the post to set up a three nil score line to secure
their revenge at the town ground. Nathian Smart headed in a second after 22
minutes to give Fleet a 2-0 half time lead. After the break Mark Anderson got
Fleet's third after 75 minutes when the Farnborough goalkeeper, who was having a
nightmare match, let the ball tumble out of his hands from a low shot. Fleet are
third in the league with Farnborough at the top.
Theatre Group Raise Cash: Church Crookham Players
have donated £725 to the CHASE hospice raised from staging three shows at
Christ Church, Zebon Copse community cenre and the hall of the Church of Our
Lady in Fleet.
21 March
Carnival Princesses: This years Fleet Carnival is due to
be held over the weekend of the 12 and 13 of July. The carnival disco to chose
the Princess was held at the Harlington centre. The winner was Hannah Kirby from
Elvetham Heath School. Holly Strowger was chosen as this years Flower Girl. more
Pyestock Rejection: At a packed Princes Hall public
meeting all seventeen councilors on the Hart planning committee voted to reject
the Pyestock mega depot plans. more
Half Marathon Results: This years Fleet half Marathon
was run in atrocious conditions but almost 2,000 runners were not deterred and
completed the 13.1 mile course. The men's race winner was Neil Chisholm in
1hr10m14s followed by Tim Crossland and Nigel Leighton. Helen Decker won the
ladies race in 1hr20m43s followed by Tamsin Clark and Debbie Cosslett. The Royal
navy won the men's team event and the Army ladies the woman's event. Fastest
from Fleet and Crookham AC were James Allen 1hr18m59s and Lisa Hale 1hr36m50s.
Table Dancing: The Sports Bar in Albert Street has applied
for a license to stage Table Dancing. Eight district councilors have objected to
the idea.
14 March
Parking Fines Illegal: The National Parking Adjudication
Service has ruled that 6,000 plus motorists who were fined for illegal
parking in Fleet Rd were not illegally parked.
No Free Parking: A proposal to reinstate free red parking
bays in Fleet has been thrown out as too expensive. The free bays were
originally offered as an alternative to the lost free parking in Fleet Rd due to
the recent refurbishment of the High Street. The reinstatement would have cost
£30,000
7 March
Berkley Homes Plan Given Go Ahead: Plans
to build 300 new homes on land adjoining Hitches Lane have finally been given
the green light by Hart Council. 40% will be affordable housing. There will be a
country park, sports pitches, an allotment site, a green amphitheatre, mountain
biking mound, a pavilion and a Health Centre.
Sporting Award: Andrew Kern from Church
Crookham has won a Sporting Champion award from Sainsbury's for going
above and beyond the call of duty in engaging local people in sport.
Lorry Alight: A Biffa lorry travelling
along Crookham Rd caught fire after an aerosol went off with a loud bang.
Schoolgirl Singer: Brooke Collins from
Court Moor School is the youngest under-18 finalist in Live and Unsigned, a
competition to discover the UK's unsigned musical talent.
28 Feb
No To Pond Homes: The plan to build 206 homes at the
Waterfront Business park location near Fleet Pond have been thrown out by Hart Councilors.
KFC Robbery: Three armed robbers got away with £3,000
when they attacked a delivery man as he left the KFC shop in Fleet Rd. The
victim was not hurt. Anyone with information should ring Det Sgt Watson on 0845
045 45 45.
New Care Home: Plans to build a new 64 bed care home on
Redfields Industrial Estate have been approved.
Fire Fighters Needed: If you live within four minutes of
the fire station in Connaght Rd you qualify to become a retained firefighter. If
you are interested go to one of the Monday drill nights or log onto
www.hantsfire.gov.uk
Hart Council Taxes: Council tax is due to go up by 4.8% in
April. Fleet and Church Crookham Band "D" households will have to pay
£1,385.50 and Crookham Village £1,356.07.
15 Feb
Vantastic!: A golf day organised by the CRAFT Golf Society
helped raise £8,000 towards the cost of two new vans for the Lions Community
Store. The event encouraged support from Waitrose, Hart Windows and Glazing Ltd
and Sunrise Senior Living in Fleet. Support from Hampshire County Council,
Rushmore Borough Council, Hart District Council, First Atlantic and Sentinel
Housing Association also contributed. Aldershot's RocketUK.com offered to pay
all leasing costs of a second van with ownership going to the Lions after three
years. To contribute donations of household items call 01252 616998. Fleet Lions
have just donated £500 to the Fleet Pond Society.
Clockwise: Fleet's clock has been removed and sent to Good
Directions Ltd for repair so that it will keep the right time and chime on the
hour. The work is being paid by donations from readers of The News which
amounted to £1,500.
Larger School: Elvetham Heath School is to be given
a much needed extension. Work should be completed ready for the Sep 2009 intake.
Plans Dropped: Plans to build two 60 bed roomed
nursing homes in Victoria Rd have been dropped after more than 500 people
objected.
Missing Cat: Have you seen an 18 month old Balinese
cat which may have run away from home to the Fleet Area. Owner Angela Wells
believes the cat from Dartmouth may have hitched a ride in a hired van from
Refearn Industrial Estate in Church Crookham which was in Dartmouth at the time
and she had been seen in the back of the van. If you can help call 01803 722507
or email apewells@waitrose.com
7 Feb
Vote For Parishes: Only 34% voted in the recent poll taken to find out if
local people wanted Parish Councils . In Church Crookham 78% of
those voting wanted a parish, with most wanting a Parish just for Church
Crookham. In Courtmoor 69% voted for a Parish but most preferred one for the
whole of the unparished area. Fleet voted 67% in favour and most preferred a
Parish for the whole area. Elvetham Heath had a 92% vote with the majority
voting for a local Parish and at Ancells Park 72% voted for a Parish with a
majority wanting a single Parish for the area.
Recyclers Website: Elly and Chris Russell from Crookham Rd
have set up an online recycling website where people can give away unwanted
products free of charge. visit the site at
www.rehomeyourstuff.co.uk
Social Networking Site For Gardeners: Peter Richards from
Farriers Close, Church Crookham is celebrating the first year of running a
website were gardeners can get together and socialises. find out more at
www.growsonyou.com
1 Feb
Crime Down: Violent crime in Fleet has fallen from 30
reports in 2006 to 14 reports in 2007.
Hatchback Loaders: A National Parking Appeals
Service adjudicator has ruled that hatch back cars parking in Fleet Rd can
be classed as goods vehicles under parking restrictions enforced by Hart
District Council. It is possible that 1000's of parking fines might be
reclaimed.
Builder Hurt: A builder working on a house in Hitchens
Lane heard glass breaking and went to check his van only to find a man had
broken in and was stealing his wallet. He chased the thief and tried to follow
him into the back of a car but was pushed off and ended up in Frimley Hospital.
New Waste Laws: From Feb 14th Hampshire County
Council are introducing new rules banning commercial vans and lorries from using
Household Recycling Centres
Alldays Burgled: Alldays in
Fleet has been burgled twice in one night. The first time £70 cash was stolen
and later a fruitless search was made. Police have released CCTV images of three
men. If you can help phone 0800 555 111.
Arsenal's Mascot: 10 year old gunners fan Thomas
Smith from Fleet led out the team at the Emirates Stadium in front of 60,000
supporters. He also got players autographs and a free Arsenal kit.
25 Jan
New Parish Concerns: Peter Green from Isitfair campaign for tax reform has
warned that voting for a parish council in Fleet and Church Crookham could be
costly because parish councils are not subject to government capping. Local
residents are currently being asked to vote to keep things as they are or create
one parish council for the whole of Fleet and Church Crookham or have two separate
parish councils. The results will be discussed by the full district
council on March 27.
Lost Wheelchair: All Saints church are appealing to joyriders to return a wheel
chair taken from All Saints Church. If you find it call 01252 812114
Charity Currie: The Golden Triangle is to host a charity curry meal to help
raise funds for victims in Bangladesh. If you are interested call 01252 616352.
Tweseldown Boost: Tweseldown Race course has been chosen to host elite
equestrian events as part of the build up to the 2012 Olympic Games.
18 Jan
Pyestock Plans: Plans for a massive warehouse complex have
been lodged with Hart District Council. It proposes ten new buildings ranging
from 27,000 to 330,000 square feet. more
Talented Singer: Singer Brooke Collins, 13, has won a
place in the national talent competition Live and Unsigned. She attends Court
Moor School.
Post Office Is To Go: Pondtail PO has been named as one of
61 post offices to be closed in the latest round of cuts. The move has shocked
local residents.
Allotments: A group of local residents have formed
an allotments association and will be contacting Hart Council to secure land for
use as future allotments. For more information contact bobchughes@googlemail.com
Car In Shop: A car has smashed into the recently
redecorated "Ready2Print" shop in Fleet Rd. Nobody was hurt but a
customer and shop assistant are recovering from shock.
10 Jan
Fleet's Big Brother: Race driver Jeremy Metcalfe,19, has been invited to join
the latest version of Big Brother the reality TV show. To find out more visit
Jeremy's website www.jeremymetcalfe.com
Charity Theft: A "swearbottle"
containing approximately £600 has been stolen from the bar at the Albert Social
Club. If you have seen anything or can help call 0845 045 4545
Loos Shut: The public toilets in Victoria
Rd car park have been closed because of fears of vandalism. Nearest public
toilets are in the Harlington Centre.
4 Jan
Doris Celebrates: Doris
Cowpe who lives at Thurston House has celebrated her 103rd birthday. Her sister
Alice is 93.
Indecent Photos: Clive O'Neill of King John St has
appeared in court on charges related to children under 16 years of age. He was
bailed to reappear on Feb 13 for a committal hearing.
Careless Anglers: Fleet resident Margaret Birch has asked
anglers at Fleet Pond to be more careful when discarding line after a black
headed gull was found hanging from a tree with line around its wing. She said
another big problem was discarded drink cans.
Recycling Up: Hart District's recycling rate is up
to a record 41.7% for the month of Nov thanks to the Alternate Bin Collection
system. The average recycling before ABC was 25.8%.
Peake Of Success: Gordon Peake has been made an honoree
365 card holder of Hart Leisure Centre for his work associated with the success
of the Fleet Matinee club.
Cat Shot: Two-and-a-half-year-old cat Stanley had
to be put down after arriving home in Kenilworth Rd with pellet wounds from
being shot by a marksman. Owner Angela Caruana is warning other cat owners to be
vigilant.
All That Glitters: More than 200 goldfish have been
removed from a small pond at Elvetham Heath and taken to another site. They had
grown from a few pet goldfish which had been dumped there some time ago.
Pupil Joins Orchestra: Year 6 flautist pupil
Madeleine Jewell from St Nicholas School has won a place in The National
Children's Orchestra of Great Britain.
2007
26 Dec
Fleet Town FC Lose Local Derby: Fleet lost 5-1 to rivals Farnborough. They
took the lead after 23 minutes when Mike Douglas hit the target. Fleet were on
top at this stage but a great shot by Ian Oliver in the 38th minute made it 1-1
at half time. Fleet were playing the better football but it was
Farnborough who took over the game in the second half when Rob Saunders scored a
second for Farnborough after 5 minutes with a great header and seven minutes
later a similar goal from Marcus Richardson put the score at 3-1 to Farnborough.
After this Farnborough started to dominate the game and scored two breakaway
goals on 73 minutes by Rob Saunders and a gave away 5th goal again by Rob
Saunders after 86 minutes. Crowd trouble behind the Fleet goal was quickly controlled
by the stewards. The attendance was a record 951. Man of the match was Rob
Saunders. Fleet can get their revenge when they play Farnborough at home on
Monday 24th March. (It was nice to see Cllr Denis Gotel at the game supporting Fleet
Town - Webmaster)
Dance Success: June White Academy teacher Abigail
Williams will soon be appearing in the West End tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Abigail started dancing at the age of four. She has appeared in Spirit of the
dance, and on TV.
19 Dec
Not Pointless: The seven man Crookham Street Darts Team
scored 359,981 points in a 24 hour darts marathon in aid of the Phyllis Tuckwell
Hospice. They are waiting to see if they have broken the record.
Relieved Councillor: Cllr Denis Gotel said he was
very relieved after having been cleared of any breach of the councils Code
of Conduct following a complaint by Tory Cllr Sharon Wheale regarding
confidentiality at the time of the resignation of the former Fleet Town Centre
Manager Sue Collen.
Back From Thailand: Jack Sylvester has just
returned to Fleet after being one of 60 BUPA volunteers who marked the companies
60th anniversary by helping to redevelop Sarnelli House orphanage to improve the
lives of children affected by HIV and AIDS. Jacky said she would never forget
the amazing experience.
14 Dec
Pizza Problems: Local residents are protesting against
plans to open a new takeaway pizza parlour on the corner of Reading Rd South and
Compton Road. They say that the area is already congested and the increased
traffic and parking will bring it to a standstill.
More Fleet Homes: Berkeley Homes have lodged plans on how
it will develop 300 homes on a site by Hitchins Rd. The new homes were approved
by a government inspector two years ago. 40% of homes would be affordable
housing.
Local Derby: Fleet Town are scheduled to play Farnborough
Town away on Boxing day. Fleet are currently fourth in the Southern League
Division South & West with Farnborough at the top. Should be a great game.
8 Dec
Mast Gets Go-ahead: The building of a mobile phone mast on
the corner of Courtmoor Ave and Reading Rd South has been given the go-ahead by
a government planning inspector after an appeal by Hutchinson 3G. Hart Council's
planning committee originally threw out the plan.
Homes Plan Objections: Local residents are expected to
come out in force to object to the building of 206 homes plan at the Fleet Pond
Waterfront Business Park.
Legion Funds: Staff at CHL mortgages have raised £600 towards the Royal British
Legion.
5 Dec
Buy A Light: Hart Lions Club are lighting
up Christmas with the "Light up a Life" campaign to raise money for
the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. For £5 a light on the Christmas Tree at Hart
Shopping Centre can be dedicated to the memory of a loved one.
Cycle Trek: NHS worker Steph Thorns from
Velmead Rd is to take part in a sponsored ride from Guatemala to Honduras to
support Mayan families in Central America.
Cleaner Sweep:
A change from using mechanical sweeping to the old fashioned brush and barrow
has resulted in a noticeable difference in the cleanliness of the streets in
Fleet and a number of positive comments.
30 Nov
Footballers Tribute: A tea bar has been
refurbished and dedicated to the life of teenager Daniel Ayre who died on his birthday,
September 16, in a crash in Ewshot. The bar, named "Danny's Place" is
located in Calthorpe Park.
New Allotment: Hart District Council has
agreed to seek government approval to convert a site in Azalea Gardens in Church
Crookham into a 60 plot allotment. Currently 74 people are on the waiting list
on Fleet.
Grave Issue: A bid has been made to extend
Fleet Cemetery in order to provide an extra 15 years of grave space.
MP Lion: Local MP James Arbuthnot has
accepted an invitation to become an honorary of the Fleet Lions.
25 Nov:
Not Rained Off: Over 14,000 people braved
the rain to enjoy this years Fleet Festivities along Fleet Rd. more
Lost Car Park: Developers Taylor Wimpey want to cut the Bourly Rd car park
to five spaces as part of its plans to build 1,000 homes at the Queen Elizabeth
Barracks site in Church Crookham. Local residents are organising objections to
the plan.
Medal Winners:
Children at the "Beginners on Stage" group in Fleet have won a number
of medals in the annual British Arts Festival for Speech and drama Tuder Rose
event in Guildford.
Free Lessons:
From next January youngsters between 11 and 19 in Hart will be able to get free
music lessons from SMART music. Tuition will be provided at the Point Youth
Centre in Fleet. Contact Charlotte Tickner at charlotte.tickner@hants.gov.uk
for further information.
Hair Award:
KIM Salons in the Hart Centre are overall runners up at the Schwarzkopt
Professional Creative Team Competitions 2007.
20 Nov:
GCSE Results: Court Moor School achieved 77% of 5+ grades
A* - C, 73% of 5+ A* - C including English and Maths and 98% of 5+ A* - G
including English and Maths. Calthorpe Park School achieved 62% of 5+
grades A* - C, 53% of 5+ A* - C including English and Maths and 54% of 5+ A* - G
including English and Maths.
Safer Fleet: A team of volunteers are to offer
support and advice to revellers suffering from the effects of alcohol and
emotional distress in Fleet and Church Crookham. Further information can be
obtained on 0845 0454545 extension 605129.
Colourful Fleet Again: Winter hanging baskets are
to return to the town centre after their removal for the Fleet Rd
refurbishments.
15 Nov
Parish Vote: Fleet and Church Crookham residents are to be
balloted regarding being represented by a parish council. The postal vote will
cost about £14,000
World Champion: 72 year old race walker Maureen Spelman
competing in the Masters Athletics Championship has collecting four gold medals.
She took up the sport in 1999.
Bike Charity Ride: Steph Thorns, a nurse from Velmead Rd,
is training for a charity bike ride from Guatemala to Honduras. Al Fresco restaurant
is hosting a charity event on Mon Nov 26 to help her on her way. Visit www.thorns.info/guatemala
for more information.
11 Nov
Remembrance Day: More than 300 people turned up at the
Gurka Square memorial to remember those who have fallen since the first world
war. Later in the day a service of remembrance took place at a packed All Saints
Church. The new Fleet Methodist minister the Rev. Stephen Robinson addressed the
congregation and introduced his little friend Will Wesley - a ventriloquist dummy
- which he used to great effect to enhance his sermon.
Delayed Fireworks: Fleet Lions Firework display
held in The Views was delayed by 15 minutes due to the largest turnout for many
years. A spokesman said it was the best display ever.
Flower Power: Robyn Lapper was placed third in the
first heat of the Interflora Florist of the year competition. Charlotte Murrey came
second in the Florist of the Future section. Both girls work at Oasis Flowers in
Fleet.
Science Buff: Fleet's Elaine Baxter has been
selected as one of six finalists in the Woman of the Future Awards sponsored by
Shell.
5 Nov
Poppies: The poppy collection by volunteers along Fleet Rd
was enhanced by a number of Gurkhas who travelled to fleet to support the
British Legion Remembrance fund.
3 Nov:
Photo Competition: The winner of the Fleet
Business Partnership's 2007 photo competition was Leo Janson with an image
entitled "Grab Air" More than 150 people entered the competition which
had prizes of more than £800 donated by Starbucks and Ready 2 Print.
more
Fraudulent: Robert Marchant of Dudley
Court has pleaded guilty to making a false declaration to obtain benefits of
£8,682. He was ordered to repay £500 still owing plus Hart's costs of £100
No Allotments: A council report has
concluded that the council is not in a position to provide allotment gardens.
Campaigner Bob Hughes said the report was disappointing and not very
forward thinking.
Flood Action: Fact finding tours of Fleet Pondtail, Fleet Courtmoor and Fleet
West wards have taking place with an all-party group to ascertain what can be
done to with flood hotspots in Fleet.
28 Oct
Garage Fire:
Fleet Garage Services in Sankey Rd Co-owned
by Clive Watson and Aubrey Hayns-Wood has been destroyed by fire. It is thought
an electrical fault may have been to blame.
Car Crash: A teenager had to be cut free after a crash in
Aldershot Rd. Two female passengers were treated for minor injuries. They were
taken to Frimley Park Hospital.
Support For Gurkhas: Fleet and Crookham residents have raised over £3,500 from
a flag day towards the Gurkha Welfare Trust which helps veterans and their
families.
Chinese Talk: St Nicholas School in Flee is to introduce Mandarin Chinese for
its year 6, 7 and 8 pupils.
25 Oct
Lollipop Shortage: There is a shortage of lollipop men and
woman in the Fleet area. Pay is £5.94 per hour for two hours per day. For more
information phone 01962 870500
Danger To Deer: A young deer had to be killed after
being attacked by a dog in a field in Crookham Village. A notice requesting
people to keep their dogs on a lead has been displayed round the area.
Closure Order: A Crack House Closure Order has been
granted by magistrates on 51 Woodlands a week before a similar order had been
placed on 81 Woodlands.
What Do You Think?: Children from schools across
Fleet have been asked to put their views forward regarding transportation and
road safety.
19 Oct
Kings Rd PO To Go: Pondtail Post Office is to be axed under government plans to
close 2,500 local branches by the end of 2008. Harbhajan Ahluwalia who
runs the PO and the shop fears he will not be able to carry on if the PO is
closed. It has been there since 1910. To comment on the closure email consultation@postoffice.co.uk
Tree Vandalised: A tree planted outside Crookham Village Stores has been
mindlessly destroyed by vandals and will not be replaced.
Female Attack: Roderick Byrne from Church Crookham has appeared in court and
charged with assaulting a women and causing grievous bodily harm. He was
remanded in custody.
Scouting Birthday: The 22nd Odiham Fleet Scouts have
celebrated their 80th birthday at their Fleet headquarters.
Collection: Fleet Hospital and Community Friends have
collected over £1000, more than £700 more than in previous years.
Lions Van Vandalised: Thieves have stripped a van belonging to Fleet Lions
taking of the bonnet, radiator Grill and front bumper. They cut open a chain
link fence to get at the vehicle.
Two Years Jail: Dwayne Lee Ayres who lives in Church Crookham has been has been
jailed for two years. He was accused of sustained, aggressive and continual bad
driving and pleaded guilty to charges of causing the death of two teenagers in
Hitchens lane. by dangerous driving.
10 Oct
Appealing Clock: £3,000 has been raised by residents and retailers towards a
fund to get the clock on the top of the Emporium pub to strike again. The appeal
was
launched by Derek Barden and Geoff Baker. Donations can be sent to the Fleet
News and mail office at 349 Fleet Rd and cheques should be made out to The
Fleet and Crookham Civic Society.
Retail Use Refused: An
appeal by Hamseys Ltd to change the use of a former car showroom adjacent to the
Oatsheaf pub to retail use has been refused by Hart District Council.
Cetre Revamps: Refurbishment work has started at the Hart
Leisure Centre in Fleet. It is expected to be complete by the New Year.
Quality of Life: Hart came fifth in a recent national
survey to find the areas having the best quality of life in the country.
5 Oct
Reading Rd North Accident: A yellow Honda Jazz has been
involved in an accident at the Reading Rd North junction with Tavistock Rd. A 12
year old boy suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. Local
residents are calling for improved traffic calming measures and a 30 mph limit
right along the road.
Top Team: Fleet Town FC
have climbed to the top of
the South & West Division after beating Andover 4 - 0
28 Sep
Leak Folly: Neighbours
in Folly Close are fed up of waiting for a water leak to be fixed by residents
living in Durnsfield Ave. The leak was detected by the SE Water Board in
Durnsfield Ave which is private property and therefore they could not fix it.
Water has flooded in Folly Close because it is on lower ground.
No Extra Opening: Julian's Off Licence in Fleet Rd
has failed in its bid to sell alcohol into the early hours of the morning. A
three member group of Hart Councils licensing committee has ruled that they
could only sell alcohol until midnight every day of the week, that is one hour
longer than at present.
School Website Awards: Calthorpe
Park School has won the "most accessible" award in the
Hantsweb Awards 2007. Court
Moor School came second in the best school or college website
category.
Car Park Going?: The new owner of the car park at
the rear of Ridgeway Parade in Church Crookham has applied to the Council to get
permission to build an MOT station on the land.
21 Sep
Trees To Be Felled: Angry residents are complaining to
Hart Council because it plans to cut down six trees in Calthorpe Park to make
way for a new parking area.
Teenager Killed: A 16 year old boy has been killed in a
car accident along Beacon Hill Road in Church Crookham. Other passengers in the
car, a blue Vauxhall Corsa, suffered injuries and were taken to Frimley park
Hospital. Anyone with information should ring Crimestoppers on 0800555111
quoting operation Ivor.
Child Abuse: Three paedophiles who subjected children to
six hours of sexual abuse in a house in Fleet have been jailed.
14 Sep
New Head: Stuart Adlam has been appointed
as the new headmaster of Elvetham Heath primary school.
Over 200 Medals: Stephanie McAllister set
up Team Colours UK, a disabled athletics team, last March and so far members
have won more than 200 medals. Stephanie first competed in disabled swimming
before taking a break to have her son Matthew. She first tried wheelchair
athletics two years ago. Visit www.teamcoloursuk.org.uk
for more.
Surprise About Turn: Plans to redevelop a complex for elderly people in
Campbell Close which looked set to be approved have now been thrown out.
The Sentinel Housing Association wanted to replace 25 bungalows with a series of
three and four-storey flats. The scheme divided the residents with some warning
that the development would set a precedent for future developments in Fleet
whilst others wanted to move out of their crumbling sheltered housing into the
new flats.
7 Sep
Fleet CC Promoted: Fleet
CC consolidated their first place spot in Thames Valley League 2 by completing a
comprehensive victory over second placed side Kidmore End to guarantee
their promotion to the Thames Valley League 1
more
Third Oldest: The Hart area came third in
a recent national survey to find out who lives longest in the UK. The average
life expectancy in the area is just over 83.
Nightclub Assault: Three Fleet men were taken to Frimley Park Hospital following
a dispute at the Jaxx nightclub. Anyone with information should contact 0845 045
4545.
85 Years; The Albert Social Club in Albert Street is celebrating its 85th
birthday.
30 Aug
Coining It: Visitors to a new Fleet retirement development
at Cadogan Court in Branksomewood Rd who are over 60 years old will be given a
£5 coin which celebrates the diamond anniversary of the Queen and Prince
Philip. Call 0800 586 8844 to book a viewing.
Diamond Celebration: Edwin and Vera Milhench of Argyll
Court, Clarence Rd have celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary with a
special meal laid on at their retirement complex. They also received a message
from the Queen.
Podium Place: Jeremy Metcalf is in sixth place in the 2007
Formula Renault UK Championship after securing third place at the Brands Hatch
Indy Circuit.
Fleet Services Death: Shaun Ian Lucas, 26, of
Knight Close in Church Crookham has been found dead in a room at the Days Inn
Hotel at Fleet Services. Toxicology tests are to be carried out to determine the
cause of death after injury and illness had been ruled out.
27 Aug
Pyestock Objections: More than 5000 people have now
objected to the planned warehouse development at Pyestock.
No Smoking: A group of customers at the Black Horse in
Crookham Village have managed to stop smoking for two months with the help of
the Local NHS Stop Smoking Service. The pub has recently been refurbished.
Get The Picture: The Fleet Business Partnership has
launched a photography competition with more than £800 worth of prizes. More
details and entry forms can be obtained from
www.fleetbusinesspartnership.com
23 Aug
Moving Fear: Marion Wilson aged 78 who lives in Campbell Close which is set to
be demolished to make way for a block of sheltered homes is worried because no one
will tell her were she will be moved to. Marion wants to live in Fleet
were her daughter and grandchildren live and fears being moved away from the
area. Plans to build the new homes have been in the pipe line for three years.
Not Very Charitable: A charity box has been stolen from the counter of McDonalds
in Fleet Rd.It was thought to contain about £30 for a children's charity. If you
saw anything call 0800 555111.
Stock Car Race: The popular Stock car racing which took place on land at the
rear of Rushmore Arena and was run by Fleet Motor Club has ended and the club is
hoping to move to a new venue near Basingstoke. Meanwhile Deane Wood the man in
charge of the company that used to run the popular Tongham racing track has won
a tender from the army to build a new stock car racing venue on the same land.
15 Aug
Iraq Medal: James Cannings, a corporal in the Territorial army, has
received the
Operational Service Medal after a six month tour of duty in Iraq. He serves 10
Company The 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment.Cpl Canning has lived all his
life in Fleet and went to Court Moor School
Tea At The Ritz: Sunrise Living Centre raised £600 to support the Phyllis
Tuckwell Hospice at their "Tea at the Ritz" event. Guests had a glass
of Buck's Fizz and tea with cucumber sandwiches, scones, cakes and chocolates.
The event was organised by Judy Keep, Sue Collen and Sheilagh Bell. Musical
ntertainment was provided by Jill Morris, who is blind.
Victory: Mark II Motor Sport won the "Fat Albert" stages of its latest
rally at the RAF base at Keevil in Wiltshire. Drivers Mark Welch and James
Sutherland romped home in first place against a quality competition
10 Aug
Approval For New Homes: Plans to redevelop a complex for elderly people in
Campbell Close look set to be approved. 25 bungalows are to be replaced by three
and four storey blocks comprising 63 flats.
Appeal: Hutchison 3G are to appeal against Hart District Councills decision to
throw out proposals to install a phone mast and base station on the corner of
Courtmoor Ave and Reading Rd South.
New President: The Rotary Club of Fleet have a new president, John Forsyth, who
takes over from John Burton. Mr. Forsyth has lived in Fleet for 23 years.
New Offices: Work has started on a new office
complex at the Blue Prior site between Redfields Gdn Centre and Redfields
Industrial Est. Completion is expected in Feb 2008.
3 Aug
Foot and Mouth Back: Fleet and Church Crookham are placed
within the six-mile surveillance zone which the Government has ordered following
the foot and mouth outbreak on a farm near the village of Normandy. Police and
environment officials will monitoring the movement of animals.
Buzz Off: Countrywide travel bus service have
changed to Fleet Buzz. bus
services
Road Death: A 58 year old woman died of her injuries when
her car collided with a van in Aldershot Road, Church Crookham last Tuesday. Two
men in the van were taken to Frimley Park hospital for treatment. Police have
appealed for witnesses to contact 0845 0454545.
Pub Reopened: The Black Horse pub in Crookham Village has
reopened after a major refurbishment.
27 July
New Offices: Developer TA Fisher is building 10,000 sq ft of offices at the Blue
Prior site between Redfields Garden Centre and Redfields Industrial Estate. The
work should be complete by March 2008.
Raving Looney: Alan Hope who is a member of the Monster Raving Looney party in
Fleet has finished second from bottom in the by-election at former Prime
Minister Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency.
18 July
Game Sett and Match: Would-be sports stars of the future
are set to benefit from a new £345,000 all-weather pitch at a Court Moor
School. The school will contribute £140,000 to the cost of the scheme.
Unusually, a badger sett is located near to the pitch. The County Council has
employed a specialist ecologist to ensure that the sett is not disturbed during
the construction works and that all necessary measures are taken to protect the
badgers' habitat and home.
Summit Meeting: Kate Fellows-Tully is to attend the
Future Leaders of the World Summit in Washington DC. Kate, 17, wants to be a
lawyer and hopes to study at Bristol. She is at present studying her A levels at
Farnborough 6th Form College.
Axed Bus Service: The 71 bus between Fleet and
Farnham is to be withdrawn from July 28. bus
services
Carnival To Pay?: The council is
to charge Fleet Carnival for repairs to damage caused by Wall's Funfair vehicles
when they pulled out their funfair from this years carnival. Senior citizens
living locally complained about damaged lawns and footpaths. Wall's claim that
they could not use their usual route up the hill on the views due to heavy rain
and that the route they took was one agreed many years ago.
Music Festival: All Saints School choir was one of
only 10 year 3 and under choirs to attend the 2007 National Festival of Youth at
Birmingham Symphony hall.
12 July
Garden Back: A Nepalese garden originally
built in 2000 in memory of the Nepalese children who attended Crookham Junior
school has now been reinstated after it had been demolished to build an
extension.
Smaller car Park:
Taylor Woodrow wants to cut the Bourley Rd car park to five spaces as part of
its plans to build homes on the QEB site. It requires the space to avoid impact
on the nearby Thames Basin Heathes Special Protection Area.
6 July
Not Deterred: Pyestock developers Astral, are pushing
ahead with the development of the former industrial site in spite of the
objections of thousands of local people. The Project Director of the property
investment arm of the Prudential said he had consulted with residents and
addressed their concerns. more
Gang Attack: A man was reported to have been attacked
by a gang in Calthorpe Park between 7pm and 8pm last Monday. He was described as
black and aged about 30. Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on
0800 555 111.
School Award: Courtmoor School has achieved Artsmark
Silver status which is presented to schools demonstrating a committment to
developing their provision from drama to music, design to literature and dance
to sculpture.
Carnival Washout: Only 500 music lovers turned out to the
"Party in the Park", Fleet Carnivals first event of the week. The
views was turned into a mini Glastonbury by the rain but the spirit of those who
went was not dampened and it is anticipated that the event will be run again
next year. more
New President: Mike Collen is the new president of
Fleet Lions. He has lived in Fleet for more that 20 years.
Line Dance Success: This years Fleet carnival Line Dance, held at the Harlington
Centre, raised over £500 for carnival charities. Organiser Allan Gibson
expressed his thanks to his wife Chris, daughter Claire, friend Ann Baker, all
those who attended and helped sell tickets and disc jockey Allen Timmons
"The Celtic Cowboy"
29 June
Attack Near Fleet: Robert
Bridges slashed his 38 year old victims throat before cutting her clothes off,
sexually assaulting her and leaving her for dead, naked in woods near Fleet. The
married woman survived by flagging down a passing car and was taken to Frimley
Park Hospital.
21 June
Man Attacked: A man sitting in his car at the Harlington Centre Gurkha car park
was hit in the face by a thug who hurled racist abuse at him. He was later
treated for facial injuries. Any witnesses to this attack should ring Crime
Stoppers on 0800 555111.
Grazing Cattle Under Fire: The cattle grazing on
Velmead (see article on 12 June) have come under attack by vandals who have
thrown sticks and rocks at them. It is hoped that this will stop once these
thugs get used to the idea of the cattle being there.
Lost Appeal: Developers have lost an appeal to
build a block of flats at 220 and 232 Fleet Rd.
15 June
MP's Object: Fleet MP James Arbuthnot and Aldershot MP Gerald Howarth have sent
a letter a joint letter to the PRUPIM/Astral scheme for the former Pyestock site
more
Call For 20mph Limit: Christine Clayton headteacher of Fleet Infant School
is recommending that every school in Hampshire takes up the option of having
20MPH signs out side their schools. Fleet Infants has already got a sign saying
"20s Plenty!" in Velmead Rd
Help: The Blue Cross pet charity shop in Fleet Rd requires
volunteers to help with a variety of tasks. If you want to know more ring 01252
627133.
12 June
Carnival Winner: Chloe Marchant is this years Carnival Programme Artwork Winner.
Her picture will appear on the front cover of thousands of carnival programmes
which will be going on sale soon. Chloe is from Elvetham Heath Primary School. more
New Home Plans: Plans to build a new 60-bedroomed nursing home at Blue Prior
near Redfields Industrial Estate have come under fire from a number of local
groups.
Fleet Winners: Fleet Town FC Girls under11s have won the NEHYL league cup.
They also won their League
Championship this year.
Grazing Project: A bull, two calves and four cows are happily munching through
the grass on Velmead Common as part of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust's Grazing
for Biodiversity Project. The idea is to rejuvenate neglected heathland. more
8 June
MEP Objects: Green MEP Caroline Lucas was given a tour of
the area around the Pyestock site by members of the Stop Pyestock bLot Act Today
group. She commented "I was against this development beforehand and I am
still against it. more
Tory Roles: Richard Appleton (Fleet West) has become
deputy Conservative Group leader, Stephen Parker (Fleet North) is responsible
for environment, Sharyne Wheale (Fleet Pondtail) is looking after Fleet Town
Centre management.
Meet Your Local Policeman: A local monthly police
surgery will be held at Morrisons car park when residents will be invited to
talk about policing and safety concerns.
Hijacked: Millions of pounds worth of mobile phones
were stolen from a transit van which was forced to the side of the road by the
driver of a dark coloured Subaru whilst the driver was driving along the a link
road to the M3 - 4a junction.
1 June
102 Pints:
Mike Williams from Church Crookham has given his 102nd
blood donation saving the lives of over 300 hundred people. Next month he will
be 70 and will no longer allowed to give blood.
25 May
Cash Boost: Fleet and Crookham Local History group have received
a grant of £3,880 from the National Lottery Awards Scheme and will be using the
money to set up a museum and history resource centre. Anyone with historical
questions about Fleet or Church Crookham should call Mrs. Ralton on 01252
623806.
Call For Governors: Schools in Fleet are appealing for
volunteers to become governors. If you can help call the School Governors One
Stop Shop on 0870 241 3883 or email info@sgoss.org.uk
Fleet Centre Review: Over the next few weeks a review of
the Fleet Town Centre improvements will be taking place to determine the impact
on the town since the works were completed a year ago. A street questionnaire
will be carried out next month. If you wish to supply information contact the
town centre manager, Paul Doughty at ftc.manager@hart.gov.uk
23 May
Molly Leaves Us: We are sad to announce the death
of former Carnival Committee Chairman Molly Ebdon MBE. Molly died
peacefully at home on Tuesday 22nd
May following a long illness. She served on the Carnival Committee for many
years and was also a long standing member of the Women's Royal Voluntary
Service, honoured with an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen a few years ago in recognition
of her services to the community. She will be sadly missed by
all who knew her.
17 May
QEB: The public inquiry into the Queen Elizabeth Barracks
development in Church Crookham has been adjourned until June 19th.
Step Nearer: Support for the provision of allotments for
Fleet and Church Crookham residents was unanimous at a full meeting of the Hart District
Council.
Fleet Rd Fines: More than 4,200 fines have paid by
motorists convicted of parking illegally in Fleet Rd during the last year. There
are now no free parking bays in Fleet following the conversion of the red bays.
The promised 10p for half an hour parking promised as part of the Fleet Rd
improvements package has vanished in the wind.
More Protests: New plans for the Pyestock warehouse
development have met with more than 800 protests. more
Fleet FC Move: Fleet Town Football will be
played in the Southern League South & West Division after finishing fifth in
the Ryman Division One South this season. They were the only Hampshire team in
that league.
Gurkha Garden: With the help of £3,500 from local
company SC Johnson, pupils at Church Crookham Junior School can enjoy a new
Nepalese garden. The garden was first built seven years ago with the help of
Gurkha soldiers but was destroyed to make way for an extension. The school lies
close to the old QEB barracks.
12 May
Man Killed: John Barber of Larmer Close was tragically
killed when his Honda was in collision with another car on the A325 at Bordon.
His family said "John is irreplaceable and we are all devastated by his
loss.
Mobile Mast: Local residents living near the junction of
Courtmoor Ave and Reading Rd South are devastated that the local council is
expected to approve the installation of a mobile base station at the junction by
Hutchison 3G.
More Lollypops: Tweseldown infants and Church Crookham
junior schools are appealing for lollipop people to man crossings for an hour in
the morning and afternoon on schooldays at £5.94 per hour. Any one interested
should phone 01962 846275
Fleet Lose: Fleet Town FC have lost 2-1 to Aldershot Town
in the final of the Hampshire Senior cup.
7 May
No Promotion For Fleet FC: Injury time goals from Tooting
and Mitcham ruined Fleet Towns biggest night in their history when they were
knocked out of the promotion play off. Fleet took the lead in the 74th minute
and had dominated most of the play before the final crunch broke their
hearts.
25 years Old: June Messenger is celebrating 25 years
running the June White academy of Dance. She started in 1982 with 26 pupils at
Basingbourne pavilion and now runs schools at Ancells Farm community Centre and
the Memorial Hall in Church Crookham.
No Restrictions: Hart Council have scrapped plans
to introduce pay and display parking in Old Cove Rd to the delight of local
residents action group "Leave Our Road Alone"
Extremists Arrested: Two people residing at an
address in Aldershot Rd have been arrested as part of an international operation
to crack down on animal rights extremism.
Late Opening: People living above Fast Food
restaurant Subway are objecting to an application for late opening until 2am.
2 May
Dispersal Zone: An order to give police powers to disperse
groups of people has been secured by Hart Council. It covers Fleet Rd from the
Oatsheaf traffic lights to the Kings Rd junction and 50 metres either side of
the road. It has been brought in to combat youths who have been causing problems
for shoppers and local residents.
27 April
Surgery To Move?: Managers at Richmond Surgery in Richmond
Close want to move the surgery to Stiller's Farm in Ewshot.
Flower Girls and Princesses: This years Fleet Carnival
Princesses and Flower Girls have been chosen at Discos in the Harlington Centre.
Reanne Phillips is the new Carnival Flower Girl and her two attendants are Katie
Willoughby and Emily Watson. The new Princess is Jade Roberts and her two
attendants are Amie Okuma and Nicole Sheehan.
more
Fleet FC Success: Fleet Town FC
have qualified for a play
off place in the Ryman Div One South after striker Tony Reid score twice in
their 3 - 0 win against Corydon Athletic
Restaurant Closed: The Maa Indian takeaway in Fleet rd has
been closed down by environmental health officers following an investigation
which led to the discovery of unhygienic Fridges, worktops and overalls.
More Parking At Fleet Station: SW Trains are looking into
the possibility of providing 200 extra spaces at the Fleet Station car park by
building a new double-decker car park.
Powering Success: Fleet Powerlifters Andy Shipmen and Dean
Drury both won British titles in the British Powerlifting Championships. Andy
won the Master 82.5Kg class with personal bests and Dean won the Master 90Kg
class. Dean also won the overall Master Classes Champion of Champions.
20 April
Statue Returns:
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The "Nokia Statue" is back in place after
being sent away to its sculptor in Scotland for repair after being
hit by a car.
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Photos Courtesy of Matthew Gibson |
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17 April
Fire Alarm: Two teenagers and a 20year old
youth have been arrested in connection with a fire which occurred in Quetta park.
A 41 year old woman and her nine year old daughter both escaped the blaze.
Anyone who can supply information please ring 0845 0454545 or crimestoppers on
0800 555 111
Fleet Pond Tractor: A Kubota 1410 tractor
has been obtained by Fleet Pond conservationists and is ideal to transport
equipment around the pons areas. Money came from Rushmoor Borough Council and
the TAG Farnborough Airport Environmental Fund plus £1000 from the Cayo
Foundation, £250 from Fleet Lions and £540 from the Fleet Pond Society.
7 April
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Horrendous Act: Police are hunting for the thugs who beheaded a swan whose remains were found floating on Fleet Pond by a passer-by. A business man has offered a £1,000 reward for anyone giving information leading to a conviction.. Local residents acted with horror upon heae ranger said "This was a cruel barbaric act". Anyone with information should call police on 0845 0454545 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111. |
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Help The Environment: Hampshire Wildlife Trust is running
volunteer sessions at the wildlife reserve at Ancells Farm on the third Sunday
of every month. For more information log onto
www.hwt.org.uk
31 March
Theme For 2007: This years carnival theme
was chosen by holding a competition between all the local junior/primary schools
in Fleet. The winning school was Church Crookham Junior. Two children Alex
Harvey (yr3) and Aimee Crilley (yr4)
put forward the winning theme which is "Different Cultures from around the
World" more
Call For A Memorial: Hart
District Councillor Tim Davies, a family friend of Lucy Bryant whose son John
was recently killed in a car crash in Hitchins Lane, has backed calls for a
memorial as a lasting tribute to John by erecting a bench with an appropriate
plaque.
New Pyestock Plans: New
plans have been unveiled for a massive warehouse complex in Pyestock.
Campaigning group SPLAT are not happy. They state that the needs of thousands of
people who have already formally objected in writing have been ignored.
more
Watchful: Fleetsafe,
the Pubwatch scheme currently running in Fleet has been proclaimed a success by
the Police, licensees and Hart District Council. Fleetsafe is committed to
making Fleet a safer and more enjoyable place to be in. Since the scheme started
antisocial behavour has been reduced.
Lost Dogs: Ronald
Lee is offering a reward of £5,000 for the safe return of his two Jack Russell terriers
who ran off whilst exercising between Fleet and Farnborough more than 6 weeks
ago.
Facelift:
The Prince of Wales pub, which is set alongside the Basingstoke canal in Reading
Rd South, has reopened its doors after undergoing a major facelift which
was a result of a survey aimed at locals
25 March
Fatal Accident: Callum Forbes, 15, and John Bryant, 18, have both died in a
tragic car accident just outside Calthorpe Park School in Hitchens Lane. Three
other teenagers were taken to hospital, one with serious chest injuries.
Calthorpe Park head teacher stated that at about 2.45pm a loud screech of brakes
and a loud bang was heard outside the school gates. Students were gathered at
the rear of the school to keep them well away from the scene of the accident. Councilor
Denis Gotel has urged action to make Hitchens Lane at least a 30mph zone.
Another proposal is for a flashing 20mph sign near the school. At the moment the
lane speed limit is 40mph.
20 March
Is Raquel
Engaged?: Has popular Fleet actress Raquel Cassidy got engaged to
be married. In this picture taken at the House of Commons last
week, and sent to fleethants.com by Sally Rainbird, Raquel, top right,
is clearly sporting an engagement ring...![]()
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16 March
More Pay & Display Parking: Local Residents living in
Old Cove Rd have formed a local action group, LORA (Leave Our Rd Alone) to
object to proposals from Hart District Council to introduce pay and
display parking along their Road.
Four Half Marathons: Recovered leukemia patient John
Applebee from Aldershot ran the Fleet Half marathon course four times starting
at 3.30am to do a 39 mile warm up before completing the actual 13 mile race.
Mark Miles won the race with a time of 1:06:03. First woman home was Jo Kelsey
in a time of 1:17:53.
9 March
Jaxx Application Refused: An application by Jaxx nightclub
to continue a temporary one year permission to open until 2am on Sundays before
a bank Holiday Monday has been turned down by Hart District Council.
Sweet Smell Of Success: The links pub has installed an
aroma machine in preparation for the smoking ban due to start on July 1st this
year.
2 March
Mountainous Effort: Dean Townsend faces an
uphill challenge in climbing part of Mount Everest to raise money for Cancer
Research, He will be climbing up to an altitude of 18,000 feet. To sponsor Dean
email toensend@meridianiq.com
Lost Ring: Jo Chamber has lost her
valuable grandmothers ring which has been stolen from her home in Kings Rd. It
is a 1930's classic Art Deco style ring with three large diamonds on a platinum
band. If you can help please phone the Fleet News on 01252 622448.
28 Feb
Marines Commando: Former Calthorpe Park pupil Neil Mehrtens has completed a 32
week course to become a Royal Marines Commander.
Badminton Successes: The Fleet Falcons Badminton Club reaped success at the
annual Hampshire Tournament held in Winchester. Steven Cappleman won the u15
boys singles, the boys doubles and mixed doubles. Lisa Turner and Katie Walters
won the u17's doubles. Mark Cappleman won the u17's singles. Hayley Duckett won
the u13's singles and doubles.
Travellers Cause Outrage: Local residents are outraged at
local travellers who set up camp in the Park and Ride at Elvetham Heath. They
have now gone but have left behind a trail of rubbish.
End of Free Parking Confirmed: Hart Council has given the
go ahead to increases of 30% for car parking charges in Fleet from the beginning
of April. Free red bay parking is to be scrapped and moves are under way to
install parking bays in Harlington Way. Local Tories claim that the charges will
make Fleet a "no-go" area for shoppers.
Tree Loss M3 Problem: Local residents in Elvetham Heath
are concerned that developers removing trees from woodland on the Brickyard
Plantation site where the M3 crosses the A323 to build office blocks will
increase motorway traffic noise.
22 Feb
Glass Case: Disabled pensioner Judith Johns signed
up to Harts glass recycling scheme in October and is still awaiting the first
collection of the glass she has put dutifully outside her door as she was asked
to do. She has contacted the council on a number of occasions to explain the
problem but to no avail.
15 Feb
Romantic Couple: Fleet couple Mike and Ally Ward,
who have been married for 15 years, have won BBC's Southern Counties Radio's
most romantic couple competition. Ally entered the competition to thank her
husband for all his romantic gestures.
Brave Lad: Liam Kemp of Crookham Rd has received a
special award for his bravery in battling a rare cancer.
Viking Sailors: Pupils at Crookham Infant School
have bought a Viking longboat and a sea creatures climbing wall thanks to a
£5,000 grant from the Woolworth's Kids First Charity's Playground Partnerships
Scheme.
9 Feb:
Long Service Celebrated: Sharyn Wheale, who represents the
Fleet Pondtail ward, has celebrated 50 years of public service in Fleet. She
stated "I have always loved Fleet and over the years have fought many
battles for my constituents, especially on planning.
No More Free Parking: According to John Pearson, Hart District
Councilor for Fleet Central, Hart Council's coalition group is proposing to
increase short -term parking charges in Fleet by up to 50% and also abolish free
parking bays which were put in following the loss of free parking until after
3pm in Fleet Rd.
2 Feb:
ACAS On Strike: Local workers at the SE Regional office of
ACAS in Fleet went on strike over plans to cut more than 100,000 jobs in the
Civil Service.
Get Your Bin: Hart Council has extended its offer of free
large blue recycling bins until Feb 9th. The offer also includes a free upgrade
to a larger black bin.
Well Done: Residents in Gally Hill Rd have been praised by
the police for their efforts in quickly removing a tree which had fallen and
blocked the road.
Don't Stop Money: Canal enthusiast David Millet , vice
president of the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society, has pleaded with the Hart
Council not to stop its financial backing to the Basingstoke canal. The council
is trying to find cuts of £1,5 million. Currently the canal gets £66,000
annual funding.
26 Jan
Manhole Covers: Hampshire
County Council have been able to agree
with the SE water
company to use steel covers suitably textured and coloured in keeping with the
footway pavers to replace the existing Fleet Rd pavement manhole covers.
It is currently programmed that covers to all water meter chambers will be
replaced in February/March 2007. This operation will involve no excavation
and will not disrupt the traffic or pedestrian flow along Fleet Road.
There have been problems associated with lifting the current covers.
First AGM: The first AGM of the newly formed Fleet Business Partnership
and Community Interest Group has taken place at the Harlington Centre. Kevin
Wibley was elected Chairman, Rick Bolger Secretary and Grahame Chebery Treasurer.
more
19 Jan
Recycling Success: Hart Council has announced a massive
increase in the amount of bottles and jars collected since the collection
service was introduced late last year.
Harvesting Money: Fleet Harvester have raised more than
£3,000 for McMillan Cancer research by hosting one of its world biggest coffee
mornings.
Rat Run Problems: People living in Crondall Rd are hoping
that the forthcoming review of speed limits on roads will be applied to their
road because of increasing high speed traffic using it as a rat run. The
local residents say that recent and future developments are increasing the
problems.
Ban May End Soon: SE Water is to review the current
hosepipe ban which is still in force in the Fleet area despite the continuing
rainfall.
Artist Dies: Gerald Wooley a well known and respected
local artist died at his home in Ryelaw Rd, Church Crookham on Jan 8th. He was
77. Mr. Wooley leaves a wife and two daughters.
12 Jan
Missing Man Found Dead: A body found on land near Beacon
Hill Rd in Ewshot is believed to be that of former Fleet man Andrew Scanlan who
has been missing since Nov 06. Three men have been charged with Mr. Scanlan's
murder.
Parking Fines Should Be Refunded: Thousands of people
given parking tickets for parking in loading bays in Fleet Rd should be
refunded because of a wrongly worded traffic regulation order issued by
Hampshire Council says campaigner Peter Ashford. Hart Council who enforce the
regulations claim it was only a "minor error".
Mobile Phone Evidence: Photos and videos on Daniel
Fearnleys mobile phone provided police with evidence of his rampage through
Fleet town centre damaging 20 cars in one night. Mr. Fearnley from Church
Crookham was given a six week curfew order and ordered to pay car owners a total
of £1,120.73.
Memory Loss: A 19 year old boy suffered loss of memory
after being attacked by a youth who took a cd from him. in the early hours of
New Years Day in Glen Rd. Anyone with information should call Pc Nick Sexton on
0845 0454545 or ring anonymously on 0800 555111.
Surprise Surprise: A resident of Aldershot Rd has claimed
that yobs have taken bottles out of recycling crates along his road and used
them as target practice at his house. He has asked Hart Council if they carried
out a risk assessment before bringing in the recycling scheme. The council claim
that the glass collection scheme has been a great success. Councellor Denis
Gotel said "we trialed the service for six months and the issue of bottle
throwing did not come up"
Parking Area Could Go: A plan to turn Gurkha Sq into a
pedestrianised square has been proposed as part of plans for the next 20 years.
4 Jan
Long Delays Expected: Three months of traffic chaos is
forecast due to work on one of the two bridges forming the gyratory system on
the A323 at Pyestock. The Norris Pyestock Bridge. which is the one closer to
Aldershot. will be closed and traffic diverted over the Norris Bridge.
OBE For Headteacher: Congratulations
to Mrs. Janet Roberts head of Fleet All
Saints School for the past 16 years has been awarded an OBE in the New Years
Honours list.
First Baby: Chloe Rose Wallace was born at 10.27am on Jan
1st weighing 6ib 11oz making her one of the first New Year babies. Proud parents
Darren And Nicole live in Church Crookham.
2006
29 Dec
Mega Shed Changes: Hart District Council have received
amended plans for the Pyestock development which the developers state will
address campaigners concerns. Campaigners against the development SPLAT have not
yet had an opportunity to study the changes.
more
Long Inquiry: The public inquiry into the minitown
proposed for the Queen Elizabeth Barracks is likely to take up much of next
summer. It starts at Aldershots Princes Hall on May 15th.
22 Dec
New FTCM Speaks Out: New Fleet Town Centre Manager Paul
Doughty wants to see a town with a sustainable future that faces challenges
boldly and effectively, an inclusive, welcoming, exciting and safe place to
visit and work both day and night.
more
Rally Charity: Demand Technology in Fleet has
sponsored Team Starkey and Clutch in its bid to drive 3,700 miles from Plymouth
to Gambia in aid of charities in Gambia and Senegal. The two drivers are Neven
Kirkpatrick and Andy Sanders who are driving an American Ford Escort. To follow
the team visit www.startkeyandclutch.co.uk
Royal Marine: Former Fleet Schoolboy Neil Mehrtens, who
went to Fleet Infants, Velmead Juniors and then Calthorpe Park, has qualified to
become a Royal Marine.
Missed Out: Star actress Raquel Cassidy has been named
best actress in a leading roll in the 2006 Manchester Evening News drama awards.
She could not pick up her award as she was busy filming a new TV series and
could not be released.
14 Dec
Buses Threat: Countrywide buses are under threat in the
Fleet area due to subsidy cuts which are due to the fact that the services are
not well used by the public. The 74 service between Elvetham Heath and Fleet
will be axed on Jan 2 next year and the 72 Aldershot to Reading hourly service
will be diverted through Elvetham Heath Estate. The 71 service between Fleet and
Farnham railway station will be reinstated.
11 Dec
FTCG Dissolved: The final meeting of the
Fleet Town Centre Group has taken place. A vote to dissolve the group was passed
without opposition. It is expected that members of the group will be able to
apply to be committee members of the Fleet Business Partnership Group which has
recently been formed.
8 Dec
No Inquiry: An inquiry into the Hitchens Lane 300 homes development has been
thrown out by the Liberal Democrat Hart coalition following advice that it would
have lost a High Court
appeal.
Flying High: The Flying Goose pub on the Ancills
Farm estate has raised more than £1,000 for the Phyllis Tuckwell hospice. The
pub has recently been refurbished.
Best Male: Fleet's world number one quad tennis player has
been named joint winner of the Best Male Achievement Award at the 11th annual
British Wheelchair Sports Awards in Reading.
Poppy Appeal: The local Poppy collection raised
£25,310 which was £1,532 or 6.4% better than last year.
Fighting Fit: The Hart area has been placed equal
third with Kensington and Chelsea in a UK survey of exercise levels. The winners
were Richmond upon Thanes with Macclesfield gaining second place.
1 Dec
Poets Corner: United press are holding a poetry
competition for the best poem about life in Fleet. visit www.unitedpress.co.uk
for further information
Extended Hours: Despite local residents opposition the Emporium Pub in Fleet Rd
has been granted an extra hours opening time until 2am from Thursday to
Saturday.
Still Flooding: Despite drainage
ditches and culverts the recent heavy rain has caused flooding near the junction
of Redfields Lane and (aptly named) Watery Lane on the Zebon Copse estate. 10
homes suffered flood damage in Du Maurier Close.
Sun Raising: Sunrise Senior Living in Church Rd have raised more than
£400 at a coffee morning. Manager Sue Collen said "It was a great event.
Everybody got involved and we able to raise money for a great cause."
Teenagers Honour: James Maull, 18, has been chosen by Mary Fagan to act
as a representative of the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire at official functions
and ceremonies. The former Court Moor School pupil is a member of the 2407
Yateley and Eversley Air Training Corps.
Poetry Winner: Sue Lattey, who lives in Fleet, has won the
international "Help the Hospice" poetry competition. Her poem
"Fred is Dead" was written in 2000 while she was studying palliative care.
Bottled: Bottle collections are to begin in Fleet for the
first time this week. Green recycling crates have been issued to every resident.
£168,000 has been spent on two trucks to collect the glass.
New Church Opens: Fleet's £2million "The Church on
the Heath" has opened at Elvetham Heath. For further information visit the
churches website at www.churchontheheath.org.uk
24 Nov
No Barn Conversion: Plans to turn barns at Cross Farm,
Church Crookham into rural workshops have been turned down by Hart councilors.
Four Star Toilets: The Welcome Break sites at the M3 have
won four stars in the Loo of the Year Awards 2006.
Cove Road Again: Cove Rd which links Fleet with
Farnborough is to close from 27 November to remedy work previously undertaken a
few months ago because the work did not meet the required specification.
more
Better Safe Than Sorry: Free Bike postcode marking by
the police will be held at Calthorpe Park school on December 14th 2006 between 6
and 9pm and on the 1st February 2007 at the same times.
Well Done: A well provided by Fleet Rotary Club at the
Hart Centre has raised £10,128 for charity. Since it was put there in 2004
290,000 coins have been put in it.
Long Life: Boys born in Fleet should look forward to live
until they are 80 according to recent information from the National Office of
Statistics.
18 Nov
Star To Switch On Lights: Fleet actress and star of BBC's
"Lead Balloon" Raquel Cassidy is to switch on this years Fleet Rd
Christmas lights at 6.00pm on Wednesday 22 Nov to open this years Fleet
Festivities.
Pub Backs Down: Canal-side pub The Fox and Hounds who had
applied for permission to stay open with live music until 1am from Mon to Sat
have reached a compromise after Hart Council received over 40 complaints from
worried residents. The pub agreed to only have music up to 12 midnight on one
night a week.
Up In Smoke: Fleet Lions have raised £8,000 from
their annual fireworks display. 4,000 people watched the £3,000 display which
lasted for 30minutes.
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Ashes Remembered: Journalist Rob Wighton who lives
in Church Crookham has co-written "Match of my Life" which relives 12
classic matches from past Ashes series through the eyes of the players. Priced
at £16.99 it is available from all major bookshops and at www.amazon.co.uk
Rob's blog address is ashes200607.blogspot.com |
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Light Up The Hart Centre: Fleet Lions are inviting
people to remember loved ones by buying a Christmas tree light to put on the
Centre's Christmas tree. For each donation the Lions will send a personal
dedication card. For more details write to : Light Up A Life, Hart Lions Club,
c/o 27 New Road, Blackwater GU17 9AY.
Star Turn: Former Southampton striker Adam Walker
has signed for Fleet Town to help their bid to win promotion this season. Fleet
are currently second by one point to Dulwich but with a game in hand.
Sation Improvemants: Fleet Station is to benifit from government funding to give
passengers an obstacle free accessible route from station entrances to and
between platforms.
14 Nov
Humbug?: Richard Noble of Kenilworth Gds has not slept
properly for months because he hears a low frequency hum that never stops.
Environmental health offices have cannot hear the noise. Mr. Noble has been
advised that if he can find other people who can hear the hum the council would
have a statutory duty to do something about it.
10 Nov
Greek Collection: £222 has been raised in Fleet by Greek
Animal Rescue a charity that helps care for the sick and injured animals in
Greece.
Bin Bugs: Councillor Denis Gotel has not ruled out the
possibility of fitting bugs to wheelie bins if residents fail to hit tough
government recycling targets.
1 Nov
Fleet 10K: Phillip Berntsen was first home in a time of
33mins21sec in this years Fleet Peter Driver memorial 10K race. The first woman
was Issy Menzies in 38.18. Just under 600 runners took part.
Gurkha Barracks Exhibition: Taylor Woodrow
Developments are holding a public exhibition on Friday 10th Nov from 4-8pm
and Saturday 11th Nov from 10am - 4pm for residents to consider amendments
to their plans to develop Queen Elizabeth Barracks.
Christmas Scam: Trading Standards have issued a
warning to people to be aware of a scam were rouge Parcel Delivery Services post
cards through peoples letter boxes to claim that they have attempted to deliver
a parcel. When the printed number on the card is phoned the caller can be
charged a minimum of £15.
27 Oct
Its Bin 5 Weeks: Steve Coward, a former police chief
living in Elvetham Heath, is angry that his blue bin has not been emptied for
five weeks.
Marshals Wanted: This years Fleet Christmas
Festivities will be on Wed Nov 22 starting with the lights being switched
on along Fleet Rd at 6pm. The organisers, Fleet Town Centre Group, desperately
need marshals to help control the road junctions. If you can help please contact
Maria Jones at maria.jones@fleetbusinesspartnership.com
Lead Balloon: Fleet actress Raquel Cassidy is breaking all
records in the BBC comedy Lead Balloon starring Jack Dee. It has the highest
ever viewing figures for a comedy on BBC4 and has now been switched to BBC2.
Fleet Lions Competition; Fleet lions are looking for young
unsung community heroes between the ages of 15-18 in Hart. It is running an
Ambassadors for Youth competition. If you know of a likely candidate call 0845
833 7358 or email YA@fleetlions.org
Gurkha Flag Day: A Flag day in Fleet and Church Crookham
has raised £2.829 for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. The Gurkha Band will be
performing in the Harlington Centre on Dec 2 at 7.30pm. For tickets call Mr.
Shoesmith on 01252 621268.
20 Oct
Big Blue Bins: The council is concerned that not enough
residents are switching to the larger blue bins in preparation for the fortnightly
collection service being introduced from 30th Oct. To order a bin call 01252
622122.
Costly Case: The cost of legally challenging the Hitchins
Lane development has been put well at over £50,000 by Councilor James Radley.
He stated the chances of winning are "dreadfully weak"
12 Oct
Denim Collection: Staff from Software Solutions at Ancells
Farm have collected more than £400 for National charities by donating £2 each
for the privilege of wearing Jeans to work on Genes Day.
Guides Raising The Roof; Fleet
Girl Guides are applying for lottery money to rebuild their old headquarters
at Basingbourne Rd. If successful the new building will be ready in early 2009.
Silting Support: Local MP James
Arbuthnot has been invited to address Fleet
Pond Society so that they can thank him for raising the problem of silting
in Fleet Pond. Mr. Arbuthnot raised the issue in the House of Commons to help
persuade The Ministry of Defence to authorize works to install measures to
reduce the escape of eroded soils which cause the pond's silt.
Dirty Pavements: Local Traders in Fleet
Rd are protesting at the lack of cleaning taking place down the High
St. They complain of cigarette buts, chewing gum and vomit not being
effectively cleared.
5 Oct
Petrol Station Robbery: Two teenagers were forced to hand
over money and a mobile phone when they were approached by a youth who asked
them to exchange a £20 voucher for cash. The boys aged 14 and 15 were walking
along Kings Rd near the Murco petrol station at around 8.30pm on Sep 25.
Hart Gives Up Fight: Controversial plans to build 300
homes along Hitchens Lane look likely to go ahead after Hart Council decided not
to fight a High Court Appeal following legal advice they would lose the case.
Real Pub: The Prince Arthur pub has gained an entry in the
Campaign for Real Ales Good Bear Guide for 2007. It is the only pub in the town
to have been selected for CAMRA entry.
Late Pub: Residents are objecting to a bid by their local
pub The Flying Goose to stay open until 12.30 Sunday to Thursday and host live
music every night from 8pm to midnight.
Expensive Pub: Customers are angry that they are
being fined £100 for not buying a parking ticket to park in the Emporium's car
park. They are supposed to claim the money back when they buy their first drink.
The system has been introduced to stop people parking there for free
whilst shopping.
Top Team: Fleet Town FC are currently top of the Ryman
league having collected 18 points from the 7 games played so far.
Tots Library: The Busy Bees Day Nursery in Ively Rd
has opened a library to allow parents to borrow children's books for free as
often as they like. Contact by phoning 01252 533430
29 Sep
Late Licence Bid: Local traders and residents are fighting
a bid from Jaxx club in upper street to open until 2am on Sundays before a bank
Holiday Monday.
Fleet Eggheads: A team of pensioners calling themselves
"Russell's Raiders" are to appear on the BBC2 show
"Eggheads" on Thursday Oct 12th. They are members of the U3A
which
meets at the Harlington
Centre.
23 Sep
Traders Parking Fury: Fleet
Rd traders are
fed up of seeing their customers being hit with parking tickets on a daily
basis. They have written a protest letter asking for parking restrictions to be
suspended until the current confusing signage is replaced by a system which
people can understand.
Dog Problems: Solicitor Nicolette Pike is
incensed by the lack of services provided by Hart Council since Hart's Dog
Warden Lynn Byfield has been out of post. She says if you ring the police or the
RSPCA they say it is the councils responsibility and the council will tell you
it is a police matter. Lynn used to deal with dog fouling and dangerous and
stray dogs etc. She has been out of post for 14 months.
Jump For Charity: Brain injury survivor
Iain Pryer from Fleet has helped raise £2,000 for Headway the brain
injury association after a daredevil tandem skydive.
Hospital Update:
A £250,000 six-month project has updated Fleet community hospital. A new ward
with 18 beds has been created. Work is still going on to improve the therapy
area and assessment unit.
20 Sep
Man-hole Covers To Be Changed: The SE Water board have advised Hampshire County
Council that due to operational difficulties in lifting the manhole covers down Fleet
Rd pavements they are going to replace the matching paved covers with
conventional steel ones.
15 Sep
FTCG May Be Replaced: A meeting at the Harlington
Centre has sown the seeds for a new Fleet Based Partnership between local community
groups and retailers which will replace the existing Fleet Town Centre Group
which has never been popular with Fleet
Rd retailers. It is possible that the
Group could apply for the vacant post of Fleet Town Centre Manager freeing the
£16,000 in wages to spend on projects.
Best Frontage: W C Baker and Sons have won the Best
Frontage award at this years Fleet and Church Crookham in Bloom awards.
Full
Results.
Puzzling Fifth Birthday: Elvetham Heath Primary School
pupils celebrated the schools fifth birthday by solving three dimensional
puzzles. The school began with less than 50 pupils and now has 430 pupils in 15
classes.
High Five: Fleet CC under 11's star Ollie East took
five wickets in five balls to win the North Hampshire Youth Cricket League match
against Eversley. Eversley were 80 - 5 chasing 127 to win when Ollie struck
taking the last five wickets
7 Sep
Make Your Mind Up: Six children have been allowed to
attend Elvetham Heath Primary School
after the county council, which had won a
court case after a judge ruled that it was right to refuse the children, changed
its mind and let them in.
Bins Uncollected: More than 3000 bins have not been
emptied throughout the Hart area because six of the district councils dustcarts
broke down in one day.
Flasher Round Fleet Pond: Police are investigating a
flasher who has been exposing himself to dog walkers round Fleet Pond. The first
report was six weeks ago and there have been a number of reports since. Phone
0845 0454545 if you can help the police.
Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness: A 9 year old
schoolgirl from Church Crookham has made a birthday card for the Queen's 80th
birthday. To her surprise she received a thank you reply from the Queen's
Lady-in-Waiting.
Rowing Champ: Fleet's Vicki Hansford and her three
team-mates have won gold and broke the world record by six seconds at the world
Rowing Championships.
30 Aug
May Is The Best: Pyestock bowler Leo May
has won the Champion of Champions Bowls competition at Worthing. He beat England
International pre-tournament favorite Simon Skelton 2-0 in the semi-final and
Graham White in an exciting three end tie-breaker in the final.
No Parish Council:
Councillors have voted by 20 to 4 to throw out the idea of a Parish council in
favour of a full parish review. A recent petition covering the wards of Church
Crookham East and West and Fleet Courtmoor and collected by the Community
Campaign Hart was signed by more than 2000 people. Councillor Sharyn Wheale
stated that the whole of Fleet and Church Crookham should be consulted.
Hair Cut Sir?:
A car driven by an 85 year old gentleman from Kings Rd crashed into the shop
window of the Linkway barbers in Linkway Parade. The car missed a little girl by
less than a metre. No one was seriously hurt.
24 Aug
Views Mugging: Three thugs robbed and punched a teenager
walking through the Views Park last Friday at about 1am. The victim was able to
give police descriptions of two of the attackers who were both white aged 16-17.
One was 5ft 10" tall, average build with
a shaven head. He had a round face
with a bulbous nose. The other was 5ft 11" tall, slim build with spiky
blond or slightly ginger hair. If you can help call 0845045 4545 or
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Silting Held Up: Silting in Fleet Pond has been arrested
by the Defence Estates Agency who have installed dams, drains and filters. The
army maneuvers in Long Valley have been thought to have contributed to the build
up of silt in the pond which had resulted in reducing the depth of the water to
less than a metre in places.
Golden Bin: Mrs Ann Gotting of Fleet has won first
prize of £100 in the Hart District Councils "golden compost bin"
competition. The competition was open to everyone who bought a cut price compost
bin between 7th and 14 May.
Youths Charged: Four teenagers have been charged
following a robbery at the Murco petrol station in Kings Rd on August 16.
18 Aug
Costly Parish Council: Residents calling for a Parish
Council to be formed in the Church Crookham and Courtmoor areas have been warned
by County Councillor Peter Hutcheson that they would be hit hard in the pocket.
The petition calling for a parish council will be considered at a full meting of
Hart District Council this Thursday from 7pm at the Civic Offices in Fleet.
Take Hart: Hart has been rated second only to Elmbridge in
Surrey as the best area to live in terms of "quality of life".
Top Film: A short film called "Stick Guns" made
by Dave Tucker of Fleet and shot entirely in woods close to Elvetham Heath
was one of only two selected to represent the UK in the Los Angeles Film
Festival.
11 August
New Parking Charges Planned: Plans to introduce parking
charges to Harlington Way have been critisised by Conservative Richard Appleton.
He said that the change must not proceed without taking steps to protect nearby
roads from increased parking. Plans to introduce parking charges along Elvetham
Heath Rd have been scrapped.
Enough Pubs: Police have stated that Fleet has reached
saturation point as far as drinking licenses are concerned. The claim was made
during an appeal into plans to turn the Help the Aged shop in Fleet Rd into
another pub.
3 August
End Of Tourist Office: The Tourist Information
Centre (TIC) situated in the Harlington Centre has been identified as a service
that the Council is not required to provide and one that does not match any
corporate priorities. Therefore, since Hart District Council does not have a
particular strong tourism industry and the income generated has not met the
operating costs of the service for some years, the decision has been taken to
close the Tourist Information Centre in Fleet on Friday 22nd September.
Parking Appeal Accepted: Paul
Burch challenged a parking ticket given to his wife Valerie because the
Application Code was incorrect and the words "Loading Only" must be
painted on the road. He also pointed out that such a restricted parking place
requires a yellow kerb line and a yellow "No Parking" prohibition
notice, neither of which were in place. Hart District Council has waived the
penalty as "a gesture of goodwill".
School May Be Overlooked: The governors at Heatherside
Infants School are horrified that a new development of retirement cottages would
overlook the children's playground.
28 July
New TCM To Be Appointed: The Hart Council has overwhelmingly
passed a motion to urgently find a replacement for Sue Collen who recently resigned as
Fleet Town Centre Manager.
Sea Turtle Project: Sam Allen is leaving home for a
voluntary placement in Colola, Mexico to help with a Sea Turtle Project. She is
trying to raise the £1,500 needed to pay for the trip. Sam is studying
"A" levels at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough.
Fleet In Gloom: Fleet is getting set for a summer
without any flowers. It was decided that because of the water bans in force it
would be too expensive to provide planters with special water containing compost
which would deliver water gradually over a period of time. Cllr Gotel, Fleet's
Cabinet member decided to order artificial flowers but upon further inspection
decided they were not satisfactory. He has now decided to "kick the idea
into touch" and stay with an uncluttered Fleet Rd for the summer.
Chemical Alert: An ambulance and fire engines were
called to Hart Leisure centre after a chemical had leaked over the duty manager.
He was taken to casualty but later returned home.
Full Marks: Fleet Infant School was judged
"outstanding" in all seven categories after Ofsted inspectors visited
the school for two days last month.
25 July
Councillor May Have Breached
Confidentiality: Hart Conservatives say they intend to
report Cllr Denis Gotel, the cabinet member for Fleet, for allegedly breaching
council confidentiality in relation to the Fleet Town Centre Manager thus making
her position untenable. Go to www.hartconservatives.com
for more
20 July
Dream Come True: Fleet based 16 year old
goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has signed professional forms for Premiership club
Fulham.
13 July
Town Centre Manager Resigns: Sue Collen
the Fleet TCM has resigned after
meetings with Hart District Council. She issued the
following statement
"It was with a heavy heart that my letter of
resignation which detailed my reasons for leaving was delivered to Hart District
Council last week, and resulted in a meeting on Monday 10th with Viv Evans
and Matthew Evans of the Hart District Council." Sue had been so successful
as town manager that her two days a week contract had been recently increased to
three days a week. She introduced Farmers Markets to Fleet on a regular basis
and also staged very successful Fleet Christmas Festivities in November,
She was also responsible for improving the quality of Fleet's Christmas lights.
She worked hard for the town her motto being "Putting Fleet First".
She will be sorely missed. The reason for her resignation remains a mystery.
Pond Appeal: Fleet Pond Society are appealing for old photos of the pond on their 30th anniversary. If you can help contact Colin Grey on 01252 616183 or email colin@fleetpondsociety.co.uk
Ad Boards Can Stay: A compromise has been reached between traders and Hampshire County Council regarding the use of Ad Boards, displays and tables and chairs outside shops along Fleet Rd pavements. A set of rules has been agreed and accepted by both sides. (A sensible common sense approach - webmaster)
3 July
Memorial day: Family and friends of Mike
Richie a popular local footballer who died in a road accident on April
9th, are holding a Memorial day on July 22. The day will start at 11am at
Hartley Wintney. At midday the Mike Richie Trophy match will kick off. Later at
3pm Hartley Wintney will play Fleet Spurs in what is to become an annual
fixture. There will be a final get together at the Sports Bar in Fleet. To make
a donation to the Sports Aid on in memory of Mike go to
www.sportsaid.org.uk/donate/index.htm
Best In Fleet: Mai Lait has been selected
as the best baby in the Fleet carnival's babyshow held at the Harlington Centre.
Jan and Alfie Woodman were selected as best Mum and Baby.
more +
pictures
Taxi Threat: Four men who used a Fleet
taxi to go from Fleet Rd to Basingbourne Road tried to make of without
paying. The driver managed to grab one of them and a scuffle broke out.
One of the men later threatened to stab the driver with a knife.
26 June
Oriental Car Park:
Victoria Rd car park landscape has been given an oriental touch with the planting of several Gingko biloba trees to replace Poplars which had been recently felled. |
Gingko Tree |
Ad Boards Have To Go: Hampshire County Council has warned all town centre traders to get rid of advertising boards by 17 July or they will have them removed. (Is this happening throughout Hampshire and the rest of the country or just Fleet. Also are the council to get rid of the flower beds, seat benches, post boxes, litter bins etc that also appear on our pavements. Webmaster)
20 June
Long Life: Hart has been placed third in a study to
determine the ten areas with the highest expectancy of life in years. It was
beaten by East Dorset which was first followed by Kensington and Chelsea. The
current employment rate in Hart is 82.6%. The study was published by the Charted
Society of Physiotherapy.
CABs Merged: Fleet and Yateley Citizens Advice
Bureaux have merged to become Citizens Advice - Hart District Limited following
a cash crisis.
Pop Video Success: Fleet's Leigh Nicholson has
become a success in the video "I wish I was a Punk Rocker" which has
shot to number 2 in the charts.
16 June
Charity Horse Ride Cancelled: Fleet Lions have had to
cancel a money spinning sponsored horse ride at Tweseldown two days before the
event because a decision taken by English Nature not to give their permission
for the event to go on. The event has been held for the past 20 years and was
expected to raise £4,000 for charity. English Nature stated that it was unable
to give consent because Tweseldown failed to demonstrated it would not damage a
nearby site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area.
(Surely after 20 years it would have been
damaged already- webmaster)
Parish Council: Two thousand
residents in the Church Crookham and Fleet Courtmoor wards of Hart Council have
signed a petition, collected by members of the Community Campaign Hart group, to
be represented by a parish council. The council will now consult with every
resident in the ward. Hart Conservative leader Stephen Gorys warned that
this process could cost an estimated £77,000 pounds.
Kenyon Eye Charity: The Rotary Club of Fleet have
collected £1024.55 to be given to the Kwale District Eye Centre on the Kenyon
coast of Mombassa.
10 June
Executive Jailed: Laurence Ford of Old Cove Rd, Fleet has
been jailed for 6 years for his role in a major money laundering scandal.
Dumped In Fleet; Paul Archer, Hampshire County
Council's head of waste management has said that to solve major problems
at Farnboro's Eelmoor Road tip, a long term solution would be to find an alternative
site in the north of the county, ideally in Fleet.
New Rotary President: John Burton has become the new president of Fleet Rotary
Club. John who joined the club in 1999 is a steward at Fleet Methodist Church, a
volunteer driver and treasurer of the Crookham Village Association and Crookham
Village Twinning Group.
Shop Of The Year: Fujifilm Image Service in Fleet
Rd has won a Gold in the annual Fujifilm Awards and then went on to win the
Store of the Year award. Manager Phil Dodd who took over the store a year ago
said "we are constantly trying to add value to the service we offer and
feel a great sense of pride in winning this award.
Calthorpe's Ballet Star: Pupil Henry Paerkins has
been accepted by the Bolshoi ballet. He will leave in Sep to train for 4 years
with the world famous school.
Crèche Closing: The Abacus play centre inside Hart
Shopping Centre will close down on June 30th.
3 June
Photo Fit Picture:
| Police have issues this E-Fit picture of the man who they wish to question with regard to an incident at the Hart Leisure Centre when a seven year old girl was grabbed in the communal changing rooms. The girl managed to escape. Anyone with further information should call 0845 0454545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. |
|
27 May
Pyestock Development
Exhibition: Prudential and Astral Developments are holding
a public exhibition to enable local residents to see plans and talk to
developers about the warehouses they are planning to build at the Hartland Park
Pyestock development. Bus tours will take visitors round the site. Access is
from Bramshot Rd off the Nokia roundabout. Visiting times are: Fri 2nd June 2pm
- 8pm, Sat 3rd June 10am - 4pm and Mon 5th June 2pm - 8pm
more
Fleet Rd Parking Confusion: New parking restrictions
in Fleet Rd are causing mayhem for local shoppers who have been fined £2,500 in
just two days. They are being confused by signs which state that parking is
restricted to 30mins Mon - Fri from 3pm - 6pm and Sat and Sun from 9am - 6pm.
Goods vehicles loading only is Mon - Fri from 9am - 3pm. Previous to the road
improvements parking was available all day at more or less the same bays.
(you have been warned - webmaster)
21 May
Water Leak: Water has been oozing out of a leak and
pouring along Bourley Rd in Church Crookham. It was reported to SE Water on 11
may by Lee Cobb who first though the flooding was being caused by heavy rain. It
has still not been repaired and its ironic that at a time of draught and hosepipe
bans so much water could be wasted.
Good News: The News has been named Regional Newspaper of
the Year at a ceremony in London. The competition recognises excellence in
newspaper production.
Closing Down: Abacus crèche in the Hart Shopping Centre
is to close down next month after four years.
Horse Trials: Tweseldown Racecourse is to stage
international horse trials next week, for the first time in 50 years. more
17 May
All Over: The controversial Fleet Rd improvements have
been officially declared "over". The £3.6 million improvement scheme
has upgraded 700metres of road and pavement and also extended and upgraded
Victoria Rd car park.
Recycled Warehouses: Fleet MP James Arbuthnot has
suggested that the Pyestock development scheme to build massive warehouses could
be replaced by building a new recycling centre to alleviate the queuing and
congestion at the existing Farnborough recycling centre.
more about the Pyestock Horror
development
10 May
Carnival Princess Crowned: This years
Carnival Princess is Francessca
Ward age 12 from Calthorpe Park School. Deputy Princesses are Megan
De-Sausa and Jorja Brown both aged 9 pictures
Biggest Catch Ever: Fleet angler Graeme Pullen and
his friend Peter Scott together have caught the biggest porbeagle shark ever
found. It weighed 550lb and was caught of the coast of Bude in Cornwall.
5 May
Local Election Results: Community Campaign Hart won both Church Crookham East
and West. Independent Dennis Gotel won Fleet Central.
Fleet North and West both went to the Conservatives. The hotly contested
Pondtail seat which has the threat of the Pyestock "horror" warehouse development
hanging over it, was retained by Conservative Sharyn Wheale
after a huge turnout of 54.1%. The conservatives have lost overhaul
controll of Hart Council. click
for full results
Oh No Not Again: Once again the council are
planning to cause disruption of traffic along Elvetham Heath Rd. They are
planning to introduce on-street parking on parts of the road. This will not only
cut drivers speed but alleviate parking problems at the Church Rd surgery and
hospital and also at the Railway Station. It will cost £1 for 2 hours, £2 for
up to 4 hours and £3 for more than 4 hours.
Warning To Parents: A seven year old girl was
grabbed by a man in the communal changing rooms at the Hart Leisure Centre. She
managed to pull herself free. The police have asked for vigilance from the
public. Anyone with further information should call 0845 0454545 or
crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
School Award: All Saints School is one of the first
schools to gain the prestigious new Information Communication Technology Mark
which is awarded by Becta the governments lead agency in education. Headteacher
Janet Roberts said she was delighted and represents our approach to ICT.
Hague Visits Fleet: Former Conservative leader William Hague visited Elvetham
Heath and Glen Rd close to the centre of Fleet where residents have bee plagued
by late night drinkers.
Mid-Table: Fleet Town FC have finished 13th in the
2005/06 Ryman League Division 1 Table
28 April
Another MP Backs Campaign: Shadow
transport secretary Chris Grayling was visibly shocked when he heard the
implications of building the huge Pyestock "Horror" warehouse
development. He said it would ruin the area, was madness and will ruin
peoples quality of life. more
Former President Dies: Former Fleet
Chamber of Commerse president Chris West has died peacefully at his home.
Sam's Film Wins Award: Former Church
Crookham schoolboy Sam Rogers reached third place in the finals of the
CobraVision Awards - the worlds shortest film competition with his entry called
"Stuffed"
21 April
Bye - Bye: Sean Holden Council member for Fleet
West is stepping down and moving to Kent. Richard Hunt is also stepping down as
member for Fleet West. Both were Conservatives.
New York Turned Down: Fleet actress Raquel Cassidy
has turned down a weekend in New York to represent her new film
"Festival" because she promised to take part in nine-year old Aliesha
Oedra's play "Love or Death Watersyle" in London.
14 April:
Racecourse Fire: An historic building at Tweseldown
Racecourse has burned to the ground. The fire started in the canteen. The
possibility of arson is being investigated.
Plan Thrown Out: Hart District Council have rejected a
plan to knock down a property at 29 Basingbourne Close and build a four
bedroomed chalet style home.
Cars Vandalised: About 15 cars have been vandalised whilst
parked in Glen Rd, Connaught Rd, Stanton Drive, Ferndale Rd and Albert St.
Contact 08450 454545 if you can help police.
Tributes to Fleet Footballer: Michael Ritchie, 28, who died
after losing control of his car and colliding with trees in Ewshot has been paid
many tributes by family and friends. Michael was a striker for Fleet Spurs. He
grew up in Fleet and went to Calthorpe Park School and Farnborough Sixth Form
College.
Use Or Lose Bus: A long awaited bus route, No 79, between
Yateley and Fleet has been officially opened but comes with a warning by Edward
Dawson, chairman of the Yateley town centre management group, who said "Its
not subsidised by the council. Its a private venture and therefore may stand or
fall depending on its use."
10 April:
Enough Is Enough: Fed up residents of Elvetham Heath
estate are campaigning for action to stop teenager antisocial behavour which
they say they have suffered from for years. They have sent emails to leading
Hart District Councillors. They say escalating problems caused by drug taking,
drinking, car racing, loud music, swearing, abuse, theft, damage and fires have
gone far enough.
Hosepipe Ban: SE Water have imposed a hosepipe ban for
domestic uses in the Hart area. It is the first ban for 11 years.
5 April
Wider Bridges: Soldiers from the Royal Engineeers
have offered to help widen two bridges at Fleet Pond. They have offered to
re-build the Brookly and Carnival bridges, construct a fishing jetty and fence
off marshland.
Teenager Attacked: An 18 year old has been attacked
outside El Castello restaurant in Fleet Rd. One of the attackers was white, of
slim build aged 18-22 wearing a dark blue top, dark jeans and white trainers.
The other was of dark European appearance, similar in age and build with black
spikey hair and wearing a black jacket and trousers. If you can help police with
their inquiries phone 0845 0454545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
5 Second Wonder: Sam Rogers new five second
film called "Stuffed" is in the final 20 films of the worlds shortest
film competition CobraVision to be held in London on 24th April. Sam is from
Church Crookham.
Load of Rubbish: Cllr Denis Gotel has formed FLEET
- Fleet Late Evening Establishments Together - in a bid to set up a fighting
fund to pay for regular street cleaning
30 Mar
Parents Victory: Parents with children living on the Elvetham
Heath estate have forced Hampshire CC to allow their children to enroll at
Elvetham Heath Primary school have been initially told that the school was full
and they must go to Tavistock Infants school.
MP Opens Wetland: Velmead Junior school children have
spent the last two years clearing an acre of scrubland in the school grounds to
reveal an area of unique wet heath land. The site was opened by James Arbuthnot
who praised the school's achievement.
A Grand For Fleet Pond:
|
Local MP James Arbuthnot has handed over £1,000 to Fleet Pond Society on behalf of Cayo Foundation. The cash will help replace the societies elderly tractor. |
![]() |
Princely Night Out: Prince William visited Fleet on Tuesday. He enjoyed a meal
at We Restaurant before going for a drink at the Propaganda Music Canteen in
Fleet Rd.
24 Mar
Local Residents meet Their MP:
| Protesters against the Pyestock warehouse development which is to be built at the back of Pondtail and next to Fleet Pond met James Arbuthnot to discuss the future "Pyestock Horror" which is what local campaigners are calling this huge development. Mr. Arbuthnot, who has joined the protest and has written a letter of objection issued to Hart District Council, stated that it could possibly be the largest warehouse in Europe. more |
|
High Street Closed: Fleet Rd is to be
closed from 3 - 24 April to enable the current road improvements to be
completed. Final completion is expected by the end of April.
Four Years On: Police are still conducting the investigation of Milly
Dowler who was found dead in Yately Heath Woods four years ago. It is one of the
largest operations in the history of Surrey police.
Half Marathon: Toby Lambert of Alton Runners has won the this years Fleet
half marathon in a time of 1hr 18min 47 seconds. Grandad Ted O'Toole won the
men's over 70's category. Ted from Fleet who has competed in all 25
marathons took 2hrs 32seconds to complete the course. First
woman home was Debbie Coslet in 1hr 18min 47sec.
20 Mar
Still Richest: Channel 5 news today
compared Fleet with Liverpool in regard to the difference in affluence stating Elvetham
Heath is the richest place to live in England.
Andrew's Health Check:
Andrew Macallan and his team of volunteers will soon be delivering some 600
questioners to find out what is pleasant/unpleasant about living in Fleet and
Church Crookham. The aim of the study is to enhance the area by identifying what
is most important to the people living/working/visiting the area. If you want to
help the Fleet and Church Crookham Town Health Check Group phone Andrew on 01252
668076
Top School:
St Nicholas School is one of only five schools in the country to achieve a 100%
GCSE pass rate. It is also top of the county league table.
17 March
Hitchens Lane Appeal: Hart District
Council has appealed to the High Court against Deputy Primeminister John
Prescott's ruling that 300 homes could be built on land at Hitchens lane.
First Film:
Former Fleet schoolboys Rob Weston and Byron Valsey are planning to make a
horror film "Gnaw" in April.
Percussionist Picked:
13 year old Fleet teenager Ralph Wyld has been picked from hundreds of
contestants to join the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain for the
third year running.
10 March
Tony Replies To James: As promised Tony
Blair has replied to James Arbuthnot's question to him at Question Time
regarding the development proposed for Hitchens Lane . He said that the Hitchens
Lane decision was subject to legal challenge so he was unable to comment
further. He added that the government thought it important to fund new
infrastructure to support new homes needed for the next generation. and that
funding would need to come from a variety of sources including developers.
7 Mar
All Change At Oasis: David Parry has
decided to retire from his flower shop in Fleet Rd and has handed the business
over to his manageress for the last ten years, Gill Chilton. He said only
Wrights next door and Bakers over the road are still here from the time I opened
in the shop in 1982 the rest has all changed.
Eclipsed: Mark Lanes and his son Tim are
going to drive 5,000 from Fleet to Turkey to see a total eclipse of the sun. The
journey through Belgium, Germany, Australian Alps, Croatia and Bulgaria will
take three weeks.
Fleet Cricket Courses: Simon Massy will
soon be running cricket courses at Fleet CC for youngsters aged from 6 to 13. To
book call Simon on 01252 661416.
3 Mar
Bridal Window Smashed: Yvette Morrison
faces a bill of £2,000 to replace a large window at her shop - Smartlady-
in Albert St. The window had been smashed by vandals on Sat morning when a local
resident heard glass being broken.
Stone Set In Church: Sir Euan
Anstruther-Gough Calthorpe will lay a commemorative stone at the site of the new
Elvetham Heath church. An inscription on the stone reads "The Church on the
Heath - Serving Christ in the Community". It is hoped that the church will
be ready to open this Autumn
Fleet Hospital Improvements: Builders have
started work on improvements to Fleet Hospital. Builders will initially
concentrate on the improving Calthorpe Unit and then work on the therapy area
and day assessment unit. The work will take 4 months to complete.
Breathing Easier: Fleet Breathe Easy Group
has bought pulse oximeters to be used by Fleet hospital and main GP practices in
the area. The group who support anyone with chronic breathing conditions meets
on the last Friday of every month at Velmead Centre on the Zebon Copse. New
members are welcome and should call 01252 845142 for more information.
28 Feb
Inquiry Delayed: The public inquiry into
the homes development on the QEB site in Church Crookham has been delayed
until Spring 2007 at the request of Taylor Woodrow and the MOD.
Mark's Bronze Medal: Calthorpe Park pupil
Mark Cappleman has won a bronze medal for England competing in the Eight Nations
badminton tournament in Denmark. Mark is coached by Benny Khaw.
Feb 25
UNICEF Award: Tavistock
Infants School has become one of the first schools to gain a UNICEF award by
learning about the United Nations Convention and the rights of the child.
Hospice Cash Gift: Fleet and District Choral Soc have
donated £1,700 raised from its successful Christmas Concert to the Phyillis
Tuckwell Hospice.
Anthony Meets His Heroes: Fleet Spurs u10's
goalkeeper Anthony Jones's dreams came true when he led out Reading's team for
their home match with Southampton. He had a fantastic evening topped off
when promotion contenders Reading won 2-0.
Feb 18
Beach or Christmas Tree: Every year The
Fleet Rotary Club install and decorate a Christmas Tree in Gurkha Square as part
of the celebrations. The Council have dug up trees in flower beds either side of
were this tree is put. The Rotary Club have asked the council if they could put
a Christmas tree in place of one of the two beach trees. This would save the
cost of a new tree every year and save three parking spaces during Christmas.
The council has refused.
Army Fund:
A collection for the Hampshire committee of the Army Benevolent Fund at
Morrisons in Elvetham Heath has raised £590.
Top Marks:
Stockton House independant school has gained top marks in all categories in an
Ofsted report. The staff celebrated with Champers.
Feb 12
Fleet Pond Cash: Farnborough
Airfield operator TAG have set up a fund worth more than
£40,000 to pay for Fleet
Pond Nature Reserve improvements. Every time a plane takes of a contribution
is made.
Outstanding Pub: The Emporium has won Greene King's
division sales award for outstanding growth over the past year. Pub managers
Richard Hailwood and Jenny Rice accepted the award at a ceremony at the Alton
Towers hotel.
Crack Den Raid: A house in Meadow Walk was raided
following a tip that the house was being used for drug dealing. A 38 year old
woman and a youth aged 18 have been charged with supplying drugs. The house has
been boarded up.
End Is In Sight: Fleet Rd contractors have stated
that the High Street roadwork's will be complete by the first week in May.
Feb 8
Pyestock Planning Meeting Deferred: Due to
over 100 people filling up Council Chambers and many many more angry residents
packing the Civic Centre foyer the Pyestock Warehouse Development meeting has
had to be deferred until a larger venue can be found. There is also going to be
an exhibition of the development set up by the council. MORE
Prime-Minister's Question: Local MP James Arbuthnot
raised
the issue of additional housing in Hitchins Lane by asking the PM, during PM's
Question Time, if he was aware of John Prescott's decision to allow 300 new
houses to be built in an area already suffering from very low water levels and
severe service problems due to increased local housing. Tony Blair said he was
not aware of the problem in Fleet but would look into it and write to Mr.
Arbuthnot.
Another Horse Attack: Sid Evans has been attacked
by a horse near to playing fields in Church Crookham. It ran at him from about
40 feet and then head-butted him. He landed on his head which prompted the horse
to stamp on his back before running away. There have been three attacks
recently. Local MP James Arbuthnot is making inquiries by writing to Hart
District Council.
Calthorpe Park 1976 Reunion: A committee has been
formed to organise a giant summer reunion of old pupils which attended the
School 30 years ago. About 100 former pupils have already been traced. The plans
are on view at www.calthorpe-reunion76.co.uk
or call Kristina on 01252 615906.
Feb 3
Carnival Saved: Thanks to a good response to a plea for
more help to run Fleet Carnival the committee have decided to go ahead with this
years Grand Procession. The Children's procession and other events such as the
Line Dance and U18's gig will also take place. Family Funday will not take place
this year. Click here for more
Help From SID: Speed Indication Devices (SID)
have been fixed to lampposts along Elvetham Heath Rd. They will monitor, record
and flash the speed a motorist reaches whilst travelling along in the hope that
they will slow down.
Free Parking: A new car park has been opened in
Branksomewood Rd which provides 18 additional 30 minute free parking bays with
two extra spaces for disabled drivers and a goods vehicle loading bay.
Ratre Bird: A rare bird of prey was seen at
Elvetham Heath nature reserve. Called a Hobby it is small and feeds on large
insect and small mammals. There are only an estimated 500 - 900 breeding pairs
in the UK.
Waste Not Want Not: From Autumn 2006 The Hart
District Council will collect non-recyclable household waste one week - and your
recyclable materials the following week. Garden waste will continue to be
collected fortnightly. Larger 240 litre blue bins will be available if required
by applying to the council.
Hitchens Lane U Turn: Berkeley Homes have been
given the go-ahead to construct 120 homes at Hitchens Lane. This number could
rise to 300. John Prescott had initially vetoed the development but this was challenged
by Berkeley on a point of law. As a consequence John Presscott finally gave the
permission for the houses to be built.
Jan 30
Pyestock Warehouses, Noise Threat:
Local residents are battling against the threat of land being developed into
warehousing at Pyestock within 300 metres of residential housing at the rear of
Pondtail near Fleet Pond, . Noise levels of up to 110dba are expected whilst the
site is under construction and up to 40dba once the work has been completed.
They urge all concerned to attend a Council meeting to be held at the Civic
Offices in Fleet at 19.00hrs on 8th February.click here for
more or
go to www.fleethants.com/pyestock
Yateley To Fleet Link: Countrywide Travel plans to provide an hourly bus service
between Fleet and Yateley with stops at Cricket Hill and Gibraltar Barracks. The
service is to be reviewed after 6 months to see if it is paying its way.
Tumble Drier Fire: Children had to be
evacuated from the ABC Kindergarten in Clarence Rd after a tumble drier burst
into flames.
Falling Scaffolding:
Luckily no one was hurt when three storeys of scaffolding outside Austin House
in Upper Street collapsed onto a delivery van. An HSE spokesman said "We
are looking at the adequacy of how the scaffolding was secured to the
building".
Jan 28
New Book From Local Author: Malcolm
Noble is to release his new novel "Piggy
Tucker's Poison"
next month (Feb). click
here for more information. Malcolm wishes to thank
his local readership, especially those who have borrowed his first two titles
from local libraries.
One Council Too Many:
Hart District and Hampshire County councillor Peter Hutcheson is to step down
from his Hart Council role in May having represented Church Crookham for 20
years. Peter said "As the county role becomes more demanding it is time to
make way for someone new so that I can give more time to the task of
representing you in Hampshire.
Reward:
Sandy Lane garage owner Alan Jaymes is offering a reward of £250 to catch the
firebug who destroyed a £3,000 MGB and caused £2,500 damage to two other cars.
Contact Yateley police station on 0845 045 45 45 if you can help.
Jan 17
More Free Parking: A council cabinet meeting
decision has been made to increase the number of short term free spaces in Fleet
Town Centre by 24. In addition evening parking in Church Rd will also be free.
Max's Brave Website Diary: Church Crookham teenager
Max Horwood, 13, is to receive a bravery award after capturing worldwide
attention with his website diary. Max started the site after being diagnosed
with chronic myeloid leukemia in 2003. The diary has been visited by many
celebrities including Will Carling and Richard Hill. He is receiving the award
for "stoicism in dealing with the challengers he faced" and will
receive a trophy and a certificate signed by Kylie Minogue plus a family cinema
Ticket.
New Arts Centre: The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt
Rev. Christopher Hill, has blessed a new creative arts centre at the All Saints
School in Fleet. The new facility, which has cost £118,000, has been named
after Headteacher Mrs. Roberts who has been at the school for 15 years.
Fleet Rd Plinth: As part of the Fleet Rd development a plinth has been built at the Oatsheaf traffic lights amongst the flower beds. It has been suggested that a plaque or statue of some sort be erected to commemorate Fleet as the historic home of the Gurkhas. What do you think |
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Jan 10
Fleet FC Lose Local Derby: Fleet
Town FC put up a brave fight in front of a crowd of 555 at the Aldershot Rec
but lost 3 - 0 to a fitter and quicker team. The Hampshire cup quarter final game
was dominated by Aldershot in the first half with goals from MOM Garry Holloway
(8mins) Ahmed Deen (21min) and Tim Sills (30 min). The second half was more even
with both teams coming close to scoring. Fleet started to tire towards the end
of the game but valiantly hung on to a second half 0 - 0 draw. Aldershot now
play Basingstoke in the semi - final.
Photo
courtesy of David Gibson
6 Jan
Roadworks Go On: Fleet Rd will be one way between
Victoria Rd and Birch Ave as the roadwork's resume after the Christmas break.
Fleet Rd will be closed between Victoria Rd and Birch Ave for about three weeks
in March and April whilst a new road is built. Call David Stokes on 07748427168
for more details.
Load Of Rubbish: Complaints have been made
about the bin collection day during the festive period. The council put an
advert in a local paper listing collection times but Church Crookham residents
say the information was wrong. There were also complaints that the paper was
only read by less than half the local population.
Tragic Fire: 75 year old Pensioner Colin Denby was
found dead at his house in Aldershot Rd after firefighters went to the house
following reports that smoke could be seen inside. The fire is not been treated
as suspicious.
Bricks For Sale: Elvetham Heath's church minister
the Rev. David Price, has launched an appeal to help pay for the
building of the Church on the Heath overlooking The Key. Anyone who
would like to buy a brick at a cost of £5 should call the Rev. Price on 01252
695067 or visit the De Havailland Arms.
Dog Trek: Church Crookham Grandmum, Linda Williams,
is preparing for a six day husky dog trek through Norway and Sweden in April to
raise money for the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Sponsors should call
07919 173562.