ARCHIVED LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES

2004  BACK TO LATEST NEWS

 

2004  

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

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

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Mast Permission Withdrawn: Roadwheel has withdrawn permission to build a mobile phone mast on its chimney in Kings Rd after discussions with local residents.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15 Oct
Linking Bridge:
A million pound footbridge will be opened to the public in the new year. The bridge will link the Elvetham Heath development with the rest of Fleet. The bridge will soon be lifted into place across the railway line at the Church Rd junction along Elvetham Heath Rd.
Beware Cyclists:
Police have launched a crackdown on cyclists who ride on pavements in the Fleet area. Offenders will get an on the spot fine of £30.

Stylists Success: Heidi Davison and Dean Gregory of Marc Antoni in Fleet Rd have made it to the final 12 of the Fellowship Academy of Merit and Excellence team. Five will be selected to form the final team whose work will include styling for Vougue magazine.
On Time Again: The landmark clock above the Emporium has been repaired and is now working thanks to The Rotary Club who funded the part and Roger Cockram of Cockram Jewellers in Fleet Rd who repaired it. FTCG manager Sue Collen co-ordinated the effort to restore the clock.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug 28
Court Moor School GCSE's:

Pupils A*% A% B% C% 5A*-C's Points A*+A% A*+A% 2003 Position
211 7.9 15.9 20 30 73.8 49 23.8 25.5 324

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 4
Carnival Royalty:

The Princess for Fleet Carnival 2004 is 10 year old Georgia Pearson of Heatherside Junior School. Her deputies are Francesca Ward, (right in picture) 9 years old, and Brook Tiller, (left in picture) 11 years old. More

 


Photo by Ted Clark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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