ARCHIVED LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Festivities Winner: Gabriella Altini from St Nicholas School has won first prize in a poster competition to advertise the Fleet Town Festivities which will be held on Wednesday 23 Nov up and down Fleet Rd. She won a family ticket to the Starburst pantomime "Cinderella" at the Harlington Centre and a Family ticket to the 2006 Farnborough Air Show. Gabriella will also help switch on the Christmas lights at the festivities. All the junior/primary schools in Fleet, Crondall, Dogmersfield, Crookham and Elvetham Heath took part.
Picture: Gabriella (top) with Charlotte Cope who came first in the year three section and Catherine Bailey, clutching her prize teddy, who came second in the year 3 section all from St Nicholas School

Click here for the full results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 July
Spirit of Carnival: Carnival Committee member Allan Gibson was looking through some old Fleet Carnival programmes when he noticed the wooden carving of a jester on the cover of the 1974 edition. The Jester was carved in 1974 by Fleet Historian Mr Ted Roe of Dogsmerfield. and subsequently hung in the Carnival Hall at the top of the stairs in the Civic Centre (now Harlington Centre) in Fleet thereby signifying the “Spirit of Carnival”. Allan was interested in this story and went to have a look at the carving only to discover that, as a safety precaution, it had been taken down some years ago and stored.

Allan then spoke to the Senior Duty Manager Susie Porter suggesting the work of art should be found and reinstated. Susie and other Harlington Centre staff having discovered the jester stored in an office then came to the rescue by installing it, in a safer position, back in the Carnival Hall were it belongs. Carnival Hall is so named because earlier Carnivals raised money which was handed to Fleet Council to assist in providing some of the Civic Centre facilities.

In this, Carnival’s 50^th Jubilee, it is significant and appropriate that a Jester will lead the Grand procession thus reiterating the traditional “Spirit of Carnival” which still exists in the town of Fleet after 50 years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of WhataPhoto

Millie

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

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

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

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

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

The new footbridge which links Elvetham Heath estate with Elvetham Heath Rd is providing much improved access to Fleet Town Centre and Fleet Railway station for walkers and cyclists living on the estate.
	View from Elvetham Heath Rd	View from Elvetham Heath estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schools	Pupils	*A%**	A%	B%	C%	*5A-C%**	Points
Court Moor	216	5.1	19	26	27	76.4	369
Calthorpe Park	178	8.9	17.2	19.9	30.9	71.4	378