NEWS

2010 BACK TO LATEST NEWS

2010

31 Dec
Any Old Iron: Fleet Lions are looking for old electrical appliances to be donated to their Community Store for distribution to needy families. Call 01252 682255 if you can help.

17 Dec
Alcohol Sales: Morrisons have been given the go ahead to sell alcohol from 6am every day of the week despite local protests.
Harvester Collection: The Tree House restaurant in Fleet has raised £50,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Singing Success: Teenagers Lauren Byrne and Georgie Harrison have qualified for the national finals of the Open Mic UK 2010 talent competition to be held at the O2 arena in London.
Canal Restoration: £870,000 of restoration work on the Basingstoke canal has been given the go ahead.
Horror Film: Fleet's Rob Weston is making a new horror movie called The Zombie Diaries 2 as a sequel to his successful Zombie Diaries. The film is being made at Frensham Manor and is expected to be completed at the end of December '10 and will be released in 2011
Pound Shop Goes: To the surprise of local traders the Pound Shop in the Hart Centre has closed after a short term lease. It arrived in May 2010. The stores nationally are reported to be very successful.
Model Success: Lizzie Haylet has been selected as one of the finalists in this years Top Model UK competition. Mother of three Lizzie said "Its a brilliant feeling to get into the final."

12 Dec
Early Snow: Fleet was treated to an early sign of a tough winter with up to 3 to 4 inches of snow throughout the area.
Boy Robbed: Police are looking for two teenagers who robbed a 12 year old boy walking along Connaught Rd last Saturday. They were both slim, one had his face covered with a black scarf, the other wore a grey hooded top. If you have any information contact crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Development Appeal: 5K design has appealed against plans to build 14 new houses in Bowenhurst Rd which have been being thrown out by the council.
Pub Lights: The Prince of Wales pub in Reading Rd South has put on a fantastic display of Christmas lights. Pub manager Diane Branch said it took staff and pub goers two weeks to put them all up. Worth a visit.

5 Dec
Sale Of Alcohol: Elvetham Heath residents are concerned that Morrisons Supermarket are planning to sell alcohol from 6am every day of the week.
Health Check: In the last 12 months 400 out of every 1,000 people in Fleet and Church Crookham have experienced nuisance behaviour.
Young Cooks: Francesca Rayment from St Nicholas School won the first round of the Rotary Clubs Young Chef of the Year competition. Calthorp Parks Jordon Walker-Smith came second and Fay Bin from St Nicholas third. Francesca will now compete in the District finals at Morden College in February.
Dear Killed: Wildlife rescuer Harper Asprey has criticized a 4x4 driver who dragged an injured deer into a ditch after hitting hit in Crondall Rd. Volunteers covered it with a blanket but the deer eventually died. If you can help phone 01276 681668.
First Snow: The first snowfall of the winter has arrived in Fleet with around 4inches settling on the ground.

1 Dec
Home Facelift: Thurlston House older people’s home in pre-schools. Fleet, is set to benefit from a £1.24 million face lift. Improvements will include: The installation of a new sprinkler system, a new nurse call system, upgrading and replacement works to the heating system, remodeling the main entrance and the refurbishment of the hairdressing salon. It is anticipated the work will start in spring 2011 and last for 44 weeks
Winning Stylist: Dan Spiller of the Marc Antoni salon in Fleet Rd has won the "Newcomer of the World" award at the British Hairdressing Awards for 2010.
Christmas Lights Are On: This years Christmas lights have been switched on at the annual Christmas Fleet Festivities, this year organised by the newly formed Fleet Festivities Partnership. The tree in Gurkha Sq was donated by www.sunshine.co.uk . more

29 Nov
Plans Rejected: Plans to build 15 flats for the over 55's on the Crookham Service Garage in the Aldershot Rd, Church Crookham have bee thrown out by Hart Council.
Never Too Old: 85 year old Sheila Durbin has published her first book. Sheila, who regularly attends Fleet United Reform Church, has written a book of poetry called "Catching the Light". Priced at £3.50 it is available from Livingstones Book Shop in Fleet Rd or online at www.fleet.urc.org.uk All proceeds go to the church charity.

25 Nov
Record Fiesta: Fleet Lions annual fireworks display held for the first time at Calthorpe Park was a record success with over 5,000 visitors.
Supermarket Gifts: Sainsburys in Fleet has donated more than £200 of equipment to Squirrels and Little Elves community schools.

19 Nov
Parks Anger: Parents living in Ancells Farm are starting a campaign to improve the quality of two local parks. The small under 5's park is dirty, run down and has broken play equipment and the older children's park is unsafe. Organiser Sarah Gorton is setting up a meeting in Ancells Farm Community Centre on Mon Dec 6th at 7.30. email sarah.gorton@hotmail.co.uk for more info.
Calendar Boys: Men from Silver Park Close in Church Crookham have been inspired by the death of Sally Pearson who lost a long battle with cancer to produce a 2010 calendar to raise funds for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. The calendar, named "The Silver Park Calendar Boys", can be bought from the Redfield's Garden Centre and other outlets in Fleet.
New Chairman Required: Colin Gray is stepping down as chairman of the Fleet and Crookham Society after three years as chairman and 25 years on the committee.
Care Award: Pauline Jebson who runs the Brendoncare Care club in Fleet has been awarded an exceptional service to a care charity award for her work associated with the Brendoncare clubs in and around Fleet. To join the club phone 01962 877772.

12 Nov
Extra Pond Funding: Fleet Pond is to receive a Higher Level Stewardship from Natural England which includes a £19,000 a year grant. This will help solve a long term problem of silting which is reducing the water depth to 1 metre deep and affecting wildlife.
Night Club Problems: Residents near the Jazz night club in Upper Street say it is becoming a no go area due to the number of incidents occurring. Recently a clubber was left with life changing injuries after an assault.
On Course: A new orienteering course has been opened at Oakley Park thanks to a grant from county councilor Sharyn Wheale.
Light Appeal: Hart Lions are again running their Light up a Life campaign in Fleet's Hart Centre. People are asked to dedicate a light to a loved one on the Christmas tree in the centre.

4 Nov
Dawn Ride: Dawn Gittins plans to cycle through Rajasthan in India to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. It will take a week to complete her journey.
New Estate Opened: Hart District Council chairman Colin Ive has cut the ribbon to open the Berkeley Southern's Edenbrook development in Hitchens lane.
click to enlarge >>>
Diver Tragedy: Former Royal Marine diver Dr David Bennets from Church Crookham, who was a keen swimmer, was drowned after falling into a river whilst fishing on holiday in Canada.

28 Oct
Shoe Boxes: Residents at Cadogan Court in Fleet have donated 26 shoe boxes to the Operation Christmas Child Project.
Music Group: A new children's music group is being set up in Elvetham Heath. Called Musical Instincts at Play it being run by Carol O'Callaghan. More details ring 01252 815298.

21 Oct
Free Sport: Safer Hart Partnership and Hart District Council are offering free sports sessions for adults with disabilities. Call 01252 339384 for more info.
75 Years Old: St Nicholas School in Church Crookham has celebrated its 75th anniversary by staging a concert using music and images from the 1930's through to 2010.
New Sports Pitches: Hart District Council have stopped Fleet Town Council from taking control of the new recreational facilities and sports pitches being planned for the new Hitchens Lane development for at least one year.
Gurkha Collection: Friends of the Gurkhas have collected nearly £1,500 for the Gurkha Welfare trust during the annual street collection along Fleet Rd.
Albany Rd: Councillors have refused planning permission for the demolition of a four bedroomed house to replace it with nine homes at 62a and 66 Albany Rd.
Towpath Walk: Ex Hart Council Chairman Denis Gotel was proud of both his wife Ellen and daughter Nichola after they had raised more than £900 towards Frimley Parks Hospital's Heart 2 Heart appeal by walking the length of the Basingstoke canal from Byfleet to the Greywell tunnel. To donate call 01252 614648.

14 Oct
Hair Award: Dan Spiller from the Marc Antoni hair salon in Fleet has won a gold award for the best young talent in the Wella Professionals Trend Vision UK final.

11 Oct
FTCM Resigns: Paul Doughty has stepped down as Fleet Town Centre Manager following the expiration of his contract. more
Travel Boss On TV: Chris Brown the managing director of www.sunshine.co.uk has appeared on the channel 4 documentary "The Secret Millionaire". Chris set up a his travel website five years ago and it is now the largest independent travel agent in the UK with an annual turnover of £35 million. Chris has recently joined the Fleet Carnival committee of which he is a main sponsor.
Fleet Station Death: A girl of 16 has been sentenced to a 12 month community supervision order for the death of her baby at Fleet Station. She had stabbed the baby girl 27 times with a penknife and then dumped the body in a bin. The court heard that she did not know that she was pregnant and she had no criminal intent her actions being driven out of panic and emotional and physical shock whilst her mind was disturbed. Paul Doughty
New Fireworks Venue: This years Fleet Lions Club fireworks display on the 6th Nov starting at 6pm is to be held at Calthorpe Park (not the School) in Reading Road North and not the usual Views Meadow.
Pond Competition: The Fleet Pond Society's Christmas Card competition winners are Angela Whitby, Natalie Elliott, Auli McCall, Mitchelle Salter and Louse Coughlin. more

8 Oct
Radio Show Winner: Tanya Barrow's front room was the base for a live national radio show after she had won a competition to host the Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show on Absolute Radio.
Community Worker: Fleet Methodist Church have appointed Andy Knight as its new community worker based in Fleet. Contact worker@fleetmethodist.org.uk
Remembrance Services: A parade will take place following a remembrance Service in All Saints Church on Sunday 14th Nov at 2.30. The march, along Fleet Rd, will terminate at Gurkha Square were a wreath laying service will take place. Church Crookham's annual service will take place at Christ Church in Gally Hill Rd following a ceremony starting at 10.45am at the nearby war memorial. On the 11th Nov, remembrance day, there will be a ceremony at the Fleet War Memorial in Gurkha Sq at 11am.

1 Oct
Boating: A record 14 boats turned out for the Basingstoke Canal Boating Club's annual Fox and Hounds boat rally held in Church Crookham.
Surestart: A new surestart centre called the Fleet Fireflies has been opened in Fleet Library for families with children under 5. more

30 Sep
Pop Band Success: Fleet based Lauren Byrne and Georgina Harrison who form the Carolina Blue band have reached the regional finals of the Open Mic UK 2010 national talent competition.
40th Tree: Calthorpe Park School has planted a tree donated by Redfield's Garden Centre to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

24 Sep
Motorcross: Campaigners have successfully stopped the building of a Motocross track between Winchfield and Hook. Fleet taxi driver Mickey McLeod wanted to set up the course at Beggars Corner in Totters Lane as a safe place for youngsters to ride but the Hart District Council has thrown the idea out on appeal.
Pilates: New Pilates for people with Parkinson's disease has started at Ancells Farm Community Centre on Tuesdays. Call 674200 for more info or visit www.susan-pilates.co.uk

17 Sep
Sure Start Centre: A host of fun activities will be on offer with the opening of a new Sure Start Children’s Centre for families with children under five living in Fleet. The Fleet Fireflies Children’s Centre, based at Fleet Library, will be opened on Saturday, 18 September and it is the first centre of its kind to open in Hart.
New Hut: 29th Odiham District scouting group have opened their new scout hut on Farnham Rd.

10 Sep
Pitch Battles: Fleet Town Council and Hart District Council both want to have control over the new sports pitch scheduled for the Hitchens Lane development.
Money Grabber: A man took £550 as a woman was sitting in her garden in Albert Street. After hearing a noise she confronted the man attempting to take her laptop. She managed to get the computer back. He was white, in his early 30's, stock built with tanned skin and a stubble. He wore a baseball cap, black jeans and a black top. If you can help call Crimestoppers on 0800555111.
Polio Collection: With the help of local schools and Sainsbury's, Fleet Rotary Club has raised £10,000 towards a world wide campaign to eradicate polio.

5 Sep
Cricket Champions: Fleet Town Cricket Club have taken the Thames Valley League Div 2a title after beating Eversley at home. Captain Russell Black said afterwards ‘not many teams bounce straight back into Division 1, but I am proud that Fleet were the ones that did. All in all, it was a great season with fantastic individual achievements from Andy Griffiths, Graham Chalkley and Phil Singleton. Bring on Division 1.’ more

28 Aug
Taste Award: The Water Sky restaurant in Fleet Rd has been put forward for the "Legacy of Taste" national award which depends upon votes from the public to decide the award winners.
New Cafe: The six month trial of a teenagers cafe at the Point Youth Centre has been successful and the cafe will now continue to serve teenagers between 13 and 19 from 10pm to midnight every Friday. For more info contact 01252 812308.

20 Aug
Archery: Velmead Archers are looking for another field to carry out their sport which at present takes place at the Peter Driver centre sports fields. The Council proposes to build a new caged play court in the centre of the field which will render the site useless for shooting. website
Pakistan Floods: Bakers Gregg's in Fleet Rd are collecting cash towards the disaster relief fund for Pakistan. The company have pledged £10,000 to get the ball rolling          .

14 Aug
Lights Out: Hart District Council have agreed to grant £6,000 towards new eco lights at the Flee Football Ground. The floodlights will cost around £20,000. £8,000 will possibly come from the Football Foundation leaving the club to find £6,000. Local Residents have complained against the lights for the last 15 years but the new ones should reduce the glare and be more tolerable.    Fleet FC>>>
School Too Large: There are concerns that plans to increase Calthorpe Park School by around 700 pupils in a bid to solve the lack of places problem will affect the schools standards.
Sell Out: Starbursts latest show "Fame" has been a sell out. Funds raised by the production at St Nicholas' School will go to children with disabilities and special needs.
Local Book: Two books about the influence of extra- terrestrial activity in the world by Leonard Dobson have been published. Entitled "10 Cents for the World" the two books are being offered at a special price on his website. more
New Pub: Tom and Vicki Faulkner have turned round their old Chequers pub in Crookham Village and now produce quality food looking for the best local suppliers. They have renamed it The Exchequer. The couple are experts in turning round pubs and this is only their latest venture.
Wheelchair Tennis Champion: Fleets Lucy Shuker has won the woman's singles final at the Belgian Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Naqmur. visit Lucy's website.                                                                                                 Champion Lucy>>>

10 Aug
Bogus Collector: Police are conducting house to house inquiries in relation to a male aged 16 years who is calling on houses claiming to be collecting on behalf of the "Military Preparation College." Email daniel.eaves@hampshire.pnn.police.uk if you can help the police.

6 Aug
Bogus Hospice Appeals: Local people have been receiving unsolicited telephone calls from a bogus caller saying the y are ringing on behalf of the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and asking for a donation over the phone. If you have any queries or are in any doubt about the bona fide nature of a telephone call on behalf of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice contact the hospice directly on 01252 729446.
Fleet Link: The Call and Go bus service has been replaced by Fleet Link a dedicated community bus service in and around Fleet on Mondays to Saturdays. A service is also provided to Camberley on a Wednesday and Farnborough on Tuesday. Passengers wishing to use Fleet Link must book their journey in advance and will normally be picked up and dropped off at their home address. Seats are booked by calling 0845 602 4135 up to the day before they want to travel. more
Hospital Rated Highly: Fleet Community Hospital recorded a 93.3% rating for privacy and dignity, 98.5 for food, 95% for cleanliness and 90.3% for its environment in a National Patient Safety Agency survey.
New Play Area: Developers T Hosts have submitted an application to build a new multi use games area between football pitches on the playing fields at the Peter Driver centre. The old games area is to give way to a new nursing home.
Local TV Talent: Matthew Albers is part of Musicality a group of students dance group who are audit for the national TV talent show "Don't Stop Believing."
Reserve Award: Elvetham Green nature reserve has been awarded a Green Flag Award.
Family Leaders: The men of Fleet Lions have selected Travis McCall and the women of Hart Lions have selected his wife Gill as club presidents for the year.

30 July
Carnival Hits Back: Following the setting up of a "Save Fleet Carnival" page on Facebook by Chris Alden who lives in Elvetham Heath Fleet Carnival have hit back stating that their ten member committee have run a successful Princess Disco, a record breaking Artwork Competition with over 450 entries from schools in the local area, a Line Dance, and a procession with 33 entries, not the dozen stated by Mr. Alden who has since apologised for saying this, with crowds staying on the views until 8pm to enjoy the band and entertainment. Also they organised a Dog Show, a Car Show and a Motor Bike show. They add "Of course carnival could have been bigger and we have had to axe some popular events because we did not have the people to organise them but we do not need saving." If you want to help Carnival go to the AGM on 11 Oct at the civic Centre from 7.30pm. this years carnival
Cricket Top Spot: Fleet are currently sitting at the top of division two of the Morrant Thames Valley League. They lead Datchet by 10 points. more

23 July
Petsstop: Maria Jones, long time owner of Reps'n'pets in Fleet Rd, has sold her business to Sue and John Durbridge who are reopening the shop on August 1st under the name Petsstop
Refurbishment: The Oatsheaf is shutting down on 1^st August for about six weeks as part of a refurbishment programme. The pub is to concentrate more on the dining services with an emphasis on fresh cooked food.

16 July
Bin Maggots: Helen Lewis who lives in Kenilworth Rd has asked Hart Council to change back to a weekly bin collection to try to avoid maggot infestation during the hot periods of summer. Helen uses boiling water and disinfectants to try to kill off the maggots.
Allotments Delay: Berkley Homes, who are building a 300 home development in Hitchins Lane, have signed a legal agreement to provide allotments at the site but now want to push the date back to 2016.

8 July
Albany Rd Development: Hart Council have thrown out plans to develop land at 62a and 66 Albany Rd after over 50 objections by local residents.
First Class Accommodation: Squirrels Coach House in Fleet has been awarded four stars, the highest award, by the English Tourist Board.
Record Attempt: The June White Academy of Dance is to take part in a Tapathon world record on Oct 10th. For more info phone 01252 614639.

2 July
Grave Problem: There have been objections to a plan by All Saints Church to redevelop their hall and provide a car park over existing graves.
Reunion: Former teachers Henry Spearman and Heather Jewell made a nostalgic trip back to Court Moor School were they taught 50 years ago. The visit was arranged by headteacher Beverly Stevens to celebrate the school's 50th anniversary.
Labour's Free Swim Disappears: Free swimming for the over-60's and under-16' has been discontinued by Hart Council due to lack of funds from the coalition government. A £12 per monthly scheme is available to those who are registered for free swimming. Applicants must apply by 31st July 2010.
Lollipop Winner: Julia Cook who patrols for Heatherside schools in Reading Rd South has won the "favourite lollipop award" in Hampshire Count Council's School Crossing Patrol of the Year competition. She won a glass trophy, £25 voucher and a certificate.
Charity Ride: James Starling and Marcus Brueton are to cycle from Edinburgh to London in less than 24hours to raise funds for the Children's Trust and Fleet Lions. To help visit www.charitygiving.co.uk

25 June
Redfield's Sold: One of the oldest garden centres in the country is to be redeveloped by its new owners the Blue Diamond Group. Previous owners Malcolm and Anne Goater have run the Redfield's Garden Centre for the last 32 years as a local family business.
Alcohol Delivered: The Danshiri and Gulshan Indian restaurants have been given permission to deliver alcoholic drink with their take away service.
School Celebrates: Calthorpe Park School celebrates its 40th year with a reunion on the 26 June.
Batty Rejection: A development to replace 4 bungalows in Bowenhurst Rd has been rejected because of a threat to the local Bat population.
Kinders Girl: Five year old Isla Hall has been selected from more than 4,000 as one of 6 children to be new faces on the Kinder Mini Treats. Isla is a pupil of Elvetham Heath Primary School.

18 June
New Games Court: Hart District Council have approved an application to build a new all weather floodlit games court next to Velmead Community Centre.
Pond Birds Killed: A dog has killed two young cygnets at Fleet Pond. Pond Society chairman Colin Grey has asked people to keep their dogs under control. The dogs owners were distraught at what had happened.

10 June
Accidents Concern: Another serious accident, this time a scooter rider and passenger who were taken to hospital, have raised concern about the number of accidents along the Aldershot Rd in Church Crookham. There are also fears that the QEB development with nearly 900 new homes could add to the problems.
Lost Cause: It looks like the long battle to stop the Pyestock development has finally ended as the campaign group SPLAT have confirmed that they will not be seeking further legal challenge following the recent judgment allowing the development to go ahead.
10 Years Ago: Tweseldown Playgroup are celebrating 10 years since the Shotts nightclub fire destroyed their accommodation above the club. The playgroup are now based at Abercon Hall in church Crookham. They will be holding a celebrity fair at Sandy Lane Memorial hall in Sandy Lane on July 18th. Phone 01252 819256 for more info.
Lighter Covers: Smaller water meter covers are to installed throughout Fleet to meet health and safety requirement regarding the lifting of the lighter covers by one man.

4 June
SPLAT Loses Appeal: A disappointed SPLAT leader Bob Schofield saw the end of a four fight to prevent the building of a giant warehouse at Pyestock when a high court judge finally gave the go ahead to the development. History of Protests Latest
Baby Woman Arrested: A 16 year old girl has been taken into custody on suspicion of murdering a baby girl found dead at Fleet Station.
Award For Garden Scheme: A volunteer programme "Minding the Garden" needs your votes to win the Best Environment Project award as it competes with other lottery projects for the award. The project is aimed at helping people with learning and mental difficulties to cope with there gardens. To vote phone 0844 686 6719. Voting ends on June 18th.
Happy Birthday Double: Emma Marshall has celebrated her 108th birthday with a party at Marlborough House in Church Crookham. And Catherine Johnstone her 100th at the same home.

28 May
Tragic Discovery: A dead baby has been found in a plastic bag at a cycle rack in Fleet railway station. A murder inquiry has been launched by the police who have asked anybody with any information to contact them on 101 or to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Cafe To Go On: A new cafe at The Point youth centre is to stay after a successful 6 month run. It is open between 8pm and midnight to serve 13 to 19 year olds.
New Store Comes To Fleet: A Poundland shop has opening at the old Woolworth's site in the Hart Shopping Centre.
Wildlife Visitor: Television presenter Chris Packham has opened a new garden at Tweseldown Infants School. Chris is patron of Fleet Pond Society.
Canal Mystery: An inquest into the death of 78 year old grandfather Gelsomina Ronchetti from Muswell Hill whose body was found in the Basingstoke Canal near Norris Bridge has recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Local Singer: Fleet teenager Lauren Byrne is through the regional finals of Live @ Unsigned and will appear at Portsmouth's Guildhall in the area finals.
Local Hairdresser: Fleet Student Loren Turk has won a place in the Wella Xposure national hairdressing competition final. Live and Unsigned

21 May
Pyestock Hearing: A two day hearing will take place next week in the High Court to consider the mega warehouse development to be built at Pyestock.
WI's Birthday: Church Crookham Woman's Institute has celebrated its 90th birthday in style with a special lunch in their Memorial Hall.
Schools Birthday: Calthorpe Park School is celebrating 40 years by staging a summer fete on June 26th. If you want to join in the fun phone Pauline on 613483.

14 May
Carnival's New Princess: Emily McCulloch from Church Crookham Junior School has been crowned this years Fleet Carnival Princess. more
New Scheme: Campaigners were dismayed to hear that plans to demolish 4 bungalows and build 14 homes in Bowenhurst Rd have been revised by 5K Design and Build Ltd after the original scheme was refused by Hart District Council.
5 a Side Pitch May Go: The Peter Driver all-weather floodlit play area may be relocated to land near Velmead Community Centre in Zebon Copse to make way for a 60-bedroomed nursing home.
Elections: The Conservatives have regained control of Hart District Council. They now have 20 members to the LibDems 10 and CCH 5. The biggest upset was the defeat of former chairman Denis Gotel. James Arbuthnot won the NE Hants constituency with an increased majority. Nearly all the Parish candidates were elected unopposed with Pondtail being the only contested seats. all the results
Grandad Jailed: 77 year old Ronald Sloggit from Gally Hill Rd has been sent to jail for indecently assaulting three young girls over a period of six years.
New Centre: A new recreational centre is to be built at SeeAbilitys Fairways residential home in Fleet courtesy of a £4,499 grant from the Zurich Community Trust.

7 May
Parking Up: Parking charges in Fleet's council run car parks have been increased to a minimal stay of 1 hour which will cost 80p
Tea Dances: Fleet Morris Dancers are to celebrate 25 years with a tour of 25 tea shops around the South of England.
End Of Era: Andy Artemis is to sell his Verne Video Centre in Ridgeway Parade after more than 30years. Verne Video
Hustings in Fleet: The Reverand David Price hosted a public meeting at the Church on the Heath between candidates James Arbuthnot (Con), Denzil Coulson (LibDem), Ruth Duffin (UKIP) and Barry Jones (Lab) see video
Accident Verdict: A verdict of accidental death was recorded at an inquest into Church Crookham teenager Hannah Morris's death in a tragic car accident on the A30 between Hook and Basingstoke.
School Award: Elvetham Heath Primary School has been awarded an "outstanding" mark by OFSTED

James Arbuthnot

30 April
Election: A debate by three of the local candidates, James Arbuthnot (C), Denzil Coulson (LD) and Barry Jones (L) is to be held at The Church on the Heath in Elvetham Heath on Tuesday 4th May starting at 8pm.
Fly-Tipping: The owner of the former sewage works at Bramshot Lane has had to replace broken chains and locks to a gate leading to his land which he had installed to stop travellers. His land is now being used by fly-tippers. Hart Council are seeking government funding to build a permanent travellers site on this land.
Nursery Closers: Church Crookham's Montessori nursery has closed after 11 years.
London Marathon: Fleet's Jennie Donnerely completed the London marathon in 4hrs50min raising money for the National Autistic Society. To help Jennies fund visit www.justgiving.com/jennie-donnelly
Football: Fleet Town lost 1-0 to Worthing in their last game of the season to just miss the Ryman One South play-offs by a couple of points.
Bird Death: A Great Crested Grebe has died near Carnival Bridge in Fleet Pond. The bird was entwined by fishing line which had been caught on a fallen branch. Great Crested Grebe
Medical Clean Up: Staff at Fleet Medical Centre have cleared an area and laid down a new surface to provide extra parking spaces at the centre.

24 April
Stop Means Stop Campaign: In the Fleet area, one school crossing patrol has reported four drivers to the police in the last three months. These offences have potentially dangerous outcomes for everyone involved. Julia Cook, the School Crossing Patrol at Reading Road South, alongside Heatherside Infants and Junior School commented: “I find that we as Patrols are sometimes seen as the ‘bad guys’ by motorists but as the ‘good guys’ by pedestrians. We have an important job to do and we cannot be intimidated by impatient motorists. I hope that other School Crossing Patrols are as confident as I am in reporting these incidents to the police.”
Silt Problems: Fleet Pond may lose its protected status due to an accumulation of silt killing life in the pond. It currently is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. A survey in 2008 found that the water is no more than 321/2 inches over the whole area.
Parking Restrictions Illegal: Peter Ashford claims that Hart District Council are still issuing tickets for illegal parking in Fleet Rd even though the parking signs no longer indicate restrictions are in force.
Basingstoke Canal: Hampshire County Council are to inject £1million into maintaining the Basingstoke Canal after rejecting the idea of closing it due to its decline.
High Jumping: Fleet's Isobel Pooley has cleared a personal best high jump of 1m 81cm and is now set to compete for the UK in the World Junior Championships in Canada.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Isobel Pooley
Cow Watches Wanted: Volunteers are required to watch over cattle grazing on heath land in the Fleet area. The cattle are allowed to graze to help improve the heath land. If you are interested email feedback@hwt.org.uk
Card Meters: New card parking meters are being installed in the Church Rd car park. The cards can be topped up on line as required.

16 April
No To Site: Stephen Parker the councils member for the environment has voted against the set up of a site for travellers at Bramshot Lane in Fleet.
Elected Looney: Monster Raving Looney party member Alan "Howling Laud" Hope has been returned unopposed as parish counciller for the Fleet Central Ward. Only four people put their names forward for the five seats.
Starring Role: Fleet's nine year old dancer Maria Gregory is playing Posy in the London Children's Ballet production of Ballet Shoes
New Hedge: The Friends of Oakley Park group are to plant a new section of hedge alongside the path by Oakley Park. The hedge will contain hawthorn, hazel, dog rose, blackthorne, field maple and guelder and will protect footballs from the nearby pitch entering the road.
Fires: Two gorse fires starting by vandals have been put out by the Fire Brigade in Bourly Road.

9 April
Favourite Charity: Fleet charity, Childline, have been voted as the favourite charity of the Santander bank and have been given a share of the Santander £250,000 Community Chest.
Local Traveller Site: A new permanent traveller site could be built in Fleet to stop illegal camps being used. Hart Council are looking to obtain funds to set up a site in Bramshot Lane on a former sewage works.
Shop Robbery: Mr. Barathan was working alone in the Spar store in Linkway Parade when two men charged into the shop demanding money from the till. One of the men then took out a knife. The incident occurred at 7.50pm on 5th April. If any one can help phone Crimestoppers on 0800 55511 or call Det Con Gilliland on 101.
Second Win By School: Pupils at All Saints Junior School are celebrating after winning the NE Hants School Sports Partnership Challenge for the second year running. They danced to the song "No Wars Will Stop Us Singing"
                                                                                                                                                                               Spar in Linkway Parade
2 April
New Bus Service: A call and go public transport service operating six days a week serving Fleet, Church Crookham and Elvetham Heath is to be introduced by Hampshire County Council.
Drink Up: The Prince Arthur pub in Fleet Rd will be providing beers from around the world during a 19day festival running from Wed April 25.
Malaria No More: Fleet photographer Kevin Whibley is to make a 500-mile cycle ride around the mountains of North Vietnam to raise money towards the treatment of children dying from Malaria. email studio@capturedmoment.com for more info.
Milly: Levi Bellford, the former owner of a wheel clamping business, has been charged with the murder of Milly Dowler whose body was found in 2002 in Yateley Heath near Fleet.

26 Mar
No Motocross: Fleet Taxi driver Mickey McLeod's bid to build a motorcross course on farmland near Hook has been thrown out by Harts planning committee.
Well Done Kitty: Kitty Gent, who lives at Derriford House in Pinewood Hill, has celebrated her 105th birthday. She moved to Fleet in 2001.
Exclusive Status: Fleet business Chadney Bulgin has been awarded chartered financial status by the Chartered Insurance Institute. Only 300 firms in the UK have so far reached this level.
Record Marathon: Captain Barry Stoddart of the Army Physical Training Corps broke the world record by running the Fleet half marathon in one hour 44mins 52secs with a 40lb pack on his back. The race was won by Martin Shore from Thames Hare and Hounds in a time of 1:11:14. Laura Parsonage won the women's title in 1:13:43. Tad Dicker from Church Crookham was the first local athlete home. The RAF won the team event with Fleet and Crookham AC in second place. Fleet and Crookham AC in second place

19 Mar
Parish Councilors Wanted: The search is on to find 34 Paris Councilors to serve Fleet, Church Crookham and Elvetham Heath who are all to get new parish councils. Applications must be in by April 8th. Contact 01252 774077 to apply. Polling day will be on the General Election date when decided.
Care Home Refused: A Sanctuary Housing Association plan to build a three storey 70-bed care home to replace an office building in Fleet Rd, have been thrown out because they had been described as looking more like a prison.
5-Bed Houses Go Ahead: Forays Ltd have been given permission to replace a bungalow with two five-bedroomed houses at 34 Wood Lane.

12 Mar
Pond Competition: Mark Hodson and his daughter Josephine have both won awards in the Fleet Pond Society's 2009 photographic competition. more
Story Winner: Heatherside Junior School pupil Hannah James has won a national short story competition and is to have her work published.
Local Violinist Joins Orchestra: Former Calthorpe Park pupil and numerous competition winner Eloisa-Fleur Thom is to join the Farnborough Symphony Orchestra.
Lost Control: Hart councilors have ruled that the Bamboo Bar owner should not be the premises supervisor of the bar due to poor management practices.
Motocross Track: Despite objections from local residents a motocross track planned by taxi driver Mickey McLeod could be built on farmland between Winchfield and Hook. There is a planning debate at 7pm in the civic offices on Wednesday.
Illegal Parking: Parking restrictions in Brinksway have been deemed illegal by County Council highways engineer Eric Turner.
Welcome Break: A new Waitrose food shop has been opened at the Fleet M3 services.

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.
Bar May Close: Police have called for a revue of the licence for the Bamboo Bar following a series of incidents.
Canal Death: The body of Gelismo Ronchetti, 78, has been found in the Basingstoke Canal near Norris Bridge. The police do not suspect foul play. Gelismo came from Muswell Hill and it is not clear why he visited Fleet.
Charity Ride: Schoolboy Alex Murphy, 14 is hoping to raise £1,000 by cycling more than 100 miles from Church Crookham to Bristol. Phone 01252 615065 to donate.
Marathon Run: Jennie Donnelly hopes to raise £3,000 for the National Autistic Soc when she takes part in this years London Marathon. Jennies son Eric suffers from the condition. Visit www.justgiving.com/jennie-donnelly to sponsor her. Jenny
Canal Shut: The Basingstoke canal near Church Crookham was closed on Saturday following fears that the embankment was weakened due to flooding.

25 Feb:
Carnival Theme: This years Fleet carnival theme is "World of Sport". There will be only one procession combining the children's and main processions instead of two as for previous years. more
Nursery Cheque: Elvetham Heath Day Nursery has presented a cheque for £500 to its local Riding for the Disabled Association. Visit www.riding-for-disabled.org.uk for more info.
Xmas Card Competition: Fleet Pond Society are holding a "winter scene" photo competition to find the perfect image for their 2010 Christmas Card. To enter email vickijull@ntlworld.com
Mystery Suicide: Dog trainer Tony Lindstrom has been found dead in his car in Odiham and his wife Diana is seriously ill in Frimley Park Hospital. It is thought that he tried to kill his wife before killing himself. Neighbours in Sian Close, Church Crookham said the couple appeared happily married. Investigations into his death continue.
Charity Success: Fleet Lions have raised £20,000 towards good causes in the last 6 months. This included over £6,000 from Christmas street collections.
No Show: This years Army Show has been cancelled.

19 Feb
Parking Inquiry: Parking campaigner Neil Herron has called for an independent investigation into Hart District Councils parking restrictions in Fleet Town Centre. He is calling for thousands of drivers who have been hit with fines to help him win a High Court challenge into parking tickets. Visit www.motoristslegalchallenge.co.uk
Cars Vandalized: Police are investigating scratched cars in Kenilworth Rd. Vandals also poured bird seed over them. If you can help phone 0800555111.
Coach Dies: John Parker of Fleet Falcons Junior Badminton Club has died aged 75. He co-founded the club in 1972.
Save The Pond: A £3.5 million scheme to save Fleet Pond from turning into a ditch has been revealed by Fleet Pond Society.

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.
MP Grilled: Year 5 Pupils from All Saints School had the chance to fire questions at local MP James Arbuthnot when he visited the school.

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.
Garden Waste Bins: Wheelie bins are set to replace the existing bags for garden waste collection in the Fleet and Crookham areas. A 140 bin would cost £35 and the 240 litre bin £50.
Winning Drivers: A national adjudicator has ruled that parking restriction signs in Fleet Town Centre are misleading. This follows two appeals that led to parking fines being thrown out.

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.