2014 BACK TO LATEST NEWS
2014
17 Dec
Hart Still Best: For the fourth year running the district of Hart has
been named the place with the best quality of life in the UK in the annual
"top fifty" list compiled by Halifax
Gypsy Site: A Gypsy site at Four Oaks, in Crondall
Rd is set to double in size if amended plans are given the go-ahead.
Works to Stay: After a 1,000 signature petition The
Works bookshop in the Hart Centre is to stay open following a new rent agreement
with the centre owners.
New Council Leader: Stephen Parker has been elected
as the new leader of Hart District Council following the resignation of Ken
Crookes.
Stephen Parker >>>>
Shop Reopens: Sun
Love in Ridgeway Parade, Church Crookham has re-opened following flooding damage
three months ago.
Bus Closures Objection: Over
1,000 people have signed a petition calling on bus company Stagecoach not to
close routes 30, 31 and 77 in the New Year. Also part of the 72 service is to be
withdrawn.
Lions Father Christmas:
Fleet Lions have delivered 125 food parcels to
homes across Fleet and Church Crookham thanks to Morrison's who let the Lions
buy the items cheaply.
11 Dec
Minibus Set on Fire: A minibus that transported disabled children to school has
been set alight by vandals whilst it was parked off Sandy Lane in Church Crookham. If you know
anything about the incident please contact Hampshire Police
on 101 quoting crime number 44140437611.
Legal High: Pupils from Court Moor School were taken to hospital
after the Headteacher, Beverley Stevens found that they had been discovered
taking what the police described as a legal high. The students were later safely
returned home.
Housing Plans Criticized: Cllr Denis Gotel has spoken out against
possible plans to build homes and a decked car park on the present Church Road
parking area.
Bus Cuts: Fleet Buzz is to withdraw routes 30, 31 and 77 from Jan 5 2015.
Part of the 72 service will be withdrawn. timetables
4 Dec
Leader Resigns: Hart District Council leader Ken Crookes has resigned
after he failed in a bid to get plans for the Barrett Homes mini town in
Winchfield thrown
out.
Ken >>>>>
Fleet Festival: Fleet's Christmas Festival was deemed a success when the
town was lit up for the festivities. 19,000 visitors enjoyed the skating ring
and 115 market stalls. Other attractions included stilt walkers, Lill Cottage
petting zoo, Little Dallas Donkeys, live music and of course Father Christmas.
Switch on was by CBBC presenter Chris Johnson who
is starring in this years pantomime at the Harlington Centre - Cinderella.
Nov 27
Rent Protest: More
than 1,000 people have signed a petition objecting to a rent increase imposed by
Absolute Asset Holdings Ltd for shops in the Hart Centre. The high costs have
led to "The Works" bookshop having to close down on Christmas Eve.
Watery Lane Appeal: Developer Martin Grant Homes
have appealed against a decision by Hart planners to throw out an application to
build 300 homes on green field near Watery Lane in Church Crookham.
Shop Closes: Owner Bill Reece has closed down his
50 year old Newsagents "Lesleys" in The Street, Crookham Village.
Longest Life: People in the Hart District are
expected to live an average of 85.9 years which is the joint highest in the
country alongside South Cambridgeshire and Kensington an Chelsea.
New Ancells Cafe: Ancells farm couple Jeff and Shirley
Goddard have full filled a dream by opening Café Lusso in Falkners
Close Parade
Nov 20
New Supermarket: The old shop
and butchers located at the junction of Aldershot Rd and Kings Rd by the canal
have been completely demolished in preparation for a new Morrison's Supermarket
shop and detached 4 bedroomed house.
Nov 13
Music Project: Vocal coach Victoria Beebee has won £4,000 from Lloyds
Bank to support her VoxSkool project teaching children and adults.
more
Fly-past: A Hawk fly-past tribute took place at the funeral of Fleet's
Harry Fraser-Mitchell who helped design the air craft which is still used by the
Red Arrows display team. The service took place at All Saints Church.
Nov 6
Station Grant: Hampshire County Council have agreed
to releasing £300,000 to improve the forecourt to provide better facilities for
buses, taxis, cyclists, pedestrians and cars at Fleet Station.
video
30 Oct
M3 Roadwork's: Work to transform the M3 between Junction
4a, the Fleet junction and the M25 into a "smart motorway" will get
underway this month.
10k Run: Nearly 900 runners took part in this years
Peter Driver run organised by the Crookham
Athletic Club. The winner was Gareth Watkins in a time of 32min 56sec. First
woman home was Hannah Lord of Hart
Runners in 38.01.
Volunteers Recognized: RVS
volunteers were presented with long service medals by RVS chief David McCullough
during a celebration event at the Harlington Centre. A special thanks went to
Wendy Brown for all her hard work.
23 Oct
Harlington: Fleet Council are running a survey asking what people want
from the Harlington Centre. Forms can be obtained from the Council Offices in
the Harlington or online
Complete by Nov 7th.
CMCP: Court Moor Community Playgroup have eased their waiting list
problems with the opening of a new building costing more than £20,000.
Design Award: A Local design agency who helped ensure that the Fleet Food festival
held this summer at the Views was a success have been nominated for an Inspire
Business Award: The agency is at present promoting the Fleet Fashion week
and next months Fleet Christmas Festival. video
Jailed for Life: Geoffrey Hobbies who lived at Brookly Gardens has
been jailed for life for the murder of his mother after an argument over her
difficulties in using a mobile phone that he had bought for her.
Mixed Parish: The
Catholic Church of Our Lady in Fleet and Holy Trinity in Church Crookham
have become a single parish by order of the Bishop of Portsmouth.
Fleet Rd: Plans to turn 93 Fleet Rd into eight two-bedroomed
flats have been lodged with Hart DC.
PM Honour: David Cameron has given a Points of
Light award to Emma Hall who has helped more then 100 families by co-founding a
support group for those who are raising a child with Down's syndrome.
16 Oct
Compost Bin Offer: People living in the Hart
District are to be offered special offers on compost bins which will be
collected and save visits to the dump. contact www.getcomposting.com
to find out more
Stop Bullying: Brandon Henry, 14, who attends
Calthorpe Park school, has set up a group to fight bullying after his girlfriend
had suffered bullying at school and online. Find out more at www.hart.gov.uk/bullying-survey
(This is a fantastic thing to do Brandon and I wish
you the very best of luck in trying to stop this horrible pastime both in school
and online - webmaster)
What Free Parking: The
free parking in Fleet agreed by Hart District Council is not now going ahead.
This is because of staffing problems and also the plans to ahead with
pay-on-exit parking.
9 Oct
Paint Job: Fleet Phoenix and
local youths have repainted the Skate Board Park in The
Views.
POE Car Parking: Hart District Council are to
introduce Pay-on-exit parking on the Church Rd car park. It is expected
that work will be completed by April 1st 2015.
Spurred On: The newly formed Fleet
Spurs Girls Youth team completed a 100% record to win their first tournament
in Woking.
Park Award: Oakley Park has won three awards in the
South and Southeast in Bloom awards. In the "Its your
Neighbourhoodcategory" section they were award "Outstanding".
They also won the Champion of Champions Trophy and Silver Guilt in the Small
Park Conservation category. see
video
Safety First: CCTV has ben installed in
Calthorpe Park in an effort to reduce vandalism.
2 Oct
More Gypsy Camps: An application for three more permanent
Gypsy camp pitches at 4 Oaks in Church Crookham has been lodged with Hart
District Council.
Man on Track at Fleet Station: A man with a large
dummy in his mouth was restrained by members of the general public and eventually
led away by the police. The man wearing shorts and with headphones held up a
train after the driver spotted him on the track.
£21 Thousand Found in Home: Police found
£21,000 in cash and a 12-gauge shotgun with ammunition when they searched the
home of 33 year old Krzysztof Lankowski in Fleet. He was given a 10 month
suspended sentence and community service and paid costs of £100.
Garden Centre Finished: The new multimillion Redfield's
Garden Centre is now complete and fully opened to the public. Redfield's has
had a garden centre on the site for many years and at one time grew and produced
tobacco sold under the brand name "Trowards Rayon D'or".
New President of PFS: Fleet business man David
Thomas, who has more than 30 years experience in banking services, has been
appointed as the new president of the Personal Finance Society.
29 Sep
Local Golf Hero: Justin Rose, who used to play at NE Hants Golf
Club, was
top of the league in his efforts towards Europe winning the Ryder Cup. His
record over the three days of winning three and halving two was the best
performance.
Justin >>>
Downton Actress Back: Fleet's Raquel Cassidy
has returned as Phyllis Baxter a lady's parlour maid in the ITV success Downton
Abbey.
Steaming Through Fleet: The "Solent and
Storm" steam train passed through Fleet Station on its journey from
Waterloo to Salisbury on one of several trips organised by rail operators
throughout the year.
Young Writers Wind Award: Nine year old Christie
Turner from Velmead School was runner up in the Explore Learning's National
Young Writers Award with her book Lucy's Big Adventure
25 Sep
Eyesore BT Roadwork's: Local residents are blaming BT for the mess at the
junction between Sandy Lane and Aldershot Rd where roadwork's have been left
unfinished for many months.
Firefighters Wanted: Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service
are looking for recruits
for its firefighter team in Fleet. Phone 07918 887527 for more information.
18 Sep
Blanket Check: Free Electronic Blanket checks will be available at Fleet Fire
Station on Tuesday 21 October. To book an appointment phone 01962 833358.
Birds Return: Restoration and development work at Fleet Pond has paid of with
more than 220 species recorded.
New Chairman: Cllr Myra Billings has taken over as the new chairman of Hart
District Council.
Low Carbon Group: Transition Fleet is a new
group set up to reduce the Fleet and Church Crookham carbon footprint and
strengthen its economy. For more information phone 01252 674815.
Fleet Rugby Star: Rugby League star Mike McMeeken
has signed for Castleford Tigers. Mike, who went to Calthorpe Park School, has
been playing for London Broncos. He has signed a two year deal with the Tigers.
Cllr Billings >>>
<<< Mike
11 Sep
Fashion Week: A Fleet Fashion Week is to start from Monday Oct 27 to
Saturday Nov 1. Retailers in Fleet town Centre will be offering special
discounts , makeovers and personal style sessions. There will be a live fashion
show and various activities for children. The event will support the Phyllis
Tuckwell Trust.
Fleet Go Down: Fleet Cricket team have been relegated
from Division 2a of the Thames Valley League.
4 Sep
Safer Internet: Fleet parents can attend internet safety sessions held by
at Courtmoor School on the 15th October for Primary Parents and 23 October for
Secondary Parents more
Showhome at Oaklands: Taylor Wimpey are launching a showhome
displaying a typical 4 bed property on Sep13 at Oaklands, Crookham Park. Phone
01252 413687 for more info.
Go Ultra: Tanya Barrow who lives in King's Rd has
returned her Toyota Prius Plug-in after two months of taking part in the
Governments Go Ultra Low scheme. She managed to save £130 a week on her 60 mile
a day school run.
Lion Remembered: The Lions Club of Fleet has
donated a £7,000 dinghy for disabled sailors to Frensham Sailability in memory
of Ian Imray who died aged 94 and was a member of the Fleet Lions since 2008. It
is the third dinghy donated to charity by the Fleet Lions.
Help: Families are being asked to spare a few hours
to help conservationists tidy up Zebon Copse on September 14th.If you are
interested meet at the end of Londlandes at 10am on the day.
29 Aug
Cyclists Left Out?: Fleet commuter Andrew Reeves-Hall has called for
facilities to be provided for cyclists at the new development at Fleet
Station.
The old secure bicycle storage facility has been demolished and there appears to
be no plans to build a new one.
Desirable Church Crookham: Church Crookham has been placed sixth in a
Royal Mail survey celebrating the 40th anniversary of the introduction of
postcodes. Yateley came second and Tidworth postcode was voted the best.
Elvetham's Green Flag: Elvetham Heath Local
Nature Reserve has been
awarded Green Flag status which is a sign that the space is beautifully
maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. video
GCSE Results: St Nicholas School students achieved 97% five or more A*-C
grades. More than half were A* and A. 85.5% of Court Moor students achieved five
or more A*-C and Calthorpe Park had 74% of pupils gaining A*-C.
Local Violinist: Tom Balch performed a lunchtime concert at Arborfield
Garrison Church in front of over 100 people.
High Jump Best: Isobel Pooley has smashed her own individual best to
match the British indoor high jump of 1.96m at a meeting in Germany.
21 Aug
Football Club Hammered: Fleet Spurs, who have received legal treats for
having a logo similar to a premiership team have suffered costly damage after
heavy winds and rain damaged a number of trees which had to be cut down in their
grounds. Also broken tiles and flooding in the clubhouse added to their woes.
Murder Case: A Fleet man has appeared in court accused of murdering his
mother. He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody until another
hearing on Oct 10th.
Boat Tragedy Memorial: A service remembering the tragic Marchioness
disaster 25 years ago has been held at Southwark Cathedral naming the 51 people
who died, one of them being 24 year old Tamsin Cole from Fleet.
15 Aug
Pyestock Development: Just over a year since starting work at Hartland Park,
specialist contractor Brown and Mason has completed the demolition contract,
making the 119 acre site ready for future development as an employment park.
Safety Warning: The North Hampshire community
safety team have issued warnings to people who gather in Fleet car parks to play
loud music and drive dangerously over the speed limit that they risk having
their cars confiscated.
Storms Sweeping In: A woman suffered serious injury
when a tree fell and trapped her in the wake of Hurricane Bertha. A father and
his young daughter narrowly escaped injury when a tree fell on their VW as they drove
down Fleet Rd.
7 Aug
Local
Silver Medalists: Fleet high-jumper Isobel Pooley has won silver in the Commonwealth
Games with a magnificent personal best jump of 1.92m. Alex Danson, also from
Fleet, won a silver with the women's hockey team.
<<<<<<<
Alex
Isobel >>>>>>>
Better Baby Changing: Morrison's in Fleet has spent £50,000 on
redesigning its baby changing facilities.
Medical Comforts: Fleet Medical Centre has a new hydraulically operated
phlebotomy chair thanks to a charity called Communicare.
New Mobile Shop: Vodophone has opened a new shop on the Hart Centre.
31 July
M3 Scheme: A three year upgrade of the M3 between Hart and Surrey heath is due
to start within days. The £129 million smart motorway scheme will include
conversion of the hard shoulder into a 4th lane along a 13.4 mile stretch and new
electronic signs operated by a control centre to manage traffic flow.
Best Apprentice: 20 year old James Clifford who lives in Fleet and works in the
Tylney Hall Hotel in Hook has been awarded the maintenance 1.2 award of the year
by Basingstoke College of Technology.
Hole Lot of Problems: An enormous hole dug up in Avondale Rd is causing
headaches for local residents. Diversion signs were put up in July 7th but
nothing has happened since. Hampshire highways are in dispute with the water
board and this could continue for some while until it is sorted out.
Safer Footpath: A £315 thousand footpath linking Pilcot Hill to
Dogmersfield Primary School has been opened following a campaign between
residents of Crookham Village and Dogmersfield organised by Sarah and Jerome
Farrell.
24 July
Money For Pond: Over £50,000 has been raised to
support the Fleet Pond Clearwater campaign. The money has been spent on a number
of smaller projects as well as for major dredging works.
clearwater
video
Films in Fleet: A new "World Class
Cinema" has been formed in Fleet called "Fleet Film". The first
event held at the Harlington
Centre was attended by over 100 filmgoers. People were impressed by the
quality of the screening of the French Film "Intouchables".
30 Years of Healing: The Fleet branch of The
Healing Trust has celebrated its 30th anniversary with a party at Ancells
Farm Community centre. Contact Maggie Gifford 01252 628714 for more info.
100 Years of Praying: Fleet United Reformed Church
has celebrated 100 years of worship at Kings Rd with a special service which was
attended by local MP James Arbuthnot. more
17 July
Tweseldown School to Move: Tweseldown Infant School
is to relocate to a new building in the middle of the Queensacre housing
development in September.
Fleet's Young Star: Ten year old Malachy Knights
from the Pondtail area of Fleet is appearing in the new film - Pudsey the Dog:
The Movie. Malachy is a pupil at Velmead Junior
School.
Malachy>>>
10 July
Basket Ball Champs: Elvetham Heath Primary School basketball team have become
the Hampshire Basket Ball primary school champions.
Park Tribute: A plaque has been unveiled in The Views skateboard park in memory
of Michael Bews who was part of the group of boys who petitioned for a skate
ramp in 1983.
No More Payment Trolleys: Morrison's in Elvetham Heath
has removed all its trolley locks in an attempt to make shoping easier and
quicker.
Firefighting Recruits Wanted: Hants Fire and Rescue
Service is looking for new recruits for its on call fire fighting team. Find out
more at an open evening being held on Tues July 22 from 7 to 9pm at the
Fleet fire station in Connaught Rd.
School in Space: Calthorpe Park School students
have sent a camera up in space to capture the curvature of the earth. video
Fleet Carnival: Despite terrible weather the
people of Fleet were determined to enjoy this years carnival. This years theme
was British Inventions. The usual events - Dog Show, Baby Show, Live Music,
Funfair, Car Show and Craft Show were all there again with the addition of a Big
Bake off. procession
video
Store Asks To Stay Open Later: Sainsbury's
branch in Sandy Lane Church Crookham has requested permission to stay open until
11pm, that's 30 minutes later than now.
No Action On Fire: No further action is to take
place against a man held after a fire in a flat in Kingswood court. It was
though originally that the fire was started deliberately.
3 July
Firefighters Rescue Dog: A Hungarian Viazla aged one was rescued when it chased
a swan into Fleet Pond ending up on a boggy island too terrified to try to get
back to land.
Fleet Champion: Isobel Pooley has become Britain's High Jump Champion for the
first time in the National Championships in Birmingham.
Cyclists Key Role: 19 year old Jason Brown from Fleet will join 11 other cyclists
as a volunteer at Palmer park Velo RT, part of British Cycling's
Go-Ride programme.
26 June
Homes To Go Ahead: Despite objections by Fleet Town Council and Elvetham
Heath Parish Council, Hart District Council has approved plans to build 193 new
homes on fields of Hitches Lane.
Drainage Problem Won't Go Away: For 18 months Thames Water have been
trying to find the cause of sewage not draining away from a house in Florence
Rd. Owners Sue and Brian Smith noticed the problem when they first moved in. The
couple said that after 6 weeks of work the problem has got worse.
19 June
Yet More Homes: Berkley Homes are applying to build 193 new homes south
of the Edenbrook development in Hitches Lane.
Wedding Day Problems Solved: Florists, and Hairdressers have helped out
brides to be after the closure of Tilly Mint in Fleet Rd.
Pub Make Over: Fleet's Emporium bar has received a 6 figure improvement
featuring modern decor with improved furniture and dining areas.
Top Orienteering: Sue Bett, Woo Allen and Mel
Slade, all from Fleet, helped a 16 strong Southern Navigators team to win gold
in the British Orienteering Championships.
12 June
Pond View Ruined: Commuters are complaining that the new double decker
car park facility at Fleet Station has ruined the view of Fleet's Pond for
people arriving in Fleet by train.
5 June
Murder Charge: Geoffrey Hobbs who lives in Brookly Gardens in Fleet has
appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates Court charged with the murder of his mother
Barbara Hobbs who lived with her son.
Church Moves: Fleet Baptist Church, which is one of the oldest churches
in Fleet, is looking to buy Oak House on the Ancells Business Park. The church
is currently based in Clarence Rd which is too small for its congregation and
activities.
Library Bowled Over: Fleet CC are displaying a history of the club which was
formed in 1893 and is based in Calthorpe Perk. The exhibition is being held in
Fleet Library and goes on until the end of
July.
Fleet CC Pavilion >>>>>
29 May
To Many pizzas: Proposals to open a new Prezzo
restaurant in Fleet Rd were Babyland and Vickery Estate agents used to be are causing
mixed comments from locals. Some feel that the empty shops should be put to good
use whilst others believe there are alrady too many Pizza restaurants in Fleet.
Hospice Money Raised: Fleet Sainsbury's customers have
donated £2,465 for Farnham's Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.
Food Festival Success: Thousands of people flocked
to the first Fleet Food Festival held on the Views on Sunday. Many stalls ran
out of stock and had to call for more to be delivered. It is hoped that the organizers
would make the event an annual occasion. (That
would be a great idea - webmaster)
New Gardening Club: Sunrise
Senior Living has started holding regular gardening club sessions in association
with the Local Minding the Garden group. Everyone's welcome every third Monday
of the month
22 May
New Pumping Station: Residents around the Calthorpe Park School area who have
suffered severe flooding problems are up in arms over plans by Thames Water to install a
new sewage pumping station near their homes.
New Store: Sainsbury has opened a new local convenience store on the Crookham
Park development built by Taylor Wimple of Sandy Lane.
Charity Skip: Four year old Elliot Stone has raised £298 by managing 15 skips
during a sponsored event at Heatherside School. The money raised will go to the
British Heart Foundation.
Flower Shoe Award: Fleet Flower
Club's Dee Kelly, Becky Stevens, Bernice Blandford and Tracy Tukington have
won a bronze medal at the Chelsea Flower Show with an entry theme of Sculpture in
the Garden entitled Gaze and Wonder.
560-foot Celebration: Cynthia Biggs who taught at Crookham Junior School
for 40 years has celebrated her 80th birthday by abseiling down Portsmouth's
Spinnaker Tower.
15 May
Fleet Station Parking Opens: Rail commuters are finally able to park again
at
Fleet Station. The newly completed top deck of the new car park is finally
completed. Work is still going on ton finish the bottom deck which will give a
total of 383 spaces when completed at the end of June. see
video
Pond Theft: A plaque commemorating Fleet Lions Clubs sponsorship of a
new viewing platform overlooking Fleet Pond has been stolen.
8 May
More New Homes: Berkley Homes is planning to build
423 homes on fields at Grove Farm and Netherhouse Copse and is asking residents
for their opinions.
Buses Warning: Fleet mother Sarah Horton is warning
people about a cost cutting consultation being carried out by Hampshire Council
who need to cut around 1. 3 million pounds on public transport by 2015/16 and is
urging people to take notice.
Fleet Fundraiser: Tim Clarke who is fighting a
brain tunour has completed a skydive in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice
and taken part in a fashion contest for the Fountain Centre for the Royal Surrey
Hospital. To support Tim visit www.justgiving.com/Tim-Clarke8
Tim >>>>>
1 May
M3 Fire: Traffic was held up at Fleet Services on the M3 due to a fire
when a lorry caught alight on the slip road.
Time Capsule: Pupils from Tweseldown Primary School in Church Crookham
have joined forces with landscaping company ALS Group to fill and seal capsules
that will be sealed in a Second World War pill box on the site of the former
Queen Elizabeth Barracks.
24 April
Marathon Across The Desert: Fleet engineer Jon
Cross has successfully finished the Marathon des Sables a 150 mile run across
the Sahara Desert completing 6 marathons in 6 days whilst carrying all his food
and kit. Jon is raising money for WaterAid. To donate visit
www.justgiving.com/Jon-Cross2
Map>>>>
Fleet in Bloom:
All local gardeners are asked to display their
skill in this years Fleet and Church Crookham in Bloom competition.
For more information visit www.fleetinbloom.org
Fleet Pond Housing: Brewers
McMullen and Sons have been granted permission to build a seven bedroomed
detached house by the lakeside for staff working at the Heron on the Lake pub.
An additional two detached 4 and two detached 2 bedroomed houses are to be
built.
New Cycling Group: A
new group named Fleet Cycling has been formed in Fleet. It was launched at a
meeting in the Willis Hall in Sandy Lane. The groups aim is to encourage the
growth of cycling and to influence cycling provision by the town, district and
county councils. more
Pond Viewing Platform:
A viewing platform funded by Fleet Lions has been
erected on the eastern side of the pond. Designed and produced by Phil Gower it
cost £12,000. more
Fleet Stay Up:
Fleet Town FC avoided relegation by beating Godalming Town 2-1 at home which
means they cannot now be caught by Guidford City.
Flood Plans: Thames
water are to provide a new sewage pumping station of Hitchens Lane to alleviate
the flooding problems suffered by residents in the Calthorpe Park School area.
17 April
Car Park Homes: Residents are angry at possibilities that new houses
could be built on part of the Church Road car park.
Bake Off Star: Bake off Semi-finalist Beca Lyne-Pirkis who lives in
Church Crookham will be one of the guests at Fleet's food festival to be held on
the Views on Sunday May 25th.
Another Restaurant: Pizza chain Prezzo wants to open a new restaurant at
the former Babyland store and Vickery Estate agents at 204 and 206 Fleet Rd.
Flat Fire: Residents were evacuated from their flats after a fire in
Kingswood Court. A man was detained on suspicion of arson.
Lost Owl: Sox, a male Barn Owl, has gone missing from its home in Church
Crookham. If you spot Sox phone Simon Wilson on 07810711817.
The Ridings Care Home: A new care home, next to the
Peter Driver centre in Bourley RD on the site that in the past has been a Gym, a
snooker club and a night club before being burned down February 2000 in an arson
attack, is looking to recruit a staff of seventy.
10 April
New Book: Expat Nigel Hicks who was brought up in fleet and went to
school in Albert Street has written a book called "Some People Prefer
Hotels" more
Hundreds of New Homes: Town Council Chairman Bob Schofield told
residents at their annual meeting that 200 to 300 more homes have been built in
Fleet during the last four years.
New Aldi Supermarket: Planning consultant Turley have asked Hart District
Council for talks about constructing an Aldi supermarket on land at Martin Lines
in Beacon Hill.
New Football Pitch: Hampshire County Council are to lay an artificial
football pitch at Calthorpe Park School.
New Homes: Taylor Wimpey plans to build 25 homes on the Tudgeys Nursery
site in Church Crookham.
Demolition: Pyestock Developers have almost completed the demolition work
and will be ready to start work on the new warehouse scheme by the end of the
month more
3 April
Carnival Royalty: This years Fleet Carnival
Princess is Grace Winning from Heatherside School. Jack Brown from Elvetham
Heath Primary School was elected as the Prince. Heatherside Infants School girls
Sofia Jackson and Mae Beatley were chosen as the flower girls. This years
carnival will run from July 1st to 6th.
Fleet's Best Volunteer: Emma Hall founder of
Stepping Stones has been crowned Britain's Best Volunteer and has rec a donation
of £1,250 towards Stepping Stones and a holiday voucher of £1,000.
Extra Cash fro Pond: Works to transform Fleet Pond
have been given a boost of £49,000 worth of funding from the Natural England's
Conservation and Enhancement Scheme.
New Sheltered Housing: Sentinel Housing has been
granted permission to spend "2.17 million on 55 self contained homes for
people over 55 at the corner of Kings Rd and Albany Rd.
Electric Cars at Fleet Station: Fleet councilor
Steve Forster is angry that the new Fleet Station improvements will not include
charging points for electric cars.
27 March
Man Collapses: A man said to be in his 70's collapsed
on the footbridge linking Fleet town centre with the Elvetham Heath Estate. He
was found unconscious and taken by ambulance to hospital.
Free Parking in Fleet: Community Campaign Group are
asking if people would be prepared to pay an extra £12 council tax a year to
fund 2 hours free parking in Fleet. (That's a yes
from me, think of the boost to trade in the retail outlets in Fleet - webmaster)
Development Campaign: FACE-IT
group are fighting plans to build 315 homes at Albany Park to the south of
Church Crookham. The group warns that the scheme will ruin countryside in the
area.
20 Mar
Marathon Tragedy: Mr. Hicks 48 from Westover Rd in Fleet suffered a
cardiac arrest whilst entering the final straight of this years Fleet half marathon. He
was taken to Frimley Park hospital were he tragically died. More than 2,500
people took on the 13.1 mile course. The winner was Gareth Watkins in 1 hour 10
minutes
Old Soldier Dies: Hugh Lunghi from Fleet, who was one of the last
surviving interpreters for Churchill and British officials and was allowed to
take a look at Hitler's bunker by Soviet troops,
has died at the age of 92.
Centre Sold: Hart shopping centre has been sold to an unknown buyer.
Local traders have welcomed the sale.
Park Improved: Dave Harrison of the Friends of Basingbourn Park
worked with volunteers and Fleet Town Council advisers to clear holly trees and
saplings from the park to improve the environment.
Charity Skydive: Fleet's Tim Clarke who is suffering from a brain tumour,
is to undertake a Skydive in aid of the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. He is also to
take part in a fashion show for the Fountain Centre, part of the Royal Surrey
County Hospital in Guildford. To sponsor Tim visit www.justgiving.com/teams/tim2
For tickets to the Fashion Show phone 01 483 406618.
14 Mar
Still the Best: For the third year running Hart has been chosen as the
most desirable place to live by the Halifax Quality of Life Survey.
New Gym: The £135,000 gym at the Hart Leisure
Centre in now complete.
Best Park: Oakley Park has been awarded Silver in
the Small Parks category and a silver gilt in the Conservation area woodlands see
video
New Hart MP?: The candidate seeking to replace
Conservative MP James Arbuthnot who retires at the next General Election is
expected to be Rail Jayewardene.
Pharmacy Not Permitted: A new pharmacy set up in
the Richmond Surgery has been told they did not have planning permission and the
Council has refused to grant them a certificate.
8 Mar
Ranil>>>>>>>
Council Grant: Eversley Village Hall is to benefit by £8,890 from
a grant approved by Hampshire County Council. The money will go towards the cost
of resurfacing the car park.
Pond Photo Competition: The winner of this years Fleet Pond competition
is Liza Toth with a photo of a swan on rippled water. She was presented with a rose bowl
donated by Fleet Photographic. more
Demand for new Cycle Route: Campaigners are calling for a new off road
cycle route from Fleet to Farnborough along the Norris Hill Road starting at the
end of Kings Rd and ending at the canal roundabout linking to the existing Ively
Rd cycle path.
New Shop: RT3 Clothing have opened a retail unit outside Dorothy Perkins
in the Hart Shopping Centre.
27 Feb
Wildlife Under Threat: Wildlife campaigners are objecting to the building
of 70 homes on a floodplain which would ruin the rich wildlife on the site in
Hitchens Lane.
Frozen: Hart Council tax is to stay the same for another year.
Lake Homes: The owners of the Heron on the Lake public house are hoping
to get permission to build new homes on land next to the pub by the Fleet Little
Lake.
Free Parking Back? Conservatives are calling for the return of free parking
in Fleet. They are demanding 30 minutes free parking after 6pm and on Sundays.
New Princess: This years Fleet Carnival princess disco is to take place
at the Harlington Centre on Saturday March 29th from 10 to 11.30 am.
20 Feb
New Event: The Fleet & District Festival Committee have
planned a Food Festival to be held on May 25th at the Views
Swimmer Loses Funding: Fleet's synchronised swimmer
16 year old Jorja Brown has lost funding from UK Sport who are re-investing
money in other sports after "failing to show realistic medal
potential by Tokyo
2020."
Jorja>>>>
Record Beaten: Fleet's Isobel Pooley lost her No 1
place as she watched Katarena Johnson-Thompson leap of 1.96m in the high jump to
beat the British record and claim the gold medal at the British Indoor
Championships.
100 Not Out: Congratulations to Lucy York from
Church Crookham who has celebrated her 100th birthday.
New Shop: Debra a charity shop supporting people
suffering from a genetic skin blistering condition has re-opened its newly
refurbished shop at 185 Fleet Rd.
Downs Champion: Emma Hall has been named the
Halifax Giving Extra Award regional winner for the SE. Emma Hall has set up a
support group for families of children with Downs Syndrome.
Objection to 20MPH Limit: Local residents claim
that of 1,245 people questioned only 268 supported a reduction in the speed
limit in the Clarence Rd, Connaught Rd Albert St and Albany Roads near to the
centre of Fleet. They are objecting that the reduction of the speed limit from
30 to 20 has been pushed through by Hampshire Council when there has been no
demand for it.
6 Feb
Woodland Campaign: Fleet and Crookham Environment
is Threatened (FACE IT) are fighting plans by Berkley Homes to build on fields
at Grove Farm and Netherhouse copse because it will ruin an area of ancient
woodland.
Fleet Station: The car park at Fleet Railway
Station is to be closed to allow work on the new decked parking scheme. Parking
by Platform 1 is still available. Alternative parking is available at the Fleet
Town Centre and Fleet parking season tickets will be valid at Farnborough
Station car parks. It should all be finished by the end of March.
Dance School: Theresa Hawkins School of Dancing has
opened at 24 Northfield Rd in Church Crookham. For info call 01483 301213.
Fleet Future: A group of volunteers have set out 17
different recommendations to implement following a consultation with 1,335 local
residents. more
Agricultural History: Fleet and District Local
History Group have joined forces with Tilford Rural Life Museum to show a
collection of agricultural tools and items of local interest at the Fleet
Library. The display will go on until the end of March.
30 Jan
Hartland Park Development: Road works at the Ively Rd R/B are widening
the R/B curbs. A clearing to the Harltand Park site is being made to make way for
a new road connecting to Ively Rd with the installation of either traffic lights
or a new R/B. This
road will be for the use of staff vehicles only. Larger transportation vehicles
will have to use the existing route to the M3 which includes two existing R/B's more
Fleet Gateway Improvement: Hart District Council
has approved plans to develop the old Co-op site in Aldershot Rd into a new
retail unit convenience store and a four bedroomed house. The site also includes
RJ Ford and Son's butchers who are planning to move to a new premises in Fleet.
Dance School: A new dance school for children from
2years old is to open at 24 Northfield Rd in Church Crookham. Phone 01483 301213
for more info.
GCSE Performances: Calthorpe Park School has been
given a Value Added score of 1008.9. Court Mooor School achieved a VA score of
996.1.
Chairman's Tribute: Trees and a plaque have been
reinstated on The Views in memory of Councillor Katherine Tilly the last
chairman of Fleet Urban District Council before it merged with Hartley Wintney
Council to form Hart Council.
23 Jan
New Football Pitch: Money has been set aside for a much needed all
weather football pitch in Fleet. £180,000 is available but needs to be spent by
30 April 2015.
Load of Rubbish: People living in Tudor Court on the Ansell's Park estate
are furious that their bins have not been collected for over 5 weeks.
Re-Fit: The Hart Centre's Gym has had a £135,000 refit.
Class of '84: A special reunion for members of the 1984 classes is being
organised by former Court Moor School pupils. For details call 01483 800514.
Winning Doubles: Fleet's Lucy Shuker and her partner Jiske Griffioen have
won the Super Series woman's doubles at the Sydney International Wheelchair
Tennis Open.
Tragic Death: A recorded verdict of suicide was declared by the coroner
at an inquest into the death of former soldier, Paul Caulfield, who was found
hanged in woodlands beside the Park on Elvetham Heath estate.
16 Jan
Car Crash Tragedy: A 65 year old man died after a
crash in Blackbush Rd, Fleet involving a white Renault van and a green Astra
both travelling towards Elvetham Heath. The Astra driver suffered serious
injuries. Please contact 101 quoting "Keyhole" if you have any
information for the police.
Pay on Exit Parking: POE Parking in Victoria Rd car
park looks likely to get the go-ahead after Hart District Council agreed an
allocation of £90,000 to pay for the
scheme.
Author Moves to Fleet: The Biographer of film stars
such as Humphrey Bogart and Trevor Howard, Terence Pettigrew, has moved to Fleet
to be near his grandchildren.
Terence>>>>
New Head Teacher: Megan
Robinson has taken over from Stuart Adlam as the new head Teacher of Elvetham Heath
Primary School.
9 Jan
Fleet Flooding: A failure in the Thames Water pumping station in Hitchens
Lane has been blamed by local residents for flooding in homes and gardens in the
area surrounding Calthorpe Park school. The residents have suffered flooding for
some years but the recent severe weather has increased the problem to crisis
point.
Developer not Giving Up: Camberley based Dolphin Head Group has appealed
a decision by Hart District Council to refuse permission to build three 4
bedroomed houses at the rear of numbers 8, 10 and 12 Hollytrees in Church
Crookham. This is their third appeal.
Canal Car Park Meters: The introduction of pay and display restrictions
on parking at the Reading Rd South car park by the Basingstoke canal is to be
discussed by Harts Council.
Fight the Flab: The Hart area has been rated 348 on
a list of 359 areas in England with 359 being the lowest level of obesity
Police Appeal: Police are asking for witnesses to
an accident were a man was seriously injured when he was hit by a Vauxhall Astra
at around 2.50am on New Years Day whilst walking along Reading Road South. If
you can help phone 101 quoting Operation Populus.
2 Jan
New Pyestock Roundabout:
Work is to start on a new
roundabout on the Ively Road which connects Fleet to Farnborough. The roundabout
will provide a new southern access to the Hartland Park development. Minor
improvements to the exciting Ively Rd and Kennels Lane roundabout will take
place at the same time. The work should be completed by the end of May.
New Year Battle: Fleet Town
FC are propping up the Calor League S&W Division table and have to now start
a new year fight to stay up.
Day Nursery Award: The
Kidsunlimited nursery in Redfields Lane, Church Crookham, has been awarded an
outstanding award from Ofsted inspectors for the second year running.