Wessex Rotary Christmas Shoebox Scheme invites local families to fill gift boxes for disadvantaged children across Europe. Volunteers will be in Festival Place on 12th September handing out boxes, with several drop‑off points available. The initiative supports boys and girls of all ages and helps bring joy where it’s most needed. Read More ...

September 2026

Halfway Milestone in Worting Park Walled Garden Restoration. Cala Homes has reached the halfway stage of restoring the historic walled garden at Worting Park, a key feature of the estate’s 18th‑century grounds. The project includes specialist brickwork repairs, structural rebuilding and heritage‑led conservation, preparing the space to become a new community garden for local residents once complete.  Read More ...

 September 2026

Oops! 

The Carnival Skittles Report (2026) published on page 28 in the printed magazine for August is in fact the report for last year (2025). An up-to-date report will be published in September’s magazine.

August 2026

Old Basing & Lychpit – Parish Updates. (Full Report) The Community Governance Review for Old Basing and Lychpit is nearing completion, alongside progress on the Neighbourhood Plan and several parish traffic projects. This update outlines proposed changes to warding arrangements, planning policy revisions, and ongoing work to address road safety and pedestrian concerns across the community. Read More ...

 August 2026

Basingstoke & District Railway Society – August Talks. The Basingstoke & District Railway Society hosts two illustrated talks exploring Britain’s railway heritage. The first covers the Great Central Railway, while the second presents highlights from the Dick Sansbury photographic collection. Both sessions offer a rich look at historic routes, steam, early diesels and preserved lines. Read More ...

August 2026

Pop Up Play Village. A new inclusive play centre has opened at Basingstoke Leisure Park, offering imaginative role‑play areas, a family café and daily activities for children. Built by the team behind Pop Up Play Village, the centre provides a welcoming space for learning, creativity and community connection, with SEND sessions and free parking available. Read More ...

 August 2026

The Pink Place is Recruiting. Our Operations Manager, Kay, is leaving The Pink Place after 14 wonderful years of supporting the charity. Needless to say, this will be a tough act to follow.

As a charity, we are already planning for the future and are well underway recruiting to ensure that our services continue to develop successfully in the same way that they have over the preceding years with Kay.  You can read more about this in our latest Trustee’s Update on the website.

As a summary, we are recruiting a Charity Manager – someone to help steer The Pink Place through the coming years. You can see the job role here, please feel free to share it if you know someone who could fit the bill.

August 2026

Nature at Sandham Memorial Chapel.  Sandham Memorial Chapel offers far more than remarkable art. Its peaceful meadows, historic orchard and views toward Watership Down create a rich natural setting to explore. Visitors can enjoy wildlife, heritage planting and guided walks that follow in Stanley Spencer’s footsteps, revealing the landscape that inspired his work. Read More ...

August 2026

Community at National Women’s Register.  The National Women’s Register offers friendly local groups where members enjoy talks, discussions, lunches and book gatherings. Chineham and Old Basing NWR meets monthly, welcoming new members and exploring varied topics in a relaxed, social setting. It’s a warm, engaging way to share ideas and make new connections. Read More ...

August 2026

August Bees Guide.  August is a crucial turning point for solitary bees, bumblebees and honeybees as they shift from summer activity to preparing the next generation for winter. Their behaviours change dramatically, and it’s also the best time for us to support them with food sources, water and a closer look at their fascinating colours. Read More ...

August 2026

What’s On – July ’26

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