This is an index into the extras that didn’t make it into the printed magazine during 2022. They are presented in alphabetical order by month and a search facility is available to help you locate specific information.
| December |
Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
The penultimate meeting of the year was held on 2 November at the Brookvale Village Hall. The Chairman, David Cowling, welcomed the members present and informed us that bookings for the Christmas meal at BCOT was full but that the trip to the garden centre on 17 November was now cancelled due to lack of numbers. Read More …
| November |
Basingstoke Deane Rotary
Basingstoke Deane Rotary has been privileged in past years to host the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines at The Anvil playing to very full houses. Covid got in our way but last January we were again able to bring talented musicians to play for us and we will welcome them back in January 2023. Read More …
Basingstoke U3A
U3A Members Knit Bobby Bears and Winter Warmers for Ukraine – Following an appeal, u3a knitters have produced a large bag of Bobby Bears for the police this year They’re used as comforters for children who need to talk about what they’ve seen or heard (they often tell the bear). Read More …
Churchyard Conservation Group (PIOCC)
This month the Working Parties will be on Saturday 5th November at 10.00am and Thursday 24th November at 2.00pm – meet by the PIOCC noticeboard at the entrance to the Conservation Area. We will continue our seasonal conservation work, including woodland management. Read More …
Citizens Advice
Check if you can pay less council tax – You might be able to pay less council tax or not pay it at all depending on your circumstances. You might be able to get: discounts – for example, for a single person or an empty property, Council Tax Reduction (CTR) if you have low income or a different reduction if you can’t get much CTR. Read More …
Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
The October monthly meeting was held on the 5th of the month as usual in Brookvale Village Hall. At the meeting the Chairman, David Cowling, welcomed the members present and proceeded to wish Happy Birthday to the persons with birthdays in October. Read More …
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
The fascinating world of fungi forensics – The damp conditions of autumn make it the ideal time for fungi foragers. Fungi come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, from the familiar mushrooms to cups, balls and brackets. But these bizarre structures we’re used to seeing are just the fruiting bodies, which usually only pop up once or twice a year. Read More …
Probus – RAF Mountain Rescue 1980
Most people have heard of the RAF Mountain Rescue service but know little about how it has progressed from its formation in WW2. Probus Club of Basingstoke member, retired RAF Squadron Leader Chris Perkins MVO, was a member of the RAF Mountain Rescue service for several years and he recalled a significant training expedition to Mt Rainier Read More …
| October |
Basingstoke & District Disability Forum
BDDF’s September Newsletter with several articles and events listed. Read More …
Basingstoke & District Railway Society
Two talks this month, firstly John Baxter will take us to the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway and then Charles Clark will present The Rebirth of a Railway describing the remarkable resurgence of the Welsh Highland Railway in Snowdonia. Read More …
Basingstoke U3A
There’s never been a time when news stories about the environment have been so glaring or so varied. So on the first Wednesday of each month, a group of us are getting together to find out more about the facts behind the news stories. We’ve called ourselves “Environment In The News” and from October, we’ll be meeting in Chineham Village Hall from 2pm to 4pm. … Read More …
Basingstoke Voluntary Action – Upcoming Training & Events
We have some exciting training courses, learning opportunities and networking events coming up for community organisations to take part in. Our training and events aim to ensure that the local community are kept up to date with all the latest information, so why not check out our Training & Events calendar. Read More …
Citizens Advice
Get help with the cost of living – If you don’t have enough to live on, you might be able to get help from the government or your local council to afford essentials like bills and food. You don’t have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council. If you do get benefits, they won’t be affected if you start getting money from a welfare assistance or Household Support Fund scheme. Read More …
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
“A day in the life of a Wildlife Trust reserves officer” – Across Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, the Wildlife Trust manage over 60 nature reserves. These precious sites are sanctuaries for some wonderful wildlife, including many endangered species. The charity’s vital conservation work to help nature’s recovery is only possible thanks to the support of its loyal members, devoted volunteers and dedicated staff. Read More …
National Women’s Register
NWR is a Nationwide organisation providing a wide range of talks and activities. There is an annual national conference discussing issues of the day and this October there is to be a Nationwide Walk aiming to cover a combined total of 628 miles. We also look forward to the very popular Nationwide Telephone Quiz in November. This is an evening meeting which is great fun and has us all scratching our heads trying to decipher the cryptic clues. Read More …
| September |
Basingstoke Bluefins
Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club is the only competitive swimming club in Basingstoke and the surrounding areas. We firmly believe it is important to offer a variety of pathways to children (and adults) to promote lifetime participation in aquatic disciplines. Read More …
Basingstoke & District Railway Society
Upcoming meetings for Sept 2022. “Pulsating Poland” by Richard Green & “The Railways of Scotland” by Stephen Bingley. Read More …
Basingstoke U3A
On the 14th September, all our activities will be on show in the hall at QMC, so that members can come and talk to our different groups again, and pay their annual membership fee of £45. For this amount, we join in with as many activities as we can … Read More …
Citizens Advice Bureau – Gambling
Dealing with someone’s gambling problem can be very stressful. Their behaviour can affect your wellbeing – it’s normal to feel anxious, angry or hurt. Read More …
Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
Unfortunately, our planned speaker for this month was unable to attend but fortunately Alan Jones offered to come and he gave us a talk titled “Keep Your Hair On!”. He gave a fascinating insight into something which we all take for granted but is at the centre of a multi-million pound business – HAIR. Read More …
Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust – Dragonflies
Darter, skimmer, chaser and hawker. What may sound like a new quartet in Santa’s gang of flying reindeer are in fact the names of some of the UK’s resident dragonfly species.
This special group of invertebrates are part of the Odonata order of flying insects, which is made up of dragonfly and damselfly species. Read More …
Probus – Summer Pub Lunch
There are many social occasions during the year that wives and partners join their men folk who are members of the Probus Club of Basingstoke. For over two decades the mainstay of the quiet summer period has been their summer pub lunch. Read More …
Rotary – Christmas Shoebox Appeal
Rotary Christmas Shoebox Appeal. We Need Your Help! You can make a child happy with a shoebox of goodies … Read More …
Southern Co-op Too Good To Go
Convenience store shoppers and local good causes are benefiting from discounted food and surplus product as a local co-operative unveils a new programme to keep as many products as possible in the human food chain. Read More …
| August |
Basingstoke Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
The Chairman, David Cowling welcomed everyone to the meeting on Wednesday 6th July and then, in the absence of the Secretary, Tony Brazier, gave details of the forthcoming trips, including the one to the Amberley Museum in September and the “Do as you please Day” in Brighton during October. Read More …
Basingstoke & District Railway Society
Bringing us bang up-to-date on Britain’s railways, on Wednesday 24 August, Karl Watts, Chief Executive of Rail Operations (UK) Ltd, will present Class 93. Read More …
Bulletin from Basingstoke Voluntary Action
Twelfth edition of the Ukraine Supporters Network Weekly Bulletin. Read More …
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust – What’s in a name?
In Europe, we have reindeer. In America, they have caribou. However, despite the difference in names, they’re the same species. This is just one example of how the common names of animals can cause confusion. Read More …
St. Michael’s celebrates 30 years with 90s Moonlight Walk
St. Michael’s Hospice’s annual Moonlight Walk is to set to take place on September 24 starting from Festival Place at 9pm. In recognition of the Hospice’s 30th Anniversary, the theme this year will be the 90’s and walkers are encouraged to dress up to celebrate the occasion. Read More …
| June |
Basingstoke and District Railway Society
We will begin this month with a little nostalgia. On Wednesday 8 June, Leslie McAllister will take us on a journey to The South of Ireland to the End of Steam 1957 – 63. Leslie will present a selection of colour images taken by the late Lance King. Expect steam and diesel in the Dublin area and on the many branch lines which existed back then. … Read More…
Basingstoke Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
There were 52 members at the meeting held on 4th May who, after the usual tea, coffee and biscuits, were welcomed by the Chairman, David Cowling. The Secretary, Tony Brazier then gave details of the forthcoming trips particularly reminding everyone of the change of date for the visit to Hatfield House . Read More …
Basingstoke Deane Rotary
On Sunday 8th May 2022 the sun brought the crowds to the War Memorial Park for the 31st Festival of Transport organised by Basingstoke Deane Rotary and sponsored by Basingstoke Deane Borough Council. We welcomed a record breaking 20,000 visitors at this free event to see a wide range of transport on show – Read More…
Basingstoke Lions Club
And the Basingstoke Lions Club, a fixture in the town for 55 years, is delighted to report that two more lovely cherry tree ‘hopes’ have been planted in Basingstoke in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee, under the auspices of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. This time it was at the Old Basing Royal British Legion Social Club. Read More…
Basingstoke Voluntary Action
Starting on 20th May, The Basingstoke Discovery Centre will be hosting a weekly Ukraine Connections Group from 10-12pm. It provides an opportunity for Ukrainians and their friends/ hosts to meet up with refreshments and share the services on offer at the Basingstoke Discovery Centre.Free ESOL Classes: Basingstoke Discovery Centre. Read More …
CAB – Concert Ticket Refunds
I love live music and now that restrictions have lifted, I’m keen to start going to events again. I’ve booked tickets for some gigs over the next few months, but I’m still a little worried. I can’t quite believe things are fully back to normal. Read More …
Disability Forum
Our mission as your local adult disability charity is to make sure we are reaching those who need us. Please can you help us to reach members in our community who don’t have or want access to the internet? Read More…
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
The breeding season for birds has just begun – it roughly lasts from March until August – and it’s a crucial time of year for our feathered friends. If you think of a bird’s nest, you may picture a lofty eyrie in a tree or the side of a cliff or perhaps an intricate roost nestled within a hedge. Read More…
Old Basing u3a
Sometimes in France! Longer days are here and our outdoor groups are all coming fully to life. Croquet, walking football and rounders have restarted for example, joining our walkers and cyclists who’ve been meeting throughout the winter. Read More …
Probus – A visit to Salisbury
The benefits of having an arranged trip to Salisbury Cathedral manifests themselves with small nuggets of information that evade the casual visitor. Such things came to the fore when members and wives/partners of the Probus Club of Basingstoke visited Salisbury Cathedral and to Arundells, situated in Cathedral Close,. Read More…
RCS – Basic English (for speakers of other languages)
Free course – Basic English (For Speakers of Other Languages). The details are as follows and can be seen on the poster if you click the image … Read More…
RCS – Career Choices
Free ‘Career Choices’ course. The details are as follows and can be seen on the poster if you click the image .. Read More…
St Michaels Hospice
As part of their 30th Anniversary celebrations, St. Michael’s Hospice has commissioned hand-crafted metal sunflowers from local Hampshire based company, Hurstbourne Forge. Sunflowers are regarded as symbols of hospice care as they draw strength from focusing on the light and not the darkness. . Read More …
| May |
Basingstoke and District Railway Society
Our May presentations promise yet more interesting variety in our programme. On Wednesday 11 May, Mike Bunn, an expert on French railways, returns to tell us about the Paris Suburban Railway System. This meeting starts at the slightly earlier time of 7.30pm. Then, on Wednesday 25 May at our usual meeting … Read More…
Basingstoke Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
After the usual tea, coffee and biscuits, the Chairman, David Cowling, opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and on behalf of the members congratulated the Secretary and Treasurer, Tony and June Brazier on their upcoming Golden Wedding Anniversary. In thanking everyone Tony asked that people helped themselves to a crème egg and then gave details of the next trips…. Read More …
Basingstoke Deane Rotary
Basingstoke Deane Rotary continues to support the work that other local charities and local groups do to improve the lives of people living in the borough. That support may be financial, by hands on support or just by raising the their profile by publicising the good work that they are doing for our community. This month we are highlighting The Pink Place together with the Blue Space. Read More…
Basingstoke Gang Show
BASINGSTOKE GANG SHOW IS BACK! The sensational Basingstoke Gang Show is returning to The Haymarket in February 2023 and you could be centre stage! … Read More…
Basingstoke Male Voice Choir
Singing is one of the oldest enjoyments known, going back at least 4,000 years. The Basingstoke Male Voice Choir hasn’t been around quite that long! Founded in 1964 it has performed at hundreds of venues, toured overseas, and raised many thousands of pounds for charities. We sing in accompanied four-part harmony, and perform a range of music … Read More…
Crime Prevention Bulletin
Crime Prevention Update – Issue 39, April 2022 – An update from the Force Crime Prevention Team. … Read More…
The Disability Forum – Scarecrow Trail
Come and join Basingstoke and District Disability Forum (BDDF) on 28th-29th May for this fantastic annual community event. ‘The Rolls Royce of Scarecrow Trails’ returns, which follow this years’ theme ‘A Moment in History’ … Read More…
| April |
Basingstoke and District Railway Society
The year so far has seen an increasing number of members returning to our meetings and our April presentations add yet more variety to the programme. On Wednesday 13 April, Andrew Goodman, Managing Director of Moveright International returns with I Moved It My Way .. Read More…
Basingstoke Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
There were 42 members at the meeting held on Wednesday 2nd March when the Group held their Annual General Meeting. The Chairman opened by welcoming everyone and said how fortunate it had been that the 2020 AGM went ahead just before the lockdown… Read More …
Blue Lamp Trust
The Blue Lamp Trust is a Hampshire based registered charity (charity number 1137786). It is a unique partnership between Hampshire Police, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, business and the community. Read More …
Hampshire and ISle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Seagrass: The Solent’s superhero – Beneath the waves of the Solent are hidden underwater gardens of seagrass. These marine flowering plants are known for increasing biodiversity in our coastal waters. However, they are now beginning to gain widespread recognition for their potential to reduce the effects of climate change and what better time to celebrate this superstar marine plant than during Seagrass Awareness Month, which spans all of March. Read More …
Money Lifeline – Basingstoke
Struggling with debt? Free face-to-face advice available in Basingstoke to help you. Money Lifeline may be able to help. We are a free debt advice charity offering confidential advice to sort out debt and related money problems. Read More …
National Women’s Register – Chineham and Old Basing
Our planning meeting last month produced many interesting ideas for the year ahead and we are looking forward to some old favourites, like our annual wine tasting and National telephone quiz, plus some new activities including an afternoon tea to celebrate the Platinum jubilee, an evening of Music and Mains dinner, a talk from a forensic scientist and much more. Read More …
Southern Co-op
A regional co-operative, which is removing all single-use carrier bags and plastic bags for life from sale, is urging shoppers to switch to reusable bags to help tackle climate change. Southern Co-op, which has just over 200 convenience stores across the south of England, is hoping to deter customers from treating bags for life as if they were single-use. Read More …
St Michael’s Hospice Celebrates 30 Years
This year marks 30 years since St. Michael’s Hospice started seeing patients on Aldermaston Road. The Hospice has always been funded by the local community and St. Michael’s think the community should be celebrating the role it has played in maintaining this vital service. To remember the extraordinary ways in which the community has kept the hospice going, the Hospice is launching its anniversary with an appeal for stories. Do you have a story to share about care you or a loved one received? Read More …
| March |
Basingstoke Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
There were 55 members at the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship meeting held on 2nd February who were welcomed by the Chairman, David Cowling. The Secretary, Tony Brazier, then gave details of the forthcoming trips planned for this year and reminded everyone of the AGM to be held at the next meeting in March to be followed by lunch at the Conservative Club. .. Read More…
Basingstoke Dean Rotary
Royal Marines at the Anvil – The afternoon of Sunday 30th of January saw us hosting the The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines for our 13th ‘nearly annual’ concert. It was very good to be able to welcome them after a 2 year break and they were on great form, with an excellent and varied programme that particularly showcased solos … Read More…
Basingstoke u3a
Happy and healthy together as spring takes hold, our members emerge cheerfully from winter and lockdown. We’ve all had a difficult two years, and keeping ourselves cheerful, and out and about, hasn’t been easy for everyone. But the days are lengthening, the temperature’s rising, and our outdoor groups are flexing their muscles and getting ready to enjoy 2022. Read More…
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Winter into spring is a wonderful time to see wildlife, and birds especially. As the cold grip of the Arctic winter takes hold on the lakes, pools and marshes of Northern Europe and Russia, huge numbers of swans, ducks and geese retreat to the relative warmth of the UK. The UK’s lakes, rivers, reservoirs and coasts offer a winter home to an estimated 2.1 million ducks! Read More…
Probus – Hears How a Piece of String Connects to H-Bomb Test
There will be many readers from the older generation who remember the nuclear bomb tests in 1957/8 that took place in the remote South Pacific on Montebello Islands, Malden Island and perhaps more famously, Christmas Island. David Stiles, the speaker at the latest meeting of the Probus Club of Basingstoke … Read More…
Romsey Community Services (RCS)
RCS are running two free Childcare/Parenting online courses (via Zoom). Read More…
Southern Co-op
Food to be sold past “best before” date. Hampshire Convenience stores across Hampshire will be selling selected products past their ‘best before’ date as it relates to quality, not the safety of the product. With the aim of keeping more food in the human food chain, Southern Co-op has expanded its Reducing Our Foodprint initiative with products being reduced to just 20p. Read More…
| February |
Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council – Garden Waste Collections Resume
Garden waste collections are set to resume as staffing levels stabilise following a period of staff absences. The fortnightly service will restart in Basingstoke and Deane from Monday 24 January 2022 and in Hart from Monday 31 January 2022. The garden waste collection service was suspended on Monday 10 January to enable staff to prioritise the core waste and recycling services, where there was a backlog of collections from the Christmas and new year period. Read More…
Basingstoke and District Railway Society
At the time of writing the Society intends to present its twice-monthly ‘live’ meetings, but with the continuing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, please check our website or call the Secretary to confirm that meetings are to go ahead. Read More…
Probus
Eurovision Song Contest. Over the years watching the Eurovision Song Competition you probably wondered about the voting pattern of various countries. Gordon Lewis, the speaker at the latest meeting of the Probus Club of Basingstoke, knows that your suspicions are correct. Read More…
RCS – Course in Career Choices
Free ‘Career Choices’ course coming up online via Zoom. Read More…
RCS – English for Speakers of other Languages
RCS are running a free ESOL courses. They are English courses to support adults whose first language isn’t English. Read More…
RCS – IT Skills for Work
RCS are running a free IT course – “IT Skills for Work” Read More…
RCS – Wellbeing Course
RCS are running a free Wellbeing course Read More …
| January |
Befriending Service – Odiham Cottage Hospital
New Volunteering Opportunity for 2022. Odiham Cottage Hospital’s Befriending Service is a volunteer led service run and managed by the Hospital and covers the areas of Odiham, Hook, Hartley Wintney and Old Basing and surrounding villages. Our clients are those who have become lonely and isolated due to living with a long-term health condition, or are receiving palliative care. Read More…
Crime Prevention Bulletin
Update from the Force Crime Prevention Team. Edition 35, Dec 2021. Read More…
Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust.
Where do butterflies go in winter? – Think of butterflies and usually we associate them with sultry summer days, but have you ever wondered how these delicate insects survive harsh winters in the UK? Butterflies are ectothermic – or cold-blooded – meaning they cannot regulate their own body temperature and instead rely on external heat sources to warm up. This is why butterflies perch on leaves to bask in the sun or, conversely, seek shaded spots to cool down. Read More…
Merton Junior School – Governor vacancy
We currently have a Governor vacancy at our school and we are looking for a committed person to join the Team. We welcome applications from our parents and members of the community who may have experience in one of the following: Finance, Human Resources, Health & Safety, The Legal profession, An Educational setting Read More…
Tree-Cycle …
… your festive firs. Make this year’s Christmas green and recycle your real Christmas tree. Garden waste service customers in Basingstoke and Deane can put their real Christmas trees out for collection with their fortnightly garden waste in the New Year. Read More…
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