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Sun April 5 (Viewing 2.00 to 4.00):
Horticultural Society Spring Show
Millennium Hall,
Cliddesden
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
The hall will be open from 8.30am for setting up, then the staging of the exhibits
is from 9.20am through to 10.40am, with judging from 11.00am. The hall will be open
for public viewing from 2.00pm until the prize giving at 3.30pm.
NEW Mon March 30, 2020
“IF”
EDITOR: With acknowledgements to Rudyard Kipling.
NEW Sun March 22, 2020:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
PC Andrew Reid has provided an update of events across the whole of his ‘inner’ area,
which is his old beat of the Candovers, Mapledurwell, Newnham, Nately Scures, Andwell,
Up Nately and Dummer.
His report is on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
EDITOR: Well worth
reading!
Sat March 21, 2020
Parish Coronavirus Isolation Plan
The parish council has now completed this Plan, whereby the village has been divided
into house “sections”, each with a resident who has agreed be a point of contact
in an emergency and to keep an eye out for those known to be on their own or self
isolating.
This may mean just an occasional phone call or running an errand. It need
not involve face to face contact.
EDITOR: Congratulations and thanks go to the Parish
Council for initiating this plan and to the joint Clerks, Peter and Sylvia Raine,
for organising everything.
Wed March 18, 2020
Ellisfield Volunteer Group (EVG)
Write-Up For New Residents
Graham Simpson, the Group’s chairman, wrote an article which appeared in the March
2020 edition of Hill & Dale.
This article, primarily aimed at new Ellisfield residents
but which should also be very interesting to existing residents who don’t currently
volunteer, can be found on the Group’s web page.
Tue March 17, 2020
Event Cancellations
EDITOR:
As you can see opposite, all upcoming Events have now been cancelled (although
the Parish Council Meeting may be held on March 30 and viewed remotely).
Sun March 15, 2020
Hospital Beds Per 1,000 Population
EDITOR:
Out of interest, I looked up how many hospital beds there were in the UK per
1,000 population.
We have 2.54 per 1,000. Japan has 13.05 and South Korea (who seem
to be doing an excellent job in tackling Corvid-
In 2000 we had 241,000
beds but by 2017 (the latest info that I could find) it had dropped to 167,600.
The
Government have now done a deal with Spire private hospitals and are also considering
using hotels! When this is all over, there’s going to be an enormous demand for a
full and complete review of our public health and care organisations.
Fri March 13, 2020:
Neighbourhood Watch Alert
The latest Neighbourhood Watch Alert report from PC Andrew Reid has today been published
on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Wed March 11, 2020:
“Ellisfield TCC” (Tea, Coffee & Cake)
Treloar’s Fund Raising Day
Message from Debbie Scholey:
“A big thank you to all our supporters for raising a
massive £385 for the Treloars Primary School fund at TCC this morning!
“This is really
appreciated and will help the school reach the target to build an all-
“As always, a good time was had by all!”
Sun March 1, 2020:
Horticultural Society Report
This month’s report, by Claire Cook from Ellisfield, is on the Society’s webpage.
Sun March 1, 2020:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest "In The Fields" article can be found HERE. This edition has been written by Louise and Tim Cooke who have provided an update on the progress with the sheep flock at Hill Farm.
Wed February 19, 2020:
Neighbourhood Watch Alert
Dear Residents.
Just to keep you in the loop, on the evening of Tuesday, February
18. three outbuildings were broken into.
A building was entered at a farm in College
Lane, Ellisfield where a chainsaw was stolen and substantial damage caused. In Andwell
an attempt to break into a garage was thwarted by the alarm going off and at a house
outside Preston Candover a garage was broken into and a further chain saw was stolen.
If
any Resident saw or heard anything unusual within these areas please give me a direct
call.
Many thanks as always,
Andy.
Police Constable 3746 Andrew REID
Rural Beat Constable
Police Office, Preston Candover
Tel:
01256 389050
Mob: 07768 776844
Email: andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Wed February 12, 2020:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Wed February 5, 2020:
Ellisfield South Resident Refunds
The Ellisfield South Fibre Broadband project was recently moved to Hampshire County
Council’s (HCC) superfast broadband programme.
HCC has now refunded the Ellisfield
community contributions in full.
EDITOR: What a surprise and excellent news.
Mon February 3, 2020:
Horticultural Society Report
This month’s report, by Claire Cook from Ellisfield, is on the Society’s webpage.
Sat February 1, 2020:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest "In The Fields" article from Seumas Foster can be found HERE.
Fri January 17, 2020:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
EDITOR:
Worryingly, the number of crimes in Ellisfield has risen from 5 in 2018 to
17 in 2019.
We’re not alone however, with Upton Grey going from 11 to 23, Herriard
from 24 to 41 and Preston Candover from 13 to an astonishing 48.
Mon December 16, 2019:
Ellisfield South - Fibre Is Currently Being Installed So Fast
Broadband Will Be Available Very Soon!
Sharon Hack has posted on the Ellisfield Village Facebook Page that FTTP (Fibre To
The Premises) is currently being installed to all houses in ‘Ellisfield South’.
EDITOR:
That's very good news. Pretty soon 'Ellisfield South' residents will be able to say
to people like me "What? Only 25Mbps? Oh, poor you."
Wed December 11, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Alert
Dear Ellisfield Residents.
I am seeking any information in relation to the following
crimes reported in this area.
Between November 17 and 24 an attempt was made to force
entry into a house at Northgate in Ellisfield. Thankfully no entry was gained, but
I wish to make residents aware and the need to remain vigilant.
On December 3, a grey
Nissan pick-
Also on the
same day a barn was broken into at College Farm where a quad bike and 4x4 buggy was
stolen. I ask if anyone was in that area and saw anything suspicious or vehicles
parked up in College Lane after dark, to please give me a call direct.
Many thanks,
Andy.
Police Constable 3746 Andrew REID
Rural Beat Constable
Police Office, Preston Candover
Tel:
01256 389050
Mob: 07768 776844
Email: andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Sun December 1, 2019:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest "In The Fields" article from Seumas Foster can be found HERE.
EDITOR:
This article repeats much of the November report because that report was not
published in Hill and Dale.
Sun December 1, 2019:
Horticultural Society Report
This month’s combined December / January report, by Claire Cook from Ellisfield, is on the Society’s webpage.
Wed November 27, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
EDITOR:
My apologies, this report was sent out on November 13 and was not uploaded
until the 27th.
Fri November 1, 2019:
Horticultural Society Report
This month’s report, by Claire Cook from Ellisfield, is on the Society’s webpage.
Fri November 1, 2019:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest "In The Fields" article from Seumas Foster can be found HERE.
Tue October 15, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report, written by PC Andrew Reid, can be viewed on the Neighbourhood
Watch page. PC Reid describes a number of thefts which have occurred in the last
month or so in our area and gives advice on security. The article should be read
by all residents.
Further Information from PC Reid (Oct 18):
There have been more burglaries
to outbuildings in our area.
Overnight on Tuesday (October 15), a shed was broken
into at a house in the area of Bidden Road, at the Hoddington Arms end.
A garage was
also forced at Weston Close. We know this was between 11.00pm and midnight and we
believe a pick up truck was used. I therefore ask anyone with CCTV to please check
for the period between 11.00pm and midnight to see if any similar vehicles were seen
in your area. If so, please give me a direct call.
Meanwhile in the past week several
outbuildings were broken into in the Herriard Grange area, with several pieces of
garden equipment stolen. A similar story at a house in Bell Lane, Ellisfield.
Again,
if anyone can assist in any way please give me a direct call.
Many thanks, Andy
01256
389050
07768776844
Tue October 1, 2019:
Horticultural Society Report
This month’s report, by Claire Cook from Ellisfield, is on the Society’s webpage.
Tue October 1, 2019:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest "In The Fields" article from Seumas Foster can be found HERE.
EDITOR: Seumas
has sent in a number of photos and these will be published in this month’s Hill &
Dale.
Sun Sep 29, 2019
Parish Council Vacancy
Following Cllr Vicki Reed’s resignation, there is now a vacancy on the Parish Council.
Any
resident who would like to become a parish councillor will need to obtain the signatures
of 10 Ellisfield residents by Friday, October 11. The relevant form can be obtained
from the Parish Clerks: Peter & Sylvia Raine, Church Cottage, Church Lane, Ellisfield
RG25 2QR (telephone: 01256 381221). The council’s formal notice (dated September
24) can be viewed HERE.
If no-
NEW Sun Sep 29, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Alert
Tel: 01256 389050
Mobile: 07768 776844
Email:
andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Dear Residents.
Please be aware there has been an increase in burglary crimes to outbuildings
across our area.
Most have been garden or other sheds and items stolen include chainsaws,
strimmers, hedge cutters, garden tools, etc.
The latest was Saturday (28th) in Brown
Candover between 11.55pm and 00.05am where a Resident saw a man on his drive and
went and challenged him. The man was with a further three men and as they ran to
their vehicle the Resident grabbed one and they both fell to the ground as the criminals
vehicle drove away.
Within a short while the car came back and the remaining three
men remonstrated with the Resident during which time he was assaulted and hit with
a pair of bolt croppers. All four men then got back inside their vehicle described
as a possible maroon VW Estate car and made off towards Alresford, but may have gone
up towards Woodmancott A30, etc.
I urge all Residents to please remain vigilant, if
anything similar to the instance above happens please dial 999 immediately. Please
make sure shed windows are covered to prevent people looking inside, use good locks
and hasps that are bolted in and not screwed, please mark valuable tools with your
post code and house number or house initials to help return items that are often
seized by Police in the future and please record serial numbers.
Many thanks,
Andy
Wed July 31, 2019:
Horticultural Society Report
This month’s report, by Claire Cook from Ellisfield, is on the Society’s webpage.
Tue July 30, 2019:
"In The Fields" August Article
“This spring it was clear Ash trees were very late coming into leaf, much later than
the Oak, and this led to a lot of speculation, not only about the likelihood of a
'splash or a soak' of rain this summer but also to the spread of Ash Dieback disease
and its consequences.
“As we have an expert within our parish boundary in Julian Evans,
I asked him if he could put some information together for us. My thanks to Julian
for doing this and I hope you find it of interest.”
Seumas Foster.
EDITOR: This article by guest writer Julian Evans (an Ellisfield resident who owns a 30 acre woodland and who, until recently, was chair of the Forestry Commissions' Expert Committee on Forest Science) can be found HERE.
Sun July 14, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Fri July 12, 2019:
Change To Bin Collection Day
Starting in the week commencing Monday, July 22, our bins will be collected on Wednesday
mornings instead of Friday mornings..
So, on Wednesday, July 24 the Waste Bin only
will be collected again and the following week (Wednesday, July 31) all three bins
will be collected.
See the Basingstoke & Deane website for further details.
Mon July 8, 2019:
Horticultural Society Report
This month’s report, by Claire Cook from Ellisfield, is on the Society’s webpage.
Tue July 2, 2019:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest "In The Fields" article from Seumas Foster can be found HERE.
Wed June 26, 2019:
Reminder For The Ellisfield Village
BBQ on Saturday, July 13 (From
1.00pm At Ellisfield Memorial Hall)
Tickets (£10 for adults and £5 for under 10s) are still available from Joanne Thomas
(381300) or Ray Reed (381613). Please contact them as soon as possible if you would
like to attend this excellent village community event.
Click HERE to display the event
poster.
Thu June 13, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Sat June 1, 2019:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest "In The Fields" article can be found HERE.
Fri May 24, 2019:
Preston Candover Store Opening
From Jane Laws, Chair of the Candover Valley Community Store Ltd:
“The Candover Valley Community Store committee is delighted to announce the opening
of the new store in Preston Candover on Monday 10 June at 10.00am. The post office
is scheduled to open on Tuesday 11 June at 2.00pm.
“Before we open, there is still
an enormous amount to do! Our amazing volunteers are turning their hands to a long
list of jobs from DIY to decorating. This is allowing Garry and Emma, our store manager
and assistant manager, to concentrate on researching and sourcing the best products
at the best price. Meanwhile, committee members are generally being amazed at how
much is involved in getting a community store up and running! But on 10 June we will
be ready to greet our first customers!
“This store will be a valuable community asset,
used by all the surrounding villages between Dummer and Ellisfield, Bradley and Wield
and from Nutley and Axford right down to Swarraton and Totford.
“This is a true community
achievement built by, with, and for, our community. We look forward to welcoming
you all to the store.”
EDITOR:
To view the Store’s poster, click HERE.
Fri May 17, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Sat May 11, 2019:
Horticultural Society Report
This month’s report, by Claire Cook from Ellisfield, is on the Society’s webpage.
Sat May 4, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Alert
Tel: 01256 389050
Mobile: 07768 776844
Email:
andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Dear Residents.
Overnight last Wednesday/Thursday (May 1st/2nd), two garden sheds
were broken into at houses in Dummer Down Lane, Dummer, with four chainsaws and an
electric extension lead being stolen. The thieves have gone into the rear gardens
from a field which is behind the houses, this is the exact same style used recently
at Axford when again garden sheds were broken into after the thieves entered from
a field at the rear of the homes.
I urge all Residents to please make sure your garden
sheds are secure. Use bolts and not screws on the door hinges and lock hasps, mark
and record details of valuable equipment and machinery and please consider shed alarms
several of which are now battery operated.
Please also be especially mindful if your
rear garden has a field behind as criminals do use Google Earth and similar to look
at an area, work out routes to get in and out, before they target sheds, etc.
In
the Dummer incidents it is most likely that the thieves have parked a vehicle in
Up Street and walked along the backs of the gardens. If anyone was in Up Street,
Dummer between these times and saw anything suspicious, or any suspicious vehicles,
please give me a call direct.
Many thanks, Andy
Fri May 3, 2019:
Borough Council Election Results
for Upton Grey & The Candovers
The result of the Basingstoke & Deane Borough Councillor election for our “Upton Grey and The Candovers” ward was as follows:
BRIAN, Mary (Labour) 74
RUFFELL, Mark (Conservative) 685
TEAGLE,
Jeff (Liberal Democrat) 174
The Turnout was 42.79% of a 2,241 Electorate. There were 26 Spoiled votes.
Tue April 23, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Alert
Tel: 01256 389050
Mobile: 07768 776844
Email:
andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Dear Residents.
We appear to have had an eventful weekend with two vehicles being
broken into at the recreation field in Preston Candover. It happened between 1.30pm
and 3.30pm on Sunday (April 21), when tools from a van and wallets, etc. from a car
were taken. Some items were found discarded in Farleigh Wallop later that day by
a resident who called me.
A further vehicle was broken into at The Herriard Sports
Pavilion and I am waiting for further information.
Overnight in Axford’s Dummer Road,
someone has been in gardens and removed a bench but left it further up the garden.
Other items have been moved and someone has been in the garden shed albeit nothing
has been stolen. At another house in the same road a Summer House was entered and
golf clubs and spare wheels stolen.
May I ask that all residents please be alert and
keep an eye on your rear gardens, sheds, equipment, etc. as clearly someone is poking
about in the early hours.
If anyone else has had a visit can you please let me know.
Many
thanks, Andy
Fri April 12, 2019:
Ellisfield South Broadband Update
Please see the Fast Broadband page for information taken from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council’s meeting on March 18.
Tue April 9, 2019:
Uncontested Parish Council Election
All the current councillors decided to remain in post and no-
So, there will not be a Parish Council election on Thursday, May 2.
Notice
of the impending election was put up on the Parish Council website on March 26. It
is presumed that notices were also put up on the village notice boards -
Any resident catching sight of
this notice would then have had to put in a Nomination Paper to the Returning Officer
no later than 4.00pm on Wednesday, April 3.
Tue April 2, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Alert
Tel: 01256 389050
Mobile: 07768 776844
Email:
andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Dear Residents.
A couple of things to mention and both are within the Candovers.
The
first was between 7.00pm and 8.15pm on Saturday March 30 when two men were seen with
a stolen ladder looking into a first floor bedroom at a house in Chilton Candover.
The men were disturbed before they could force their way into the property. I ask
if anyone was in Dundridge Lane, Chilton Candover, between these times on this day
and saw any vehicle or suspicious people in that area, to please give me a call direct.
I
wish to remind all residents NOT to leave items such as insecure ladders or garden
tools (shovels, spades, etc.) out in their gardens as burglars will use your items
to break into your home.
The second thing happened overnight of Sunday March 31 and
Monday April 1 when someone went off a by-
If anyone can assist with
either of the above crimes please give me a call direct.
Many thanks, Andy
Tue March 12, 2019:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Fri March 8, 2019:
PC Andrew Reid To Be Presented With The High Sheriff’s Award
The Candovers Parish Council recently nominated PC Reid for a High Sheriff’s Award
and they are delighted to announce that he will receive his award from Mark Thistlethwayte,
High Sheriff of Hampshire, on Wednesday, March 20 at a Reception in The Great Hall,
Winchester.
To celebrate this most deserved recognition, the Council is holding a
Drinks Event at 6.00pm on Thursday, March 21, in the Candover Valley Club, Brown
Candover SO24 9TS. Mark Wilson at NFU Mutual in Dummer has generously agreed to make
a contribution towards the refreshments -
Thu March 7, 2019:
Street Dance National Championships
Ellisfield resident Claire Cooke’s daughter Daria competed at the Street Dance National
Championships in Stoke-
Her team from the Fusion Dance
Academies were National Champions in their group, which was the class Daria really
wanted to be placed in -
Claire says that Daria is getting
quite a collection of medals and trophies now and that they are very proud of her
achievements.
Fri March 1, 2019:
Ellisfield Volunteer Group
2019 Mowing Schedule
This year’s Mowing Schedule has just been finalised and can be found on the Volunteer Group’s page or can be displayed by clicking HERE.
Fri February 22, 2019:
Ellisfield Neighbourhood Watch
House Burglary
Tel: 01256 389050
Mobile: 07768 776844
Email:
andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
During the evening of Wednesday, February 20, a large country manor house was broken
into whilst occupied. The thieves were specifically looking for silverware.
I ask
if you have similar country houses, large farm houses, etc. in your area that you
please make the residents aware of this crime and ask that they remain vigilant,
make sure the security is fitting for the type of property (i.e. professional alarms,
CCTV, etc.).
As a rule we do not experience such crimes that often, however by their
nature usually such offences are committed by professional criminals who know what
they want more so than someone looking for the next drug fix.
At the time this house
was occupied and had dogs which did gave the alarm that something was not right.
If
the residents of such homes have any concerns about security they can give me a call,
email, etc.
If you see any suspicious vehicles near to such homes please try to grab
a registration number and let me know.
Thu February 8, 2019:
Horticultural Society Report
This month’s report, by Claire Cook from Ellisfield, is on the Society’s webpage.
Fri February 1, 2019:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest "In The Fields" article can be found HERE.
Since the dairy herd at Ellisfield
and Farleigh Wallop was sold, Chris and Caroline Allen, son-
Louise ends her report with
a very important message:
Mon January 21, 2019
Notice From The Horticultural Society
It has been announced that Eddie Rapley from Cliddesden has sadly passed away.
He
was a long-
He
will be very much missed by all Horticultural Society members, who send their condolences
to Betty and the family.
Wed January 16, 2018:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report (from PC Andrew Reid) can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch
page.
This report includes the number of crimes in Ellisfield, Cliddesden, Dummer
and Farleigh Wallop in 2018.
Thu December 1, 2018:
This Website's Sixth Birthday!
"My thanks to all the residents who contribute to making sure that the individual sections are kept interesting and informative."
Paul Turner, Editor
Thu December 1, 2018:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest Seumas Foster’s "In The Fields" article can be found HERE.
Tue November 13, 2018:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report (from PC Andrew Reid) can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Mon November 12, 2018:
1914-1918: Ellisfield Men Who Lost Their Lives in the Great
War
The details of the 10 men who lost their lives in the Great War were on display over
the weekend in the Memorial Hall.
These details can now also be viewed, as a PDF,
by clicking HERE.
(The PDF is just under 5Mb so, depending upon your internet connection’s
speed, may take a little while to download.)
Mon October 8, 2018:
Ladies Club Scarecrow Festival
Review by Diane Sandeman, Chairwoman:
This year’s theme for the Ellisfield Scarecrow Competition was ‘Heroes and Villains’
and 15 keen residents produced a great array of both from history, cartoons, politics,
folklore, TV and entertainment.
The judge was Felicity Edwards, MD of Destination
Basingstoke who champions the Basingstoke Half-
Tim
Thomas won the cup with his rendition of The Wolf and Red Riding Hood (see below);
closely followed in second place by the Gilvears with Donald Trump and, in third
place, Susie Deane impressed with her scarecrow of Guy Fawkes! All worthy prizewinners
.
The
1,300 entrants for this year’s Basingstoke Half Marathon would have been rewarded
with the sight of these magnificent scarecrows, as well as being blessed with a sunny,
if cold, day to run around the hilly course. Ellisfield’s residents were, as ever,
out in force to cheer them on.
Mon October 1, 2018:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest Seumas Foster’s "In The Fields" article can be found HERE.
Tue September 25, 2018:
Road Closure in Green Lane This Thursday (27th). From The
Fox Pub Down (For Approx. 200 Metres)
The road closure is so that BT Openreach can work on overhead phone lines in order
to restore services. During the closure (which may last more than a day), diversion
signs will be in place all around the village.
EDITOR: The Fox public house is open
as usual but it would be best to approach from the north.
Wed September 12, 2018:
Ellisfield Ladies Club Report
The report (and photo) on the recent Ladies Club Wine Tasting Evening can be found on the Ladies Club web page.
Wed September 12, 2018:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Thu September 6, 2018:
Fruit Cages
An Ellisfield resident recently offered 2 large fruit cages (each approx. 12 x 17
metres) to Ellisfield Allotment holders and to Horticultural Society members, but
without success.
One cage is reasonably well planted with raspberries, blackberries
and espalier fruit trees and the other is mainly weeds (although there could be a
wealth of strawberry plants underneath).
If an Ellisfield resident is interested in
one or both cages, please email Claire Cooke.
Mon August 13, 2018:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
The latest report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
There’s quite a lot
of items this month:
Horrific dog attack in Furzen Lane
Burglary at Dummer Golf Club
Straw fire (arson)
at Farleigh Wallop
Theft of Land Rover (now recovered)
Theft of motorcycle from Cliddesden
pub
Upcoming Crime Prevention evening
All in all, a necessary read.
Sun August 12, 2018:
6 Cannon Close, Green Lane
Sovereign Housing Association will be taking back the above property from September
3 and will be seeking new tenant(s).
For further information, see the Parish Council
website.
Mon August 6, 2018:
Fibre Broadband (Ellisfield North)
From Paul Turner
Pullens Cottage, Green Lane:
I’ve just upgraded my broadband to take advantage of “fibre to cabinet” now installed
at the BT cabinet at the junction of College Lane and Church Lane (aka “Ellisfield
North”).
I thought it might be useful for residents whose phone lines are from that
cabinet and who have not yet upgraded to know that I’m now getting 25Mbps download
speed (it was a miserable 1.85Mbps).
As Pullens Cottage is probably the furthest house
from the cabinet, other residents will almost certainly get a faster speed.
I got
the upgrade from BT for exactly the same price of £25.99 per month and that includes
the landline and unlimited broadband. I also did not have to pay for the new router
or pay any money upfront.
NOTE: Whenever I needed a fast connection (for example, when receiving Windows 10
updates), I tethered my EE phone to my computer. Typical minimum download speeds
were 46Mbps, twice as fast as the new BT fibre to cabinet, copper to home, connection.
However, for what I usually need to do, 25Mbps is perfectly acceptable.
The only disadvantage
is that EE’s upload speed is around 15Mbps compared to BT’s 1.25Mbps.
However, if
I really need to have faster speeds when I’m, for example, uploading a large website
file, then I still have the option of using the EE tethered phone.
Thu July 26, 2018:
Ellisfield Ladies Club Report
Diane Sandeman’s report (and photo) on the recent Ladies Club Lunch for Jane Evans can be found on the Ladies Club web page.
Mon June 11, 2018:
Latest News from Ellisfield’s Belles of St Martin’s Choir
Some of the choir members recently enjoyed a very nice evening at the French Restaurant
called Clos Du Marquis which is near Leckford, where we discovered that our Choir
Mistress, Theresa, sings once a month giving background music with a group called
Ad Hoc to diners.
The food, wine and service is exceptionally good as is the music,
we even joined in a couple of the numbers. This is a great place to enjoy a special
celebration such as a birthday or anniversary.
The Choir are now fully into rehearsing for the Festival of Choirs Concert at the Anvil on Sunday the 30th September. We have taken part twice before and are looking forward to performing again with other choirs around the Basingstoke area making 800 voices all singing together in harmony. We are also looking forward to several other engagements in the village such as the World War I celebration in November and singing in Church in July. We welcome two new members to the choir, Amelia and Louise, and we hope they are enjoying the practice evenings finishing with, of course, The Font Bar.
Sun June 3, 2018:
Ellisfield South Fibre Broadband
Ellisfield Broadband Action Group (EBAG) have reported that the target of £22,442
has been reached and that all the money is now in the bank.
EBAG will be meeting Hampshire
County Council and Openreach on Wednesday, June 6.
Fri June 1, 2018:
"In The Fields" Article
The latest Seumas Foster’s "In The Fields" article can be found HERE. There is a very interesting piece on the sale of Farleigh Wallop’s Chalvington herd of Holstein Friesian black and white milking cows, including photos.
Tue May 29, 2018:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
This month’s report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Mon May 21, 2018:
Fibre Broadband for Ellisfield South
Following the EBAG (Ellisfield Broadband Action Group) meeting on 16 May, pledges are now being collected towards the target of £22,442.
So far, £14,675 has been collected. A Treasurers account has been opened for dual signatory. Monies are being collected into this account. A meeting with HCC and OpenReach has been requested to go through the details of the project and to discuss the contract with HCC. All the relevant information will be communicated before the contract is signed and before any monies leave the EBAG account..
Tue April 17, 2018:
“Fast” Broadband Now Available To Ellisfield Residents Living
In The
North Of The Village
The heading says it all.
Residents whose telephone is connected to the BT Cabinet
at the top of College Lane can now upgrade to “fast” broadband. The connection to
the house will still be via the existing copper wires, so the further away from the
cabinet you are, the slower the speed will be.
For further information (including
a map showing which houses can now upgrade) click HERE.
NOTE: BT Openreach / Hampshire
County Council have provided a quote to provide superfast broadband to Ellisfield
South. £22,500 will need to be raised to order this service.
Fri April 13, 2018:
Neighbourhood Watch Report
This month’s report can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Watch page.
Sat March 10, 2018:
PC Andrew Reid
House Burglary in College Lane
Tel: 01256 389050
Mobile: 07768 776844
Email:
andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Between 5.00pm and 7.00m on Friday (March 9) evening a burglary took place to a detached
house in the lower part of College Lane,
We are aware that a small white car was seen
facing towards Axford on the Axford Road at 7.00pm, but we don’t know if this vehicle
was connected.
I am appealing for information from anyone who walked or drove up or
down the lower part of College Lane between these times. Did you see anything suspicious,
a car, person, etc. prior to 5.00pm, parked up or looking about?
It is unusual for
this type of crime to occur in our area and I wish to reassure residents of this.
However, as always, please make sure your home is protected with good locks, CCTV
to be considered along with alarms. I am happy to call to provide home security advice
if required, just call.
Wed January 18, 2018:
Busheywarren Lane Road Closure
Ellisfield’s parish clerk, Sylvia Raine, yesterday sent out an email giving notice
of a road closure, commencing Monday, January 29.
Bushywarren Lane (College Lane)
will be closed from the junction with Church Lane to the side of Widmoor Cottages
-
“The closure is to allow the
installation of a street cabinet and power cables through new ducting.”
Could this
be for installation of fibre broadband?
Wed January 18, 2018:
Horticultural Society’s 2018 Events
All the 2018 scheduled events have now been added to the Society’s webpage.
Mon December 18, 2017:
High Speed Broadband in Ellisfield
(continued …)
A second leaflet (click link to display PDF) was emailed out to residents today.
A
quote is being prepared by Hampshire County Council (HCC) for BT to install fibre
to the bottom of the village. This quote (hopefully subsidised by a Government voucher
scheme) will be available some time in January.
At a recent meeting with HCC and BT,
it was stated that the north of the village is scheduled to have fibre to the cabinet
installed before the end of 2018.
EDITOR (Tue December 19): I’ve just received a completely
updated version (click link to display PDF) of the above “second leaflet”. Apparently,
the one received yesterday was a draft and should not have been released …
Fri December 1, 2017:
This Website's Fifth Birthday!
"My thanks to all the residents who contribute to making sure that the individual sections are kept interesting and informative."
Paul Turner, Editor
Wed November 22, 2017:
High Speed Broadband in Ellisfield
A leaflet (click link to display PDF) was distributed around the village over the
weekend, providing information on the current options for residents living in the
south of the village to obtain fast broadband (the north are scheduled to have fibre
to the cabinet installed next year -
Thu October 12, 2017:
Latest Horticultural Society Report
This report, by Eddie Rapley, can be found (naturally!) on the Society’s webpage.
It’s worth reading to find out how to get a catalogue and to order seeds from Sutton
Seeds for half-
Wed October 11, 2017:
Macmillan Big Coffee Morning
This event, held on Saturday, September 30, was a great success with the total amount being sent to Macmillan Nurses being £601.
Thu October 5, 2017:
Fibre Broadband
Our MP, Ranil Jayawardena, asked the following question of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport:
“What steps are being taken to meet the Universal Service Obligation and provide broadband to the final five per cent of properties in Hampshire?”
The answer given yesterday was:
“The roll out of publicly funded superfast broadband in Hampshire is ongoing. Currently
over 92% of premises have access to superfast broadband.
“Current contracts will ensure
that superfast broadband services will be available to more than 97% of premises
by 2019.
“For premises not covered by superfast broadband, the Government will ensure
universal broadband access of at least 10Mbps by 2020, so that no home or business
is left behind.
“We are currently considering two options for delivering this: a regulatory
USO and a voluntary offer from BT and Openreach. A consultation on the design of
the regulatory USO was published on 30 July and closes on 9 October.
A decision on
which route offers the best deal for consumers will be taken once we have considered
the responses to the regulatory USO consultation.”
Thu September 21, 2017:
PC Andrew Reid
A Series Of Reported Incidents
Tel: 01256 389050
Mobile: 07768 776844
Email:
andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Between Thursday 7 and Wednesday 20, there’s been a series of incidents in our area.
A full report has been put onto the Neighbourhood Watch page.
EDITOR: It’s well worth
your time to have a quick look at the incidents reported by Andrew. It’s more than
possible that the individuals will appear in Ellisfield in the near future.
Fri September 8, 2017:
PC Andrew Reid - Important Message
Tel: 01256 389050
Mobile: 07768 776844
Email:
andrew.reid@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
“In the past month I have had to contact three people on my area to make enquiries about them being subject to theft and criminal damage as none had reported being a victim of crime but I had heard from other sources. This is totally wrong; I should not be calling people and telling them they are a victim of crime because they are not telling me.
“I fully accept there is a belief that the “Police aren’t interested” and/or “They don’t do anything anyway”’ and/or “Can’t get through on 101” and/or “What’s the point?”.
“Well, the point is this, you and I know that rural crime is on the increase and police resources are stretched – BUT (and it is a big BUT) how are rural areas such as ours ever going to keep a strong Police presence if people simply cannot be bothered to report crime on their land or property? If you have an area where no crime is reported, people outside that area look and see no crime records so assume there is no crime, because on paper there is not, and if there is no crime why, when resources are tight, have a Police presence?
“You are lucky you can report crime to me on my numbers direct and, yes, I too may not be able to do anything, but at least I can record that it has happened and show that crime does happen in our area. I am interested in all crime on my patch so, please, if you are a victim of crime ring it in – report ALL crime as often it may well link in with similar crime patterns or your neighbour may have seen something or have CCTV. So again, please, if you are a victim of crime – report it. We may not detect the offender but we need to know what is happening in all our communities.”
Tue June 27, 2017:
Memorial Hall Article In The BazGaz
The Basingstoke Gazette has also picked on the £17,000 grant received by the Memorial
Hall (also reported below on June 12). The article is on their website HERE, I’m
not sure if it also got into the paper itself.
The BazGaz did a good job of sharpening
up the picture of Susie Deane, Tracey Gilvear and Rose Taplin outside the H
all.
Tue June 20, 2017:
Theft and Destruction At St Leonard’s Church, Church Lane, Cliddesden
Vandals/Thieves caused considerable damage to the church some time between 3.00pm
Monday and 11.00am Tuesday.
They forced open the safe stealing item of church property
AND despicably broke two stained-
Police are appealing for witnesses
who saw a blue car, possibly the size of a Vauxhall Astra, which was seen parked
outside the church and are looking to talk to a woman with blond hair and wearing
a white top and sun glasses who was sat on the wall facing towards the road at around
3.45pm on Monday.
If anyone has any information about the incident they are asked
to contact the police on
Sun June 18, 2017:
Horticultural Society’s June Report
Eddie Rapley’s latest report can be found on the Horticultural Society’s page.
Sat June 17, 2017:
National Neighbourhood Watch Week
Saturday 17 (today!) to Friday 23 is Neighbourhood Watch Week. A bumper edition of
the organisation’s newsletter has been produced with information on scams, security,
cyber awareness, etc.
To view a copy, just click on the image (above).
Did you know that 8.7 million households identify as being a member of a Neighbourhood
Watch scheme? There is a very useful Member’s Guide and, if you’ve not been given
a copy, you can view it by clicking on the image (right).
Wed June 14, 2017:
Reporting Of Parish Council Meetings
EDITOR: I’ve put up an explanation (updated on Monday, June 19) on this website’s Parish Council page as to why there have been no reports published since January.
Mon June 12, 2017:
Memorial Hall Revamp Article
The latest edition of the Basingstoke & Deane Today magazine has an article on the
recent £17,000 Local Infrastructure Fund grant.
There is an excellent picture of Susie
Deane, Tracey Gilvear and Rose Taplin.
To view the article, click on the picture belo
w.
Fri June 9, 2017:
Our Area’s General Election Result
Our sitting Conservative MP, Ranil Jayawardena, has been returned with a 27,772 majorit
y.
Mon June 5, 2017:
Hampshire Constabulary Publishes Their Latest “Rural Times” Magazine
The Spring 2017 edition of the Rural Times magazine has just been produced as a PDF
document.
There’s quite a lot of interesting information on rural policing.
Thu May 18, 2017:
Manifestos Available To Read
Please note that as they get released, all the 2017 General Election Manifestos will be available to view on THIS site.
See the JUNE 8 entry in the Events column.
Thu May 11, 2017:
Useful Information To Help Protect Your Property Against Thieves
Hampshire Constabulary have issued a useful checklist to help protect your property, specially angled to rural residents.
Mon April 24, 2017:
Ellisfield Featured On the BBC And In Today’s Daily Telegraph
If you were awake at 5.30am AND you were tuned into Radio 2’s Vanessa Feltz’s show,
you will have been bemused to hear her quoting from a newspaper article (click HERE
and go to 24:24) about the statue of Archimedes on de Ferranti land.
A copy of the
actual Daily Telegraph article can be viewed by clicking HERE.
EDITOR: I was telephoned
by BBC South this morning just after 9.00am and asked if I would be available to
comment.
I declined …
Sat February 4, 2017:
Hampshire Police Precept Rise
Following the results of a Residents’ Survey, Hampshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner
(Michael Lane) has decided to increase their precept by 3.12%, which works out at
an extra £5 per annum for a Band D household.
Normally, an increase over 1.99% would
have necessitated a referendum (which would have cost up to £1 Million!) but Hampshire
is one of ten police forces which have been given dispensation because their cost
controls have been proven to be robust.
There is a News Item on the PCC’s website
which provides a more detailed explanation.
Mon January 23, 2017:
Tonight’s Parish Council Meeting
Before the meeting started, there was a minute’s silence in memory of the parish clerk, Mick Walker, who very sadly died on January 6.
As to the meeting … The “highlights” were:
The chairman, Cllr Guinness, was appointed unpaid parish clerk.
Mrs Jacqui Matthews
(who was taking notes for this meeting) is going to create a Newsletter regarding
the position of Clerk, the “Flood Resilience Project” and a few other things.
Cllr
Guinness has obtained promises from Highways that they are going to clear out the
drains from the bus shelter down to the pond.
Cllr Park-
Cllr Richards is going to repair the bus
shelter at the bottom of Green Lane.
Cllr Park-
There is no commitment to bring fibre to the bottom of the village.
Cllr
Cazenove told the council that she and Mr Ray Reed had not yet reviewed the “potential
to make EVG’s task of maintaining the burial ground easier”.
Resident April Brown
has offered to maintain the telephone box “library”.
The precept for 2017/18 stays
the same.
and finally …
There was once again much discussion about a replacement notice
board for Lower Common and (guess what?) after months of discussions, the councillors
are still wondering whether to have a two or three pane version. Aghhhhh …
There may have been more, but I left at this point.
Mon January 23, 2017:
Police Warning: Cold Callers
PC Andrew Reid has sent out a warning about Cold Callers. You can read this warning by clicking HERE.
Mon January 2, 2017:
Green Lane Flooding
The section of Green Lane between the telephone box and Brocas’s driveway was completely
flooded this morning, caused by a blocked drain.
The Parish Council has been notified
and has been requested to deal with this problem.
UPDATE on Monday, Jan 16:
Nothing
has been done and it’s flooded again today. In addition, the drains at the bus shelter
and at the pond are also now blocked.
The chairman of the Parish Council has again
been informed.
NEW The chairman has responded as follows:
“Highways have had photos
of the flooding and have confirmed it is on their to do list.”
Earlier NEW ITEMS
have been deleted.
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