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News

If you have news that should be in this column but isn’t, PLEASE inform the website editor
(contact details are at the foot of all pages)

Welcome to Ellisfield

Ellisfield is a village of just under 2,350 acres, tucked away within Hampshire farmland and woodland. It is situated six miles south of Basingstoke centre and two miles west of the A339, the Basingstoke to Alton road.

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2013

As you can see from the map above, Ellisfield is ideally placed within a quiet rural location but with good road and rail links within easy reach. Junction 6 of the M3 is just six miles away (25 miles to the M25) and you can catch fast trains from Basingstoke station (London Waterloo in 45 minutes).

In 1086, the Domesday Book recorded eight villagers, four smallholders and four slaves. Now, 933 years later, there are 250 or so adults (no slaves!) and around 40 children, living in 119 houses. These houses are well distributed along almost ten miles of sometimes single track road and so the village has a feeling of spaciousness about it.

The village of Ellisfield has grown around a number of separate small settlements. The oldest of these (Ellisfield Green, Ellisfield Manor, The Old Manor and Merritt’s Farm) are now in a Conservation Area, within which are eight Grade II listed properties (plus the church, St Martin's, which is Grade II*). To view a map (it's 1.7Mb) of the Conservation Area, click HERE.

Ellisfield has a vibrant community spirit, with residents enjoying and supporting:

Village Amenities

 Church (St. Martin’s), which publishes a monthly magazine called Hill & Dale (which contains adverts for local services and excellent “village news” sections for Ellisfield and the neighbouring villages of Dummer, Cliddesden and Farleigh Wallop).
  Village Hall (the Memorial Hall), which has a committee made up of representatives of all the village organisations. They ensure that the hall is well maintained and also organise events such as the annual Wine Walk, the Christmas Fair and also entertainment evenings. The hall can be hired.
  Pub (The Fox), swiftly regained its reputation following the arrival of new licensees, Graham and Sue Dove, at the beginning of July 2013. They retired and a new tenant, Lucy Tuffs, took over The Fox on April 13, 2015. Strangely, the current management choose not to supply this Community Website with menus, events or news publicity.
  Village owned Parish Land & Assets, such as Lower Common and the Bus Shelters.
  Rights of Way that crisscross the village.

Village Groups (in alphabetical order)

 Bell Ringers, who are currently advertising for new members.
  Horticultural Society (shared with neighbouring villages), which meets monthly, has both a Spring and Summer show and also organises visits to gardens of interest.
  Oil Syndicate, which is a community-based project which exists to allow its members to purchase domestic heating oil at a reduced price.
  Ladies Club, which meets monthly and which also organises trips and events such as the Scarecrow competition (there's a slideshow of all the October 2016 scarecrows at the top of the Ladies Club page).
  Neighbourhood Watch Group, which encompasses the entire village, working closely with our local rural policeman, PC Andrew Reid.
  Recycling Initiative, whereby a number of residents have bins at their front gates for specific types of recyclable materials.
  Village Association, whose remit is to protect, enhance and appreciate our village environment.
  Volunteer Group, made up of 30 or so residents who mow and strim the parish land (Lower Common, Gravel Pits and Burial Ground).

Finally, the Parish Council, with six local residents elected or co-opted as parish councillors. Peter and Sylvia Raine (of Church Cottage, Church Lane) are joint Parish Clerks.

ELLISFIELD VILLAGE HALL CHURCH LANE, ELLISFIELD
RG25 2QR (01256 381149)

Ellisfield's Memorial Village Hall is available to hire for regular meetings and one-off events at very reasonable hourly charges.

Events

Wed, January 29 (from 10.00pm):
“Ellisfield TCC” (Tea, Coffee and Cake)
Memorial Hall, Church Lane

All residents are invited to this popular weekly “Tea, Coffee and Cake” event, starting at 10.00am and finishing at 12 noon. The coffee is filtered and there is a good selection of cake on offer.

Thu, January 30 (7.45pm):
Horticultural Society AGM
Cliddesden Millennium Hall

“Spring Flowers of Italy”, a talk by  Carol Watson. Carol is a very entertaining and informed speaker who has delighted us on several occasions.  It is always a pleasure to explore different parts of the world through her camera.
Everyone is welcome to attend these lectures. Entry for members is £1, guests £2. Tea & coffee are available on the night – donations please.

Subscriptions are now due for the year, £8 per household. Payments can be made to your local committee member as usual or at this January meeting.

Thu, February 6 (from 7.30pm):
Social & Entertainment Club
Millennium Hall, Cliddesden

FILM: Victoria and Abdul (2017)

Victoria & Abdul is a 2017 biographical drama directed by Stephen Frears and written by Lee Hall.
The film is about the real-life relationship between Queen Victoria and her Indian Muslim servant Abdul Karim. It stars Judi Dench and Ali Fazal.
The film was nominated in two categories at the Academy Awards, and Best Actress at the Golden Globe Awards. The film grossed over $65 million worldwide.
The bar opens at 7.30pm and the film (which is 111 minutes long) starts at 8.00pm. There is an intermission half-way through during which ice creams and the bar are available. Admission is only £2 per person, with no membership fee.

Fri, February 7 (7.30pm):
Ellisfield Volunteer Group's
Annual General Meeting and Social
Memorial Hall, Church Lane

The Ellisfield Volunteer Group's annual general meeting will be followed by cheese and wine.
Everyone is welcome regardless of whether you are a volunteer or not!  Please do come along to hear about the Group’s activities, its achievements and to celebrate this worthy village institution. We are grateful to all who have given of their time in 2019 to help with the tasks, as we could not manage without your support.
We would welcome your views and ideas on past initiatives or suggested new ones. If you’re not already a volunteer and you’ve a little spare time (normally just a morning once or twice a year!) and would like to help with the Group’s work then please speak to one of the Committee before or on the night.

Sat, February 15 (from ?pm)
Ellisfield Ladies Club
'Starters Evening' at the Hall

Along the same lines as the Puddings Evening, members are invited to make their favourite savoury dishes in a competition, with “other halves” invited to make it a bigger social evening.
Members are asked to let Diane know if they wish to enter their favourite 'Starter' for judging. Those that do will not need to pay the £5 per attendee event fee (payable in advance).
There will be puddings - probably crumbles or similar - to have after the starters have been devoured. There will also be a raffle, so please let Diane know if you can help with supplying a raffle prize.

Tue, March 17 (from ?pm)
Ellisfield Ladies Club
Annual General Meeting

Details to follow.

Mon, March 23 (8.00pm):
Ellisfield Parish Council Meeting
Memorial Hall, Church Lane

See local (non-political) democracy in action! There is an Open Forum (where any resident can speak and ask questions) at 8.00pm, prior to the formal closed session (meaning that residents cannot make comments unless specifically allowed to by the chairman) of the Parish Council meeting (which, typically, lasts for two hours).

NEW 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-up RE16 ONF was seen in Ellisfield cold calling offering to see if anyone wanted any building, patio or driveways work undertaken. I remind residents that if they are looking for this type of work to check the Hampshire Trading Standards website and they have professional vetted companies that they recommend.
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-one puts themselves formally forward, the vacancy will be filled by the Parish Council by co-option. Any resident who would like to be considered for co-option should contact the Parish Clerks.

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-one else put their name forward.
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 - but who looks at them or indeed the parish council website?
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.
EDITOR: Since these elections only occur once every four years, I wonder why a Parish Council Newsletter was not delivered to residents? Even I didn’t know about the upcoming election!

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-way, came across a 'Larson trap' in an isolated rural area and duly smashed it up causing criminal damage. These traps are lawful and it is an extremely stupid thing to do when you consider that by causing this damage the offender risks a criminal conviction! These traps are used across our area to lawfully control vermin and for nature conservation of our song birds and, due to such damage, now have CCTV monitoring them.
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 - when that has run out, cash will be fine!

Thu March 7, 2019:
Street Dance National Championships

Ellisfield resident Claire Cooke’s daughter Daria competed at the Street Dance National Championships in Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday (March 3).
Her team from the Fusion Dance Academies were National Champions in their group, which was the class Daria really wanted to be placed in - so she's over the moon.
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-in-law Tim Cooke and daughter Louise Cooke have restocked with sheep. Louise has written this report to give more detail about how this change is progressing.
Louise ends her report with a very important message:
“Would dog walkers please keep their dogs on a lead whilst in any fields with the sheep. Not only can dogs attack livestock but just chasing them around can cause them to abort their lambs. It is also extremely important to clean up after your dog as dog faeces can cause parasitic problems in both ewes and lambs.”

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-time committee member and treasurer,  as well as writer of the newletters.
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-Marathon. She had a tricky job deciding on the winners, as the standard of scarecrows was typically very high. Everyone who entered a scarecrow was highly commended for their very considerable efforts.
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 - approximately 36 metres! it is expected the closure will be for 1 week only
EDITOR: The “Temporary Road Closure Notice” gives this reason:
“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  - still no date though …).

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-price (members only, of course).

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 Hall.

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-glass windows.
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 101 quoting 44170235123.

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 below.

Fri June 9, 2017:
Our Area’s General Election Result

Our sitting Conservative MP, Ranil Jayawardena, has been returned with a 27,772 majority.

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-Weir is going to order 50 sandbags, no really he is, he really is!
Cllr Richards is going to repair the bus shelter at the bottom of Green Lane.
Cllr Park-Weir says that Hampshire County Council has stated that the cabinet at the junction of College Lane and Church Lane is scheduled to be upgraded to fibre in the first quarter of next year.
UPDATE (Monday, Feb 6): I’ve been informed that, I quote:  (This was an) “indication from Hants of time scale with a warning that it is a moveable plan”.  So, now we know (or not know, as the case may be …)
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.

CANDOVER VALLEY STORE
ALRESFORD ROAD
PRESTON CANDOVER
RG25 2EE (01256 389500)

The Candover Valley Community Store is open Mon-Fri 8.00 to 6.00, Sat 8.30 to 5.30 & Sun 8.30 to 12.30. Its Post Office is open Mon-Fri 8.30 to 5.00 and Sat 9.00 to 12.30. For further information, take a look at their website: www.cvcs.org.uk.