Please contact us if you have information relating to burglary in your neighbourhood. Report online, call us on 101 and always dial 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.
Register for Thames Valley Alert at: www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk to receive free crime updates and information from Thames Valley Police.
Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, visit www.ourwatch.org.uk
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Help a family in need with toys and gifts for children this Christmas
Christmas can bring great joy but for many it can also bring great financial strain and perhaps no more so than this year.
John and Sarah started the Oxfordshire Toy Bank in 2019 to help those families who may not be able to afford gifts at this time of year. They collect new toys and donations in the run up to Christmas and distribute them to families all over Oxfordshire.
New toys can be donated at several Collection Points – South Moreton Boxing Club; Mollies Café, St Martin’s Street, Wallingford; Wallingford Baptist Chuch; Blewbury Primary School; The Barn Fitness Club, Church Road, Cholsey and The Old Counting House, High Street, Wallingford – or they can arrange collection. They’re then distributed to families who’ve applied to the Toy Bank for help, with the remainder being distributed through Oxfordshire Social Services to families in need. They also work with the local food banks and churches.
In the last two years John and Sarah have distributed thousands of presents and gift vouchers – they use donations to buy gift vouchers for teenagers, an often overlooked age group.
Any parent or primary carer who lives in Oxfordshire and is in need of some additional help this Christmas with provision of new toys and gifts for their children can apply for help via the website. They also welcome offers of corporate or individual sponsorship pledging cash donations to help which are used to buy vouchers.
Please get in touch if you would be interested in becoming a collection point.
Reading homelessness prevention charity is holding a fantastically festive evening of Carols by Candlelight
Candle by Candlelight is set to be a fantastically festive evening on Wednesday, 14th December in aid of Reading charity Launchpad.
Featuring the joyful Reading Community Gospel Choir and held at the magnificent Concert Hall in Reading Town Hall from 6pm, the much-loved event will be hosted by Launchpad patrons, Matt Allwright and Danyl Jonhson, and will also include performances by Bulmershe School Choir, readings by special guests, a raffle, and inspiring stories about Launchpad’s work with people in housing crisis – all against the backdrop of magical candlelight.
Every ticket sale for this unmissable evening will help Launchpad provide homes for Reading’s most vulnerable this winter. Launchpad’s supported housing offers warm, clean and safe accommodation for up to 104 people in need – which will be a lifeline to the many individuals, couples and families due to be made homeless by the rise in the cost of living over the coming months.
Vicki Lewis, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said, “We’re often told the Carols by Candlelight is a real highlight of the festive season, so we are incredibly excited to be able to bring the event back indoors after we were forced to cancel it two years running during COVID. This year is going to be a truly special event at a brand-new venue for Launchpad! The Concert Hall at Reading Town Hall will look simply beautiful bathed in twinkly lights and will be the perfect setting for some stunning sing-along performances by Reading Community Gospel Choir and Bulmershe School Choir.
“On the night, we’ll also hear about our client’s experience of homelessness at Christmas and how Launchpad provided them with supported housing to help turn their life around. This year we are fundraising to support the many local people who will be left without a place to call home this winter and by coming along to Carols by Candlelight, Launchpad can continue providing warm, clean and safe accommodation for Reading’s most vulnerable people.”
Tickets are £10 per person and under 3’s can attend for free. There is unreserved seating but accessible seating can be requested at the point of booking.
If people are unable to attend, Launchpad are kindly asking for a donation this Christmas so they can continue ensuring local people have a roof over their head and a place to call home.
Give back as you gift at Christmas and through to Easter next year with Bourne-End accessories business
QueenMee Accessories, the boutique hair accessories and brooch company, is partnering with Oxford Health Charity to give a wellbeing boost to nurses and care workers.
For the whole of December and through to Easter 2023, for every £100 spent on QueenMee.com a hair clip or headband from QueenMee’s collection will be donated to a nurse or care worker at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Julie Pink, Head of Charity and Involvement at the Trust says the team that have received QueenMee Accessories in the past ‘loved the sparkle, especially when things felt so dark at times.’
QueenMee founder, Amanda Waterstone Carthy says: “QueenMee is about celebrating kindness – being kind to yourself, celebrating your own personal style, and giving back as you shop for yourself or others.
“We know that hospitals will be under huge pressure this winter, and that nurses and care workers will be under personal strain themselves. I’m very grateful for the kindness NHS nurses have shown me in the past, as I know so many of us are.
“I’m so pleased to be able to give back to nurses and care workers, through partnering with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and to offer our customers a way to ‘give back as they gift’ too.
“I hope the colour and sparkle of the donated hair accessories will be uplifting for the nurses and their patients at this difficult time.”
QueenMee Accessories’ collection includes brooches, hair clips, headband, silk scrunchies, and earrings, all of which make gorgeous gifts – with the bonus of giving back as you shop.
Beautiful, eco-friendly gift wrap is free of charge with every order.
The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre in Bordon has been awarded National Portfolio status receiving funding for the next three years
The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre has gained prestigious Arts Council status with the award of National Portfolio status.
Arts Council England announced earlier in November The Phoenix would be a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and receive funding that is awarded less than 1,000 arts organisations across the country.
Funding for the next three years will provide the Bordon centre with a massive boost at a time when many organisations in the arts sector are struggling to survive.
The Phoenix has been chosen for this prestigious status due to its dedication and skill at bringing the arts into the local community and working with young people and disadvantaged groups.
Rob Allerston, Director of The Phoenix said: “With this decision Arts Council England has recognised the hard work of many and our drive to deliver community-focused arts in Whitehill& Bordon. Personally, I’m excited by the opportunities this will unlock and the creative voice it’ll offer to so many.”
Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England said: “Arts Council England is delighted to be welcoming The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre into the 2023-26 National Portfolio. This welcoming venue is an important part of Hampshire’s cultural life, and we are pleased to be investing in it. The Phoenix has a strong track record of facilitating creative opportunities for local artists. As well as their programme of live events. This funding helps us to achieve the ambition of our ten-year strategy, Let’s Create, particularly around supporting people to develop their creative skills and potential.”
The announcement means it will receive revenue funding of £81,233 a year for three years. Bringing financial security to deliver the diverse mix of entertainment and community arts projects.
Cllr Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council which supported the application, said: “We’re huge supporters of The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre and the incredible work they do, to bring art to the people of Whitehill & Bordon and the surrounding area.
“This is the first time East Hampshire has had a venue with NPO status and it will put the town, and the wider district, on the cultural map.
“I am thrilled we’ve been able to help Rob and his team put together a successful application against such fierce competition from arts venues of all sizes right across the country.”
Cllr Andy Tree, County Cllr and Leader of Whitehill Town Council, said: “This is a well-deserved reward for the hard work of all those involved in running The Phoenix and a great boost for the town of Whitehill & Bordon. This funding will enable an expansion of the issue-based work that is central to so much of their valuable contribution to the local community and further justifies the financial support that the town council has given through its Major Grand aid award. I’m very proud that Whitehill & Bordon will have the only organisation in East Hampshire with NPO status.”
With this year’s NPO designations, Arts Council England has focused on making certain as many people as possible – no matter where they come from or what their circumstances – can get hold of the very best of art and culture on their high streets and in the community spaces of their villages, towns and cities.
The latest round of funding will benefit art organisations, museums, and libraries in every corner of the country, with clear focus on ensuring that investment is concentrated in those places that, historically, have been undeserved.
Matt Allwright, one of the stars whose recipes are featured in Food & Wellness: The Sobell House Vegetarian Cook Book, shares his thoughts about local life, good causes and consumer rights…
Q. Hi Matt. It’s great that you’ve been involved in the new Sobell House cookbook. What’s your recipe? “It’s the chilli jam I make every year. I grow my own chillis and I never know quite how hot it’s going to be until its done. Last year it was so hot that you just had to show the jar to a piece of cheese, and that was enough, even with the lid on…”
Q. Is there anything you eat or don’t eat? “I eat everything. Not a massive fan of avocado, but I’ll cope. I’m a grateful diner, and I eat with gusto. I had a real problem with beetroot for years, and now it’s one of my favourite things, so it just goes to show nothing’s really off-limits. Christmas is traditional. There is too much at stake to mess with the formula.”
Q. Why is Sobell House a great charity, deserving of support, including yours? “My good friend Tom is the music therapist at Sobell House. They don’t see our last days and weeks as a waiting game. They see it as an opportunity to help find meaning, to tell a story to heal the spirit and calm the mind. I would love to think that when the time comes, we could all have someone to help us write songs, to tend gardens, to do whatever we think is significant, and to give us the chance to share important ideas and feelings with our loved ones. That’s proper work.”
Q. You’re familiar to millions as a defender of consumer rights… Do rogue traders really make your blood boil? “We always start the process by meeting someone who has been affected by the actions of the trader. You can’t ignore that face-to-face experience. From that point the whole team knows it’s their job to confront the rogue to get answers. I don’t’ feel anger, more a sense of duty to hold to account and bring change. I don’t like letting people down, especially when they’ve taken a risk to talk to us. Also: if you are born with the annoying ability to ask questions when running backwards or being jet washed, you’d better use that power for good.”
Q. Do you feel that as a nation we’re bad at fighting for our rights or complaining? “Not everyone feels they can speak out enough when things aren’t right. When someone tries to impose a way of life on us, or harms with their actions, we can be submissive, or worry about the consequences of standing up for ourselves or others. That’s how bullies get their way, and I’ve always grown up hating bullying. Sometimes you need someone to point out what’s wrong, even if they risk being unpopular by doing so. I try to make my point firmly but politely, bearing in mind that my view is not the only one. You’re much better off if you can find middle ground, but with some people that’s just not possible.”
Growing up
Q. How was your experience of growing up in Berkshire? “Berkshire was always good to me. I was lucky to have a comfortable home in a fun town full of music and friends supported by parents who loved me. I met my wife on the streets of Reading when we were both at school. That’s the most important thing that’s ever happened to me, so thank you, Berkshire.”
Q. What are your favourite aspects of life in Berkshire, and where are your favourite haunts? “I’m lucky that I meet a lot of volunteers through the Pride of Reading Awards and the other organisations I work with. There are so many people who help others because it’s right – not seeking recognition or advancement. These people see the instinctively try to fill the gaps left by society, and they far outweigh the rogues and bullies. Haunts? I love the river. The slipway at Aston near Henley on a spring morning is hard to beat.”
Q. Your dog Ozzy looks cute! Is he? What’s been the most rewarding, and most frustrating, aspect of being a dog owner? “Ozzy is my first dog, and I could never have imagined how wonderful he’d be. He’s transformed family life. Dogs are the greatest gift, like someone decided to parcel up the best bits of humans: loyalty, playfulness and enthusiasm, and then cover them in fur. He barks far too much, eats anything and smells dreadful.”
Q. We’re also supporting Launchpad Reading this month. Why do local heroes working to prevent homelessness also deserve our support, especially at this time of year? “I’ve been a patron of Launchpad for years. The work they do, to help people find homes, and then support them in those homes, is incredible. All charities, particularly local ones, are struggling right now, due to the cost of living crisis. Anything we can do to help Launchpad and others continue and extend their work, will have a huge effect on someone, somewhere, who doesn’t live that far away, and has had some bad luck. So please, donate, volunteer and spread the word.”
Q. Who is your favourite author? “George Orwell. Most people think of the darkness and dystopia of 1984. They don’t always see the humour or the love of nature in his writing which stems from his childhood in Henley and Shiplake. Everywhere tries to lay claim to Orwell, but from clues in his writing it seems to me that Berkshire was where he was happiest, fishing in the river, walking alone through the woods and fields, identifying birds and plants.”
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your love for Bracknell Bees? “The day the ice rink closed was terrible for the community. We loved watching the team play, and being part of the wonderful world of hockey. The players were rough and tough on the ice, but patient and thoughtful with the kids who were learning the game. I imagine they’ll build flats on the site at some point, but the families that live in them won’t have anything as great as the rink to keep them happy.”
Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be? “Just tolerance, really. Understanding that just because someone doesn’t think, sound or look like you, or come from where you do, it doesn’t make them some sort of threat. We might have lost a bit of that.”
The Sobell House Vegetarian Cook Book is out on 8th November. To buy a copy of this 128-page paperback for £17.50 visitSobell House or buy from Waterstones and Amazon.
Plant the equivalent of 136 trees and save up to £1,000 a year, with these essential energy saving tips from Worcester Bosch.
At this worrying time, when utility bills are set to hit many of us hardest, Worcester Bosch has shared its handy tips to help you save money and the planet.
Making changes to your heating set-up can help save you up to £1,000 throughout the year.
The carbon emission saving is the equivalent to planting 136 trees or driving a car 1,606 miles. The distance which is nearly a full trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back!
Making the planet a greener place to live for the next generation is at the heart of Worcester Bosch. By following these tips, you could play your part in reducing carbon emissions
There are several ways for homeowners to cut costs. Helping them save energy and to live more sustainably, several of which require minimal to zero cost or hassle.
Tip 1: Take control of your heating
– Annual saving = £105. – Equivalent to planting up to 11 trees, or driving 129 miles
By turning down the room thermostat just one degree, you will net up to a £105 saving per year. The 200kg CO2 of emissions saved is equivalent to a 129mile trip, or a further 11 trees planted. Aim for 17°C when you’re out and about, and a cosy 18-21°C when you’re at home.
Martyn Bridges, director of technical services at Worcester Bosch, says: “You cannot underestimate how important it is to take control of your home heating. These simple but effective changes, such as turning your radiator down by a single degree, could have a significant impact on the planet and your savings too.”
Tip 2: Shower Time
– Annual saving = up to £70. – Equivalent to planting up to 7 trees, or driving 86 miles
Nothing beats having a hot shower to ease the stresses of the day. But by following these simple tips, you can reduce your energy usage while still enjoying a relaxing early morning or late-night shower.
The biggest change you can make is cutting your shower time down, ideally to around four-minutes. A household could see up to £70 a year saved on their energy bill just from a speedy shower as well as significantly reducing the amount of water used.
Martyn gives the guidance: “We all love having a hot shower, but a significant amount of hot water is used, contributing to energy usage and your bills. Taking the steps to use showers instead of baths and using a timer to measure how long you are taking could be a simple step to lower your energy usage.”
Tip 3: Trap your heat
– Annual saving = up to £190. – Equivalent to planting up to 19 trees, or driving 234 miles
Making sure you keep the heat trapped inside of your home is an easy, yet effective tip that you could put into place this World Earth Day. One super simple tip is to draft proof your windows and doors. You would be surprised about how much heat escapes through those tiny gaps which are found around your window, in your keyhole, and in your letterbox. Covering those tiny gaps could save you around £45 and saves the same amount of energy as planting four trees.
To take this one step further, you could add an insulated jacket to an uninsulated hot water cylinder. Insulating your hot water cylinder will reduce the heat loss resulting in the water remaining hotter for longer. This tip is a huge energy saver, which is the equivalent of planting 15 trees! Insulating your hot water cylinder properly could save you up to £145 which could make a huge difference as energy prices increase.
Martyn explains: “Trapping the heat in your home should be a priority. These small gaps needlessly bring the cold air in. Reversing all the changes you have made to keep your home warm. From little tasks like closing those gaps to slightly bigger tasks such as getting an insulated jacket, you’re not only protecting the planet, but helping lower your energy bills too.”
Tip 4: Small changes, big results
– Annual saving = up to £30. – Equivalent to planting up to three trees, or driving 37 miles
Sometimes it is the smallest changes that have the biggest impact. Technology is a core part of our life but remember to put your devices on standby when not using them. Net an extra £30 saving by being savvy with your device shuts down.
“Although they may seem like unimportant changes, they could make huge changes to your home, the planet, and your bills.”
Martyn explains: “Switching off appliances once you use them is a small way to ensure that you reduce your energy usage. Although they may seem like unimportant changes, they could make huge changes to your home, the planet, and your bills.”
Tip 5: Upgrade your boiler
– Annual saving = depending on technology – up to £910. – Equivalent to planting up to 96 trees, or driving 1,120 miles
A boiler replacement from an inefficient to a modern, more efficient model can be a major and immediate cost and environment saver. The EST figures show that making the switch could end up saving you almost four figures every year.
By upgrading from a G-rated boiler to a more sustainable A-rated model (including TRV’s and a smart controller) – working at 90% more efficiency and saving up to 1,630kg CO2 every year. You’re not only managing your energy usage more efficiently in the longer term, but also saving the equivalent carbon off-set as planting 61 trees would do. This upgrade could save you £580.
Heat pumps are a newer, efficient technology in the domestic heating industry. In simple terms they work by taking energy from outside and transferring it into heat for use in a heating and hot water system. The product and subsequent installation are more expensive than a boiler upgrade. But once you paid out the initial cost – a change from a G rated boiler to a heat pump can save you even more – up to £910, with a carbon saving equal to planting 96 trees.
Martyn adds: “Upgrading a G-rated boiler to one which is A-rated can make a significant in your home. The A-rated boilers are an efficient choice which could ultimately help you save money on your bills. Not to mention help us to protect the future.”
To find out more about Worcester Bosch award-winning home heating and hot water products, visit worcester-bosch.co.uk/ or head to the YouTube channel.
Mark Gregory returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 with a “Plot To Plate” haven for Savills
“King of Chelsea”, Mark Gregory, is set to return to the RHS highlight for 2023 with a “plot to plate” garden for Savills.
The Savills Garden will be his 108th Chelsea show garden and marks his return to design in his 34th consecutive year. The Savills Garden is set within the grounds of a country hotel. Revealing an intimate walled seasonal potager, with the show’s first ever working kitchen at its heart.
“The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette”
Mark said: “I am incredibly proud to have designed this garden for Savills. I think it will speak to a lot of people and has, at its core, elements that are very close to my heart. A beautiful space, created considerately, that brings people together to enjoy fantastic food and great times. The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette, demonstrating that productive gardens can be both elegant and delightful.”
Designed to demonstrate an “edimental” planting theme, combining edibles and ornamental planting, the garden provides inspiration for a “plot-to-plate” alfresco dining experience. Ingredients will be foraged from the surrounding living larder and used to prepare delicious meals for the guests to enjoy in the adjoining dining area. Cementing the relationship between grower, guests and chef.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this tranquil retreat, resting beneath a mature tree, taking time to reconnect with nature, enjoying the formal planting, whilst anticipating the taste experience to come. The aim of the space is to help change the way we think about our gardens, the way we eat and source our food. And to share ideas and knowledge that can be introduced into even the smallest of plots.
This evocative and aromatic garden will capture the sights, smells and tastes of a productive garden while also delivering a beautiful, elegant space and a haven for wildlife.
Following the show, in keeping with its sustainability commitment, Savills will work with the Shaw Trust, a national charity running employability programmes and complementary services for people with complex needs, to relocate the garden. It will be replanted at Meadow View House in Nottinghamshire for their residents to enjoy.
Additionally, Savills will work with existing charity partner Rethink Food, an organisation focused on educating school children on food security, to share learnings from the garden.
Richard Rees, Savills MD, said: “We are excited to be returning to Chelsea with a garden design that touches on so many themes that are core to the future success of our industry and gives us the opportunity to bring to life our commitment to promoting sustainable development. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of nature in our lived environment. Whether in an urban or rural setting, and Mark Gregory, five times Chelsea Gold Medal winner, has designed a garden that will be both stunning to the eye and packed full of learnings for us all.
“I look forward to seeing the garden relocated post show in conjunction with the Shaw Trust. An organisation committed to challenging inequality and breaking down barriers to enable social mobility. We also welcome the opportunity to further develop our employee engagement with Rethink Food, and to exploring with them issues around food production and food miles, sustainability and the learning and sharing of knowledge.”
There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang
Friday, 28th October
Chobham Rugby Fireworks, GU24 8LD: Bars, food outlets, hot drinks, candy floss, a sweet shop, glow toys and more are all part of the fun at Chobham Rugby Fireworks. Gates open at 6pm. Before the bonfire is lit at 7pm and then the fireworks take off at 8pm. Tickets must be pre-paid, so make sure you take a copy of your QR code ticket email with you. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. As it’s Halloween weekend there’s also a fancy dress competition with prizes for the scariest outfit. chobhamrugby.co.uk/event/chobham-rugby-fireworks-2022
Saturday, 29th October
Pine Ridge Golf Club, Camberley GU16 9NX: Embrace the theme and dress to impress – whatever your age – at the spooky Halloween themed fireworks night. The spectacular display will last around 18 minutes and be accompanied by music. Bonfire lighting at 6.30pm before the display an hour later and music to dance to all night. Why not make a really big night of it and book a table in the premiere area? Food on the night too. Card payments only. pineridgegolf.co.uk/fireworks
Ripley Bonfire, High Street, Ripley GU23 6BB: There’s a full day of family fun at the Ripley Bonfire which starts at 1pm with Benson’s family fun fair. Brian’s bar opens at 4pm on the green serving the cheapest beer in the village (proceeds to the event and the community). The torchlit procession at 7.10pm, led by the Ripley Bonfire Queen and her attendants and the band, leads to the lighting of the bonfire at 7.30pm with the fireworks soaring into the skies at 8pm. Live music by Sultana carries on into the night. ripleybonfire.co.uk
Ascot Round Table Charity Fireworks Event, Ascot Racecourse: This year viewing of the fabulous fireworks set to music will take place from the Grandstand of Ascot Racecourse from 6.30pm. This will provide the best view of the largest show ever to be held by the organisers. Enjoy a fun fair, food, drinks and licensed bars on the night as well while raising funds for this wonderful organisation. www.ascotfireworks.org.uk
Saturday, 5th November
Guildford Firework Fiesta, Stoke Park GU1 1ER: Fireworks and more will light up Guildford with live music from 6pm from Mumford & Sons tribute act Chasing Mumford as well as local band 21st Century Riot with Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys covers. There’ll be a children’s entertainment area too with a fairground, face painting, glow toys and more, all before the display at 8.30pm. Not forgetting multiple food and drink outlets. Tickets in advance only, www.guildfordlions.com/firework-fiesta
Bramley Bonfire & Fireworks, Bramley Field GU5 0AX: The Bramley Bonfire is always a spectacular event with a torchlit parade, raging bonfire and magical fireworks. Guys will be lining up from 6pm in the library car park, procession at 6.40pm, bonfire lighting at 7.10pm before fireworks around half an hour later.
Chiddingfold Bonfire & Fireworks, Chiddingfold Green GU8 4TX: The historic Chiddingfold bonfire features a procession of 400 torches from St Mary’s School heading to light the bonfire at 7.15pm before the fireworks at 8pm. This fabulous community event also features a grand draw and park and ride shuttle buses to the green. chiddingfoldbonfire.org.uk
Cranleigh Bonfire & Fireworks, Cranleigh Common GU6 8LU: Cranleigh’s annual Bonfire & Fireworks celebrations, which sees thousands of people flock to the village and has been described as one of the best fireworks events in the South of England, started just after the Second World War. Bensons Fun Fair are on hand with rides. Celebrations start around 6pm with the procession along the High Street holding lighted torches. Free.
Farnham Fireworks, Farnham Park GU9 0AU: A torchlit procession led by the Mayor and the Reading Pipers will process through town and up Castle Street to the park. Enjoy a bonfire, food village, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display with the back drop of the castle. farnhamroundtable.org.uk/events/fireworktickets
Woking Fireworks, Woking Park, Kingfield Road, GU22 9BA: Woking’s biggest and best fireworks display is back with a huge bang after a two-year gap with the theme A Night at the Movies. The display will be set to a soundtrack made up of the most memorable theme tunes from some huge movies. Gates open at 5.30pm with a fun fair. The display starts at 7.30pm. Food and drink stalls will be available for all. Further information and tickets at www.wokingfireworks.org
There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang
Friday, 4th November
Four Marks Bonfire and Fireworks, Four Marks C of E primary School, Kitwood Road GU34 5AS: Enjoy a dazzling display, live music, BBQ, bar, refreshments and stalls at this hugely popular event. Tickets sold out last year and are selling fast this year too, adult £8, child £5, under 3 free, family £20. Book yours at fofmpta.co.uk The organisers would like to thank sponsors H W Autos, Hamptons Estate Agents, Coop Four Marks.
Saturday, 5th November
Fleet Lions Firework Fiesta, Calthorpe Park GU51 4AD: Come and enjoy the fabulous fireworks display starting at around 6.30pm. At the Lions marquee you can buy burgers and hotdogs, get fibre optic and LED toys for the kiddies while the grown ups can sample our tasty Lions Glühwein (mulled wine). Fleet Phoenix are serving hot and cold drinks, The Hot Oven Bakers Corner will serve samosas, pasties and sausage rolls and The 29th Odiham Scouts will provide toffee apples, churros sparklers, sweet fountains rocket biscuits and chocolate mines and there’ll be pulled pork from Muncheon Luncheon. Caleb’s coffee and hot drinks will be served at the old Pavilion. www.fleetlions.org.uk/fundraising/fireworkfiesta.html
The Shed, Bordon GU35 0DJ: Remember, remember the 5th of November, because The Shed is hosting its second Community Fireworks Night! This free event will have food and drinks stalls open from 5pm across the Parade Square and Town Park with the big fireworks display starting from 7.30pm. And the night doesn’t end there – visitors can warm up with a drink and a dance to live music at The Tap at The Shed directly afterwards.
Hatch Warren Fireworks Display, Longcross Lane, Basingstoke GU22 4XF: Expect an outstanding display, starting promptly at 7.30pm with lively music, food and drink stalls and a licensed bar, along with light up novelty toys and children’s funfair rides to keep everyone of all ages entertained. www.hatchwarren.org/events-1/fireworks-spectacular-1
