Come to Hunts Common, Hartley Wintney, this Saturday for a cultural and relaxing afternoon and sample the best of Hungarian and Polish food and finish with an English cream tea!
Hungarian and Polish music and a live English band.
The event runs from 12 noon until 5 pm. Coming from Camberley as you enter Hartley Wintney with the golf course on your left take the first right taking you back on yourself and then right in to the orchard. From Basingstoke go to the end of Hartley Wintney village and take the half left after the Lamb and then right in to the orchard.

Fish And Chips every Friday from the South Warnborough Village Shop.

Health Walks, lasting up to one hour, are primarily designed for people who should be walking more to maintain or improve their health and wellbeing, but either do not want to go on their own or need the support and encouragement of a regular opportunity.

The aim is to improve fitness in an enjoyable and sociable way and get to know our local environment and local people.

The Odiham Health Walks will meet from 1.30pm on Thursdays at the Bridewell, in the Bury, and will start at 1.45pm, returning by 2.45 for a cup of tea and a chat.

All walks are led by two trained volunteer walks leaders. One leads the walk and the other is the back marker who walks with the slower walkers.

The first inaugural walk will take place on Thursday 10th July at 1.45pm

Watch out for further information.

The national Walking for Health Initiative (WHI) is a joint venture between Natural England and the British Heart Foundation and has been going for 8 years. The main aim is to get sedentary people out walking in their local communities for the benefit of their health and wellbeing.

Last year Health Walks started in Hook and have been very successful. Walkers meet weekly at the Hart Neighbourhood Centre on Mondays at 11am.

This year local trained volunteers are ready to start in Odiham. This is a joint initiative between Hart Neighbourhood Centre and The Bridewell Community Centre. There is a huge network of foot paths around the villages of Odiham and North Warnborough and this is an opportunity to get to know them.

If you would like to become a member of the walk leader team please contact Diane Farr at HNC on 01256 760800. If you would like to find out more about the walks please phone Clare Griffin on 01252 843407 or go to www.whi.org.uk .

Blues & Booze In The Bury, Odiham, Hampshire, Sat 14 June 2008

The second annual Blues & Booze In The Bury in Odiham, Hampshire on Sat 14 June, was a blues festival with a difference. The emphasis was on acoustic blues; a refreshing departure from the big bands. This daytime event has found a winning formula: free entry, good music, real ales from local brewers and family fun which this year, included teddybears parachuting from the church tower. No wonder it draws a good crowd! It also raises money for national and local charities, notably The Neurofibromatosis Association.

The show started at noon with solo Hampshire bluesman, Bob Long, singing and playing acoustic guitars and rack harmonica. He specialises in blues and jugband music from the 1920s and 1930s and oscillates between the deep south of England and the deep south of The USA where he is a frequent visitor, having recently played in the Clarksdale, Mississippi Juke Joint Festival for the fourth time. His set included some well known classics such as Travelin’ Riverside and Milkcow’s Calf and some material which took us off the beaten track such as Tommy Johnson’s Slidin’ Delta and Lonesome Home. I particularly liked his arrangements of R L Burnside’s Miss Maybelle and Washboard Sam’s Diggin’ My Potatoes.

Pete Harris (vocals, guitar, mandolin), also from Hampshire, was joined by Hugh Budden from Dorset (vocals, harmonica) for a very polished performance. Their material was mostly post WW2 and included some classics, notably Jimmy Reed’s Honest I Do which was superb. Hugh Budden contributed soulful lead vocals on Cross Your Heart and Learn To Treat Me Right, combined with some sizzling harmonica. Every one of their songs was a joy. I especially enjoyed their arrangement of Kim Wilson’s Looking For Trouble.

Next was Jim Crawford, originally from Manchester and now resident in Appledore, North Devon. Jim’s guitar finger picking and vocals were both brilliant. His material was varied; it ranged from a beautifully executed Sam Hopkins shuffle to the delightfully gentle and melodic Sugar Cane. His arrangement of It’s All Over Now featured some spectacularly fast and precise finger picking. My favourite was his arrangement of Come On In My Kitchen, played on slide guitar with a haunting, chilling intensity. If Robert Johnson had lived a few more years and got an electric guitar, his performance might have sounded like this…

Ernies Rhythm Section, a band of energetic young men from Manchester, was, unusually for them, a trio having temporarily lost their drummer and keyboard player but pressing on undeterred. It worked well with Rik Warren on harmonica, sounding very much like Rice Miller, Ellis Davis on guitar and Sam Buckley on bass. All three took turns on lead vocals. They produced a lively, unsophisticated set which is their trademark and certainly pleased the crowd at Odiham. It was a particular pleasure to talented young musicians playing this timeless music. I loved their version of Jimmy Reed’s Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby, sung powerfully by Ellis Davis.

Top-of-the-bill, came the Spikedrivers. Their performance was sparkling; full of life and good humour, combined with highly impressive musicianship and a wide range of material which juxtaposed traditional songs with their own writing. The trio comprises Ben Tyzack (guitars), Maurice McElroy (percussion) and Constance Redgrave (bass). All three sing, with the lead vocals shared. Having three singers in the band works well; they produce excellent harmonies. Their set was rich in variety, lively and entertaining. Ghost Train was highly energetic and very bluesy. On Blue Trash, Constance put down her bass guitar and played washboard whilst Maurice played ceramic drum. Candyman featured Maurice on guiro. Shake That Thing was a jaunty number with the band literally dancing as they played. Midnight Mademoiselle and Soul Searching Blues were moody, thought-provoking songs. The festival ended with The Spikedrivers doing an encore with a hard-driving Dust My Broom featuring some creative, bassy slide guitar from Ben. Roll on Blues & Booze In The Bury 2009!

Dottie Pride

HOT STUFF! SUMMER MUSIC PICNIC – ELLINGTON @ WELLINGTON

After the hugely successful first Ellington @ Wellington concert for Macmillan Cancer Support last year, 2008 sees a follow-up with an even more spectacular array of artistes, all keen to help this wonderful cause – on Saturday, July 26th from 5.30 to 10.30 p.m.

Not only that but families are really being catered for this time, with children’s activities and a special children’s ticket price of £5. Adults pay £18 and groups of 8 attract a one-person-free offer.

Gates open at 4.30 p.m. and the venue, Wellington Riding, Heckfield, Hook is easy to find. Parking, a bar, coffee and ice cream stalls, a hog roast, children’s area, everything for a brilliant evening – with a fantastic selection of music for all tastes capped by stunning fireworks.

So who will you hear? The outstanding Laurie Holloway Trio, with all-round singer and entertainer Kenny Lynch and award-winning singer/saxophonist Becki Biggins, top the bill. Laurie is a musical director, friend and associate to the stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Liza Minnelli and Michael Parkinson. Recent TV credits include ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘An Evening without Jeremy Beadle’ and of course ‘Parkinson’.

Then there’s the vibrant Innovations Jazz Orchestra, led by Simon Ward, offering a selection from Latino to jazz to jive. And the fun and versatile Barberettes, a 40-strong ladies’ barbershop chorus, who took part to great acclaim last year, as did Sounds of Steel, the renowned Hampshire youth steel pan band.

The beautiful setting is thanks to His Grace The Duke of Wellington and Wellington Riding. The North Hampshire Fundraising Committee for Macmillan Cancer Support, event organisers, are very grateful to the Wellington estate and to the many other benefactors and suppliers including McCarthy Holden Estate Agents, Fuller’s Brewery and Sunshine Holidays.

One in three of us is affected by cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, medical, emotional and financial support, with 99% of its income coming from voluntary donations. Help us to help them. Warm to the cause on a summer’s evening.

Tickets from McCarthy Holden, tel 01252 842100, Nicola Strong at nstrong@macmillan.org.uk or on-line at http://www.ellingtonatwellington.co.uk.

The OTMG (Odiham Town Manager Group (CiC) aims to “To provide a vibrant and sustainable retail and commercial community for the benefit of the residents and businesses of Odiham alike. This is to be carried out through events and the promotion of the village of Odiham. The group is recognised by both Hart District Council and Hampshire County Council, and the OTMG, with the help of the local community, retailers and business's puts a lot of work, and funding, into organising events such as last weekends, Blues and Booze In The Bury and The Odiham Christmas Extravaganza and many more.

As already mentioned, The OTMG meets these objectives through the organisation of local events such as the weekly street markets, the Christmas Extravaganza, periodic farmers’ markets and food festivals. It also provides support for activities run by others.

Apart from generous support from the Odiham Parish Council to part fund the Annual Extravaganza, it has little external funding. To prosper it must raise its own money.

Everyone can help the OTMG help Odiham by joining the Great Weather Lottery. Application Forms are available from the George Hotel or you can join online and get more information here .

It's fun to play, and you could win up to £10,000!

All you need to do is: complete the membership form, select six single numbers 0—9, and return the completed form to Reception at the George. Each selection of six numbers will cost £1 per week. That is 20p for each daily draw from Monday to Friday in which your selected digits are matched against the last digit of the officially recorded temperature (F) at six locations -

Corfu(3)
Istanbul(4)
Tenerife(0)
Innsbruck(0)
Edinburgh(5)
Stockholm(1)

Using the digits in brackets, as an example, the winning number for that day would be “340051”. Match 3 numbers in sequence and you win £2, match 4 numbers in sequence and you win £20, match 5 numbers in sequence and you win £200 and match 6 numbers in sequence and you win £10,000 and you don't even need to check your numbers as your winnings are sent to you automatically so you can just relax and wait for the cheques to arrive.

Help the OTMG to help Odiham, and remember - It might be you.

Yesterday,17th June, Hampshire Police arrested and charged a local male with indecent assault on Odiham Common. There will be more to follow.

From: The Rt. Hon. James Arbuthnot, M.P.

HOUSE OF COMMONS,LONDON SW1A 0AA

Community Praise for Local Heroes

Yesterday in the House of Commons, James Arbuthnot, Member of Parliament for North East Hampshire, spoke about Saturday’s RAF Odiham Heroes Parade and highlighted the outstanding work of the local Chinooks crews that are returning from Afghanistan.

The home coming parade was the result of 9 months collaboration between the RAF, Odiham Parish Council and the Odiham Town Manager Group. Celebrations started with a Chinook flypast along Odiham High Street, followed by the procession which included a tank, armoured vehicles and marching band. There was a parade in The Bury and festivities continued later into the day with the Blues and Booze music event.

James said:

“The people of Odiham showed a huge degree of appreciation for the wonderful work of the local Chinook crews that are coming back from Afghanistan. They were lining the streets three deep to welcome home members of the armed forces, and I know that everyone involved with RAF Odiham appreciates this fantastic level of community support. But thank you also to Peter Fountain and Odiham for giving us all the opportunity to say thank you.

“I spoke to many people during the day and there was unanimous agreement with the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, Sir Richard Dannatt, who says that we need to have a debate about the priority that we give to our armed forces. The work that those people are doing is second to none and we need events like this to remind us of the outstanding job that they do.”

(end)

17 June 2008

The Rt. Hon. James Arbuthnot, M.P. Speaking at the Houses Of Parliament.

A few memories of the day from Blues And Blues in the Bury 2008 and the RAF Odiham Heroes Parade. You can also find photo's from the day on Bob Longs Website

Or click here to see the Thames Valley News Report on the day.

Hart Neighbourhood Centre, Dickson House, London Road, Hook
Tel: 01256 760800 E-mail: info@hartnc.org

‘Local Solutions to Local Issues from Local People’

Mon – Thurs 10:00am – 4:00pm,

Fri 9:30am – 12:00pm,

1st Saturday of the month: 9:30am – 12:00pm

Hook District Councillor

Saturday 5th July and 2nd August 10am – 12noon.

Hook District Councillors Jonathan Glen, Sean Haffey or Andrew Henderson will be here for you to speak to personally.

Hart Homes

We receive the up to date information on available housing association properties. Please call in and see us on Thursdays or Fridays.

Healthy Walks

Every Monday 11am (excluding Bank Holidays)

Come along and join us for our organised stroll around Hook. A chance to enjoy the outdoors and meet people with a cup of tea and a chat afterwards. Meet at the Centre.

‘Help With English’

Every Wednesday 10am – 12noon (except school holidays).

Do you struggle to fill out forms, apply for jobs or understand letters? Is English your second language? Or do you just need some help. If so come along and we can help.

Hook Creative Art Group
Friday 4th and 18th July and 1st, 15th and 29th August 10am – 12noon

This is not an art class as such but is for people of all abilities to work together and enjoy a social couple of hours with the help of experienced artists if needed. If you are a complete beginner or would like to refresh your skills, please come along and join us. Some art materials provided and the sessions are free.

Housing Advice

Thursday 3rd July and 7th August 3pm – 4pm

Advice provided by Sentinel Housing on all housing needs. For Sentinel and non-Sentinel tenants.

Junction 5 Money Advice

Every Wednesday 1:30 – 3:30pm

Are you spiralling into debt? Need help writing to creditors? Need someone to listen? Come along for free confidential support

Mobile Library Bus

Thursday 3rd, 17th and 31st July and 14th and 28th August 11:45am – 12.30pm

Story time

Every Thursday 11am (except school holidays)
It is never too early to be interested in books, as some of the youngsters attending our story time can testify! Fun stories read aloud by our qualified Librarian followed by a colouring session and a fortnightly visit to the mobile library bus! Parents/carers also get the chance to meet up over a coffee. 50p per family.

Sunshine & Showers

Every Tuesday

Do you get anxious or experience depression? This friendly support group welcomes new members. Please contact Gillian McCorry on 01252 815652 for more details.

Taking Steps
Every Tuesday 10am – 12noon Creche available Support for men and women who have experienced domestic abuse. Very welcoming group and completely confidential.

Healthy walks Odiham launch!

Following the success of the Accredited Hook Healthy Walks scheme we are pleased to announce the launch of our Odiham walk.

It will be starting on Thursday 10th July at 1.45pm from the Bridewell centre (the Bury) and then 1.45pm every Thursday

Get With 2008

What are you doing this summer?

Are you aged between 11 – 16, would you like to spend four weeks of the summer holidays spending time with people your own age, doing activities such as Urban Street dance, Basingstoke Town Football Club, Taekwon-do, DJ workshop and movie making, Archery and Basketball plus many more all for free!
If so than come along to Get With, for more information and a consent form please text your name and address to 0750 050 3868.

28th July – 1 August Darby Green Centre, Yateley
Weekdays 4 – 22nd August The Base Youth Centre, Hook.

Get With is a multi agency project supported by Safer Hart, Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire County Council and local businesses to name only a few, the scheme is run by qualified youth workers. If you have any questions please contact the Get With team on the number below.

Please note the Hart Neighbourhood Centre will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 24th August

Please contact the Centre for more details,
01256 760800 0r E-mail: info@hartnc.org
or visit our website:www.hartnc.org