The day went well with a good attendance and a fairly high sign-up level of residents as 'stakeholders' in the overall process: they will be kept up to speed and their views factored in as the plan emerges.

Many thanks to the display groups who did a superb job including the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Odiham Bio-Diversity, Odiham Society, Natural England, National Trust, Hart District Council, Forestry Commission and Open Spaces Society - all pulled together by Steve Lyons, senior ranger.

Now we need to move forward on developing the actual plan for the Common!

The 'Common Purpose' process to agree a management plan for the Common is now moving forward - and this Saturday you have the opportunity to state your views and register as a stakeholder in the process, so you that you will be regularly consulted as things move forward.

In the Cross Barn there will be displays by the Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission, Natural England, Odiham Bio-diversity Group, Odiham Society and Hart District Council.

Do come and see - and have your say!

The draft Village Design Statement will be in the library for you to see and comment on during December.

The aim of the VDS is for people who live here to provide a guide to the features of local building design that they most value. The guidance is designed to help householders, builders, architects, property developers, Hart planning officers and others involved in new building work and alterations to appreciate what makes the parish attractive and special.

The project is co-ordinated by a core group of volunteers from the local community (led by Hugh Sheppard) - so this consultation is very different from recent local council ones because your views are important and will be taken account of.

More details shortly.