Thank you to everyone who supported the NFA at 'Blues & Booze in The Bury' and helped us raise £550. What a fantastic day!

We thought you would like to know the results of the Wordsearch. There were 63 'correct' words although many people found more. It was a close competition but the outright winners were Laura Rogers (20 and under)
and Mrs Sue Harrison (21 and over) who win, respectively, a Swirleze voucher and a Berry Bros wine voucher. Congratulations to both.

Garden Birds 1

Colin Ryall’s talk on the 23rd was very well attended and proved to be most interesting. There were some lovely photographs, some from the BTO and some of Colin’s own and Colin answered those tricky questions like ‘Where do all the garden birds go in the autumn?’ (to the countryside where natural food is plentiful) and ‘Should I feed the birds in the summer?’ (yes, it gives the juvenile birds a good start). He also had his own theory as to why waxwings, a winter visitor, often frequent supermarket car parks (they are less shy than other birds who avoid these busy areas). If you would like to contribute to the BTO’s Garden Birdwatch, you can get more details from their website – www.bto.org. Thank you to all who were able to come.

Garden Birds 2

All it takes is a cold spell to bring those birds back into the garden. I have noticed far more numerous blue tits, great tits, goldfinches and chaffinches, but the real surprise was a pair of goldcrest – a first for my garden. They weren’t actually on the bird feeders but were hopping about on the apple tree and seemed totally unaware of my presence just a few feet away. Another surprise was a nuthatch and I haven’t seen one of those in my garden for a few years. It really is rewarding feeding the birds and you can now get bird food locally – the hardware shop in Fountains Mall now has supplies.

If you would like come and watch these birds from my sofa, armed with a cup of coffee and a biscuit, please let me know and I will arrange another session. Obviously, it will have to be a last minute event, dependent on the weather, so let me have your telephone number if you’re not on e-mail.

Winter Bird Walk Sunday 30th November

Peter Hutchins has kindly agreed to lead a walk for us around Butter Wood. We will meet in the car park (please park in the field) of the Fox and Goose at Greywell – which will be open for our custom when we return. We aim to start at 10.30 finishing about 12.30. Please wear warm clothes and suitable footwear. Cost £1.

Palace Gate Pond

Peter Fountain has told me that Hart District Council has agreed to do the work to restore the pond. Perhaps someone who lives close by can keep me updated on this?

Sad Paw-note

It was whilst walking Heidi – a West Highland terrier of mature years I inherited from my mother four years ago – that the idea of the Odiham Biodiversity Group was born. Walking with her led me onto footpaths that I never knew existed and made me really appreciate the countryside around us and notice the plants, birds, butterflies and changing seasons. Sadly, Heidi died this week and I miss her terribly, but really there is nothing like a dog to get you out into the countryside. The only time I have seen a kingfisher on the canal was a really horrible, murky day and I was only there because Heidi wanted to go out for a walk.

Tree Trail Leaflet

Don’t forget, the first Tree Trail leaflet is now available as a pdf attachment. We are also having a few printed, so if you would like one of these for a small donation please let me know. Now that the leaves are dropping – finding the trees will be even more of a challenge!

Surveys and Observations – what’s it all for?

A couple of Saturdays ago I went on a Mapmate course at the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC). Mapmate is software for biological recording and is the preferred method for groups or individuals to submit records and observations to the county/national database. It is these records and more importantly the trends they indicate, that tell us what is going on in the countryside and the health of the environment we live in. The decline of the otter is a classic example – a direct result of pollution in our waterways. Clean up the rivers and the otters come back.

December Newsletter

A Christmas Competition, another Cross Barn talk and another winter walk – details of all of these happenings will be in the December Newsletter due out at the end of November. If you do not subscribe by e-mail nor have a hand delivered newsletter (i.e. you live on my route from Colt Hill to the Coop), they are available in the Library and the Post Office.

OTHER ORGANISATIONS EVENTS

Hampshire Wildlife Trust
Fungus Foray on Hook Common 10.30 am Saturday 1st November. £2. More details – Audrey Moss-Bradnam 01256 780074.

Scrub bashing on Velmead Common

Sunday 16th November. More details – Elliott Fairs 01256 381190.

Make a wreath at Bartley Heath

Sunday 30th November. £2. More details – Rachel 01256 381190.

RSPB

Basingstoke RSPB are visiting Keyhaven Marshes on the 16th November. More details from Peter Hutchins on 01256 770831.

For more information about the Odiham Biodiversity Group please contact Sheila Bates on 01256 701187.

25/26 August 2007

This popular bank holiday weekend event will again be held in the spectacular setting of the Odiham Chalk Pit, thanks to the kind generosity of Ted and Eileen Pither and family. This year will be extra special, on account of the 25th anniversary of the NfA, and definitely one not to be missed!

To celebrate we will reach for the Stars! This year on Saturday, 25th August we will have a whole constellation – thanks to the generosity of The UK’s leading Jazz musicians – all internationally acclaimed performers who we are pleased to welcome back to Odiham for a reunion Birthday Bash. “There’s such a great atmosphere at the Chalk Pit, and the audience is so appreciative of the Jazz that it’s just a really fun gig” was the consensus among them. To make up a band from the country’s finest – each an acclaimed virtuoso frontliner – is something that most events can only dream of. For this our 25th Anniversary – the dream comes true. Come and share it with us.

This year listen to the country's reigning jazz stars plus two phenomenal female vocalists, two living legends and a rising star. World class Trio Dave Newton (Piano) Andy Cleyndert (Bass) and Allan Ganley (Drums) featuring emerging young saxist Richard Shepherd from Hook, with special guest instrumentalists Alan Barnes (Sax), Mark Nightingale (Tromobone),Steve Waterman (Trumpet) & guest star vocalists Miss Lee Gibson, Miss Jacqui Dankworth and Mr Frank Holder (vocals and percussion). Could you beat this line up?! Frank (who discovered Cleo Laine!) was a tremendous hit last year and we can’t wait to see him again!

There are some fabulous raffle prizes including evenings with music, dinner and wine from some of the best Jazz Clubs including Chelsea’s 606 Club and the prodigious Ronnie Scott’s in Soho. The NfA will also be auctioning some ‘must have’ formula one items and a chance to take part in ‘Kestrel Daytime on Kestrel FM. There will also be a separate raffle running on both days for a flight in a hot air balloon generously donated by Peregrine Travel.

This wonderful evening, full of surprises, will conclude with a spectacular firework display. Ticket Price £20.00 (under 5s free). Terrific value for money!

Sunday 26th August will see the Lunchtime Jazz ’n’ Barbecue with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The Phil brown Swingtet, formerly The Basin Street Six, who have been with us since the NfA charity shop opening in 1998 are back by popular demand, together with extra entertainment in the form of The Peter Clancy Band

The Sunday barbecue provided by RAF Odiham will be even more fantastic this year on account of our anniversary AND it’s included in the ticket price! £17.50 (under 11s free). What a bargain! Many thanks to the RAF for providing the barbecue and power and light for the weekend. There will be another raffle on Sunday and a surprise item to be auctioned!

On both days gazebos, chairs and tables are available, bookable in advance or guests many bring their own tables and chairs or rugs if they prefer. Guests may bring their own picnic on Saturday or take the easy option and pre-order direct from Cresson Creative. A reasonably priced bar (don’t miss the real ale!) and tea & coffee will be available on both days.

The NfA local team are looking forward to putting on this special event and Odiham Town Manager, Peter Fountain, who is a terrific support, said “The Odiham Town Manager Group is delighted to be part of the ' Team ' and particularly this year the 25th anniversary. The OTMG bit is but a small part of a much bigger operation and it is a pleasure to work with the same dedicated volunteers year on year to produce a quality event.” We will also be celebrating 10 years of fundraising in the area and five years of Jazz in the Chalk Pit.

Tickets are only available in advance and will sell out quickly so buy yours now!. For details of a special anniversary package please call Margaret Green on 01256 704448. Tickets can be purchased from Katharine Jane or Richard Ward Opticians in Odiham, The Village Gallery in Hook, Pet Kingdom in Hartley Wintney, the Village Shop in South Warnborough or by phoning Margaret.

These events are not formal concerts but excellent occasions to relax with friends, chat, listen to the music and eat your meal at your leisure – all in a stunning setting. Enjoy! We look forward to seeing you there. All proceeds from the Jazz Weekend will go towards supporting those living with Neurofibromatosis (Nf) in Hampshire and surrounding areas.

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS - UPDATE

The local group of the Neurofibromatosis Association is attending the following events in their anniversary year.

Please make a note of the dates and support them if you can – all funds we raise will help those living with Neurofibromatosis in our area.

31 May - Basingstoke Charity Fayre, The Malls, Basingstoke

10 June - Salmon & Strawberries, Winchfield

16 June - Blues & Booze in The Bury, Odiham

25/26 - Aug Odiham Jazz Weekend, Odiham

For more information or to help with our local events, please call 01256 704701 or 01256 702885 or email NfATricia@aol.com.

The Odiham & Greywell Cricket Club is open to Members from Monday to Saturday 4pm to 8pm and Sundays 12pm to 6pm although the club stays open later during the Cricket Season which starts in April.

We can also cater for special occasions such as Birthday Parties, Anniversaries, Engagement Parties etc.

For a Membership or Hire of Pitch/Clubhouse Forms please drop in between these times.