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Events (1970-1999) This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v 1.0.

1970 - DEMOLITION OF THE WHITE HOUSE > Around this time, the White House, a large house standing in a prominent position on a hill top at the end of Impstone Road, was demolished to make way for a new housing development. The White House stood in extensive grounds and the whole area was now to be utilised for housing. I am told that locals were allowed to help themselves to plants etc. from the garden by permission of those undertaking the demolition. The former owners were the two Erskine sisters. SOURCE: Verbal testimonies.

1970 - IMPSTONE ROAD EXTENSION FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT > Around this time, the Impstone Road was extended down the hill to almost meet Burney Bit at the bottom, allowing for a joining of the two roads if it was so desired. The development would see the retention of the old brick wall of the estate that runs along the side of The Glen, as well as the right-hand brick-built gate pillar and 'Tradesmen's Entrance' (small wooden door to the right of the pillar). The development was for the construction and sale of homes to the public. SOURCE: Verbal testimonies.

1972 - CLOSURE OF BARRIE STROUD'S SHOP IN PAMBER HEATH ROAD > Around this time, Barrie Stroud closed his shop at 18 Pamber Heath Road. The last listing of the shop in the British Telephone Directory was in 1972. ITEM 0387 SOURCE: British Telephone Directory, 1972.

1973 - SILCHESTER SCHOOL NO LONGER TO ACCEPT PAMBER HEATH CHILDREN > Due to overcrowding, Silchester School refers all new entrants to Tadley schools except those already having siblings at the school. ITEM 0108 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 13th of April, 1973.

1973 - NEW GOSPEL HALL BUILT IN PAMBER HEATH ROAD > Around this time a new Pamber Heath Gospel Hall was built in Pamber Heath Road on the site of a former broomyard operated by William West. ITEM SOURCE: 'Around Tadley, fact and fable', 1999.

1973 - PAMBER HEATH SCOUT LEADERS TO GO ON MOUNTAINEERING COURSE > To spend a weekend on a mountaineering course in Snowdonia. ITEM 0108 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 13th of April, 1973.

1974 - NEW VILLAGE HALL TO BE ERECTED > Planning permission was granted to the Trustees of the War Memorial Hall for the erection of a new hall on 2.31 acres at Pamber Heath Road. BDC 504 8th of August, 1974. ITEM 0310 SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents.

1975 - OLD PAMBER HEATH GOSPEL HALL DEMOLISHED > Around this time, the old Pamber Heath Gospel Hall in Burney Bit was demolished to make way for a new house on the site. ITEM SOURCE:

1975 - REV. A. R. GRAHAM COMMENCES HIS MINISTRY > Around this time the Rev. A. R. Graham commenced his ministry at St. Luke's Church, Pamber Heath. He was listed as living at St. Luke's Rectory, Church Road, Pamber Heath in the 1975 British Telephone Directory. ITEM 0387 SOURCE: British Telephone Directory, 1975.

1975 - SPRINGFIELD ROAD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY > Around this time, the Springfield Road housing development was underway, involving the demolition of 'The Hatchet', a former public house, known more recently as 'The Old Hatchet' and had become a residence. It stood on the western corner of Springfield Road at its junction with Silchester Road. The register of electors for 1975 revealed that Springfield Road was in existence but only a few homes had been occupied by the time the register was compiled. The area was formerly a large field. ITEM 0325 SOURCE: Register of Electors, 1975.

1975 - JEANETTE'S HAIRDRESSING SALON ESTABLISHED > It is believed that around this time Jeanette's hairdressing salon was established at 2 Pamber Heath Road, next to Oakdene Stores. The first listing in the British Telephone Directory was in 1975. A more precise date is yet to be established. ITEM 0387 SOURCE: Briitish Telephone Directory, 1975.

1975 - OAKDENE STORES CHANGES HANDS > Around this time Mr. N. Romanenko finished the running of Oakdene Stores at 2 Pamber Heath Road. The last listing in the British Telephone Directory was in 1975. A more precise date is yet to be established. ITEM 0387 SOURCE: British Telephone Directory, 1975.

1975 - 'CHAPMAN'S WAY' NAME IN USE > 'Chapman's Way' was the name stated on the 1975 Register of Electors for the small stretch of road that was originally a continuation of Church Road, from the junction where the road turned the corner in the direction of St. Luke's Church. The name presumably came from the Chapman family who operated a small farm at the end of that stretch of road known as 'Cherry Tree Farm'. 'Chapman's Way' would later be changed to 'Valley Way'. ITEM 0325 SOURCE: Register of Electors, 1975 as well as other documents.

1976 - OBITUARY OF LIONEL THOMAS WAKEFORD (1884-1976) > Lionel Thomas Wakeford, a much respected Pamber Heath Resident, sadly passed away in 1976 at the age of 92. He was born on the 21st of August, 1884 in Hythe Kent, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Wakeford. His baptism was on the 12th of October, 1884 at Hythe, Kent, a seaside town. His family moved to Reading and he was educated at the Reading Kendrick School between 1887 and 1895. He attended Reading University College between 1895 and 1897 and qualified in various subjects related to mechanical and electrical engineering. Lionel was apprenticed at the age of 15 to Messrs. T. E. Williams and Sons, the apprenticeship period being between 1897 and 1901. He then became assistant engineer at the Reading Electricity Supply Company (1901-1902). He was charge engineer at the Woking Electricity Supply Company (1902-1904) and then from 1904 worked for Siemens Brothers Dynamo Works Ltd as a construction engineer, becoming chief construction engineer in 1910 and continued until 1915. Lionel then became an engineer and manager of the Jesselton Ice and Power Company, British North Borneo and also consulting engineer to ten rubber companies in British North Borneo. Militarily, he was mobilised for three years with the British North Borneo Volunteer Force. On the 30th of May, 1919 Lionel was elected as an Associate Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. He was also an Associate Member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers.

He married Florence Annie Webster in the church of St. Nicholas at Ibstone, Buckinghamshire on the 4th of December, 1920. Florence was given away by her father and Horace Wakeford (the groom's brother) acted as best man. A reception and lunch was held at the residence of the Rector. Afterwards, the couple left for High Wycombe, en-route to London. A daughter was born about 1924, known as May. There were several business trips abroad by ship. The couple were living at 7 Oak Tree Road Tilehurst, Reading in the 1920s up until about 1938 when they moved to Pamber Heath and lived in a house known as 'Longcroft' in Silchester Road. Lionel was much involved in giving to the community in one way or another, sometimes financially. He was President of the Pamber Heath Cricket Club and President of the Pamber Heath Scouts Group. In recent times, the sheltered housing development known as Wakeford Court in Silchester Road was named after him and it is believed that he donated the land. Wakeford Close, off Clapps Gate Road, was also named after him. Florence died in 1974.

ITEM SOURCE: Institute of Mechanical Engineers publication.

1976 - 'CLAPPED OUT ROAD' > Clapps Gate Road should be renamed 'Clapped Out Road' due to poor state, says Gazette. Hampshire County Council, wanted to adopt road previously but residents refused. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Tadley Gazette, 23rd of November, 1976.

1976 - CLAPPS GATE ROAD POT-HOLED > Kelmscot Builders lend a hand to fill in some pot-holes to improve road. Photograph of puddles of water after rain. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 30th of November, 1976.

1976 - NEW PAMBER PARISH COUNCIL CLERK > Mrs Greta Doble of Impstone Road. 12 people had applied for post. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 10th of December, 1976.

1976 - PAMBER PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY FILLED > Retired businessman, Norman Wood of Bramley, was co-opted. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 14th of December, 1976.

1976 - PAMBER PARISH COUNCIL VICE-CHAIRMAN ELECTED > Councilor Frank Mitchell. ITEM 0006 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 14th of December, 1976.

1976 - NEW MEMORIAL HALL PROJECT IN JEOPARDY > Project in jeopardy for sake of extra £1000 needed. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 14th of December, 1976.

1976 - NEW VILLAGE HALL NEARLY COMPLETE > Expected to be fully operational and paying its own way by end of February, 1977. Extra £1000 needed has been found. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 24th of December, 1976.

1976 - VILLAGE SUPPLIED WITH LITTER HAND-CART > Pamber Heath supplied with hand-cart for litter collection but no one to do the collecting. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 31st of December, 1976.

1976 - IMPSTONE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLANS MEET WITH OBJECTION > Parish Councilors object to widening scheme for Impstone Road. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 31st of December, 1976.

1976 - QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE PLANS > Special meeting called in Pamber Heath on the 10th of January 1977 to discuss celebration plans. Also on Agenda is a talk on the new village hall. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 31st of December, 1976.

1976 - REV. A. R. GRAHAM LEAVES PAMBER HEATH > Around this time the Rev. A. R. Graham left Pamber Heath at the closure of his ministry at St. Luke's Church, Pamber Heath.

1977 - PAMBER HEATH WOMEN'S INSTITUTE FORMED > A branch of the Women's Institute was formed at the Memorial Hall, Pamber Heath for the benefit of women in the village. ITEM 0326 SOURCE: Documents ref. 96M96/81 and 96M96/81/1, Hampshire Record Office.

1977 - 'I DON'T BELIEVE IN SPOON-FEEDING THEM (VOTERS)' > Quote from parish councilor, Mrs Cassie Waterman, in response to public relations idea from Charles Byart about checking draft electoral register to see if anyone had been left off. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 4th of January, 1977.

1977 - ANGRY VILLAGERS OPPOSE IMPSTONE ROAD SCHEME > Plans by Hampshire planners to compulsory purchase a strip of Silchester Common to widen Impstone road met with fears over safety. Villagers and parish councilors joined forces to protest. ITEM 0016 Basingstoke Gazette, 11th of January, 1977.

1977 - 'FAIRY GODMOTHER' SAVES 'WHITE ELEPHANT' > Anonymous benefactor provided a £1000 interest-free loan to allow completion of new village hall. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 18th of January, 1977.

1977 - QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE PLANS > Committee formed of parish councilors and villagers to consider celebrations. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 18th of January, 1977.

1977 - OBJECTION TO LINKING OF IMPSTONE ROAD WITH BURNEY BIT > Parish Councilors fear Hampshire County Council will link Impstone Road to Burney Bit. Objection already lodged with Secretary of State for Transport. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 21st of January, 1977.

1977 - NEW VILLAGE HALL CEILING TO BE INSTALLED > Start to be made on installing ceiling in new village hall this week. Wood floor will follow. Scale of charges being worked out for hire of new hall by management committee. £22,000 total cost of building. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 8th of February, 1977.

1977 - BASINGSTOKE COUNCIL OPPOSES BUS SERVICE CUTS > Plans by Alder Valley bus company to cut services in Pamber Heath area opposed by Basingstoke District Council. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 15th of February, 1977.

1977 - LEASE SIGNED FOR NEW MEMORIAL HALL > Newspaper report. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 4th of March, 1977.

1977 - PELICAN PUBLIC HOUSE IMPROVEMENTS > Plans submitted to Basingstoke District Council to provide internal lavatories, additional storage facilities and improved bar areas. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 11th of March, 1977.

1977 - PAMBER ALLOTMENT AGREEMENT WORKED OUT > Formal agreement worked out between Pamber parish Council and Englefield Estate, costing village £60 a year. Previously, only a 'gentleman's agreement' had existed. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 25th of March, 1977.

1977 - BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION > Pamber decided not to enter the competition this year due to large amount of development in progress, says Charles Byart, parish council chairman. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 25th of March, 1977.

1977 - FOOTBALL PITCH PLANS > Parish Council looking at possibility of providing full-size football pitch but will mean asking for land allocation from neighbours. Silchester has already offered piece of common land near Impstone Road for play space but larger area needed for a football pitch. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 25th of March, 1977.

1977 - SANDY LANE IN A POOR STATE, IMPROVEMENTS PRESSED FOR BY CHARLES BYART > County says it is officially a footpath. Improvements promised. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 29th of March, 1977. FOOTNOTE: The author (Raymond West) visited Sandy Lane on the 19th of February, 2000 and found it still in a terrible state and full of pot-holes - still an unmade road, a gravel track.

1977 - PAMBER PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING > County archivist to attend Monday May 9th meeting in St. Stephen's Hall, Little London, with books and maps to talk about Pamber's history - to help attract large audience. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 29th of March, 1977.

1977 - FOOTBALL PITCH HOPES DASHED > Pamber Heath can only have space for a playground, not a football pitch, say Silchester parish councilors. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 15th of April, 1977.

1977 - JUBILEE CLOSE NAMING > Parish councilors suggested Jubilee Close as name for Berg housing development in Pamber Heath. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 22nd of April, 1977.

1977 - CHARLES BYART ELECTED VICE-CHAIRMAN OF BDC > Charles Byart of Pamber Heath was elected vice-chairman of Basingstoke District Council. He is also a Pamber parish councilor. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 20th of May, 1977.

1977 - QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS > £360 spent on Jubilee mugs even though only £83 in kitty but chairman of organising committee confident that they will not have to ask Pamber Parish Council for funds as fund-raising events are lined up. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 24th of May, 1977.

1977 - PAMBER POUND LAND TO BE SOLD OFF > The site of the ancient parish pound in Pamber Green, measuring just 20 feet by 30 feet and once used for penning stray animals, is to be sold off to neighbours by Pamber Parish Council. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 26th of July, 1977.

1977 - DEMOLITION OF OLD MEMORIAL HALL > Newspaper report with photograph showing demolition in progress. Note: The photo also shows a set of three children's swings outside new hall entrance, just to the right (as you look towards entrance). ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 27th of September, 1977.

1977 - NEW VILLAGE HALL'S FIRST OFFICIAL FUNCTION > 'Next Friday'. Dinner-dance with Mayor of Basingstoke - Mr Frank Welton - present. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 27th of September, 1977.

1977 - OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW MEMORIAL HALL > October, 1977 Dinner-dance with pop group and meal for 230 people. Final cost of project will be in region of £26,000. Volunteers still needed to do landscaping. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette 7th October, 1977.

1977 - CHARLES BYART CAMPAIGNS OVER SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS AND DENTISTS > Pamber Heath residents finding it difficult to register with a doctor or dentist in the area. Representations made to Community Health Council. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 25th of November, 1977.

1978 - PAMBER PRIORY GROUND CONSECRATED > Bishop of Winchester, the Rt. Rev. Dr John Taylor, consecrates ground at Pamber Priory. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 20th of June, 1978.

1978 - ST. LUKE'S CHURCH COTTAGE TOO SMALL FOR CURATES > Three suitable candidates lost due to small size of cottage. Church authorities agreed to purchase new property but will have to sell cottage to offset cost. Cottage had been twice extended but further modification not feasible. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 3rd of October, 1978.

1978 - 'DON'T LET THE OUTSIDERS IN TO OUR VILLAGE' > Quote from Charles Byart talking about lack of homes for village people and urging Basingstoke Council to not let these be taken by people from other areas. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 10th of October, 1978.

1978 - NEW MEMORIAL HALL TO HOST CONFERENCE > New village hall to be venue on the afternoon of Saturday, the 28th of October, 1978, for county's annual Village Hall Conference. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 13th of October, 1978.

1978 - PAMBER MAJORETTES APPEAL FOR HELPERS > An appeal was made for people to help run the Pamber Majorettes as Charles Byart, who had successfully run it with help from Elizabeth Merrick, has too many commitments to continue. The group is based in Pamber Heath and meets at the Memorial Hall. ITEM 0312 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 1st of December, 1978.

1978/1979 - CHURCH COTTAGE TO BE SOLD TO FUND NEW CURATES HOME > Church Cottage, the home of the curates of Pamber Heath for many years since the sale of the Parsonage in Silchester Road, is to be sold and a home at 10 Oakfield Road backing on to St. Luke's Church is to be purchased. Church Cottage was too small for the prospective candidates who were put off by its size. ITEM 0326 SOURCE: Document, Diocese of Winchester Parsonage House Committee, ref. 56M82/B272/7, Hampshire Record Office.

1979 - NEW MEMORIAL HALL A SUCCESS > Not enough nights in the week to satisfy demand for organisations wanting to use new hall. Private functions, such as wedding receptions, have to be booked six months in advance. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 6th of February, 1979.

1979 - REV. N. P. CUMMING COMMENCES HIS MINISTRY > Around this time the Rev. N. P. Cumming commenced his ministry at St. Luke's Church, Pamber Heath. He was living at 30 Church Road, Pamber Heath, according to the British Telephone Directory. ITEM 0387 SOURCE: British Telephone Directory, 1979.

1980 - VANDALS IN PAMBER HEATH > Iron bars were used to prise slats from seats and mud was thrown at people's windows by youngsters. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 18th of January, 1980.

1980 - TENNIS COURTS BUILT BUT WRONG WAY ROUND > Contractor built the new tennis courts (Pamber Heath Road, behind Memorial Hall) on an east-west line but should have been on a north-south line to avoid playing into the sun. Cost of building the courts was £7,750. > ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 18th of January, 1980.

1980 - TENNIS CLUB TO BE CHARGED JUST £100 A YEAR RENT FOR NEW COURTS > Pamber Parish Council decide on £100 a year rent for use of one court by Pamber Heath Tennis Club, despite disagreement over the low charge necessary to not over-burden new club's finances. £50 extra charge decided on to allow club members to use the designated 'public court,' if not in use. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 18th of January, 1980.

1980 - CATTERY REFUSED BY BASINGSTOKE PLANNERS > A plan for a cattery in a rear garden at Pamber Heath Road was turned down. Three objecting letters from neighbours. Pamber Parish Council objected but Tadley Parish Council had no objection if for eight cats only. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 19th of February, 1980.

1980 - TENNIS COURTS TO BE LEFT AS THEY ARE > Pamber Parish Council agreed to instruct contractor to leave the Pamber Heath tennis courts as they are (wrong way round) subject to conditions. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 19th of February, 1980.

1980 - PAMBER HEATH ROAD TO HAVE FOOTPATH BUILT > Builders of a new housing estate on the Tadley-side of Pamber Heath Road are to provide a footpath along the road for safety due to future increase in traffic. Work had already started on the footpath as it was a condition of consent that it is built first. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 14th of March, 1980.

1980 - ICEBOX SHOP IN PAMBER HEATH ROAD > The ICEBOX, a frozen food store at 18A Pamber Heath Road, was in existence in 1980 and may have been opened earlier. I recall the shop was basically a frozen food shop consisting of chest freezers on both sides with a large storage freezer at the back of the shop. The shop was run by Mr. Lo. ITEM 0387 SOURCE: British Telephone Directory, 1980.

1980 - BASINGSTOKE COUNCIL TAKE OVER HAVENLY PLAYING FIELD > Basingstoke Council confirmed its legal responsibility for maintenance of the Havenly playing field (near Ilex Close) at Pamber Heath. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 25th of July, 1980.

1980 - PETITION OVER ROAD LINK UP > The plan to build houses at what is now Spencer Close, was the subject of a 53 signature petition against the proposed link-up of Jubilee Close with Pamber Heath Road. Jubilee Close residents feared increased traffic congestion and danger to children. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 4th of September, 1980.

1980 - PLYMOUTH BRETHREN MEETING ROOM CLOSURE > Due to dwindling attendance, the Plymouth Brethren meeting room was closed around this time. ITEM SOURCE:

1980 - PAMBER HEATH SCOUT DEN MURAL PAINTED > Local artist, Rex Monger, painted a mural, with the theme of Disney's 'Jungle Book', on the wall inside Pamber Heath Cub and Scout Den, with help from former member, 11 year-old Andrew Griffin. Photograph taken. Deputy Mayor, Charles Byart, unveiled it at a ceremony this week. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 28th of September, 1980.

1980 - PAMBER HEATH SCOUT AWARDS > Presentations were made to Mrs Lillian Ford, secretary of the group council for 24 years, Mr David Helyar, Scout leader for 12 years and Mr John Solley, instructor with the local group for past 25 years. Currently: 58 lads in the Cubs and 24 in the Scout group. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 28th of September, 1980.

1980 - PAMBER PARISH COUNCIL ACCEPT LAND OFFER FOR PARK > More than nine acres of land was offered by Englefield Estates for use as a playground, south of Burney Bit next to the allotments. Estimated land rent was £20 per acre, per year. 20 year lease suggested. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 16th of November, 1980.

1981 - VANDALISM THREAT TO TEENAGE DISCOS AT VILLAGE HALL > The discos, which started around 1979, were under threat due to claims of vandalism and insufficient supervision. Around 190 youngsters typically attended the events. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 22nd of February, 1981.

1982 - REV. N. P. CUMMING LEAVES PAMBER HEATH > Around this time the Rev. N. P. Cumming left Pamber Heath at the closure of his ministry at St. Luke's Church, Pamber Heath. He was listed as living at 10 Oakfield Road in the 1980 and 1982 British Telephone Directories. ITEM 0387 SOURCE: British Telephone Directory, 1980, 1982.

1982 - REV. J. R. EVANS COMMENCES HIS MINISTRY > Around this time the Rev. J. R. Evans commenced his ministry at St. Luke's Church, Pamber Heath.

1983 - ICEBOX STORAGE BUILDING REFUSED > A planning application for a storage building to the rear of the Icebox shop was refused in April, 1983 and a further application for the same purpose was again refused in July, 1983. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents, ref. BDB/14422 and BDB/15072.

1984 - OAKDENE STORES TO BE ALTERED AND EXTENDED > A planning application was granted on the 27th of January, 1984, to alter and extend the premises of Oakdene Stores at 2 Pamber Heath Road. The shop would become larger and an extension would be built for a store room. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office Documents, ref. BDB/15956.

1984 - VILLAGE CHARACTER HECTOR BENHAM REMEMBERED > Villagers were sad to hear of the news that Hector Benham, a popular character in the village of Pamber Heath, had passed away. Hector was born on the 28th of August, 1902, the son of William and Lucy Benham of Pamber Heath and had a wife called Louisa. Hector worked as a baker up to the late 1950s at Benham's Grocery and Bakery shop in Silchester Road. Many villagers remember the flour-covered Hector as he came to serve them in the shop, often giving them a little more than their change in the process. Many remarked at his excellent Lardy cake. He enjoyed gardening in his later years on his piece of land in Church Road behind the shop. Hector will long be remembered for his contribution to everyday village life and its history. He will be sadly missed by many. ITEM 0327 SOURCE: Index of Births, Marriages and Deaths and various other documents and verbal testimonies.

1984 - PLYMOUTH BRETHREN MEETING ROOM DEMOLISHED > This year, the Plymouth Brethren Meeting Room was demolished as part of a planning application to extend 'Treacle Cottage' next to it. The meeting closed due to dwindling attendance around 1980. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents.

1984 - REV. J. R. EVANS LEAVES PAMBER HEATH > Around this time the Rev. J. R. Evans left Pamber Heath at the closure of his ministry at St. Luke's Church, Pamber Heath.

1984 - NEW BUNGALOW PLAN NEAR OAKDENE STORES > Planning permission was granted to build a bungalow on a plot of land adjacent to the Oakdene Stores in Pamber Heath Road. The decision was issued on the 21st of December, 1984. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents, ref. BDB/17449.

1985 - REV. DAVID ASHTON COMMENCES HIS MINISTRY > Around this time the Rev. David Ashton commenced his ministry at St. Luke's Church, Pamber Heath.

1985 - DEATH OF STAN JAMES > Arthur Stanley James, known as Stan James, died this year. Stan, a popular character in the village, was born on the 22nd of July, 1898 - the son of John and Drucilla James of Pamber Heath. Stan was a cycle agent by 1925 and married Nellie Grace at Kingsclere in December of that year. Nellie ran a grocery shop in Pamber Heath Road from their bungalow home while Stan operated the forge opposite with diverse services such as cycle sales and repairs, welding, shoeing of horses, a taxi service and even haircutting. Stan and Nellie had four children - Grace, Patricia, John and Isobel. On retirement, the couple moved to a bungalow at 20 Burney Bit, where they spent their final years together. Stan leaves his wife Nellie and four children. ITEM 0327 SOURCE: Index of Births, Marriages and Deaths and various other documents and verbal testimonies.

1986 - ST. LUKE'S CHURCH TO BE IMPROVED > Planning permission was granted to extend St. Luke's Church to provide a meeting room, vestry and toilet. The decision was issued on the 8th of August, 1986. BDB/20688. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents.

1986 - CHILDREN'S PLAYHOUSE AT THE PELICAN INN > Planning permission was granted for the positioning of a children's playhouse at the Pelican Inn public house, 8 Silchester Road, Pamber Heath. The decision was issued on the 19th of November, 1986. BDB/21093. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents.

1987 - WALNUT TREE AXED NEAR CHURCH ROAD > A preservation order for a 200 year-old tree was in the process of being put in place but the developer cut it down saying 'it was getting in the way of his plans, the tree was dying and he had not been handed a preservation order'. Two houses were planned on the site. Residents were in uproar. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 30th of January, 1987.

1987 - PARENTS CAMPAIGN FOR SCHOOL BUS CONTINUATION > Attempts to cut the bus to the Hurst School was thwarted after months of action by parents who lived outside the proposed 'three mile limit'. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 3rd of August, 1987.

1987 - MP 50 YARDS OUTSIDE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARY > MP Andrew Hunter moved into a new house but it was found to be 50 yards outside the constituency boundary into Berkshire (believed to be in Pelican Road). Boundary Commission reviewing boundaries, coincidentally, and that part of Pamber Heath may be moved into Hampshire. Photograph included. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, Monday, October ?, 1987.

1988 - PAMBER HEATH SCOUTS SUCCESS AT 'IN-TENTS' COMPETITION > Pamber Heath Scouts claimed the 'Silchester Axe' for their camping skills at a weekend competition at Church Brook Farm, Baughurst. They will go on to represent the district in a county competition. Photograph included. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 8th of April, 1988.

1988 - EXTENSION TO PELICAN INN PUBLIC HOUSE > Planning permission was granted for an extension to the rear of the Pelican public House in Silchester Road. The decision was issued on the 18th of April, 1988. BDB/23926. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents.

1988 - PAMBER HEATH CARAVAN SITE MAY BE SOLD > Families living at a caravan site (believed to be at Forest Lane, Pamber Heath) fear that the site may be sold to private owners, currently council run. The site is in need of refurbishment and is costly to maintain. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 12th of September, 1988.

1988 - ST. LUKE'S CHURCH REVAMPED > Seating increased by 20, main entrance converted to a tea bar at a cost of £45,000 and work began in April, 1988. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 23rd of September, 1988.

1989 - VILLAGERS BID FAREWELL TO CHARLES BYART > Charles Hilton Byart, who lived in The Glen, Pamber Heath, passed to his rest. Charles was born on the 13th of December, 1901 and came to the village with his wife many years ago to live in a bungalow in The Glen, which, incidentally, was on the site of a previous bungalow/shop that was bombed in September 1940, tragically killing young Miss Rose Long. His home occupied a large plot and he and his wife maintained a lovely garden there. Charles worked at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston and became interested in local government and issues of concern to the local community. He tirelessly campaigned for the benefit of the village on one issue or another - see the newspaper reports on this web site for the 1970s. Charles was elected vice-chairman of Basingstoke District Council in 1977 and was also a Pamber parish councilor. He was deeply involved with the effort to build the new Memorial Hall at Pamber Heath in the mid 1970s and even found time later to support the Pamber Heath Majorettes until other pressures prevented it. Charles became Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane at one point. He is sadly missed by villagers and will always be remembered for his kindness and the support he gave to the people of Pamber Heath. ITEM 0327 SOURCE: Index of Births, Marriages and Deaths and various other documents and verbal testimonies.

1990 - ICE BOX TO HAVE A PITCHED ROOF > Planning permission was granted for the replacement of the flat roof at the Ice Box shop at 18A Pamber Heath Road. A pitched roof was requested. The decision was issued on the 18th of September, 1990. BDB/29440. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents.

1991 - BETHANY RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME CONSTRUCTION STARTED IN PAMBER HEATH ROAD > In the spring of 1991 work was started on clearing the site in Pamber Heath Road where the Bethany residential care home was to be built. SOURCE: Photographic archive, Bethany Residential Care Home.

1991 - CAR PARK IMPROVEMENTS AT THE MEMORIAL HALL > Planning permission was granted to improve the car parking at the Memorial Hall, Pamber Heath Road, and also for landscaping. The decision was issued on the 23rd of October, 1991. BDB/32316. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents.

1992 - DEATH OF FORMER SHOP OWNER NELLIE JAMES > Nellie James, who kept a grocery shop in Pamber Heath Road for many years, died this year. She was the widow of Stan James of Pamber Heath, who kept the forge and ran other businesses from his premises on the other side of the road to Nellie's shop. She was born on the 22nd of September, 1902, in Amport, Andover, the daughter of William and Ann Grace. She married Stan in 1925 at Kingsclere and was running a grocery shop by 1939 at Pamber Heath and continued until the mid 1960s, when she retired with husband Stan to live in a bungalow at 20 Burney Bit, where she spent her final years. Many villagers have fond memories of her little shop and of Nellie and she will long be remembered as a colourful character and an important part of village life in a bygone era. ITEM 0327 SOURCE: Index of Births, Marriages and Deaths and various other documents and verbal testimonies.

1992 - BETHANY CARE HOME COMPLETED > In the summer of 1992 the construction of the Bethany residential care home at 17a Pamber Heath Road was completed. SOURCE: Photographic archive, Bethany Residential Care Home.

1993 - DEMOLITION OF THE FORGE GARAGE AND NEW SHOWROOM PLANS > Planning permission was granted to Des Heylar to demolish the existing building and for the erection of a new showroom and workshops. The decision was issued on the 26th of August, 1992. BDB/33545. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents.

1993 - CLOSURE OF 'THE ICEBOX' > Pamber Heath Road, January, 1994 Shop closed for a while and vacant. ITEM 0076 SOURCE: Photograph by Raymond West with recorded date.

1993 - PAMBER HEATH GARDENING CLUB FORMED > In September, 1993, the Pamber Heath Gardening Club was formed. ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, January, 2011.

1994 - PAMBER HEATH POST OFFICE IS NOW A 'LONDIS STORE' > Pamber Heath Post Office and Stores in Silchester Road was displaying signage indicating that it was now a 'Londis' store, ITEM 0087 SOURCE: Photograph by Raymond West with recorded date, January, 1994

1994 - DEMOLITION OF THE FORGE > It was noted that the old forge in Pamber Heath Road, at Des Heylar's Forge Garage, had been demolished and all that was left was a pile of rubble. ITEM 0081 SOURCE: Photograph by Raymond West with recorded date, January, 1994 .

1994 - BUILDING OF DES HELYAR'S NEW MOTORCYCLE SHOWROOM > Des Helyar's new motorcycle showroom in Pamber Heath Road was noted to be nearing completion. ITEM 0081 SOURCE: Photograph by Raymond West with recorded date, January, 1994.

1994 - BUILDING OF GEORGINA GARDENS > It was noted that the building of Georgina Gardens had started at the Pamber Heath Road/Burney Bit junction. ITEM 0077 SOURCE: Photograph by Raymond West with recorded date, January, 1994.

1994 - TAKEAWAY PLAN FOR FORMER ICEBOX REFUSED > A planning application to turn the former Icebox shop at 18A Pamber Heath Road into a hot food takeaway service was refused. The decision was issued on the 16th of November, 1994. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents, ref. BDB/36771.

1994 - NEW SHOP TO BE OPENED AT PAMBER HEATH ROAD > In December, 1994, the shop which was formerly the ICEBOX, a frozen food store at 18A Pamber Heath Road, was being fitted out as a convenience store, selling food, household items, newspapers/magazines, alcohol etc. The Post Office was also due to be moved there in January, 1995. ITEM SOURCE:

1994 - PAMBER HEATH POST OFFICE TO BE MOVED > The Post Office, which had been at the Silchester Road shop, was closed in December, 1994 and moved to Pamber Heath Stores in Pamber Heath Road to re-open there in January, 1995. The Post Office had been at the Silchester Road premises since February, 1911. ITEM SOURCE: 'Around Tadley, fact and fable', 1999.

1994 - PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT AT 20-22 PAMBER HEATH ROAD > Planning permission was granted for 6 new detached dwellings with gargages, involving the demolition of the existing house at 20 Pamber Heath Road. The development is to be built on land to the rear of 20 Pamber Heath Road and the whole of 22 Pamber Heath Road, involving the demolition of the existing house, with an access road. The decision was issued on the 4th of January, 1995. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office documents, ref. BDB/36993.

1995 - PAMBER HEATH POST OFFICE RE-OPENS AT PAMBER HEATH ROAD > On the 3rd of January, 1995, the Post Office, which had been moved from the Silchester Road premises was opened for business at the new Pamber Heath Stores in Pamber Heath Road. ITEM SOURCE: 'Around Tadley - fact and fable', 1999.

1995 - PUBLIC PAYPHONE TO BE REPOSITIONED NEAR PELICAN > No objection was made to a planning application to reposition the public payphone to a location near to the Pelican Inn public house. The payphone was currently sited opposite Pamber Heath Stores in Silchester Road. A decision was issued on the 15th of June, 1995. ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Planning Office Documents, ref. BDB/37967.

1995 - BURNEY BIT RESIDENTS WIN BONFIRE BATTLE WITH THE COUNCIL > Bonfire night was coming again and residents of part of Burney Bit decided to build a large bonfire in the lower recreation field. On the evening of November the 5th the bonfire was about to be lit when three tractors, each towing a trailer, arrived in Burney Bit near the bonfire. The drivers said that they had come with orders from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to dismantle the bonfire and take it away. They had come all the way from Basingstoke and it seemed that someone had tipped off the council, obviously objecting to the bonfire for some reason. The drivers were reluctant to carry out their orders as the bonfire was well away from houses and posed no real danger. One resident said that the bonfire could not be taken away if it was alight and before you knew it the bonfire was lit and the council's men retreated. They were not unduly bothered as they had been obviously reluctant to spoil the enjoyment of the adults and children gathered for the bonfire but what a fiasco and what a cost to the council! ITEM SOURCE: Diary entry, 5th of November, 1995, of a resident (name withheld).

1996 - DEMOLITION OF HOUSE ON PLOT OF STROUD CLOSE > (Date to be confirmed) ITEM 0098 SOURCE: Raymond West's eyewitness documentation.

1996 - BUILDING OF STROUD CLOSE > (Date to be confirmed) ITEM 0098 SOURCE: Raymond West's eyewitness documentation.

1997 - FUND-RAISING FOR CANCER PATIENTS > More than 40 dogs and their owners, members of Pamber and District Dog Training Club, raised £1,558 to benefit cancer patients, during a two-mile walk. Club based at Pamber Heath. Photograph included. ITEM 0016 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette Extra, 11th of June, 1997.

1999 - OAKDENE NEWSTORE CEASES TRADING > Mr. Sahota of Oakdene Newstore at 2 Pamber Heath Road ceased trading in August this year. ITEM SOURCE: 'Around Tadley, fact and fable', 1999.

1999 - CLOSURE OF PAMBER HEATH WOMEN'S INSTITUTE > The Pamber Heath branch of the Women's Institute was closed in March, due to lack of support, after many successful years since its formation in 1977. In the early days the membership was 50 or 60 but in recent times the support had fallen to the point where it was not considered viable to continue. Many local women had benefited from the branch, which offered friendship and the sharing of interests. Some took advantage of learning various skills at the Institute's Denman College in Oxford. SOURCE: Verbal, from a former member of the branch who had documentation to refer to. Documentation for the period 1976 - 1990 is to be found at Hampshire Record Office - ITEM 0326 SOURCE: Documents ref. 96M96/81 and 96M96/81/1, Hampshire Record Office.

1999 - DEMOLITION OF 'OAKDENE NEWSTORE' > Demolition was seen to be taking place this year of the former premises of the 'Oakdene Newstore' at 2 Pamber Heath Road. TEM 0098 SOURCE: Raymond West's eyewitness documentation.

1999 - LIGHTING OF MILLENNIUM BEACON IN PAMBER PARK BY MAYOR OF BASINGSTOKE > Pamber Park, 31st December, 1999 about 4pm by Mayor of Basingstoke after short speech. Estimated three hundred people present, including Raymond West. ITEM 0098 SOURCE: Raymond West's eyewitness documentation.

1999 - BUILDING OF HOUSE ON SITE OF 'OAKDENE NEWSTORE' > A new house was seen being built at 2 Pamber Heath Road, on the former site of the 'Oakdene Newstore'. This was the result of a successful planning application. ITEM 0098 SOURCE: Raymond West's eyewitness documentation.

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