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Events (2010-2015) This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v 1.0.

2010, March - BURNEY BIT RAF VETERAN RAISES FUNDS FOR HELP THE HEROES > 'A Royal Air Force veteran has raised £1,335 for injured servicemen and women. Archie Pike, of Burney Bit, Pamber Heath, raised funds for Help the Heroes with a dance at the Ambassador Club in Hangar Road, Tadley, as well as collections and raffles. Mr. Pike, 78, who served as RAF ground crew, thanked Tadley businesses that supported him, the club for waiving hire fees and the club trustee Colin Belcher for his help . He said "I wanted to give something back".' ITEM 0372 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 23rd of March, 2009.

2010, May - FOND FAREWELL TO FRED JAMES WHO HAS DIED AT THE AGE OF 68 > ' Hundreds of people turned out in Tadley to pay their respects to a "typical countryman". Fred James, 68, from Pamber Heath, died on May 4 from heart failure. His funeral at St. Paul's Church in Tadley was so well attended that mourners had to stand outside. Mr. James was known as "Fred the log" because of his logging business in Pamber Heath, a job he had done all his working life.' ITEM 0372 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 20th of May, 2010.

2010, September - PAMBER HEATH FETE CELEBRATES THE MARROW > 'This year for the Pamber Heath Memorial Hall fete and Gardening Club produce show, residents were encouraged to celebrate the marrow by knitting, growing or even writing a poem about the large vegetable. As well as marrow-themed events, the fete in Pamber Heath Road had family activities including tug-of-war - won by the children - stalls, snail racing, vintage cars and other side shows.' ITEM 0372 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 9th of September, 2010.

2010, September - POST OFFICE HAS NEW OWNER AND SET TO RELOCATE > 'Jay Patel of Pamber Heath Stores in Silchester Road has purchased the Pamber Heath Post Office and Stores in Pamber Heath Road. He told me that he plans to relocate the Post Office facility to his store in Silchester Road (its original home). Regarding the future of the shop in Pamber Heath Road, Jay said that he had received several offers for it and was considering them. At this time, the newspapers and magazines are no longer being sold at the Pamber Heath Road shop and a lot of the stock has been taken out. Subject to Post Office approval, the Post Office should be back in its original location at the Silchester Road premises in a few months time.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, September, 2010

2010, December - POST OFFICE CLOSURE DATE ANNOUNCED > 'The Pamber Heath Post Office will close on December the 16th and re-open at the new site at Pamber Heath Stores in Silchester Road just before Christmas. The shop in Pamber Heath Road is expected to be fitted out and open as a hair and beauty salon, providing all necessary financing is in place. It will be some time before the new store will open, expected to be some time in the new year.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, December, 2010.

2011, January - PAMBER HEATH GARDENING CLUB TO CLOSE > 'On the 18th of January a special meeting of the Pamber Heath Gardening Club was called and it was agreed that, due to a lack of volunteers to run the activities, sadly the club would be wound up. The meeting was well attended and special thanks were given to Richard and Jane Brown for their efforts in keeping the club running since its inception in September, 1993. There would be one final outing to the Buckingham Palace Gardens on the 15th of May and then any remaining funds would be donated to the local charity 'Thrive'. Sadly, like the Pamber Heath branch of the Womens' Institute, many years ago, yet another village club has been forced to close due to lack of support.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, January, 2011.

2011, February - JUMBLE SALE WITH A JOKER'S TWIST > 'A jumble sale was held in aid of hall funds on the 15th of February at the Pamber Heath Memorial Hall and despite attendance and contributions being lower than 12 months previously, a profit of £255 was made plus a further £56 from E-bay sales. Earlier, someone had decided to have a joke at the organisers' expense by placing a chain across the car park entrance preventing cars from entering, causing a back up of cars in Pamber Heath Road outside as people arrived to set up for the sale. It was found that the chain was not actually padlocked as first thought but the Memorial Hall Committee was not amused!' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, February, 2011.

2011, March - DES HELYAR DIES AT THE AGE OF 71 > 'The sad news to the many who knew him is that Des Helyar has sadly died at the age of 71. Many will know the name of Des Helyar Motorcycles, the business based in Pamber Heath Road, which he had built up over several decades. Des died suddenly at home on the 31st of March - a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. He was a popular character in Pamber Heath with a kind and friendly nature and will be sadly missed by his family and friends. The funeral service took place at St. Paul's Church, Tadley on the 11th of April at 2.30pm.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, April, 2011.

2011, April - NEW HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON OPENS > 'A new hair and beauty salon opened on April the 1st, 2011 in Pamber Heath Road at the former premises of the Pamber Heath Post Office and Stores. The new shop is trading as 'Radiance Hair and Beauty Salon' and has a website at http://www.radiance-hairandbeauty.co.uk/ They offer a full range of hair and beauty treatments from hair styling and technical services, to facials, massaging and waxing. They also retail and use a range of quality hair and beauty products. No doubt many villagers will find the new shop an excellent and convenient addition to the village.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, April, 2011.

2011, April - LIGHTING OF THE BEACON FOR ROYAL WEDDING CELEBRATION > 'A large number of people gathered in Pamber Park on the 29th of April for the lighting of the beacon at 8pm to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, which had been held in London earlier in the day. Refreshments were provided for those present. The beacon was lit at 8pm and took a little while to produce a good fire. The weather was not particularly warm but at least it was dry.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, April, 2011.

2011, June - STUART MELROSE'S DESIGN SUCCESS > 'Paralysed after a diving accident, Stuart Melrose was determined to make something of his life. And now, nearly ten years later, the inspirational north Hampshire designer is celebrated around the world for his work. His achievement is being marked with his first solo show - at the Willis Museum in Basingstoke...he set up as a freelance designer specialising in furniture, creating pieces for a show at the end of 2007...He has since featured in lists of top new designers and appeared in publications all over the world.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 2nd of June, 2011.

2011, June - SCOUT LEADER GEOFF JUDGES RETIRES AFTER 47 YEARS > 'A scouting stalwart has finally retired after an incredible 47 years of frontline service to local scouting. Geoff Judges, Cub Scout Leader in Pamber Heath Scout Group, retired officially at the Group's Annual General Meeting. Andy Baird, District Commissioner of Silchester District Scout Council said: "Geoff has been an invaluable part of the Pamber Heath Group. It's almost impossible to estimate how many thousands of young people have benefited from Geoff's dedication to providing adventure to young people over the years." ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 30th of June, 2011.

2011 - July - FAREWELL VETERAN RESIDENTS > 'Recently, we have bid farewell to three veteran villagers, who had lived in Burney Bit for a considerable number of years between them, two well before the time that electricity arrived in Pamber Heath in the late 1940s.

Jack Stroud

Jack had lived in the village since around 1922 when, as a boy,  he moved to Burney Bit with his family. Except for a short while living in Basingstoke after his marriage in 1949 to Barbara, he had been living in Pamber Heath ever since. Jack was a painter and decorator most of his life except in the final years before retirement when he was the caretaker at the Holmwood Health Centre in Tadley. Age has caught up with him and now he is enjoying being looked after in a residential care home but I am sure he remembers his time in Burney Bit fondly. Jack has one daughter and three sons.

Betty Jones

Betty moved to Burney Bit around 1969, following the death of her husband and was probably one of the first tenants to move into one of the new homes built as part of the Burney Bit extension in 1969. She worked as an occupational therapist at the old Park Prewett Mental Hospital for many years. She has also moved into a care home and says that she loves it there. Betty has three daughters.

Pearl Chapman

Pearl Chapman (formerly Monger) had lived in Burney Bit for a very long time. Her mother also lived in Burney Bit in the early 1900s. She married Cyril Chapman and had two children. Pearl had an excellent memory as she could name almost everyone on old school  photographs I showed her. Pearl is now in a care home and will be long remembered for her kind and friendly nature.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, July, 2011.

2011 - July - FETE IS A WASHOUT BUT FUNDS RAISED > 'The summer fete held at Pamber Heath Memorial Hall on Saturday the 16th of July was at the mercy of the weather but, despite the poor attendance, the funds raised for hall funds amounted to £470. The arts and craft competition was well supported, the 'Build a Robot' competition for the under 13s proving a great success. Dennis and Mikki, the magical entertainers, were popular as was the Tadley Concert Brass. This was the first year that the event was scheduled earlier in the year, due to there being no produce show because of the closure of the Pamber Heath Gardening Club.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, July, 2011.

2011 - July - FLAG POLE FOR PAMBER HEATH MEMORIAL HALL > 'At the June meeting of the Pamber Parish Council, it was agreed to purchase a flag pole for erection at the Pamber Heath Memorial Hall. The cost was said to be £205 and the pole would be purchased from the Hampshire Flag Company. The cost of the flags would be additional. No mention was made of an expected installation date and I have not noticed the new pole on passing by the hall recently'. ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, July, 2011.

2011 - July - PAMBER HEATH HISTORY BOOK > 'The Pamber Heath History book is still selling even after nearly 10 years since first publication in October, 2001! The book had several reprints and well over 1100 copies have been sold to date.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, July, 2011.

2011 - August - NEW GRAVEL TRACK AT PAMBER FOREST > 'I noticed on the 5th of August that a new gravel track was being laid at the entrance to Pamber Forest by Pamber Park. The workers were laying what was presumably a weed protection layer from a roll and laying gravel on top. The new track seems to go down on into the forest. The track was previously unmade and often muddy and full of ruts where maintenance vehicles had been down into the forest. This will no doubt be an improvement for vehicles and walkers alike.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, August, 2011.

2011 - August  - ALLOTMENTS ARE THRIVING AGAIN > 'There had been a decline in allotment rental over the years but this year has seen a renewed interest and in May there was a waiting list for gardeners wishing to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Some have placed sheds on their allotments and with the availability of a water tap, watering is easier - in the mid 1980s, when I had an allotment, everyone had to go down to the stream to collect water and it was tedious and hard work. Some have erected high fences - probably to keep out the deer who like to eat the plants.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, August, 2011.

2011 - August - TORRENTIAL RAIN IN PAMBER HEATH > 'On Thursday the 18th of August, there was a torrential rain storm in Pamber Heath, lasting all morning and only easing off in the afternoon. There was so much water that gutters on homes could not cope and take away the water quick enough and some flooding occurred at the bottom of the field where the playground is near Burney Bit. It must be years since we had so much rain in a short time.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, August, 2011.

2011 - August - SOLAR PANELS APPEARING ON MANY HOMES > 'Earlier in the year, the Sentinel Housing Association, which manages the rented housing stock in the Burney Bit area, finalised a plan to fit solar energy panels to suitable homes. In the last month or so, many have been fitted in the Burney Bit area and no doubt some privately owned homes in the village will be having solar panels fitted to save energy costs. As surplus energy is fed back to the grid, many will actually receive money for the electricity generated and this is surely prompting people to consider installing the equipment.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, August, 2011.

2011 - August - ROAD RESURFACING CAUSES DISRUPTION > 'Silchester Road was resurfaced around the 15th of August, and caused some disruption. The Pamber Heath Stores was found to be closed when a customer went along and businesses in Silchester Road, near where the Sunday market is held, found it difficult to get people and vehicles in and out.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, August, 2011.

2011, August - TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE CAUSES RESIDENTS' ANGER > 'Drivers saw red when "road closed " signs meant they could not get to their homes in Pamber Heath. The signs were put up at the entrance to Impstone Road...as a stretch of the adjoining Silchester Road was resurfaced between Monday and Thursday last week...There was a letter sent out to residents before work started...Jerry Crease, of contractor Forest, said...they were doing their best to reassure people and let them through if necessary.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 25th of August, 2011.

2011 - August - HAIRDRESSING SALON REMAINS CLOSED > 'The original hairdressing salon in Pamber Heath Road remains closed and I have not heard news yet of its future or reason for closure. Many will remember when it was named 'Jeanette's Hairdressers', many years ago.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, August, 2011.

2011 - August - ACCESS TO HOMES BLOCKED BY TREE > 'The access to homes from Pamber Heath Road via the track to the south of the main Burney Bit road has been prevented by means of a large tree trunk placed there. The reason is not known as yet.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, August, 2011.

2011, September - BETHANY RESIDENTIAL HOME TO BE EXTENDED > 'Work started during the week commencing Monday the 19th of September to extend the Bethany Residential Home in Pamber Heath Road. Piles were being driven into the ground for the foundation. The extension will create a new room on the lower floor and one above. The new room downstairs will provide a facility for those residents who have dementia and will be complete with a small open-plan kitchen. The upper floor is to be used as a staff training and meeting room but no doubt it could also be used for other purposes. The work is expected to last for several months.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, September, 2011.

2011, September - FORMER HAIRDRESSING SALON CLEARED OUT > 'It was noticed that during the week commencing Monday the 19th of September, the former hairdressing salon, known as 'The Hair Shack' in Pamber Heath Road, was being cleared out, presumably for a new use of the premises but I have no information at present as to its future.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News.

2011, October - REFURBISHED WINDOWS AT ST. LUKE'S CHURCH > 'Two years ago, St. Luke's Church, in Church Road, appealed to the village to raise £15,000 after its 11 windows were found to be bowed during an inspection. Remarkably, the money took just 10 months to raise through village events and donations. The church has now held an open day for people to have a look at the windows, which were repaired by a specialist firm.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 13th of October, 2011.

2011, October - PAMBER HEATH RESIDENT ENJOYS THE TADLEY BEAD FAIR > The Tadley Bead Fair was held at Tadley Community Centre, in Newchurch Road, bringing regional suppliers to the town for the first time. Thousands of beads were available to buy, along with gemstones, crystals, books and more...Among the visitors was Linda Hutchinson, from Pamber Heath, who said "Credit has to go to Anne (Gray) for the hard work she has put in." ' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 20th of October, 2011.

2011, November - SCOUT DISTRICT COMMISSIONER LEAVES FOR LIFE ABROAD > Andy Baird, who has held the role of district commissioner for the last four years, has been in charge of six scout groups, including Baughurst, Bramley, Kingsclere and Pamber Heath...The 44 year-old, who lives in Baughurst, said "There have been many, many happy memories but my abiding memory will be seeing so many young people doing many great things"...Andy, who has taken a role at the new Qatar airport that will open next year, said his family, who will continue to live locally, will "keep up the good work". ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 10th of November, 2011.

2011, November - BITS AND BOBS IS NEW VENTURE AT FORMER HAIRDRESSERS > 'A new business selling second hand furniture and other items is being run at the former hairdressing salon in Pamber Heath Road. A sign on the building read 'Bits and Bobs'. There seemed to be no customers about when I passed recently and I have not seen any advertising. Hopefully, in time the business will be a success.' Pamber Heath Village News, November, 2011.

2012, January - PAMBER HEATH SCOUT GROUP RECEIVES A DONATION FROM A.W.E. > 'A struggling scout group has been given a boost by AWE Community Committee with a grant of £300. Pamber Heath Scout Group, based in Pelican Road, Pamber Heath, has been trying to raise funds for urgent repairs to its buildings for more than a year. But it has finally hit its target of £2200, which will allow it to complete work including safety and security upgrades to the Scout den.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 26th of January, 2012.

2012, February - PAMBER HEATH MAN HEADS TO SAHARA FOR MARATHON RACE > 'A fire safety engineer from Pamber Heath is heading into the furnace of the Sahara desert for an infamous footrace. In April, Jason Burke will push himself to the limit by attempting to run 150 miles in the Marathon Des Sables - billed as the toughest race on earth with temperatures of more than 50 degrees...Jason is raising money in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 2nd of February, 2012.

2012, March - GYPSY FAMILY'S BID TO STAY ON LAND IN SANDY LANE > 'A gypsy family who own a plot of land in Pamber Heath have applied to the borough council for a certificate of lawfulness which will allow them to continue to live on the land. Owner Christopher Tombs was served with a planning contravention notice in January...The planning application is still in a consultation period and a decision is expected to be made by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council by April 26.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 29th of march, 2012.

2012, May - BETHANY RESIDENTIAL HOME EXTENSION COMPLETED > 'The extension at Bethany Residential Home in Pamber Heath Road was almost completed during May with the last finishing touches taking place. The new room downstairs will be furnished to provide suitable surroundings for those residents who have dementia and be known as the Emaus Room. The upstairs room will be provided with tables and chairs etc. for staff meetings and training to take place. The new facilities are welcomed by staff and residents and will enhance the home in its care for the elderly'. ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, September, 2011.

2012, September - DRIVER FINED FOR DRIVING OFFENCE > 'A resident of Burney Bit, Pamber Heath, has been fined £55 by North Hampshire Magistrates. the 56 year-old, who denied the charge, was found guilty of driving a car on Hangar Road without due care and attention. The offence took place of April 5 this year. He was ordered to pay £15 victim surcharge and his licence was endorsed with three points.' (personal details omitted to protect his identity). ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 6th of September, 2012.

2012, October - 105TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED BY FIVE GENERATIONS > 'Five generations of the same family visited a Pamber Heath care home for a very special birthday celebration. Florence Brice celebrated her 105th birthday on Friday, October 5. Surrounded by dozens of custom made cards, Miss Brice said she was "bewildered" by all the fuss being made over her. Miss Brice never married, or had any children...1996 when she took up residence in Bethany Residential home in Pamber Heath...She has eight great-great-great nephews and nieces, many of whom came for a celebratory afternoon tea party at the care home on Saturday.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 11th of October, 2012.

2012, October - SEWAGE PROBLEM CAUSES DISTRESS IN VALLEY WAY > 'Pamber Heath residents were left fuming after three manholes burst, covering gardens in foul-smelling sewage. The flood of filth erupted around midnight on Saturday, October 6 and affected seven homes in Valley Way. The manholes overflowed because of a blockage in sewage pipe owned by Thames Water.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 18th of October, 2012.

2012, November - 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED WITH A SIGNPOST > 'An altruistic 100 year-old chose to forgo gifts on her milestone birthday - instead asking for donations towards a new sign directing visitors at the residential home where she lives...Freda Pearmine...celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday...Wakeford Court, in Silchester Road, Pamber Heath...Freda officially unveiled the sign on her big day.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 8th of November, 2012.

2012, December - TEENAGER TRAGICALLY DIES FROM CAR COLLISION IN SILCHESTER ROAD > 'Tributes have been paid to Sam Belcher, a 15-year-old who was tragically killed on Friday December 21. Sam, who is thought to have attended The Hurst Community College, was fatally injured just days before Christmas when he was hit by a black Ford KA at 2.30am on Silchester Road, Pamber Heath. The Tadley teenager died at the scene following the collision with the car, which was driven by an 18-year-old Tadley woman. Social networking site Twitter has been flooded with tributes to the schoolboy, with many of his friends and neighbours paying tribute to the "amazing boy". ' ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 26th of December, 2014.

2013, January - FUNERAL TO BE HELD FOR SAM BELCHER > 'The funeral of a teenager who died in a road accident will be held tomorrow. Sam Belcher, 15, was fatally injured when he was involved in a collision with a black Ford Ka in Silchester Road, Pamber Heath, at 2.30am on Friday, December 21. Sam, of Bowmonts Road, Tadley, died at the scene. His funeral will take place at West Berkshire Crematorium in Thatcham tomorrow at 12.45pm.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 10th of January, 2013.

2013, March - DATE SET FOR INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF SAM BELCHER > 'A date has been set for the inquest  into the death of a 15 year-old in Pamber Heath. Sam Belcher, of Bowmont's Road, Tadley....The inquest will be in the magistrates' court in Alton on April 17 and is set to start at 11.15am.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 28th of March, 2013.

2013, April - INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF SAM BELCHER > 'A teenage driver wept as she told an inquest how a schoolboy threw himself in front of her car...Sam Belcher...had been seeing mental health professionals, but had ended the sessions by mutual consent...Shannon McGarrigle sobbed as she told how she had tried to avoid Sam when he jumped...as she drove home along Silchester Road...had spotted the schoolboy running along the side of the road when he turned and dashed in front of her...Recording a verdict of suicide, North East Hampshire coroner Andrew Bradley raised concerns (about his mental health care).' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 18th of April, 2013.

2013, July - GARAGE BLOCK BADLY DAMAGED BY RUNAWAY CAR > 'On the 30th of July, 2013 a car which had been parked opposite the garage block in Burney Bit, began to roll backwards and hit the brick pillar between garage numbers 10 and 11. The force was such that the pillar was shifted sideways off its foundation moving the door post next to it and buckling the door of garage 11. It is believed that a hand brake failed on the car, which was so badly damaged that it is expected to be an insurance write-off. The housing association were informed and soon erected safety barriers in front of the damaged garages. The garage block is sited next to the children's playground in Burney Bit. Fortunately, no one was injured. Some had difficulty in opening their garages to remove their vehicles but no other vehicles were damaged. The damage to the block is to be assessed fully and may mean a partial rebuilding.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, October, 2013.

2013, October - GARAGE BLOCK REPAIRS COMPLETED > 'On the 16th of October, 2013 work to repair the damaged garage block in Burney Bit, Pamber Heath was completed. About half of the partition wall between garage numbers 10 and 11 was completely rebuilt, the pillar between the two garages was completely rebuilt and new door posts fitted as necessary. The garage doors of numbers 10 and 11 were replaced. The work took several days to complete and was finished to a high standard by a single contractor.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, October 2013.

2013, October - ART EXHIBITION AND SALE TO BE HELD IN PAMBER HEATH > 'An art exhibition and sale will be held at Pamber Heath Memorial Hall at the start of next month. The exhibition, by group the Kennet Valley Artists, will consist of work in a variety of mediums and will include ceramics, cards and miniature paintings. The exhibition will be open from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, November 2, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, November 3.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 24th of October, 2013.

2014, January - POST OFFICE TO OPEN LONGER HOURS AND STORE TO BE REFURBISHED > 'Pamber Heath Post Office is set to increase its opening hours by double and undergo a dramatic refurbishment.  The Post Office, in Silchester Road, will offer services from a till at the retail counter between 5am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday and from 5am until 1pm on Sunday...The Post Office will close for refurbishment at 12.30pm on Saturday, February 8 and the new-look Post Office will open at 1pm on Monday, February 17.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 9th of January, 2014.

2014, March - REFURBISHED POST OFFICE IS AN IMPROVEMENT > 'The newly refurbished Post Office in Silchester Road at Pamber Heath is a welcome improvement for customers with more space at the front of the store and no more winding your way down to the back of the store to get to the Post Office counter. The new Post Office counter is next to the shop till at the front of the shop. The shop itself has some improvements with new shelving and cabinets as well as new flooring. A major improvement is the fact that the Post Office counter will now be open for much longer than before. The project was a joint venture between Jay Patel, the store owner and the Post Office.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, April, 2014.

2014, March - BOWMAN'S BROOMYARD DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY > 'Work is underway on the site of the former Bowman's broomyard in Sandy Lane. The old cottage has been demolished and the site cleared with groundwork being done prior to building new homes on the land. Alfred Bowman, who once lived in the old cottage on the site was a besom broom maker and operated his broomyard there in the early 1900s. In recent days the site is believed to have been used as a scrap yard.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, April, 2014.

2014, March - 'BITS AND BOBS' SHOP CLOSED > 'I noticed that in March, the shop in Pamber Heath Road that was being used as a second-hand store was closed and the property was empty again and not in a good state of repair. It seems the 'Bits and Bobs' business did not last long at all and may well have closed a long time ago as I had not been keeping an eye on it when passing by from time-to-time in the last couple of years.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, April, 2014.

2014, April - DEATH OF MARGARET LANE > 'The sad news has reached me that former Pamber Heath resident Margaret Lane has died at the age of 84. She was born in 1930, the daughter of Gideon and Bessie West of Pamber Heath. She was born into a family with a history of brass band success. Her father Gideon was a bandmaster of Tadley Band and Margaret was its first female member in 1942. She married carpenter Ken Lane in 1952 and the couple lived at 19 Burney Bit, Pamber Heath for many years before moving nearby into a bungalow off Pamber Heath Road. Some years ago the couple moved to live with one of their daughters up north and their last address was at Nuneaton, Warwickshire. I remember her friendly, humorous nature and she spoke with a lovely country accent. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. She leaves husband Ken and daughters Jane and Wendy as well as grandchildren.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, April, 2014.

2014, May - VALUATION DAY NETS £300 FOR HALL FUNDS > 'An antiques expert, who stars in TV's Bargain Hunt and Flog It, was the guest of honour at a special day of fundraising at Pamber Heath Memorial Hall. Thomas Plant was at the hall for the charity valuation day, during which he saw and valued around 80 items, from family heirlooms to charity shop purchases. The event, organised by the management committee of the hall, raised around £300, which will go towards the upkeep of the facility.' ITEM 0379 SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 1st of May, 2014.

2014, June - D-DAY COMMEMORATION PICNIC AT PAMBER PARK > 'A picnic was held in Pamber Park on Saturday the 7th of June from 2pm to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of the Second World War. Unfortunately, I arrived too late, wrongly assuming it would be a whole afternoon event as it was advertised to run from 2pm to 5pm. When I arrived about 4pm, I met people coming away, the last Tadley Band members were getting into a car, only about 50 people were left sitting around chatting and the beacon was on its dying embers, smoldering away. The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Roger Gardiner was in attendance and no doubt opened the event with some appropriate comments for the occasion. It seems the event was effectively over by about 3.30pm, so only really lasted an hour or so. The weather was pleasant - sunny and fairly warm. There was a display by Tadley History Society about those who fell in the First World War from Pamber Heath and some memorabilia of the Second World War. An old air-raid siren was on display and music was playing with songs from the era. Overall, a pleasant event but over much sooner than expected.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, June 2014.

2014, June - STREET LIGHTING REPLACEMENT UNDERWAY > 'On Friday the 6th of June the holes were dug for the new street lights in Burney Bit and on the next day (Saturday) new lamp posts were inserted even while a thunderstorm was in progress! On Monday the new lamps were being wired up and were soon in use and the old lamp posts quickly removed. The process was speedy and I noticed later in the week that lamps were being replaced on the Red House Estate. Southern Electric Contracting Ltd. were fitting the new lamps. The lamps are said to be an improvement on the existing ones and provide a better, more concentrated light.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, June 2014.

2014, June - FETE A WASHOUT BUT SOME ENJOYMENT WAS POSSIBLE > 'The annual Pamber Heath fete took place at the Memorial Hall in Pamber Heath Road on Saturday the 28th of June but the weather played havoc once again with thundery downpours putting a dampener on the attendance. When I arrived just after 2pm there were probably less than twenty visitors on the field and the bouncy castle for the children had already been deflated and was being packed up. One outside stall holder said that some stall holders that had set up in the field had given up and gone home before the fete opened at 1pm. Despite the weather there were some interesting attractions and the art and craft competition exhibits were of a high standard and many visitors voted on their favourite items. The outside attractions included a plant seller, Impstone Pre-School activities for the children and a bric-a-brac stall, as well as a mini fun dog show - about six dogs and owners attended. Inside attractions included many craft stalls displaying high quality items, charity stalls, a tombola and raffle as well as a Tadley History Society stand displaying information on those who fell in the First World War from Pamber Heath.' ITEM SOURCE: Pamber Heath Village News, June 2014.

2014, July - FETE HELPS RAISE FUNDS > 'An annual summer fete helped to raise vital cash for a Pamber Heath hall. The event, at Pamber Heath Memorial Hall, in Pamber Heath Road, included a dog show, several stalls and competitions for children including a 'find the rabbit' treasure hunt...Despite the downpours, the dog show went ahead, with categories including bonniest bitch, waggiest tail and rescued rover.' ITEM SOURCE: Basingstoke Gazette, 3rd of July, 2014.

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