BRAMLEY Magazine - Saving the Toads Walking for Charity Keeping Bramley Tidy Plus all the usual articles and much more - Pamber Parish ...
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March 2021
BRAMLEY
The
FOR BRAMLEY AND LITTLE LONDON
Magazine
• Saving the Toads
• Walking for Charity
• Keeping Bramley Tidy
Plus all the usual articles
and much more
2
WELCOME
The
Have you ever started a task and then wished you hadn’t? Having put it off for years,
lockdown seemed the perfect opportunity to label all my photograph albums and put
them in date order. I thought it would take a couple of hours but I hadn’t factored in
Bramley the time I would spend laughing at the terrible hairstyles we had in the 80s and 90s,
reminiscing about holidays around the globe (remember them?) and wondering
how I ever managed to get a degree given the amount of partying and drinking I did
Magazine at University. Nor did I realise quite how many albums I had: at least 80, all filled
with real photos, not the digital ones we have now. Many of you will find it difficult
to believe that there was once a time when you couldn’t look at your photos instantly
for Bramley and and delete the duds. You had to send the film to Truprint or wherever, and wait at
least a week to find out you had forgotten to use the flash when taking that special
Little London picture of your friend’s wedding cake, or the nice man who took your photo in front
of the Eiffel Tower cut your head off (no selfie sticks then).
March 2021
Just looking at a photograph can bring back so many memories and transport
Chairman of Steering Group: you back to the precise moment it was taken. I love the photos on page 9 showing
Rhydian Vaughan MBE children having the holiday of a lifetime. You can almost hear their screams as
chairman@bramleymagazine.org.uk they ride the roller coaster. Other photos may provoke a negative reaction, such as
those on pages 16 and 17. How can so much litter be discarded without a moment’s
Editor: thought? Then you have photographs that make you marvel at the beauty of nature:
Rachel Barclay Smith the intricate icicles on the front page for instance, or the toads on page 11. Okay, the
editor@bramleymagazine.org.uk toads aren’t exactly beautiful but I am pleased they have been rescued from a messy
death on Cufaude Lane. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so what is a
Schools Editor: photo of a picture worth? If you turn to page 17 you can work out what on earth I am
Emily Sykes talking about. I’m sure many of you will recognise the view.
As well as photographs, we have all the usual articles, together with updates from
Advertising: the Parish Council and County Council and stories of local heroes doing great work
Keith Dilliway
for charity and the environment. The proposed solar farm continues to divide
bram.mag.adverts@gmail.com
opinion so it’s good to have both sides of the argument on pages 18 and 19.
Treasurer: I had hoped to include a photograph of some daffodils for all our Welsh friends but
Nairn Glen as I write this in mid-February, they are stubbornly refusing to flower. I will just
bramleytreasurer@gmail.com have to wish you Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus instead!
Best wishes
Minister:
Rev’d John Lenton (880570) Rachel
john.lenton@gmail.com Rachel Barclay Smith, Editor
www.stjamesbramley.com
Bramley Parish Council Little London News
Clerk: Maxta Thomas (07810 692486)
parishclerk@bramleypc.co.uk Do you live in Little London?
Chairman: Anthony Durrant Do you have any news, events or photographs you would like to share?
www.bramleypc.co.uk
It’s your magazine too, and we would love to include more about your village.
Artwork and Printing Do email editor@bramleymagazine.org.uk with any contributions
Greenhouse Graphics Thank you
Unit 8, Cufaude Business Park,
Cufaude Lane, Bramley,
RG26 5DL
01256 880770
www.greenhousegraphics.co.uk
Produced and delivered by the Church “I would like us all to stand shoulder to shoulder –
for the benefit of the community. metaphorically. Let’s try not to get downhearted,
Material for the April 2021 issue to be we will get through this, whatever is thrown at us
sent (preferably by email) to the editor no
later than 15 March please. and together we can ensure that tomorrow will be a
Cover photo:
good day.”
Icicles by Tracy Micklethwaite
Captain Sir Tom Moore
3
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4
CHURCH SERVICES
All the events described here are obviously subject to change at short notice, if Government Covid-19
guidelines and rules should change. Please do check our website, www.stjamesbramley.com, for any
last minute changes.
Church diary for March… … and into April
7th 3rd Sunday of Lent 1st Maundy Thursday
9:00 Matins (BCP) - St James’s Church 19:30 Virtual Holy Communion on Zoom
10:30 Virtual Service on Zoom
2nd Good Friday
14th Mothering Sunday 10:00 Children’s Good Friday Service
9:00 Holy Communion – St James’s Church - St James’s Church
10:30 Mothering Sunday Service on Zoom 2nd Good Friday
21st 5th Sunday of Lent 14:00 An Hour at the Foot of the Cross
In St James & Live-Streamed on Zoom
9:00 Morning Worship – St James’s Church
10:30 Virtual Service on Zoom 4th Easter Day
10:30 Easter Communion Service
28th Palm Sunday In St James & Live-Streamed on Zoom
9:00 Holy Communion – St James’s Church
10:30 Virtual Service on Zoom 11th 2nd Sunday of Easter
9:00 Holy Communion – St James’s Church
10:30 Virtual Service on Zoom
Notes: Once we resume in-person Church Services, you will need to book in with Steve Day, the Parish
Administrator. This is to ensure the numbers do not go over our capacity restrictions due to social distancing.
To attend the Zoom services for the first time, please contact Steve in order to be added to our email
distribution list, which will provide you with the Zoom connection details. Steve can be contacted on 07341
552732 or by email on Crosshousebramley@gmail.com.
A big THANK YOU to the litter heroes who worked so hard to
clear up this mess in the Church graveyard a few weeks ago.
What a transformation!
I was overwhelmed by the response I received from
everyone in Bramley to help clear our village of
litter. This is why the ‘Bramley Litter Heroes’ was
created. We now have our own Facebook page where
our volunteers can log in and record their progress.
This has come about because we have not had our
usual community village litter-pick for nearly a year
now, due to the pandemic.
The energy and enthusiasm from everyone has been
very rewarding - and it’s also a great form of exercise!
If you are out litter picking I would like to remind
everybody to wear strong sturdy shoes or boots, a hi-
viz vest or jacket and gloves. But most of all stay safe!
Wendy Castle
From this...... ......to this!
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6
ON REFLECTION
B
y the time you read this, fasting. Jesus does tell us that
we will be two weeks “Whoever wants to be my disciple must
into the season of Lent. deny themselves and take up their
Now, interestingly, while many cross and follow me.” So yes, there is
people couldn’t actually tell clearly a place for self-denial.
you what Lent is all about, The problem tends to be that if we
most people do know that succeed in doing without chocolate
there is a religious tradition of biscuits or red wine for a week or two,
giving something up for Lent we start to think we’ve earned God’s
– though why, and what the approval and appreciation, so we get
point of it all is, they may well miffed when God doesn’t seem very
struggle to explain. grateful. The Old Testament prophet
Isaiah sums it up neatly: “Why have
As ever, the internet is a rich source Rev’d John Lenton
of material on the subject. Inevitably, we fasted,” they say, “and you have
one of the first things that turns up Lent – and while “giving up swearing not seen it? Why have we humbled
is a cartoon of a rather dishevelled is a great idea, it isn’t a fast.” He goes ourselves, and you have not noticed?”1
individual saying, “For Lent, I’m on, “It would be pretty ridiculous to
God’s dry response to those reproaches
just giving UP!” Actually, in these go back to dropping F bombs at Easter
is revealing: “Is this the kind of fast
everlasting days of lockdown, two dinner. By all means, clean up your
I have chosen, only a day for people
weeks on from what felt like the language, but keep it clean after Lent.”
to humble themselves?... Is that what
longest January on record ever, most So if stopping swearing doesn’t you call a fast, a day acceptable to the
of us can readily identify with what count, what is a real fast, then? The
Lord?” And then He goes on, “Is not
he’s feeling. same author (American) has some
this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
So what’s the point of giving something interesting suggestions, a few of which
to loose the chains of injustice and
up? Well, it certainly has its roots in I’ve picked out here and modified for
untie the cords of the yoke… Is it not to
religion. Religious Jews for several an English context. For Lent, we could
perhaps cut out some or all of the share your food with the hungry and to
thousand years have traditionally
following… provide the poor with shelter – when
fasted – in other words, gone without
you see the naked, to clothe them…?”
food for a day or part of a day once 1. The Apple Store in Festival Place:
or twice a week – as a signal of always such a buzz, always lots of I wonder if this season of Lent, when
devotion to God, with the declared excitement as people contemplate we’ve been huddled away in our
aim of spending the time in devotional mortgaging their future earnings on isolated fortresses for so long, might be
prayer and reading the Bible that the very latest smartphone. the time to give up our inward focus,
would otherwise be spent eating and our complacency, our comfortable self-
2. Hot showers: “a form of
drinking. Jesus Himself, at the start satisfaction and instead look outwards
mortification that is sure to wake you
of His earthly ministry, went away into
the heck up. Just don’t give up bathing to where there is so much need in our
the desert, and according to the Gospel
altogether.” world. Our British vaccine programme
writers, spent 40 days there without
3. Netflix. “Free up some time for is going wonderfully, but how about
food as He prepared for a life of service
prayer. Or even try out one of the new those countries where they haven’t yet
and self-sacrifice.
reading platforms, AKA books.” received any vaccines, where there is
Traditionally, then, Christians have
4. The Snooze Button on your no plan or programme for The Jab?
tried to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by
alarm clock. “You’d be surprised by Might Lent this year involve writing a
imitating His self-denial, giving up
how much you can actually get done in few emails to people in power, urging
something that we value and which we
those groggy first minutes of the day. support for those places? Could
will really miss.
Give it a try,” says the writer. we give some financial support to
It’s clear from my Google search that
5. The obvious one for some: Social organisations that provide famine
Roman Catholics take Lent pretty
Media. Huge hardship for some, of relief, help persecuted Christians,
seriously. One Catholic writer points
course. For me, the fasting option minister to people in prison? Might
out that “while shaking off sinful habits
is in keeping with the repentant spirit would be to have to give up never God be saying to us: “Is not this the
of Lent, giving up something sinful looking at Facebook, and instead kind of fasting I have chosen?”
isn’t the same as a fast.” He makes having to check it out every day.
the point that many of his students In my opinion, the Bible is slightly
say they’re giving up swearing for ambivalent about the value of human 1.
Isaiah 58:3ff.
7
MEET THE NEIGHBOURS
T
his year on Meet the This might include using the Service) and fundraising has taken a
defibrillator, oxygen therapy or CPR big hit as we can’t do the usual events
Neighbours, we’d like (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). like fetes. There is a ‘Penny Pot’ at the
to introduce - and thank They also answer ‘concern for welfare’ Bramley One Stop Shop, or people can
calls. They’re also responsible for donate via FB page.
– as many as possible of the the installation and maintenance of We’re incredibly grateful to two Bramley
key workers in our community Bramley’s defibrillators, at the One girls - Taylor Kent and Grace Child –
Stop and Village Hall. who abseiled down Spinnaker tower and
who help keep us safe and
They’re part of a wider group - Tadley raised more than £600 so far!
healthy or provide essential & Surrounding Area Community First
services. This month, we meet Responders.
the Bramley Community
First Responders.
Kiri Baker-Kent and Diane Steele
live in Bramley and are Community
First Responders (CFRs). They are
trained and deployed by South Central
Ambulance Service (SCAS) to respond
to 999 calls and deliver lifesaving help
until the ambulance crew arrives.
Community First Responders James,
Ean & Rachel.
They work from home around their
‘main’ jobs, responding to emergency
calls in their own car, or the team’s
Dynamic Response Vehicle. James,
Ean and Rachel are based in Tadley.
Kiri, how has Covid-19 changed
the way the CFR team works?
Kiri Baker-Kent
Kiri: I run a care home and Diane
works at Bramley School so we’re
not able to work on the ‘front line’ One way you can help ALL
at the moment. We’re both still frontline health workers is to
working hard for the CFR team PLEASE think about whether
behind the scenes and Rachel, Ean it’s really 999 that you need.
and the other members of the team Is it genuinely a life-threatening
are all still responding, so there is emergency or serious accident?
good community cover. I’m the team Could you call NHS 111 or your
coordinator and do all the paperwork, GP for help instead?
ambulance crew and vehicle support.
To donate to SCAS charity visit:
How can your community
support you? https://www.facebook.com/
bramleycommunityfirstresponders/
Kiri: We’re so grateful for all the
or https://scas.charity/
support of our community. In the first
(Registered Charity No 1049778)
lockdown we were overwhelmed at the
donations of food for our busy shifts.
But new guidance means we can’t take If you’d like a team or group of
in items from the public now. key workers in Bramley to be
We do need financial donations, too. featured, please email:
CFRs are funded entirely through SCAS editor@bramleymagazine.org.uk
Diane Steele charity (South Central Ambulance
8
LIFESTYLE
H
ave you spotted a but instead a huge volunteer team of
doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and
lady walking around
other helpers look after the children for
Bramley wearing a 10 days. As a paediatric nurse I have
crazy hat and a tutu? That will been volunteering for the charity since
be Maggie Wardle, raising 2006 and have been on many trips and
seen the difference the trips make to
money for Dreamflight. young people’s lives.
Maggie explains why this
Dreamflight is not just a holiday; it
charity is so close to her heart. does something that medicine can’t.
In 2005 my daughter, Naomi, was The children get the opportunity to
nominated to go on Dreamflight. discover independence, confidence, and
She has Cystic Fibrosis and had a whole new outlook on life. Often for
been struggling to cope with all her the first time, they realise that they are
daily treatments. She had the most not the odd one out. They see children
amazing time and returned with more around them who have also suffered;
independence and a more positive they gain perspective, and experience
attitude to her disability. things that they never thought possible.
Since 1987 the charity has taken over
6,200 children on their holiday of a
lifetime. In all of the recent Paralympic
Games, the medal winners have
included former Dreamflight children
who cite the trip as a turning point in
their life.
Dreamflight is a UK charity that
changes young lives by taking children
with a serious illness or disability on
the holiday of a lifetime to Orlando,
Florida. Parents are not allowed, my Just Giving page if you would like
to help this amazing charity.
https://www.justgiving.com/
Sadly, the trip did not go ahead in 2020 fundraising/maggie-wardle8
and many fundraising events had to be
cancelled. A number of volunteers have
taken on the challenge of “virtually”
touring the world during February and
clocking up the miles to see how far
we can get. I committed to walking 10
miles every day around the local lanes
during February, wearing fancy dress
(a tutu and crazy hat!). My fundraising
is going well, thanks to a number of
generous sponsors, and here is a link to
9
LIFESTYLE
H
ave your daily walks become a bit
monotonous? Do you need some more BRAMLEY WI
This month we held a Valentine’s evening on Zoom,
motivation? Why not sign up for Move when we had to wear something red. A number of the
for Miles? Christine Delve tells us a bit members read out poems associated with love. There
more about this event she has organised for was an assortment of very special ones and some very
the whole community. funny ones. The committee then told us how different
countries such as Japan, South Korea and Norway
We are asking all of the residents of Bramley to walk celebrate Valentine’s Day, which was very interesting.
virtually from Bramley, Hampshire to Bramley, Australia, The committee also asked members to show some of
which is a little over 9,000 miles. We have a group set up the things they had been making during lockdown,
on the World Walking App where we are asking everyone including items of knitting and quilting. They were all
to record the number of steps / miles they’ve walked, run, beautiful; well done to all the members who showed
scooted, biked, skipped, etc during their daily exercise. The their work.
app works as a GPS tracker or you can link it up to FitBits We had a good old chat and laugh as some members do
and other devices. not see each other, especially if they are on their own.
Move for Miles launched in February and the funds we raise This month we will be giving our members a project
will go towards building Oliver Warner’s Memorial Garden. to do for Easter: an egg decorated with sequins. The
We thought it would be a great way to get people out and committee will distribute the materials before the end
turn what can be sometimes a monotonous walk into a fun of the month. We will also be having a speaker to talk
challenge. It’s £2 per person or £5 per family and each about the Titanic.
family member’s miles / steps can be recorded even if they’ve Keep safe and well everyone.
walked together. Jane Matthews
If any participants would like to they can also ask their family
and friends to sponsor them, which they can do by donating to
this link: https://worldwalking.org/fundraising/wimyp (www.facebook.co.uk/SurgeBikesUK) and Sherfield Coffee
Shop (www.thecoffeeshop.uk.com).
Once we have reached Australia we will provide a
personalised eco-friendly wristband to all participants, which Sign up is via www.pta-events.co.uk/
is kindly sponsored by Surge Bikes bramleyschoolassociation
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10OUR COMMUNITY
Bramley Parish Council
Solar Farm planning application Council’s expense - which comes from your council tax and
The Parish Council has now submitted its response to this reduces any money available for the Parish Council to spend
planning application (ref 20/03403/FUL), which can be on other, more beneficial, community needs.
found online here: www.bramley-pc.gov.uk/response-to-
20-03403-ful-site-at-minchens-lane-bramley/. There is Parish Council meetings
still time for residents to comment if they wish, via the These continue online for the time being. The next Planning
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council planning portal here: Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 9 March, with
https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/ a full Council meeting on Tuesday 16 March. Further details
will be available on the Parish Council website in due course.
Following on from the solar farm application, there is a
separate planning consultation for a battery installation, also It finally remains for me to wish everyone well as the
adjacent to the National Grid sub-station. Whilst this is a lockdown continues. The vaccination programme is
much smaller site, it will still have an impact on Minchens gathering pace, which is good to hear. In the meantime,
Lane. Bramley PC has requested that a full Environmental please keep safe and well.
Impact Assessment is carried out (application ref 21/00078/ Maxta Thomas
ENSC), and is considering its response to the full planning
application (ref 21/00349/FUL). Again, details can be found Clerk to Bramley Parish Council
on the Borough Council planning portal, and the Parish
Council response will be on the website in due course.
Sewerage Issues
Many of you will be aware of the recent BBC South Today
item about the flooding and sewerage issues at Centenary
Fields. The Parish Council has in fact been attempting to
work with Thames Water and Basingstoke & Deane Borough
Council for several years to get the problems resolved, since
residents in the North Row and Strawberry Fields area have
been suffering with this issue for a long time. We are just
now beginning to make some headway with this – more
News from Little Apples
details can be found on the Parish Council website at www. This half term has been another busy one filled with
bramley-pc.gov.uk/sewerage-issues-update-january-2021/. fun. We have celebrated Valentine’s Day and the
children have thought about people who are special to
Local Plan Update them. They have made some lovely craft and cards and
played in our Valentine tea shop in our role play area.
The Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council Local Plan
update continues to gather pace. Bramley PC recently When we were learning about Chinese New Year and
submitted a thorough response to the Issues & Options welcoming the year of the Ox, we had an Asian food
consultation - www.bramley-pc.gov.uk/category/local-plan- tasting activity – our snack was a delicious Chinese
update/. The Local Plan Update will have a far-reaching and we decorated our role play area as a Chinese
impact on development in Bramley in future years – for restaurant.
more information please see the Borough Council website We have also learnt about Australia and Australia Day
here: www.basingstoke.gov.uk/lpu and thought about our feathered friends for The Big
Bird week. The children learnt the names of many of
Traffic Calming questionnaire our common birds, made bird feeders and played in
The Community Speedwatch traffic calming questionnaire our bird watch den. We also made fun haggis friends
will be available online until 7 March. If you haven’t already for Burns night.
filled it in and wish to do so, you can find it on the PC It was interesting to read a recent article in The Times
website here: www.bramley-pc.gov.uk . entitled “Toddlers with touchscreens have poorer
attention spans”. The article reported on recent
Bramley Youth Club research which found that young children and even
The future of the Youth Club at Clift Meadow is under babies who used smartphones and tablets each day
review. It has had a difficult year due to Covid-19, but has were less attentive and more easily distracted. There
continued to operate through the lockdowns via online has been growing concern that toddler touchscreen-
meetings. The leaders who run it are financed by the Parish use may be negatively impacting their development
Council. We would welcome your views on the Youth at this key stage and this has serious implications for
Club and its future. We would particularly like to hear achievement later, for example at school. At Little
from young people in the village, and their parents. Please Apples we recommend books, traditional simple
contact the Parish Clerk with your thoughts at clerk@ games like “Kim’s game” and songs to help develop
bramley-pc.gov.uk listening, concentration and communication skills.
In line with Government policies for Early Years
Garden waste Education, Little Apples accepts all children from
As we move into the spring, people will start working in their two years old, whether they receive funding or not.
gardens more. As we reported last month, we are seeing If you would like to register a child or find out more,
continuing tipping of waste garden materials in local ditches please contact Jo on 07598 588 460 or
and behind domestic fencing. Please can we request that manager@littleapples.org
this stops as the clear-up will inevitably be at the Parish
11LIFESTYLE
Boffins and a biscuit after your jab is what
you require, the Chris Whitty
Boffin - a word that has fallen out of use in recent years.
Appreciation Society can oblige
What does it mean? Well, Professor Google says it is
with a special cup, as you can see.
‘a British slang term for a scientist, engineer, or other
person engaged in technical or scientific research and Michael Luck
development’. I sat thinking about this while I was
having my Covid vaccination in the middle of February.
Developing a vaccine to give an immune response against
Covid, starting from scratch last spring, was thought by
many to be impossible in so short a time. And yet, as I
write, 15 million doses have been administered to people in
Help us design a logo!
just a couple of months. The development of the vaccines,
clinical testing, certification, production and distribution, The Clift Surgery Patient Participation Group (PPG)
using many thousands of volunteers as well as medical exists to help the Surgery with non-medical matters.
staff, is nothing short of astonishing. All Surgeries are required to have a volunteer PPG.
Many people will remember that boffins were always Over recent months some Bramley residents have
associated in the last century (how odd that still sounds) asked “who are you” when we put information out in
with World War 2 developments such as radar, bouncing places like Facebook. So we think we need a logo to
bombs and the decryption of German messages by the people make us recognisable.
at Bletchley Park. Those developments were concerned with We’re not graphic designers, so we’re starting a little
fighting a war against other humans. The current fight is
competition for everyone: design a logo that we
against a virus and the skills required here are in biological
can use online and in printed media. It needs to be
sciences. But the engineering skills of yesteryear are still
simple and encapsulate “what we do”.
apparent. Just think of the TV News pictures of automated
production lines moving thousands of doses a minute along Closing date is 31 March. There may even be a prize
conveyor belts. if we’re lucky!
We have seen the boffins on our TV sets on a regular basis, You can send your design to me by email to keith.
with their charts and graphs, and we have some new heroes. oborn@keble.oxon.org.
The Chief Medical Officer for England, Chris Whitty, and
Get drawing!
Jonathan Van-Tam, his deputy, are now household names.
‘Next slide please…’ has become a catchphrase. In the labs of
Astra Zeneca and Pfizer there are many more whose names
we will never know.
As I arrived at the Hampshire Court Hotel, our local
vaccination centre, I have to say I felt a little misty-eyed,
and rather proud of what has been set up in such a short
time. Apart from the fact that they did not have uniforms,
it reminded me of the London Olympics in 2012. Happy
volunteers just ‘doing their bit’. Maybe it’s a British thing:
I am not sure if other countries are doing it like this: I hope
they are.
The whole operation has been set up in just a few weeks. It
runs like clockwork. Volunteers show you where to park,
they come and get you from your car when it’s your turn,
and they time your 15-minute observation after the jab.
No tea and biscuits though – that would be nice but we all
understand why it cannot be. However, if a nice cup of tea
12SPECIAL FEATURE
D
espite its name, the Taking his life in barriers alongside the road to guide the
his hands toads towards the tunnel. Once through
Common Toad is no
the tunnel the toads can carry on
longer as common as towards the spawning ponds without
it used to be, which is why any risk from traffic or disturbance by
a special toad tunnel was A bucketful of car headlights.
rescued toads
recently built under Cufaude There has been a huge decline in the
Lane. Andrew Cleave of populations of amphibians and reptiles
in the UK so we feel it is important
Hampshire & Isle of Wight that we do what we can at a local level
Amphibian and Reptile to help slow down the losses. Not
Group, explains why this everyone is able to take part in toad
patrols, but there is still plenty that
work was necessary. local people can do to help amphibians
Cufaude Lane was closed to traffic for and reptiles - all of which are the
a couple of weeks last month to allow gardener’s friends. Even the smallest
Hampshire County Council Highways of ponds can be a refuge and a few
Department to put in place a structure wild patches in the garden will provide
that will help reduce a serious threat to feeding and hibernation sites. Avoiding
wildlife in the area. The Common Toad the use of slug pellets and pesticides is
is considered an “at risk” Biodiversity very important - and finally, take care
Action Plan (BAP) species and is when driving on Cufaude Lane!
to migrate under the road without any
therefore a priority species in England inconvenience to drivers or risk to
under Biodiversity 2020: a strategy the volunteers. This is a widespread
for England’s wildlife and ecosystem practice now in areas where toads are
services and the Natural Environment endangered by traffic. We consulted
and Rural Communities (NERC) with Hampshire CC Ecologists and the
Act 2006. NERC requires all public Highways Department who agreed that
bodies to have regard for biodiversity toad tunnels were the best solution
conservation when carrying out their to this problem. In some parts of
function. This is commonly referred to the country roads are closed for the
as the ‘biodiversity duty’. duration of the toad migration which
When I first travelled along Cufaude may last as long as a month, but this Safe at last!
Lane in the early 1970s it was a quiet was not thought desirable or possible
country lane lined with Elm trees and for Cufaude Lane. The HCC team have
Turn to page 15 to meet Harry, one
there was almost no traffic, making it come up with an ingenious solution to
of the workers on this project.
a pleasant area for a stroll. On mild the problem and have made use of low
nights in early spring, toads would be
seen crossing the road in huge numbers
to reach their spawning ponds, and
there was only the occasional car to
worry about. The toads make their
annual migration from the direction
of the MOD land to their breeding
ponds, but have to cross the road to get
there. Unfortunately, they have no road
sense and just freeze when they see car
headlights, so hundreds get killed on a
busy night.
Each year the traffic gets worse and the
numbers of toads killed increases so
this is why we organised a “toad patrol”
group to help rescue as many toads as
possible. Volunteers patrol the road
at night wearing high vis jackets and
carrying torches and buckets to collect
the toads. We also save many frogs
and newts, including the Great Crested
Newt, a fully-protected species.
Most drivers understand what we
are doing and slow down, but some
are very impatient and it is becoming
increasingly dangerous to carry out
these patrols. The toad tunnel will
allow the toads and other amphibians
13Elm Park Garden Centre
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14LIFESTYLE
Saving toads is a family business
This is Harry who was working on the recent project in
Cufaude Lane. It was closed for three weeks to build a
tunnel for the toads. He told me there were two others in
the country, one of which is in Bath. His father was the
project manager for the Bath installation. A public video
from one night in March 2019 shows 100 rescued toads
and frogs plus another 30 casualties they were unable to
save. The rescued ones were by virtue of volunteers. Harry
also told me the work is only temporary -the plastic tubing
may be replaced in time by permanent concrete. In the
meantime, there are cameras inside the tunnel recording
which species are using it.
Keith Dilliway
Harry working on the tunnel in Cufaude Lane
Lockdown Learning
Spring’s palette, Spud Weekend What a whirlwind we have all been on since January! But
I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all nailed home-schooling
and Writing Competition
one way or another. We’ve had an amazing response to our
Colour is something very important to mental health. first term of lockdown learning. We’ve had live videos with
The white of snowdrops has broken the dull brown/ Twinkl, input from SEN experts and explored different
green of the flower beds. They creep up stealthily approaches to learning.
and remind us of nature’s yearly cycle, one constant So, what can you look forward to from us next term? Same
we have right now. They can go unnoticed if in fun, free resources, lots of learning and some sanity for
small clumps, but are spectacular in swathes found adults (hopefully) along with all of this:
in places such as Welford Park. Not far behind are -play prompt grid for Early Years: supporting you with
yellow, purple and white of the slightly larger crocus, ideas, activities and resources for quick and easy set-ups at
home, particularly helpful if you need to home-school older
but they will soon be overshadowed by the fanfare
children.
of yellow, which is the real announcement of Spring.
-New themes for literacy: KS1 will be exploring a range
Wales knew what it was doing when the daffodil was
of the literacy curriculum through the exciting world of
chosen as its national flower. dragons, Fantastic Mr Fox and Julia Donaldson, whilst
I am reluctant to pick daffs from the garden so I KS2 discover and learn with superheroes, Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory and Charlotte’s Web!
either buy bunches for the house or pots of little tête-
à-têtes which last longer and you can then plant them -Introducing the lockdown maths challenge! A new
exciting way to engage children in maths. Complete a topic
in your garden.
and earn a sticker/stamp. Collect them all, show us some of
It is also the time to start thinking about planting the work your child is most proud of and we will send you a
potatoes. Remember you don’t need an allotment or certificate.
huge garden to grow a few of this national favourite. -Thursdays is our creative arts and humanities day
A potato bag or even a bucket, plus compost, is all you to practice those skills across the curriculum.
need. There is a section on the Bramley Show Website -Introducing “Feel good Friday” a wind down, feel good
for the SPUD WEEKEND. Lots of things for activity because, let’s face it, by Friday we are ready for the
children, plus recipes and advice on growing potatoes. weekend!
The end is in sight, let’s do this together. Let’s Lockdown
We are also pleased to announce our 3rd Writing
Learning!!
Competition. The title is ‘A Puzzle’. Lots of potential
Letslockdownlearning@gmail.com
to look at the word in different ways. Word limit
750 for short story or 20 lines of poetry. Please Instagram - @letslockdownlearning
pop over to www.bramleyshow.org.uk or email Eloise Kirby
entriesvirtualbramley@gmail.com Closing date:
March 26 2021.
Many thanks to those who have already donated to our
GoFundMe page. Here is the link if you would like to
contribute. https://uk.gofundme.com/f/support-the-
bramley-show This means we are able to continue to
offer opportunities to bring the community together.
Sue Howell
15SPECIAL FEATURE
I
n last month’s magazine we mentioned
a very active litter picker in
Cufaude Lane. Well, I am pleased to
say that the anonymous helper has been
identified as John Readman. Here is
John’s story.
In June 2018, my wife and I moved to Sherfield Park to
be close to our elder son, Simon, who lives in Bramley. I
regularly drove or cycled down Cufaude Lane when visiting
my son, so I noticed how messy the lane was, particularly
where drivers had to stop to wait for other cars to pass
I decided to do something about it and started litter clearing
along the lane on a Sunday morning, when the traffic was
lighter. It was quite hard work at first as there was so much
litter. I often had to leave full bags near the Business Park
entrance and collect them in my car later.
My system now is to walk along the right-hand side of
Cufaude Lane, from under the railway line, and leave the
bags of litter near the bin at St James Church, as I know
John being presented with his voucher at Christmas
the Basingstoke Council litter men regularly collect from
there. I then walk back, collecting litter from the other side
of Cufaude Lane and leave a bag or two beside a bin near I had left the full bags. The Council provided me with litter
Sherfield Park. The difficult part of Cufaude Lane is the hill, bags and also a litter picker. They advised me to wear a
which is quite steep. I have to be careful when carrying heavy yellow reflective top, and then one Christmas my son gave
bags of litter. me a yellow reflective anorak, which I am wearing in this
photo. It’s helpful having contacts in the Council as I can
After about a year of litter collecting, I had got used to
inform them of any fly tipping, which I often find on a couple
meeting the Basingstoke Council litter men, and was able
of sites along the lane.
to text one of them to ask for litter bags, and tell him where
Who would have thought there could be so much litter along just one road
I know one of the travellers who lives in the caravan park on
Cufaude Lane and have helped him and his family by making
sure the area near his caravan area is cleared of litter. I have
cleared the ditches too; the one beside the road near the
travellers’ site and one where the horses and ponies are kept.
I sometimes have to wade in the water in my wellies, which is
pretty good fun!
Bramley Parish Council sent me an official letter of thanks
last year, and the residents of Cufaude Lane bought me a
voucher as a Christmas present in December, which was
much appreciated.
I have now moved to Chineham so I collect there as well
as in Cufaude Lane. I also clear areas in Popley, Binfields
Wood and Basing Wood. I enjoy doing this work for the
community.
16LIFESTYLE
Bramley & Romans
I am sure you will all join me Floral Society
in thanking John for his hard Our demonstrator at our Zoom
work. And it’s not just John we meeting on Thursday 4 February was
should be grateful for. Bramley Stephanie Cornell and she called her
and Little London is full of demonstration ‘Just around the corner’.
unsung heroes helping to keep Her first arrangement was a glimpse
our villages tidy. These bags of snow and ice, using white roses and
of rubbish were collected by oriental lilies, with pussy willow and
Jennifer Edwards on one of creeping greenery popping up among
her walks, and Suzanne Smith the flowers.
found a similar amount along
the road from Bramley towards
Sherfield. A few weeks ago, I saw
a photo of yet more rubbish (and
a couple of hub caps!), this time
collected by Becky Kirby and
Diane Steele between Farriers
Close and Rose Cottage. With so
many thoughtful people, it’s not surprising that Wendy Castle got an amazing
response when she asked for volunteers to join a litter collecting group, as
This was followed with prospects of
you can see on page 5.
much colder weather, when a snug fire
pit would be needed. A twig container
was filled with orange roses depicting
a wispy flame and yellow roses and
Beautiful Bramley spray carnations creating a warm
The cover photo and this shot of icicles along Silchester Road were taken by Tracy atmosphere. Contorting willow was
Micklethwaite on 10 February. It’s worth suffering the freezing temperatures to see used as wispy smoke.
such natural beauty.
John Stubbs sent me this photo on the right of a painting in the Frith, and quite by
chance I passed it on a walk later the same day. Whoever painted it is very talented. I
love the way it blends into the real-life background.
Stephanie’s next arrangement was
‘Welcome of Spring’, using lilac/
mauve hyacinths, yellow tête-à-tête
daffodils, pink tulips and anemones in
a cascade of colours. Spring flowers
do not last in oasis so Stephanie put
them in tubes instead.
We then held a virtual raffle for the
members who could join us on Zoom.
Our next meeting in March is once
again on Zoom.
17SOLAR FARM
T
he proposal for a Solar Farm has stirred Silchester; Chineham; Sherborne St. John; Tadley Central;
up lots of debate, both for and against. and Tadley South.
Last month the Solar Farm Residents’ It achieves that level of output because it is a relatively large
Group explained why they opposed the plan. site but, according to Bramley Parish Council’s own figures
This month, Alan Haffenden, who has lived it represents only 4% of the total area of the Parish. It is
true that the construction of the solar farm may cause traffic
in Bramley for over 30 years, explains why he disruption for six months, but that argument is negated
and others support the project. We also have by the 30-year benefits of the facility. There may be an
an update on recent developments from the environmental impact, but the development proposal does
Residents Group. There are good points on both provide for ecological enhancements and significant net
sides and I am very pleased I don’t have to make gains for both habitats and hedgerows.
the final decision. Bramley has expanded greatly in the almost 30 years that
I have lived here. The increase in the number of homes
Solar Farm is a benefit for all, not a threat to a few. has been significant, and greater than in comparable
One of the lessons of the past year is that we all have a role villages such as Overton or Whitchurch. The village’s
to play, whether it is by staying at home, socially distancing, infrastructure, particularly in terms of sewage and drainage,
or getting vaccinated. The need for everyone to contribute is under pressure. The proposed development allows
is also one of the six main action categories proposed in Bramley to continue to contribute to the enhancement of
the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Draft Climate the Borough without the severe impact on resources that
Change and Air Quality Strategy. would be brought about by further housing development.
Another of the main categories is Zero carbon electricity, The Solar Farm Residents’ Group acknowledges that there
supporting the transition to a decarbonised electricity are “climate challenges facing our planet” but does not want
system. There are several actions contained in the to see Bramley contribute to the solution, yet the Council
Basingstoke & Deane Climate Emergency Action Plan - calls on everyone to contribute, and in the current situation
2020/21 including the enablement of renewable energy this resident, his wife, and other members of the Bramley
generation and ensuring that the Borough is supporting Facebook Group are happy to support them.
national decarbonisation efforts. Alan Haffenden
The national decarbonisation efforts are contained in the
Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order
2019, passed by Parliament in June 2019 which requires the
Government to reduce the UK’s net emissions of greenhouse
gases by 100% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. Basingstoke
and Deane Borough Council agreed in September 2019 that
action must be taken to work towards making the Borough
carbon neutral by 2030, in just nine years time.
The proposed solar farm and battery storage facility on
land at Bramley Frith is exactly the type of new energy
infrastructure needed to help counter the current climate
emergency and help the Borough to achieve its objective.
The proposed development would provide the equivalent
annual electrical needs of approximately 13,500 family
homes. According to the 2011 Census there were 2,400
homes in Bramley at that time. Indeed 13,500 is more homes
than were in the wards of Bramley and Sherfield; Pamber and
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18SOLAR FARM
Bramley Solar Farm flagged their poor public engagement right place. There are infinitely better
Planning Application and the lack of detail around things brownfield sites that could be used, an
such as early screening and queried example being Bramley Camp. But not
Update
the necessity for this solar farm to be on prime agricultural land nor to the
Since our last article both Bramley one of the joint 5th largest solar farms scale that destroys the character of our
and Silchester Parish Councils have in the UK, when smaller sites have the countryside.
considered the question of the ‘Solar same output.
Farm’ at their monthly meetings. These fields are essential to our
Both meetings discussed the wildlife, good for farming, and good
On 19 January Bramley Parish
biodiversity issue. There is no doubt for our communities. They should
Council voted to object to the
there are some benefits from leaving not be taken for granted. Two Parish
proposals. Some of the points included
such a large area dormant for at Councils object to this development
the loss of high-quality agricultural
least 40 years. However, it is home and over 150 local residents have
land contrary to the Local Plan; that
to dormouse and bats which ENSO’s already registered their opposition on
Bramley had already lost 60 hectares
own environmental survey recognises. Basingstoke Council’s website. We
(150 acres) of green field land to
There is also concern about the impact
development; the protection of two maintain the proposed solar farm is too
to the deer and red kite populations
pathways being vital in maintaining big, in the wrong place and will blight
that use these fields, which will be
mental health of residents; increased our countryside.
enclosed by high fencing. ENSO’s
local flooding and disruption and The final decision will rest with
application fails to accurately recognise
damage to the local road network, Basingstoke Council. If you require
these issues and instead offers benefits
especially during the construction further information please visit our
such as a potential forest school (there
phase when Minchens Lane would be website, Facebook page or contact us to
is already one at Bramley Frith), a
used by heavy construction lorries.
nature reserve and bat boxes. learn more.
On 1 February Silchester Parish
We cannot ignore the fact that this Steve Spillane
Council voted unanimously to
development, the size of 140 football For the Solar Farm Residents’ Group
object to the proposals raising similar
pitches, would blight our countryside.
objections to those raised by Bramley E solarfarmresidentsgroup@gmail.com
We are all, as are the parish councillors,
PC, but also focusing on the harm
in favour of solar installations in the W www.solarfarmresidentsgroup.co.uk
the panels would cause to the open
countryside commenting it would
change ‘from open fields to industrial
land’. Concerns were raised as to what Struggling with an injury
would happen after the Solar Farm
reached the end of its life, and the very or persistent pain?
real risk the land could be reclassified
as brownfield and lead to further Sport, occupational
housing development, closing the gap and lifestyle injury
between our two villages. management
specialists
ENSO Energy spoke at the Silchester
meeting about the benefits of Solar Physiotherapy ƔInjury Assessment and Rehabilitation ƔAcupuncture ƔSports Massage
Farms which is set out in their Shockwave Therapy ƔSports Therapy ƔPre & Post Natal Physiotherapy
application on Basingstoke Council’s
website. Councillors questioned the www.square-one.uk.com Odiham | Hannington 01256 541515
credibility of ENSO and in particular
19LIFESTYLE
Introducing our new brand
Representing the Royal British were using a mobile phone. When used Why now?
on these channels at a smaller size, our
Legion The need to review how we present
identity is lost and our logo becomes ourselves began in 2017 and has been
Since 1921, the Royal British Legion
illegible. a comprehensive process involving
has been supporting the Armed Forces
community. Over that time the world in Our new identity and logo will help us input from across the organisation. The
which we operate has changed and we to be fit for the future whilst celebrating new identity was due to launch in the
have evolved as an organisation. our history. summer of 2020, but was put on hold
as a result of Covid-19.
Everything we do is about creating Our new brand identity is inspired by
better futures for our Armed Forces our heritage as we look to our future. As we celebrate our centenary, we need
community and their families, by to ensure we are ready for the future.
The iconic two-petal poppy is an
bringing together nations, communities More than ever, people who need our
enduring symbol of Remembrance and
and individuals. We are determined to services must be able to find us and for
hope for a peaceful future. It remains at
ensure that the unique contribution of those who can, to be able to support us.
the heart of our new logo. Our welfare
the Armed Forces community is never work is vital but less well known, so So our new brand identity launches at
forgotten, that individuals are enabled we need to focus on the Royal British the start of the centenary year, and the
to live fulfilled lives – and that we make Legion – and all that represents. beginning of our next chapter. But this
a difference. is the brand for our future – not just in
The lettering is inspired by the commemoration of this year. A change
But to do that we need support from inscription on the Grave of the
the public, now and into the future. We not overnight but for the long-term,
Unknown Warrior in Westminster we’re taking a no-waste approach to roll-
need people to be aware of our work – Abbey and as such is designed as a
and care about it, to understand what out, using up existing materials first to
symbol of Remembrance. ensure that charity money isn’t wasted.
we do and why it’s so important, and
then take an active role in helping us Our colour palette is also grounded This is an exciting time for the Royal
achieve it. in British heritage with a modern British Legion, and your continued
twist. The national colours have been support on our journey is so important
We need to fully understand and adapt given a slightly more contemporary
to the changing needs of the people to us.
and warmer hue, with a secondary
we support – including how we reach inspired by British military ribbons. Rhydian Vaughan
them. In essence, we need to enable
Collectively they create a distinctive and Vice Chairman Bramley & District
people to find us and understand
quintessentially British colour palette. Branch RBL
what we have to offer – whether they
need access to our services or want to
support our work. Census 2021 is on its way
Households across Basingstoke and Deane are being urged to take part in Census
Fit for the future 2021 taking place on Sunday 21 March.
As we celebrate our centenary and look The Census is a once-in-a-decade survey across England and Wales and
to the future, we need one consistent
provides information to all kinds of organisations, from councils and charities
and clear brand that helps people to
to healthcare providers, to help them deliver the services we all need, such as
easily find us, understand who we are
transport, education and healthcare.
and the wide range of things we do.
This year’s survey will be the first digital Census and will be easy to complete on any
This year has highlighted the
device, with help and paper questionnaires available for those that need them.
importance of digital channels, for both
providing and receiving support. From Each household will receive a Census pack and instructions through the post
keeping our community connected in early March and residents needing support, help or translation services can
through video calls to engaging with access them, both online and by phone.
new audiences, and delivering a very As well as questions around residents’ sex, age, work, health, education,
different Poppy Appeal with lots of new household size and ethnicity, for the first time and to reflect the modern age we
ways to get involved online, the role of live in, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the
digital can’t be overstated.
armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual
But our existing brand identity – orientation and gender identity. This will help shape services for veterans and
created over 30 years ago - is no longer further work around equality and diversity.
fit for purpose for a digital world. In the
The Census results will be published in 2022. For more information, visit
last year alone, over 6.3 million users
www.census.gov.uk/
visited our website, over half of which
20OUR COMMUNITY
Hampshire County Council Update 3. Operation Resilience
Cllr Rhydian Vaughan MBE, Operation Resilience is a long-term strategy to make
Calleva Division. Hampshire’s roads more resilient to the effect of extreme
weather and heavy traffic.
£26.9m Climate Change investment Operation Resilience carries out Hampshire’s large, planned
for Hampshire schools maintenance programme of work each year. These works are
An investment of over £26M from Government climate different to reactive works, such as pothole repairs or gully
change funding has been awarded to improve the energy cleansing. You can find further information on forthcoming
efficiency of 370 Hampshire County Council schools and schemes on hants.gov.uk
buildings. http://fb.com/tellrhydian
£6.7 million will be spent on installation of solar panels and
£20.2 million to improve insulation by replacing inefficient THE PLANNING PROCESS:
single glazed windows and doors with modern, double how it works
glazed units. Basingstoke Borough Council is the local planning authority.
These programmes will save more than 3,600 tonnes of It receives all sorts of planning applications from small
carbon per year and help local schools reduce their energy house extensions to large developments, all of which have
bills. County Council maintained primary, secondary, to be dealt with in a legally binding time scale. Failure to do
and special educational needs and disabilities schools will this leaves the Council open to appeal for non-determination
benefit from this programme. Not only will this investment and the resultant costs being borne by you the taxpayer. The
make a significant contribution to climate change but it will Council cannot refuse to process an application.
also boost skilled jobs locally in the low carbon and energy Each application is assigned to a planning officer according
efficiency sectors. to its type, size and location. The planning officer is expected
to work with the applicant to make the application as
The work is expected to commence this spring and be acceptable as possible within planning policy and guidance.
completed in the autumn of 2021. Statutory consultees are notified of the application; these
Councillor grants. I have given financial help to the include near neighbours, the Parish Council, Local Borough
following organisations in the financial year 20/21. Councillors, flood authorities, the local water authority,
highways, Natural England and, where appropriate, historic
St James’s Church, Bramley - community hardship fund for
groups. The application is also advertised in the local press
local families
and on a notice at the application site.
Sherborne St John - Chute Recreation ground
Sherborne St John - NHS & local care homes Once these consultees and the public have had
Little Apples, Bramley - school security sufficient time to respond, the planning officer makes a
The Villager Magazine recommendation to approve or refuse the application. If a
Borough Councillor disagrees with the recommendation
Wootton St Lawrence - notice board
he or she can “call it in to BDBC development control
Hartley Wespall - church bell tower restoration
committee”. If there are more than six public objections
Sherfield on Loddon - Reindeer trail event. (postponed until
to a recommendation for approval then it is automatically
December ’21) referred to committee.
Basingstoke Neighbourcare accompanied car transport
Stratfield Turgis - children play area refurbishment At committee the applicant and the public are invited to
Bramley Clift Meadow Trust- ground maintenance speak, as are Parish and Borough Councillors. A discussion
is then held between the twelve committee members, with
Bramley CoE Primary School - for Oliver’s Garden
advice from planning and legal officers. A decision is made
Sherfield on Loddon - village hall kitchen extension
by majority vote taking into account planning law and
Sherborne St John - Union Flag
borough-wide housing need. If the application is refused
Silchester - Union Flag and the applicant feels that planning law was not properly
interpreted, or that the need for housing overrides the
Hampshire County Council: Reporting Issues on the harm being caused by the development, they can appeal to
Roads, Pavements and Verges the national planning inspectorate who may overturn the
1. Emergency Repairs: decision in whole or in part.
If you see a highways issue which needs urgent attention: Local and neighbourhood plans set a blueprint for
Phone 0300 555 1388 (8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) development in the area and can be used to help determine
Outside of office hours, phone 101 planning applications. However, these are only fully
valid if the borough is meeting the housing targets set by
Emergency defects are usually made safe within two
Government and has a five-year housing land supply, which
hours. These repairs may be temporary, with permanent
very few boroughs in this area have, including Basingstoke.
repairs being made later. Other defects become part of the
Without this, the first principle of the National Planning
maintenance programme and are usually repaired within
Policy Framework (NPPF) is in force: “PRESUMPTION
two months. Larger or more complex works, such as major
IN FAVOUR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT“. So we
resurfacing, are generally scheduled separately.
have to prove that a development won’t work rather than
2. Other less urgent highways issues can be reported the developer proving that it will, but by then it is often
online at the Hampshire County Council website too late as it has been built and everyone is suffering the
(www.hants.gov.uk search Road Maintenance) consequences.
You will get a reference number and a response from the If you need more information please email me Cllr.nick.
Highways Team. robinson@basingstoke.gov.uk
Please do contact me if you require any follow up on Cllr Nick Robinson
reported issues
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