The Medstead and Four Marks Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is holding a drop-in session at Four Marks Village Hall on January 26 from 2pm to 5pm. It will enable the voices of residents to be heard and help the group understand and shape proposals for the future needs of the villages. The government wants 1,142 homes to be built in East Hampshire every year and villages such as Four Marks and Medstead could see their populations increase by a third in the next few years. A steering group spokesperson said: “These developments, driven by national housing demand, are set to bring both opportunities and challenges to our local communities. “To ensure that the dwellings that the villages really need are to be built in the right place and at the right time, the Medstead and Four Marks Neighbourhood Plan is being revised. “As the area has previously suffered from speculative development in the past, it is proposed that this revised Neighbourhood Plan will allocate housing. “This change would make the villages independent from some of the planning legislation that requires East Hampshire District Council to maintain a five-year land supply.” This is the first of several consultations planned during the development of the new Neighbourhood Plan, enabling villagers to put forward their views on what housing and services they believe Four Marks and Medstead need. The steering group is particularly interested in understanding villagers’ thoughts on the types of homes needed in Medstead and Four Marks, and where around the villages new housing would be best located. The spokesperson added: “This is very important because, with new housing development on the horizon, it is vital that Medstead and Four Marks, as a community, have a say in the government’s planning process. “Whether it is affordable housing for young families, bungalows for older residents, or homes that blend seamlessly into our rural landscape, it is our villagers’ opinion that matters. “This drop-in session is a chance to make sure that any future development reflects the needs and desires of those who actually live in Four Marks and Medstead, and not just bow to national targets or external pressures. “The steering group are volunteers, resident in the villages, who may not have the answers to all your questions but who are looking to help find the answers for you during the making of the new Neighbourhood Plan.” Comments Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 If you’re driving past the Kinnears’ home in the village of Four Marks this Christmas you’ll be greeted by a dazzling display that’s truly taken Christmas cheer to the next level In 2022 there were 15,000 lights adorning the Kinnears’ house in Goldcrest Way Every single bulb is carefully installed by hand they’re all choreographed to Christmas music the Kinnears transform their home into a Christmas wonderland that gets bigger and brighter each time The display attracts visitors every evening from 4.30pm to 8pm and all they have to do to enjoy the experience is press a big red button It began on December 16 and continues until December 31 Clare Kinnear said: “Our musical Christmas lights display runs every year in aid of charities we hold close to our hearts All money collected goes directly to the charity “All the lights are programmed to Christmas songs over December and pop songs after Christmas for around a week “We’re raising funds for two wonderful causes this year - Havant and East Hants Mind dedicated to enriching lives through horse-riding therapy Every donation makes a difference and we’re so grateful for any support you can provide “Please respect our very lovely neighbours and do not block the road Keep children off the road and our grass and remember to turn your car engine and lights off “We add to the display each year so keep coming back to support us Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Surrey resident fails to check his waste was being properly handled   A Surrey man has been fined in court after waste he paid to be removed was found in a fly-tip on the A31 admitted to magistrates that he did not check whether the company he employed to take his waste away were properly authorised to do so.  Everyone has a legal ‘duty of care’ to ensure their waste is disposed of properly and you can be prosecuted even if your waste is fly tipped by someone else on your behalf Loveridge was given a £200 fine and ordered to pay £150 compensation £80 victim surcharge and £300 costs.  Loveridge did not attend court on two occasions therefore the court issued a warrant for his arrest He was subsequently arrested and held in a police cell until the following day when he appeared in court  Loveridge admitted in his interview that he gave his business waste to anyone who was passing and made no checks and did not get a receipt or written description of the waste.  said: “Fly tipping is a serious issue – it damages the environment it’s expensive to clear and it looks awful We had 1,400 fly tips in East Hampshire last year and it costs us thousands of pounds to clear up.  “For that reason we have introduced our District Team who investigate fly tips and prosecute the fly tippers or those who have enabled them.  “Everyone has a legal duty of care to check their waste is being removed by an authorised carrier and to take a proper receipt Failure to do that can land you in court.  If you have rubbish you need to dispose of book a trip to the tip (Household Waste Recycling Centre) or contact an approved waste carrier (don’t fall for people knocking on your door) you should get a waste transfer note as a receipt to show who took it you’ll be able to show you did everything you could to ensure it was disposed of correctly You could also use our bulky waste collection service Find out more If you see someone in the process of fly tipping Please be aware that fly-tips can contain dangerous and hazardous materials so for your own safety we ask you not to touch any tip you may find please do not remove anything from the fly tip as this could compromise any prosecution that may result from our investigation Report a fly tip A tennis club has courted a parish council amid hopes of a fresh start. Kingsley Tennis Club recently asked Four Marks Parish Council if they could manage the courts off Uplands Lane. The group is effectively homeless as the gates to Kingsley Tennis Centre were padlocked in September amid plans to replace the indoor courts with padel alternatives. They enquired to FMPC about managing the courts near the sports pavilion believing their experience and coaching prowess would boost the game in the village. The outfit wanted to form an active club with coaching in the community and “increased utilisation of the courts” with pay and display still an option for local residents. Their vision included a desire to work alongside FMPC and a greater goal of creating indoor tennis courts at the site. But although some councillors were intrigued, the request was declined following a recommendation by the FMPC Community Facilities Committee not to proceed. Cllr Tim Gebbett said he was hesitant to hand over the responsibility of the courts to a club not local to Four Marks while councillors Andrew Medhurst and Mark Pullen didn’t want to restrict usage for local residents. Others felt the courts should be maintained for villagers and claimed it wasn’t practical to “have a club with so many members” amid concerns over parking and a possible impact on plans for the pavilion. Councillors concluded that although the number of people currently using the courts is “not unsubstantial” they are being used and it’s a valuable local facility. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us atOSU High Performance Two Wins on Saturday05/04/25 | Track and Field The Ducks are back home this coming Friday Former soldier Seadhna Wilson took a tactical approach to the London Marathon last Sunday swapping his planned World War I uniform for a lighter Second World War desert kit had originally intended to run in the heavy wool uniform used by British troops in the trenches of northern France and Belgium he adapted to the conditions and made the strategic decision to don the ‘desert fighting order’ worn by Montgomery’s forces at El Alamein Running for the Royal British Legion and carrying a giant Legion flag he completed the marathon in five hours and 15 minutes Seadhna said: "It was definitely the right decision Despite the warmth I managed to get round according to plan in a time of five hours and 15 minutes “This involved running for five minutes and walking for one although I left a chunk of my right heel on the course from a peach-sized blister I won’t be running in boots anytime soon!" His efforts have already pushed him beyond his £2,000 fundraising target though he’s continuing to collect donations for the charity "There was a full team of Royal British Legion runners on the course and we all met beforehand," he added To support Seadhna’s fundraising campaign, visit here. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Police are investigating a wave of car crime in Medstead and Four Marks in the early hours of April 21 A car was broken into between 11.30pm on April 20 and 8.30am on April 21 in Bogmoor Close and a car was stolen between 4pm on April 20 and 11.30am on April 21 from Ivatt Way - it has since been recovered Attempts were made to break into two cars in Goldcrest Way - at around 1.20am Between 3am and 4.15am on April 21 a total of seven more cars were broken into - two in Longbourn Way A shed and a garage were also broken into between 3am and 3.15am on April 21 in Kympton Gardens Police have been carrying out a number of enquiries and are now appealing for witnesses A spokesperson for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “Were you in the areas at the times mentioned above Did you witness any suspicious behaviour or vehicles Do you have any dash-cam or other footage which could help our investigations?” sunglasses or other items that can earn quick cash on display “Always lock it and keep keys safe and out of view when at home Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us pleaded guilty at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 17 September 2024 to two offences of fly tipping on 11 January 2023 under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 The two fly tips were in the laybys either side of the dual carriageway near Four Marks The waste consisted of boxes and other items Mr Singh admitted he had been paid £350 to take away and dispose of the waste Singh was issued fines of £261.50 for each fly tip (£523 in total) along with £707 towards the council’s costs £177 compensation and £209 for victim support The fines and costs reached a total of £1,616 East Hampshire District Council portfolio holder for environmental enforcement “We have zero tolerance for environmental and waste crime in East Hampshire “This is an example of our dogged determination to prosecute those who think it is OK to carry out this disgusting act “Residents and businesses should also remember that they could be fined if they hand their waste over to someone who later dumps it illegally.” Find out more Report a fly tip online The first is ‘planning inspector allows 60 houses to be built in Four Marks’ while the following involve petitions, major development and concerns over 1,300 homes. There’s other things happening in Medstead & Four Marks, but right now, and for the last few years, the biggest talking point has been housing. And still it comes: Plans for 53 homes behind 61 Lymington Bottom Road, and up to 70 more between Beechland Road and Stoney Lane were highlighted in May, while plans for 54 behind Brackenbury Gardens have been recommended for approval at an EHDC planning committee this week. It’s hard to keep track will all these plans and speculative applications being submitted, but there’s a group which are keeping a watchful eye and trying to slow the pace. Stand with Medstead Against Speculative Houses (SMASH) know they can’t stop housing from being built around the village, but they’re determined to get new homes placed in sensible sites, and with the infrastructure to accommodate it. A group of concerned Medstead residents came together I 2022 to form the outfit amid plans to build 650 homes west of Lymington Bottom Road. The three applications were refused, and they’ve been keeping the pressure on EHDC and developers ever since. “We seem to have become a dumping ground for all these new houses,” said Steve Adams, chair of SMASH. “South Medstead will be a mirror image of Four Marks but we’re not getting the facilities, supermarkets, the train station and all the stuff we need.” Medstead is divided into two parts and the area close to the Mid-Hants railway is called South Medstead. It’s housing stock has increased by a staggering 96.8 per cent from 340 to 668 homes since 2013. The population of Four Marks & South Medstead has also increased by 38.1 per cent from 4,067 to 5,617 in the ten years after 2011. East Hampshire District Council is currently in the process of updating its Local Plan but few need reminding of how fraught the process has been to find allocation sites. It’s inevitable more housing will be built around Four Marks & South Medstead, and Mr Adams and his colleagues accept that, but it’s got to be right. He said: “Currently, we are working with other local residents’ groups as we are all passionate about saving our two lovely villages from destruction. “For us, it’s all about saving our villages from overdevelopment and total urbanisation. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us A taxi driver from Four Marks found over the limit after a tip-off has told a court he was “very, very stupid”. Robert Lenox was given a 12-month driving ban after failing a breath test on the A31 on March 6 with his taxi licence also being revoked. The 65-year-old of Boyneswood Close gave a reading of 43 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath with 35/100 being the legal limit. There was no passenger in the car. Lenox, defending himself, told Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 20, that he drunk a pint and a half in Wetherspoons with a meal after an airport run. He was ordered to pay £208 in fines and charges and agreed to complete a drink-drive education course. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us The South Downs National Park revealed how many homes it plans to build in East Hampshire last week – and for anyone living in Alton Four Marks or the southern parishes it made for a shocking read.  In case you haven’t been following this issue the new Government has announced proposals to almost double the number of homes East Hampshire must build by 2040 from 574 to 1,074 every single year.  That’s already an eye-watering increase in development but when you consider that more than half the district is covered by the South Downs National Park it becomes a real problem.  The SNDP uses its own Local Plan and makes its own decisions on where it builds new homes It can cherry pick how many homes it wants to build inside the national park and leave the rest to be shouldered by the towns and villages outside its boundary.  Last week the national park’s planners announced it was their intention to take fewer than 60 of East Hampshire’s annual target inside the park – you don’t need to be Carol Vorderman to work out that leaves a crushing 1,000 homes a year to be found outside the park’s gilded boundaries.  Planning guidelines dictate that development generally gravitates towards existing settlements so much of that new housing must necessarily go to Alton Four Marks or the southern parishes – places that have already seen more than their fair share of development.  We understand that a national park is a place to be preserved and enjoyed – but these negligible housing numbers are a slap in the face to residents who prize their own local surroundings just as highly.  You don’t just have to live in the national park to enjoy spectacular landscapes and natural beauty and it all deserves to be recognised and protected.  it’s becoming more than a little irritating that the residents of East Hampshire outside the golden boundary of the park see the natural beauty of their own landscapes overlooked and ignored.  over-protecting the park will do its residents no favours in the long run.   As a council we want the best outcomes and quality of life for all our residents The South Downs National Park Authority needs to accept that development is essential to sustain communities and avoid decline.  the needs of the people who live there must come first.   If you don't plan for more housing your towns and villages will decay infrastructure and services will wither.   The South Downs National Park can't operate as a visitor attraction only - it is a living part of our community and if it does not grow it will decline See the SDNP plans Draft plans to build up to 100 homes in a village west of Alton have been handed to planners – just days after proposals for 79 nearby were rejected The race to build around Four Marks shows no sign of slowing down with two major applications for the south of the village coming and going before planning officers Cresland Ltd has submitted outline plans to build up to 100 homes on 6.53 hectares of grazing land between Blackberry Lane and Alton Lane It’s the latest in a string of outline applications for the site with the figure being well below the 195 suggested in their opening 2023 bid The applicants insist the plans are a result of “previous land promotion discussions” which were “held over a number of years” with the district council They call the village a “logical location for growth” and believe the site is a “sustainable location” with close access to a range of local services and facilities Both Cresland and Leevan Ltd both highlight the fact EHDC does not currently have a five-year shortfall of housing provision in the district – a key reason why Four Marks and Medstead has been swamped with housing applications over the last few years. But the latter firm will have to think again as their outline bid for 79 homes – reduced from 95 – on a 4.7 hectare patch off Lymington Bottom has been strongly rejected. Planners feel the proposed development would have a “divorced appearance from the village” and would result in a “substantial and unsympathetic change” in the appearance and intensity of the area. The refusal notice states: “This development is entirely at odds with the character and appearance of the local area. “The development would not contribute to local distinctiveness and would neither be appropriate nor sympathetic to its surroundings.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Residents who take part in the online survey will be asked what kind of sports clubs and facilities they would prefer at the site off Uplands Lane and the better our future decision-making for the community,” said a spokesperson for FMPC To have your say on the future facilities and possible improvements at the Recreation Ground, complete the survey at https://fourmarksfuture.org/sports-survey/ By Katie Harding Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Andrew Donoghue stole nearly £30,000 of jewellery from homes around Hampshire in Dorset in a “targeted and brazen” crime spree between April 24 and May 17. Donoghue was jailed on August 2 after pleading guilty to six counts of burglary and theft. He also admitted to one count of burglary dwelling with intent to steal and a further count of attempted burglary when he appeared at Winchester Crown Court. He also broke into homes in Bishop’s Waltham and Corhampton on the same day but his luck ran out in Romsey when he was pulled over by police with a haul of stolen items in his car. DS Adam Knight of the Hampshire Police Northern Area Crime Team hailed the work of the officers and staff who gathered the evidence to secure his conviction. “I hope that this result helps the victims of these burglaries to move forward and we will continue doing everything we can to support those affected by burglary and bring offenders before the courts.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Four Marks BMX rider Betty Wills has received her British Cycling award Betty received her award at the British Cycling Awards which were held at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester Betty is looking for sponsors for next year so she can enter European rounds and go to the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen Anyone who would like to donate should visit Betty’s GoFundMe fundraiser at: www.gofundme.com/f/help-betty-go-to-her-first-bmx-world-championships Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Councillors have paved the way for nearly 100 houses to be built in a village near Alton besieged by would-be developers. An outline application by Redrow Homes for up to 95 new houses north of the Watercress Line in Medstead parish has been approved by East Hampshire District Council. The decision approves the principle of development on the site west of Longbourn Way and clears the path for the housebuilder to submit firm proposals. Campaigners have called the decision a “sad day for the village” with parish councillors from Medstead and Four Marks both speaking out against the application during a meeting in Petersfield. But members of the planning committee may have felt their hands were tied given EHDC doesn’t have a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites. Eight voted for the recommendation of approval with a pair apiece abstaining and voting against the scheme, which was first submitted 21 years ago. Housing numbers proposed for the site have also been reduced while concerns over access seem to have been addressed. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 8, 2025 / 12:40 pm (CNA) Twenty Catholic and evangelical Protestant scholars have issued a joint statement on where both traditions are unified and where they are distinct in their understandings of the four marks of the Church: one The Nicene Creed was initially adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in A.D but the referenced “four marks” were added to the creed at the second ecumenical council less than four decades later Although some interpretations of the councils are debated among Christian faith communities and most traditional Protestant communities all recognize the validity and authority of these councils and profess a vernacular translation of the creed we acknowledge the truth of the Gospel: Christ is one,” the document reads Christ is the source and guarantor of apostolic teaching every gathering of faithful Christians possesses to some degree the four notes of the church the executive director of First Things magazine and one of the leaders and signatories of the initiative told CNA the statement was issued “so that we can be better instructed to what our traditions teach about the Church.” He said Evangelicals and Catholics Together helps “to promote the larger goal of Christian unity by speaking about the areas where we agree” but also avoids a “false ecumenism that pretends that there are not profound differences.” Catholic signatories include the group’s Catholic theological co-chair, Seton Hall University theology professor emeritus Monsignor Thomas Guarino Ethics and Public Policy Center fellow George Weigel and The Catholic University of America theology professor Christopher Ruddy Evangelical signatories include Gerald McDermott an Anglican theologian and instructor at Jerusalem Seminary and Reformed Episcopal Seminary; Laura Smit a professor at Calvin University; and Dale Coulter an ordained minister in the Church of God and theology professor at Pentecostal Theological Seminary The statement notes that the scholars “do not propose to resolve the questions that have divided Protestants and Catholics for centuries,” but “rather we seek to express a shared understanding of the creedal marks of the Church.” “Contemporary secular culture attacks and damages our corporate witness to Jesus as Lord “The perversions and corruptions of the city of God by the city of man are legion: division The creedal affirmation … helps us discern where and when the Church needs reformation and repair.” “one,” the statement notes: “We agree that all Christians are united in one faith through one baptism” and that “holiness is the perfect praise of God and thus the body of Christ is united when believers offer the same perfect adoration and worship.” “We acknowledge that the disunity of Christians impairs our witness,” it reads “Our unity in Christ is something the world must see in order that they might know the power of his love.” that Catholics and Protestants have an “imperfect unity” based on the distinct understandings of what makes the Church “one” — and that resolving those disputes is still something “we are far away from achieving.” they write the Church’s oneness is based on “the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist” and the unity of bishops and doctrines under leadership of the pope unity under Rome “ensures that the Church is one in her teaching believe “the Church is one in those regenerated in Christ “holy,” the statement notes that “together we recognize that the Son of God governs the Church and that the Church is therefore a divine instrument that is sacred and must be worthy of its calling.” It adds that the signatories are “united in our concern that our churches are often lazy failing to impose discipline and cultivate the practices that set the followers of Christ apart from the world.” however hidden her sanctity might be under the sinfulness and worldliness of the faithful,” the authors write The third mark, “catholic,” stems from the Greek word “katholikos,” which essentially means “on the whole” or “universal.” The statement notes that Catholics and evangelicals are united on the catholicity of the Church because “the body of Christ is universal” and both faith traditions are united in the belief that God’s “love knows no boundaries; his offer of salvation has no limits.” “The note of catholicity means more than the baptism of people worldwide; we are called to convert every culture so that all peoples recognize the lordship of Christ in all things,” the scholars write and proclamation further the catholicity of the Church,” they add we agree that it is God in Christ who accomplishes catholicity which is present in every community gathered in his name.” The differences in understanding the catholicity of the Church are similar to the differences in understanding the oneness of the Church While Catholics “emphasize the sacramental and juridical universality of the Church,” the scholars write evangelicals “focus on the consistent and universal confession of faith mutual recognition of the charisms of service and leadership as well as shared patterns of spiritual renewal and rebirth in Christ.” “apostolic,” the statement notes that there is agreement that “the Church is apostolic because it confesses the faith of the apostles and sustains the common life established in Christ.” “We are united in the conviction that the Church must always seek to be true to the teachings we have received from the apostles,” the scholars write and quote from the Epistle of Jude: “The Church’s vocation is ‘to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.’ We are called to preserve and proclaim the Word of God in its fullness.” The signatories also voice agreement that “progressive religion” seeks to alter the teachings of the apostles adding that it “poses a grave threat to the apostolicity of our churches — a threat far graver than the important theological issues at stake in the differences between evangelicals and Catholics.” the statement also notes where the two traditions are distinct see “apostolic succession as the continuous chain of bishops ordained to govern especially those who serve in the chair of St emphasize Scripture and that “there is a succession of true doctrine and faithful leadership through the ages.” The document adds that evangelicals and Catholics unite in the recognition “that only the Church Triumphant in heaven is one and apostolic in the fullness of perfection.” and worship constitute the Church Militant which participates in the perfection of the Church Triumphant but does not possess its fullness,” it adds “We are divided in our assessment of the degree to which we possess the marks of the Church but we share a profound confidence: Christ has promised to build his Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” which includes some focused on social and cultural matters and others focused on theological matters Reno said the initiative was launched with two goals: “One is to be able to speak in a united fashion to many cultural issues of our time” and the other is “to promote the larger goal of Christian unity by speaking about the areas where we agree” while acknowledging that the differences “remain real.” He said the initiative helps “break down stereotypes that often hinder an understanding of each other.” “We all agree that we’re called by God to obey his will; to serve his purpose,” Reno said adding: “That is a unifying commitment in a secular age.” Reno explained that an “increasingly progressive and hostile secular culture especially among American elites,” made the initiative possible because this “has driven religious Americans together.” He said it provided “an opportunity to actually have conversations and probe our differences.” Guarino told CNA that Catholics and evangelicals became “allies in the culture wars” first but that this initiative was meant to provide a theological unification: “It’s the idea that we are brothers in Jesus Christ.” but for Christians to witness together.” He added that although “we have some differences” with evangelicals scholars on both sides were “convinced that the Gospel was important for answering [or] certainly contributing to understanding the complex social and political problems the country and the world face.” “There’s a great deal that we can say together about the Church [although there is a] long road to travel in terms of complete theological unity,” Guarino said Copyright © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) St Clare Media (EWTN GB) Limited A fundraising show of blind faith will take place in Four Marks this weekend as five blindfolder barbers will give models a haircut in support of mental health charity. The quintet will cut the hair of five models at Faded Skulls this Saturday to raise awareness and funds for the Alton branch of suicide prevention charity, Andy’s Man Club. Kieran Kelly, whose wife Jo runs the business, will be among those trusting his hair to a blind barber. He said: “We want to raise awareness of mental health problems and generate funds for Andy’s Man Club, a suicide charity for men. “Tragically, someone in our local community took their own life last week, making our mission to promote mental health awareness even more urgent.” As well as the spectacle of blind barbers cutting hair, there will music from a DJ, and a raffle with prizes including a two-night stay in a safari tent at Watercress Lodges near Alresford. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Four Marks Care is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation in 1975 with a coffee morning and an afternoon tea for its clients at Four Marks Village Hall on June 7. The charity started when a few villagers came together to drive neighbours without transport to appointments at local GP surgeries, hospitals in Basingstoke, Winchester and Southampton, and further afield if required. Vice-chair Michael Oates said: “We continue the good work started all those years ago, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Four Marks Care we have distributed discount vouchers to all of our client base and erected a bench at the Lymington Bottom Green in Four Marks. But our main event is the clients’ day on June 7. We are expecting a very good turnout.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Four Marks BMX rider Betty Wills has received her national award for winning the national series and being crowned the female nine national champion. Betty has also won her first European round in Ravels, Belgium. Betty is looking for sponsors for next year so she can enter European rounds and go to the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen. For more information phone Beth Wills on 07595 453805. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us KPMG Law US will operate as an independently managed subsidiary of KPMG Accounting giant KPMG has launched KPMG Law US becoming the first Big Four firm to establish a law firm in the US KPMG Law US will operate as an independently managed subsidiary of the firm where it already caters to more than 100 clients The subsidiary will maintain a strategic alignment with the firm’s Tax practice KPMG Law US will merge KPMG’s technological prowess with legal services addressing the evolving requirements of legal departments It will deliver technology-driven legal services leveraging artificial intelligence and the KPMG Digital Gateway This initiative builds on the firm’s existing Legal Business Services practice Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis The newly formed law firm will work in concert with KPMG’s global network of law firms The collaboration is designed to help clients streamline their operations and allow legal teams to focus on strategic initiatives The latest move comes at a time when the legal services sector is rapidly growing and transforming with businesses seeking to revamp their legal operations for competitive advantage KPMG Tax vice-chair Rema Serafi said: “KPMG is uniquely positioned to transform the delivery of legal services “By combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence and advanced technology solutions with legal services we are proud to be a first mover with this capability and to offer the most holistic range of tech-enabled services in the marketplace for our clients’ evolving needs.” Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network you acknowledge that GlobalData UK Limited may share your information with our partners/sponsors who may contact you directly with information on their products and services Your AI supplement access link will arrive shortly. While you wait, why not explore our other supplements The mayor of Alton has cut the ribbon to a ten-bedroom extension to a care home in Four Marks. Guests were treated to entertainment from a singer and local magician during a tour of Belford House Care Home. Cllr Annette Eyre had the honour of opening the extension to the Hartford care home before pupils from Four Marks Primary School received prizes for naming some of its corridors. The corridor names are: The Daffodil Wing, The Milne Manor, The Watercress Wing, The Hawthorne Wing, The Aviation Wing and The Rachel Hudson Wing.  The ten bedrooms in the new extension offer clean and crisp interiors, ready to be personalised by those living in them.  Belford House offers residential, dementia, respite break and end of life care. The firm’s ethos is ‘Creating Caring Communities’ where a philosophy of care is underpinned by creating homes that are kind and welcoming to everyone.  Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us The Triple fff brewery in Four Marks has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to keep its popular Offf The Rails tap room open. In March 2023 Triple fff founder Graham Trott applied to East Hampshire District Council for a lawful development certificate for an existing use, continuing since before 2012, of the Offf The Rails premises and outdoor space as a tap room ancillary to the principal brewing function of the site at Station Approach in Four Marks. The council refused permission in May 2024 and Triple fff appealed in March 2025. The Planning Inspectorate appeal reference number is APP/M1710/X/24/3356048. In its statement of case against the appeal, the council said a licence to sell alcohol at the site was granted in 2019, but this did not show continuous use for ten years from 2012. It added that ‘ancillary’ meant a connected subsidiary use, limited to “the occasional open day” or “for customers to enjoy a quick drink following a brewery tour”. The council also said the tap room and outdoor space were “much larger than the brewing facility”. The council concluded: “The local planning authority do not consider the tap room and external seating area to be ancillary to the function of the brewery. Nor are the local planning authority satisfied that the development has been in situ for a continuous period of ten years.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us RHA has marked four years of involvement with coaches and says it has enrolled more than 170 coach operator members capturing 2,500 vehicles in that time along with attracting over 40 associate members It came a day after the Association celebrated its 80th anniversary an illustrated book has been published to tell the story of eight decades at the forefront of industrial social and business changes in the UK since the mid-1940s An early recruit to the helm of RHA Coaches was Operations Manager Andy Warrender who brought experience from a long career working in the coach sector Mr Warrender describes the fourth anniversary as “a significant day,” adding that RHA Coaches has “developed a unique offering for coach operators and we are now the fastest growing trade association in this space.” He adds that many coach operators that have signed up as RHA members previously never engaged with trade bodies they are proud RHA ambassadors,” he continues exclusive services and a strong policy base RHA Coaches members can be assured that we are representing their interests and actively campaigning on the key challenges and priorities facing the sector.” RHA Membership Director Phil Snowden adds that the Association is “proud to represent the coach sector through our range of services and campaigning efforts.” He notes: “Members that have been on this journey so far see the value of RHA resources and engagement on their behalf with regulators and policymakers on coach-specific issues “Ever since those early conversations with our first members we have been actively representing coach as a sector in its own right We look forward to celebrating many more milestones in the years ahead.” routeone magazine is the indispensable resource for professional UK coach The home of vehicle sales and the latest bus and coach job vacancies routeone connects professional PCV operators with complete and unrivalled news coverage News Volunteer Events Shop Alison Thompson was raised on the principle that ‘time costs nothing’ so it’s no surprise she is hesitant to believe her multi-decade commitment to badminton at both the national and local level is worthy of celebration Thompson has been an invaluable member of Elmfield Badminton Club for the last 40 years then club secretary and later as unofficial club captain The North East native has been hitting shuttles for as long as she can remember who ran a junior badminton club in her hometown of Hartlepool for much of his life Thompson could not shake the badminton bug that her brother also inherited from their father and credits the sport’s family feel for keeping her in the game “My brother and I got so involved because of my father,” she said “My life has always been filled with badminton I don’t think there’s any way I could repay the amount of pleasure I have experienced from supporting Thompson first joined Elmfield Badminton Club as a player aged 20 and has since become part of the furniture as a long-serving committee member – a role she sees as much of a privilege as her paid job “My brother and I were always brought up to believe that ‘time costs nothing’,” she said “We were brought up to believe everyone can afford to give some of theirs every now and then.” It is no surprise then that Thompson took on the role of club captain – booking courts keeping players in-the-know and making sure the whole club continued to run smoothly – without ever being formally asked my role as secretary evolved into taking over the unofficial duties of club captain,” she added “Our true captain for many years was Foong Tham an amazing volunteer who set up the Anglo Scottish League in 1997 has also been president from my first days in the club and still retains an active interest in how things are progressing.” Thompson is reluctant to acknowledge the long-lasting impact she has personally had on her Newcastle-based club but cannot skirt the fact she has been the one to keep the cogs turning even in the toughest of circumstances Last month Elmfield Badminton Club lost its last hall and was forced to look for an alternative home for local badminton fanatics but Thompson played a pivotal part in ensuring the club’s survival “Things were not looking great for the future,” she said “I spent many sleepless nights thinking we wouldn’t survive beyond year 99 but we weathered the tough times and reached our 100th Anniversary “Many thanks to Newcastle High School for Girls who came good at the last hour So many members helped us to find a new venue and I feel with a community like that we will continue to thrive.” As for Thompson’s on-the-court contributions to the sport she has represented Northumberland as a player for over 40 years crediting her fellow teammates for a lifetime’s worth of memories “Representing Northumberland for the last 40 years has been such a rewarding experience,” she said “It’s given me a healthy respect for the hours put in by others to allow our County teams to turn out for matches several hundred miles away “I also know there are many people with unpaid roles involved in Northumberland Badminton Association and further afield today “There have been highs and lows but I wouldn’t give up the memories for anything.” priority access tickets and exclusive communications and offers Web Design & Development by 123 Internet Group Police investigating a spate of burglaries in Four Marks have made an appeal for information after arresting a suspect. Cash was stolen from a house on Blackberry Lane around 3.40pm last Friday while two break-ins were also reported around the same time on Bernard Avenue, although nothing was taken. The incidents may be linked to a burglary between 9am and 12.45pm on the same morning in Bishop’s Waltham as jewellery was stolen from a house on Siskin Close. Police later found a haul of suspected stolen items inside a car they pulled over near Romsey with its 41-year-old driver being arrested on suspicion of burglary. The male, who remains in police custody at the time, was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving and driving without the correct licence. Witnesses or people in the Blackberry Lane area with information or possible dashcam or Ring doorbell footage are urged to call 101 quoting 44240206889. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us and apostolic church.” We do not often pause to reflect deeply on this line Yet these are the four marks attributed to the church during the First Council of Constantinople in A.D which led to the creed that we recite today These four marks serve as a point of discernment helping us to recognize the presence of the church of Jesus Christ At the start of the recent Synod on Synodality, I had a conversation with Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, S.J., a distinguished African theologian who is now the dean of the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley he spoke about the marks of a synodal church that emerged from the instrumentumlaboris for the synod Now that we have the final document of the synod I believe looking at the document through the four “marks” is a way to make the document more accessible and understandable What are the most vital “marks” or attributes of a synodal church as revealed in the text It took the early church nearly 400 years to articulate the four marks that we profess in the Nicene Creed It may also take some time to determine the definitive marks of a synodal church If synodality is indeed a constitutive dimension of the church (as stated in Paragraphs 12 and 28 of the instrumentumlaboris) then we should expect to observe certain attributes when synodality is flourishing and maturing Reflecting on the final document of the synod I propose four marks of a synodal church: relating a church that is closer to the lives of Her people less bureaucratic and more relational.” This desire is echoed in the final document (No synod delegates rediscovered the church’s ancient roots The final document states: “We recognize a synodal church by flourishing interpersonal relationships flowing from the mutual love that constitutes the ‘new commandment’ left by Jesus to His disciples (cf At the heart of relationality is the concept of mutual interconnectedness, aligning with Pope Francis’ encyclicals “Laudato Si’” and “Fratelli Tutti” on integral ecology The term “integral” describes the interconnected web of relationships among people and therefore it cannot be faithful to Christ the church must first learn to listen—to the word of God and the marginalized in order to understand God’s will The final document states: “The synodal process has renewed the awareness that listening is an essential component of every aspect of the Church’s life” (No listening paves the way for conversion (No The document outlines various dimensions of listening: to the people (No I frequently remind myself and each of you to be able to respond to the Word that each day says to him Listening in a synodal church is not passive; it is deeply relational and closely linked to discernment The synod document presents Mary as a model of this kind of listening: listening is part of a continuum leading to attentiveness to God’s will and active discipleship Relationality and listening are prerequisites for synodality but discernment is its spiritual core and daily practice openness to the Spirit and a commitment to ongoing conversion Discernment is the axis upon which the synodal church finds the “paths of mission” (No The document states: “Ecclesial discernment…is both the condition and a privileged expression of synodality Discernment involves three interconnected practices: ecclesial discernment decision-making processes and a culture of transparency It must be undertaken in a spirit of transparency Discernment is affirmed through leaders and by God and the entire people of God through the fruitfulness of the mission Discernment is the inner dynamism of synodality and is envisioned as the pathway to the renewal of the church The document states that “the renewal of the Christian community is possible only by recognizing the primacy of grace” and adds: “In this sense while drawing on the rich spiritual heritage of the Tradition the synodal perspective contributes to renewing its forms: a prayer open to participation and a missionary energy that arises from sharing and that radiates as service” (No Discernment also transforms the community into a spiritual family that relies on God for its mission Such a discernment “entails the contribution of everyone,” as it is “both the condition and a privileged expression of synodality” (No Living as a discerning community demands “continuous care for and formation of consciences” and the development of the sensusfidei As ecclesial discernment entails the contribution of everyone it is both the condition and a privileged expression of synodality The inner dynamism of discernment fuels growth in faith forming the church into a community deeply attuned to God The document calls for the transformation of synodal bodies established by the Second Vatican Council and by canon law diocesan pastoral councils and parish pastoral councils When these bodies are transformed into discerning communities they move the local church toward an “inculturated proclamation of the Gospel Communal discernment even extends to ecumenism The document suggests including delegates from other Christian communities and faiths in the discernment process (No It also outlines six steps for communal discernment (No which leaders should prayerfully reflect on This approach is not about democracy or popular opinion but about forming a discerning community while respecting church hierarchy A new culture must be embedded in seminaries and formation houses: The “formation of candidates for ordained ministry should be undertaken in a synodal way There should be a significant presence of women an immersion in the daily life of communities and formation to enable collaboration with everyone in the Church” (No modeled on Philippians 2:5-7: “Have this mind among yourselves did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself taking the form of a servant.” This calls for deep conversion and transformation into Christ To understand this mark of the synodal church we must reflect on this three-year process of synodality Pope Francis has exemplified self-emptying by decentralizing authority to involve the whole people of God In his final address to the Synod on Synodality By forgoing the usual apostolic exhortation issued at the conclusion of a synod Pope Francis has modeled a new form of leadership becomes part of the ordinary magisterium of the bishop of Rome This is historic and a model for all leaders in this synodal church requiring us to make space for others in the church’s life the church has grappled with self-emptying with the pope emptying himself and embracing his role as the bishop of Rome The document further emphasizes the need for “sound decentralization” to support inculturation and timely decision-making while maintaining unity in faith and morals The final document is rich with insights worthy of further exploration and it may take many years for the church to fully embody its invitation we must focus on the four essential “marks” of synodality: Relating Keeping these ever before us ensures that we stay on the right path Each mark is a call to conversion and mission This spirituality weaves through each section of the document Synodality leads to mission through deep spiritual change or Christification—a process in which disciples become united with God and transformed into Christ’s image (2 Cor 3:18) The process of conversion also purifies the mission This grace invites the whole people of God into a mystical union with the Holy Trinity becoming an extension of God in this world while remaining intimately connected Conversion and mission fruitfulness are intertwined with these four marks water is laboriously drawn from a deep well requiring effort but yielding results as the garden begins to flourish The second stage is easier: Water is pumped and distributed symbolizing a deepening relationship with God representing a more natural and fruitful prayer life which requires intentional effort and grace This must lead to deep listening—attuning ourselves to God Conversion through listening comes from grace poured into our hearts guiding us toward discernment as a way of life and governance for our families Discernment invites us to align our will with God’s This self-emptying is the most precious gift of synodality Each mark presents an opportunity for transformation and mission purification they act as an inner dynamism in the soul of the Christian and the church’s structure facilitating the Christification of believers and the realization of Vatican II’s vision of universal holiness as well as the church’s call for missionary disciples at Aparecida The document emphasizes the need for a Christian community committed to continuous making synodality an invitation to deep spiritual renewal leading to missionary discipleship and the church as a community on mission We need to see catechesis through these four marks of synodality: a catechesis that is relational This should also guide pastoral care and decision-making in the church today finance councils and all our synodal bodies must embody these marks Seminary formation and all our formation programs must embed them as well Can we reimagine the church through these four Think of the Emmaus story as a model of movement toward a synodal church: The two disciples are on the road together (a “synod” itself) They are running away from the mission in Jerusalem He listens deeply to them and responds to their cares and concerns He deepens the relationship through breaking bread with them Then they become a discerning community: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32) aligning themselves with God’s will—they head back to Jerusalem This Gospel story takes us through the four marks of a synodal church Each encounter with Christ moves us to relating Charles Jason Gordon is the archbishop of Port of Spain Password reset instructions will be sent to your registered email address As a frequent reader of our website, you know how important America’s voice is in the conversation about the church and the world. We can't do it without you—America Media relies on generous support from our readers. Please visit our membership page to learn how you can invest in our work by subscribing to the magazine or making a donation If you’re already a subscriber or donor, thank you! If you login and register your print subscription number with your account, you’ll have unlimited access to the website. Please contact us at members@americamedia.org with any questions The flagship M&S store has become a test case in the debate over whether to demolish or retrofit old buildings News | London Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has ruled on Marks & Spencer’s hugely controversial plan to demolish its flagship Oxford Street store, ending a three-year battle over the future of the art deco building On Thursday she gave the retail giant the all clear to demolish its 94 year old flagship store at Marble Arch ending one of the most bitterly contested and high profile planning rows of recent years The retail giant wants to flatten and rebuild its store at Orchard House, near Marble Arch to make way for a new nine-storey building that would include retail space The flagship store has became a litmus test about the future direction of central London architecture and whether old buildings should be torn down or retrofitted Here’s a rundown of the history of the M&S’s store and the argument over its future: 1929 - Construction begins on the art deco building on a corner of Britain’s most famous shopping street At the time M&S was actively seeking to establish a West End store as they expanded and modernised under the direction of Simon Marks the founder’s son and chairman for more than 50 years November 5 1930 - M&S opens its hotly-anticipated Marble Arch store At the time the London Evening News breathlessly reported: “This impressive building at the corner of Oxford Street and Orchard Street has been transformed in the space of 17 days from an empty shell of bare walls into a worthy neighbour of the renowned fashion houses… It adds a new feature to the famous attractions of the West End.” February 2021 - Fast forward 70 years and M&S applies to Westminster City Council for permission to demolish Orchard House and replace it with a nine-storey building November 2021 - Despite opposition from building environment and sustainability experts Westminster City Council approves M&S’s plans to demolish the flagship Oxford Street store January 2022 - A critical report by zero-carbon expert Simon Sturgis is released claiming the Marble Arch plans “were directly at odds with government policy” February 2022 - A Government planning inspector gives his approval to the plans paving the way for the existing site’s demolition M&S boss slams three-year delay on Oxford Street demolition decision London council ordered to pay compensation to family left without bedroom London shops lose record £15m of items due to shoplifting epidemic 10 food brands and destinations to satisfy your Christmas cravings April 2022 - Former Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove issues a holding direction – suspending Westminster’s decision to approve the demolition until the government has scrutinised the plan June 2022 - Gove steps in to decide on the application rather than the local council which supported the plans along with the Greater London Authority A full public inquiry into the decision is announced Gove refuses planning permission for the building overruling the Government planning inspector’s previous decision The plans are rejected over concerns the public benefits of the proposal do not outweigh the harm to nearby landmarks including the famous Selfridges department store and several nearby conservation areas M&S chief executive Stuart Machin responds furiously to the decision, calling it “pathetic” as he accuses the Government of “ignoring” experts and threatens to pull the company out of Oxford Street altogether March 2024 - M&S wins the right to demolish its store on Oxford Street after a High Court judge rules the Government made a series of blunders while trying to block the plans High Court judge Mrs Justice Lieven rules in favour of the supermarket giant delivering a damning judgment that the Government had misunderstood planning policies and made a series of flawed or unexplained decisions July 4 2024 - Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party storm to a landslide victory and the incoming Housing Minister Angela Rayner is quickly handed the power to block or approve the plans for the store December 5,2024 - Ms Rayner gives M&S the all clear to demolish its 94 year old flagship store granting permission for the hugely controversial proposals almost four years after they were first submitted to Westminster council VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin David Beckham extends olive branch to son Brooklyn amid 'family feud' Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from her hospital bed after surgery Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from hospital A proposal to demolish 46 Lymington Bottom in Four Marks and build 60 houses on land behind it has been allowed on appeal. The decision came despite 431 objections - similar to the numbers received when previous applications for the site were made in 2017 and 2019 - because East Hampshire District Council could not demonstrate that it had sufficient housing land supply to meet its housing target set by the government. This ruling means housing could be permitted on any site outside a settlement boundary until East Hampshire can come up with a Local Plan to meet the target. Speaking at the Four Marks Parish Council meeting on April 17, Arthur Barlow - the chair of campaign group Fight4FourMarks - said: “I’m disappointed in the decision after all the work the parish council, Fight4FourMarks and others put in. “I’m angry that public voices did not even get a mention, dismayed that East Hampshire District Council did not put all its efforts into it, and sad that district councillors did not or could not make a difference.” Mr Barlow added: “I’m disillusioned that local people are simply ignored, in favour of so called ‘much needed’ house building, which plain and simply is money making for developers. Houses are needed near jobs, not here in Four Marks and rural East Hampshire. “Something more needs to be done to save this village and East Hampshire from dozens, hundreds of houses which we cannot support with services, no-one locally wants and that will ruin this locality forever.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us A couple from Medstead have gone public with their objection to the idea of Four Marks and Medstead absorbing major development to meet East Hampshire District Council’s Local Plan housing target. The council must put 1,200 homes somewhere – but Alan and Margaret May, of Windsor Road, are adamant the two villages are not the place. In a letter sent to the Herald as well as district councillors, planning officers and East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, they objected to four 600-house sites – land west of Lymington Bottom Road, land east of Lymington Bottom Road, Winchester Road and south Four Marks.  They added: “We object to the classification of Four Marks and south Medstead as a Tier 2 settlement.  “If we are classified as a Tier 2 settlement we should have 60 per cent of the infrastructure Alton has. The number of houses in south Medstead in 2011 was 851. “By 2023 that figure had increased by almost 50 per cent, by 339 and 76 currently under construction. The approved Neighbourhood Plan for Four Marks and Medstead for 2016-28 included 175 properties in total, and 600 have so far been built. Sadly very little has improved regarding our infrastructure to cater for this massive influx of new residents.” Alan and Margaret believe the single-lane Boyneswood Road and Lymington Bottom Road bridges over the Watercress Line would have to be made two-way, with these and other road improvements making building houses there “economically unviable”. They feel more parking, schools, doctors and dentists would be needed, plus pubs, jobs and a supermarket. They fear flooding and believe the market cost of buying a house there would put ‘affordable’ housing beyond the reach of those who want it.  They said: “There is an absence of evidence provided by the multiple developers and owners for the various sites’ development, and as such they are not deliverable.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us The show at the Kinnears’ home in Goldcrest Way is programmed so the lights change with the music of popular Christmas songs. It is raising money for Broadlands Riding for the Disabled in Medstead and it is on from 4.30pm to 8pm each night. Clare Kinnear said: “Christmas is my favourite time of year as I love the magic, joy and friends and family coming together over good food and wine – and to top if off I adore anything sparkling, so love decorating the house. “Our children are now 16 and 17 so we wanted to keep the magic going, and it is wonderful to hear the children having such fun outside. We know that it is still a challenging time for a lot of people, so we want to bring some joy to Hampshire.” Of this year’s charity, Clare added: “I cannot shout loud enough about the positive impact Broadlands has had on our daughters’ lives, and many others in Hampshire. “Living with a disability can indeed be challenging, and it’s often disheartening to feel like you’re missing out on opportunities or being told what you can’t do. “But Broadlands is where individuals with disabilities can feel empowered, accepted and capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. They are helping individuals with disabilities discover their strengths and abilities, and providing a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive. “Our daughter has decided to pursue a career with horses due to her positive experiences at Broadlands. This shows that they have not only helped her develop her skills and confidence but also sparked her passion for working with horses and making a difference in the world, even after volunteering in pouring rain and mucking out stables and fields.” To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/kinnearschristmaslightdisplay Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us I want to say a huge thank you to the residents of Four Marks Your overwhelming vote of confidence in me during the recent by-election was truly humbling It also delivered a surge in the Lib Dem vote by nearly 19 per cent – compared with May 2023 my unwavering commitment remains: to represent local people effectively and serve as a strong opposition voice within our ward Conversations with residents over the past few months have highlighted recurring topics of concern on our doorsteps it was recycling that spurred me into politics and I remain passionate that we should be doing much more on this within East Hampshire it is the huge amount of house building in the villages often without any real coordination on infrastructure (think healthcare which causes residents the biggest worry of all With the Draft Local Plan consultation now closed the process of collating the residents’ views I hold hope that we will adopt the new Local Plan soon While it won’t solve all the problems overnight My first council meeting was insightful and highlighted huge issues with communication Some Councillors felt that they had been transparent on all aspects of the budget who were new to the Chamber – felt they did not have enough information on which to base a decision – and subsequently abstained with a commitment to share information earlier and communicate more effectively in the future The budget revealed that waste disposal remains a significant cost financially as well as from a carbon emissions perspective It’s imperative that we help our residents understand what should and should not go into our recycling bins so we can reduce contamination and costs But the real issue is the sheer quantity of waste we produce Wasting less would mean we buy less and discard less – which would help domestic budgets and save the council money on fuel overburdened trucks and even the roads they travel on Cllr Roland Richardson can be contacted by email at: [email protected] Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us If the first church had a website, the tagline “Together” would have been on brand. The community of faith in its earliest days serves as the standard for every local church going forward. However, pastors today are seeing a deepening apathy toward the value and vitality of biblical community. According to the Greatest Needs of Pastors research 75% of pastors say people’s apathy or lack of commitment is the most challenging people dynamic they deal with in ministry For pastors to guide their members toward seeing the compelling vision and value of community Community is a defining marker of New Testament Christianity God’s vision for every church involves commitment from its members to engage together in gospel teaching These four components for church health should be seen in each congregation scattered across the globe we have the responsibility to bring a compelling vision for biblical community to our congregations by emphasizing these four marks of the early church The day Jesus announced Himself as the Messiah He went to the synagogue and unrolled the scroll of Isaiah and read aloud the ancient words of God (Luke 4:16-19) Jesus never stopped giving learning opportunities to anyone within earshot From sermons and stories for large crowds to private tutorials for a select few And the church continued to follow His example as they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42 we’re encouraged to prioritize the Word in our lives and to use Scripture to both encourage and rebuke one another in love 2 Timothy 4:2-4 expands on this point further: Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct and encourage with great patience and teaching For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. (CSB) Teaching and learning should always hold a prominent place in our churches the first thing he or she needs is nourishment the first thing he or she needs is teaching And like the infant’s relationship with milk and nourishment Even the most mature saints among us devote themselves to continual learning The early church was a thoughtful community and that’s God’s design for every local church we grow spiritually as individuals and we grow together unifying the church around His truth and through His love The commitment the first Christians had to each other is striking The direct application of Acts 2:44-45 in church life today feels so mind-boggling that many prefer to dismiss it rather than emulate it In the original language of the New Testament the word for fellowship in verse 42 means “close association involving mutual interests and sharing.” In other words “fellowship” means more than “they liked to hang out” or “they enjoyed grabbing coffee.” The relationships in this community involved willing people tend to choose shallow relationships over deep ones It can feel intimidating to admit our weakness or the ways we need others to come alongside us in our burdens and struggles we open up opportunities to not only experience the love of Christ through His church but also to display the sacrificial love of the gospel as we lay down our lives for others Just as the early church’s devotion to fellowship was about far more than hanging out at a local taco stand so was their devotion to the “breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42 They gathered in each other’s houses regularly to eat “with joyful and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46) These meals would often end in remembering Jesus’s death and resurrection as they took the Lord’s Supper together The broken bread and the sip of wine were symbolic of Jesus’s shattered body and spilled blood Breaking bread “from house to house” (Acts 2:46) gives the sense of an intimate informal practice of recentering life on the gospel through our shared relationship with Jesus and our communal relationships with each other The conscious act of confessing sin acknowledges the need for sustaining grace The early Christians took the Lord’s Supper together—not out of need for ritual but out of a desperate desire for felt forgiveness James 5:16 tells us how God works through the act of confessing sin: “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect” (CSB) Confession of sin is powerful and produces healing both in us and in our relationships with those around us Sometimes we fear it’s far too risky as church leaders to be vulnerable with our struggles and sins We risk getting hurt when we open up to others but the risk is far greater on the other side When we choose to put a proverbial wall around our hearts we fail to open ourselves up to the kind of Christ-centered gospel-saturated love we were meant to experience through His body the early believers understood the health of their faith community would be determined by the strength of their connection to God so they devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 2:42) It’s important for us to see that the stronger your fellowship with God is the stronger your church fellowship will be Our prayer and communion with the Father should undergird all of our relationships within our church community we see Paul’s prayers for the Church at Phillippi are rooted in a desire for them to know Christ more deeply which would lead to love and good works toward others And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. (CSB) Why were the members of the first church devoted in these four ways They were obedient to the call to be the church Their devotion to God and each other was so compelling that others came to faith and joined their group every day and praying in the context of a local body of believers Living within God’s design isn’t casual; it’s living in the way of Jesus His vision is that our unity would be palpable in every generation and culture This article first appeared at Lifeway Research Ben Mandrell is the president of Lifeway Christian Resources © 2025 Southern Baptist Convention. Site by Mere Home » Four Marks Missing: BSE Odisha Admits Error in Matric Exam Science Question Paper A discrepancy in the Science set-C question paper of the ongoing Matriculation examination conducted by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) Students and teachers have flagged the issue stating that candidates received four marks less than the designated total due to a missing question worth four marks the BSE Chairman confirmed the error and assured that necessary corrective measures would be taken during the evaluation of answer sheets The error affected students in Baripada town who received a 46-mark paper instead of the intended 50 marks The missing question was identified as the “Dimensional Formula of Joule.” “A question carrying 4 marks was missing in the ‘C’ set question paper The Board will look into the matter during the evaluation of answersheets it will not cause any problem to students,” said Srikant Tarai 11 students were caught for malpractice during the examination the deputy sarpanch of Tarlaguda village panchayat in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district has been the forte of Pragativadi over the years And this has ensured a classy readership encompassing the who’s who of the state decision makers and people with surplus disposable income Pragativadi is a must Please enter your username or email address to reset your password A plan to bring 89 smaller homes, plus six of four or more bedrooms, to Four Marks has divided opinion. The scheme for 95 homes on a rectangle of land behind 87 Lymington Bottom has been submitted by Mr M Martin Pratt, who lives at that address. East Hampshire District Council has so far received 276 objections and four neutral comments, with 20 people in support. Objectors say the site is outside the settlement boundary and on agricultural land, with flooding, dangerous access, housing density, traffic, parking and pressure on doctors, dentists and schools also given as reasons for refusal. One wrote: “No-one who lives here wants more developments!” Those in favour want affordable housing so young people originally from the village who moved away can come back to start a family near their parents. One said: “Whenever a two-bedroom or three-bedroom property of good condition enters the market it is often sold immediately, with multiple couples bidding against each other. "There are currently only nine properties for sale under £450,000 in Four Marks.” The proposal includes 14 one-bedroom flats, 35 two-bedroom houses and 40 three-bedroom houses. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us More than 110 people have objected to fresh plans for 112 homes alongside the Watercress Line, west of Longbourn Way in Four Marks, in just over a month. Housing giant Redrow’s latest outline planning application was validated by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) on February 7, and seeks to establish the “principle of development” on the nine-acre greenfield site, with a detailed application to follow. It comes after Redrow saw its full planning application for 112 homes on the same site refused by EHDC in July last year. The developer is appealing this decision. Objections to the latest plans range from traffic safety and the impact on local roads and particularly the bridge at Lymington Bottom Road, to the loss of farmland, the impact on biodiversity, and lack of infrastructure. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us A woman running a cattery in Four Marks has responded to people criticising her business. April Carr received temporary planning permission from East Hampshire District Council to run the Longcroft Cat Hotel in Fairfield Green in May 2021. An application for “continued use” of the cattery at the bottom of her garden is currently awaiting a decision from the council. The 18 objectors cited noise and smells, light pollution, increased traffic and parking issues as reasons for refusal. But 34 people have commented in support of the proposal, many praising April for running an exemplary cattery. She said: “Since being a little girl, I’ve always loved and taken care of animals and for many years I set my heart on opening my own small cat hotel in the English countryside. After a career in landscaping, financial management and raising three children alongside running a livery yard, I eventually had the chance to realise this dream here in East Hampshire. “Starting your own business can be daunting, but my husband Sean and I established and developed ours with immense care. The cats, of course, receive five-star treatment, but from the beginning we have also given full and sustained consideration to our setting in a residential area of a beautiful rural village. “We do not take this lovely location for granted and believe we have done everything possible to ensure that our home-based premises run smoothly and discreetly.” April was surprised by some of the objections to the council and how some people had taken a more public approach to expressing displeasure.  She said: “Letters distributed locally, and some remarks published in the Alton Herald, have said things about our business which many of our customers and supporters know not to be true. “A minority evidently just does not like the idea of us being here, but we have been a bit taken aback by one or two objections as part of the planning process. They have been exaggerated or are simply without foundation. “Keen to minimise our presence, we run by appointment only. We never have more than one customer here at a time. There is ample self-contained parking on our drive. Suggestions that visitors are here at all times of day and night are not borne out by CCTV, Ring doorbell camera footage, or by the electronic booking system which logs customer interactions and scheduled visits. “We did initially install very low lumen lights in a solid panelled corridor, and in each unit of accommodation, but we haven’t used these lights for 18 months. On-site video proves this, but claims about nuisance lighting have been submitted. “It also simply isn’t the case that the cats we look after howl day and night. A £15,000 full shutter system contains any noise, which two independent expert acoustic reports have verified.  “Ultimately we want everyone to have 100 per cent confidence that we are a five-star operation. This makes immaculate hygiene a priority. To achieve this we use veterinary grade cleaning products and know that customers would not keep returning if the business smelled bad or looked poorly kept. “Fortunately we receive excellent reviews and we have been awarded five stars by East Hampshire District Council.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us atMonmouth Season Opener Photo by: Don PaulFour All-Time Top 10 Marks Highlights Women's Performance At Monmouth3/29/2025 9:42:00 PM | Women's Track and Field Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here