Home   Sport   Article New Milton CC kicked off their Southern Premier Cricket League campaign emphatically with a dominant 146-run victory over Liphook & Ripsley at Fernhill It was the perfect start for New Milton (322-5) against Liphook & Ripsley (176-8) as they look forward to life in a new division after a challenging season last time out. New Milton CC captain Ed Bartlett said: “Batting first we piled on an imposing 322 for five from their 50 overs thanks to a record-breaking innings from South African overseas star Thaakier Davids laced with powerful strokeplay and remarkable consistency set a new benchmark at the club and across the division.” Davids narrowly fell short of what would have been a brilliant achievement but he needed to hit his last ball for six to reach the double-century mark but could only find the boundary on the bounce and he reached the next milestone in just 22 balls before finishing the knock with a 22-run over The top-scorer was well supported by Josh Parsons helping lay the foundation for our mammoth total Bartlett continued: “Viewing from the sidelines was nerve-racking at 11-2 after five overs it was a question of how far can we take it “I turned up at the start of the game with words from my groundsman saying it looks like a bowl first wicket I was far more inclined to bat first; luckily “I suppose the good thing about this was that the pressure of making the most of a toss decision was taken off us immediately “The ball really did move around quite a lot in the first few overs I felt it was one of the best wickets the New Milton groundstaff have produced in many years Liphook & Ripsley struggled to build momentum against our disciplined bowling attack Despite a spirited 53 not out from captain George Neave and a brisk 45 from Rob Nicklin Liphook could only muster 176 for eight in their 50 overs The New Milton bowlers delivered with precision who claimed three for 19 in a superb 10-over spell making his debut for New Milton in the league having moved to Fernhill with his Brother Teddy from Ferndown Wayfarers provided great control and picked up two for 24 from his full quota “Having come into the match on the back of two warm-up wins,” said Bartlett “We couldn’t have asked for a stronger start to the season With our top-order firing and bowlers in fine rhythm we will look to carry this momentum forward in the weeks ahead “We have two of our toughest games coming up in the next two weeks with both teams having been relegated from the division above last season A controversial gypsy/traveller site in Liphook has been given permission for three more pitches despite objections from residents and the ward councillor East Hampshire District Council’s (EHDC) planning committee met on April 24 to approve the change of use of land so it can become gypsy and traveller pitches at Hill Top Stables Applicant John Coffey will be removing existing stables to create a total of eight gypsy/traveller pitches of eight mobile or static homes and eight touring caravans By reorganising the current site with five pitches there will be no expansion of the site but room for three more pitches – creating pitches for three mobile homes and three touring caravans The council officer said the 0.9 hectare site is on the east side of Devil’s Lane She said that EHDC only has a 1.9 year land supply and needs a five year land supply for gypsy pitches and traveller sites outside the South Downs National Park where 64 pitches are needed This application would offer three more pitches The council officer said the site already has permission for five pitches in 2019 An application in 2022 for 10 pitches was refused on highways The council officer said the differences between the last application that was refused and the current one were the reduction in proposed accommodation the improved layout with the removal of masonry walls and stable blocks within the site There were nine letters received by the council raising concerns that included: the narrowness of Devils Lane with increased traffic presenting safety hazards the owner of the site not being a resident and detriment to the neighbourhood lane resident Ian Taylor said the original permission was temporary and not intended to be long-term He said this application will worsen the loss of amenity due to negative impact of the site an increase in traffic and safety concerns as there will be an increase in lorries using the lane He added there is an increase of police presence on the site due to suspected drug dealing and anti-social behaviour because the site is not occupied by those it is proposed for Bramshott and Liphook) said it is unfair that more pitches are lumped onto this site The original family has long since moved away and others are taking advantage of the situation drainage and over-development are still reasons the application should be refused The officer said that if the councillors refused the application a Planning Inspector would not favour the council’s lack of land supply on an appeal and the tilted balance After much discussion of non-travellers occupying the site the decision notice said: “The site shall only be occupied by eight gypsy/traveller families The committee approved the application by seven votes in favour Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 The primary reason was the desire to change the crossing point of the busy road that runs through the course this also allowed the creation of a better routing and the creation of two new and better individual golf holes and during the launch of the previous rankings Golf Monthly contributing editor Jeremy Ellwood selected the 7th as one of his favourite par 5s in the entire Top 100 The par-4 fifteenth is now approached from a different angle Relatively recent work at Liphook has greatly improved what was already a classy now 55th in our Top 100 UK&I Course Rankings in association with Peter Millar Header Cell - Column 0 Header Cell - Column 1 Address liphookgolfclub.com secretary@liphookgolfclub.com This is one of England’s most impressive and enjoyable recent upgrades - a heathland classic that is packed with charm and variety The brilliantly-conceived changes to the routing and the addition of two new holes have been so sympathetically achieved that they already look as though they have been there forever – Experience one of the finest and prettiest inland courses in England – Play some of the oldest and newest Top 100 holes in one round – See if you can spot the join between old and new UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 55 I don't think it would be in the least out of place with small adjustments made by Tom Simpson a few years later And while the course was already very popular it enjoyed a superb reawakening a few years ago masterminded by leading architect Tom Mackenzie There were three main aims with the upgrade the first being to improve safety when crossing the road after leaving the 14th green This had been an increasing concern for sometime The second intention was to create a more interesting and seamless routing and flow and the third was to make the best possible use of this quite glorious heathland terrain The pandemic had a beneficial side-effect over all three as the project was completed a good way earlier than anticipated There are two excellent new holes that Mackenzie cut into what was previously woodland a cunning merger of the old 10th and 11th holes and an extension to the one that followed these courtesy of a new green some 120 yards further on Back over on the clubhouse side of the road at the 15th what was an awkward hole with internal OOB and which cambered the wrong way has been transformed via a new tee into a straighter I think that the two all-new holes at what are now the 8th and 9th have bedded in very well while the latter is a shortish dogleg par 4 where you must be far enough long and left with your drive to open up the approach to a sloping green it seems Mackenzie was actually realising a suggestion that Tom Simpson had made to the club by letter way back in the 1930s Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts Liphook is home to one of the best heathland courses in the UK the changes have cemented what was already a very fine course into one that is now even better Christian MorrisGolf Monthly Top 100 PanellistAll in all a great design and remodelling It is one of the best heathland courses in an area that has quite a number John WinterGolf Monthly Top 100 PanellistThere is nothing to dislike about Liphook and it has great architectural heritage A course of enduring charm built for lasting enjoyment rather than fleeting excitement Sheila DiamondGolf Monthly Top 100 PanellistOverall very pleasant with many beautiful old trees and vistas in keeping with its surroundings but unfortunately not the expansive feel of neighbouring Hankley Common BLACKMOOR Blessed with five very appealing short holes HINDHEAD heathery JH Taylor design has a hint of Augusta about it and even if your game is not quite as you would like the magnificent pines and alluring setting will more than compensate This traditional pub and restaurant serves homemade meals for lunch and dinner purpose-built extension with a private entrance The Flying Bull serves classic British dishes and real ales in the restaurant and bar This stylish bar and restaurant also has rooms The breakfast option includes a choice of cooked or continental He specialises in course reviews and travel and has played over 1,250 courses in almost 50 countries he played all 21 courses in East Lothian in 13 days One of Rob's primary roles is helping to prepare the Top 100 Courses of the UK&I as well as the Next 100 where he is missing two in Scotland and two in Ireland He has been a member of Tandridge for over 30 years where his handicap hovers around 15 You can contact him at r.smith896@btinternet.com you will then be prompted to enter your display name vision and plans for the future and how we deliver our services We do more than tackle fires and rescue people Catch up with all the latest that we have been involved in We’re proud to support and protect the wonderfully diverse community in which we serve We’re committed to keeping our communities safe well and informed and our prevention and protection work plays a large role in this Behind every firefighter there are specialist support teams all playing their part If you need to get in touch or find a form A cat who had fallen between two walls and become stuck was rescued by firefighters on Tuesday afternoon An on-call crew from Liphook was alerted and arrived on the scene of Chalcraft Close at around half four The animal had become sandwiched in a six-inch gap between a garden wall and a garage Firefighters worked to cut a hole in the brick wall to reach the pet and release it from its purr-dicament The resident took the cat onto a local vet to check it was feline fine Firefighters were rewarded for their hard work with a well-deserved cup of tea/cat-puccino The on-call crew returned to station shortly after 6pm Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" A man who was seriously injured in a recent collision near Liphook has been named after dying in hospital. Jerrick Gomez came into collision with a Kia Ceed on the southbound A3 at 2.45pm on Saturday, April 5. The 36-year-old from Portsmouth was taken to hospital but has since died, with his next of kin being informed. Police are continuing investigations and have asked anyone who was driving in the area, or has dashcam footage from the time, to get in touch. A spokesperson said: “Were you travelling along the southbound or northbound carriageways at the time? “Did you see a man walking along the A3, on either carriageway, from 2.30pm onwards?” Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 44250148673. Comments Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Further Links Tell us how we can improve two playgrounds in Liphook We’re asking Liphook residents to tell us what new sports and play equipment they'd like to see in two play areas in Bramshott and Liphook More than £174,000 has been set aside from developer contributions to revamp facilities and we want to hear from you what they should be Take the survey are over 20 years old and in need of refurbishment.  New facilities there will attract people to come outside to play sports we are also proposing the decommissioning of The Avenue playground once it comes to the end of its useful life and we would like to hear your views on this decision We’ve set up a short survey for you to tell us what you think should be there. Your comments will help shape the design of the area and the types of equipment that is needed The survey should only take a few minutes to complete Hard copies of the survey will be available in both the parish council offices and the Liphook Millennium Centre.  EHDC's Portfolio Holder for Regulation & Enforcement said: “It’s important we keep our local facilities fresh and up-to-date so it’s great that this money has been set aside to revamp the two play areas in Bramshott and Liphook “It’s also vital that we deliver the equipment people most want that’s why we’re running a survey to give people a chance to let us know what they would like to see installed." Hampshire Police have been made aware of a number of vehicles that have been either broken into in and around Liphook over the last few days or opportunists have gained access to unlocked vehicles Resulting in a number of items being stolen The local neighbourhood policing team are increasing patrols in the area and conducting ongoing enquiries. If you have any information that could assists in police investigations such as CCTV or Ring Doorbell footage, ring 101. Your information could help to identify any suspects. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 07:27 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 it will turn increasingly cloudy from off the North Sea Some bright or sunny spells developing by evening Staying dry with some lengthy clear skies overnight Turning chilly with a touch of grass frost in places Largely dry with variable amounts of cloud and bright or sunny spells on Wednesday with variable amounts of cloud and bright or sunny spells throughout the period Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average Thieves made off with alcohol and cigarettes after breaking into a convenience store in Liphook early this morning (Wednesday, March 5). Police are appealing for witnesses after the Premier store on Headley Road was broken into around 3.40am. Officers attended and have been carrying out enquiries with no arrests being made at the current time. Anyone with information is urged to call Hampshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Further Links Liphook really cleaned up its act thanks to the annual Litter Pick organised by Liphook in Bloom took place on April 13. Around forty volunteers turned out to give the village a much-needed spring clean. The volunteers, ranging in age and background, scoured the streets and lanes of Liphook, collecting a staggering amount of rubbish, including countless drink cans and bottles. So many cans were found that one volunteer joked that drinking from a can must impair one’s ability to see litter bins. In addition to the usual debris, volunteers uncovered a variety of surprising items, such as car parts, a petrol can, tyres, polystyrene, building materials, and even clothing. A particularly troublesome area was reported to East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) as being used for fly-tipping. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Further Links Liphook residents are gearing up for another planning fight as Bloor Homes submits fresh plans for the controversial chicken farm site on Chiltley Lane lodged with East Hampshire District Council in January echoing a 2023 proposal that never reached the committee stage The South East Liphook Residents Group (SELReG) has slammed the revised plans A spokesperson said: “It is the same old plan again and Bloor has done little to address the concerns raised by villagers since 2023 and doctors’ surgeries are already overstretched and cannot cope To add further housing will only make matters worse The initial 2023 application for up to 100 homes met a storm of protest from villagers after a high-profile campaign It also faced strong opposition from Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council citing concerns over increased traffic in The Square’s Conservation Area and potential flooding from an inadequate sewer system issues with ongoing sewage outflows have worsened Thames Water has confirmed the system is insufficient but has no plans to upgrade it which would require private funding from the developers “We have no confidence that this will be done nor to a sufficient standard,” says SELReG “Local residents who already endure the misery of raw sewage in the road – and worse – will continue to suffer given the distance from the village centre leading to further traffic problems in an already congested village.” SELReG claims that none of these issues have been addressed by the latest application and that the reduction in the number of homes does not provide a solution Residents also point out that the planning application submitted in May 2024 for the provision of a Site of Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) has yet to be approved and the suggested Iron Hill site within the South Downs National Park has been deemed unsuitable But one supporter of the application has said: “It is a balanced proposal that will benefit the village and all the residents Too many individuals want the village to stagnate Fresh and expanding housing helps keep the population vibrant Bloor Homes said the development will help meet local housing needs and include biodiversity enhancement and off-site SANG contributions Residents may find details of the Bloor submission on the EHDC Planning Portal at www.easthants.gov.uk The closing date for comments has been set as February 22 SELReG (formerly the Chiltley Farm Action Group) represents more than 220 local residents and households who are fundamentally against substantial developments that will be detrimental to the interests of Liphook as a whole Further details of SELReG can be found at [email protected] Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links A young woman from Liphook is bracing herself for the ultimate adrenaline rush - leaping from an aircraft at 15,000 feet She hopes to raise vital funds to help provide more life-changing hearing dogs to people living with deafness Eleanor explained that she first got a taste of adventure when she did a bungee jump in Croatia She said: “This feels like a whole new level though but knowing it’s for such an important cause makes it all worthwhile.” the scariest part will be the moments leading up to the jump “It’s the mental build-up - standing at the open door of a plane knowing you’re about to step out into the sky,” she said the adrenaline will take over and there’ll be no time for second thoughts Eleanor has had to make special preparations for her skydive She explained: “Because I won’t be able to hear any instructions during the jump I’ll be relying on visual cues and making sure the instructor is fully briefed beforehand I’ll also take my hearing aids out before the jump They definitely wouldn’t survive the wind!” Watching from the ground will be Eleanor’s biggest supporter – Fig “Fig will be there cheering me on in her own quiet way “She’s already been by my side through so much It feels right to have her there for this too.” due to a genetic condition and her father has the same condition I grew up watching him quietly get on with life and that gave me a strong foundation That resilience has shaped how I’ve handled my own journey.” Everything changed for Eleanor in September 2024 when she was partnered with her hearing dog Fig and somehow knows what I need even before I do I didn’t realise the weight I was carrying until she lifted it Fig doesn’t just help me by alerting me to important sounds like smoke and fire alarms The skydive is more than just a personal challenge for Eleanor “It’s a way to celebrate how far I’ve come and to honour the impact Fig has had,” she said “I want to show just how much these dogs can change a life Every donation helps give another deaf person the chance to be partnered with a dog like Fig Anyone wanting to support Eleanor and donate to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, can visit her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/eleanor-casely-1. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council has ramped up its fight against speeding by installing six Auto Speedwatch cameras throughout Liphook Initially funded by East Hampshire District Council for three cameras the Parish Council have purchased three more to cover all major roads leading into the village The move comes in response to residents’ concerns about speeding traffic backed by data collected by the Community Speedwatch team these dedicated volunteers have monitored roadside speeds sending data to the police for further action data collection has become faster and more efficient The Auto Speedwatch cameras automatically record vehicles exceeding the speed limit each camera has clocked approximately 600 speed violations per week All data is stored securely and can be reviewed remotely making it easier to track speeding patterns and provide evidence to the authorities These cameras are not enforcement cameras – they cannot fine a speeding motorist It's like having a CSW team at the roadside but for longer hours and without getting cold and hungry The cameras identify habitual speeders so the police can prioritise against the worst drivers Police oversee Speedwatch operations and train local volunteers deciding when and whom to prosecute based on the evidence collected With other parishes across Hampshire following suit these cameras are likely to become a common sight "The clear message from the statistics we have collected is that drivers need to slow down," said a Parish Council spokesperson Both the Community Speedwatch team and the Parish Council are determined to make Liphook's roads safer for everyone With the surge in data, the Community Speedwatch team is now seeking more volunteers. If you’re interested in making a difference in your community, reach out to the Parish Council at [email protected] or call 01428 722988. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us The mystery of Dinah McNicol’s disappearance after a music festival in Liphook in 1991 was finally solved through a police investigation that linked her murder to serial killer Peter Tobin, a new BBC documentary has revealed. Dinah, 18, was last seen hitchhiking home to Essex after attending the Torpedo Town festival in Liphook. For 16 years, her father, Ian McNicol, endured the agony of not knowing what had happened to her. When police discovered a second body behind a house previously occupied by Tobin in 2007, Ian crossed his fingers and said he hoped it was Dinah – so his family could finally have answers. The BBC documentary The Hunt for Peter Tobin details how the murder of Polish student Angelika Kluk in Glasgow in 2006 led police to uncover Tobin’s violent past. A convicted sex offender, Tobin had been on the run when he attacked Angelika, hiding her body beneath a church floor. The brutality of the crime led detectives to suspect he had killed before. Strathclyde Police launched Operation Anagram, a nationwide effort to connect Tobin to other unsolved cases. They soon realised he had lived in Bathgate, Scotland, when 15-year-old Vicky Hamilton went missing in 1991. A renewed forensic search found DNA evidence linking Tobin to Vicky’s disappearance, and in June 2007, police discovered a knife with Vicky’s DNA hidden in the attic of his former home. The operation then connected Tobin to Dinah, whose cash card had been used in towns across south-east England after her disappearance. Police established that Tobin had been living in Margate at the time. Neighbours recalled “Scottish Pete” digging a deep hole in his garden around that period. When officers searched the property at 50 Irvine Drive in November 2007, they found Vicky’s remains – 15 years after she vanished. Ian McNicol, who had spent years speaking to reporters in the hope of keeping his daughter’s case alive, was being interviewed when news broke that police had found a second body. He told the BBC: “Please be Dinah and get us out of this misery.” Hours later, police confirmed that the remains were his daughter’s. Tobin had killed Vicky in Scotland, dismembered her body, and transported the remains 470 miles to Margate when he moved house. It is believed he murdered Dinah soon after picking her up near Liphook and buried her in his garden. Vicky’s sister Lindsay Brown described the devastating impact of her disappearance on their family. Their mother, Jeanette, died just two years later, which relatives believe was from a broken heart. Tobin was convicted of Vicky and Dinah’s murders, as well as Angelika’s, and was serving three life sentences when he died in 2022. The detectives investigating Tobin's past were certain he had other victims. They did all they could to find answers for other families, to no avail – Tobin took his secrets to the grave. No one came forward to claim his body, and his ashes were scattered at sea. For Ian McNicol, knowing the truth about his daughter’s fate brought him some peace. He passed away in 2014. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Bohunt School Year 9 students have set a new record by raising £1,853 in their annual MicroTyco enterprise competition, with proceeds going to Liphook Food Bank. Bohunt School Year 9 students have broken records by raising an impressive £1853 for Liphook Food Bank in their annual enterprise competition, MicroTyco. Every November and December, students are tasked with turning a £1 seed capital into as much money as they can in 30 days. Organising themselves into small groups, the students get creative, selling everything from sweets and chocolates to homemade Christmas products. The best part? Every penny raised goes straight to charity, making a real difference to the local community. This year’s cohort has set a new benchmark, raising more than ever before. The funds will go directly to the Liphook Food Bank, which supports local families in need. Jake King, Head of Computing, Business & Technology at Bohunt School, praised the students’ efforts. He said: “This is by far our best Year 9 group yet! They’ve not only raised a fantastic sum but also gained valuable skills in entrepreneurship, selling, and finance.” “It was a really enjoyable experience and very fun, great to raise money for such a worthy cause, and good to practice our business skills,” said Alice B, a Year 9 student. The impact of their fundraising was felt deeply by the food bank. One user of the food bank said: “It’s an incredible amount of money that makes such a difference to so many people. I use the food bank for extra food and cleaning products – it helps me manage my money and pay my bills. I just wanted to thank the students for their generosity.”I wanted to phone and thank the students for what they have done.” Since its inception, the food bank has supported 8,535 families, 12,099 adults, and 9,108 children. With 180 households on its books, Liphook Food Bank continues to see high levels of demand, especially during the winter months. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) have delivered an Early Bird Learning Kit to Liphook Infant School in East Hampshire providing valuable resources to support the wellbeing and learning of local children The kit included 400 Smarrt Cookie breakfast bars the Early Bird Learning Programme aims to support children from challenging households and enhancing physical and mental wellbeing the programme provides resources such as worksheets alongside an educational video for schools with breakfast clubs With one in seven people in the UK facing food insecurity and the rising cost of living adding pressure to many families the RRT’s support is especially meaningful The donated kit will help Liphook Infant School pupils start their day with nutritious food and educational tools to improve their reading said: ”The festive period can be especially tough for families and this year has been no exception due to the rise in the cost of living placing added pressure on many families Our kit provides hundreds of nutritional bars which we hope will make all the difference to those struggling during the holiday season “We’re proud to be able to continue this in East Hampshire by providing support to Liphook Infant School and helping to combat the challenge of children coming to school hungry.” comprising volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church continues to offer practical support to local communities providing assistance to those in need both in East Hampshire and internationally For more information on the Early Bird Learning Programme, head to: https://rrtglobal.org/gb/operations-appeals/early-bird-learning/ Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us A man has been charged with multiple offences after an alleged break-in at a Co-op store in Liphook. Hampshire Police responded to reports that, on Sunday, January 12, between 6.45am and 7am, a man had threatened staff at the Co-op on Headley Road before later returning to force entry by smashing the doors. It is claimed he caused significant damage to the store, including to tills and a large amount of alcohol, cigarettes, and scratch cards. When officers arrived, the man allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted one of the officers, though no injuries were sustained by the officer. Aigars Bundulis, 53, of Headley Road in Liphook, has been arrested and charged with burglary, common assault of an emergency worker, affray, going equipped for burglary, and criminal damage exceeding £5,000. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday, February 10. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us a new McCarthy Stone retirement development in Liphook featuring apartments with balconies and communal spaces A new McCarthy Stone Retirement Living development is taking shape on Haslemere Road in Liphook after Lark Rise to Candleford author Flora Thompson it will offer 39 one and two-bedroom apartments for the over-60s with the first residents expected in spring 2026 said: “Flora Place will offer a fantastic opportunity for retirees to downsize and focus on doing the things they enjoy most – like exploring Liphook!” A House Manager and 24/7 emergency call system will provide peace of mind To find out more, call 0800 153 3076 or visit www.mccarthystone.co.uk/flora-place Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Residents of Bramshott and Liphook will have their say on the future of their community as a referendum on the Bramshott and Liphook Neighbourhood Plan takes place on Wednesday, October 23. The plan is up for adoption, with East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) overseeing the referendum on behalf of Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council. To be eligible to vote, you must be registered on EHDC’s electoral register and be 18 years of age or over by the date of the referendum. EU citizens legally residing in the UK also retain their right to vote in local elections. The plan gives the Liphook and Bramshott community a say in the future of the places where they live and work, giving residents the power to produce a plan with real legal weight that directs development. – Choose where you want new homes, shops and offices to be built. – Have your say on what those new buildings should look like. – Grant planning permission for the new buildings you want to see go ahead. Polling cards will be sent from September 25. Voters are required to present valid ID when voting in person. If you’re eligible but not yet registered, you have until 11.59pm on Monday, October 7, to register via the GOV.UK website. For more information and to view the neighbourhood plan, visit the East Hampshire District Council website. Take this opportunity to shape the future of Bramshott and Liphook – make sure your voice is heard! Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Hampshire Police have released CCTV footage of a man suspected of touching himself inappropriately in Liphook early last week. Police are investigating an indecent exposure incident in the village centre around 3.50pm and 4.05pm last Monday (July 22). The suspect is reported to have been seen touching himself inappropriately by the post box and phone box at The Square. He ran away after being challenged by a member of the public but reportedly returned to the same area later on. Police have launched an appeal for witnesses and are keen to speak to the man in the image or anyone who may know who the suspect is. Anyone who may recognise this man or has any further information about the indecent exposure should call 101 quoting crime reference number 44240312885. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Passfield Social Club is cooking up a storm thanks to a new kitchen paid for in part by the Rural Grant fund. The club is now offering meals and snacks for the first time after an old storage room was converted into a fully-fitted kitchen. East Hampshire District Council awarded the club £36,000 from its Rural Grant scheme to go towards the £48,000 project. The new facility means the venue can now host catered events, such as meetings, weddings and parties, as well as offer evening meals and brunches. The delicious dishes are cooked up by Donna Haig, of local catering company Donna’s Catering. Julian Small, vice-president of Passfield Social Club, said: “The new kitchen has been an amazing success. It means we can host more local groups and it has helped us grow our membership by more than 30 per cent since it was installed. “There was obviously a big demand for food at the club and it’s been great to see families coming here to eat together and enjoy the club.” Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC’s portfolio holder for regeneration and prosperity, said: “The kitchen looks absolutely fantastic and I can see that it is being put to regular use. “It has been a brilliant addition to Passfield Social Club and a great use of our Rural Grant Fund.” Rural Grants are part of the council’s Grow Up! programme. Funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and aimed at projects that improve local tourism and community cohesion in rural East Hampshire. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us The skies were clear for an annual village carnival that made its return for another year of fun and celebration. The Liphook Carnival took place last weekend on Saturday, October 26 with crowds of people in attendance to participate in the festivities. Proceedings kicked off with the judging of the floats where Girlgirling Liphook was the overall float winner and top of the children’s category. There were also categories for adult, trade, best street, pubs & clubs, steam, best illuminated, best on the move and the committee’s choice. After the crowning of the carnival queen, the procession took place through the village streets. Cllr Debbie Curnow-Ford for Liphook, Headley & Grayshott, said: “I'm delighted to have been able to give a county councillor grant to the organisers of Liphook Carnival for a new PA system for carnival night. “I was also pleased to join the volunteers and congratulations to Disking for their Matrix theme float in the trade category. Andrew Luff made a lovely Miss Piggy and the parade was spectacular and the fireworks were brilliant! “I look forward to next year's event.” Drummers from Batala Portsmouth put on an incredible performance throughout the procession beating out Samba-reggae music alongside other bands and the fire service and Hollycombe Steam in the Country were out in full force. After the procession, it was time for the fun and games at the Recreation Grounds and a spectacular display of fireworks to end this year’s event. Post-carnival, committee vice chair Sam Hawkins, said: “From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the entire committee and the friends of the carnival we truly hope you enjoyed the carnival.” Money raised from the event will go towards supporting local charities. Don’t forget to check out the carnival quiz night on November 23! Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us The procedure has already been performed in the US and Germany where it is reported to have had a success rate of 70-80% in around 250 cases led by European Specialist Rachel Tucker (pictured) has now performed the procedure on six horses Rachel said: “Enlargement of the articular process joints of the lower neck is a relatively common finding in horses but occasionally this can cause compression and irritation of the spinal nerves "The foraminotomy procedure means horses experiencing nerve pain can be made comfortable and have a good chance of returning to ridden work and a competition career “The surgery is minimally invasive but it is a very delicate procedure to perform because you are working very close to the spinal cord the surgery is performed down a single portal under direct visualisation using a camera "What has been remarkable so far has been the rapid recovery of the horses who have been home and out in a small paddock within a few days of surgery with some showing rapid signs of improved comfort and movement “We are very pleased with how the procedures at Liphook went "Our patients are continuing to recover well and we are looking forward to following their progress in the future https://liphookequinehospital.co.uk  PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets Contact Us | Our Privacy Policy | Cookies | Terms & Conditions Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram | Twitter Learn more about advertising on VetSurgeon.org Liphook might not be Little Italy, but Guido’s Craft Pizza has people travelling far and wide for a taste of Italian flavours. The restaurant is owned and run by Guido Stucchi, who moved to Liphook with his English wife from Tuscany, where he worked at his family’s vineyard. He might have traded sunny days for England’s rain-filled skies, but he’s brought a touch of Italy with him – anyone searching for authentic pizza needs to put Guido’s at the top of their list. The menu is simple but by no means small. Guido’s offers delicious starters, like fried dough balls with smoked cured ham and courgette fritters with goat's cheese. But the real stars of the show are the pizzas. With more than ten pizzas to choose from, there really is something for everyone. This reporter’s personal pick is the Norma, followed by the pistachio crème brûlée – both were so good, I’ll be returning soon for round two. It’s not just this Herald reporter who recognises how good the food is. Guido’s beat out every other pizza restaurant in the country to win not one, but two PAPA (Pizza and Pasta) Awards. Guido has a long history with cooking, so when he’s not running the restaurant, he’s developing new recipes. Every item on the menu has been created by Guido himself. Guido has one simple rule: if he doesn’t like it, he won’t serve it. And you can tell. Most of the ingredients are sourced from Italy, with most of the wine coming from his own winery. “Food and drink have been my family’s passion for more than a hundred years,” he said. “Our winery has been in the family since 1846. My mother, Lorenza de Medici, became famous for her cooking. “In 1983, she opened one of Italy’s first cooking schools at our family’s winery. Since then, she has authored more than 30 cookbooks and became a celebrity chef in the US with her own cooking show. Raised in this household, it was inevitable that I would come to treasure traditional Italian dishes. “Sadly, while I inherited my mother’s recipes, I didn’t inherit her charisma. So, the televised life of a celebrity chef has likely passed me by. But I say that’s TV’s loss, and Liphook’s gain – and once you’ve tried my food, I’m sure you’ll agree. “I wanted a place where I could make food that my mum would want to eat.” Guido’s opened in April 2020, a time that proved the death-knell for many restaurants up and down the country. But not Guido’s. Selling takeaway pizzas and £5 margaritas proved very popular with residents in and around Liphook while they were stuck at home. Once the pandemic thankfully passed, the restaurant evolved into what it is today – a relaxed, stylish space that has become Guido’s home away from home. “I opened the restaurant because I couldn’t find any good pizza, so I thought, why not do it myself? Liphook has been great; I couldn’t have picked a better place.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us A popular petting farm in Hampshire wants to expand its facilities for visitors as it looks to help more children. Plans for two new temporary accommodation buildings and a track for wheelchair access at Miniland Farm in Holly Water Road, near Liphook, were submitted to East Hampshire District Council in November 2024.  Applicant Deborah Mockridge wants the space to handle animals and have a music therapy pod – particularly for children with special educational needs (SEN). The application said the larger building means animals can be handled with mindfulness in a comfortable environment – especially during periods of bad weather, where visitors can still feel a part of the farm.  A planning statement said due to its popularity, the small-scale petting farm has developed into an educational facility for students who are unable to access mainstream education.  The new buildings will allow Miniland Farm to extend its animal-assisted therapy activities. It supports positive mental health in the local community by providing small vulnerable groups – like the elderly and other SEN children and adults in the local area – with the opportunity to spend some time on the farm.  The statement said the “nurturing environment” can help develop confidence, communication skills, life skills and respite for the elderly and other groups from the local community. Miniland Farm staff have said they found music therapy improves concentration levels and confidence, reducing anxiety for students that respond to music-based therapy. While wishing to offer more music-based sessions, the new space will be used for arts and crafts and as an area for community events.   The existing petting farm opened in 2018 and now operates as a community interest company – not for profit since June last year. The applicant seeks to create an even, inclusive and permeable surface track to the bottom field to enable wheelchair users “an opportunity to experience all the site has to offer”. There is current space for 10 cars at the site and that will not change. The application, with the reference 22247/015, has yet to be decided. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Eleven-handicapper Aiden Wilson had been the star of Royal Jersey’s run to the final at Rowlands Castle Golf Club, winning four of his five matches. And the Channel Island kid slammed the door shut in the face of Liphook’s Trevor Finlay – who had shown his own mettle by coming back from three-down with four to play – winning three holes in a row to leave the match all-square going down 18. Wilson could not reach the green in two, with the gusting 20mph hurting the uphill approach in front of the clubhouse as the second of the seven matches reached its conclusion. But with a shot in hand, the teenager played his third from short of the green to the back left, resting pin high, and then nervelessly sank his ten-footer for a nett birdie to send the watching Royal Jersey players and supporters into an ecstatic celebration. Wilson, who was getting six shots from Finlay, was lifted into the air by one of his team-mates, while the rest rushed to congratulate him, with Liphook left crestfallen. Just half-an-hour earlier, the live scoring app was telling everyone that the East Hampshire team were heading to win the Inter-Club Knockout for the first time since the Sevens creation in 1966. John Groombridge held a narrow lead in the top match, but he too was outdone on the last as his 30-foot putt down the sloping green swung away to the right, leaving Philip Grehan a simple five-footer for his par and a one-hole win. Lower down the order, Hamish Rushin had put the first point on the board for Liphook, winning 8&7 against Royal Jersey’s Paul Le Rougetel in the fourth game out. But Jersey’s Jason Byrne and Chris Huelin gave the Channel Island champions a 2-1 lead by beating Liphook’s Richard Lushington and Chris Penn by 4&3 and 7&5 respectively. With Jersey’s Grehan and Wilson then delivering the hammer blow in a matter of minutes, Liphook’s Bruce Mellstrom and James Chapman were left out on the course to finish their matches. Sevens captain Chapman had put himself out last in the anchor role and was never threatened by Royal Jersey’s captain-elect Matthew Hague, having been three-up after six, and going four-up on the 14th when the decisive putt was dropping a few hundred yards away. Chapman said: “I heard the roar when those two putts went in, but at that point, I had no idea if that was us holing an important putt or them. “I got to the turn when I was three-up and was just focusing on my game. “I quite like the pressure of having something resting on my game in the Sevens, and play better normally. “And if things are going well, there’s no stress if we already have four points. “Steven Schorar, who played in the morning semi-final win, was nominated to give advice to our players. “He came over and said things were going well, but no more detail, so knowing I was three-up, I felt quite relaxed. “Obviously, it turned out that the top matches swung their way, and in the end we came up just a bit short. “I played when we reached the 2004 finals. “I was 16, so I have played a lot of Sevens golf. “The team did brilliantly to reach the final – the home advantage in our four matches helped. “But getting to the last four is an achievement in itself. “The handicaps mean you can’t pick our club’s strongest players – like Darren Walkley and Conor Richards, who have played for Hampshire. “They could end up giving a dozen shots or more. “We have had a settled side with a good spread of handicaps from five to 15, and everyone has played their part. “I would like to do it again – maybe a tenth time as captain will finally see us triumph.” Liphook booked their place in the afternoon final by beating Hockley in the semi-finals. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us The South Downs National Park Authority is holding Local Plan consultation meetings in Petersfield and Liphook next week The authority’s Local Plan includes the parts of East Hampshire within the national park Its consultation opened on January 20 and runs until March 17 The meetings are in Petersfield Festival Hall on January 29 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and Liphook Church Centre on February 1 from 2pm to 5pm East Hampshire District Council wants residents to have their say as it tries to get the government to reduce the housing target in the area for which it has planning responsibility The government has increased its annual house building requirement for the whole of East Hampshire from 575 homes to 1,142 - but the South Downs National Park Authority is only proposing to take 60 of them A district council spokesperson said: “The number of homes built inside the park through the South Downs National Park Authority’s Local Plan has a direct impact on the number of homes which must be delivered in the rest of the district We have called on the South Downs National Park Authority to take a fair share of these homes inside the park.” National planning policies also require East Hampshire to attempt to accommodate housing from neighbouring boroughs and districts that cannot meet their own targets East Hampshire’s planning portfolio holder said a “certain level” of development was healthy for towns and villages to prevent stagnation national parks need to provide a reasonable amount of new housing the South Downs National Park Authority Local Plan review is only proposing to deliver a small number of new homes “The council is concerned for all residents within East Hampshire and wants the best outcomes and quality of life for all we think the South Downs National Park Authority Local Plan review needs to grapple with day-to-day issues facing local communities and be clear on how it is planning to sustain communities and avoid decline “While we recognise the landscape priorities of the South Downs National Park Authority the needs of the people who live in the South Downs National Park should also be a high priority Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Glynis Blake, Chairman of Liphook Food Bank, explained that while the service is primarily an emergency provision, the team is committed to helping people holistically. One of the food bank’s greatest challenges is the growing number of families requiring assistance. Since its inception, the food bank has supported 8,535 families, 12,099 adults, and 9,108 children. With 180 households on its books, Liphook Food Bank continues to see high levels of demand, especially during the winter months. Despite the soaring costs, the Liphook community has shown remarkable support for the food bank. Most recently, CJ Hampshire Ltd donated a new fridge/freezer to the organisation, which will allow the food bank to store more fresh food and provide better support to those in need. MP Greg Stafford recently visited the food bank and said: "Services like this food bank, supported by an outstanding team of volunteers, provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our community when they need it most. The difference you make in people’s lives is quite extraordinary." One food bank user said: “I would just like to say that the team at the food bank are amazing people. What they do to help me and my children and all families is incredible. They will never know how grateful I am and always will be. Thank you.” As Liphook Food Bank enters its fifth year of operation, the team is asking for continued support. Financial donations are especially important as they help cover the cost of purchasing food to supplement what is donated. If you would like to make a donation or find out more about how you can support the food bank, visit the Liphook Food Bank’s website. Your generosity can help make a significant difference in the lives of those who are struggling in our community. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us An energy firm has been blamed for the closure of a tool shop in Lindford which has served East Hampshire tradespeople for 43 years. The village recently lost one of its most treasured businesses as Altis closed after Christmas with the loss of 12 jobs. Distraught boss Oliver Kemp has pointed the finger at SSEN saying the shop never recovered from the early 2024 roadworks along Liphook Road. Customers went elsewhere and the shop suffered a huge drop in passing trade with no compensation available. “It’s so sad as we’ve been here since 1981,” said Mr Kemp before thanking customers for their support and trade over the last four decades. “Unfortunately the losses caused by the roadworks we had last year were too bad and were over £400,000. “That needs to be put out there because the road closure wasn’t necessary and because of that a dozen people have lost their jobs. The customers went elsewhere and never returned and that was big deciding factor”. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Drivers in and around East Hampshire will have 15 National Highways road closures to watch out for this week And three of them are expected to cause delays of between 10 and 30 minutes shows that two closures already in place are expected to carry on this week: • A3, from 8pm February 17 to 6am March 27, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3 northbound, Griggs Green • A3, from 8pm January 6 to 6am April 26, moderate delays (10-30 minutes): A3 both directions Longmoor to Milford carriageway closure for roadmarkings renewal And a further 13 closures will begin over the next two weeks: slight delays (under 10 minutes): A27 westbound • A3, from 9.30pm March 24 to 6am March 25, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3 northbound, Liphook slip road and lane closures for maintenance work • A3, from 9.30pm March 24 to 6am March 25, moderate delays (10-30 minutes): A3 northbound, Liss to Ham Barn roundabout slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3 northbound slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3 southbound moderate delays (10-30 minutes): A3 both directions Longmoor to Hazel Grove carriageway closure for tunnel maintenance slip road and lane closures for maintenance works slip road and lane closure for maintenance work National Highways is responsible for maintaining motorways and major A-roads so closures of smaller roads will not be included in their schedule Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links A bid to re-establish a rail link between Bordon and Liphook could get back on track with the public’s help. Farnham & Bordon MP Gregory Stafford is convinced there is demand for restarting the rail-link to Liphook and the Portsmouth to Waterloo line as local bus services “are not good enough”. The Conservative says he’s been working with stakeholders, the county, district and town councils to push for the service. But needs to show transport ministers that Whitehill & Bordon residents share his view – so he’s started an online survey to prove the demand is genuine. The survey has been launched ahead of a key meeting with the Department for Transport as his attempts to force the issue with government has had mixed results. He wrote to the Rail Minister in August but was told W&B already has a connection to Farnham in a “fairly weak response”. But he had more joy after raising the issue in the House of Commons with another minister with a further meeting planned. “The Bordon and Whitehill area needs better access to our rail network,” said the MP. “As the population increases and new development increases, we need the appropriate infrastructure to support the growing community. “So that’s why I’m launching a survey for residents, so they can contribute to the discussion on a new rail-bus link to Liphook train station, before I meet with the Department for Transport.” “So please do fill out my survey, on my website, and I’ll use that evidence to take to ministers at the meeting and demonstrate that we do need this service.” There have long been calls for improved bus services from W&B but a bid to secure cross-county funding for an improved 18 service failed early this year. The survey can be found under the ‘local campaigns’ header at www.gregorystafford.co.uk Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Golden Girl Olivia Breen from Liphook has secured a new title to add to her sprint medals. Olivia and Dan Pembroke have been named the captains for the ParalympicsGB Athletics squad at the Paris 2024 Games. The pair were voted women’s and men’s captains following a vote among the athletics team and delivered their speeches last Monday. Breen has competed at every Games since London 2012, where she won her first medal, and she secured bronze in the T38 long jump in Tokyo three years ago. After speaking to her teammates, she said: “It is such a huge honour, I was just like, ‘wow, this is incredible’. I am very proud to be a team captain alongside Dan, and we cannot wait to see how the team gets on. “I am really excited to be the captain. I wanted to get across that the team can come to me with any questions. This is my fourth Paralympic Games, so I have a lot of experience. I cannot wait to get out and compete now. I am in a really good place both mentally and physically, so I am really excited.” Pembroke, the reigning Paralympic F13 javelin champion, goes into his second Games as world titleholder following his success at this year’s Championships in Kobe. He said: “It was so unexpected to be voted in as one of the captains. I only joined the team just over three years ago, so I didn’t think I would ever be team captain. Here I am, feeling so included, and I am so proud of the team I am representing.” The Paralympics kicked off with an opening ceremony last Wednesday. Going into her fourth Paralympic Games, Breen has her eyes on another podium finish. Breen will compete in both the 100m T38 sprint and F38 long jump events in Paris. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us New food hygiene ratings have been awarded to 14 of East Hampshire’s establishments The following ratings have been given to six restaurants • Rated 5: Petersfield Golf Club at Petersfield Golf Club Tankerdale Lane Liss Gu33 7qy; rated on March 10 • Rated 5: The Counter at The Glen House Crossways Road Grayshott Hindhead Gu26 6hg; rated on March 3 • Rated 5: Alton Station Cafe at Station Cafe Station Road Alton Gu34 2pz; rated on February 28 • Rated 5: SLM F&B LTD at Alton Leisure Centre at Alton Sports Centre Chawton Park Road Alton Gu34 1st; rated on February 25 • Rated 4: Alton Thai Cuisine at 7 Normandy Street Alton Gu34 1dd; rated on February 7 • Rated 4: Feed Me Seymour at 7 Horndean Precinct Portsmouth Road Horndean Waterlooville Po8 9la; rated on November 13 • Rated 5: Liphook Bowling Club at The Recreation Ground London Road Liphook Gu30 7an; rated on March 10 • Rated 5: The Links Tavern at The Links Portsmouth Road Liphook Gu30 7ef; rated on March 10 • Rated 5: Alton Football Club at Anstey Park Enclosure Anstey Lane Alton Gu34 2nb; rated on March 7 • Rated 5: Fox & Pelican at Fox & Pelican Headley Road Grayshott Hindhead Gu266lg; rated on March 3 • Rated 5: Blackmoor Golf Club at Blackmoor Golf Club Golf Lane Whitehill Bordon Gu35 9eh; rated on February 28 • Rated 5: Rowlands Castle Golf Club at Rowlands Castle Golf Club Links Lane Rowland'S Castle Po9 6ae; rated on February 24 • Rated 5: Domino's Pizza at 6 Chalet Hill Bordon Gu35 0tq; rated on February 28 • Rated 5: Subway at 15a High Street Alton Gu34 1aw; rated on February 28 Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links East Hampshire's motorists will have 13 road closures to avoid nearby on the National Highways network this week And five of them are expected to cause moderate delays – with drivers facing waits of between 10 minutes and half an hour shows that five closures already in place are expected to carry on this week: • A3, from 8pm February 27 to 6am March 11, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3 northbound, Griggs Green • A3, from 9pm March 7 to 6am March 22, moderate delays (10-30 minutes): A3 both directions Hindhead Tunnel • A3, from 8pm February 10 to 6am March 22, moderate delays (10-30 minutes): A3 both directions Longmoor to Liss And a further eight closures will begin over the next two weeks: slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3 both directions Hindhead Tunnel slight delays (under 10 minutes): A27 both directions Eastern Road to Warblington slip road and lane closure for survey works moderate delays (10-30 minutes): A3 Longmoor slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3 both directions QE2 to Berelands moderate delays (10-30 minutes): A3 northbound Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Kelly Travers has won the 32nd Liphook Scratch Cup. The prestigious 36 hole event on the England Women’s amateur circuit took place in July, having previously taken place at the end of August. This new date did not deter the entries, and 50 players took to the golf course. Handicaps ranged from below scratch to eight, and players came from all over the country. The cup was won by Alresford’s Travers on countback, with rounds of 74 and 77 for a total of 151. Darcie West from Sandy Lodge was second with rounds of 68 and 83. Rafi Dyer (Hayling Island/Liphook) was third on 152 with rounds of 78 and 74. Travers began golf aged 11, encouraged by her golfing parents, joining Alresford. She took to the game seriously aged 16, and in 2005 was runner-up in the Hampshire County Championships to Liz Young. She turned pro at 20, working at East Horton Golf Club, but after eight years fell away from golf. Regaining her amateur status in March 2014, she returned to playing golf for Hampshire and was in the winning team at the county finals at Belton Park. After another break she took the game up again in 2022 and broke the course record at Alresford twice. This year she came in the top ten at the Hampshire Rose and made the cut at the English Amateur at Stoneham. It was while supporting players at the Hampshire County Week at Liphook in May that Travers, who works in the hospitality industry, decided to enter the Scratch Cup. “It is the best course in the county at the moment,” said Travers. “The presentation is outstanding. The layout, cutting and overall condition of the course and the greens are one of the best I have ever seen. The consistency from tees, to fairways and greens was perfect. “Results this year have given me the confidence and belief that you can go back to something you love at any point you want to – as long as you enjoy it.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us The Liphook community has come together to support the Liphook Day Centre after it suffered significant vandalism. The Liphook Day Centre, located at The Peak Centre, is a crucial community hub that offers support, companionship, and care to elderly residents. It recently faced acts of vandalism that caused nearly £600 in damage to its roof. The vandals, reported to be a group of young people, repeatedly climbed onto the roof, leaving the structure in urgent need of repair. The centre manager, Natalie d’Amato, explained that covering the £600 repair costs would hit the not-for-profit charity hard, so she decided to launch a fundraising appeal on GoFundMe to try to raise the necessary funds. “Liphook Day Centre is more than just a building; it's a lifeline for many who depend on it for daily activities, meals, and social interaction,” said d’Amato. The initial goal was to raise £600 to cover the repair costs. But in just one week, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of residents, not only has the target been met, but it has been exceeded. “The community’s generosity has been astonishing; one individual even donated £200! We have been blown away by the kindness of the Liphook community,” said d'Amato. “You are all wonderful. Thank you, everyone – it means the world to us!” Despite many in the community coming together to help a charity in need, d’Amato was saddened to hear that someone was circulating the rumour that the GoFundMe was a scam. She said: “We are here for the community, and we’re asking for help because we don’t have the money to fund these repairs by ourselves. We are a charity, and this is not a scam; our roof really was vandalised.” The additional funds will be used to install measures that prevent future vandalism by restricting access to the roof. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links A community is praying for good news as the search widens for a 75-year-old man from Bordon missing since last Thursday. Hampshire Police have released new images of Ian Taylor as the search for the pensioner nears its second week. They and their colleagues from Hampshire Search and Rescue have continued searches around Bordon, Broxhead and Lindford with the public being asked to check their gardens, outbuildings and alleyways for signs he may have been in the area. Ian – who is described as white, 6ft 2in tall, broad build, with grey, balding hair – was last in the Lindford area around 9.40pm last Thursday. His attire is not known but he was probably wearing glasses. People in the Lindford, Bordon, Whitehill, Headley, Headley Down, Grayshott, Hindhead or Deadwater areas have been urged to check and CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage, especially between 9pm last Thursday and 7am the following morning. Anyone who may have seen Ian is urged to call 999 and quoting 44240442984. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links There will be no new skate park at Jubilee Recreation Ground following the removal of the previous one. Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council removed the old skate park as it was beyond economic repair. Due to the proximity to neighbouring houses and a history of antisocial behaviour, with the old Allianz site being developed and that there will be older people living right on the boundary.  A decision was made by the Parish Council to not replace the skate park and focus on turning the area into a quiet space and a place for young children to play. The Council added: “We will be resurfacing the tarmac area that housed the old skate park, and adding a painted roadway, with some undulations, making it fun for small bikes and scooters. “We plan to install some raised beds and benches too and hope that residents will also be able to enjoy it as a quiet space.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us East Hampshire's motorists will have 11 road closures to avoid nearby on the National Highways network this week And two of them are expected to cause moderate delays – with drivers facing waits of between 10 minutes and half an hour shows that one closure already in place is expected to carry on this week: • A3, from 8pm December 8 to 6am December 9, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3 southbound, Hazel Grove to Liphook And a further 10 closures will begin over the next two weeks: moderate delays (10-30 minutes): M3 southbound slip road and lane closure for technology work • A3, from 8pm December 11 to 6am December 12, slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3 northbound, Sheet to Liss slight delays (under 10 minutes): A3M southbound Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Playing well is the main aim when you step on to a football pitch - but looking good while you do it is a bonus Liphook United’s under-ten Spiders have already performed brilliantly winning a cup in their first season with a 4-2 victory over Liphook’s other under-ten team in the same division Amber and Stanley replied for the Stingrays A spokesperson said: “There was much excitement from the sidelines showing great determination and progression throughout the season Now the Spiders will stride out in smart new strips thanks to sponsorship from Liphook firms GH Landscapes and One Six Events whose names adorn their blue home and yellow away kits respectively Calling them home and away kits is a modern invention Traditionally teams wore their home colours Their ‘change’ or ‘alternative’ outfit only came out for away games if their first choice clashed with that of the home side But for the 1973-74 season Leeds United manager Don Revie asked Admiral to design a new Leeds change kit that could be copyrighted so the club could sell replicas to its fans so Admiral created an all-yellow kit with white and blue trim As the only other top-flight club wearing yellow was Norwich City they wore it for virtually every away game - maximising its exposure - and the concept of the ‘away’ kit was born GH Landscapes offers garden services including turfing To sponsor a Liphook United team email [email protected] Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Follow us Two vets from Liphook Equine Hospital jumped to the rescue, making a 7,500-mile journey to perform groundbreaking neck surgery on a competition horse in South Africa. Matthew Sinovich and Rachel Tucker flew 12 hours to Pretoria to operate on Callaho Con Cero, an 11-year-old Warmblood gelding, in the first procedure of its kind in the country. Cero had been intermittently lame in his foreleg, and after months of investigations, a CT scan at the University of Pretoria’s veterinary hospital identified a bone fragment in his neck. But when local vets lacked the expertise for the keyhole surgery needed to remove it, Cero’s owner contacted Matthew who has perfumed similar procedure before. Matthew, originally from South Africa, said that “loose bodies” like Cero’s can grow and inflame joints, ultimately pinching spinal nerves and causing pain. He added: “The procedure to remove the chip was challenging because of the small size of the joint and its close proximity to the spinal cord.” Cero is now recovering at home with his owners, Leigh and Stephen Watson, and their son Luca, a rising star in South African junior showjumping. Leigh said: “We desperately wanted to give Cero a chance of a full recovery because he is a much-loved and talented showjumper with a heart of gold, but also because our animals are like family. We will always do whatever it takes to ensure they are happy, healthy, and comfortable, even if that means flying surgeons in from halfway across the world.” Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links More than £1.5 million raised from homes built in East Hampshire will be put towards infrastructure projects that support local residents On Thursday our Cabinet approved funding for 17 schemes ranging from extensions to health facilities improvements to schools and better sports and community facilities.  As part of the planning process for areas outside the South Downs National Park house builders must make financial contributions towards upgrading local infrastructure These contributions are collected by EHDC and are made available to community groups that have seen development in their area EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regulation & Enforcement said: “New homes built in East Hampshire outside the national park provide money that can be put towards improving the local infrastructure “This year we have allocated money to schemes that will have a really positive impact on the lives of our residents and will help offset the impact that development has on our communities.”   £189,000 is going towards the extension of an NHS Dentist to provide more NHS capacity and £66,000 towards more space at a nursery to enable an increase in available places Further funding has been put towards plans to extend a doctor’s surgery in Medstead additional recreation facilities in Grayshott and Bentley improved community facilities in Liphook and new facilities for a special educational needs school in Kingsley.   Many of the projects are designed to specifically support children Alongside the money allocated by Cabinet on Thursday £136,569 of developer contributions (S106 funds) was allocated to Admers Crescent Play Area in Bramshott and Liphook to enhance access and use of the open space.   EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity said: “Funds collected this way can be used to support all kinds of local projects to improve residents’ lives.  councils and other organisations can apply to use this money to support the infrastructure projects they are planning “East Hampshire is expected to provide housing to match government figures a growing population means more pressure on local facilities and services.  “Developer contributions help to ensure that new infrastructure is delivered alongside the new homes.”  With Hallowe’en creeping closer, in this week’s Peeps into the Past we’ve opened the casket on a few of the spookier tales to haunt the Surrey and Hampshire borders over the centuries The area's ancient byways have long been the setting for ghostly encounters a driver witnessed a ghostly box carriage cross the road one rainy night in January 2007 A dim lantern illuminated the spectral scene as the horse-drawn carriage passed in front of him before vanishing without a trace Castle Street is reportedly home to a ‘drunken man’ who stumbles from a phantom coach The long-since demolished Hop Bag pub in Downing Street was also said to be haunted by the eerie sounds of a coach pulling into its courtyard with phantom horses whinnying as they await their lost passengers A spectral girl in grey also haunted the pub ‘serving girl’ who appears and disappears at will Another ghostly road encounter occurred in Petersfield where lorry drivers frequently report seeing a ghostly hitchhiker flagging down vehicles The 12th century Farnham Castle also boasts a rich history of hauntings and the tragic spirit of a dancing girl who collapsed and died on the staircase Disembodied footsteps echo around Castle Hill In the churchyard of St Andrew’s in the town there have been sightings of a silent old lady who mouths words the countryside is rife with strange sightings Reports of large cats have haunted the area since at least the 18th century One of the first modern sightings occurred in 1962 when a Water Board worker spotted a black cat near Heathy Park Reservoir on Odiham Road There was another sighting of a big cat in 1825 by William Cobbett and a former Cardinal is also said to drift through the ruined abbey’s dining hall the ghost of a murdered sailor is said to appear near the Devil’s Punchbowl continues to stagger across the landscape in tatters The abandoned village of Hartley Mauditt near Alton is renowned for the ghost of a phantom horse and carriage racing through its quiet streets is sometimes filled with the chilling sound of disembodied singing In Liphook, the Royal Anchor hotel holds the ghost of Captain Jacques, an 18th-century smuggler who was killed in the hotel. His long coat and three-cornered hat are a familiar sight to those who claim to have seen him darting into a secret passage behind the fireplace in room six. Bramshott, often called Hampshire’s most haunted village, is home to a variety of restless spirits. The White Lady, known as Lady Hole, haunts the riverbank, and Mistress Butler, who drowned in sorrow in 1745, wanders beside the water. A young girl and several other spirits are also said to roam the area, keeping company with the dark past of this eerily haunted village. Another spooky locale is Selborne. Among its many hauntings, the most famous is that of the Reverend Gilbert White, the renowned naturalist who lived in the village during the 18th century. Locals have reported seeing his spectral figure wandering near The Wakes, his former home, as if still observing the natural world around him. Mysterious lights and ghostly figures have also been spotted on the village’s ancient roads, particularly near St Mary's Church, where eerie footsteps echo on quiet nights and many have experienced the sudden, chilling sensation of being watched. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links Their class of 2024 have shown “incredible grit, resilience and determination” to give the school its best ever set of results since opening. More than 90 per cent of students passed maths and English while the pass rate was a perfect 100 per cent in eight subjects. The rate was above 90 per cent in 16 subjects while a fifth of all grades recorded were either an 8 or 9. Lana and Harry Roberts were among the star performers as the siblings racked up an incredible 19 grade 9s with the latter scoring 239 out of 240 in his three maths papers. There was a further surprise in Lana’s envelope as she received a certificate for achieving the highest mark for GCSE Psychology in England and Wales. Luca Wilson, from Beacon Hill, felt revision paid off after racking up ten 9s but still admitted to feeling nervous when collecting his envelope. He said: “I did start revision early on but I love learning so I was really invested in my subjects – they were still ridiculously stressful but there wasn’t anything I didn’t feel prepared for.” Headteacher Neil Strowger said he was “stunned into silence” by the school’s “greatest set of results” before applauding students and staff for their hard work, commitment and dedication. “We are very, very proud of each and every one of them,” said Randall Jull, Head of School, with record numbers enrolling in their Sixth Form. Tel: 01252 725224[email protected]Further Links