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N E W S L E T T E RJuly 2014 Issue 11

Words from our Chairman

Our newsletter is a little earlier than usual, as we bring you news of the Parish Council’s decision to build the community centre. At their Parish Council meeting on 23rd June, the council members voted in favour of requesting the community centre contribution and community building land from Taylor Wimpey. With support from RUND, our project managers, and our chosen construction company, Mildren, work should begin in the early autumn.

The design chosen had received overwhelming support at our consultation exhibition in January and we look forward to completion next year. We have already received enquiries from several local organisations keen to hire the rooms!

Latest news on the allotments is that at last the site is beginning to take shape. The water pipes are in, the pathways marked and soon the plots should be rotovated. Fencing is in progress and the gates will be fitted by the time you read this newsletter. Roll on planting time!

As you can see the orchard looked wonderful at blossom time and if the bees have been busy there will be a plentiful crop.

This summer our village hosts events at Peter Driver Sports Ground and at the War Memorial in Gally Hill Road and we look forward to meeting you there.

Enjoy your summer! Cllr Pat Lowe The Memorial Orchard at Crookham Park

Have you tried the Street Snooker Challenge yet? Following the success of the Street Snooker launch day last year, Church Crookham Parish Council are hosting a fun session at the Street Snooker at Peter Driver Sports Ground from midday to 2pm on Thursday 24th July.

Aldershot Town FC Football in the Community Trust coaches will be on hand to help everyone improve their skills and they will also bring along Aldershot Town FC’s mascot.

The Street Snooker is available for all ages to use, come along and try it out - mums versus dads, footballers versus tennis players, or play against yourself in the one-minute challenge.

Refreshments will be provided by the Parish Council, please come and join us. All ages are welcome.

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LIGHTS OUT—ONE MILLION CANDLES TO REMEMBER

10—11pm MONDAY 4th AUGUST 2014 Last year the Prime Minister announced the Government’s intention to commemorate the centenary of World War One. The programme of events, known as 14-18 NOW, will be split into three phases over 2014 to 2018 to commemorate:

1. The Declaration of War on 4th August 1914

2. The Battle of the Somme in July 1916

3. The Armistice on 11th November 1918.

The first of these events is the UK-wide LIGHTS OUT which is an invitation to everyone to turn off their lights from 10pm to 11pm on 4th August, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection. The inspiration for this was the famous remark made by the British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey at 11pm on 4th August 1914 as Britain declared war on Germany. Ushering in one of the darkest periods in our history, he remarked: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time”. The hope is to light over one million candles to remember each and every one of the 1,117,077 Commonwealth Service men and women who gave their lives in the war to end all wars.

For further information: www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/first-world-war-centenary

www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance/ww1-centenary

The Soldier

If I should die, think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field

That is forever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed; A dust whom England bore, shaped, made

aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to

roam; A body of England's, breathing English air, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less

Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;

And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

Rupert Brooke

1887-1915

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In a simple and evocative tribute to mark the start of Britain's entry into the First world War, the Royal British Legion and Church Crookham Parish Council invite you to take part in the national moment of reflection at a candle-lit vigil to mark the Centenary.

The vigil will be held at the War Memorial at the junction of Gables Road and Gally Hill Road, from 10 to 11pm on Monday 4th August. Members of the public are invited to attend for as long as they choose at any time during the hour and may bring tea lights or Special Remembrance candles to lay at the War Memorial. Small lanterns may be carried.

The vigil will be divided into three parts: Anticipation, Reality and Reflection and each will include readings and poetry. During pauses for reflection, candles will be lit around the Memorial and members of the public are invited to share anecdotes or favourite poems relevant to the occasion. After the final readings the candles will be dowsed and the Last Post will be sounded to symbolise the Declaration of War and the closing up of our national borders.

An invitation to join the Royal British Legion and Church Crookham Parish Council in a time for reflection

Special Centenary Candles are available from Marks and Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com), from 4th July for £4. All profits from the sale of Centenary Candles will support serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families.

How the First World War changed lives at home in Britain: Radio: The First World War was the first conflict able to draw upon electrical technologies that had been in

development since the turn of the century and the radio’s role became increasingly essential for wartime communications. One technological advance which greatly impacted everyday life was the ability to transmit voice by radio instead of only coded messages. Voice transmission, which had been used prior to the war, came into its own through the use of radio for communications by the Royal Navy and Royal Air force.

British Summer Time: Britain first adopted British Summer Time, or Daylight Saving Time as it was originally known, in 1916, a year later than Germany, although William Willet had been campaigning for just such a change since 1907. The change in time meant the Government could maximise productivity in munitions factories, save energy and save money. The Summer Time Act of 1916 was quickly passed by Parliament and 21st May 1916 became the first day of British Summer Time.

Searchlights: Searchlights were first used in WW1 to create “artificial moonlight”, enhancing opportunities for night attacks. However their most important use was in defence, en masse by British anti-aircraft gunners to help defend against air raids by bombers and zeppelins throughout World War One.

X-rays: Marie Curie was one of the many inspirational women of the era whose work continues to influence modern day. Curie created the first mobile x-rays machines in 1914, which were fitted to cars known as Little Curies.

Jelly Babies: Many of the nation’s best known and loved sweets have their origins in the First World War. Fry’s Turkish Delight was launched in 1914 followed, a year later, by Cadbury’s Milk Tray. Originally known as Peace Babies, Jelly Babies were launched by Bassett’s - one of Britain’s oldest sweets manufacturers - to celebrate the end of the First World War.

Canned food: Canned food was in great demand during WW1 as it was easier to transport and store. The Italian army were the first to can ravioli and spaghetti bolognese.

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LOCAL POLICE BEAT SURGERIES

IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE OR PROBLEM WITH ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, YOUTH NUISANCE OR ANY MATTERS, PLEASE ATTEND A POLICE BEAT SURGERY SPEAK TO YOUR LOCAL

NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

VISIT WWW.HAMPSHIRE.POLICE.UK OR CALL 101

Church Crookham Parish Council The Harlington 236 Fleet Road

Fleet GU51 4BY Email: clerk@churchcrookham.org.uk

www.churchcrookham.org.uk Phone: 01252 626793

Dates for your Diary 2014

21st July Policy & Finance committee

24th July Street Snooker Fun Midday to 2pm Peter Driver Sports Ground

28th July Planning; Full Council

4th Aug “Lights Out” commemoration 11pm War Memorial, Gally Hill

11th August Planning; Facilities committees

8th Sept Planning; Facilities committees

22nd Sept Planning; Full Council

13th Oct Planning; Facilities committees

20th Oct Policy & Finance committee

27th Oct Planning; Full Council

10th Nov Planning; Facilities committees

24th Nov Planning; Full Council

8th Dec Planning; Facilities committees

Meet your parish councillors: Pat Lowe (left) Chair of the Parish Council- Pat has lived in Church Crookham for over 20 years and joined the parish council at its formation in 2010.

Richard Jackson (right) vice-Chair of the Parish Council. Richard joined the council in 2013 and represents Crookham Park.

Nick Harris (left) Chair of Policy & Finance committee, former chair of the parish council, having joined in 2010.

Gill Scott (right) Chair of Facilities committee. Gill has been very involved in the design and planning of the new community centre.

Helen Butler (left). Helen was instrumental in the design and planning of the new playground at Azalea Park, and is involved with the setting up of the new allotments.

Gill Chatfield (right). Gill has returned to live in Church Crookham and is keen to get involved with community projects.

Michael Burford (left) Chair of Planning committee. Michael is an original member of the council.

Colin Chettle (right) joined the council this year to get to know the local community better and to help the council enhance the parish.

Annette Whibley (left) recently joined the council and has a keen interest in planning and housing.

Richard Newbigin (right) the latest recruit to the council, is keen to preserve the area’s family friendly quality.

WW1 commemorative bench installed in Sian Close by the parish council