Parish Plan drafted

The Kingsley Parish Plan is now available in draft form and is open for consultation from 4th Feb to 25th Feb. In addition to wandering into the coffee lounge in the Kingsley Centre to study and comment, you can access the document online and even post comments online.

This is your plan, make sure it says what you want, in the most effective way and then help make sure it gets implemented.

More Raspberry Pi

Looks like it's not just my opinion, or that of the Cambridge admissions tutors, that ICT teaching in the UK has been somewhat lacking over the last few years. Now we have both Google and Microsoft joining the fray according to this BBC news report.

"Schools around the UK are to be given 15,000 free microcomputers, with a view to creating a new generation of computer scientists.

Funded by Google, the Raspberry Pi Foundation hopes the free devices will inspire children to take up coding."

the article goes on to say

"Computer science is something that we have been calling the 'fourth science' for some time. We believe that it is every bit as important as physics, chemistry and biology," said Steve Beswick, director of education at Microsoft.

"By formally introducing children to computer science basics at primary school, we stand a far greater chance of increasing the numbers taking the subject through to degree level and ultimately the world of work."

If you haven't got one yet or haven't persuaded your school to get them, now is the time.

Free education

We're lucky to be living in the age of the internet because it makes knowledge and communication available to the widest audiences ever. To provide a little context I first refer to http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/sn04252.pdf and elicit the following:

In 1950 17,300 students were awarded first degrees and 2,400 were awarded higher degrees at UK universities.

In 2010/11 331,000 full-time students were awarded first degrees at UK universities and 182,600 (all modes) were awarded higher degrees.

The UK population in 1950 was approximately 50 million and 63 million in 2011 so those degree statistics represent tiny proportions of the population.

Last year Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ran a course 6.002x Circuits and Electronics entirely online and available to anyone, anywhere, without charge and without preconditions. In the end, 7,157 online students would pass 6.002x—as many as might take 6.002 in 40 years at MIT. 

World class (and fully accredited) education provided by world class experts, free and entirely accessible to the masses.

This year the online initiative, edX, is offering courses from MIT, Harvard, UC Berkeley, University of Texas, Wellesey College and Georgetown University including physics, electronics, computing, Greek literature, morality and philosophy - all free and available to all.

Some of these courses involve higher level maths and/or physics so you'll struggle if you're not up to speed but what have you got to lose? This presents priceless opportunity, whatever your age or background. Even if you're old and passed it now why not exercise your brain just a little longer? Who knows, you might even learn something.

Kingsley Parish Council - Thursday 24th

Kingsley Parish Council will meet this Thursday, 24th January 2013 in the Kingsley Centre at 7.30pm.

AGENDA

1. Chairman’s Opening Remarks
2. Apologies for Absence
Cllr Linda McCorkindale

3. Declarations of Personal/Prejudicial Interest
4. Public Question Time: Public Questions
Consideration of agenda items which will be open to public participation

5. Approval of Minutes of the Meeting held on 22nd November 2012
6. Matters Arising
7. Planning
Applications ongoing:
34313/017 Oak Tree Farm, Gibbs Lane, Shortheath Common Bordon GU35 9JS

38992/004 Dunroaming, Shortheath Common

22732/015 Sandyfield Farm, Main Road, Kingsley, Bordon, GU35 9NG (A/12/2/82188)
Retrospective change of use of part stable block to ancillary habitable accommodation

24601/036 Country Market Osborne Farms, Main Road, Kingsley, Bordon, GU35 9LW
Provision of prefabricated toilet facilities unit for car boot sales event

22947/001 Land to the East of Kingsley Sports Club, Sickles Lane, Kingsley, Alton
Solar Farm

24601/038 Change of use (permanent) of black barn for garden center retails sales and erection of polytunnels (retrospective application). Country Market Osborne Farms, Main Road, Kingsley, Bordon, GU35 9LW
   
Appeal:
30633/021 Grooms Farm, Frith End Road, Frith End, Bordon, GU235 0QR
Change of use of building for events associated with existing hotel, agricultural uses and hot air balloon storage with associated works, parking and use of access ….
    
New Applications:
54712 16 Woodfield, Kingsley, Bordon, GU35 9NB
Single storey extension to front/side

24601/039 Country Market, Osborne Farms, Main Road, Kingsley, Bordon, GU35 9LW
Variation of condition 9 of previous permission 24601/035 to allow substitution of plans

50311/005 Land North West of Rose Villa, Sandy Lane, Kingsley, Bordon, GU35 9NH
Stables and tack room following demolition of existing stables

21066/026 Bakers Farm Nursery, Main Road, Kingsley, Bordon, GU35 9NJ
Removal of occupancy condition imposed under S52 agreement to 21066/001

8. St Nicholas Cemetery & Cemetery Chapel
To receive an update from Cllr Croucher

9. Transport, Highways and Road Safety
10. Commons, Village Greens and Rights of Way
To receive an update from Cllr Lazenby
To consider the replacement of the picnic bench/ table on Upper green
To consider the treatment of moles on Upper Green

11. Community Resilience
12. Environment and Biodiversity
13. Sports, Recreation and Leisure
14. Kingsley Village Forum   
15. Parish Plan    
To receive an update from Cllr Rigden

16.  Housing, Business & Commerce
17. Communications
To receive a written report from the Clerk detailing correspondence

Website:
To receive an update from Cllr Scrivener

18. District Councillor
19. Procedures, Finance and Payments
Payments to be made & Accounts to accept
    
    Date of Next Meeting  -  Thursday 28th February 2013 - 7.30 pm at the Kingsley Centre 

Beagling

The local pack of Beagles were then the Aldershot Beagles and they were then kenneled at Oxney Farm which adjoined the army camp. Indeed the pack was a military pack at the time. What that meant in real terms was that the military, in this case the Army, owned the pack and funded it. The Senior Joint Master was always a serving office and all serving military personal hunted free of charge. The constitution said something like "The hunt existed for the recreation, exercise and free access to the countryside for serving soldiers." The huntsman was a civilian but often soldiers would be detached from normal duties to help in kennels. This was a normal state of affairs in that all three branches of the Armed Forces had packs of hounds both beagles and fox hounds and this continued until the Labour government, before last, put a stop to the funding and all of the military packs then became civilian and had to fund themselves. Happily close links still remain between the packs and their former military masters, indeed military insignia is still worn on hunt uniforms in many packs.

I became aware of the beagles when living at Woodfield and still attending Kingsley school. A small group of village boys came across the pack whilst they were hunting on a Saturday afternoon. Curious as we were we began following the activities. This, of course, was right up our street and for many of us it began a regular Saturday diversion. For myself it began a lifelong interest in hunting and one that my grandchildren now join me in. But it could all have been so different, in those days the divide between those that hunted and those that did not was much more obvious than it is today.

The class system was up and running albeit diluted by the two World Wars. We were, if you like, village oiks. There were some quite posh people that followed the beagles and certainly from much richer backgrounds than our own. The Senior Master was then Brigadier Gibson, of course, a serving officer in one of the regiments stationed at Bordon. He was, I suppose, just what a Brigadier should look like. Although not exceptionally tall, he was rotund, erect and had the sort of colour that, I imagine, many pleasant hours of devotion in the Officers Mess had provided. His hair was then grey and this was matched by an impressive military moustache. He was stocky and was carried on sturdy and solid legs, in fact he had what could reasonably be described as a rugby players physique. As might be expected he had the aura of command and as far as I and my companions were concerned the Brigadier was the nearest thing to God we had ever encountered. We held him in awe. But, notwithstanding his bearing and charisma he was kind and pleasant toward us. Ever watchful , he found time to explain to us in great detail exactly what was going on and what beagling was all about.

By contrast his wife, Mrs. Gibson was a tiny lady, very slim, petite I think is the word. She was one of twins and her sister would usually be out hunting, it was difficult to tell them apart. Mrs. Gibson dressed in the style of a country lady of her day. Heavy tweeds in greens, lovat and browns. When hunting she wore hunting breeks with heavy leather boots and a jacket that matched the breeks. The thing that most attracted me to her was the fact that she and her sister were always accompanied by a brace or two of Border Terriers. These were a delight and over the years I have owned a number of them, as I still do today.

One of the startling realisations of writing these episodes for the Kings Blog is, quite how much of an impact my childhood years formed and influenced the rest of my life. Whilst this might seem an obvious statement , it isn’t until one actually looks back that the magnitude of that process becomes clear. However, moving on, Mrs. Gibson, from day one took us boys under her wing. She would greet us and then between her and her sister we would be organised. Each would supervise a couple of us and we would receive the benefit of their knowledge and instruction. It was wonderful, they taught us how a hare ran, the vagaries of scent, the notes of the horn and they taught us to keep quiet. It was due, I have no doubt at all, entirely to Mrs. Gibson and her sister that I and other village boys went on to follow and enjoy hunting and beagling. It is, I believe, a great tribute to that lovely lady that she gave so much and so freely to a group such as ours. It would not be an exaggeration to say we worshiped her and, of course, her terriers which we were occasionally allowed to lead in the field.

As I grew up I went beagling a lot and this increased as I got older and during the years that Roy Clinkard was kennel huntsman for the Aldershot . Roy was an exceptional huntsman and a very great houndsman. He would usually do well in hound shows, almost always returning home with cups. He kept the kennels and surrounding area spotless and was very proud of his work. I covered many miles at his side in the hunting field and was always amazed at his ability to spot a hare. Many have been the times when he would whisper or hold out his arm towards me and say, "there she is boy". I would be looking in vain for the crouching hare and was seldom able to spot it in spite of knowing it was there. My first sighting would usually be when the hounds came near and the hare leapt up and raced away. Try as I would I could never match this, almost, uncanny ability. In later years I would join the hunt as a full member and whip in to Roy.

It was the custom to have joint meets with the Sandhurst Beagles, they too were a military pack from the Military Academy at Sandhurst. Their huntsman Michael Jackson and Roy were great mates and a healthy and jovial competition existed between the two of them. Much leg pulling took place between them as it was always an Aldershot hound that caught the hare when the Sandhurst visited Kingsley this generated great debate.

Many years later when in my twenties I was out with the Aldershot and whipping in when the hounds, in full cry, ran on to the airfield at Odiham. One of the masters, Major Dick Read, and I were frantically trying to gather the little devils up and get them away from the place when we were apprehended by the Military Police and driven to the guardhouse. Although dressed in full hunting gear and carrying whips our explanations went unheard. Several officers and much questioning later we were released having been found not to be dangerous, but probably, rural nutters!

Puppy shows were held each year at the kennels at Oxney Farm and these were always great social occasions. Neighbouring huntsmen would be invited to come and judge the new entry when they had been brought back from walk and a prize would be presented to the person whom had walked the best puppy. Handsome is as handsome does and Roy’s passion was to ensure that the new hounds, each year, performed well in the field. Most did.

Eventually the Brigadier died and left his fortune to Roy who, overnight, became a rich man. Such was the respect between man and master. Sometime later, and I know not the details, Roy formed his own pack, (Mr. Clinkards hounds), and I believe, continued to hunt successfully until his death in 2009.

Bakers Farm Nursery, Main Road, Kingsley

This application, 21066/026, seeking permission for


REMOVAL OF OCCUPANCY CONDITION IMPOSED UNDER S52 AGREEMENT TO (21066/001)

is currently marked as open for consultation until 12th February.

Rogue traders: moss roof tiles

Rogue Traders are currently cold calling in the Bordon, Whitehill and surrounding area of Hampshire offering to clear moss from roof tiles.  The traders are not providing the appropriate Notice of Right to Cancel and Cancellation Form as required by law, and additional work if often found which may be unnecessary.

Trading Standards would advise consumers not to agree to work that is instigated as a result of a cold call or via a leaflet drop. Consumers should obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who are either members of the Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Buy With Confidence Scheme or a recognised trade association.

Members of the Buy With Confidence scheme are fully audited to ensure their trading practices are legal, honest and fair.  All members have been checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. Details can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, emailing buy.with.confidence@hants.gov.uk or via the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Traders who agree work at the home of an individual or at a place other than their usual business premises are required by law to provide consumers with a Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives consumers a 7 day cooling off period.  Work should not commence until this period has ended, unless written agreement is obtained from that consumer beforehand.

If anyone has any information about traders who are cold calling or requires any advice on doorstep crime they can contact Hampshire County Council's Quick Response Team on 01962 833666 (Monday – Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs) or call the Police non-urgent number 101.

Rogue traders: loft & cavity wall insulation

Rogue Traders are currently cold calling in the Church Crookham and surrounding area of Hampshire offering free loft and cavity wall insulation .

Trading Standards would advise consumers not to agree to work that is instigated as a result of a cold call or via a leaflet drop. Consumers should obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who are either members of the Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Buy With Confidence Scheme or a recognised trade association.

Members of the Buy With Confidence scheme are fully audited to ensure their trading practices are legal, honest and fair.  All members have been checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. Details can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, emailing buy.with.confidence@hants.gov.uk or via the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Traders who agree work at the home of an individual or at a place other than their usual business premises are required by law to provide consumers with a Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives consumers a 7 day cooling off period.  Work should not commence until this period has ended, unless written agreement is obtained from that consumer beforehand.

Further information about the eligibility criteria for assistance with funding for loft and/or cavity wall insulation can be obtained from the Energy Saving Trust on  0300 123 1234.

If anyone has any information about traders who are cold calling or requires any advice on doorstep crime they can contact Hampshire County Council's Quick Response Team on 01962 833666 (Monday – Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs) or call the Police non-urgent number 101.

Peace and goodwill to all?

Christmas and New Year have now long gone, but sadly not everyone experienced peace and goodwill to all men, or women. Domestic incidents are the only identified incident type that shows a significantly higher level of reporting in the run-up to Christmas and New Year. On average over the past six years, 20 per cent more domestic incidents have been reported in December than in a similar period earlier in the year.

The financial pressures of Christmas, spending time with distant relatives - or even close relatives that are usually at work/school/college - or simply the desire to give your family the best Christmas ever, can all add to the tension in the home.

Now we are into the New Year, the domestic abuse can potentially continue. Research shows that a woman being subjected to domestic abuse is likely to experience 35 separate incidents before calling the Police. Many victims of domestic abuse are reluctant to help the police in pursuing criminal cases against violent partners, or even seek help at all. In nearly a quarter of the cases reported to police, these are repeat offences.

New measures were introduced in September 2012 to provide an enhanced criminal justice service in high risk cases to make sure that more is done now, to prevent repeat victims of the future. This includes providing enhanced victim care and pursuing cases to court wherever possible, even when a victim may change their mind about supporting a complaint.

There are often many reasons why victims are reluctant to prosecute the perpetrator. For example, they may fear that their actions will exacerbate a violent situation and increase the danger they face. Although this poses significant challenges for the Police, it is vital that everything is done to protect domestic abuse victims and help them break the cycle of abuse.

The Police understand that victims are frequently most at risk from a coercive and controlling partner when they seek help, or try to end a relationship. Through this new, joint approach with the CPS the Police will make sure that victims are well supported, right from the moment they first call to the conclusion of a trial. They will also prosecute cases wherever they can in order to help survivors of domestic abuse break the cycle of violence against them.

A video has also been produced to encourage people to ‘Speak Out Today’. The video can be found at www.hampshiredomesticabuse.org.uk If you or anyone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, Speak Out Today. Visit the Hampshire & IOW Domestic Abuse Forum website to find out about local services and where to go for help and advice. Do not suffer in silence. If you do not want to get involved but suspect someone is suffering from domestic abuse, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Just tell us what you know, not who you are.

Remember – if you have information about ANY crime, please do not hesitate to give Crimestoppers a call on 0800 555111 or log on to www.crimestoppers-uk.org when you can also give information anonymously.

Cricketers - Chocolate Vodka

Just a little heads-up for the locals, Marcus, yes that Marcus, landlord of The Cricketers Inn) is now serving Chocolate (yes really) Vodka.

No more agonising decisions (what shall I drown my vodka with?) what could possibly be better than chocolate vodka?

If you're not into that then obviously wonderful, straight from the cask ale will make you a happier chap

Draft Parish Plan

According to this report of the third AGM of the Parish Plan Steering Committee held in December a draft of the Kingsley Parish Plan is now available and, if it was approved at that meeting, is currently being examined by East Hants District Council. It will then be made available for comment by villagers at the end of this month before final publication next month.

Exciting times ahead.

 

Hampshire PCC - ICVs

Following last November's election of the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Simon Hayes, the office now has its own website www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk

The site provides a fair amount of information about the PCC and amongst other things has a "Get Involved" section which is currently seeking volunteers to act as Independent Custody Visitors.

Independent Custody Visitors are members of the local community who visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment of detainees, the conditions in which they are being held and that their rights and entitlements are being observed.

Subject to certain exceptions anyone can apply to be an ICV. Visitors must be more than 18 years old, have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the date of application and currently reside in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight. No special skills are required as full training and support is provided, however Custody Visitors should be good listeners, non-judgemental, unprejudiced and generally have an interest in the community and the welfare of the people detained in police cells.  

Raspberry Pi

Some of you will remember 30 years ago playing with and learning from the BBC Microcomputers in schools and at home. They played an important role in making computing accessible and making a generation aware of the possibilities. These devices gave children the opportunity to get computers to obey them in ways that went way beyond mere button pressing. BBC Basic and Logo were its two most user friendly languages and enabled children to write computer programs themselves.

Sadly over the last 10-15 years no such opportunities have been available to schoolchildren. Any slightly computer literate parent will have noticed that "ICT" teaching has been reduced to how to use Microsoft Office products (not even how to use a spreadsheet or a wordprocessor but actually how to use Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word). What a disgraceful waste of talent and opportunity! (Brilliant marketing by Microsoft though, well done Microsoft)

A few years ago Cambridge University noticed the decline in applications from students wanting to study computer science and devised a solution - let's get kids interested at an early age again, just like the BBC Micro did - hence the Raspberry Pi.

A truly accessible, indeed naked, computer.

£25 buys the machine itself although you'll need a power supply and other basics so budget £50 for the first one.

What can you do with it and, more importantly, what can your children do with it?  Your / their imagination will be the limiting factor. The Pi is a very powerful computer. It can run RiscOS (the BBC Micro's operating system), it can run Linux, it can run many programming languages, games, office applications. It can be used to drive light shows, robots, video streaming, home security.

If you have children, as young as five or older, teenagers, you're a school governor or you want to set your own imagination free, Raspberry Pi may well be the key to the door. Let's not waste another generation.