Thursday 28 February 2013

Kingsley Parish Council online again

After a couple of years absent from the web, Kingsley Parish Council has renewed its online presence with its fabulous new site KingsleyParishCouncil.org.

This is the place for meeting Agendas and Minutes as well as links to other village websites, contacts for parish councillors and a forum for discussing local topics.

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Emergency: dial 112

We're all used to using 999 in the UK to contact the emergency services, 911 in North America and a variety of numbers in other countries but now there is one number to rule them all (as it were) and the number is 112. This number will work just about anywhere now and, as this video explains, gives you the best possible chance of getting through, including by text where voice calls can't connect.


Tuesday 26 February 2013

More academia

 After Kingsley School I went the Alton County Secondary School from the age of eleven until leaving at fifteen. Not the happiest period in my life, the time spent in this school felt more like a prison sentence and for the most part, a serious waste of time. I was put into the B stream, which, I suppose, wasn’t that bad in the scheme of things but the system and the teachers failed to inspire me. My thoughts remained firmly upon what was going on outside and how long it was until going home time.

 A number of the teachers remain etched upon the mind and for the most part for all of the wrong reasons, Mr Barnes the science master, a man of very little tolerance with a very short fuse. Prone to outbursts of temper and use of the cane. He spent a lot of time teaching us how to cook things with a Bunsen Burner and playing with liquid mercury. It’s a wonder any of us survived. Barnes was the subject of a number of complaints for walloping his charges. Mad Elliot was Welsh and the religious studies master. This mad man was clearly a square peg in a round hole. One would have hoped that a religious studies teacher would have practiced a little of what he preached. The religious studies, you understand, were all of a Christian nature. We did not explore other faiths. Many of the good words issuing forth from Mr. Elliot; do as you would be done by, love thy neighbour, treat everyone as equals etc., seem to have been completely lost on the teacher himself. The smallest indiscretion, the merest hint of inattention would invariably result in Elliot throwing the blackboard rubber in the direction of the offender and raving like something possessed. The blackboard rubber was constructed of a wooden handle unto which was stuck several different coloured layers of a heavy grade felt material. It was about six inches long by roughly two and a half inches deep. This missile, when in flight, was a serious weapon. The chips in the rooms plaster and woodwork bore testimony to the ferocity with which it had been thrown. I don’t recall the rubber actually hitting one of us, which I suppose is just as well really. For the most part it put the fear of God into us all…(no pun intended)! Most of the class took the view that this was most un-Christian like behavior and viewed the said Elliot as a dangerous lunatic to be avoided at every opportunity.

 Then there was the young music mistress who’s name I have forgotten. Her claim to fame, as far as we were concerned, was she was prone to bursting into tears and running out of the classroom. I am sorry to say that this became something of a sport for a few of the braver boys who took it in turns to see how long it would take to achieve her departure. Her departure invariably resulted in a visit from the Headmaster Mr. Luke or one of the senior masters. Punishments were various but failed to curb this popular sport.

 Mr. Webb was the maths master and was a little white haired, elderly man. A man of quiet disposition whom most of us liked very much. The problem was we didn’t much care for his subject. But, he was pleasant and generally considered a good sort.

 Mr. Finn was our English master. He was short and dapper, well groomed, very smartly dressed always in sharp grey suits. In fact he was just grey. His fingers were carefully manicured and his grey Hitler like moustache was perfectly trimmed. Also a thick amount of grey hair which was carefully slicked back. A little man he strutted about like a bantam cock. He was a heavy smoker and smelled of tobacco. It was obvious that Mr. Finn liked his female colleagues and was at his most charming when a lady was within range. I saw him as the complete popinjay. He strutted up and down the classroom, peering through or over his gold rimmed spectacles which often rested towards the end of his nose. If all of the above was not enough, "Finney" had the most awful habit of sucking his front teeth. Curling his tongue to the right or left and pushing it up beneath his top lip, he would then proceed to suck. This often resulted in squeaking or whistling noises. Not a pleasant sight or sound.

In a strange sort of way, I owe Mr. Finn quite a lot although it wasn’t until many years later that I began to realize it
 The circumstances surround a particular English lesson which was designed to take the class through the range of daily newspapers that were then on sale. Mr. Finn began by asking all of those present to tell him which newspapers their parents read at home. For the most part the answers were The Daily Sketch and The Daily Mirror with the Sunday equivalents at weekends. To this, and to the horror and disbelief of the class, Finney proclaimed,  "well your parents are all lazy". This from a man who worked in the warm and dry, five days a week and with long holidays. One whom never got his hands dirty and had never known the hard labour experienced by most rural workers at that time. Most of our parents worked pretty much from dawn till dusk in all conditions and for six days a week with minimal holidays. I well remember the outrage expressed by the whole class when we had our next break. What was this unspeakable little twerp talking about. His theory, that in order to broaden the mind, we should all read the quality press. This would provide better coverage, more reliable reporting, better grammar etc.etc.. As previously mentioned, my brush with Academia and the education process in general was undistinguished to say the least. My dislike of Mr. Finn was almost total but as a result of that one lesson and despite the then outrage, I subsequently went on to do as he had suggested. Being a great reader I got much pleasure and satisfaction from the broadsheets and often had cause to reflect on that lesson so long ago. It is probably true to say that I learned more by reading, newspapers included, after leaving school than I ever did whilst I was there.

 Mr. Sutcliffe, rural studies master, was quite my favourite teacher. His classroom was one of the biggest in the school and contained within it all that I held dear. Tanks of fish, British wild fish, not tropical, Vivariums for lizards and snakes. Plant life of all sorts growing from all manner of pots, tubs and bowls. Butterflies and moths and their caterpillars in all the various stages of metamorphosis were to be found within this classroom heaven. The man himself was short and large. Large in the very fat rotund sense, I doubt if he could see his toes, his great belly obscuring the view. He had a huge round head and his face was a most striking red. He wore tiny metal framed glasses and he perspired profusely. Rural studies included the study of all things wildlife, gardening, plants, insects etc. There was a thriving school garden in which we were taught to grow things. The girls did cookery when the boys went gardening. No political correctness then. In fact, I seem to remember, the girls did domestic studies, which included dress making and sewing when the boys went to rural studies.

 Largely due to the fact that I was able to provide Mr. Sutcliffe with most of the creatures he required for his lessons, he wrote me the most complimentary report I managed to achieve during my whole school imprisonment. He wrote, "the best boy I have ever taught", probably a bit over the top but I remember being quite pleased at the time. Mr. Sutcliffe was instigatory in the caning I received at the hands of Mr.Luke the Headmaster. It was normal practice for me to bring in my surplus rabbits for sale in Alton’s, then thriving, Tuesday market. I had permission from Mr. Sutcliffe to lodge the rabbits in his classroom before transferring them for sale later in the day, around lunch time. Due to a spate of bad behavior in the town at lunch times and the subsequent complaints to the school, Mr. Luke issued a directive that going down to the town during lunch periods would be banned. This, as will be seen, was a major inconvenience to my commercial activities. Mr. Sutcliffe assured me I would be okay and gave the go ahead for my next sales trip. Well, all was not okay, some rotten cad saw me and reported the fact. I was summoned to the Heads study at noon the next day where I suffered the indignity of having to wait the mandatory fifteen minutes before being ushered into the great mans presence.I was found guilty as charged and without further ado caned. I didn’t snitch on Mr. Sutcliffe and the matter was never mentioned again. Minor adjustments were achieved and my rabbit sales continued largely unhindered. No thanks to Mr. Luke.

 As the Headmaster, one would be forgiven for thinking, the individual holding that office would have been keen and enthusiastic in promoting the aspirations of his students. Well, one would be wrong for so assuming. Probably, the only occasion I had an ounce of desire towards learning, and goodness knows why, I suggested that I might like to do some home work in the evenings. This was brought up by my mother on the next parents evening and she was told by jolly old Luke that it would be a waste of time. Most disappointing, he could have damaged me for life!! Mind you, this didn’t stop the old bounder bringing his Insurance Salesman son to the house shortly after I left school for the purposes of plying his trade. I imagine he went to every school leaver in turn. Nice little earner, and Mr. Luke a Justice of the Peace what a scoundrel.

 I finally made my escape from this state imposed imprisonment and at the age of fifteen was released into the real world. I have never looked back with any degree of longing.

Kingsley Parish Council - Thursday 28th

Kingsley Parish Council will meet this Thursday, 28th 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 24th January 2013
6. Matters Arising
7. Planning
Applications ongoing:
34313/017 Oak Tree Farm, Gibbs Lane, Shortheath Common Bordon GU35 9JS

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

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 ….

 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

New Applications:
26242/046 Dean Farm Golf Course, Main Road, Kingsley, GU35 9NG
    Creation of vehicular access

24601/040 Country Market Osborne Farms, Main Road, Kingsley, Bordon, GU35 9LW
Variation of condition 1 of planning permission 24601/038 to allow permanent use of the barn

Compliance planning application 26242/044 Dean Farm Golf Course, Main Road, Kingsley, Bordon, GU35 9NG
Change of use of land to wood yard – retrospective application  

8. St Nicholas Cemetery & Cemetery Chapel
To receive an update from Cllr Croucher
To accept the quotation from Paul Knight to dispose of the fallen tree over the cemetery

9. Transport, Highways and Road Safety
To receive an update from Cllr Lazenby

10. Commons, Village Greens and Rights of Way
To receive an update from Cllr Lazenby

To agree the updated version of the children and vulnerable adults policy
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 March 2013 - 7.30 pm at the Kingsley Centre 

Saturday 23 February 2013

Country Market Osborne Farm: Barn

This application, 24601/040, seeking permission for

VARIATION OF CONDITION 1 OF PLANNING PERMISSION 24601/038 TO ALLOW PERMANENT USE OF THE BARN

is currently marked as open for consultation until 22nd March.

Friday 15 February 2013

HCC Apprenticeships

Up to 1,000 more young people to be hired by Hampshire County Council

Around one third of all job vacancies advertised by Hampshire County Council on the first steps of its career ladder are to be offered as apprenticeships under a pioneering new programme that will start this year. 

The County Council's Cabinet has fully endorsed a scheme to expand the number of young apprentices within its workforce by up to 1,000 over the next five years. Under the Hampshire Youth Investment Programme up to170 apprentices will be recruited each year and another 30 posts in total will be available for young people in care or leaving care as the Leader's Internship Plus scheme pilot is extended. 

Apprentices have already worked for the County Council in roles such as mechanics, rangers or teaching assistants, in the countryside, in museums, or in laboratories. Now it is set to expand this to attract more young people aged 16-25 into its workforce and give them support.

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Cradle Lane impassable, still


None of the work further north has had any effect on the southern end of Cradle Lane which is, as you can see, impassable on foot without a very stout pair of wellies.

This isn't caused by horses, motorbikes, or even people; it looks like Cradle Lane has looked in February every year since time immemorial.

Sunday 10 February 2013

Casino Night 2nd March

Saturday 2nd March, 7pm onwards, Kingsley Cricket Club will be hosting a fun casino night, just for laughs, using fun money.

The dress code is as smart and glam as you'd like, but bow ties are optional Mr Bond !!

The casino manager will provide an explanation of the game rules at 7:30 before issuing you with your fun money for the evening.

PRIZES FOR THE RICHEST WINNERS

Kingsley Cricket Club, Sickles Lane, Kingsley, GU35 9PD

Saturday 9 February 2013

Power restrictions

Currently there is a tiered system for obtaining a full category 'A' motorcycle entitlement for new riders.

As of January 2013 those requirements become stricter still, this presumably is intended to reduce the number of 'Killed or Seriously Injured' (KSI) motorcyclists on UK roads.

In the interest of equality and road safety the same measure should be applied to new car drivers as novice drivers can currently legally drive a motor car of any horsepower. As motorcars are the cheaper and more preferred option for new drivers surely this inconsistency needs to be addressed.


This year has seen the first rise nationally in KSI numbers in over a decade.

Please sign the petition.

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Mary Herbert jumps

Just to let you know that on Saturday 27th April I will be doing a tandem skydive for St Michael's Hospice in Basingstoke. I've set up a JustGiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/Mary-Herbert. Do take a look.

They say 'Life begins at 40': my father died from cancer at 39.

So I have a 'bucket list' which began with the gift of three gliding lessons from my husband for my fortieth birthday.

My husband (Brian) and two daughters (Gwyneth and Katherine) and several of my friends have helped me achieve many of the other things on that list: abseiling for Scope, parasailing in Mauritius, paragliding in New Zealand, a hot air balloon trip from my home in Hampshire, a helicopter flight following the River Thames in London, a microlite flight over the places where I grew up in Surrey, bodyflying ...

Now, over 20 years later, it's time for the ultimate challenge - a tandem skydive!

Why tandem? Well, I don't have the skill, the experience or the courage for doing it alone!!

We all have our own challenges which we meet in different ways. St Michael's Hospice can help people face up to the challenge of a life-threatening illness either for themself or for a loved one. I appreciate that many of you will have a particular charity that you already choose to support. If, however, you are able to sponsor my skydive challenge you will also be enabling the Hospice to continue to help many others cope with their own personal challenges.

Thank you for your support. Best wishes, Mary