Parish Council Office reopens

At the time of writing, we are hoping to reopen our office on the 2^nd September.  However, as with all things recently, this may change.

Volunteers

When lockdown struck our Community rose to the challenge.  Many of you will have been helping friends, family and neighbours who were isolating or shielding.  The Hart Response Hub had calls from many other residents willing to help strangers with shopping, pharmacy collections, or just someone to chat to.  Some have been baking cakes, making scrubs or printing/sewing masks for the NHS.  It has been heart-warming to see the community spirit in Hook flourishing.  Many new friendships have also been formed and families have been out discovering the beautiful countryside that is on our doorstep.

Play Areas

Most play areas are open and being well used, albeit with a reduced level of equipment (e.g one of a pair of swings removed or disabled) to enable social distancing whilst using the play area.  There is evidence that social distancing has not always been practised and in the case of the outdoor gym, this had to be closed as it became impossible to keep taping up the equipment to prevent usage.  If you are using the play areas please observe the safety and hygiene notices (a copy of which can be found on our Website and Facebook page).

One play area, at Sheldens Reach, has cause confusion.  This play area is not owned by the Parish Council, although the gate was locked along with all the other play areas in March.  Having re-opened it, along with our other play areas and advised Cala Homes, they took the decision that it should be closed as they do not have the resources to manage it in the current situation.

Dog Waste – King John V playing fields

It has come to our attention that there is a problem with people not clearing up after their dog at the King George V playing fields.  These fields are used for a number of sports.  Dog waste is not only unpleasant, it is a health hazard.   Please clear up after your dog.  FREE dog bags are available.  Call the office on 01256 768 687 to find out where your nearest collection point is.

Annual Village Meeting

This event was rescheduled from May to 15^th September, but sadly now had to be cancelled.  The government has removed the requirement for this meeting to take place in 2020, due to continued social distancing.

Last year Guy Mason gave a very engaging talk about Bassetts Mead and he was due to do so again this year.  However, he has moved onto pastures new in the NW of England, so we do not know who will replace him at HIWWT.  Two other presentations were to be made by Mark Hazell, on behalf of Hook & Odiham Lions and Chief Inspector John Halfacre.  Mark has prepared an article based on the content of his presentation, which can be found on page X.  CI Halfacre will also prepare a written update, to be published in the October.

We will announce the date for the 2021 Meeting early in the New Year.

Hook App & Hook Focus Magazine

If you have recently moved to Hook, you may not yet be aware of the Hook Focus Magazine or that Hook Parish Council has an App.   In normal times both are packed with information about local events and activities.  Hook Focus is published 11 times a year and costs 80p per copy continues to be full of articles from local organisations and groups, as well as some of those a little further afield.   It is available from Trees, The post office, Hartletts Cafe and Tesco (Customer Service Counter) or can be delivered to your door for £6 for a full year.

A great way to get to know your new neighbours is the become a Hook Focus distributor – and you get some healthy exercise into the bargain.  For more information about Focus subscriptions or distribution contact 01256 764 132

Sadly, the events calendars are a bit empty right now, but when all the groups, organisations and charities are ‘back in business’, to keep up to date with what is going on, subscribe to Hook Focus or Search ‘Hook Parish Council’ on Google Play or App Store to Download our App Free now.

Small Hook Businesses win awards

Congratulations to Hook Post Office for becoming a regional finalist in the Post Office ‘We’re Stronger Together’ awards for service during Covid-19 pandemic and to Hartletts Café for being awarded TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Award.

Many Hook businesses have worked really hard during the pandemic, to provide the goods and services residents needed, and in some case completely diversifying.   Undoubtedly, there has been a significant financial impact on small business, so please show your support and continue to shop/eat out locally.

Your Hook Pictures

The landscape of Hook has been transformed over the summer as many residents and businesses made good use of their time in Lockdown creating beautiful displays in their garden.  If you have captured images of the beautiful local scenery, gardens or wildflowers on your daily walks we would love to add them to the growing gallery on our website, or use them in the 2021 Annual Report or on social media as testament to the industrious and resilient residents of Hook did during lockdown  If you are happy to share these with us, please send them by email to: with the name of the photographer and a description/caption.