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News Bulletin: January 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Let’s start the New Year on a right note, with some good news. Nine volunteers have joined forces to hopefully cheer up Hook in 2016. No promises yet but they are applying for grants to improve the village centre under the new Hook In Bloom campaign. If you can help with sponsorship please email .

The committee wants to improve the appearance of Hook and have created a wish list of locations for new planting, are launching business and residents’ competitions to support that aim, and holding a Village Show in September. More news later on the Village Show but it will have something for everyone.

RECYCLING CHRISTMAS TREES

Don’t forget to take your real Christmas tree along to Hook Garden Centre in Reading Road until 9th January for recycling.

LOCAL PLAN HOUSING OPTIONS SURVEY

At the time of writing, the Parish Council were advised that a five page explanation of the options in the Local Plan Options Survey had been delivered to every household. Given the barrage of propaganda from the ‘wehearthart’ (Winchfield action group) it is becoming more and more apparent that your response to the consultation is very important.

You can respond on line at www.hart.gov.uk or paper copies are available at the Parish Council offices Ravenscroft and at Trees newsagent.

For any help or advice please contact the Parish Council Office or e-mail

COMMUNITY AWARDS

Do you know anyone who should be awarded the Hook Community Award? The only firm rule is that the service to the community, for which the award is to be considered, must have been on an entirely voluntary basis and over a sustained period. Previous nominations that did not result in an award have not been carried forward so please re-nominate. Please email nominations to by 31st March 2016.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Latest scientific evidence has assessed that there are five simple ways of improving wellbeing in everyday life – Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give.

There are so many activities in Hook, and especially the village halls, to support this advice but do we all know exactly what is on offer?

So everyone has an opportunity to find out exactly what is available, a free (to both exhibitors and visitors) Health and Wellbeing event is planned for Thursday 7th April in Hook Community Centre. Groups or organisations, especially those already using the halls who are involved with providing activities for health and wellbeing in the village, are invited to have a stand. Please email the Parish Clerk to register your interest. It will be on a first come first reserve basis.

There will also be defibrillator and other first aid training available throughout the day.

Hook already has a very good Wellbeing Directory and now moves are afoot to expand the directory and improve access to the information. Hart Voluntary Action will set up a dedicated Hook section on its database and Hook is invited to be the first in Hart to use the new system and pave the way for other towns and villages in the district. If an organisation you are involved with would like to be included please email .

COMMUNITY CENTRE CAR PARK

Schools expansion building works are expected to start during January. A new access to the site will be created from the Community Centre Car Park near the skate park. This will mean the loss of 5-7 parking spaces and construction traffic will be moving through the car park. Please be aware that this will mean an increase in congestion in both the car park and along Ravenscroft. Crossways Car park is free before 9 am and permits can be obtained from the infant school reception, for parking during the afternoon school run.

ANTHONY HAWKINS – Parish Councillor 2011-15

We were shocked to receive the sad news that Anthony had passed away suddenly on Thursday 26th November. Anthony did not stand for Council again in May as he moved to start a new life in West Sussex. Our thoughts are with his fiancée Jacqueline and all his family.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE – Please see the Neighbourhood Plan Website for the latest News

SAVE THE DATES

  • Annual Village Meeting – Hook Community Centre – 18th May 2016
  • Health and Wellbeing Event – Hook Community Centre – Thursday 7th April 2016
  • Hook Fun Run – moves to Hartletts Park – Sunday 15th May 2016
  • Hook Annual Village Show – Hook Community Centre – Sunday 11th September 2016

Sue Hinton
Parish Councillor
PR and Media Portfolio Holder