Royal Recognition for Hook!
Following the creation and opening of the Jubilee Garden in Wellworth Park in celebration of the Queens Platinum Jubilee, as reported in the last edition of Focus, the Council has received a letter of thanks from Balmoral. The winning plaque design for the garden, created by Rory Hodgson, was also turned in to a card sent to the Queen on behalf of the village.
Annual Village Show
This year’s show took place on Sunday 3rd July at Hartletts Park. Over 3,000 people turned out and were treated to African Acrobats, Choirs, Dancers, Elsa (from Frozen), and the winners from the Dog Show in the main arena.
There were stalls to browse (including lots of local groups), free crafting for children, fairground rides, a food court with a selection of different food and drink, donkeys to stroke and even a miniature steam train. There was also a Dog Show arena with a number of different categories.
A huge thank you to Hook & Odiham Lions Club for organising and running (with support from other local groups and volunteers ) a fantastic show. We know how much work you put in. It was great to see it back after an enforced three year break due to COVID.
If you would like to join the Lions and take part in community events and activities please call them on 07817 886 002 or contact them via messenger on Facebook.
Playgrounds
Over the summer, several of our playgrounds had a little “spruce up”. Works have included a replacement gate on Hartletts Park playground and resurfacing of some of the flooring in Hartletts, Varndell and Elizabeth Hall playgrounds. The outdoor gym has also had a much-needed full service, with parts being replaced where necessary.
A full list of all the playgrounds in Hook (including 3 which we don’t manage/maintain) and the equipment in each one can be found on our website at https://hook.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/playrounds-details-and-locations.pdf
Hartletts Park Skatepark
The existing skatepark facility has come to the end of its lifespan and Council therefore took the decision earlier in the year to replace it. Having carried out an open tender process, the Council has awarded the contract to replace the skatepark to Canvas Spaces Ltd. We are very much looking forward to working with Canvas to deliver an exciting facility for the village – please watch out for further information about the project on our website, app and on Facebook in the coming months.
Dog Bags
There has been a noticeable increase in dog poo and complaints/comments from residents that some dog owners are not clearing up after their dog. There is no excuse in our village for not picking up, as we give out FREE dog poo bags from our offices and we also have a number of collection points around the village where you can collect them, even when our office is closed. Plus, the pet shop and Tesco’s also stock poo bags you can purchase. Dog waste can be disposed of in any public bin, not just designated dog bins. Please pick up after your dog!!
Traveller Incursion
Following the recent brief incursion at Hartletts Park, the Council has considered additional security measures and will be installing rising bollards by the park gate that leads onto the A30. The Council has an adopted policy in respect of dealing with any incursion on Council-owned land and will always act as swiftly as possible in order to minimise any disruption or inconvenience caused by an incursion.