New Internet Radio for Basingstoke

19 August 2010

The official launch of Bizz Radio is just over 4 weeks away (September 20) and, the line-up of DJs on the station has now been announced.

The radio station will feature former Capital Radio presenters Russ Kane, Philippa Collins and Sandy Warr, local favourites Kevin Spector & Phil Wickham, former Kiss FM presenter Gaz Wesley, Dave Hiskett  & TV favourite Sally James of Tiswas fame.

To ensure local bands get the airtime they deserve, BBC presenter Mark Dennison will be presenting a ‘John Peel-esque’ show focusing on Basingstoke artistes & new indie music between 7-10pm, Monday to Thursday.

Bizz Radio Director Phil Wickham said “We are delighted to have an incredible line-up of professional DJs on Bizz and we know that the radio station will quickly establish itself as the people’s choice as it will be the only one that is 100% local to Basingstoke 24 hours a day.  We have been approached by many local businesses and organisations who want to be associated with Bizz Radio and look forward to announcing these partnerships once all the details have been confirmed.”

You can get a taste of Bizz Radio right now by listening to their high quality pre-launch transmission via their website at www.BizzRadioBasingstoke.com

Bizz Radio launches in Basingstoke on 20 September

The Malls Transformation Begins...

13 August 2010

Plans to create a new look shopping centre will get underway when work begins on The Malls refurbishment next week.

Wates Construction Ltd will be moving into the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council owned shopping centre on Monday 16 August to start work on the £5.9m scheme.

The exciting plans will see the outdated shopping centre given a major facelift. This will include removing the existing canopies and installing a clear roof canopy that protects the centre from bad weather, but still allows natural light and air to circulate.  In addition the whole shopping centre will be repaved and new shop fronts installed.

However, the biggest transformation will be outside along Alencon Link where a new landmark gateway entrance to The Malls will be created, along with paving and landscaping improvements. This will give a more desirable first impression of the town when people arrive from the railway station.

As part of the works a £300,000 programme of improvements – funded by developer contributions -  will also be made to Alencon Link including:

• Carriageway and footway improvements on the southern side of Alencon Link to improvement access,
• Providing a three bus lay-by with raised kerbs
• New state of the art bus shelters.

All of the shops will remain open throughout the duration of the refurbishment, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2011.

Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Cllr James Lewin said:

To view the plans for the scheme or for updates and information on The Malls during the works visit  www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/themalls. Alternatively you can visit the Wates site office in the former Early Learning Centre shop in Loddon Mall.

Basingstoke’s First Ever Firewalk

23 July 2010

Shopmobility Basingstoke has teamed up with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to hold Basingstoke’s first ever official Firewalk to raise funds to support two Hampshire charities.

The search is now on for 30 daring volunteers to take part in a walk of a life time. Participants of other firewalks claim that walking on fire has increased their confidence and self esteem. After all, if you can walk on fire what else can you do?

After 2 hours of motivational training (with no elements of hypnosis) from the UK’s leading firewalk experts ‘Blaze’, volunteers will walk across 5 meters of hot coals. Trainers will be with walkers from start to finish making sure that the experience is fun, safe and enjoyable as well as daring, exciting and memorable.

Not for the faint hearted agreed, but what a fantastic challenge and no crazier than jumping from a 200 foot high crane attached to a piece of elastic or jumping out of a perfectly serviceable aeroplane with only a flimsy parachute to save you!

The Firewalk is being held on Friday 8th October by kind permission of Basingstoke Rugby Club.

For more information or to register please contact Anne Blackmore at Shopmobility on 01256 350142 email anne@shopmobilitybasingstoke.org or June Leatheam at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance on 07966017236 email june@hiow-airambulance.org.uk.

Please note that entries must be made in advance and no entries will be taken on the night.

Go on, take part in the most memorable, enjoyable and fun event ever and raise vital money for two very worthy causes at the same time!

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease.

Anne Blackmore
Manager
Shopmobility Basingstoke

Direct dial: 01256 350142
Email: anne@shopmobilitybasingstoke.org

Residents asked who they want to take decisions about their area

16 July 2010

Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, the council must decide on one of two new ways of making decisions.  It can either have a Leader with Cabinet, much like national government and the council's current arrangements, or it can decide to have an elected Mayor and Cabinet, for example like the decision-making Mayor in London or Hartlepool.

At the moment the borough council has a Leader, who takes decisions together with a Cabinet of councillors.  Each of these councillors has responsibility for particular services, known as their ‘portfolio’. The borough has a Mayor, but this is a ceremonial role without any decision-making powers. 

Under the current national rules, the council has to move to what is known as the ‘strong leader’ model or have an elected Mayor.  The ‘strong’ Leader and Cabinet arrangements would mean that instead of Cabinet members being appointed by a meeting of all the councillors, as they are now, between two and nine councillors would be chosen by the Leader, to help him or her take decisions.  The other main change would be that the Leader would be appointed for a four year period, rather than a year.  This was the option chosen by all parties for the borough council when the matter was discussed in December 2008.

The council’s Corporate Director Dorcas Bunton said: “The last council debate on this issue favoured the ‘strong leader’ option as this was closest to the current system.  Councillors, however, are keen to hear if residents have any views on how the council should take decisions about their area before they take a final decision on the future structure.”

The consultation runs until Friday 27 August 2010 and residents wanting to give their views, can:

§         visit the website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/futurestructure and complete the on-line survey

§         or call 01256 844844 for a leaflet and paper survey or pick one up in local community information points.

A report on future decision-making at the council, including the results of this consultation, will be discussed at a meeting of all the councillors on Thursday 7 October 2010.

Basingstoke Shopmobility Wins National Award

12 July 2010

Shopmobility Basingstoke has proven to be a leader in customer service after wining a national customer service award.

The National Federation of Shopmobility UK (NFS UK) was pleased to announce at its 2010 conference that the 2010 ‘Tom Hillier Award’ for outstanding customer service was awarded to Basingstoke Shopmobility.

The annual award was set up in memory of the founder of NFS UK, Tom Hillier. It is given to the scheme judged to be delivering a service over and above the high standards set by the federation.

Basingstoke Shopmobility saw off competition from nearly 400 other schemes nationwide to be presented with the award. Tom’s widow, Grace personally reads all of the nominations sent in by customers before deciding on the winner. She never reveals why a particular scheme is the winner but simply says that she is looking for something ‘very special, something different that stands out.’

Anne Ansell chair of NFS UK said

Anne Blackmore manager of Basingstoke Shopmobility was at the conference when the announcement was made. She said

Shopmobility operates from premises in Church Street Basingstoke. The charity hires out electric scooters and both powered and manual wheelchairs to anyone having difficulty getting around the town centre. For more information on Shopmobility Basingstoke and the service available please ring 01256 476066 or visit their web site

Chineham Park Fun Day Goes Off With A Bang

09 July 2010

CHINEHAM PARK FUN DAY GOES OFF WITH A BANG

Chineham Park, Basingstoke’s leading business location, is celebrating the explosive success of its sports day themed fun day on Friday 02 July 2010.

The annual fun day, held outside Central 40 between 12h00 and 14h00, was free to attend for all those working at Chineham Park.

Rupert Batho, managing director for MEPC Chineham Park, said:  “Chineham Park is home to over 50 organisations and the fun day is a great opportunity for occupiers to interact with other businesses onsite.  The annual function, which is one of our events, demonstrates why Chineham Park is a great place to work and a thriving business community.”

At this year’s fun day, occupiers took part in a variety of traditional games including a space hopper challenge, an egg and spoon race and a giant ski relay. 

On the day, there was also a fully lined track with start and finish posts, a compere who organised the races and a mouth watering selection of BBQ food provided by Dayer’s Fine Foods, Chineham Park’s onsite restaurant.

Chris West, general manager for Fitness First, said:  “What a great event, the teams that took part seemed to really enjoy themselves and it was great to see everyone having a go.  We look forward to seeing the photos and getting involved again.”

A hat-trick of sports available at the Olympic open weekend

09 July 2010

A hat-trick of sports available at the Olympic open weekend

People will be encouraged to get out of the starting blocks and on the road to a healthier lifestyle during an Olympic open weekend at Queen Mary’s Sports Centre.

The opportunity to try three new sports for free will be available to people of all ages from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 24 July.

Organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in partnership with the college sports centre, the event will see local sports clubs work together to inspire residents to get into the Olympic spirit and get active.

The open weekend is one of hundreds of events taking place across the UK to celebrate the countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. It will also be held during Get Active month – a month-long campaign to promote sport and physical activity to people in the borough.

During the day access to the gym, swimming pool, sports hall and outdoor pitches will be offered and local sports clubs will run sessions.

Sports to suit all tastes will be available with activities in the pool including swimming lessons, kayaking lessons, lifesaving, synchronised swimming and waterpolo. Boxercise, gymnastics, trampolining, badminton, volleyball, basketball and netball will take place in the sports halls. Other activities will include ladies’ and men’s football, American football, archery and golf.

There will also be a chance to join Sporting Stars, a summer holiday group offering a wide range of sports including go-karting for children aged seven to 11.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Sport and Leisure Cllr Clive Sanders said: “Watching sport is no substitute for getting out and doing it. This is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and sporting abilities to try three sports in a fun and relaxed environment while receiving expert tuition. It’s just one of a number of events planned to celebrate the countdown to London 2012”

People wishing to attend are invited to attend on the day, no booking is necessary.

For more information call Stephanie Humphreys on 01256 845 465.

For more information on Get Active month visit

People will be encouraged to get out of the starting blocks and on the road to a healthier lifestyle during an Olympic open weekend at Queen Mary’s Sports Centre.

The opportunity to try three new sports for free will be available to people of all ages from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 24 July.

Organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in partnership with the college sports centre, the event will see local sports clubs work together to inspire residents to get into the Olympic spirit and get active.

The open weekend is one of hundreds of events taking place across the UK to celebrate the countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. It will also be held during Get Active month – a month-long campaign to promote sport and physical activity to people in the borough.

During the day access to the gym, swimming pool, sports hall and outdoor pitches will be offered and local sports clubs will run sessions.

Sports to suit all tastes will be available with activities in the pool including swimming lessons, kayaking lessons, lifesaving, synchronised swimming and waterpolo. Boxercise, gymnastics, trampolining, badminton, volleyball, basketball and netball will take place in the sports halls. Other activities will include ladies’ and men’s football, American football, archery and golf.

There will also be a chance to join Sporting Stars, a summer holiday group offering a wide range of sports including go-karting for children aged seven to 11.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Sport and Leisure Cllr Clive Sanders said: “Watching sport is no substitute for getting out and doing it. This is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and sporting abilities to try three sports in a fun and relaxed environment while receiving expert tuition. It’s just one of a number of events planned to celebrate the countdown to London 2012”

People wishing to attend are invited to attend on the day, no booking is necessary.

For more information call Stephanie Humphreys on 01256 845 465.

For more information on Get Active month visit

Get sporty in the summer holidays

09 July 2010

Get sporty in the summer holidays

School children in the borough will be able to take part in free activity sessions this summer holidays.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has teamed up with Asda Sporting Chance to offer children the opportunity to participate in a wide range of free activity sessions during the school holidays in 2010. The sessions will cover the more traditional sports as well as more unusual activities children may never have tried before.

Some of the activities available in the borough will include tennis, gymnastics and martial arts.

Asda Sporting Chance vouchers are required to take part. These are available at the checkouts from 17 July and are also available to download from

All people need to do is…

*       Pop into your local Asda store and pick up a Sporting Chance voucher from the checkout or download  one  from

*       Visit the website or call 0844 3356408 to search for sessions near you

*       Call the session provider direct to book a place

*       Enjoy the session - don't forget to take along your voucher!

Cabinet Member for Communities, Sport and Leisure Cllr Clive Sanders said: “Improving young people’s health has to be a key commitment for all of us. That’s why the council is supporting this initiative to bring the Sporting Chance programme to Basingstoke and encourage schoolchildren to get out there and get active”

Asda’s Head of the Community, Fiona Campbell-Reilly, added: “Our Sporting Chance scheme offers families an affordable and enjoyable way to get active and gives children the chance to develop new skills they may previously have been unable to due to financial constraints.”

Asda is offering the sessions for free to allow children to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. A recent report by the British Heart Foundation found that only one in eight children are getting the recommended 60 minutes a day of daily physical activity*. The Sporting Chance initiative is a simple way to help families address and improve their lifestyles and have fun at the same time.

Now in its third year, the Asda Sporting Chance initiative will provide more than 3 million free spaces across 50 different activities for children to enjoy in the holidays during 2010.

Schools aim to shine in Solar Challenge

09 July 2010

Schools aim to shine in Solar Challenge

Six young inventor teams from borough schools will take part in the annual Hampshire Solar Challenge, at the Intech Science Centre and Planetarium, Winchester this Thursday 8 July.

The event, part funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and  sponsored by Southampton Audi, challenges the children to use their knowledge of renewable energy, their creativity and imagination to create models that move using the sun’s free flowing energy.

Competing schools have designed and built their own solar powered model using a kit supplied by the council plus any additional recycled materials that they could find.

After months of construction, the children will finally be given the opportunity to have their designs judged. Initally by The Deputy Mayor Cllr Phil Heath and his Mayoress Mrs Christine Heath and local eco couple Steven and Yvonne Lucas.

The winner from the initial stage will go on to compete for the Hampshire First Prize, along with winners from other local areas, where they will present their creation in a ‘dragon’s den’ style event to a panel of independent judges, which this year include Dr Peter Wilson, member of Southampton University’s ‘Team Tarka’, which built and raced a full sized solar powered boat.

Also on the panel are the General Manager of Southampton Audi Chris Nixon, Senior Lecturer in Physics at Southampton University Dr Matthew Wright, founder member of the Greening Campaign Terena Plowright, and suppliers of the models Dr Benjamin Chan and David Garlovsky of Solar Active.

Cabinet Member for The Environment and Climate Change Cllr Elaine Still said: “It is very important to communicate the messages about climate change and alternative energy sources to children as early as possible. This event is a fun way for children across the borough to develop their understanding of these issues.”

For more information contact Marilyn Davies, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Environmental Education Officer on 01256 845427.

Hello Paris Relocates To Chineham Park

09 July 2010

Hello Paris, a leading provider of tickets for public transport, attractions, sightseeing tours, restaurants and shows, has acquired a lease on building number four in the Elmwood area of the park, following a growth in business.

Laurie Pruvost, director for Hello Paris Ltd, said:  “We decided to move to Chineham Park because of the first class business accommodation it has to offer.  Located in a prestigious environment, Chineham Park has excellent onsite facilities and transport links.  MEPC provided an extremely professional service and we believe Chineham Park has the expertise to fulfill our business needs.”                  Rupert Batho, managing director for MEPC Chineham Park, said:  “It is great to let office space in the Elmwood area of the park and welcome Hello Paris, a growing and dynamic organisation, to Chineham Park.  From holiday companies such as Hello Paris to personal protective equipment suppliers like Sperian Protection, our diverse range of companies at Chineham Park underlines our position as the thriving business community in Basingstoke.”