Birmingham Promotes Basingstoke Short Breaks!

25 August 2010

The Birmingham Mail has today (25 August) published a full page article promoting 'Relax & Recharge' short breaks in the Basingstoke and north Hampshire area.

The article focuses on a package of special short break offers promoted through Destination Basingstoke's web site named Relax & Recharge .The article enthusiastically recommends hotel packages and a 'passport' of special offers for visitors booking a short break at the featured hotels.

.."As for Basingstoke, its got world class music at The Anvil theatre, top shopping at Festival place and the glorious South Downs countryside with pretty villages on its doorstep.....Basingstoke? Amazingstoke more like!"

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

Basingstoke Swimmers Heading for the Top

22 July 2010

Young Basingstoke Bluefins swimmers have excelled at this month’s ASA Regional Championships.

Eight swimmers will be putting Basingstoke on the map at Sheffield’s Olympic pool at Ponds Forge at the end of July, which is a huge achievement for Bluefins.

Well done to Daisy Moore and Rebecca Johnston who swam their first regional swim, making up the Girls Bluefins Blue team to compete in the 4x100 Medley Relay.  With fellow team members Hannah Parker and Christie Chui they put on a solid performance finishing in a time of 5:08.17 and a very credible 11th out of 26.

Two boys teams competed in the 4x100 Freestyle relay, the first team  successfully beating teams with boys 2 years older than them, to overtake  Portsmouth B and Black Lion to finish in 4:22.25.  The second team gave a flying finishing in 4:03.75 and 5th place.

On day 2, it was all change and the girls turn to try their hand at freestyle whilst the boys attention turned to the Medley.  Boys Bluefins White team took to the water first with Sam Irvine, Dickson Chui (inside NQT), Oliver Waldram (inside age 12 NQT) and Duncan Bond.  A really competitive swim saw them narrowly miss overtaking Portsmouth ‘A’ finishing in 4:48.59 and 15th.

Bluefins Blue team, Adam Milne, Christopher Dickson, John Slater and James Down put on a phenomenal performance.  The roof of K2 nearly lifted off with their Bluefins fans fully behind them.  Some exiting racing and some brilliant splits saw them finish first in their heat in a time of 4:29.80 and a well earned 2nd place.  Their silver medals have ensured them of a place at the Nationals in July.

The girls buoyed by the boys performance went out all guns blazing.   Brilliant swimming by Christie Chui, Hannah Parker, Daisy Moore and Rebecca Johnston. got them home in 4:29.53 and an incredible 8th place.

Congratulations to Christie on attaining her first National Qualifying Time (NQT) bringing the total of Bluefins swimmers inside NQT to 5.

Well done to all swimmers who took part:  Boys age 12:  Adam Milne (1st  NQT - 100Free, 200Free, 400Free, 800Free, 100Back, 200Back, 100Fly, 200Fly, 200IM, 400IM); Oliver Waldram (5th); Sam Irvine; Dickson Chui (NQT 100 fly); Jack Taylor.  Boys 14: John Slater (1st, NQT - 100Free, 400Free, 100Fly, 200Fly);  Christopher Dickson (NQT – 4x100 Medley relay); James Down (NQT – 4x100 Medley relay).  Girls 13:    Christie Chui (NQT – 100 Free);  Lizzie Neale (NQT – 100 Back, 200Back); Hannah Parker (NQT – 200 Fly);  Keone Crockwell; Daisy Moor; Rebecca Johnston.

This weekend all eyes will be watching the youth events at the Regionals.

If you would like to help sponsor the swimmers trip to Sheffield please contact the Club office at  Basingstoke Aquadrome on phone 01256 351921 or visit their web site

Basingstoke Bluefins are just one of the sporting success from Basingstoke see

Miss England - potentially from basingstoke!

16 July 2010

Laura Ashfield, 23 will be competing with 59 other beauty queens for the title of Miss England, to be held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole as a two day event on August 31st and September 1st after her success in the semi finals which was held at Champneys Springs, Leicestershire.

Laura from Old Basing , who won the Miss Basingstoke heat back in January at the Red Lion Hotel. Laura who has gained a diploma in Musical Theatre and is a model and a dancer is now in with a chance of claiming the title of Miss England which includes a sports round to replace the usual swimwear parade.

For the first time in 22 years, the Miss England competition will be back on TV and viewers will be able to watch the national final on The Active Channel (Sky Channel 281) in September. Miss England Organiser Angie Beasley said "I’m delighted that the public will get the chance to see the contest on TV this year. They will be able to see for themselves just how much the contest has changed over the years. The girls are taking part in fitness, talent, sports and charity rounds … it’s so different compared to the bathing beauty contest of yesteryear.

The Miss England national final public vote for Miss England 2010 will be starting soon where the winner of the public vote would earn a place in the final 20 and take that one step closer to winning the title of Miss England and receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent England in the prestigious Miss World Pageant!

Voting lines will open on Friday 30th July at 12.00noon. To vote for Laura Ashfield, text 08MissBasingstoke on 81118 or call 0901 293 7900 and press 08 when prompted. Calls cost £1.00 per vote and for each vote; 15p will go towards the Miss England 2010 chosen charity, the Variety Club of Great Britain. Voting lines will close on Wednesday 1st September at 6.00pm with the winner of the public vote announced on the night.

Photographs are to be credited to Njehu of Studio77.co.uk

For more details of Laura Ashfield or interview and photo opportunities:

Please contact the Miss England Office: 0116 2440479

st and September 1st after her success in the semi finals which was held at Champneys Springs, Leicestershire.

Laura from Old Basing , who won the Miss Basingstoke heat back in January at the Red Lion Hotel. Laura who has gained a diploma in Musical Theatre and is a model and a dancer is now in with a chance of claiming the title of Miss England which includes a sports round to replace the usual swimwear parade.

For the first time in 22 years, the Miss England competition will be back on TV and viewers will be able to watch the national final on The Active Channel (Sky Channel 281) in September. Miss England Organiser Angie Beasley said "I’m delighted that the public will get the chance to see the contest on TV this year. They will be able to see for themselves just how much the contest has changed over the years. The girls are taking part in fitness, talent, sports and charity rounds … it’s so different compared to the bathing beauty contest of yesteryear.

The Miss England national final public vote for Miss England 2010 will be starting soon where the winner of the public vote would earn a place in the final 20 and take that one step closer to winning the title of Miss England and receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent England in the prestigious Miss World Pageant!

Voting lines will open on Friday 30th July at 12.00noon. To vote for Laura Ashfield, text 08MissBasingstoke on 81118 or call 0901 293 7900 and press 08 when prompted. Calls cost £1.00 per vote and for each vote; 15p will go towards the Miss England 2010 chosen charity, the Variety Club of Great Britain. Voting lines will close on Wednesday 1st September at 6.00pm with the winner of the public vote announced on the night.

Photographs are to be credited to Njehu of Studio77.co.uk

For more details of Laura Ashfield or interview and photo opportunities:

Please contact the Miss England Office: 0116 2440479

th July at 12.00noon. To vote for Laura Ashfield, text 08MissBasingstoke on 81118 or call 0901 293 7900 and press 08 when prompted. Calls cost £1.00 per vote and for each vote; 15p will go towards the Miss England 2010 chosen charity, the Variety Club of Great Britain. Voting lines will close on Wednesday 1st September at 6.00pm with the winner of the public vote announced on the night.

Photographs are to be credited to Njehu of Studio77.co.uk

For more details of Laura Ashfield or interview and photo opportunities:

Please contact the Miss England Office: 0116 2440479

info@missengland.info

PR and Media Manager for Miss England National Final - Cristie Herbert

Please send all PR related enquiries to: cristie@missengland.info

Telephone: 07738399617

Record-breaking numbers turn out to Basingstoke Live

13 July 2010

Festival fever reached boiling point as thousands of people flocked to the War Memorial Park to enjoy a scorcher of a weekend at Basingstoke Live.

A record-breaking 30,000 people ventured out in the warm temperatures to take in two days of sizzling performances at the free music and dance festival.

This is the fourth year the festival, which is funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, has been held. The Basingstoke Live Forum – a group of local music and arts promoters who work in partnership with the council to stage the event - promised a bigger and better festival than ever before and it was delivered, signalling the festival has well and truly arrived!

From start to finish the four stages were packed with musical and dance entertainment from both talented local artists to more well known national and international acts. And there was something to suit all tastes with indie, rock, reggae, funk, jazz, MCs, DJs, acoustic music and dance all on offer.

With plenty of performance highlights throughout the weekend the main stage headliners had a lot to compete with but DJ crew the Scratch Perverts didn’t disappoint, sending the bumper crowds wild on a high energy Saturday. Rising stars Lucky Soul ended the weekend in style on a more relaxed family feel Sunday.

The weekend was also complemented by an exciting three week fringe programme which ran up to the event and featured performances in venues throughout the borough.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Culture Cllr Cathy Osselton said: “Basingstoke Live has gone from strength to strength and this year was no exception. More than 30,000 people turned out over a very hot weekend to make this the most successful festival yet. The success of this event is a tremendous credit to all of the promoters and our sponsors who have worked so hard to make this festival happen. I’m delighted that all of their efforts have paid off and that so many people came along to enjoy the entertainment.”

To see pictures and to find out more about Basingstoke Live visit

You can also be kept in the loop by following Basingstoke Live on Twitter @twitter.com/basingstokelive or by joining the Basingstoke Live group on Facebook.

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.”

Basingstoke Live Media Call and Press Passes

09 July 2010

Basingstoke Live Media Call and Press Passes

Media call

Media organisations are invited to attend Basingstoke Live on:

Saturday 11 July 1pm until 10.30pm

HEADLINE ACT:  Scratch Perverts – 9.30pm, Main Stage

Sunday 12 July 12 noon until 6.30pm

HEADLINE ACT: Lucky Soul – 5.30pm, Main Stage.

Media call:

Festival fever is reaching boiling point as the countdown to Basingstoke Live begins.

The free two day music and dance festival is back for its fourth year promising a match-stopping line up to suit all tastes.  Four stages will be packed with musical and dance entertainment on 10 and 11 July.  A three week fringe festival has also been staged in the run up to the weekend event.

Headlining on the main stage on Saturday 10 July will be DJ crew the Scratch Perverts. The collective of turntablist DJs has gained widespread acclaim over the years and is currently touring and holding a residency at the nightclub Fabric in London.  Following rave national reviews of their new album Coming of Age, rising stars Lucky Soul will headline the main stage on Sunday 11 July.

The festival, which is funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, will be held in the War Memorial Park in Basingstoke over the weekend. It is organised by the Basingstoke Live Forum - a group of local music and arts promoters who work in partnership with the council - so the event offers a chance to sample fantastic music from both talented local artists, as well as more well known national and international acts.

Back stage access:  meet the bands and promoters

Media wishing to attend the music festival must contact Krissy Lloyd on 01256 845770 or email Krissy.lloyd@basingstoke.gov.uk  before Friday 9 July providing the names of those attending, the day/s they will be attending and contact details for the day. Only those named will be given a media pass. Your media pass will give you access to back stage areas for each stage.  We respectfully ask that if there is a particular band you would like to interview to contact the promoter details below. Media calls for the main stage headline acts are being organised – more details to follow. Those media wishing to meet the main stage headline acts should contact Krissy Lloyd.

MAIN STAGE

Contact: Jason 07843 348656 or Paul 07932 448627, Basingstoke Live Forum

Trudie, Next Generation, 07798 503684

Andy, Fairfields Arts, 01256 321621

100% TENT

Contact: Loz, 100% Music, 07717 571498

SUNRISE STAGE

Contact on Saturday:  Pat 07785 718771 or Richard 07735 929888, Beats n Bars

Sarah Howell, Intuition UK, 07939 087471

Graham 07774 449070 or Dave 07887 656956, Audio Basho

Contact on Sunday:  Sam 07767 445091 or Paula 07748 120647, cartermusic

UNPLDGD! STAGE

Contact: Jaynie, Ungpld!, 07503 311643

Basingstoke Live contacts

If you have any questions or queries during the festival, please contact event HQ and ask for Krissy Lloyd or Andy Grove.

To view the full line up visit

Media call

Media organisations are invited to attend Basingstoke Live on:

Saturday 11 July 1pm until 10.30pm

HEADLINE ACT:  Scratch Perverts – 9.30pm, Main Stage

Sunday 12 July 12 noon until 6.30pm

HEADLINE ACT: Lucky Soul – 5.30pm, Main Stage.

Media call:

Festival fever is reaching boiling point as the countdown to Basingstoke Live begins.

The free two day music and dance festival is back for its fourth year promising a match-stopping line up to suit all tastes.  Four stages will be packed with musical and dance entertainment on 10 and 11 July.  A three week fringe festival has also been staged in the run up to the weekend event.

Headlining on the main stage on Saturday 10 July will be DJ crew the Scratch Perverts. The collective of turntablist DJs has gained widespread acclaim over the years and is currently touring and holding a residency at the nightclub Fabric in London.  Following rave national reviews of their new album Coming of Age, rising stars Lucky Soul will headline the main stage on Sunday 11 July.

The festival, which is funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, will be held in the War Memorial Park in Basingstoke over the weekend. It is organised by the Basingstoke Live Forum - a group of local music and arts promoters who work in partnership with the council - so the event offers a chance to sample fantastic music from both talented local artists, as well as more well known national and international acts.

Back stage access:  meet the bands and promoters

Media wishing to attend the music festival must contact Krissy Lloyd on 01256 845770 or email Krissy.lloyd@basingstoke.gov.uk  before Friday 9 July providing the names of those attending, the day/s they will be attending and contact details for the day. Only those named will be given a media pass. Your media pass will give you access to back stage areas for each stage.  We respectfully ask that if there is a particular band you would like to interview to contact the promoter details below. Media calls for the main stage headline acts are being organised – more details to follow. Those media wishing to meet the main stage headline acts should contact Krissy Lloyd.

MAIN STAGE

Contact: Jason 07843 348656 or Paul 07932 448627, Basingstoke Live Forum

Trudie, Next Generation, 07798 503684

Andy, Fairfields Arts, 01256 321621

100% TENT

Contact: Loz, 100% Music, 07717 571498

SUNRISE STAGE

Contact on Saturday:  Pat 07785 718771 or Richard 07735 929888, Beats n Bars

Sarah Howell, Intuition UK, 07939 087471

Graham 07774 449070 or Dave 07887 656956, Audio Basho

Contact on Sunday:  Sam 07767 445091 or Paula 07748 120647, cartermusic

UNPLDGD! STAGE

Contact: Jaynie, Ungpld!, 07503 311643

Basingstoke Live contacts

If you have any questions or queries during the festival, please contact event HQ and ask for Krissy Lloyd or Andy Grove.

To view the full line up visit

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.”  

The family favourite - Family Fun Day returns for summer 2010.

09 July 2010

The family favourite - Family Fun Day returns for summer 2010.  This will take place on Saturday 17th July at the Walled Gardens, Down Grange Basingstoke.  The North Hampshire Caribbean and African Network (NHCAN), is extending invitations to all local communities to join them at this unique family-fun orientated day.  

At the family fun day NHCAN will provide entertainment, food and music.  Also, children will be able to participate in cultural activities, arts, crafts and have their faces painted.

This year the organisation invites local communities with opportunities to explore Caribbean and African cultures, through experiencing a range of creative activities.

The Chair of NHCAN Paul Hamilton said; “this year event will be bigger and better than last year. This is a great opportunity for local communities and families to get together.  Truly a fun-filled family day out!”

One participant said: last year the best thing about the event was the variety of fun activities for the children

The event, will start at 12.00noon and end at 6.00pm and held at Walled Gardens, Down Grange Basingstoke, RG22 4ET.  To find out more visit the NHCAN website: www.nhcan.co.uk

Keep Hampshire in Basingstoke!

05 July 2010

On 2 August, Hampshire will start their 4 day county championship match against Durham. The venue is the picturesque May’s Bounty ground in the centre of Basingstoke and it is the only match that Hampshire will play outside of the Rosebowl ground in Southampton.

This will be the third consecutive season that Hampshire has played in the north of the county since returning to May’s Bounty in 2008. The move demonstrates Hampshire’s commitment to giving cricket fans in the north of the county the opportunity to see first class cricket.

Basingstoke has witnessed some fantastic cricket over the past two seasons against Durham and Yorkshire. Tremendous support from local cricket supporters and businesses has made May’s Bounty an obvious choice to host county cricket. Both Hampshire Cricket and Basingstoke Sports and Social Club hope that this support continues in 2010.

Reigning county champions Durham have lost to Hampshire on both their visits to May’s Bounty. Shane Warne captured 8 wickets in Hampshire’s innings victory in 2000, whilst an unbeaten 94 from Sean Ervine propelled Hampshire to victory in a tight encounter in 2008.

Hampshire’s Director of Cricket, Tim Tremlett, said:

Basingstoke Sports and Social Club Chairman, Steve Rayner commented:

For Hampshire to continue to choose May’s Bounty for an annual fixture, support is not only needed from the public but also from local businesses. It is an ideal venue for entertaining clients and hospitality packages start at just £99. Also with many thousands attending the four day match, it provides a great opportunity to promote your business. For more details, visit the club web site www.basingstoke-sports-club.co.uk or telephone 01256 331646.