NOMINATIONS: If you're still thinking of putting yourself forward as an Ellisfield parish councillor, you have only until noon on Tuesday to hand your nomination papers into the borough's Electoral Services department (in the Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke).

If you don't have a nomination form, contact the parish clerk, Jacqui Matthews, on 381149.

CO-OPTION: If less than two residents nominate themselves, the parish council will be asked to fill the vacant post(s) by co-option.

Many believe this to be not as satisfactory (or as democratic) as having new councillors elected (opposed or unopposed).

AGM and social: On Monday, at 8pm, in the Memorial Hall, the Ellisfield Volunteer Group is holding its AGM. Everyone is welcome.

Last year's mowing schedule for the lower common and burial ground went very smoothly.

However, for whatever reason, no one offered to mow the gravel pits, so Roy Frankham did the work for the whole summer! "Not again," he said!

Following the AGM, there will be wine, beer, food and good company on offer.

DIG it: If you are interested in renting a plot of land at the upper allotments, contact the parish clerk.

DRAFT Plan: The recent parish council newsletter explained the possible growth in housing within the borough of Basingstoke and Deane.

If, in 20 years' time, there are more than 90,000 homes compared with 65,000 now, let's hope the infrastructure of health care, schools, roads and transport, water, waste disposal and so on has grown at the same pace!