BOXING Day walk: Walking is the theme for Christmas 2004.

The first of these calorie-busting exercises is on Boxing Day, when our parish council organises this annual event.

The starting point is at the Hatch pub at 11am.

It is about a five-miler around the Mapledurwell and Tunworth areas.

For those who cannot complete five miles there are many opportunities to do less. The essential bit of kit are those green wellies and a full hip flask. The finishing point is back at the Hatch pub.

HELICOPTER: Many villagers have contacted me about the helicopter with the search light in the Lychpit area last week.

This was not an exercise by RAF Odiham, it was a serious search and rescue operation by Hampshire police.

The search lasted about an hour and was brought to a successful conclusion at about 5.20pm.

CO-OPTION: The parish council has had an application for a replacement parish councillor, due to the resignation of Mr George Hulme. There is no need for an election and the co-option process will take place at the next parish council meeting.

There may be good news on the search for the new litter warden. I will keep you informed about this.

BASING Singers: Yes, their carol concert is still a goer. Many of the tickets have been sold but, at the time of going to press, there were still a few available. The concert starts at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Tickets are £5 (concessions £4.50, children under 16 free) and are available on the door, from Modern Music in Basingstoke, or by calling 850415.