BUS stop: From October 31, the number five bus, which serves residents in the east and west of Popley and Oakridge, will no longer call at Basingstoke hospital.

This means that if you live in Popley, you can only catch the number nine bus, which runs every one-and-a-half hours.

If you live in Oakridge then you have no option but to go to town and back out again.

PUBLIC meeting: There is a meeting planned in the Oakridge Hall for All at 7pm on Wednesday, to discuss the bus situation.

Invited guests are representatives from Stagecoach (the firm which runs the service), senior hospital management, and a local county councillor.

If you work at the hospital and need the bus, or are a regular outpatient or visitor, then this bus service cut is going to affect you and add hours to your journey.

Why not turn up and see if your collective voices can make a difference.

POOL party: Calling all pool players.

On November 6, there will be a pool competition at the Popingjay pub in Abbey Road.

There will be a first prize of £100 and a small entry fee, which will be donated to the Josh Fund.

So if you fancy your chances as a pool wizard, go along on November 5, to register and secure your place.

AUCTION: The Wednesday auction at Melrose got off to a slow start after the summer break.

However, it is getting busy again, so don't forget to get your lots in by 6.30pm on the day.

As always, the number above is available if you wish to include your group or club in the village column.