WELCOME: To Pc Andy Steel, our new community policeman. He can be contacted on 01256 405286.

Pc Steel is very keen on restarting a Neighbourhood Watch. If you are interested in getting involved, give him a call.

He will be at the councillors surgeries, held at the Oakridge Hall For All, on the first Thursday of each month, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

NORDEN Ward surgery: The next one is at Oakridge Methodist Church on Saturday, July 17, from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

MOBILE library: It is hoped that the library will soon be returning to Oakridge. When I have more details, I will let you know.

ALLOTMENTS: There are allotments available for rent in Silvester Close. Contact Brian Saunders on 844844.

CHATA: During the last few weeks, Oakridge Hampers has had a collecting box in aid of Children in Hospital and Animal Therapy.

Generous people have raised nice sums of money.

Many thanks to all those who have contributed.

FESTIVAL: Mike Bowler, a local resident, and chairman of the Daniel Bowler Memorial Fund, is hoping to run a festival at the Oakridge Hall For All on September 25.

He would like to hear from anyone who has any ideas or who would like to help.

You can contact him on 07979 3989635.

CONTACT me: If you have any news you can contact me by telephone, write to me at 16 Brocas Drive, Basingstoke, RG21 5LT, or e-mail me at blairman@ntlworld.com