POLICE changes: It is sad, but there is another change in the policing of our village.

Pc Andy Steel is leaving us today, moving to another area. He has been our local bobby for about 12 months.

He openly admitted to me when he arrived that he was a bit of a rookie, with only two years of policing behind him, but as time went by he proved that he was more than capable of serving us in a very efficient manner.

There is, however, some good news. The changeover sees the return of Pc Ray Niblock, who was our previous bobby.

It is unfortunate that as well as policing Old Basing and Newnham, he will also be policing Chineham.

So, cheerio to Andy, with many thanks for your time and trouble, and welcome back Ray.

BIG haul: Recently, there was a major burglary at The Hampshire Clinic. The huge haul was about £30,000 worth of equipment.

ST MARY'S Festival: Saturday saw the start of St Mary's Festival, with something for everyone.

The festival programme costs just £5, and will give free entry to the 20 or so village gardens that will be open to the public over the two weekends, and will also give you reduced entry to Basing House (two for the price of one).

Programmes are available from the parish rooms this morning, from St Mary's Junior School or the Linden Market.

If you live out of the village and can't get a programme, log on to www.stmarysoldbasing.org.uk