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Contents 3

Christmas is a timefor giving – and fun!By Cllr Peter Moyle, Leader of

Rushmoor Borough Council

Welcome to theNovemberedition of Arena

magazine.This is our Christmas

edition and we have lotsof festive information foryou, covering everythingfrom recycling collections,to Christmas shoppingand seasonal events you will not want to miss.While we are all enjoying the Christmas festivities, it

is important to remember those who are lessfortunate. The Farnborough Food Bank is busycollecting non-perishable food items for those in needthis winter. See how you can help on page four.The Christmas party season is often a time when we

choose to take more taxis to get about – on page sixyou can read about the new Am I Safe Scheme, whichaims to make journeys safer for you and your lovedones.I’m thrilled that we have been able to produce

another charitable Aldershot Calendar for 2012. Thisyear the money raised will be going to local charity,The Source café and features some wonderfulphotographs of Aldershot through the seasons. Tofind out where you can get your copy, costing just £5,visit www.rushmoor.gov.uk/calendarcompetition.There’s lots happening at Samuel Cody Specialist

Sports College (formerly Oak Farm School) wherethere are many leisure activities and learningopportunities to take advantage of. Adult learningcourses, basketball, ballroom dancing and floristryare just some of the activities available – see page tento find out more.Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a

traditional pantomime. This year’s Princes Hallpantomime is Aladdin and, as always, it promises tobe full of laughter and entertainment. This year isparticularly special as it marks 40 years of panto atthe theatre – tickets are selling fast so make sure youbook yours now!We’ve also included our usual what’s on listings so

that you can find out what’s happening locally overChristmas. My personal highlight will be theRushmoor Welsh Society annual Carol Service at theChurch of the Good Shepherd, Farnborough onThursday 15 December. The traditional carol serviceis free and all are welcome.Finally, may I just take this opportunity to wish you a

fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year – see youall in 2012!

Produced by: Rushmoor Borough Council, Council Offices,Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7JU

Tel: 01252 398399 Website: www.rushmoor.gov.ukEmail: arena@rushmoor.gov.ukDesigned by: Deep South Media www.deepsouthmedia.co.ukAdvertising: Local Council Media (0870 420 2921)Printed by: Wyndeham Impact (01256 479816)Each magazine costs less than 20p to produce. Printed on recycled paper.

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Rushmoor Borough Councildoes not accept liability for any error or omission. Rushmoor Borough Councildoes not endorse products or services advertised in Arena.

News – Christmas is a time for giving, so pop anextra food item in your shopping basket to helpfamilies in need 4

News – stay safe over the festive season; plusrecycling and bin collection timetable 5

On track: new web app for taxi passengers 6

News – building work begins onnew homes for North Town 7

Stocking filler: Aldershot charitycalendar returns to showcasemore of your photo talent 8-9

For learning or leisure, SamuelCody College is open to all 10

Support your local town centre thisChristmas 11

What’s on in Rushmoor – it’spanto time at the Princes Hall;vintage car show in Aldershot;plus events listings 12-13

News – open for adventure:£6.1 million Runway’s End activitycentre opens for business 14-15 1144

88

www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Did you know that Arena is available as atalking newspaper? Each edition is recorded onto cassette and is available free. It is alsoavailable in large print.And if you have any problems receiving Arena

please don’t hesitate to call. Tel: Gill Chisnall on 01252 398744 or email

gill.chisnall@rushmoor.gov.uk

Arena Issue 80 November 2011

Cover: Dougal Irvine is appearing as Aladdin atthe Princes Hall from 8 December to 1 January.

Inside

1111

4 News www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Christmas hours for council services

Committeetimetable

NOVEMBER 201121 Borough Services

Policy & Review Panel22 Environment Policy &

Review Panel24 Community Policy &

Review Panel29 Licensing Sub-

Committee29 CabinetDECEMBER7 Development Control

Committee8 Council12 Standards and Audit

Committee15 Licensing Sub

Committee (Alcoholand Entertainments)

20 CabinetJANUARY4 Development Control

Committee10 Cabinet12 Licensing Sub-

Committee (Alcoholand Entertainments)

16 Leisure and YouthPolicy & Review Panel

17 Licensing Sub-Committee

19 Corporate ServicesPolicy & Review Panel

23 Borough ServicesPolicy & Review Panel

24 Environment Policy &Review Panel

26 Community Policy &Review Panel

30 Licensing andGeneral PurposesCommittee

31 CabinetFEBRUARY1 Development Control

Committee2 Licensing Sub-

Committee (Alcoholand Entertainments)

14 Licensing Sub-Committee

21 Cabinet23 Council29 Development Control

CommitteeThe public are welcome toattend all these meetings.Most start at 7pm and takeplace at the council offices inFarnborough Road.For more informationcall Kathy Flatt on01252 398829.

An extra tin in your shopping canhelp needy people this ChristmasA tin of meat hereand a bag of sugarthere will go a longway towardshelping localvulnerable peoplethis Christmas.The Farnborough

Foodbank is part of anational network giving outnutritionally balancedemergency food – donatedby local residents – topeople in crisis acrossRushmoor.During the past year, food

has been given out to 958people in the borough –enough to make more than8,600 meals.Environmental health staff

at the council have beendonating food to theFarnborough branch of thecharity for a while – andthey are keen to letresidents and businessesknow, so they can help too.The foodbank charity

works with frontline careprofessionals to identifypeople in crisis and givethem a voucher.They then take this

voucher to St Christopher’sChurch in Cove, on either a

Monday or Thursdaybetween midday and2.30pm, where they receivea warm drink and a foodbox to last three days.“All types of people locally

need our help,” said JulieBurke, environmental healthofficer at the council.“Everyone can get

involved. One or two itemsdonated every now andagain will help immensely.”The foodbank also puts

people in touch withagencies who can helpresolve the underlyingcauses of their crisis.In special circumstances,

food packs can be taken to

people unable to get to thechurch.Non-perishable foods are

needed, such as tinnedvegetables, meat, fish andfruit, orange juice in cartons,powdered milk, sugar,tea/coffee, cereal, pasta,rice and rice pudding.

If you need to get hold ofus during the festiveseason, our offices willbe open normal hours upuntil 4.30pm on FridayDecember 23, when weclose for Christmas.We will reopen from

8.30am on WednesdayDecember 28 until4.30pm on FridayDecember 30. We will beclosed on MondayJanuary 2 and reopenfor business as usual onTuesday January 3.

Food for thought: Foodbank volunteers

Contact usFor more details callMike or Susan Shea on07954 105279, emailfarn.foodbk@hotmail.com or visitwww.parishofcove.org.uk/farnboroughfoodbank.html

Crematorium and cemeteries opening timesThe Park Crematorium building will be open for visitors:

Sat 10 & Sun 11 December Midday to 4pmSat 17 & Sun 18 December Midday to 4pmMon 19 to Thurs 22 December 9am to 5pmFri 23 December 9am to 4.30pmSat 24 December Midday to 4pmChristmas Day & Boxing Day 2pm to 4pmTues 27 December 2pm to 4pmWed 28 & Thur 29 December 9am to 5pmFri 30 December 9am to 4.30pmSat 31 Dec & New Year’s Day 2pm to 4pm

The crematorium grounds will be open from 10am on ChristmasDay, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Saturdays and Sundays. Thecemeteries at Redan Road, Aldershot; Ship Lane & Victoria Road,Farnborough will be open every day from 9am to 4pm.For further information contact Kelly Chambers on01252 321653.

News 5www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Westgate – now thebuilding work begins

Construction work onWestgate is going well,with the superstructuresfor the main buildingsnow taking shape.

Check out the latestprogress yourself and viewa time-lapse video of thebuilding work so far atwww.rushmoor.gov.uk/

westgate

Stay safe for a merry ChristmasRemember thisChristmas for theright reasons bykeeping safe.This time of year you’re

more likely to suffer anaccident or become a victimof crime as people go out –and drink – more thanthey’re used to:� Never accept drinks from

a stranger� Don’t leave your drinks

unattended� Make sure you and your

friends have madearrangements to gethome

� Use a pre-booked taxifrom a reputable firm,don’t accept lifts fromstrangers

� Pace your drinks and

don’t drink on an emptystomach.

Homes are frequently leftempty in the whirlwind ofshopping trips, social eventsand visits. But it’s not onlyyou who is busy – burglarsare too:� Don’t store larger

presents in a shed, unlessit’s adequately locked

� Never leave presentsunder the tree in full viewfrom outside. Keep themout of sight untilChristmas Day

� Once you’ve opened allthose lovely presents,don’t discard the boxesoutside, advertising whatyou’ve got. Break themdown and put them inyour recycling bin

� Check your existing homesecurity locks and fencing

� Gravel and squeakygates mean burglars canbe heard. Padlock sidegates

� Remember to mark yournew Christmas presentswith your postcode andproperty number using anUV marker pen.

� Remember to lock yourdoors and windows, evenif you are only poppingout for a few minutes.

Fires have no regard for thetime of year:� Never place candles near

your Christmas tree ormaterials that can easilycatch light

� Decorations can burneasily – so don’t attach

them to lights or heaters� Most fires start in the

kitchen. Avoid leaving thecooker unattended

� Keep candles, lightersand matches out ofchildren’s reach. Neverleave burning candlesunattended

� Check your Christmastree lights carry the BritishSafety Standard sign.

Christmas is a difficult timefor men and women whoare victims of domesticviolence – it increases duringthe festive period.

In an emergency, call999. To report a crime orto get in touch with yourlocal beat team, contactHampshire Constabularyon 0845 045 4545.

Changes to rubbish andrecycling collections acrossRushmoor this festiveseason are being kept to aminimum.Collection days will be

normal for the weekbeginning December 19,and only one day laterthan usual for thefollowing week, startingDecember 26.For the week of January

2, collections will return tonormal.

Garden waste collectionswill be suspended fromDecember 26 to January 8.Our Christmas tree

collection service starts onJanuary 9 for two weeks.Trees must be real – notartificial – and decorationsremoved. Please cut treesin half if they are morethan 5ft tall.Leave them out on your

usual rubbish collectionday, on the opposite weekto recycling.

Christmas collections

Cut out and keep Christmas collection datesUsual collection Revised collection day

day for w/c 26 DecemberMonday Tuesday 27 DecemberTuesday Wednesday 28 DecemberWednesday Thursday 29 DecemberThursday Friday 30 DecemberFriday Saturday 31 December

Week commencing 19 December andw/c 2 January – no changes to your collections

�

Visit www.rushmoor.gov.uk for more details

6 Community www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Mobile phone app will check cab licence, track your journey and email friends

Proof that you’re never too young for Greenfingers

New scheme aims to make taxis safe as houses

Greenfingers have been flexing theirlittle digits to revitalise the area infront of a Farnborough communitycentre, winning an award to boot.

Youngsters at the communitygardening club, which meets at theProspect Centre on Tuesdayafternoons, have created a herb andheather garden and have plans tocreate a wild flower area and becomeinvolved in their new allotment.

Before the herb and heather gardenwas planted, the front of thecommunity hall was a magnet for litterand weeds.

Their hard work transforming thisarea was recognised this year byRushmoor in Bloom judges, whorewarded the children with the ForumAward.

“During the winter the children willbe moving indoors to do gardeningrelated activities such as makingscarecrows for the allotments, littersigns and carving pumpkins,” saidJamie Beaton, Mayfield and Grangecommunity development worker.

The community group is open toeveryone – young or old andvolunteers are hoping to get whole

families involved. Some of the newestrecruits are representatives from localemployment group Enham and theSamuel Cody Specialist SportsCollege.

“If you want to come and getinvolved with the project, please do.We’re looking for more volunteers tohelp with cultivating fruit and veg,which will then be used within thecommunity,” added Jamie.

We are working withlocal taxi firms tomake journeys saferfor both you andyour loved ones.

More user-friendly taxiplates are gradually beingintroduced across Rushmooron both black hackney cabsand private hire saloons.

And the Am I Safe Schemeis being launched to coincidewith the Christmas season.

The new taxi plates, whichare being phased in duringthe next 12 months, areeasier for customers to readbecause the taxi’s vehiclenumber is printed larger.

They are also made from‘greener’ materials, so arecheaper and safer to disposeof when they expire. The new

plates still have a hologramsimilar to the old ones.

Black cabs and private hirevehicles will display them asfixed plates, while executivevehicles will have soft versionplates in their windscreens.

The new Am I Safe Scheme

is a mobile web applicationthat tells you whether it issafe to get into your ridehome.

Book your private hirevehicle or hail your licensedtaxi in the normal way. Thenuse the mobile app to find

out whether your vehicle islicensed, and the type oflicence it holds.

The app creates a footprintof this search, storing thetime, location, car reg, andyour username, beforeemailing this information toyour friends and family,making you quickly traceableif needed.

“This means they knowexactly where you are andthat you’re on your wayhome,” said John McNab,Rushmoor’s environmentalhealth manager.

“If a vehicle isn’t licensed,you don’t get in.”

Contact usFor more details, call 01252642560. To get in touch withJamie, call 07831 528383.

Contact usTo find out more orsign up visitwww.amisafe.co.uk

Left: Youngstersfrom theGreenfingersclub inFarnboroughand (below)receiving theiraward from theRushmoor inBloom judges

Work is well under way to buildthe first 159 new homes atNorth Town.The first phase of the

regeneration work saw three ofthe old blocks on the sitedemolished during the summer.The new homes on the First

Wessex development will be amixture of social rent houses,flats and shelteredaccommodation as well asthose for shared ownership andoutright sale.“Permanent offers have been

made to all those residentslooking to move into phaseone, plus there is a lot ofinterest from existing residentson the estate for future phases,”said Kevin Hitchcock,development manager at FirstWessex.Handovers of the new homes

will start from April next year.Drop-in sessions take place

on a regular basis at thecommunity cabin based on theestate, where residents can popin to discuss any aspect of theredevelopment.

News 7www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Find out what theMayor of Rushmoor isdoing for you via hisnew blog.At www.mayorof

rushmoor.wordpress.com, Mayor Cllr AlexCrawford writes aboutwhat he’s doing, andthe blog also showshis diary, Twitterupdates and abiography.The blog has

information about hischosen charities thisyear – Parkside(Aldershot & DistrictMencap), NepaleseHelp, and theAldershot TownCentre Pastoral Team.You can make

donations to thesecharities on-line athttp://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MayorRushmoor

Blogalert!

New start: North Townresidents mark thestart of the projectand (inset) developerPaul Fenner fromLeadbitter withmascot Ivor Goodsite

New-look North Town is on its way

Visitors to thePark Crematoriumin Aldershot willbe invited to tie amessage on theMemorial Treeover the festiveperiod.Christmas can be a

very difficult time forpeople who have lost aloved one and theMemorial Tree givespeople the opportunity toexpress their feelings atChristmas by writing amessage on special cards

and tying them on abranch of the tree.The tree is at the Hall

of Remembrance and willavailable from the secondweek in December.� See p4 for Christmasopening times at thecrematorium andcemeteries.

Contact usFor furtherinformation, contactthe crematorium on01252 321653 oremail bereavementservices@rushmoor.gov.uk

Memorial tree helps youto remember loved onesthis Christmas

Have a sayon how cabsare licensedin the futureHave your say on thelicensing of taxis andprivate hire vehiclesin Rushmoor.The council is

asking for views onits revamped taxilicensing policy,which follows areview of the waylicences areadministered.For further

information visitwww.rushmoor.gov.uk/haveyoursayThe closing date for

comments is January2012.

8 Community www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Put Aldershot in yourstocking thisChristmas with thetown’s very own2012 calendar – onsale now.Made up of 12 seasonal

shots of Aldershot takenby local amateurphotographers, the photosused in the calendar werechosen in a publiccompetition earlier this year,which attracted more than140 entries.The winners include

pictures of Manor Park,Rowhill Nature Reserve,Aldershot Military Cemetery,Municipal Gardens, CaesarsCamp and the AldershotGarrison Show.The calendar is sponsored

by The Wellington ShoppingCentre in Aldershot and allproceeds are going to localcharity The Source café,

which supports young peopleacross Rushmoor.“The calendar is a lovely

way to celebrate the townand a perfect stocking fillerthis Christmas,” said DavidPhillips, town centremanager. “This is the secondAldershot Calendar we havecreated. Last year’s raisedmore than £1,300 for Helpfor Heroes and this year weare hoping to raise evenmore!”The calendars cost £5

each and are available atoutlets across the borough.Have a look on our websitewww.rushmoor.gov.uk/calendarcompetition forinformation on where youcan pick one up.Volunteers from The

Source café will also bepounding the streets to raiseextra funds this festiveseason. Charity reps will bestreet collecting in Aldershot

on November 26; at B&Q inFarnborough on December3 and 4, and at AldershotFootball Club on December10.“We’re asking businesses

and the local community ifthey will donate their usedink cartridges for all Hewlett

Packard, Lexmark, Dell andmost Canon printers,” saidSue Collen, communityfundraising and events co-ordinator. “We will havefreepost envelopes with us atthese street collecting events.We can also recycle mobilephones.”

Farnborough schoolcAldershot &Fleet RugbyClub istouching downin style thisseason in itsnewlyrefurbishedpavilion(pictured) inAldershot Park.The

£730,000renovationscheme,managed bythe council, hastransformed theold dilapidatedpavilion, giving players four new,enlarged rugby changing rooms aswell as four for football. There’s abrand new club room seating 80people with a bar, kitchen andaudio TV facilities for meetings.The club house is available for

community groups to hire and isideal for activities such as aerobics,crèche and residents’ meetings.

Funding for the work came fromthe Rugby Football Union anddevelopers’ contributions.

Children at a Farnboroughprimary can watch themselvesrolling about at school afterinspiring a piece of artwork.Sixty pupils at Cherrywood

Community Primary worked withartist Nick Sayers to create a 1.4mspherical lattice of their silhouettesfrom recycled plastic sheeting.Children modelled for their

silhouettes in distinctive dress fromtheir home countries, providing acolourful display of costumes fromseveral countries includingEngland, Ireland, Scotland, Spain,Ghana, India and Nepal.The project was part of Festival

Makers – an awards schemeputting artists and young peoplein North Hampshire together tocreate artworks for global festivalscelebrating the Olympics.The finished piece was exhibited

during World Party in The Park inBasingstoke, and is now displayedin the school grounds.

Rugby pavilion scores conversion

Aldershot calendar returns – raising mon

Contact usFor more details call MartinBooth, pavilion manager, on07702 459494 or visitwww.pitchhero.com/clubs/aldershotfleet

Community 9www.rushmoor.gov.uk

hildren set to become ‘global’ citizens

In briefKeep warm and upto date this winterOur website will keep you up todate this winter if snow and icyconditions descend on theborough.Changes to your rubbish and

recycling collections, progressreports about our snow clearanceteams and details on access tocouncil car parks and leisurefacilities can be found atwww.rushmoor.gov.ukElderly residents should take

extra care during any cold snap tomake sure they keep warm, stayactive and eat well. Furtherinformation about staying warmthis winter is available atwww.direct.gov.ukIf you are on a low income, you

may be entitled to a grant to makeyour home warmer.For further information visitwww.rushmoor.gov.uk/housinggrants or call 01252398634.

Wedding bellesMake your special day even betterwith advice and tips from thePrinces Hall Wedding Fayre, onSunday January 29.A variety of exhibitors, cake

makers, wedding cars, stationery,bridal wear and entertainmentprofessionals will be on hand toguide you in your wedding plans.Free tea and coffee is available

to brides and grooms. There willalso be a free prize draw.For more information, visitwww.princehall.com/weddingfayre

In arrears? Maybewe can help youHouse and flat repossessions aresadly on the increase acrossRushmoor, but if you’re inmortgage arrears or havingmoney problems, there’s lots youcan do to help keep your home.Contact us as soon as you can.

But even if things have reachedlegal proceedings and it’s the 11thhour, we still may be able to help.Call us on 01252 398399 oremailsam.owen@rushmoor.gov.uk

ey for another good cause

Seasonal scenes from the latest Aldershot calendar above and left

Community news in briefNew garden forAldershot libraryA community learninggarden is being created atthe front of AldershotLibrary, thanks to a team ofgreen-fingered volunteers.Called Blooming

Marvellous, the volunteershave spent the last fewweeks transforming a drab

grass area next to thelibrary into anenvironmentally friendly andaccessible space everyonecan enjoy.The Blooming Marvellous

group was also awardedthe Mayor’s Cup in thisyear’s Rushmoor in Bloompresentations in recognitionof their work across theborough.

All-weather path atBlackwater ValleyForget the weather on thenewly revamped stretch ofthe Blackwater Valley Path,now ready for the elementsand open to the public.The quarter-mile section

from the Heron Wood estateto Aldershot Park has beenwidened and given a new

all-weather surface, perfectfor walkers, cycles,pushchairs and wheelchairs.Grant money for the work

came from the BlackwaterValley Countryside Trust viathe Farnborough AirportCommunity Fund run by us.The Blackwater Valley Path

runs for 23 miles providingexercise and recreation forthousands.

Revamped college is open to all

10 Community www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Leisure activities forall ages, familylearning, vocationalskills, employabilityand facilities for hire– there really issomething foreveryone at SamuelCody SpecialistSports College.The rich and varied

programme of activities andopportunities at therevamped Farnboroughcampus is open to all.If you want help getting a

job, then have a look at theemployability/skills-basedprogramme which coverswork preparation, personaldevelopment, makingapplications and IT.Families can learn together

at the campus onprogrammes including IT,social networking, moneymanagement andgardening.When it comes to leisure

courses, the choice is hugeand ranges fromcomplementary health todigital photography,languages, hair and beautyto floristry, food and drink,sewing, yoga or ballroomdancing. You can learn toplay the guitar, the art ofIndian head massage or sign

up to Egyptian belly dancing.Some courses are free,

others offer concession rates.Facilities at the campus are

also available all year roundfor community hire. Halls,meeting rooms andclassrooms can be hired forparties, celebrations, shows,clubs and meetings.There are also extensive

sports facilities, including asports hall suitable forbadminton, football and

basketball, a gymnasium fortraining, etc, plus a floodlitall-weather pitch.

Contact usTo find out more about courses, call 01252 401081or 01252 401080 for information about thefacilities. You can also emailadult.learning@samuelcody.hants.sch.uk orcommunity.lettings@samuelcody.hants.sch.uk

From adult learning to leisure, basketball to ballroom – it’s all at Samuel Cody College

Brushing up on IT skills: just one of many courses available

Why not enjoy thefestive atmospherecloser to home thisyear as you go aboutyour Christmasshopping?

There is a lot to see and dothroughout Aldershot andFarnborough to get you inthe spirit and offer a respitefrom the hustle and bustle ofthe shops.

At Princes Mead inFarnborough, enjoy theChristmas lights switch-onand Santa’s arrival – onNovember 26, at 4.30pm.

Entertainments throughoutthe day start at 11am andinclude live music, a balloonartist, free face painting andspecial guest Pingu.

Children will have freeentry to Santa’s grotto everyweekend, between 11amand 3.30pm, in the run-up

to Christmas.On Saturday December 10,

hear carol singing by theChurch of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints, from 9amto 11am.

On Saturday December 17,get your presents wrappedfor free by St Peter’s Churchvolunteers and listen to TheSalvation Army Band.

The mall will be full offestive stalls throughout themonth. For more details visitwww.princesmead.co.uk

Aldershot’s officialChristmas lights switch-ontook place on SaturdayNovember 19. So it will befull of Christmas sparkle,with carol singers and choirsin the town at weekends toentertain shoppers.

The Rushmoor ConcertBand is performing onSaturday December 3, andThe Farnborough Concert

Band of the Royal BritishLegion on December 10.

Santa’s Grotto will be openin The Wellington ShoppingCentre, as well as Christmascraft stalls and other festiveevents to keep the little onesentertained.

Residents and shopperscan also enjoy a Christmastree on the libraryroundabout, sponsored thisyear by Grainger, thedevelopers of the AldershotUrban Extension.

News 11www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Contact usYou can keep up-to-date and find out moreabout what ishappening inAldershot overChristmas by checkingout the Aldershot TownCentre Facebook pageor by visitingwww.thewellingtoncentre.co.uk

A town centre isn’t just forshopping, it’s for Christmas!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa and his helpers will visit Aldershot and Farnborough this Christmas time

Please don’tencouragethe peskypigeonsPlease don’t feed thepigeons this winter.Our town centres –

especiallyFarnborough – aresuffering from ahuge increase in theresident pigeonpopulation.This is not only

causing health andsafety problems, butis also costing thepublic purse extra toclean up after them.That is why it’s so

important you don’tencourage them bygiving them food.

12 What’s on www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Mon 21 – Mon 28 NovemberEmployability – Job Searching CourseFarnborough Library and Learning Centre10am-3.30pm. Free. 01252 516458Email lynda.baines@hants.gov.uk

Wednesday 23 NovemberCatfish Keith. West End Centre. 8pm. £12.5001252 330040 www.wegottickets.com

Thursday 24 NovemberChris Cox: Fatal DistractionWest End Centre. 8pm. £12

Friday 25 NovemberInvisible Thread Theatre of Animationpresents Plucked… a true fairy taleWest End Centre. £10

Saturday 26 November100 Watt Club presents BurlesqueWest End Centre. 8pm. £10

Saturday 26 NovemberA Wreath of Wonder workshopWest End Centre. 10.30am-4.30pm. £18

Sat 26 and Sun 27 NovemberChristmas Tree FestivalCove Methodist ChurchSat 11am-4pm and 7pm concertSun 2pm-4pm Advent Carol ServiceAdults £1 children free

Sunday 27 NovemberGames for Children (ages 5 to 11)Aldershot Library & Learning Centre11am-1pm. Free. 01252 322560Email alison.friend@hants.gov.uk

Thursday 1 DecemberDaniel Sloss: The Joker plus special guestKai HumphriesWest End Centre. 8pm. £13.50

Friday 2 DecemberPhil McIntyre Entertainments present Friskyand Mannish Pop Centre PlusWest End Centre. 8pm. £14

Saturday 3 DecemberCabaret with Ken DeeAldershot Library & Learning Centre7pm-9.30pm

Saturday 3 DecemberChristmas Bazaar (in aid of Chase Hospice).Wavell School, Farnborough. 10am-4pm07813 809337/07868 187415Email artistica@uwclub.net

Saturday 3 DecemberGreat Gifts in a Day workshopWest End Centre. 10.30am-4.30pm. £40

Monday 5 DecemberArt Workshop Decorative PanelsAldershot Library & Learning Centre10am-2.30pm. £14

Mon 5 – Mon 12 DecemberEmployability – Work Preparation CourseFarnborough Library and Learning Centre10am-3.30pm. Free

Tuesday 6 DecemberThe Lydian SingersStar of Wonder – a concert for ChristmasThe Methodist Church, Farnborough7.30pm. £5. 01276 50277

The listings

BOX OFFICE:Princes Hall – 01252 329155www.princeshall.comWest End Centre – 01252 330040www.westendcentre.co.uk

A vintage car show is due tobe roaring into Aldershot towncentre on Saturday 26November.Car enthusiasts will be able

to get up close and personal toa selection of classic cars whichwill be parked in the

pedestrian areas of Union andWellington Streets, between10am and 4pm.The event will also raise

money for local charity Parityfor Disability, which supportschildren and adults withmultiple disabilities.

Take a drive down memory lane

Vintage va va voom: classics come to Aldershot town centre

Help us and Aladdincelebrate a year of pantomilestone magic at thePrinces Hall, Aldershot thisChristmas.Robert Hopkins returns to produce,

direct and star in his 18th consecutivepantomime; Donovan Christian-Caryis back for his eighth consecutiveshow, and the theatre itself iscelebrating 40 years of panto.Aladdin invites you to join him on

his glittering magic carpet ride to themystic east alongside Widow Twanky,the Genie and the evil Abanazar.Aladdin dreams of marrying the

beautiful Princess Jasmine, but thelaw decrees only a Prince can marrya Princess.

If only Aladdin could make hisfortune, their dreams could cometrue...Edward Haversham, marketing and

box officer manager at the venue,said: “We’re all thrilled to becelebrating 40 years of panto here.It’s our ruby anniversary and this yearis set to be the most magical yet.”Tickets are selling fast and cost

£15.50 for children and seniors,£16.50 for adults. Group discountsare available.

Contact usFor tickets visit www.princeshall.com or call the boxoffice on 01252 329155.

Join Aladdin on aPrinces Hall celebrates 40 years of panto fun

What’s on 13www.rushmoor.gov.uk

The listings

BOX OFFICE:Princes Hall – 01252 329155www.princeshall.comWest End Centre – 01252 330040www.westendcentre.co.uk

Thurs 8 Dec – Sun 1 January 2012Aladdin. Princes HallTickets from £14.50

Friday 9 DecemberRory McLeod and the Familiar StrangersWest End Centre. 8pm. £14.50

Saturday 10 DecemberArmy Benevolent Fund Christmas ConcertRoyal Garrison Church of All Saints,Aldershot. 7pm. £12.50 (£10 concessions)01252 514786Email jbkgandjpg@aol.com

Thursday 15 DecemberBelshazzar’s FeastWest End Centre. 8pm. £12

Thursday 15 DecemberTalk on water and sewerage in FarnboroughRushmoor Borough Council offices7pm. Free. 01252 405149Email barbara@pbhurst.comwww.thefarnboroughsociety.org.uk

Thursday 15 DecemberRushmoor Welsh Society Annual CarolService. The Church of The Good Shepherd,Farnborough. 7.30pmTraditional carol service – all welcomeFree coffee and mince pies

Friday 16 DecemberTodd SharpvilleWest End Centre. 8pm. £12

Thurs 12 Jan – Thurs 16 FebruaryImprovers Spanish ClassAldershot Library & Learning Centre7.15pm-9.15pm. £42

Fri 20 January – Fri 2 MarchPilatesAldershot Library & Learning Centre12.30pm-1.30pm. £21 (6 sessions)

Saturday 21 JanuaryFarnborough Symphony Orchestra Concert.High Cross Church, Camberley7.45pm adults £10, children/students £507775 789477Email elspethtodd@ntlworld.comwww.farnboroughsymphony.org.uk

Monday 23 JanuaryCreate a Collage – Art WorkshopAldershot Library & Learning Centre10am - 2.30pm £14

Saturday 28 JanuaryPhotoshop for BeginnersAldershot Library & Learning Centre10am-3pm. £14

Sunday 29 JanuaryWedding Fair. Princes Hall11am-3.30pm. Free. 01252 327671www.princeshall.com/weddingfayre

Monday 13 FebruaryChuckle Brothers – ‘The Return of the Piratesof the River Rother’. Princes Hall2pm and 5pm £14 each or family (4) £52

Sunday 26 FebruaryFireman Sam – Pontypandy Rocks!Princes Hall. 1pm and 3.30pm£13 /Children £11/Family (4) £44

A new military-style marchingband is inviting you to take upinstruments and join the fun.The newly-formed Corps of

Drums is looking for membersaged 14 to 60-plus.No previous musical

knowledge is needed and alluniforms, instruments andtraining will be provided.

The new band is affiliated tothe Farnborough branch of theRoyal British Legion.

Contact usFor more details, call MajorKevin Tompkins on 07876688977 or email info@rbl-farnborough-drums.org.uk

magic carpet ridewith an action-packed trip to the mystic east

You’ve got your marching orders!

14 News www.rushmoor.gov.uk

Children can enjoy aSaturday afternoon offun, including a bouncycastle, trampoline andnew age curling – whileparents and carers canrelax, wind down andmeet others likethemselves.

The new activity clubat the ConnaughtLeisure Centre inAldershot is speciallydesigned for youngsters

with disabilities.Called Inspiring Youth,

and held monthly, thechildren can also usethe centre’s fitnesssuite, take part indance and playbasketball, table tennis,judo and badminton.

“It gives parents andcarers a bit of a socialthing and youngstersthe chance to havesome fun with other

children,” said ChrisBeckett, the centre’smanager.

“Our centre is fullyaccessible forwheelchairs anddisability.”

The next club will beheld on December 17.

In briefGet In Touchfor odd jobsaround homeDo you have a leakytap, a loo that’s notflushing properly,need shelves orcurtain poles puttingup, a key safe, grabrails or a smokedetector installed?

The In TouchHandyperson Serviceprovides a low cost,small home repairsservice for peopleaged over 60 anddisabled residentsacross Rushmoor,carrying out jobstaking up to twohours.

If you qualify,labour costs £12 anhour plus VAT withfurther discountsavailable if youreceive benefits.

All Handypersonsare CRB checked.For more informationor to make anappointment call08454 595036.

Control yourown personalinformationSave your time by“saying it once”.

When you needhelp, health and careprofessionals oftenask you for the sameinformation. Thiswastes time – theirsand yours.

You can now createa personal record ofyour owninformation, for youto keep. Include asmuch, or as little, asyou like. You can alsochoose to share itwith the professionalsworking with you.For more details visitwww.sayitonce.info

Contact usFor more details call01252 344438.

Climbing, caving,archery andshooting are justsome of the manyfun pursuitsavailable at the newRunway’s EndOutdoor Centre.

The new £6.1 millionoutdoor and indoor activitycentre between Farnboroughand Aldershot is welcomingschools, Scouts and othergroups looking for world-class and challenging leisureinterests.

Built among nine acresof woodland next to theBasingstoke Canal, thecentre is also an eco-friendly

site producing its own hotwater and heating through abiomass boiler and a rainharvesting system to keep itsbills down.

It boasts a climbing and

abseiling tower, high and lowropes course and a cavingsystem, as well as an indoormulti-activity hall for archery,shooting and climbing.

There’s also canoeing and

Runway’s End Outdoor Cen

Kids have fun – while parents unwind

Bouncing along: Julie and Dylan Lawrence (left), while one young girl gets thebetter of Judo instructor Simon Dove!

www.rushmoor.gov.uk News 15

A new ratings system for foodbusinesses has been launchedacross Rushmoor, to help youchoose where to eat out orshop.The national Food Hygiene

Rating Scheme coversrestaurants, pubs, cafés,takeaways and hotels as wellas supermarkets and foodshops.The scores – which go from

0 (urgent improvementnecessary) to 5 (very good) –depend on inspections carriedout by our food safety officers.The rankings will be listed

on the Food Hygiene RatingScheme website –ratings.food.gov.uk – aswell as being displayed onoptional window stickers andcertificates.

Hygiene ratingsystem set toaid consumers

Come andjoin us onFacebookand keepup-to-datewith all thelatest news

from around Rushmoor.Our new Facebook page

also has photographs fromcommunity events and lotsof information aboutthings coming up – andnow it’s all at yourfingertips.

You can also share yourthoughts about events andlocal issues.

Simply log on toFacebook and search forRushmoor Borough Council.

Find us onFacebook!

Youngsters dig in to help a family in need

Nepalese youths living inRushmoor have beenhelping a local family inneed by clearing theirgarden and helping themgrow fruit and vegetables.The Naya Yuva Youth

Group was put in touchwith the Aldershot family,who have health problems,by First Wessex and is nowkeen to expand theirvolunteering to moreprojects.The youth group spent

two weekends sorting outthe family’s garden and

plans to visit regularly tosupport them to grow theirown fruit and veg. FirstWessex helped the groupto get insurance and hire askip and the Kings Centrein Aldershot bought thembasic gardeningequipment.“This is a great example

of the local communitycoming together to supporta family in need,” saidHeather Chalkley forRushmoor Schools Plusand First Wessex.Following the hard work

of the volunteers, thecommunity was saddenedwhen vandals damagedthe garden in October,pulling up many of theplants.As Arena went to print,

Sue Daniels, operationsdirector at First Wessex,said they were shocked bythe vandalism and wouldmake sure that the plantswere replaced. They will beworking with the volunteersfrom Naya Yuva to replantthe flower beds andrestore the garden.

rafting and a new canoestore with amenities.Accommodation is

available for up to 48people, plus an amenitiesblock and camping zone

for 250 campers – withcampfire amphitheatre.Meeting, activity and

training rooms are alsoavailable.“Long term, there are also

plans to open it up to localresidents to walk in andenjoy – maybe a family whofancies a Saturday afternoonclimbing or archery,” saidMartin Sterio, Rushmoor’shealth and physical activitiesofficer.Rushmoor Borough

Council, Hampshire CountyCouncil and the BlackwaterValley District ScoutAssociation worked togetherto get government funding.

tre is open for adventure

Contact usTo book or find outmore, call 07808390580, or visitwww.hants.gov.uk/runwaysend