Could you help us, or could you circulate to anyone who might be interested in helping us.

Basingstoke Foodbank is URGENTLY looking for a dry, reasonably accessible, lockable room that we could ‘borrow’ (preferably for free, but happy to discuss so that you are not out of pocket) for a few months in a church somewhere in the area.

We have been told that Trinity Methodist site might close if affected by the Corona Virus, so we are planning ahead to ensure that we can keep our emergency service operating.

We plan to have some pre-packed bags or boxes available in another location that remains accessible so that we can then deliver goods to clients in their homes without clients needing to come to our centres in Tadley or Basingstoke. Only 1 or 2 people would access the room at any one time to pick up 2 or 3 pre-packed bags to deliver to a client with a Basingstoke Foodbank voucher thus reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

Please call me on my direct number below asap, or email if you have a room you could offer for free for a few months perhaps, or if you have a contact I could talk to.

Clearly we have no clear idea of what the Government and the WHO will be advising in the next few days or months, but we need to be pro-active so that those in crisis don’t suddenly find themselves without our emergency service. This is not a perfect solution and we may need to tweak our plans as time goes by.

Please contact 07941 336464 / [email protected]

The 6 week ‘Home for Good’ Foundations course is for anyone who wants to further explore fostering or adoption.

Whatever stage of the journey you are on, we believe Foundations will equip you to better understand fostering and adoption, and enable you to make well-informed decisions.

This is a totally free course run over six Wednesday evenings from April 8th to 13th May, 19:00-21:00. Venue TBC.

For further details, or to sign up email [email protected]

Due to the current manager retiring and St Leonard’s Pre-School, Oakley, are looking for an enthusiastic and caring manager to continue to develop this successful village pre-school. 

We are based in the historic conservation area of Oakley and provide a stimulating well equipped environment and attractive outdoor space for children age 2 to 5 years.  This oversubscribed pre-school is a non-profit making setting with a broad Christian ethos.

Currently operating 23.25 hours per week, term-time only

Informal enquiries and applications to:  01256 782724 [email protected]. Closing date 11 March.

Website  https: https://www.oakleywithwootton.org.uk/pre-school

Special Afternoon Tea Celebrations. Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 February 2020 at 3pm. Basingstoke College of Technology

Are you a married couple in the borough who celebrated or will be celebrating your golden or diamond wedding anniversary between Thursday 9 May 2019 and Thursday 19 May 2020?

Golden or diamond wedding anniversary couples are invited to join Basingstoke and Deane’s Mayor for a very special afternoon tea party. Delicate sandwiches, cakes and drinks will be served at the events, to be held on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 February at Basingstoke College of Technology at 3pm.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Diane Taylor and her Consort Dr Andy Taylor are looking forward to meeting couples at this special free event and making sure they have a memorable celebration.

Cllr Taylor is asking all eligible couples to get in touch by Friday 31 January 2020 to ensure they receive an invitation.

She said: “Golden and diamond anniversaries are very special milestones and it is an honour and a privilege to celebrate with couples from around the borough. If you, or anyone you know, will be celebrating their golden or diamond anniversary then please let us know so we can make sure they don’t miss out on this event.”

To apply for an invitation, please contact the Mayoral Events Coordinator Zoe McLaren on 01256 845591 or email [email protected] by 31 January 2020. Providing the following information:

• Anniversary (Golden/ Diamond)
• Wedding date (DD/MM/YY)
• Address (including Post Code)
• Telephone number
• Email
• Special dietary requirements (for example – dairy, nuts, gluten free)
• Special requirements (for example – wheelchair/walking frame)
• Vehicle registration (required for onsite parking at BCOT)
• Photography permission (are you happy for photographer to take photos of you)
• Contact permission (consent to contact yourself re the event)

St Faith with St Cross, Winchester are praying for a Youth leader who is:

• Excited about sharing the Christian faith with young people
• Capable of working on your own and as part of a team
• An energetic and gifted communicator
• A committed Christian who can help lead our church

Are you the one? Do you know who would be interested? For further details click here