The Autumn 2013 edition brings us the BFOBRCA Chairman’s Annual Report. It was “Another challenging but ultimately successful year for the Association. Once again we have had some significant financial outlays but that is only to be expected with the Centre now well into its middle age.”

Badger Farm Parish Council report on continuing vandalism in the area.

Steve Brine MP held a a special supermarket surgery at Sainsbury’s in Badger Farm. He then went on to meet the BFOBRCA team and look at the Community Centre’s issues. He looks at the implications of the Pitt Manor development and at the “Get Britain Cycling” report.

Oliver’s Battery Parish Council share news of the official opening of the tennis court and of the conservation area. The launched a photo page on their website to share photographs taken in Oliver’s Battery.

City Councillors Brian Laming and Lynda Bannister report that the planning application to build houses behind the shops at Oliver’s Battery has been rejected but that the Community Centre is having some of its lighting upgraded to a modern low energy system which will save a lot of money as well as being much better for the environment.

County Councillor Phil Bailey has an update on the progress of the Bushfield Camp Village Green application and discusses the concern raised recently about proposals to start drilling for shale gas (fracking) in the south of England.

Two of the city’s leading charities have joined forces to stage a major fundraising event in Winchester to raise money and awareness for the city’s homeless and vulnerably housed people. ‘The Big SleepOut’ is being organised by Trinity Winchester in association with Winchester Churches Nightshelter. It is hoped that 500 people will take part in the event at Winchester Cathedral by sleeping under the stars in return for sponsorship.

Another busy summer term has come to a close at Oliver’s Battery Pre-school, rounding off an activity-packed year for the children and their families. Whether it’s been the annual trip (this year it was to Hillier’s Arboretum for pond dipping and learning about the natural environment) or the pre-school’s first ever sports day (a great success!), the children have hugely enjoyed discovering new things and playing together.