Our Winter 2012 edition features the cost of vandalism on the Central and Davis kick about areas.

City Councillors Brian Laming and Lynda Bannister report on work on the footpath that runs from the Ridgeway down behind Wheatland Close to Silverwood Close, No 2 and No 5 bus routes, the proposed new housing development on Oliver’s Battery and the very good selection of local shops in Oliver’s Battery.

Oliver’s Battery Parish Council looks back at the events of the year, remembering the Jubilee Celebrations, which included the Party on the Green and the Garden Party, and that the sun also shone on us for the Fete in September. There is news on the new tennis court and Chairman Terry Morris announced that he was stepping down from the council.

Steve Brine, MP, reports on the economy, the first birthday of a local business and the plan to enlarge the premises of St Peter’s Catholic Primary School.

Badger Farm Social Club doubled their membership numbers and reduced the price of beer by 10p a pint! They report on the support they receive from Sainsbury’s, on improvements to the garden and their planned celebrations for Christmas and New Year, he visited  Oliver’s Battery Primary School and met with the Chair of Oliver’s Battery Parish Council to hear of plans for the future of communal life in the village.

County Councillor Charlotte Bailey mentions that we seem to be getting much more extremes of weather and the County Council is
trying to prepare for its effects, planning action to solve some of the many flooding problems which occur with heavy rain. Organisations across Hampshire are working together to provide free experts and advisors to support older people in practical ways to
keep your house warm, improve insulation and reduce your bills.

Badger Farm Parish Council report on the challenges of maintaining Whiteshute Ridge and some possible solutions.

In Nature Notes, Norma educates us about Ash Dieback.

This serious disease could change the face and shape of our countryside forever as did Dutch Elm disease over forty years ago since when 25 million trees have been lost. The elm was a tree loved by poets and painters and prized for its timber. If you
are too young to remember these noble trees do take a look at a Constable painting. I am not aware of any local instances of Ash Dieback but we must be vigilant. Symptoms are blackening of leaves but seasonal leaf-fall makes this difficult to detect. Another sign is the discolouration of stems and diamond shaped lesions on the bark.