• CYCLISTS are due to set off from a starting point in Owslebury in a race commemorating a former Southampton University student.

James Atherton, a PhD student, was part of a group of five cyclists when he suddenly veered into the front of a Volkswagen Golf travelling the other way on a narrow New Forest lane in January last year.

The parish hall will be the race headquarters for the organisers, Southampton University Cycling Club, and it starts at 11am on Sunday (April 13).

The route will run along Main Road and Longwood Road followed by seven laps of a circuit via The Millbury and Newdown Copse. Full details can be found on britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/106135/James-Atherton-Road-Race.

There will be marshals to halt traffic at each of the junctions and a rolling convoy of vehicles, including a medic van, following the main group, and motorcycle outriders from the National Escort Group.

  • TWYFORD Waterworks are celebrating after a winter of work has resulted in the total rebuild of its historic roof.

Volunteers and external contractors worked tirelessly throughout the winter months to restore the roof – some of which dates back as far as 1898.

The waterworks has also had several of its displays updated and some of the machinery renovated.

The first open day will be the Spring Rally on Sunday (May 4). There will also be a guided tour day on Easter Sunday (April 20).

Over the next year volunteers hope to fully restore a steam boiler, construct a new workshop and improve visitor facilities including the addition of new toilets.

Much of this work is to be funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

  • PARENTS in Colden Common have been invited to a consultation to discuss the extension of the village primary school.

Hampshire County Council are in the process of submitting an application to add two permanent classrooms to Colden Common Primary School to accommodate an increased demand for school places in the area.

A drop-in session is to be held at the school on Wednesday (April 23) from 3.15-6.30pm giving both current and prospective parents the chance to view the proposals.

Works are due to begin in the autumn term of this year, subject to planning permission, and are set for completion by September 2015.

Anyone who wishes to pass comment on the proposals prior to the planning committee meeting is urged to contact Gemma Wigman, Children's Services Department, The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UG or by e-mail to strategicplanningunit@hants.gov.uk by Wednesday May 7.

  • A MEETING that was held to discuss the set up of a new community group in Hursley has been hailed as a great success.

On Friday (April 4) residents gathers to discuss the possibility of the Hursley Village Community Association with over three quarters stating they were in favour of such a group.

In addition eight people have volunteered to help with its organisation.