AN OVERFLOWING sewer in Alresford that marred Christmas for many has been cleared.

Raw sewage started flowing out of a drain on Tichborne Down on December 26.

A large puddle of sewage built up outside the Cricketers Inn, with parts of the path on Tichborne Down covered as well.

Southern Water said the sewer was cleared the following day and should now be working properly.

A spokesman said: "This turned out to be a sewer blockage caused by a combination of fat oil and grease and wet wipes or other un-flushable material. The line has been jetted and the sewer is working again."

THE Environment Agency issued a flood alert for Bramdean and Cheriton.

The agency warned of rising groundwater and said cellar flooding should be expected to "isolated properties" in Cheriton but not for a couple of weeks in Bramdean.

It says groundwater should have begun to fall unless there is more heavy rain over the New Year.

The Flood Alert will be updated by 5pm on Wednesday January 3 after the Chronicle went to press.

A NEW book is shedding light on an aspect of World War Two.

Alresford historian Glenn Gilbertson’s Alresford and the Americans, Our ‘Friendly Invaders’ 1943-44 has just been published by Alresford Historical and Literary Society.

It looks at the influx of thousands of US servicemen in the run up to D-Day in June 1944, 80 years ago this year.

The US 9th Infantry Division was based in the Alresford area before the invasion and fighting its way across Europe to meet the Red Army in April 1945.

The book, with 68 lavishly illustrated A4 pages, is available for an RRP of £9.99 from Oxley’s Bookshop in Broad Street, Six West in West Street or via secretary@alresfordhistandlit.co.uk.

A NEW Gospel Choir will launch at St. John's Church in Alresford next week.

The Gospel Collective, led by Tim Uffindell, will meet on Thursday evenings, every other week. The rehearsals will take place at St. John's Church on Thursday evenings, every other week.

It is hosting two taster sessions on January 11 and 18th, starting at 6.30pm until 9.30pm. The plan is for people to meet, sing and share a meal and then sing some more.

The choir is open to all, regardless of singing experience. So, whether you're a seasoned vocalist or someone who just enjoys singing in the shower, come on down and see if Gospel Collective is the perfect fit for you.

Gospel Collective started in Farnham in September and has already attracted more than 30 adults.
For more information, or to sign up for the January taster session, please email Tim at office@gospelcollective.co.uk.

THE next Alresford Antiques Fair will be on Saturday January 20 at the community centre on West Street from 9am to 4.30pm. Admission is free.
There will be around eight stalls offering a variety of items including furniture, silver, glass, jewellery and militaria. The vendors will also buy.
Other fairs at Alresford Community Centre in 2024 are all on Saturdays: February 17, April 20, Saturday May 18, June 15, August 17 and October 26.


ALRESFORD Town Council is looking for someone to fill a vacancy.
In a Facebook post the council said: “Local councillors are the champions of their community, investing time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood, making decisions on local services and collaborating with district and borough councils.
“A town councillor can be involved in creating Neighbourhood Plans, establishing youth projects, managing playgrounds, allotments and open spaces, maintaining footpaths, public seating, and litter bins amongst much more.
“If you think that you may be interested in being a local councillor, please contact townclerk@newalresford-tc.gov.uk by January 16 for further details.”

ADVANCE warning for your diary for the chance to enjoy a unique church.
The church in the wood on Bramdean Common will hold its annual opening on May 12.
The corrugated iron church, built in the 1890s, holds services on the second and fourth Sundays of the month between May and September.

PATIENTS of Alresford Surgery are reminded that the forum will be held later this month. The event will be on Thursday January 18 at 6pm in the GP surgery waiting room. Further details to be confirmed but it will be a chance for patients to raise any issues.

SEND us local news of community events from the Alresford area. The patch stretches from the Candovers to Kilmeston and Tichborne to West Meon. Email newsdesk@hampshirechronicle.co.ukor call 01962 861860 (choose option 1).