Community news from the Alresford area

People living in Bramdean and Cheriton, Bishop's Sutton, the Candovers and Old Alresford have been warned about the possibility of groundwater flooding after the recent heavy rain.

Groundwater levels will reduce the ability of septic tanks to operate properly. Most properties in these villages are not on mains drainage and use septic tanks.

The agency said more than half a month’s rain (57mm) has been recorded at Bishop's Sutton over the New Year.

The agency says there was a very sharp rise in groundwater levels early in the New Year with some cellar flooding.

Weather forecasts predicted dry conditions which will stabilise groundwater levels but they are sensitive to further rainfall.

In Preston Candover and Old Alresford, groundwater levels are very high and rising, by 9cm in Preston Candover, and by 29cm in Old Alresford, reported the agency.

It said on Sunday January 7: "Over the next 5 days, mostly dry weather is forecast. This will allow groundwater levels to begin stabilising during the next week. However, ongoing flooding impacts are expected to continue for most of January 2024. Some properties in Preston Candover may experience internal ground floor flooding later this winter with further heavy rainfall.

"We continue to monitor the forecast. If you use pumps to help reduce water levels, please ensure that they can operate. This Flood Alert will be updated by 18:00 on Thursday 11/01/2024."

ALRESFORD History and Literary Society has published its programme for 2024.

The dates, subject and speakers are Wednesday January 17, Sun Hill Cemetery, Maisie Marshall;  Wednesday February 24, Charlotte M Yonge: Rediscovered, Bestseller and Hampshire Activist, Alys Blakeway; Wednesday March 20, The Porthole Murder, Paul Stickler; Tuesday April 2, Stratfield Saye Outing (All day); Wednesday April 17, Rose, Crown & Castle – Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s Citizen Soldiers, Patrick Crowley; Wednesday May 15, Lord Louis Mountbatten, Adrian Smith; Wednesday June 19, Americans in Alresford , Glenn Gilbertson; Wednesday July 17, “Fishermania" - The Celebrated Kitty Fisher - Superstar of 1760s London, Bob France; Thursday  August 1, Strawberry Hill Outing (All day); Wednesday September 18, Ralph Dutton of Hinton Ampner , John Holden; Wednesday  October 16, Writing out of the recent past – how, why and when to set a novel with reference to social, political and cultural contexts, Jude Hayland; Friday October 25, Annual Dinner; Wednesday  November 20, The Austen Sisters, Rowan Stuart. No meeting in December.

The Alresford Historical and Literary Society meets in the Methodist Church, Jacklyns Lane, SO24 9JJ. Meetings are normally held on the third Wednesday of the month, and it is not necessary to be a member to attend – visitors are welcome at the door for just £3. Annual membership (January 1 - December 31) is only £10. To find out more, email secretary@alresfordhistandlit.co.uk

A REMINDER that a new Gospel Choir will be launched at St. John’s Church in Alresford this week.
The Gospel Collective, led by Tim Uffindell, will meet on Thursday evenings, every other weekat St. John’s Church.
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, go on down and see if Gospel Collective is the perfect fit for you.
Gospel Collective started in Farnham in September and has 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.”

PATIENTS of Alresford Surgery are reminded that their forum will be held later this month.
The event will be on Thursday January 18 at 6pm in the waiting room of the GP surgery on Station Road.
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).