Wine and Cycle Lights

Rear Ever Ready Light.
A perfect wine glass (nearly)

What has Wine got to do with Cycle Lights?

It was a cycling trip in Normandy that reminded me of lights. On a cold dark winter's night they are an essential – in more ways than one.

It was a cold November evening and the youth hostel was found closed and locked up. We were hungry and tired but thankfully a small local store was still open for sustenance – red wine, a baguette, cheese and some beans.

With nowhere to stay we cycled into the countryside and found a convenient bus shelter for the night. As the temperature dropped the wine became an essential comfort, but how to drink and maintain some elements of decorum as befits the Englishman on a bike in France?

The old Ever Ready lights came to the rescue. By taking off the red lens and removing the bulb and reflector you had a perfect wine glass. Thus replenished with wine, the bread, cheese and cold beans from the tin we slept on the concrete floor – soundly would be a bit of an exaggeration but at least we slept.

THE MORAL
Both Wine and Lights are part of life's essentials

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Now a more  SERIOUS Bit...

Nights are starting to draw in and with the darker evenings don't get caught out without good cycle lights on your bike, you never know how useful they can be, not just for wine but also for being seen and for those ever increasing number of potholes – which seem deliberately placed to test cycle handling skills!

Unfortunately the official cycle lighting regulations are not just a minefield but also totally confusing.

At their simplest, a cycle needs to have both good working front and rear lights together with reflectors, during the hours of darkness. The Highway Code is clear on that.

Highway Code Rule 60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

Note that these lights need to be fixed to the bike. Any lights on bags, the head, clothing, etc are additional. 'Hours of darkness' refer to sunset and sunrise which are different to lighting up times which motor vehicles have to comply with.
Beyond that the regulations start to get much more complicated.

Just keep to the above and all will be well, but if you are a masochist for rules and regulations read on.

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Let's see what lights are available.

Never before has there been such a range, which can be bewildering to anyone looking for a good lighting set. Technology has advanced massively over recent years. Memories of a couple of U2 batteries rattling in a heavy Ever Ready lamp held on by straps and packed with pieces of cardboard are thankfully distant as are those of the cold bus shelter floor.

FRONT
These fall into two main uses, those for use in street-lit areas and those for full darkness, so make sure you use one suitable for your needs.
What I would certainly not recommend is skimping on price as there has been an influx of cheap and very bright rechargeable lights from the Far East available via obscure dealers online. There have been some scary reports of exploding batteries causing fires – I have first hand experience as one exploded in my kitchen.
A good steady front light is best. Flashing lights can have a place in built up areas but on lanes they can very much distract.

REAR
Again buy good quality but avoid the gimmicks. There is a plethora of rechargeables, sometimes using removeable cells, sometimes charged via USB. There is even an LED light that senses your braking acting as a brake light and even one that incorporates a rear facing video camera.
There are also flashing gloves, helmets and even coats, all of which are usually gimmicks. What you must have a a good red light, steady or flashing; most do both.

BATTERY OR DYNAMO
These days both can be good. The old fashioned dynamo wheels that rub (and slip) noisily on tyres have largely been replaced by the development of very efficient hub dynamo systems. Some of these incorporate stand lights that remain on for a short time for when waiting at junctions or traffic lights. Others may even include charging options for mobile phones or battery packs while you ride.

EXTRA LIGHTS
Additional lights can be added to clothes, bags but they must still comply with white to the front and red to the rear - and as a quirk triangle reflectors are not allowed – they are reserved for use on trailers. Note that these lights are 'additional' – it is still a requirement to have those fixed to the cycle itself as detailed above.

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And now it gets complicated.

Starting to get lost?
As an example, what is 'lighting up time' and what are the 'hours of darkness'? Just to confuse us they differ.
For cycles it is straight forward-ish; lights must be used from sunset to sunrise.
However drivers should use sidelights at least in this time but legally do not need to use headlights until 30 minutes AFTER sunset – which is termed 'hours of darkness'. Starting to get confused?

It goes on...

Those Standards
Your front light needs to be white central or offside and up to 1500mm above the ground. Steady lights must be BS6102/3 or equivalent EC standard.
Rear lights need to be fixed central or offside between 350mm and 1500mm from the ground. and again steady lights should be marked BS3648 or BS6102/3 or equivalent EC standard.
To make things even more difficult most lights available are not marked but despite this they exceed the British Standards by a long long way! So which do the more savvy cyclists use? Its not difficult to guess.
Since 2005 lights can be flashing but the BS standards don't apply, only the output standards - at least 4 candela and flashing between 60 and 240 times a minute.

The minefield gets worse! Why are pedals being mentioned?
Let's consider pedals. These should have amber reflectors, to the front and rear of each pedal, and marked BS6102/2, but try fitting these to clipless pedals if you use them. However if your bike was manufactured before October 1985 pedal reflectors are not required. And what about bikes that have been custom built with components from various years?
How is the date determined?
Answers on a postcard.

Oh dear. I fear a headache is coming on – perhaps a glass of wine may help.
Pass the rear light please – it makes a good glass.

Improving safety and congestion in Micheldever Road

One of the major congestion points in Whitchurch is the junction of Micheldever Road and Winchester Road at school times. Each morning and evening the problems caused by the school run are exacerbated by the arrival and departure of the School Buses for Testbourne – but a solution is close at hand.

As part of the new development of Mill Springs off Winchester Road, David Wilson Homes aare building a new Bus Bay/Drop-off point which, when operational, will provide a safe and purpose built alternative for the Testbourne buses.

No longer will the School Buses have to mount pavements, squeeze past other drivers and cause danger in Micheldever Road to school children walking, other pedestrians and drivers.

The day cannot come soon enough when the new bus bay which will link to a new safe path into school is opened.

And not only that...
... with the current bus bay at the front of Testbourne being made almost redundant, wouldn't that make a convenient and spacious drop off point for Walking Buses for the Primary School. Park and Stride anyone?

Those who arranged this excellent facility and the wider opportunities it gives are to be very much commended.
Now we just need it implemented.

WINS ALL AROUND

One child casualty is not enough for action say County

School is back in Whitchurch this week and the County Council cuts back on road safety.

Pressure on local roads
The school run has always been a contentious issue but it has become more so in recent years as school numbers grow and traffic increases. With the Primary School and Testbourne both back this week, the pressure on the local roads increases as children make their way to and from their places of education.

Child injured in collision
Both schools are in a residential area which also includes the town's largest play area as well as access to the Skatepark and BMX track. It is a place where children are expected yet during the summer a young child was in collision with a vehicle and hospitalised, with the report being it was an "unfortunate incident".

Concerns, worries and anger – and no action

A meeting was held in Alliston Way arranged by Basingstoke Councillor Chloe Ashfield who, along with many others, is concerned about the dangers. Local residents rightly expressed their worries and anger at traffic speeds, vehicles mounting pavements, parking on bends and lives being put at risk. Such views have regularly been passed to Hampshire County Council, but...

Despite these local fears, this week Hampshire County Council said – “sites that have treatable patterns of casualty incidents are being prioritised above other locations.” and, regarding Alliston Way, “... on this basis, further study is unlikely at this stage.”
They cite cuts for this approach.
It is unacceptable.

One child casualty is not enough
A young lad was injured. How many casualties are needed? Is not one too many?
Such a response ignores the harm of near misses, the close shaves and the worry and fear over personal safety that is generated. How do HCC decide how many casualties are required to make their "pattern" and what is that number?
Will they tell us their figure for Alliston Way?

Please don't drive on the
pavements.

Taking responsibility – we can all help
Meanwhile if driving in Alliston Way please look out for children. A child can be unpredictable and can make mistakes; that's what they do when they are learning and growing up. They are the responsibility of us all and children should not be punished by injury or worse because they may make a mistake. This is a residential area where people live, play and go about their normal lives and they expect to do so in safety. Please don't let there be another casualty.
And please don't drive on pavements, park on bends or ignore the 20mph speed limit. The rules are there for a purpose.

But will they listen?
While we all take our own responsibility we must also keep up the pressure on Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke & Deane to take some tangible action to make the area safer for all. Its what we pay for and expect.
They also need to take responsibility or more children will suffer, but will they listen?


Related article:
A HORRIFIC 20-MINUTES OF SCHOOL RUN

Success for a local group?

A Success Story that others can copy

What a brilliant day; the sun was out; the BBQ was sizzling; and over 30 children from age 5 to early teens were being taught the basic skills of cricket under the watchful eye of many parents, friends and the Whitchurch Cricket Club. The Sunday morning was a perfect example of how volunteers and the dedication of a local group can help further the well-being of the town and its residents.

A critical situation
Last year the local Cricket Club, which had been playing in Whitchurch since 1776, was close to folding. Players were leaving, a team could not be formed, equipment had been vandalised and the Parsonage Meadow ground was falling into disrepair. The Club was at serious risk of being wound-up and there seemed to be very little hope for the future.

There was an excellent turnout
of families, helpers and friends 

The Cricket Ground
Parsonage Meadow is one of the Whitchurch's most idyllic locations – a large open space opposite All Hallows with views across the River Test and the water meadows to the east, and bounded on the western side by the tree covered embankment of the old railway line.

The Cricket Club had been long time custodians but times were changing and the lease was up for renewal by the landlords, the same who had been selling off local land to developers. The situation was looking bad – real bad. If the ground were to become unused, pressure for redevelopment could become reality, and does Whitchurch need more?

The old flag still adorns the Pavillion

Support from the Town Council
A suggestion that the Town Council be approached for support was made and some preliminary talks took place – having a chat always a good idea as it can generate suggestions and provide other potential leads. Ideas began to formulate.
Each year the Town Council allocates a modest sum that can be applied for by local organisations "in support of a cause that benefits the community". – and that became the starting block for reigniting local enthusiasm (for details of the Grant Scheme just contact the Town Hall).

Whitchurch Cricket Club made an application for 1) a new gang mower, without which the ground would not be useable, 2) a secure vandal-proof container for storage of equipment and 3) funds to enable coaching and training of new young players to aid a sustainable future.

The monies were approved and a dedicated group from the Club put many hours into clearing the old pavilion, preparing the ground and recruiting a team.

Four groups of youngsters were taught basic skills of cricket under expert eyes.

The future looks good
Beyond all expectations it all began to click into place. With the support they were able to commit to the rent for the ground, join the Hampshire Cricket League and hold the youth coaching sessions which received astounding support. As well as nearly 100 youngsters taking advantage of the coaching, the Club now has a Mens team playing and the possibility of a Ladies eleven too. From a position of near despair the future was now beginning to look rosy.

Each young 'player' received
a special drinks bottle.

Protecting the Meadow
Meanwhile the Town Council also applied for, and was successful in, registering Parsonage Meadow as an Asset of Community Value, so if the owners ever did wish to sell then a community group would have the right to place a bid – ie a sale to developers could not be done behind closed doors and there would be an opportunity for s community group to put in a bid. Although it may not become necessary it is a welcome tool to hold should the Meadow ever be at risk again.

How others may benefit
So...
If you have an idea, a project, or a cause that you believe in, and you can show that it will benefit the town, its residents and its well-being, please do not hesitate to talk to the Town Council. Nothing can be promised but at the least advice can always be offered, and there is always the chance you could be successful and put on the way to achieving your aims.
Nothing can be lost by having that informal friendly chat as has been demonstrated with the Cricket Club.
Contact: WHITCHURCH TOWN COUNCIL

Long may the Whitchurch Cricket Club provide cricket for the town of Whitchurch and long may the Town Council listen to the needs of its residents.

The Local Butcher – Yes we have one

Many who pass Graham's Estate Agents in the town will always think of the local butcher.

Before the property company moved in, the premises were used by Philip Langley and before him John Dennett in providing a traditional butcher service to Whitchurch. Regrettably many small shops have struggled as high rents and rates make it impossible to compete with the supermarkets with their pre-packaging and lower prices and the butcher's shop closed.

But Whitchurch does still have a local butcher – and a high quality one too. Bere Mill Butchery on the edge of town specialises in top quality meat, mainly from sheep and cattle reared in the local fields.
Bere Mill specialises in Black Welsh Mountain Sheep and Belted Galloway Cattle which produce high quality lean tasty lamb and beef. Pork, chicken and venison is also available but check before travelling.

As well as the usual joints and cuts they also produce their own sausages, burgers, mince and even faggots (this writer's love), and much more depending on season and availability. The Merguez sausages also won a recent award in the 2018 Great Hampshire Sausage Competition – they should not be missed.

The best way to reach Bere Mill is undoubtedly to walk* out from Whitchurch using the country paths. There are two main routes, either from the end of the Green along the north bank of the River Test, or from Town Mill and follow the south side by way of the Hangings and of course a circuit of both could be made. The round trip takes around an hour.
The footpaths go through wonderful countryside and fields and sometimes will cross areas where the cattle and sheep may be grazing. If taking a dog please keep it on a lead where there are animals.

Bere Mill Butchery is a truly family run local business so no need at all to travel elsewhere for high quality meat – it is on our doorstep here in Whitchurch.

* actually cycling is arguable more fun (I would say that!) – just ride up to The Gables then take Bere Mill Lane. Don't forget to have an ice cream after buying your produce – and fill your water bottles from the complimentary tap. Then perhaps take the new Permissive Cycle Route from Bere Mill towards Freefolk for a bit more fun...
Aren't we lucky to live here.

Bere Mill Butchery is open on Fridays and Saturdays.

Check on their Facebook page:
BERE MILL BUTCHERY
Their website is here:
BERE MILL FARM and BUTCHERY

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES – Coming soon – The Fishmonger.

The Whitchurch Public House

Over one hundred years ago the Star newspaper described Whitchurch with:

“Whitchurch is in Hampshire. People who live in it call it a town.
People who live out of it call it a village.
It is about as big as a good-sized pocket handkerchief.
It has three shops and 19 public houses.”

Much has happened since that was written but Whitchurch is still a town, a status proudly guarded by its 4500 residents. The Royal Charter was awarded in 1285 and each year a Mayor and burgesses were elected to govern the town with the existing Town Hall, built around 1790, dominating the centre and where the Town Council now conducts its business.

Special places
The Public House holds a special place in the town's history, but over the years many have been lost and along with them part of the town's special character. There are now just five left, plus one 'Club'. That character must not be eroded any more.

Presently the pubs are:
The White Hart, The Kings Arms, The Prince Regent, The Bell Inn, The Red House, and the Whitchurch Sports & Social Club.

Reasons for demise

There are many reasons claimed for the closure of pubs – changes in social habits, increasing costs through taxation and duty, competition from supermarkets, the smoking ban, the extortionate restrictive practices of Pub Companies, pressures on land, high taxation and business rates ... the list goes on, and we can all add more to it.

Massive benefits to the Town
But what is often missed are the massive benefits the public house brings to a community as part of its social, economic and historical fabric. They are places were people meet, talk, exchange ideas, debate and put the world to rights.

They provide venues for local clubs and societies, from reading groups to craft circles and from darts teams to quiz teams. They raise thousands each year through charity events ranging from simple raffles and coffee mornings through to sponsored chest waxing with proceeds being fed back to enhance the lives of Whitchurch people.

And who cannot mention the annual Pub Race where over 200 Fancy Dress participants fill the town with music, colour and hilarity whilst filling the charity buckets with donations.

Pubs also provide entertainment in many forms ranging from singers to discos and from folk to cabaret. Whitchurch has a long history in the music world with several nationally prominent musicians in traditional, classical and modern music fields – all having started in the local pubs.

The local economy

But its not just socialising and entertainment that pubs provide. Pubs add enormously to the local economy in both attracting visitors into the area as well as being a source of employment for many.

They provide work for local tradespeople such as window cleaners, gardeners, electricians, plumbers, and taxi companies. The income earned by these tradespeople will often be returned into the local economy in supporting local shops and businesses, providing an ongoing livelihood for a great many people.

Our town's publicans – Let us raise a glass

The worth each pub brings to Whitchurch is almost beyond value. This is only possible by the hard work of the town's publicans who too often are forgotten. Hours are long, the work is tough and the financial rewards often poor.

Without the publicans our town's well-being would be massively depleted; its heritage and culture diminished.

Let us all make a resolution to call into one of our fine pubs and raise a glass to the unstinting commitment of our landlords, landladies and their staff.
They deserve our gratitude.

Cheers!

Pubs top to bottom:
The White Hart, The Kings Arms, The Prince Regent, The Bell Inn, The Red House (currently closed), and the Whitchurch Sports & Social Club.
(technically the Sports and Social Club is not a pub but in the context of this item it acts the same – a valuable amenity to Whitchurch)

There are two local Pub related sites that may be worth looking at (Facebook):

WHITCHURCH PUB HUB and

NORTH HAMPSHIRE and UPPER TEST PUB GROUP

National campaigning site:

CAMRA

Refunds on Basingstoke Council services

Is it time that residents were able to claim refunds for services not provided?

Take the refuse service provided by Basingstoke and Deane in Whitchurch. For several months social media has been awash with complaints of missed collections for general, recycling and garden waste.

Basingstoke & Deane receive payment through the Council Tax and extra charges for Green Waste to provide this service yet when it is missed or delayed residents are expected to take a hit the wallet.

Even the much derided South Western Railway now offers a partial refund when their trains are late even for just 15 minutes, and they give a full refund when they are cancelled.

Should Basingstoke & Deane offer a similar scheme?
I believe so.

Does the Mayor get paid?

Does the Mayor get paid?

I was standing in front of a year group at the Primary school, reporting back on their visit to the Council Chamber where on a couple of wonderful afternoons they had exercised the right be be involved in decision making.

Today was the 'follow up' and as one does I offered to answer questions.

After the "Do you like being Mayor" and "We would like a new Play Area" came the one on finance. A nine-year old chirped up with "Does the Mayor get paid?"

The answer is of course that the Mayor receives Zilch, Nothing, Nada, Zero, Nowt. However you put it the Mayor of Whitchurch is paid not a penny. There are some small allowances for upkeep of gowns and chains, and maybe the odd bottle of wine or flowers for event raffles, but to be paid?
A very Big NO.

And all Town Councillors are the same.
All are completely unpaid volunteers giving their own time for the Town of Whitchurch which really begs the question "Why do they do it?"

Its because they care about Whitchurch and its people and they want to achieve the best for everyone.

So please when complaining about anything in the town and parish, please remember that the twelve Whitchurch Town Councillors receive not a penny for their time, commitment and effort in their quests to make Whitchurch a better place for us all.

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Speed Limits – and a worrying trend

Some local discussions on road safety and dangers on our streets have raised what could be a very worrying trend.

This has been brought home to me recently in no uncertain terms on three separate occasions, and it referred to that big bugbear in my own town – speeding drivers.

I have been robustly informed that speed limits are "only advisory" - "because they are unenforced and even unenforceable". One respected colleague even claimed the source of this was the police themselves.

With police resources being decimated, there are many laws which are no longer enforced adequately, or even at all, but that does not mean that as a society we should not individually or collectively respect them. They are still the Law and the Police are still duty bound to uphold them.

This lack of police resources has many downsides not least the risk of falling confidence that can and sometimes does result in people taking the law into their own hands.

Another disturbing fallout is that more people are believing that if a law is not enforced, then it is no longer a law, despite them being backed up by legislation. 

What other illegal practices will be excused because a lack of police enforcement makes the law "only advisory"? Will it be burglaries, shop lifting, vandalism? How far will this shift in thinking go - drugs, muggings, stabbings? 

Thin ends of wedges come to mind.

Laws are determined by Acts of Parliament and there is public democratic input before they can be introduced. That a growing number of people believe that these laws are no longer Laws because of limited or no enforcement is more than disturbing.

If the police and our law system is to keep any respect it needs the police to take firm immediate action and quell this perception, or we all risk falling into a state of fear and anarchy.

Maybe our Police and Crime Commissioner could take a lead on this?

Meanwhile, as was confirmed to me at a Police Drop-in Session, ALL the speed limits in the town whether 40, 30 or 20 are LEGALLY enforceable. They are backed up by Traffic Orders and need respecting.

But why don't the police enforce them?

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For those who may have forgotten their Highway Code - circular signs are mandatory, triangular are warnings, and rectagular signs are informative.