Has the World Gone Mad! - updated 14th July 2016
You gather up the Bucket and Spade, head off for a few days at the seaside and come back to find we've cast off from Europe, the Prime minister has resigned, Farage has resigned (again), The Chancellor of the Exchequer has resigned just in time to avoid the heave ho, most of the Shadow Cabinet has resigned and the Leader of the Labour Party is still refusing to resign.
They're resurfacing Gaston Lane and Hall Lane, in the case of the latter just in time for two congenital idiots to have a head on just inside the Parish border despite the warning signs every couple of hundred yards.,
Theresa May is now Prime Minister, the United States is threatening to elect Donald* Trump as President when there is a perfectly capable Woman available for the job and Machiavelli Gove has been given the elbow.
On lighter note you may have seen Zoe Ball in white E-Type Jaguar heading through the village behind a camera car. She and Ian Waite, (who I am reliably informed appears on Strictly Come Prancing on the BBC) headed off down Hall Lane after recording an episode of a Celebrity Antique Show at the Auction Rooms adjacent to the 'Biz' newsroom. Now we know why they resurfaced the Lane!
*Much to the surprise of almost everyone, the United States not only threatened to, but actually did elect Don Trump to be the next President of the United States of America with a Vice-President, Mike Pence, who makes Trump's election "promises" seem almost normal !
Farringdon Open Gardens Pictures - Updated 17th June 2016
After a heavy shower as the Gardens opened the weather was much better than the forecast with only the odd shower through the afternoon and even the occasional outbreak of sunshine. Despite the weather and the counter attraction of Her Majesty the Queen's birthday celebrations on the box there was a fair turnout of visitors (and residents) making the most of the opportunity to see what lies behind the garden walls of Farringdon (N.B. there are a large number of images on this page so it may take a little longer than usual to load). . . . more
new police commissioner for hampshire - Updated 8th May 2016
The result you have all been waiting for, or possibly not, if the turnout of Farringdon Voters is anything to go by . . . more
the animals went in two by two . . .- Updated May 1st 2016
The monthly Family Service held in All Saints Church this morning (1st May) included a number of four legged additions to the usual congregation as the Rev. Roger Job officiated at the Annual Pet's service . . . . more
Your village needs you - Updated 18th April 2016
The current Farringdon Neighbourhood Watch Chief Coordinator, Bob Chase, has unfortunately been forced to resign for health reasons. This has created an opportunity for a public spirited resident to volunteer their services as Watch Coordinator for the Village. The Farringdon Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are keeping an eye on happenings in their various locations but are, currently, uncoordinated.
If you can spare a bit of time and feel this may be an opportunity to maintain the very low crime rate in Farringdon, or just want to find out what is required to co-ordinate the local volunteers please email Douglas Shewan's Farringdon.Net email service for more information.
In addition to his post as Farringdon NHW Coordinator, Bob was also Chairman of the Planning Committee on the Farringdon Parish Council.
His resignation from this post this post along with the previous resignations of FPC Vice-Chair Suzanne Anderton and Parish Councillor Richard Jarvis, means that there are, at present, only six FPC Councillors remaining, three councillors short of the full quota,
If you want to volunteer your services, or are interested in finding out more about the duties of local councillors please contact the Farringdon Parish Clerk Allison Speyer
Low turnout at village meeting - Updated April 7th 2016
There was a disappointing turnout at the One Hundred and Twenty Second Farringdon Village Meeting held in Farringdon Church on Wednesday evening (6th April). Excluding those attending in an official capacity, approximately twenty Farringdon residents were in the audience to hear reports from Parish and County Councillors.
Perhaps those that stayed away had some inkling of the excitement that would be generated by Item number three on the Agenda, an "Update Briefing" from Hampshire County Councillors on the A32 Flood Action Group, which, from the report that followed would suggest that " .action . ." when used in regard to HCC activities might require a fairly liberal interpretation of the the accepted usage of the word. . . . . more
Sunshine clear up - Updated April 4th 2016
A rare outbreak of Spring sunshine provided encouragement for the volunteers working to clear up the Churchyard on Saturday morning, . . . more
One short of a full quota - Updated February 29th
If you fancy something worthwhile to occupy yourself in the evenings, the resignation of Parish Councillor Richard Jarvis will leave the Farringdon Parish Council one short of their full quota, . . . more
Churchyard Research - Updated February 28th 2016
For the last few years, Denise Maughan has been working for the Northern Benefice, mapping out local graveyards and creating a Memorial Book for each Church. After recording the grave markers Denise, who has been granted access to the burial books at the Records Office, creates a Memorial Book of People or Ashes buried in the Churchyard
Denise, who lives in Farringdon, works on voluntary basis and has been working at many local Churches including Chawton, East and West Worldham and Hartley Mauditt.
In addition to the Burial Records, Denise tries, where possible to put an obituary and photo next to each entry and, from Baptism and Marriage Records, tries to link families where no grave marker or plot is known.
Denise is currently working on Farringdon and Newton Valence Churchyards and would be interested to hear from you if you have family or friends buried at All Saints and would like to add an obituary or family photo. Denise can be contacted via email
LANE APPEAL REFUSED - Updated February 10th 2016
The Appeal against the decision by East Hampshire Planning Authority to refusal to grant planning permission for fourteen houses alongside Crows Lane has been refused by the Inspector . . . . more
christmas Dining in the aisles - Updated December 15th 2015
As the Village Hall is now permanently closed and awaiting the developers, the Organising Committee took the brave decision to hold the 2015 Over 60's Christmas Dinner in All Saints Church, with the kind permission of the Rev. Tony Pears. With no kitchen available, holding the event in the Farringdon Parish Church was obviously going to pose logistical problems. . . . more
MEMORIES OF MASSEY’S FOLLY - from Chrys Browne December 7th 2015
Many thanks to everyone that has responded to my request for memories of The Folly. I have enjoyed listening and recording the many different facets of life in the village and The Folly. When I started the task I thought it would take some time to gather up information.
It seems that each person I talk to leads me on to explore another avenue! I would still like to hear from anyone that feels they have a story to tell and anyone that has any photographs hidden away of people/events taking place in The Folly – old school photo’s would be good. I can be contacted by e-mail, or tel: 588584.
Many thanks for your ongoing support. Chrys Browne
Rural Crafts in the Rain - Updated November 16th 2015
Those travellers along Hall Lane, at least those who weren't driving too fast to notice, may have observed a troop of intrepid choppers setting about the Hedge alongside Plash Lane . . . more
CROWS LANE PLANNING APPEAL - Updated November 9th 2015
At the time of publishing no date has been set for the hearing of the Appeal lodged by the Applicant against Planning Refusal for 14 Dwellings on the Paddock on the East side of Crows Lane.
The Farringdon Parish Council Planning Committee held a public meeting on 24th September to discuss the appeal.
The minutes of that meeting and other relevant documents associated with the appeal are available on the Parish Pages.
summer show in all saints - Updated August 23rd 2015
The Farringdon Horticultural Society Summer Show, held on the 8th August, (Yes I know it was weeks ago, but due to harvest commitments your reporter has been a bit deprived of spare time for web site updates) was forced to move to a different venue this year following the completion of the sale of Massey's Folly. By kind permission of the Rev. Tony Pears, the 2015 show was held in All Saints Church. Despite the enforced amendments to the schedule, the move proved popular with exhibitors, with a healthy entry in all classes . . . . more
waiting at the chuRch - Updated August 15th 2015
On the first day of August, the small party of visitors making their way across the Church Green to examine the ancient yew in the churchyard must have have been somewhat bewildered to find a large group of very jovial Farringdon Residents loitering in the vicinity of the Church . . . . more
A FOND Farewell to the folly - Updated July 22nd 2015
The Old School Playground came to life again as Farringdon made the most of the last celebration to be held in the Rev. Thomas Massey's Folly, which will be officially handed over to the new owners at the end of the month. . . . . more
New Parish Council - New Chairman - updated 21st May 2015
After the longest Parish Council Meeting for some time the pecking order most of the newly elected parish councillors has now been established . . well almost . . . .more
Folly sale contract signed - Updated May 2nd 2015
The sale of Massey's Folly came one step nearer completion during an extraordinary meeting of the Farringdon Parish Council on Friday evening (1st May) . . . . . more
SPRING SUNSHINE - Spring Show - Updated April 21st 2015
With Spring definitely in the air this year, the Farringdon Horticultural Society Spring Show attracted a selection of spring flowers from village gardens to the Village Hall . . . . .more
full house for village meeting - Updated April 3rd 2015
The 2015 Annual Village Meeting, held in the Village Hall on April 1st, was well supported this year, possibly the last time the meeting will be held in Massey's Folly . . . . . .more
Solar Farm switch on - Updated 22nd March 2015
After several technical problems and not a lot of help from the weather, the Upper Farringdon Solar Farm was connected to the grid on Friday 20th March, so, during daylight hours, your electrical demands might be partially or totally supplied by electricity generated by the solar panels installed beside Gaston Lane. . . . . more
classic wheels and willing walkers - Updated March 15th 2015
The offer of a marquee for the day was was not an opportunity to be missed and at fairly short notice a walk and a gathering of classic vehicles was organised at Fielders Farm . . . . more
Folly sale eventually moves into final phase - Updated December 31st 2014
At an Extraordinary Meeting of Farringdon Parish Council on yesterday evening the Councillors present voted unanimously to accept one of the three bids to buy Massey's Folly. . . . .more
'Twas the sunday before christmas - Updated December 22nd 2014
With Carol Singers in The Street, assorted festive lights on the cottages and a desperate haunted expression on the face of those (predominantly male!) residents who still haven't managed to find the perfect present and are hoping someone comes up with an idea before Christmas Morning, the last Sunday before Christmas was an opportunity for the Rev. Robin Ewbank to retell the original Christmas Story to the Children of the Parish at the Annual Christingle Service. . . . . more
Planning Meeting goes over old ground - Updated December 17th 2014
The Meeting of the Farringdon Parish Council Planning Committee held this evening (Wednesday 17th) was well attended, despite the rain, as yet another variation on the Crows Lane Application came up for discussion. . . . more
Christmas dinner number 43 - Updated December 14th 2014
Farringdon Christmas festivities begin in earnest as 76 of the more senior village residents enjoyed yet another excellent Christmas dinner in the village hall. . . . . . . . more
Yet another application for Crows lane - Updated November 30th 2014
Yet another planning application has been made to build houses on the Eastern side of Crows Lane, in the current incarnation the number of houses has been reduced from 20 to 14 . . . . more
Serious Fire at Hartley business park- Updated October 22nd 2014
Fire crews from East Hampshire were called to an intense fire in an Industrial Unit at Hartley Business Park last night (21st October). Strong winds were driving fumes and thick smoke across Selborne Road which was temporarily closed to traffic between the Round House crossroads and the Hall Lane junction, causing a dramatic, albeit temporary, increase in traffic through Farringdon.
No one was injured in the fire which completely destroyed one barn and . . . . . .more
Solar farm construction continues - Updated October 17th 2014
Those who pass along Gaston Lane will have noticed that the construction of the Solar Farm on the southern side of the lane is progressing apace. The contractors are now assembling the support structures for the Solar Panels. Incidentally this is the view from the 'Biz' Control Centre, about a mile away from the site.
Full house for the village quiz - Updated October 3rd 2014
The latest venture from the Village Hall Social Club proved to be the most popular event so far as the Hall was filled to capacity for the Quiz night on 19th September. . . . more
FARRINGDON HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY SUMMER SHOW-
Updated 11th August 2014
With exquisite timing timing, Farringdon Horticultural Society held their Annual Summer Show the day before the remnants of Hurricane Bertha blew into the gardens of Farringdon . . .more
Social Prescribing Project seeks volunteers - Updated August 10th 2014
Basingstoke Voluntary Services is partnering with the North Hants Clinical Commissioning Group to develop a pilot project placing "Well-being Guides" in 3 GP surgeries in Basingstoke, Alton and Hook. . . .more
Farewell to the Willow - Updated July 20th 2014
The Weeping Willow which has been a feature of the Rose and Crown Pub Garden for many years will shortly be no more.
Although diseased and damaged branches were removed some time ago the problems have now spread to the main trunk and Lynne and Russell have been left with no choice and the tree will have to be felled before it fells customers using the Pub garden. If all goes to plan the Willow will be felled on Monday (21st) so the garden will obviously be off limits while the tree is cleared.
D-Day Dance - Updated June 30th 2014
Friday 13th? No worries for Farringdon residents who, in cunning disguises, were making their way to the Village Hall for the D-Day Dance, the latest in a series of events organised by the Farringdon Village Hall Social Group. . . . .more
anti-invasion defences erected - Updated 3rd March 2014
A few travellers passing up and down Gaston lane have become somewhat agitated by both the potholes and the activity in a neighbouring field.. . . . .more
Unusual Traffic on the A32 - updated 18th Feb 2014
Ducks are moderately successful going downstream but for those wishing to go upstream, a Kayak is a suitable alternative.
Thanks to Denise Maughan for sending in this picture of a pair of intrepid explorers, heading south, to explore the upper reaches of Gosport Road on Sunday morning (16th Feb).
No sightings of Crocodiles or Piranhas were reported and, unlike the ducks (see below), the vessel remained upright for the entire voyage.
sun shines on the Farringdon Duck race - Updated February 16th 2014
Blue skies and sunshine brought out a
large audience from all parts of the village
for the Farringdon Duck Race which took place
along a flooded section of the Gosport Road
on Sunday morning.. . . more
Farringdon Flooding update - Updated 15th February 2014
Shirnall view residents will be relieved to see this picture showing the first fall in flood levels since water appeared behind their houses a couple of weeks ago . . . more
rising flood levels close a32 in farringdon - Updated 11th Feb 2014
A combination of heavy rain over night and rising groundwater have resulted in more extensive flooding along the A32 Gosport Road which is now closed to through traffic in Farringdon.
With care, to avoid sending a wave of water into Shirnall View, it is possible to get across the main road to Brightstone Lane. Both Gaston Lane and Hall lane are open although both can suffer temporary flooding after heavy rain. . . .more
Farringdon Village Hall – Social Group - Updated February 9th 2014
The inaugural meeting of the Group, which plans to organise regular social events in the Village Hall was held on Monday 20th January 2014. . . . more
Flooding reaches critical levels - Updated February 8th 2014
The rising water levels along the A32 have already forced some residents to leave their homes with flood water within inches of floor level on a number of other houses along the Gosport Road . . . . .more
Since the original article was posted, the A32, Gosport Road,
in Farringdon,has been closed to through traffic.
FARRINGDON SURVIVES ST JUDE STORM - Updated October 31st 2013
Although there was some damage and a few fallen trees, the recent gales left the majority of Farringdon residents unscathed . . . .more
FARRINGDON PLAN 2030 Published - Updated 08 September 2013
Afternoon and evening presentations in the Village Hall on Friday 8th September, heralded the release of Farringdon 2030, the Farringdon Village Plan.(The Farringdon Plan is available online on this page). . . more
a cautionary tale - with a happy ending - Updated 22nd August 2013
John Cavendish emailed the 'Biz' to pass on his experience, which began a couple of weeks ago. .more
Coronation party - Updated June 21st 2013
The Vicarage Garden was the Venue for the Farringdon Coronation Party held in bright sunshine on the 2nd June . . . . .more
a rather special birthday - Updated February 18th 2013
Birthdays don't very often warrant a report on the 'Biz' pages but this party at the Rose and Crown was a rather special occasion as relatives and friends joined Eileen Howarth to celebrate her 102nd birthday . . . . more
A 'CraCKER' FOR CHRISTMAS - Updated December 28th 2012
Thanks to Sylvia Goodall and Simon Applegarth we have pictures from the two night run of the Fabulous Farringdon Follies Company "Christmas Cracker" Cabaret held in the Village Hall on the 7th and 8th of December . . . . more
FARRINGDON OPEN GARDENS 2012 - Updated 5th July 2012
Despite the weather, the Open Gardens Day raised £475 which has been donated to Alton Food Bank – a local worthy charity.
Much to the relief of the resident gardeners, your reporter was conducting an in depth survey of the local pubs in the South Western corner of England on Open Gardens Day. Fortunately Mr John Bohringer was out and about on the day and has generously provided the Biz nerve centre with his photos taken on the day, a selection of which are available in the Open Gardens Gallery
the big diamond jubilee lunch - Updated July 31st 2012
Two pages of picture from the very successful Diamond Jubilee Lunch held at Fielder's Barn on 2nd June . . . . . more
farringdon neighbourhood network - Updated April 5th 2012
Douglas Shewan is now disseminating copious tit bits of information (via e-mail from the Crows Lane Communications Centre) to signed up recipients in the village on a bewildering variety of subjects - To receive your daily e-mail/s, just sign up with your details ( Please Note: Despite scurrilous rumours to the contrary you are not required to disclose your inside leg measurement ). . . . . .more
A SUNNY SUNDAY IN MAY. . . Updated 16th May 2011
Two pages of the
exotic and not so exotic machinery that was on display on and around the Church
Green and the flowers decorating the Church for the May, Magnolias and Motors
day held in aid of All Saints Church . . . more
FARRINGDON
SALT / GRIT BINS :
These
distinctive yellow or blue salt/grit bins have been provided by Farringdon Parish Council
and the contents by Hampshire County Council entirely to improve the safety of
vehicles (and their occupants) using public roads. They are deliberately sited
at three intersections not usually covered by EHDC gritting lorries and where
there is an increased risk from snow and ice. Contractors were topping up the
bin down by the A32 cross-roads on Sunday morning (19th Dec)
The
contents are NOT FOR USE ON PRIVATE PROPERTIES and anyone seen removing
the salt/grit contents
for their own use may be prosecuted for theft.
Granulated salt for use on private premises is widely available from local
builder's merchants and hardware stores. - Farringdon
Parish Council
FARRINGDON
CHRISTMAS CABARET . . . Updated 12th December 2010
Two
pages of pictures from Messrs. Wallace and Mills of the Farringdon Cabaret 2010.
. . . .more
SNOW
, SNOW AND YET MORE SNOW. . . Updated 6th January 2010
The
Weather Forecasters were spot on this time, the heavy snow forecast duly materialised
over night with an extra dose this morning, pictures from Claire Wallace and the
staff photographer . . . . more
CINDERELLA
DID GO TO THE BALL . . . .Updated 13th December 2009
Three
pages of pictures from the Farringdon Production of Cinderella which drew to a
successful close on Saturday night after four performances to enthusiastic audiences . . . more
[Top]
If you have any comments, news, or other information you would like
to see on this site then mail the 'Biz'
Farringdon.Biz MMXX
small steps back to normality - 
As some of you have already noticed, contractors are amassing materials and equipment on Hall Lane to replace cables on the 400kv power line. They are scheduled to start on or around the 17th June when Hall Lane will be closed, except for access, until the work is completed. It is expected that the works will take just over three weeks, assuming weather or confusion doesn't hinder progress. 
The 2020 Farringdon Great Onion Challenge is going ahead under self distancing regulations (
evere Case of Over Heating - 
Volunteers and Patrons of the Monthly Coffee Morning celebrated the 5th anniversary of the event in the Church last Saturday (
farringdon Christmas Fair
Lytch Gate refurbished
Why is there an old Boot* on the Font?
D-Day Commmemorative Drive
Gill Pears' Banner (
Father Christmas at the Golden Pheasant
What's going on around the Phone Box?
Yes, it's that time of year when the Horticulturists of Farringdon scour their flower beds and vegetable patches for that perfect specimen, when the cooks polish up their cooking utensils and select their finest offerings for The 2016 Farringdon Horticultural Society Summer Show on the 13th August.