BROADBAND: As predicted in this column last week, BT's requirement of 150 pre-registrations has been achieved.

BT will now check the registrations to ensure they are genuine and will then announce when the Herriard exchange will be ready for service. This could take three to four months.

SAD news: Brian Bailey, of Kvanndal in Axford Road, has died.

The funeral was at St Martin's Church on Wednesday. Our thoughts are with Betty and their family and friends at this time of sorrow.

CIVIL evening: A contingent of Sealed Knot re-enactment soldiers passed through Ellisfield on a charity walk from Cheriton to Old Basing last Saturday evening.

They laid siege to the Fox Inn (which quickly capitulated) and then set about raiding the contents of the pub's bar and kitchen.

Unlike many of their original counterparts, these soldiers paid their bill.

CUP: Limington House, the school for special-needs children in Basingstoke, has announced that it will be using part of the donations made in Frank Pluckrose's memory to purchase a Pluckrose Memorial Cup.

This will be awarded annually to the highest work course achiever in the 16 to 19-year-old pupil group. June is delighted with this gesture.

WEEKEND activities: Don't miss the horticultural society's spring show tomorrow.

It's at the Memorial Hall, with public viewing of exhibits from 2pm to 3.30pm.

There is also the benefice sponsored walk on Sunday, starting at Cliddesden's St Leonard's Church at 1pm.