MY BIG Fat Greek Wedding was always going to be a hard act to follow for it's star and writer Nia Vardalos. But with Connie and Carla she has more than exceeded herself, proving that she's no one hit - nor one joke - wonder. Connie and Carla is a warm
BASINGSTOKE Male Voice Choir (BMVC) returns to the Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke, this month with a very special event in its 40th anniversary year. After the highly successful Anvil Concert celebrating St George's Day and marking the start of the choir's
SAINTS youngster Yoann Folly has emerged as a star of the Toulon Tournament. The 19-year-old midfielder has been impressive as the French under-23 side won the event by beating Sweden in the final yesterday. Folly, who played the last nine Premiership
Sir.-The charity ice hockey game between the Cougars and New York Blue Liners was fantastic, and we had a good turnout. My husband, Andy, plays for the Cougars and, on behalf of both teams, we would like to thank everybody who donated to our cause. We
Sir.-Re: "Speed limits will not work" (Friday Gazette, May 28). S Dale urges Hampshire County Council to "get real" and spend money on road safety education, namely the Edge 44 initiative to improve motorcycling safety across the county. I'm pleased to
Sir.-I wish to register my reaction to having to pay for disabled car parking at Basingstoke hospital. I have recently acquired a disabled "blue badge", through long-standing medical conditions and increasing age. That does not mean my mental capacity
TREACLE fair: Last Sunday was truly a magnificent day. The event was opened by the borough mayor, Cllr Gerry Traynor. The weather was very good and the arena events went very well. It was also nice to see some of our old Tadley firemen from years gone
DON'T miss the Hartley Wintney Festival tomorrow: This will be the 13th festival and is run by Hart Rotary Club in association with Hook and Odiham Lions Club. It will be opened at 12.30pm by Helen James, of Meridian TV, on Oak Common. Along with all
LAST Saturday: At 3Cs coffee morning in the village hall, several members of the new committee acquainted themselves with this monthly social. During the get-together, Brookvale Lottery numbers were drawn for the month of May. The winners, who will each
JUMBLE sale at Brighton Hill Community Association: On May 22, the jumble sale, organised by older people raised £92. Well done to everyone. TAXIS and hire cars: What is the difference? My questions were answered on May 26 by the Basingstoke and Deane
CMS and church summer fair: Please remember the changed date - Saturday, July 17, from 2pm to 4pm. Also, the venue has changed. It is now at the British Legion ground. All the usual stalls will be there, with bargains on the plant, white elephant and
THE Conservative Party has strengthened its stranglehold on Fareham Council after stealing three seats from the Lib Dems and keeping Labour frozen out. Its boldest gain came in the former Lib Dem stronghold of Fareham South where first time councillor
TODAY sees the start of the sixth Isle of Wight Festival, even though the first was all the way back in 1968. Although compared to other festivals this is just a handful, the Isle of Wight Festival can still boast of having had performances from some
PEOPLE are being given the opportunity of a trip on the Solent while helping to protect the future of a priceless collection of wartime vessels. Visitors to the British Military Powerboat Trust tomorrow can enjoy a ride on a boat that can be described
A PENSIONER, whose efforts to bring a splash of colour to his street every year were under threat from a council ban, is today celebrating a victory for common sense after officials backed down. Peter Andow, 70, plants bulbs and carefully tends to the
THE Conservative Party has strengthened its stranglehold on Fareham Council after stealing three seats from the Lib-Dems and keeping Labour frozen out. Its boldest gain came in the former Lib-Dem stronghold of Fareham South where first time councillor
PRIME Minister Tony Blair was sent a stark message from voters in Hampshire today. The Labour Party failed to gain a single seat in two major council elections in the county that have so far declared results this morning. And in Eastleigh the party lost
SOUTHAMPTON'S Conservatives were celebrating today after stealing two council seats from Labour and the Liberal Democrats in the city's local election. Labour's Simon Letts lost his Freemantle ward to Tory Michael Ball and the Lib Dems' Anne Work lost
WE'VE all heard of those dedicated performers who suffer for their art. How about one who shaves for it? David Curtis, 37, from Chandler's Ford sacrificed his mop of dark hair to become completely bald in preparation for his role with Southern Theatre
Today's Principal Arrivals: Patriot, vehicle, 0100, 40; Berit L, general, 0330, 102/3; Nedlloyd Oceania, container, 0330, 205; Nobleza, ro/ro, 0430, 202; CFF Solent, ro/ro, 0530, 25 link; Autofreighter, ro/ro, 0730, 201; Montlhery, ro/ro, 0730, 203; Jingu
WINCHESTER City have revived their interest in BAT frontman Richard Gregory. The FA Vase winners have invited the 19-year-old Hedge End lad for pre-season training after failing to woo him to the Denplan City Ground last season. The news comes as no surprise
PLAYER-manager Graham Kemp is hoping an injection of frontline pace will hasten Brockenhurst's rise up the Sydenhams Wessex League. Although Kemp made the Badgers a far tighter defensive unit when transforming them from basement no-hopers to top-half
IN ALAN Ayckbourn's The Norman Conquests, the character of Tom is described as "that irritating vet from next door". Tom is played by Anthony Washington (pictured above) and I met up with him at the Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke. "That's Norman's take
FOLLOWING the success of last year's Music Hall at the Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke, performers led by Helen Watson will again provide entertainment from a bygone age. They will take to the stage of the venue on Saturday, June 26, in a 3pm matinee and
Films showing in the Hampshire region until 16th June. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (15): Cinematic masterpiece by Charlie Kaufman about a man who decides to have all memories of a relationship erased but changes his mind once the process has
IT SEEMS that drag is the theme of this week's cinematic releases. Not only are the female stars of Connie and Carla dressing up as men pretending to be women but Gael Garcia Bernal, star of Bad Education is also going on for a spot of gender bending.
AS A long-term member of '60s group The Yardbirds, Chris Dreja had a few aces up his sleeve when the band broke up for the first time - relying on his trusty ability as a photographer to make a living. "When I discovered the blues, I still took a camera
BASINGSTOKE and North Hants face a big weekend starting tomorrow with the visit of Banbury in the Home Counties League, before they make the trip to Cheam on Sunday in the second round of the Evening Standard Cup. The May's Bounty men came as close as
FOOTBALL fans heading to the Euro 2004 Championships should be extra-careful if they plan to drive in Portugal, which is top of the European road death league, warns The AA Motoring Trust. Nearly four times as many people, per head of the population,
Sir.-I believe that giving clubbers a lollipop to suck when leaving clubs and bars, to divert their alcoholic minds from violence, could have a detrimental effect on their health. Firstly, can we guarantee they will actually find their mouths and not
Sir.-I write further to the letter in last Friday's Gazette, from S Brown, regarding the cost of the all-in-one ticket for the steam show and Milestones museum. I too was extremely disappointed at the cost of the ticket as we would have loved to have
FETE: Tomorrow, from 1pm, but you can buy your barbecue lunch from 12.30pm. There will be a large number of stalls and both new and old games. Tea will be served in the marquee from 2pm, and there will also be entertainment by Silchester School Band and
VILLAGE of the Year: Representatives from village groups and activities were at the hall last Saturday, when judges from "Hampshire Village of the Year" came to make their assessment. There was lively chatter as they moved around the displays and enjoyed
IT MUST be fete! A lot is happening all around us this week, starting with our neighbour Hartley Wespall's summer fete on Sunday, from 2pm, on The Green. There's free parking opposite for all those ready to enjoy the fun. Attractions range from the dog
SUMMER fayre: This is the big bash for the Old Basing schools. It starts at 1.30pm, tomorrow, in the grounds of St Mary's Church of England Junior School. The raffle looks excellent with a dishwasher as the main prize and a balloon ride as the second.
OAKRIDGE Centre: A new site office has now been set up just within the car parking area of the Oakridge Centre. The centre manager is David Cobb, who can be contacted on 01256 462032. LITTER: Although the litter wardens are doing excellent work, it does
BUSY Bees summer fete: At the Scout Hut, Strokins Road, tomorrow, from 2pm to 4pm. Friends of Kingsclere School summer fete: At the school on Saturday, June 26, from 2pm to 4pm. We are promised a large choice of new events and activities, and the grand
BIBLE exhibition: Following on from The Bible exhibition, held this week in Pamber Heath Gospel Hall, a series of gospel meetings commence at the same venue on Sunday, and continue every evening at 7.45pm, up to and including Sunday, June 20. The speaker
SUMMER fayre: At Oak Lodge Nursing Home on Sunday, June 20. There will be stalls offering bric-a-brac, home-made cakes, nearly-new clothes, soft toys, crafts and a tombola. A raffle will also be held with many prizes, including a first prize of a meal
SATURDAY Fun Club: The next children's Fun Club is on June 19, from 10am to noon, at the community centre. The Fun Club is designed for children of primary school age who can come along and join in with lots of creative fun and activities. All places
WHAT a weekend: Farleigh looked at its very best for the Carriage Driving Trials. The estate made a superb and sumptuous setting for an event that's both exciting and very elegant. A full report next week. D-DAY anniversary: Sadly, my report for last
COFFEE morning and whist drive: On Monday, there is a coffee morning in the Millennium Village Hall, from 10.30am until noon, and on Thursday, there's a whist drive, starting at 7.15pm, also in the hall. ST LEONARD'S Church: Tomorrow, from 10.30am to
EASTLEIGH Tory group leader Godfrey Olson is to notch up an amazing half-century of service on the council following his re-election to the authority last night. Councillor Olson stormed to victory in the Hiltingbury East ward notching up a 610-vote majority
PARISH council: The next meeting is on Monday. This will be the first full one under the chairmanship of Martin Adams. Apart from that modest change, the routine remains as before - the meeting starts at 7.45pm with the public session at approximately
AN alleged dirty tricks campaign ahead of today's election result could see two bitter political rivals end up face-to-face in court. Independent councillor Ashley Goodall has instructed solicitors to instigate libel proceedings against Conservative Roger
STRANGLEY, it's the losers of television talent shows who seem to be the winners, with the success stories of Lemar, Liberty X and now Javine. After just missing out making the five finalists, who became Girls Aloud, on the television show Popstars: the
IT was a dream come true for hundreds of Hampshire children as they enjoyed an all-expenses-paid trip to Paultons Park. More than 1,000 youngsters with special needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds had fun on rides and amusements at the Ower fun park
A LITTLE extra cash would make their dreams come true. The children pictured above, their parents and playgroup leaders are the first contenders in our Make it Happen Awards scheme. The Daily Echo and Combined Insurance Make it Happen Awards give all
SUN, sea, and sangria. The people of Southampton want it - and they want it up to five times a year. And, more so than many other cities in the country, they are hopping on a plane over to resorts in Spain, France and Greece to get it. Results of a survey
PEAK-time cover is to be slashed at one of Southampton's busiest fire stations in a bid to meet new response times. For six months from September, a fire engine from Redbridge station, at the heart of a city estate, will be sent 12 miles away to Winchester
A CRUCIAL transplant operation aimed at saving the life of a 12-year-old Hampshire boy has gone smoothly, doctors say. Yesterday's bone marrow transplant, which saw stem cells from Allison Hartley injected into her son Joshua, was successful, said Dr
THE latest offering from The Point in Eastleigh is a dance extravaganza, which will involve up to 5,000 people in dances, workshops and audiences. This impressive and exciting event, Jump, will have everything from Pilates and Salsa to Urban Classics
WINCHESTER City have revived their interest in BAT frontman Richard Gregory. The FA Vase winners have invited the 19-year-old Hedge End lad for pre-season training after failing to woo him to the Denplan City Ground last season. The news comes as no surprise
PLAYER-manager Graham Kemp is hoping an injection of frontline pace will hasten Brockenhurst's rise up the Sydenhams Wessex League. Although Kemp made the Badgers a far tighter defensive unit when transforming them from basement no-hopers to top-half
BASINGSTOKE RFC's two major backers are renewing their vital support in sponsorship deals that will deliver a substantial five-figure financial boost to the club. The B J Champion group of companies, and FX Management Services, this week announced their
THE LATEST developments in employment law were explained at a packed seminar in Saints' St Mary's Stadium. More than 100 business people and human resources specialists filled the Terry Paine Suite for the Employment Law Update 2004 Daily Echo editor
AS WE all try to maintain healthy active lifestyles, sports medicine is becoming an increasingly important care technique. Sports medicine is the medical care of illness, utilising exercise programmes and also the medical care of problems, injuries and
FORMER Dell striker Ian Baird is helping to spread the word for Havant & Waterlooville in the 'enemy' camp of Southampton. The 40-year-old, who made 21 starts for Saints before carving out a career with Leeds, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, has joined
EXETER CITY boss Eamonn Dolan is set to take a closer look at Winchester City skipper Danny Smith -- after the tough-tackling midfielder wrote the Grecians' chief a letter. The former Cherries plaer is seeking a move up the non-league pyramid and has
FORMER Dell striker Ian Baird is helping to spread the word for Havant & Waterlooville in the 'enemy' camp of Southampton. The 40-year-old, who made 21 starts for Saints before carving out a career with Leeds, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, has joined
Many Hampshire members of the Normandy Veterans Association went to France last weekend to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings... SURROUNDED by fields the Gothic chateau of Fountain Etoupefour stands out above the trees. But for Hampshire
MASON JAMES Our dearest Jimmy. How much you are missed, not a day passes without the pain your leaving causes. We all love and miss you so much Jim. God bless you Bruv. Mark, Mel, Marky, Sheldon and Elisha. X X
HEVICON GORDON Passed away one year ago. We will love and miss you always. Loving wife Audrey and family.
MARTIN KIMBERLEY NICHOLE 16 today. A very happy birthday. Love you loads Nan and Grandad Cooke X X
WINDIBANK PATRICK TERENCE DAVID In loving memory of dear Pat. Sadly missed by Moira, Kathleen, David and families. L.F.E. Pat.
BULL GORDON Dear brother of Rita, brother-in-law of Jim and uncle to Susan and Valerie, reunited with Mum and Dad (Olive and George of Sarisbury Green). Will be sadly missed. God Bless.
DOWSE PETER 60 Today! Have a very Happy Birthday. All our love. Jean, Kerry, Jonathan, Angie and Bob. X X
BRADBURY ANGELA Formerly of the Henry Beaufort School, Harestock. Passed away peacefully in the RHCH, Winchester on June 7th, 2004, aged 52 years after a courageous fight against leukaemia, borne with fortitude and humour. Beloved wife of Christopher,
LEWIS ELAINE PATRICIA Derek and family would like to thank all family, friends, relatives and neighbours for their cards, flowers, messages of sympathy and kindness at this sad time. Please accept this as a personal thank you.
WILLIAMS LORAINE Passed away June 3rd, 2004. Loving memories of happy times. Goodnight, God bless. Cousins Gay, Ivy, Fred and Thelma.
HELLYAR JOHN AND PATRICIA Are so very proud to announce the birth of their third grandson, James Peter, born June 8th, 2004 weighing 9lb 1oz. Most welcome playmate for Thomas and Robert. Thank you Stuart and Sue for our lovely family.
ATKINSON DOUG Much loved husband of Shirley. Died peacefully on Sunday 6th June 2004. ---------- Funeral service to be held at Southampton Crematorium, East Chapel on Thursday, June 17th, 2004 at 12.20 p.m. Family flowers only, donations if desired (
WHITLOCK FREDERICK Your gentle humour, your ready smile, your warm embrace, made life all worthwhile. From your loving granddaughter. Wendy, husband Andrew, and great grandsons Michael and Ryan. X X X X
KENDALL DORIS (DOLLY) Passed peacefully over on Wednesday, June 9th, 2004. ---------- Her Funeral will be held on June 21st in the East Chapel of Southampton Crematorium at 12.00p.m. All family and friends welcome. No wreaths please, flowers only to Co-Operative
WATTS JESSIE The family of the late Jessie Suzanne Germaine Watts would like to thank relatives, friends and neighbours for their cards and messages of sympathy, floral tributes and donations. Greatful thanks also to The Vicar at Freemantle Church, Southampton
SMEE GWEN (nee HALE) Passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2004, aged 92. Widow of William Henry (Bill). Loving mother of Kenneth, mother-in-law of Irene. Loving grandmother and great grandmother Will be sadly missed by all her family. ------------ Funeral
SAUNDERS BRENDA Stephen and Claire would like to thank all family and friends for their floral tributes and messages of sympathy following the loss of their Mum. Please accept this as a personal thank you.
FRIAR GEORGE Died peacefully in Romsey Hospital on June 8th, 2004, aged 70 years. Much loved and sadly missed by his wife Dorothy, Martin, Tina and Mike. --------- Funeral Service at Southampton Crematorium, West Chapel on Wednesday, June 16th, 2004 at
BAKER MICHAEL Happy memories of Michael. Much loved son of Madge and the late William Baker. DIed peacefully after a short illness on June 9th, 2004. Loving brother of Mary, brother-in-law to David, uncle to Theresa, Paul, Mark, Jonathan and their families
BROWN KEN Died peacefully on June 8th, 2004, aged 80 years. Much loved husband of Bobs and father of Stew and Jan. A loving grandfather of Paul, Luke, Douglas and Ceridwen. Now at peace. ------- Funeral Service at Southampton Crematorium, on Thursday
DANIELLE WARD IS 18 TODAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADOL. To our wonderful daughter and lovely sister. We wish you all the happiness for the future, remember live your life to the max! With all our love Mum, Dad and Rich. XXXX
ELLA MARIE DURAND Mike Durand and Sheri Kidby Are pleased to announce the arrival of their daughter Ella. Born on June 4th, 2004, weighing 6 lbs.
WHALE AND WILTON CAROLINE AND ROB Jane and Nigel are delighted to announce the engagement of their only daughter Caroline to Rob, eldest son of Rob and Marilyn Wilton.
HAYTER EILEEN It is with deep sadness that I announce the untimely death of my wonderful wife, taken suddenly at home on Monday, June 7th, 2004. Reunited now with her younger daughter Rosemary. Greatly missed by elder daughter Christine, son-in-law Keith
WRIGHT BARBARA DOREEN Died peacefully on June 4th, 2004 aged 81 years. Greatly missed by sister Joan and nieces Edna and Carol and family.
JERAM LILIE Treasured memories of our very dear mum and nan who left us six years ago today. Still missing you. Love you always. Sue, Ray and Ashley. xxx
MARTIN KIMBERLEY Happy 16th Birthday. To my special daughter on her 16th birthday. You make me so proud. I love you so much. Have a lovely day. All my love and kisses Mum X X X X ----------- To my sister on her 16th Birthday. Lots of love Jack X X X X
MASON JIMMY One year has passed. Miss you so much. Love from your brother and friend Darren, Lee, Laura Lee, Charlie and Megan. X X X
MCDONALD TOM (MAC) Remembering a dear husband, who left us four years ago today. The happy times we once enjoyed are sweet memories still, but death has left a vacant space the world can never fill. Your loving wife May, daughters Kay and Maureen and
McBRIDE BARBARA URSULA Treasured memories of our mum and nana who passed away 18 years ago today. "The years go by and things change but our never ending love for you will always be the same." God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts. Lots
McBRIDE BARBARA Dear mum and nana, left us 18 years ago today. In our hearts forever. God Bless. Joan and Bob, Donna and Sarah, Roger, Kevin and Christian. X X X
CAUSTICK JAMIE AND SARAH Are delighted to announce the arrival of their son Jonty James, born June 7th, 2004, weighing 7Ib 12ozs.
60 TODAY CLIVE LESLIE SMITH Happy 60th birthday Charley Farley Love and best wishes, Barbara, Simon, & Robert. To new beginnings.
YOUREN JOHN Sixty-eight today. Fun and laughter, sadness and tears, we shared together through the years. Love and miss you. Marian. X X X X X
MASON JIMMY 1 year on and the tears have lessened but the heartache is still as strong. Loving you always. God Bless. Claire. X X X X
COOPER DIANA (DI) Passed away suddenly on June 8th, 2004, aged 77 years. Beloved wife of Frank, mother to Graham, Brian and Sue. Sister of Geoff and Monica. Granny to Emily, Isobel and George. ----------- Funeral Service at Salisbury Crematorium, on Friday
GREEN ALAN Died peacefully on June 9th. Loving brother of Dennis, brother-in-law to Sylvia,uncle of Jeff, Hilary, Sarah. Rest in Peace AJ. ---------------- ALAN. Went to sleep at 12.03pm on June 9th, 2004. Beloved brother of Irene, dear uncle to Lisa
MASON JIMMY DAD. A year has gone and it doesn't seem right. I think about you day and night. I say to myself it just isn't fair my only hope is that you are out there somewhere. Love you forever. Your boy J.J. X X X -------------- We think about you in
MASON JIMMY DAD I can't believe it has been a year. You are always in our thoughts. We love and miss you so much. Love always Louise and Dave XXX
MINNS VERNON Died suddenly but peacefully on June 6th, 2004. Adored husband of Jenette and loving father to Laura and Chris. ---------- Funeral Service at Portchester Crematorium on Wednesday, June 16th at 2.00p.m. Family flowers only, donations if wished
MILBOURNE GEORGE (Rtd. Merchant Seaman) Passed away June 7th, 2004. Aged 76 years. Loving husband of Daisy. Will be sadly missed by all the family and friends. The Funeral Service will take place on Friday, June 18th, 2004 at Southampton Crematorium,
FISHER MARGARET (MOLLY) Passed away suddenly and peacefully on Saturday, June 5th, 2004. Loving mother and grandmother. Will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. X X X ---------- Funeral Service in Southampton Crematorium, (East Chapel) on Thursday
MORRELL EDIE Passed away peacefully in Bournemouth Hospital on June 8th, 2004, aged 95 years. Much loved mum of Ann and Norman, and Ken and the late Mary Marsh. Dearest gran to Tony and Sharon and Zoe and all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
JONES - GERREY SAMANTHA AND SIMON Mrs Jennifer Jones is proud to announce the forthcoming marriage of her daughter Samantha to Simon on Saturday, June 12th, 2004. Congratulations and best wishes to you both. Love Mum, Natalie, Barry, Ben and Nan. X X
WRIGHT BARBARA DOREEN (nee HASLER) Passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2004, aged 81 years. Beloved mother of Wendy, Tricia, Alan, Terry and Stephen. Mother-in-law of Bob, Carolyn, Lorraine and Jane. Loving grandma to Lyn, Joanne, David, Trevor, Paul,
GROUT"DOROTHY "RITA""Died peacefully after much suffering June 4th, 2004, aged 84. Reunited with Dad, Roger and Barry. Beautiful memories we will always treasure of a wonderful mum and nanny we will love forever. Daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Mike,
DIAPER"IRENE MARJORIE 1919 - 2004"Passed away in hospital on June 9th. Beloved wife of Dink for nearly 61 years. Loving mum of Hazel and Robert, Sue and Chumley, Angie and Roy. Dear Nanny to Matthew, Roy, Paul, Simon and Jonathan. Great nanny to Shane
