ELECTIONS at Brookvale Hall: Last Thursday saw a 35 per cent turnout of eligible voters of the Brookvale and Kings Furlong ward.

Councillor John Shaw, of the Liberal Democrats, was overwhelmingly voted back in with 699 votes, against the Conservatives' 356 and Labour's 196. The Green Party obtained 83 votes.

Congratulations John. For news from John, log on to his website www.councillor.info/basingstoke/jshaw

BASINGSTOKE Blues Club: Another jam session is being held tomorrow, at 7.30pm, at The Moose Hall in Churchill Way, Basingstoke.

Everyone will be welcome and entry is free, but you will need to bring your own amps and leads, if at all possible.

Please let Mike know you are planning to attend by phoning him on 01256 769051.

The next visiting band will be on Saturday, June 3, when Alan Glen and the Incredible Blues Puppies visit.

BASINGSTOKE in Bloom: Best front gardens, best photographs of the borough and best primary school gardens are the three categories.

Anyone can nominate a garden that they feel deserves to be entered and all entries will be welcome.

The best Basingstoke in Bloom entries will then represent the borough in the South and South East competition.

Communities are encouraged to get involved, not just gardeners.

It needn't be difficult to create your entry, despite the hosepipe ban. You can collect rainwater, reuse bathwater, use mulches to keep the soil cool, and water first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening.

If you would like to enter the competition or make a nomination, forms are available from the website www.basingstoke.gov.uk/inbloom or by calling Liane Barker on 01256 845630.