Fleet Pond Society had a stall at the recent Fleet Centenary Celebrations. In spite of the inclement weather there was a lively turnout! Five new members were recruited and funds were increased through the sales of promotional goods and through contributions to the gift box.
Details of how to join can also be found here.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is holding a Volunteers Conference on Friday 12 September in Winchester Guildhall (10.30 – 15.30). The meeting will include a guided walk along the Itchen as well as a talk by Guest Speaker Chris Packham, the well-known TV presenter, photographer and author. Chris is also the Patron of The Fleet Pond Society.
The Water Vole artwork above is by Greg Poole (the Wildlife Trust is currently running a Water Vole Appeal).
As part of the recent Fleet Centenary events, a free event programme and guide booklet to Fleet was produced. It contained reproductions from an old Guide to Fleet booklet. This booklet is not dated, but information in it shows that it was written about 1908.
Here’s an interesting excerpt:
“One of Fleet’s chief attractions is the large sheet of water known as Fleet Pond, between which the railway lines run on an embankment. Various suggestions have been put forth as to its existence, but no doubt it has been a miniature lake for many years. The pond belongs to the military authorities for training purposes, but it is practically free to the public, and delightful walks can be had through shady trees and leafy groves. Severe weather, too, in winter, sometimes forms a great attraction, as when frozen over the pond makes an ideal skating rink. To children the pond had its special charm, as with a little imagination, and a spade and bucket, the small fry can readily suppose they are on the sand at the seaside”
Further historical information can be found via The Fleet & Crookham Local History Group.
Action Earth provided grants of up to £50 (funded by Morrisons) to assist groups in England, Scotland and Wales to carry out environmental projects. The projects ran from 1st March through to 31st July 2008.
There were 22 projects in Hampshire and two, Banking on Safety and Go Mud-Free Meandering, involved Fleet Pond Society.
Here’s a photo of the volunteers in their fetching plastic tabards!
If you fancy participating in such activities, please contact the Chairman, Colin Gray (details in the About section of this blog).
A packed programme of events has been planned for Saturday August 9 as the Fleet Business Partnership presents the Fleet Centenary Celebration. The hardware store W C Baker and Son, which is celebrating 100 years of service in Fleet, is sponsoring the day.
As part of these celebrations, Fleet Pond Society will have a stand opposite the Robert Dyas shop in the Hart Shopping Centre from 9.30 to 16.30. Please drop by for a chat on what Fleet Pond and the associated Society have to offer and, if interested, ways in which you and your friends and family can join in.