Basingstoke And Deane Borough Council

It’s the fourth day of our 12 days before Christmas and we’re celebrating the fact that we have not one but two Green Flag parks right here in the borough. Both Eastrop Park and War Memorial Park have been recognised as among the best in the country. Perfect for walking off any extra mince pies!

#SundayShoutout Visit The Magical Christmas Toy Shop at Proteus Creation Space until Monday 24 December. This enchanting and interactive festive show is for pre-school children and their families. Enjoy Scratch Built's trademark mix of interactive storytelling, puppetry, music and sensory elements, all with a generous dusting of festive magic! Relaxed performances for those with additional needs will take place on Monday 17 December. Full details: http://www.proteustheatre.com/…/the-mag ical-christmas-toy-s…

On day three of our Christmas countdown we’re focusing on our operations team, who at this time of year often assist with gritting. As the Highways Authority, Hampshire County Council are responsible for salting roads and footpaths, but we help wherever possible by gritting certain areas including shopping parades, council-owned car parks, the Top of the Town area, certain footbridges and footways leading to and from sheltered accommodation. During extreme winter conditions we have also a team of operatives available to clear snow and salt footway links to key local facilities, such as shops and GP surgeries #12daysbeforeChristmas

#SaturdayShoutout It’s the Sherfield Park Christmas Extravaganza this weekend. Enjoy festive activities for all the family today and tomorrow at Sherfield Park Community Centre including Santa’s grotto, bouncy castle, mulled wine, mince pies, hot chocolate and more. Timings are on the posters. 01256 883 967 / http://sherfieldparkcommunity.co.uk/

It may be cold outside but some of the winter views in the borough are wonderful. The morning light and the frost combined to create some beautiful sights in the War Memorial Park earlier today. #LoveBasingstoke #lovewhereyoulive

Lots of council staff are marking today’s fundraising #ChristmasJumperDay in aid of Save the Children UK including our Benefits team. They are also running Christmas games to raise money for the charity. #FestiveFriday https://christmasjumperday.org/

Day two of our 12 days before Christmas is Christmas cooking. To avoid the unwanted gift of food poisoning this year, follow some simple tips such as fully defrosting your turkey, avoiding cross-contamination, not washing the turkey and taking care when reheating the meat. Find out more here: www.food.gov.uk/seasons-eatings

We’re over the moon to have been named as one of the top 20 councils to meet the government’s public sector apprenticeship target this year. We have some amazing apprentices currently working for the council – take a look at this video to hear from Amy, our Corporate Communications apprentice http://jobs.basingstoke.gov.uk/apprentice ships

If you have a frozen turkey, it’s time to check the defrosting guidelines as it may take up to 4 days! Defrost your turkey in the fridge to make sure it’s safe #SeasonsEatings www.food.gov.uk/seasons-eatings

As we countdown to Christmas we’ll be sharing useful information from our teams to help get you through the festive season! On the first day of our 12 days before Christmas we’re focusing on Christmas rubbish. The festive period can mean extra rubbish that cannot be recycled, so extra black sacks alongside your grey waste bin will be collected for the first collection after Christmas only. There’s no limit on how much you can recycle. There will be changes to collection dates over the festive period. Find your collection day here www.basingstoke.gov.uk/bincollections

An opportunity has arisen for a talented HR Business Partner to join us at the council. The successful applicant will work alongside the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development on pay, policy and employee relations. The role is varied with a combination of project work, hands on casework and change support. The closing date for applications is 17 December. Find out more: http://jobs.basingstoke.gov.uk/Basingstok e-job-vacancies… #jobs

The free hour’s parking in borough council-run car parks in Basingstoke town centre is set to continue next year, alongside a freeze in daytime short stay parking charges. The council’s Cabinet last week agreed proposals for fees and charges for paid-for services from April 2019, as part of a budget consultation. It was agreed that other fees and charges for ‘pay to use’ services overall are only set to rise by an average of 3%, to allow for inflation. The proposals are out for consultation until Wednesday 2 January 2019 at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/budget2019. Feedback will be considered before final decisions about the budget are taken at a Council meeting in February 2019.

You could face an unlimited fine if your rubbish is found fly-tipped. Check if your waste carrier is licensed or find your nearest recycling centre at the Hampshire County Council website www.hants.gov.uk/fly-tipping

Great news! Hector has been found safe and well.

Interested in local conservation? To find out more about future work parties, please email the team: wildlifeconservation@basingstoke.gov .uk The next work party will take place on 8 January and you can access the event details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/220066670 3522021/?event_time_id=2200666733522018 #lovewhereyoulive #LoveBasingstoke

It’s the last evening Wednesday Winter Wonderland walk next week (19 Dec). The walk leaves the Ridgeway Centre in Buckskin at 7pm and there’s a special bonus – the walk will finish with a mince pie and a hot drink. Everyone’s welcome to come along. Lots of other walks take place around the borough throughout the week including Overton, Tadley and Oakley (monthly Sunday walks). Full schedule details are online here: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/healthwalk s