Extra Link articles
Article we didn't have space for in May 2026 Link
Black Broadcasting – Britain’s Secret Weapon in WWII (short version)
Members of the Probus Club of Basingstoke were treated to a fascinating exploration of one of the most covert and imaginative fronts of the Second World War when Guy Caplin presented his talk on “black broadcasting.” His presentation uncovered how Britain used radio not simply as a tool for communication, but as a sophisticated weapon of deception designed to mislead, unsettle, and ultimately weaken the enemy.
Many people recognise the sinister phrase “Germany calling,” made famous by William Joyce—better known as Lord Haw‑Haw—whose English‑language broadcasts became a hallmark of Nazi propaganda. Joseph Goebbels understood radio’s extraordinary influence, and his ministry used it relentlessly. In response, Winston Churchill authorised the creation of Britain’s own clandestine broadcasting operation.
Because the BBC refused to participate in subversive work, a secret unit was formed under the leadership of Dennis Sefton Delmer. Born in Berlin and fluent in German, Delmer had worked as a Daily Express foreign correspondent with rare access to senior Nazi figures. His background made him both an asset and a potential risk, but his connection to Commander Ian Fleming in naval intelligence —later the creator of James Bond—helped secure his appointment.
Delmer’s team established covert stations at Wavendon Towers near Bletchley Park. Their broadcasts blended genuine news with carefully crafted misinformation, delivered in a style that convincingly mimicked authentic German stations. One outlet targeted U‑boat crews, playing popular German songs and American dance music to build credibility before inserting subtle propaganda.
Speed was one of Britain’s greatest advantages. While German broadcasts were slowed by layers of censorship, British stations could air news almost instantly. Agents even supplied local football results, and a presenter known as “Vicki” took music requests to enhance authenticity.
The powerful Aspidistra transmitter in Sussex enabled Britain to hijack German frequencies, while other efforts included dropping homing pigeons with questionnaires and distributing newspapers summarising the broadcasts.
After the war, Delmer tried to rebuild the German newspaper industry but receiving no support returned to the Daily Express and in 1945 was awarded the OBE for his remarkable contribution.
See www.probusbasingstoke.club for more information
Complete article that was shortened in April 2026 Link:
Candovers Oakley and Overton Division- Cllr Juliet Henderson
Tackling fly‑tipping: stronger national powers to back up Hampshire’s tough approach
As many of you will know, I am infuriated by fly-tipping and have championed a ‘no excuses’ approach to investigation of the crime. Therefore, I very much welcome this week’s announcement from Government setting out new guidance to help councils crack down even harder on fly‑tipping. With 1.26 million incidents recorded across England last year, this is a crime that damages our countryside, costs taxpayers money and frustrates communities who take pride in where they live.
Hampshire already has an excellent track record for prosecuting offenders, naming and shaming those responsible and seizing vehicles used in waste crime. These new national measures will strengthen our hand even further.
The guidance gives councils clear instructions on how to identify, seize and, where appropriate, crush vehicles used to dump waste. It also encourages the use of CCTV, drones and ANPR to catch offenders in the act and sets out how councils can take stronger cases to court and secure convictions against vehicle owners.
National figures show councils seized 139 vehicles last year and carried out 572,000 enforcement actions — an 8% increase — including 69,000 fixed penalty notices. The direction of travel is clear: tougher enforcement, more prosecutions and greater transparency about those who blight our communities.
For Hampshire residents, this means even more robust action against those who think they can dump waste and get away with it. Every prosecution, every seized vehicle and every offender publicly held to account helps protect our countryside and keeps our communities cleaner and safer. I’ll continue to champion strong enforcement and ensure Hampshire remains at the forefront of tackling waste crime.
Residents should report fly tipping using this link: Reporting fly-tipping issues
Government’s New Schools White Paper: What it Means for Hampshire’s Children with SEND
The Government has now published its Schools white paper: every child achieving and thriving, setting out major reforms to the SEND system and wider education landscape. Hampshire County Council, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and the Hampshire Parent and Carer Network work together as a Local Area Partnership to improve SEND support locally. We have issued a joint response today, and I want to share the key messages with you directly.
What the Government Is Proposing
SEND System Changes
A new tiered system of targeted and specialist support, with EHCPs reserved for the most complex needs by 2035.
Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND, extending legal rights and ensuring every school provides personalised support.
Reassessment of EHCPs at key transition points from 2029.
Digitised EHCPs and ISPs, plus national standards and a national library of interventions.
Investment and Support
A new Inclusive Mainstream Fund (£1.6bn) to strengthen SEND support in every school.
An Experts at Hand service (£1.8bn) to ensure every area has access to educational psychologists, speech and language therapists and other specialists.
£200m for SEND outreach in every Best Start Family Hub.
£200m to help local authorities deliver the reforms effectively.
£3.7bn nationally for new special school places and inclusion bases.
School System Reform
All schools expected to join or form high‑quality school trusts, including new local authority established trusts.
Hampshire’s Joint Response
Our Local Area Partnership has welcomed several aspects of the white paper — particularly the focus on early support, inclusion and collaboration across education, health and care.
We said:
“It is reassuring to see that the Government’s announcements align with the direction of travel that we have already been taking for some time in Hampshire. Our long‑held belief is that meeting children’s needs earlier and enabling them to access the right support close to home – in the communities they know and alongside the children they grew up with – is best for children and best for their families.”
This reflects the work we have already been doing:
- expanding specialist provision across Hampshire
- strengthening inclusion in mainstream schools
- training and upskilling school staff
- improving access to health services for children with additional needs
We also welcomed the Government’s commitment to a national training programme for teachers and the fact that these reforms come with clear financial backing — something we have long argued is essential.
At the same time, we recognise that families will have questions about what this means for their own children. We are working through the detail carefully and will continue to communicate clearly and openly as the reforms progress.
Hampshire County Council’s Position
Alongside the joint statement, I want to highlight a few key points from Hampshire County Council’s perspective:
We will strongly defend the rights of children who need EHCPs. Any changes must not reduce support for those who rely on legally enforceable provision today.
We support ISPs in principle, but they must be robust, properly funded and backed by real specialist capacity.
We welcome investment but will be making the case that Hampshire’s size and rurality must be reflected in how funding is allocated.
We will continue expanding specialist provision, building on the hundreds of new places already created.
We will work closely with parents and carers, ensuring their voices shape how these reforms are implemented locally.
What Happens Next
The Government is consulting on these proposals until 18 May 2026. Hampshire County Council will submit a detailed response, informed by our schools, professionals and parent networks.
Nothing changes immediately for families. The reforms will be phased in gradually from 2026 through to 2035. We will keep residents updated every step of the way.
Our Roads
There at last seems to be an end in sight to the incessant rain. This, plus the warmer weather increasing the road surface temperature means proper road repairs can resume, of which there are very many to be undertaken.
Here’s the latest update.
Highways Information
The brutal truth about Hampshire’s potholes – and why we can’t just “spend more”
Hampshire’s roads have taken an absolute battering this winter. Weeks of relentless rain and violent freeze–thaw cycles have ripped open the surface across the county. Potholes are appearing faster than crews can fill them.
Here’s the blunt truth:
We simply don’t have the money to maintain the roads to the standard we all want.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦
Cost to bring roads up to the standard I’d want: £600 million
Highways budget this year: £60 million
£540 million shortfall
No amount of “efficiency” fills a gap like that.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞
Social care and education costs are exploding — and Hampshire is hit harder than most:
- By 2030, nearly 5% of residents will be over 80
- More children with Special Educational Needs than average
- Rising demand for disability support
- These services are legally required. If someone qualifies, we must provide care.
𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
Band D Council Tax paid to Hampshire: £1,609
Surrey: £1,846
West Sussex: £1,800
Oxfordshire: £1,911
We’ve had lower council tax for years — but that means less money for roads.
You can’t run a high‑maintenance network on a low‑tax budget.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰
Here’s how the system actually works:
Every report triggers an inspection — councillors and residents use the same system.
Safety defects come first — A‑roads and B‑roads before residential streets and country lanes.
Temporary repairs are often unavoidable — asphalt won’t bond in cold, wet weather.
Permanent repairs take 7× longer — so crews make more locations safe first.
Non‑safety defects are queued — tackled when weather and resources allow.
And yes — some temporary repairs fail in this weather. If they do, please re‑report them.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥
We've had 156% of our average January rainfall
February’s average rainfall was exceeded in the first week alone
Repeated freeze–thaw cycles
Some potholes appear overnight. Others worsen within hours.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
Hampshire faces a £500m highways funding gap
Government funding this year: £30m
We matched it — still nowhere near enough
Only a tiny fraction of road tax and fuel duty goes to road maintenance
Hampshire’s roads are better than many neighbours, but roads across the South East — and even motorways — are in dire condition.
This is a national crisis, not a local failing.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰
We’ve secured extra resources:
- More Jet/Dragon Patchers
- Extra patching gangs (started 12 Jan, more added end of Jan)
- More drainage jetting machines
- A dedicated flooding response team
- Extra white‑lining crews
Temporary infills will be used where needed to keep roads safe. Permanent repairs will follow when conditions improve.
We’re funding this by using underspends in other areas.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭
We’re reshaping the 2026/27 budget to move every possible penny into road maintenance — likely £10m extra for summer repairs.
And we've launched plans for a lane‑rental disruption charge:
Companies pay a daily fee for roadworks on key routes
Encourages shorter, better‑planned works
Could raise up to £5m a year for road maintenance
How you can help
Please report potholes — especially worsening ones — via the official system:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/.../roadma.../roadproblems/potholes
Accurate locations and photos help enormously.
And thanks to you for your patience, it's a very difficult situation and we are doing our absolute best.
Reporting Highway Problems
Links to report road issues are here:
Potholes: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/potholes
Tree/hedge problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/treehedge
Flooding/drainage issues: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/flooding
Pavement problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/paving
Broken or missing signs: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/brokensigns
Faulty street lights: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/streetlight
Faded or missing road markings: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/road-markings
Problems with rights of way: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/rightsofway/reportaproblem
When reporting an issue, you’ll be sent an email confirming a reference number for the report. If you would like me to follow this up for you then do please forward that message to me and I will chase for you.
Cllr Juliet Henderson
Complete article that was shortened in March 2026 Link:
Candovers Oakley and Overton Division- Cllr Juliet Henderson
🌧️ Winter Weather and Our Roads
Since Christmas, the combination of freezing temperatures and relentless rain has taken a real toll on Hampshire’s roads. The constant freeze–thaw cycle is exactly the kind of weather that accelerates potholes and surface deterioration, and we’ve seen a sharp rise in reports as a result.
Despite this, Hampshire's Highways Team has already repaired more than 62,000 defects since the start of the financial year — an enormous effort given the conditions.
To keep pace with the extra demand, Highways have secured additional crews and machinery, even as councils across the country compete for the same resources. You’ll now see more Jet/Dragon Patchers out on the network, extra patching gangs already working since early January, and further teams joining in the coming weeks.
Alongside pothole repairs, winter weather is also putting pressure on drainage systems. Extra jetting machines are now available to help manage localised flooding, and a dedicated team is responding to drainage issues as they arise. We’ve also added an extra white‑lining crew to tackle worn markings at smaller sites.
Given the sheer volume of defects, some potholes will need temporary infill repairs to keep roads safe while permanent repairs are scheduled. It’s not ideal, but it’s the quickest way to manage safety risks during peak demand.
📝 How you can help
The best and most effective way to report potholes or any highway issue is through the Hampshire County Council website or the Our Hants app. Clear locations and photos are helpful, but not essential. Reporting via email or social media can actually slow things down, as it bypasses the system our teams use to prioritise safety defects. Please see links below:
Potholes: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/potholes
Tree/hedge problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/treehedge
Flooding/drainage issues: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/flooding
Pavement problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/paving
Broken or missing signs: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/brokensigns
Faulty street lights: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/streetlight
Faded or missing road markings: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-aproblem/road-markings
Problems with rights of way: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/rightsofway/reportaproblem
When reporting an issue, you’ll be sent an email confirming a reference number for the report. If you would like me to follow this up for you then do please forward that message to me and I will chase for you.
Tackling Problem Pavement Parking in Hampshire
Pavement parking is one of the issues I hear about regularly — and for good reason. When cars block pavements, it can be dangerous and deeply unfair to people who rely on clear, safe routes: wheelchair users, those with sight loss, older residents and parents with buggies and prams. It also damages our verges!
The Government has now confirmed that new legislation is on the way to give councils like Hampshire County Council far greater control over pavement parking. Under the new proposals:
Local transport authorities will be able to prohibit pavement parking across their areas, rather than dealing with it street by street.
A new regulatory framework will allow councils to tailor solutions to local needs, including accessibility and disabled parking.
From 2026, councils will also be able to enforce against unnecessary obstruction of pavements as an interim step, giving us more ability to act where parking is clearly causing problems.
Most drivers are considerate, but the small minority who park without thinking create real barriers for others. These new powers will help us protect vulnerable residents, keep pavements clear, and prevent the sort of verge damage that blights too many neighbourhoods.
More Specialist SEND Places Agreed for Hampshire Schools
Hampshire County Council has approved a major package of new investment to expand specialist support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across the county.
The number of children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) continues to rise sharply, and around 40% need a specialist place. These decisions move us another step closer to our ambition of creating 1,000 new specialist places by 2030.
Here’s what’s been agreed:
157 new specialist school places across Hampshire
A mix of new resourced provisions and refurbishments to support pupils with autism, SEMH needs and other complex requirements
This is a significant step in making sure children get the right support, in the right place, as close to home as possible — reducing travel times, strengthening inclusion in mainstream schools where appropriate, and ensuring families can access the help they need.
A £633m Boost for Hampshire’s Schools
At a time when councils up and down the country are teetering on the brink, Hampshire is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in the future of our children.
This week, Hampshire County Council approved a £633 million capital programme for new schools, better facilities, and vital improvements to children’s services. Ten new schools — including two special schools — and hundreds of additional specialist SEND places will be delivered across the county.
This is only possible because of the careful, responsible financial management we’ve maintained for years. While others have stumbled, Hampshire has kept its books balanced, protected taxpayers’ money, and ensured we can still invest where it truly matters.
This programme will deliver:
New mainstream and special schools in growing communities
Over 390 new specialist SEND places
Major upgrades to school buildings and early years settings
Investment in Best Start Family Hubs
Support for foster carers and adaptations for children with disabilities
This is long‑term, serious investment — the kind that shapes a county for generations. And it’s being delivered because this council has refused to take the easy way out, choosing instead to plan ahead, spend wisely, and protect Hampshire’s future.
Can you help a vulnerable Hampshire child this winter?
This winter, we’re asking Hampshire residents to consider something truly life‑changing: opening your home — and your heart — to a vulnerable child.
Hampshire County Council has launched a new fostering campaign that shines a light on the difference fostering makes, not just for children in care but for the families who welcome them. One of the most powerful parts of the campaign is a new video told through the eyes of a foster carer’s own child, showing the warmth, friendship and lasting bonds that fostering can bring.
Every child deserves a safe and loving home. And right now in Hampshire the number of children who need that stability is growing faster than the number of foster carers available. For every child we find a home for, others are still waiting.
We’re looking for carers from all walks of life. You don’t need to own your home or have previous childcare experience. What matters is compassion, stability, and the willingness to make a difference. In return, you’ll receive excellent training, competitive allowances, and ongoing support from a dedicated social worker and our Hampshire Hive network — a brilliant “extended family” of local foster carers supporting one another.
If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering could fit into your family life, now is the moment to explore it. You can find out more and take the first step here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/fostering
New friendships. New futures. Happier hearts all round.
Cllr Juliet Henderson
Additional HCC contribution to March 2026 Link:
It is vital that residents report potholes and I am very aware of the issue and in close contact.
Additionally, there is a national petition which I am also encouraging residents to support.
Fix Our Roads: National Plan on Dangerous Potholes Now - Petitions
I have circulated an update from the leader of Hampshire County Council which I have included below explaining the extent of the issue.
Meanwhile please do continue to report them using the link here: One you have a TRACK IT number please send it to me and I will see where it is on the works programme.
Please report potholes — especially worsening ones — via the official system:
🔗 https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/roadproblems/potholes (hants.gov.uk in Bing)
🚧 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐄’𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐒 — 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐇𝐘 𝐖𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍’𝐓 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 “𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄”
Hampshire’s roads have taken an absolute battering this winter. Weeks of relentless rain and violent freeze–thaw cycles have ripped open the surface across the county. Potholes are appearing faster than crews can fill them.
Here’s the blunt truth:
We simply don’t have the money to maintain the roads to the standard we all want.
💥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦
Cost to bring roads up to the standard I’d want: £600 million
Highways budget this year: £60 million
£540 million shortfall
No amount of “efficiency” fills a gap like that.
💷 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞
Social care and education costs are exploding — and Hampshire is hit harder than most:
- By 2030, nearly 5% of residents will be over 80
- More children with Special Educational Needs than average
- Rising demand for disability support
- These services are legally required. If someone qualifies, we must provide care.
- And now Government 'Fair Funding' is removing almost £40million from our budgets and sending it to mostly Labour run councils in London and the midlands and north.
📉 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
Band D Council Tax paid to Hampshire: £1,609
Surrey: £1,846
West Sussex: £1,800
Oxfordshire: £1,911
We’ve had lower Council Tax for years — but that means less money for roads.
You can’t run a high‑maintenance network on a low‑tax budget.
🛠️ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰
Here’s how the system actually works:
1️⃣ Every report triggers an inspection — councillors and residents use the same system.
2️⃣ Safety defects come first — A‑roads and B‑roads before residential streets and country lanes.
3️⃣ Temporary repairs are often unavoidable — asphalt won’t bond in cold, wet weather.
4️⃣ Permanent repairs take 7× longer — so crews make more locations safe first.
5️⃣ Non‑safety defects are queued — tackled when weather and resources allow.
And yes — some temporary repairs fail in this weather. If they do, please re‑report them.
🌧️ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥
We've had 156% of our average January rainfall
February’s average rainfall was exceeded in the first week alone
Repeated freeze–thaw cycles
Some potholes appear overnight. Others worsen within hours.
🏛️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
Hampshire faces a £500m highways funding gap
Government funding this year: £30m
We matched it — still nowhere near enough
Only a tiny fraction of road tax and fuel duty goes to road maintenance
Hampshire’s roads are better than many neighbours, but roads across the South East — and even motorways — are in dire condition.
This is a national crisis, not a local failing.
🔧 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰
We’ve secured extra resources:
- More Jet/Dragon Patchers
- Extra patching gangs (started 12 Jan, more added end of Jan)
- More drainage jetting machines
- A dedicated flooding response team
- Extra white‑lining crews
Temporary infills will be used where needed to keep roads safe. Permanent repairs will follow when conditions improve.
We’re funding this by using underspends in other areas.
📈 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭
We’re reshaping the 2026/27 budget to move every possible penny into road maintenance — likely £10m extra for summer repairs.
And we've launched plans for a lane‑rental disruption charge:
Companies pay a daily fee for roadworks on key routes
Encourages shorter, better‑planned works
Could raise up to £5m a year for road maintenance
📲 How you can help
Please report potholes — especially worsening ones — via the official system:
🔗 https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/roadproblems/potholes (hants.gov.uk in Bing)
Accurate locations and photos help enormously.
And thanks to you for your patience, it's a very difficult situation and we are doing our absolute best.
Cllr Juliet Henderson
Candovers Oakley and Overton Division