Basingstoke Voluntary Action

30/10/2026

🎃 Thank you to everyone who joined us for yesterday’s Pumpkin Trail! 🎃

It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the trail, as well as exploring the BDBC Nature Engagement Team and ’s fascinating collection of animal skulls and insects.

A huge thank you to our fantastic BVA Buddies, Jo, Patricia, Jonathan, Sue and Matt, for all their help throughout the day. We couldn’t have done it without you!

We’d also like to give a special shout-out to Basingstoke GoodGym for helping to promote the trail through a leaflet drop. Thanks to your support, we welcomed an incredible 250 children to today’s event, making it our busiest Pumpkin Trail yet! 🎉🍂

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

29/10/2026

🎬 Building Trust in Health Research – Bringing Communities Together
We were delighted to welcome the NIHR Research Delivery Network (South Central) to The Orchard recently for a special community screening of Trust: Overcoming Mistrust in Health Research.

The event brought together local community organisations, residents, NHS colleagues, public contributors, local councillors and the Mayor of Basingstoke for an important conversation about trust, inclusion and participation in health and care research.

💬 Through open discussions and small group activities, we explored how research can become more accessible, relevant and representative of the communities it aims to support.

At Basingstoke Voluntary Action, we believe that trusted community relationships are essential to helping people feel heard, involved and empowered to shape the services and research that affect their lives.

A huge thank you to Kirsty Rogers and colleagues from the NIHR Research Delivery Network, everyone who joined us, and our BVA team for helping make the event such a success.

👏 We're looking forward to building on these conversations and exploring further opportunities to connect our local voluntary and community sector with health research.

Stronger partnerships. Trusted communities. Better health outcomes.

28/10/2026

🎃 Tomorrow's the day! 🎃
The BVA Pumpkin Trail returns tomorrow from 11am-2pm!

Head to The Orchard to collect your FREE map, then venture into War Memorial Park to track down all the missing pumpkins. Find them all and return for your prize! 🎉🍂

We're also delighted to welcome the Nature Engagement Officer, from the ranger team from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and , who will be bringing along fascinating animal skulls, a fun family activity, and tips on what to do with your pumpkins after Halloween instead of throwing them away.🦔🌿

We can't wait to see lots of families enjoying a fun-filled half-term adventure! Love Basingstoke
📍 The Orchard & War Memorial Park
🗓 Tomorrow
⏰ 11am-2pm
🎟 FREE

27/10/2026

💙 Community Volunteer Hub 💙
📆Date: Friday 6th November | ⏰Time: 11am-1pm
📍Venue: The Link Tadley, Newchurch Road, Tadley, RG26 4HN

Pop along to speak to Sam about the variety of volunteering opportunities in your local community. There is no need to book, just pop in.

Do you have space to host one of our Community Volunteer Hubs in 2027?
We are looking for locations for 2027, if you have a community space and would like us to hold one of our volunteer hubs please get in touch - [email protected] we would love to hear from you.

26/10/2026

🥋 FREE Women's Self Defence Class in Basingstoke 🥋

Looking to build your confidence, improve your personal safety awareness and learn practical self defence skills in a supportive environment?

Be Active Hampshire is launching a FREE 12-week Women's Self Defence course in Basingstoke, delivered by Ignite Your Power.

📅 Wednesdays, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
📍 Beacon Community Hub, Basingstoke, RG22 6DJ
📆 Starts: 4th November
⏰ Last week to join: 25th November

This women-only course is designed for those who are currently inactive and provides practical self defence techniques in a safe, supportive and empowering setting. You'll learn skills to help improve personal safety, build confidence and increase awareness for everyday situations.

✅ Suitable for beginners
✅ Friendly group environment
✅ Local to you
✅ One-to-one support available
✅ Free to join for eligible participants

To check your eligibility and sign up, visit: www.beactivehampshire.org.uk/sign-up

26/10/2026

Check out the Oakley Stitchers CIC Potion making activity over at Milestones Museum this half term! 🧙‍♀️🫟✨🦇

Looking forward to Oakley Stitchers CIC next event at Milestones Museum over half term... come and see us... if you dare!

23/10/2026

Diwali - Light it up 2026 has been rescheduled to Friday 6th November ✨

A tiny delay, a lot more sparkle ! We would love to see you on 6 November For Diwali Light it Up Basingstoke !

23/10/2026

Last Friday, Dan had the pleasure of attending Black History Month Basingstoke - Kikoi Connection’s launch event for Shared Histories, Shared Home: The Stories of Basingstoke.

The evening was a wonderful celebration of community, culture and connection, bringing together contributors, supporters and local residents. Guests heard inspiring stories from some of the people featured in the publication, highlighting the diverse experiences and rich heritage that help make Basingstoke the place it is today.

Thank you to Kikoi Connection for hosting this wonderful event. If you'd like to explore the publication and read these powerful stories for yourself, you can do so via the link in the post below.

22/10/2026

🎃 Only 1 week to go until the BVA Pumpkin Trail! 🎃

Have you made plans for half term yet?
Join us on Thursday 29 October for a FREE pumpkin hunt around War Memorial Park. Pick up your trail map from The Orchard, find all the missing pumpkins, and return to collect your prize! 🏆🍂

Alongside the trail, We're also delighted to welcome the Nature Engagement Officer, from the ranger team from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Natural Basingstoke, who will be bringing along fascinating animal skulls, a fun family activity, and tips on what to do with your pumpkins after Halloween instead of throwing them away.🌍🎃

The Pumpkin Trail is part of the Love Basingstoke October Half Term programme, packed with activities for families throughout the holidays. Be sure to check out their website and social channels to see what's happening.

Bring the family and enjoy a spooky afternoon of fun!
📍 The Orchard & War Memorial Park
⏰ 11am-2pm
🎟 FREE

22/10/2026

Please be aware of date change for this event

Important Update: Diwali Light It Up Festival 🪔

Dear All,

It is to inform you that our Diwali Light It Up Festival events in Basingstoke (23rd October) and Reading (24th October) have been rescheduled due to adverse weather warnings.

The safety and well-being of our guests, children, performers, volunteers and everyone involved remain our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

✨ Rescheduled Dates:

📍 Basingstoke: 6th November

📍 Reading: 7th November

We look forward to celebrating together during Diwali weekend, with even more lights, joy and festive spirit! 🪔🎉

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to celebrating Diwali with you soon!

Warm regards,

Sushmita Pati (Artistic Director & CEO) & Raka Nandra (Chair)