Village Voice April/May 2012 | Page 21

FASTER BROADBAND GETS THE GREEN LIGHT IN HAMPSHIRE Hampshire is to get £5 million of government funding to bring faster broadband to residents and businesses. The Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) funding is part of government plans to ensure that everyone in the country will have access to broadband. The dedicated broadband pages on Hantsweb, the County Council's website, have more information about Hampshire's funding allocation and our campaign, Faster broadband - getting Hampshire connected. The key messages are: · It will take time to bring faster broadband to everyone in Hampshire · The overall programme will last for three years · Our immediate next steps are to secure a commercial partner to support and develop detailed implementation plans for the county · We want businesses and the public to continue to register their interest support via our website: www.hants.gov.uk/broadband-signup. Karen Murray Director Culture, Communities and Business Services & Sponsor of the Hampshire Broadband Project GREAT BRITISH FISH & CHIP SUPPER Friday 18th May 2012 Help spinal cord injured people live full and independent lives Want to do something different? Want to raise money where you live or work? Want to eat fish and chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 18th May 2012 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s information and support services. You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home or at work; or hold a larger supper at your local community centre. SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting seven friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 you will raise at least £35.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA. Last year we had over 100 suppers taking part in England and Wales and we raised £6,000. In the three years we have been running the event we have raised £20,000 to support spinal cord injured people. The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives, by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to lead independent lives. Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are 19