Oakley, Hampshire
| Oakley | |
|---|---|
| Population | 5,322 |
| OS grid reference | 575??? |
| • London | ??? miles |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BASINGSTOKE |
| Postcode district | RG23 |
| Dialling code | 01256 |
| Police | Hampshire and Isle of Wight |
| Fire | Hampshire and Isle of Wight |
| Ambulance | South Central |
| UK Parliament | |
Oakley is a large village and parish situated 8 km (5 miles) west of the large town, Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. In the 2001 census it had a population of 5,322, verging on 'minor town' status. The village was recorded and mentioned in the Domesday book.
Oakley is divided into two districts, namely East Oakley and Church Oakley. It sits on chalkland.[1] Its village magazine, Link, is published monthly. Mar 24 2007: According to the government, Oakley has the highest quality of life in the nation, judged on 37 criteria including traffic accidents and household wealth.[citation needed]. Oakley isn't what it seems, it sounds like a nice village with this stupid "FACT"... "Highest quality of life"... what a load of nonsense. There is no quality of life at all... everyone here is an alcoholic.
Education and worship
Oakley has two linked educational facilities: Oakley Church of England Junior school and Oakley Infant school. Oakley also contains a small Methodist church, an Anglican church (St John's) and the ancient Anglican church, St Leonard's.
Facilities
In the centre of the village is the large duck pond inhabited by mallard ducks and coots. In addition, Oakley also has all the facilities that would be expected of a village of its size: a surgery (very limited hours since April 2006), a number of convenience stores, a veterinary surgery, three parks, a dentist and two public houses, the 'Barley Mow' and 'The Beach Arms'. A local window cleaner http://www.oakleywindowcleaning.co.uk. Its railway station, originally on the West of England Main Line closed in 1963.[2] Situated to the west of the village is Oakley Hall, an 18th century Georgian manor that is now used for corporate events.[3]
Sports
Oakley's public sporting facilities include a football pitch (Peter Houseman field), several fields, two tarmac tennis courts and a set of skateboard ramps, as well as four private tennis courts owned by Oakley Tennis Club. Oakley has many children's football clubs plus adult rugby, table tennis, cricket, tennis and football clubs.
Oakley Cricket Club
Oakley Cricket Club was founded in 1849; OCC's grounds are at Oakley Park, where, on June 11 1961, the Hampshire cricketer Roy Marshall captained a team for a benefit match. This team, which won the match with 246 runs, also included Arthur Milton and Cliff Michelmore.
OCC's three youth teams are known as the 'Colts'.
Oakley Football Club
Oakley Football Club was founded in 1967 by the Chelsea FC footballer, Peter Houseman. The aims stated by Oakley FC are to enjoy their football, and encourage boys and girls to take part from all ages and abilities.[4]
Oakley and Deane Parish Council
Oakley Parish Council was formed in 1894. In 1966 the ward of Wootton St Lawrence became part of the parish and in 1976 the Deane Parish Meeting also joined the council, at which point it became known as Oakley and Deane Parish Council. The current chairman of the council is John Strawbridge.[1]