I expect that all of you will know of the big Fire which burned on Thursley Common for 3 days from Friday the 14^th of July, and will also be aware of the strong police presence on the Village Green on the Saturday evening. 

The fire which is reported to have caused widespread damage to many rare plant and animal species that lived in and around the nature reserve. There was also closure of parts of Thursley Road and Dye House Road, with some 10 Thursley houses having been evacuated. The fire is believed to have been started by a man who was arrested and has been released on police bail. 

There was also a gathering of travellers, some of who were driving a pony and trap became involved in a dispute with fire officers who were threatened with a whip.  The police were then called and had about 10 cars and 2 riot vans present around the Village Green they arrested 6 men (later released on bail).  The Woolpack public house was closed for a time by the police.