I never thought I'd say this about North Camp

Letter to the Farnborough News & Mail 8/6/7 by Simon Venn, reprinted with Simon's kind permission

This is also the first time I have I written to a newspaper and, given the fact that this is a 'feelgood' letter and not some ranting complaint, I expect none of my comments will be printed.

I moved to North Camp from Farnborough about two years ago. I was born and bred in Camberley, and North Camp was the last place I ever thought I would end up living in. I never really visited the area until, with rising house prices in Farnborough and Camberley, we decided to try North Camp because of the affordable house prices.

Anyone who says the shopping centre is dead should come and try it for themselves. I love nothing more on a Saturday morning than strolling into the village and visiting the bakers, greengrocers, butchers and the awesome delis to do my weekly shopping.

A lot of the produce is actually cheaper and the quality far better than any supermarket but, more importantly, the people that run the shops and businesses in North Camp are the best part of the shopping experience. I have bought everything from vintage cheese, barbecue packs, futon beds, blinds for my bedroom to wedding rings, all from North Camp. The two delis that we now have and the champagne bar called Berlon's recently opened by the equally excellent car valet business owners just go to show North Camp is on the up.

We are spoilt for choice in the evenings for fantastic places to eat - Thai Parin Restaurant in Camp Road is ten times better than Thai restaurants we have eaten in around London and The Squirrel is arguably the best pub for miles. The arrival of Sovereign's snooker club last year also gives me somewhere to go with the lads.

We are fortunate to live in a road where pretty much all the neighbours are on first name terms. We love it so much that after we are married later this year we are going to raise a family and stay in North Camp for the foreseeable future. I really can't think of anywhere locally that offers so much for families.

Given the local press of recent months regarding people's negative views of living in Rushmoor, I feel compelled to share the absolute happiness and. bliss myself and my fiancee feel since moving to this wonderful part of the borough.

SIMON VENN
South Street
North Camp