Due to our love of the television series 'The Big Bang Theory' we were thrilled when one of it's actors Jim Parsons, who plays Dr. Sheldon Cooper, was nominated for an Emmy Award for 'Best Actor in a Comedy Series'. So thrilled in fact, that we announced to our followers on Facebook and Twitter that should he win we would start a petition to change the name of our town from Basingstoke to 'Bazingastoke' in honour of his character's catchphrase; 'Bazinga!'.

So, true to our word, here it is.

In 990AD Basingstoke was known as 'Embasinga stocæ' which to be fair sounds more like Bazingastoke than Basingstoke does, which it was first known as in 1214. Seeing as the 'Big Bang' predates the official naming of the town, we feel there is sufficient historical precedent to change the name to Bazingastoke. By changing the name to Bazingastoke, we open up a wealth of opportunities to our town that should not be dismissed out of hand.

For example, the opportunity to twin the town with Pasadena, California (where the show is set) could potentially provide a boost to our tourism trade.

A potential link between Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT) and the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) would offer significant learning potential for the school leavers of Basingstoke.

Alternatively, the theme song to The Big Bang Theory was written and performed by The Bare Naked Ladies, who could be a potential boost to the line-up of the town's annual Basingstoke Live event.

In short, there is nothing but good that could come from renaming our humble little town 'Bazingastoke'.

So who's with us?

Please pledge your support by adding your digital signature to our iPetition.

Live Long & Prosper.