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February 2013
PARISH MAGAZINE Of All Hallows, Whitchurch, Hampshire
with St Mary's Tufton, and St James the Less, Litchfield
In this month's issue . . . Page
The Vicar's Letter 6
Special News Reports: Primary school report, Library, Millennium Meadow, Silk Mill, Whitchurch Arts, Parish Hall, Gill Nethercott Centre, Testbourne Centre, Longmeadow Sports Centre, Youth Project, Letters to the Editor, Planning Applications
7-19
Around the Parish: The rest of the local news 20-27
Registers and Opening Hours 28
THIS MONTH’S COVER: February frost on Millennium Meadow. Photographer, Gill Knappett takes her camera with her when walking her dog Toby, hoping for inspiration.
THIS MONTH’S EDITORS:
Catherine Geddes, Tim Bilson, Steve Wright
The Parish Magazine is published monthly © by the Parochial Church Council of the parish of Whitchurch with
Tufton and Litchfield, Hampshire.
Items for the February issue can be submitted to The Old Paper Shop on The Square, or by email to [email protected]. Deadline: Friday 8 February. Advertising and distribution enquiries to: Simon Coomber (893615), [email protected] or Anna Mallinson (893556)
THE PARISH OF WHITCHURCH WITH TUFTON AND LITCHFIELD
Vicar: The Revd Kelvin Inglis, The Vicarage, Church Street, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7AS; email: [email protected]. Fridays: urgent calls only
01256 892535
Curate The Revd Victoria Ashdown, [email protected] 01256 893573 Churchwardens Mike Harris 01256 895345 Geoff Knappett 01256 896530 Treasurer John Wall 01256 892461 Verger Hilary Gould 01256 893851
Find us on the Web at: www.whitchurchhampshire.org.uk
2
CHURCH SERVICES
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 3 PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE
Tufton 8.45am Sung Communion
All Hallows 10am Parish Communion
Litchfield 10am Sung Communion (BCP)
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 10 SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE LENT
All Hallows 8am Holy Communion (BCP)
All Hallows 10am Parish Communion
FEBRUARY 13 ASH WEDNESDAY
All Hallows 9.30am Holy Communion with imposition of ashes
All Hallows 7.30pm Service of Penitence with imposition of ashes
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Tufton 8.45am Sung Communion
All Hallows 10am Parish Communion
Litchfield 10am Matins (BCP)
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
All Hallows 8am Holy Communion (BCP)
All Hallows 10am Parish Communion
All Hallows 4pm Choral Evensong (BCP)
SUNDAY MARCH 3 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Tufton 8.45am Sung Communion
All Hallows 10am Praise Communion with music from organ and One Accord the worship band
Sunday morning worship at the Baptist Church, Newbury Hill is at 10.30am and at the Methodist Church, Winchester Street also at 10.30am. Sunday Mass at St John Fisher Roman Catholic Church, Bell Street is at 9am.
At All Hallows, Evening Prayer is said from the Book of Common Prayer every Sunday at 6pm unless another evening service is shown above.
Holy Communion is celebrated every Wednesday at 9.30am. Children are provided for with separate activities (Young Church Builders) during the 10am service at All Hallows.
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Whitchurch in February Page
WEEK 5 2
nd Saturday 10am Book Sale, Library 7
2nd
Saturday 11am – 4pm Silk Mill Clearance Sale 9 2
nd Saturday Cabaret, Longmeadow Sports
Centre 15
WEEK 6 3
rd Sunday 11am – 4pm Silk Mill Clearance Sale 9
5th Tuesday 7.30pm ‘History of Winchester Prison’,
History Society, Gill Nethercott Centre
28
6th Wednesday 7.30pm Parish Hall AGM, Parish Hall 10
7th Thursday 2 - 8pm ‘Have Your Say’ Gill Nethercott
Centre 12
7th Thursday 7.30pm Xpect, Methodist Church
8th Friday 7.30pm Selection of Carnival Queen,
Youth at Heart, Gill Nethercott Centre
27
9th Saturday National Libraries Day 7
WEEK 7 12
th Tuesday 7.30pm Crafty Affairs, Gill Nethercott
Centre 23
13th Wednesday 7.43pm Whitchurch Arts EGM, White Hart 9
14th Thursday 10.15am Whitchurch Townswomen’s Guild,
‘Aerial Photography’, Parish Hall 19
14th Thursday 7pm Bingo, Parish Hall 10
WEEK 8 19
th Tuesday Testbourne Family Day
20th Wednesday 10am U3A, ‘Wonderful Wine’, St Mary’s
Hall Overton 20
20th Wednesday 2pm ‘Madagascar 3’ Film, Gill
Nethercott Centre 11
21st Thursday 10am – 3pm Children’s art workshop, Gill
Nethercott Centre 11
21st Thursday 7.15pm Whitchurch WI, ‘Bishops, Sex and
Money’, Gill Nethercott Centre 26
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WHITCHURCH IN FEBRUARY CONTINUED…
WEEK 9 27
th Wednesday 7.30pm Crafty Affairs, Gill Nethercott
Centre 23
28th Thursday 10am-2.30pm Charity Antiques Valuation, St
Mary’s, Andover 18
28th Thursday 7pm Bingo, Parish Hall 10
28th Thursday 8pm ‘Skyfall’ Film, Gill Nethercott
Centre 11
EARLY IN MARCH
WEEK 10 7
th Thursday 7.30pm Xpect, Methodist Church
7th Thursday 7.30pm ‘Quartet’ Film, Parish Hall 10
7th Thursday 7.30pm ‘The Boy at the Edge of the Room’,
Gill Nethercott Centre 11
9th Saturday 10.30am Help for Heroes Colossal Cake Sale, Winchester
17
9th Saturday 8pm Quiz Night, Gill Nethercott Centre 11
Murdoch Asset Management Limited will be running a Seminar
on Investment & Inheritance Tax Planning at the Esseborne
Manor on Thursday 28th February 2013.
If you would like an invitation, telephone:
Margaret Andrew on 01420 83517
or email [email protected].
If you want a discussion beforehand, telephone:
Alan on 01420 83517, mobile 07721 517870
or email [email protected]
Murdoch Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by
the Financial Services Authority.
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WEEKLY PUBLIC EVENTS Mondays 9.30–11.30am Testbourne Teapot drop-in morning with toys
& activities, Testbourne Centre 3–5pm Scrabble Club, Library 2nd & 4th 2pm Silver Threads, Parish Hall 7.30pm Bellringers’ practice, All Hallows bell tower 7.30pm Town Council meetings: 1st Monday: Full
council; 2nd & 4th: Development; 3rd: Leisure & Environment
7-10pm Duplicate Bridge, Gill Nethercott Centre 8.35pm Casual badminton, Testbourne (bookable) Tuesdays 9.30am-12.30 Whitchurch Citizens Advice (CAB), Town Hall 2.30–4pm Ladies Fellowship, Baptist Church 7.30-10pm Youth group (ages 14-19) Youth Suite,
Testbourne Centre 8pm WADS Club night
Testbourne Community Suite Wednesdays 9.30am Holy Communion, All Hallows 9.45am Walking for Health, Gill Nethercott Centre 10am–12noon Coffee morning, Baptist Church hall 10am-11.30am Toy Library, Methodist Hall (term time) 2.30—3pm Bounce and Rhyme, Library 3rd 5.30pm Reading Group, Library 6pm Casual badminton, Testbourne (bookable) 7.30pm 'Singing for Fun' rehearsals, Methodist
Church Thursdays 10am–12noon Coffee morning, Methodist Church 9.30-11.30am Tea and Tots, All Hallows Church Room 2.30pm Ladies Fellowship, Methodist Church 7.30pm Choir practice, All Hallows 2nd and 4th 7.30pm Hi Tech Bingo, Parish Hall Fridays 9.15am Prayer time, Small hall 10am-11.30am Country Market, Gill Nethercott Centre 10am-11.30am Country Market, Parish Hall 2.30-3pm Story Time, Library 3–5pm Scrabble Club, Library
7.30 – 10pm 'Chill 2 This' youth group, Gill Nethercott Community Centre
Saturdays 10am–12noon Coffee morning, Methodist Church 9.30-11.30am Casual badminton, Testbourne (bookable)
♦ ♦ ♦
6
THE VICAR'S LETTER
I think it was in the cubs that I saw potatoes being peeled with six chops of the knife. The advantage of this method is that it is quick and easy, with no precision peeling required. Any imperfections can be removed with a single chop and the peeled potato that results is a perfect cube. The disadvantage is that the finished cube is considerably smaller than the potato. In fact there is more potato in the peeling pile than in the finished article; what a waste.
I offer this as an image of a recurring theme in the lives of human beings and the societies we organise for ourselves. There is a tension between the quest for a society that is large, inclusive and probably rather untidy, and a society that is beautifully formed and without blemish but perhaps rather small.
In national and international affairs, I would suggest, we see the tendency to chop the potato square in calls to sever the English and Scottish governments, to
‘withdraw’ from Europe, to distance ourselves from the United States, to define our ‘national character’, and to treat the Commonwealth as obsolete and irrelevant. For some, it seems, a pure and lonely little state is the highest ideal.
The church can and often does offer a model of a different way, particularly when it is faithful to the teaching of St Paul that we are ‘all one in Christ’. At its best the church is truly catholic, not demanding doctrinal uniformity among its members, not discriminating or being seen to discriminate, but welcoming and accepting all, and then being ‘all one in Christ’ in the light of those who are its members.
So for me a church that is blemished and contradictory, inclusive and messy, often uncomfortable and argumentative, and above all humble, is a church that is holy and honest and faithful. Truth has a habit of finding its way through those features of the church and making it a blessed vehicle of God’s purposes.
So to be thoroughly political for a moment, I say please let us hang on to the Scots, and the Americans, and our delightful and maddening European neighbours, and our many Commonwealth cousins, and let us remember fondly what we were and make the most of what we have become. Why do we even peel potatoes in the first place?
-- Kelvin Inglis ♦ ♦ ♦
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NEWS FROM WHITCHURCH C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL
The school closed for the day on Friday 18 January. This was welcomed by the children who thoroughly enjoyed their ‘snow day’. It is always a difficult decision to close the school and is dependent on the number of staff who can safely travel in or in this case make the journey home.
The families at Whitchurch Primary School united on Sunday to clear the school ready to open on Monday. There was a great turn
out to the request for help to clear the paths and playgrounds. Thank you to everyone who helped.
-- Sarah Peters, Head Teacher ♦ ♦ ♦
NEWS FROM THE WHITCHURCH LIBRARY
The library is now on Facebook – you can keep up to date with all our news, clubs, children’s activities and events by liking our page ‘Whitchurch Library
Hampshire’. Each month a new ‘liker’ will be chosen to win a prize.
Book sale – we will be selling surplus library stock on Saturday 2 February starting at 10am. We will have lots of best-selling paperback fiction for sale, plus non-fiction, audio books, DVDs and children’s books - prices start at just 25p.
Book Quiz
In honour of National Libraries Day on 9 February - can you answer the following questions:
1. Can you name all six of Jane Austen’s ‘major’ novels?
2. Which children’s picture book inspired Danny Boyle to have the Queen parachuting into the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony?
3. How many items are available for loan at Whitchurch Library? (You won’t be able to Google this one - but library assistants are open to bribery. We will check the precise number at opening time on 9 February).
E-mail your answers to us at [email protected] by Saturday 23 February for a prize of three complimentary DVD rentals.
Contact: Michelle Holmes Library Manager - 0845 603 5631 - open Monday 1-5pm, Wednesday 1-7pm, Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm
- Michelle Holmes, Assistant Library Manager
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NEWS FROM THE MILLENNIUM MEADOW
Going with the Flow
For thousands of years our valley has been blessed with a flow of pure water. The geological map shows how at one time the river meandered over a wide area and up by The Gables a deep river flowed south into the main river.
In the very early Neolithic the local population must have fed well from the rich clay soils over chalk. The water courses would have been full of fish and eels and the woodland would have attracted far more than the 10,000 birds that fly in every day now.
Next the rich flow was harnessed for Water Meadows where sheep were fed more effectively than on the higher ground. The pigeon house in Pigeon Meadow, which was on Duck Island, may have nurtured hundreds of pigeons.
Then in came the Mills using power from the river to grind various crops and to carry out weaving and fulling. Bere Mill made the paper for the banknotes for The Bank of England.
Down The Weir what may be the oldest watercress bed in Britain. It is hinted at on the 1805 map and clearly shown on the 1872 map. On that same map we can see hints of the old lost springs and watercourses subsequently filled in.
Now we can see clues as to what was there as the high water levels reveal things from the past. The old drain that was used to take yard-washings from Chalcot Farm and which we exposed two years ago is now full to the brim and the old route of water from what is now The Millennium Green into Orchid Meadow is obvious as an open stream.
The level of the water at Ninesprings however is the same as it has been for hundreds of years. It comes from so deep in the aquifer that these present flows from nearer to the earth’s surface and all around do not affect it at all.
-- Graham Burgess
♦ ♦ ♦
9
NEWS FROM WHITCHURCH SILK MILL
Out with the old and in with the new!
On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 February the Silk Mill will be holding a clearance sale of all its stock of yarns and woven fabric. This will include silk, cotton, linen, fabrics and stock from
the shop. This is an ideal opportunity for all textile workers, artists, crafters and those looking for a bargain. All stock must go.
The sale will take place from 11am to 4pm in the tearoom - doors will open at 10.30am and admission is free - first come first served.
Can you sew?
The Mill is looking for skilled seamstresses, craft workers and artists who can sew to a high standard. We are trying to develop the range of goods in the shop and are struggling to find people to make goods for us using our silk. If you think you can help and would like to earn that little bit extra please get in touch.
Contact: Julia Trinder - 892065 ♦ ♦ ♦
NEWS FROM WHITCHURCH ARTS
What’s in a name? Last month we told the story of Jeremy King’s kindness in sending some 33rpm
records of Watership Down for Richard Adams. A local resident then got in touch to say she had paintings by Jeremy that she had bought in the 60’s in Windsor. We have found out the name is the same but not the same person.
On Wednesday 13 February there will be an extraordinary general meeting at 7.43pm in The White Hart, where we need to elect a Chairman and a Secretary to join our Treasurer. The skills needed are not arty but simply to ensure we have a legal entity so we can obtain grants. If you are interested, or want to nominate someone to carry out essential duties in a clever way and on a reliable basis, please contact: Eric Dunlop Treasurer - 892611 - [email protected]
Contact: Graham Burgess – 892837 - [email protected] www.whitchurcharts.org.uk
-- Graham Burgess
♦ ♦ ♦
10
NEWS FROM THE PARISH HALL
Notice of the AGM at the Parish Hall
The Parish Hall Annual General Meeting is to be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 6 February, at The Parish Hall.
Agenda:
Chairman’s Review 2012:
Adoption of Accounts:
Election of Committee Members:
Any Other Business
If any members of the public wish to raise items at the AGM, please would they email the details to the Chairman Bill Judge at [email protected].
Would you like to be a Trustee of the Whitchurch Parish Hall? If you feel you could make a contribution to help us improve the quality of life for inhabitants of Whitchurch and would like to find out more please call or email Bill Judge.
Movies at the Parish Hall
Gambit - CANCELLED - unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be showing GAMBIT on Thursday 7 February as previously advertised.
Quartet - Comedy-drama Thursday 7 March (12A tbc) 100mins
Dustin Hoffman’s first turn at directing a film and with a dream Moviola cast: Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, Andrew Sachs and Trevor Peacock. This is a version of Roland Harwood’s much loved play, set in a retirement home for ageing musicians where preparations for the annual gala are thrown into chaos by the arrival of Opera Diva Jean (Maggie Smith). One reviewer called this film a ‘shed load of fun’ and one can see how much everyone involved enjoyed the thing. Pauline Collins steals the film from everyone - a lovely, fragile performance – but there are so many memorably sweet and poignant moments.
Tickets for Parish Hall films are available from the Handbag Shop (893500) or at the door on the night at £5.00. Doors open at 7pm, the films start at 7.30pm.
Bingo at the Parish Hall
Bingo is on Thursday 14 and 28 February; entry from 7pm, eyes down 7.30pm. Eight games, plus a free bonus game with £10 prize. Raffle and refreshments are available. Come along and bring your friends!
Parties at the Parish Hall
Why not hold your child’s birthday party at the Parish Hall. The recently refurbished venue has a kitchen, stage and seating/tables for up to 80 people. Please call Tracey on 893500 to make the booking.
Contact: David George (Secretary) - 893680 - [email protected]
--David George, Secretary ♦ ♦ ♦
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NEWS FROM THE GILL NETHERCOTT CENTRE
Family Film Time – Madagascar 3 (PG) - Wednesday 20 February - 2pm
‘Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a travelling circus, which they reinvent - Madagascar style.’
Tickets are £4, Family Tickets (4 for the price of 3: 1 adult + 3 children or 2 + 2) are £12; available from GNC or library. Free squash and biscuits for children are included.
Artypops children’s art workshop - Thursday 21 February
This is a great fun and very welcoming time with artist Samantha Barnes. From 10am – 3pm with no art skills necessary the workshop is suitable for boys and girls aged 6 – 12 years. The cost is £20 per child including all art materials and snacks – bring a packed lunch and wear old clothes. To book (limited spaces):
Contact: Samantha Barnes - 773552 or 07891 698847
Thursday Film @GNC – Skyfall (12a) - Thursday 28 February - 8pm
Daniel Craig is back as James Bond in this thrilling action packed film where Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her, bringing MI6 under attack. If you missed it at the cinema, or fancy seeing it again here’s your chance, and in Blu Ray surround sound, with a licensed bar!
Tickets are £5 in advance or £5.50 on the door, from the GNC or Library.
Forest Forge Theatre present The Boy at the Edge of the Room - Thursday 7 March - 7:30pm
‘He was not like other boys....He did not see the world through the same eyes as us’
A boy called Tony struggles to fit in and find his place. He has a different way of looking at the world and longs to retreat to place where he can be ’nothing more than small and far off’. Those surrounding him have little patience for his dreams, with the exception of his mother who will do anything to ensure his happiness.
The Boy at the Edge of the Room is a fairytale for adults, inspired by Lucy Clifford’s 1882 story Wooden Tony. It is a beautiful and moving examination of difference and acceptance, brought to life through song, movement and puppetry.
Recommended age 12+, tickets £7.50 adults £6 concessions from GNC or Library
Quiz Night in aid of St Michael’s Hospice Saturday 9 March 8pm
Get together a group of friends and come and exercise your little grey cells for the evening and support this excellent local charity at the same time. Tickets cost £6 per person and include a ploughman’s supper, but please bring your own refreshments. To book your table:
Contact: Joan - 896777 or Pat - 892151
12
NEWS FROM THE GILL NETHERCOTT CENTRE CONTINUED…
Phil Beer in Concert - Thursday 28th March – 8pm
Tickets are now on sale for this much awaited night with Phil Beer.
Phil is one of the most popular ambassadors for acoustic roots music. A dazzling instrumentalist, he is perhaps best known as a top flight fiddler and plays in the all-star line-up, Feast of Fiddles. But his skills don't stop there he also plays slide, Spanish and tenor guitar, mandocello, viola, mandolin and South American cuatro, not to mention contributing rich vocals. He played at the Gill Nethercott Centre in 2010 to a sell out audience and everyone had a fabulous evening.
Tickets cost £11 adults or £10 concessions from GNC or Library.
Have Your Say – Thursday 7 February - 2pm – 8pm
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Basingstoke Voluntary Services are working in Partnership in a bid to deliver the Basingstoke and Deane small scale community participatory budget initiative on behalf of Hampshire County Council known as ‘Have your Say’.
The purpose of this grant scheme is for voluntary and community organisations of any kind to help improve their local environment, support local groups or strengthen their community. Local people then have the opportunity to determine which local projects should receive funding through an open day, where local residents can vote for the projects they feel would most benefit their community.
The Whitchurch Association has applied under the scheme for a grant to run Singing for the Brain sessions for dementia sufferers and their carers in the Whitchurch area. We have seen with our own eyes the positive benefits that such activities have with people who attend regularly. It can help delay the development of this terrible disease, provide access to forgotten memories through music and bring pleasure and companionship to everyone.
To run these sessions we need to employ a trained Singing for the Brain facilitator and pay for the Alzheimer’s Society staff to be on site to offer support.
What we need from you? Please come and visit the Gill Nethercott Centre on the Thursday 7 February between 2pm – 8pm and cast your vote for the project that you would like to see get the grant. This is your chance to have your say.
We will be on hand to answer questions about Singing for the Brain and would really appreciate your support for Whitchurch.
Contact: Sarah Castle, Community Centre Manager – 896270 - [email protected] - www.gillnethercottcentre.org.uk
-- Sarah Castle, Community Centre Manager
♦ ♦ ♦
13
NEWS FROM TESTBOURNE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Testbourne Lunch Club
A big thank you to the parishioners of St James the Less Church in Litchfield who kindly gave a much needed donation for the lunch club costs. Funding has been cut and all donations to maintain this essential service are very much appreciated.
We have spaces for our elderly community to come along and enjoy a 2 course meal on Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am - 2pm. Mini bus transport can be provided for those able to access it unaided. Come along and give it a go!
Personal Training now available at Testbourne Gym
Radically change the way you look and feel (in as little as 6 weeks) with structured and effective personal training to help you to your goal - £25/session. Contact: Mike Nolan – 07867 684805 - [email protected]
Childrens activities
Another Family Day, with lots of fun and activities for the whole family to enjoy, is planned for Tuesday 19 February – more details available by the time this notice is published.
Soft & Squishy- soft and messy play sessions running on Fridays from Friday 11 January; 11-12.30pm; £2.50 for an adult and up to 2 children.
Parties are also available at Testbourne School. These can be either messy play or sports led by a party leader for 1¼ hours, followed by ¾ hours for party tea (not supplied). Party bags are included for a maximum of 15 children; cost £75.
Go-cart parties are also now available. Children are able to hire carts and drive around a special course, racing friends and playing games. For more information: Contact: 0870 1162000 or [email protected]
In Feb half term we hope to be running a sports camp. For more information and booking details:
Contact: get active sports - 01344 706095 - www.getactivesports.com
Dragonflies and Damselflies
A new course in north Hampshire with experienced tutor Adrian Hickman. Learn about the fascinating natural history of these creatures and how to tell them apart. An indoor evening session at Testbourne Community School, is followed by two morning field visits to develop identification skills and see a wide variety of species. Two different habitats and flying periods should maximize the variety of species likely to be encountered; attendance at the first session is strongly recommended. Cost £20 per session, £50 for all three. Wed 29 May 7-9.30pm Community building, Testbourne School Sat 1 June 10am-1pm Rooksbury Nature Reserve, Andover Sat 10 August 10am-1pm Silchester Common
14
NEWS FROM TESTBOURNE COMMUNITY CENTRE CONTINUED…
Grasshoppers and Bush-Crickets
A new course in Whitchurch with experienced tutor Adrian Hickman. Learn about the variety of species, how and where to look for them and how to tell them apart by sight and by their amazing songs. An indoor evening session at Testbourne Community School is followed with a visit to a local area in search of these fascinating animals. Cost £35 Wed 21 August 7-9.30pm Community building, Testbourne School Sat 24 August 10am-1pm Bradley Wood, 3m north of Whitchurch
Introduction to Moth Trapping
Experienced tutor Adrian Hickman will help you learn about the amazing variety and natural history of our moths. Starting with an indoor session, learn the basics and then check the moth trap outside and try identifying what has been attracted. (Note the success of live trapping will depend on the weather) Cost £25 Wed 4 Sept 7-10.00pm Testbourne School
Knowing Which Tree to Use
Can you tell a Beech from a Birch and do you know which is better for cooking, carving and cordage? Covering over 10 species, this course will look at identifying features, folk lore and mythology for each and use memory games and competitions to get them firmly imbedded. We will also look at which are good or bad for burning in terms of heat, light, cooking over, spitting, burning green, tinder and friction fire lighting; also for carving, splitting, cordage, eating, medicine, basket making, and indicating water. Suitable for adults and accompanied children 14 yrs and over; cost £25 / £10 for unemployed or low waged Sat 12 May 10am - 4pm Testbourne School grounds
Game Preparation and Outdoor Cooking
Gain practical outdoor experience in preparing small game (trout, pigeons, squirrels and rabbits) and use various techniques to cook the meat including: planking; broiling; hangi and spit roast. The course is suitable for adults and accompanied children 16 yrs and over. Cost includes the game you can prepare for your lunch! Cost £30 / £15 for unemployed or low waged. Sat 15 June 10am-4pm Testbourne School grounds
Gardening Club
The club is looking for additional members to come along and undertake activities, planting, discussions and other ideas with gardening. Thrive help run this club and would welcome like minded gardeners. The group meet every 1st Monday of the month. Contact the community office.
Contact: Paul Bushell – 892261– [email protected]
You can keep up with latest via twitter on: paulbushell@TestbourneCom
Alternatively we are trying to build up a regular database to keep you informed of latest courses and information. So if you would like to be added to this list please email us your contact details. --Paul Bushell
15
NEWS FROM LONGMEADOW SPORTS CENTRE
Cabaret at Longmeadow
Cabaret night at the Longmeadow Sports Club is Saturday 2 February. The cost is £10 per person and the event features Comedian Adger, Singer Paul Kaye, Comedy Magician Mike Cassidy and Comedian Stewart Masters. A limited number of tickets are still available.
Contact: The Longmeadow Sports Club, or Paul - 07921 548222
♦ ♦ ♦
NEWS FROM WHITCHURCH YOUTH PROJECT
New name for Junior Club
The under-14s club on Friday evenings in the Gill Nethercott Centre is now named Youth at Heart. Club members have chosen their own logo (see above). Club Leader Barry Goddard leads a team of men and women who have the interests of young people at heart.
If you would like to let your hair down and join us, by helping at any of the clubs’ events, please contact Barry Goddard (Club Leader Y@H for 10-14 years), on 07747 802152, where helpers will be much appreciated.
Over-14’s Youth Café now open in Methodist Church rooms
The Youth Café is now open on Friday evenings in the rooms at the back of the Methodist Church in Winchester Street. This is run in partnership with Basingstoke Voluntary Services (BVS) whose ‘outreach’ team are on the streets of Whitchurch on Fridays. The team working in the Youth Café is led by experienced youth leader Jay Whiting.
The Hub, also run by BVS, is now open in the Methodist rooms from 6pm on Friday giving advice to young people on health and relationships. The Youth Café follows The Hub at 8pm.
Young Leader training
If you are aged 16-19 and have an interest in youth work then we may be able to offer you access to Young Leader Training, which can lead to an accredited qualification.
The Whitchurch Youth Project has secured funding in partnership with Basingstoke Voluntary Services to deliver youth volunteer training opportunities. This could help you into work or further education in the future and all we ask is that you support the new Youth Café as a volunteer on occasional Friday evenings, which can include your training time. The Young Leader Training will be provided by Youth Clubs Hampshire & Isle of Wight.
Contact: Barry Goddard - 07747 802152
-- Barry Goddard, Club Leader Y@H
16
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Jean Treble writes: Thank you to all the people that have prayed, sent flowers, cards and messages by phone after my accident just before Christmas. I am now on the mend and well on the road to recovery.
♦ ♦ ♦
Hope for Justice writes: A heartfelt thank you to everyone that came into Rotations whilst they were there in November. We raised an amazing total of £2,898 greatly exceeding our expectations. We are grateful that so people many took time to hear about Hope for Justice and give generously.
Every penny will be put to good use in freeing those in captivity and desperate situations in this country. Did you know that it is estimated that 1.2 million children are trafficked every year? That is 2 children every minute, a crime that's hidden in plain sight.
For more information about Hope for Justice or how you can help:
Contact: Kim 07951 623665 - www.Hopeforjustice.org.uk
♦ ♦ ♦
Naomi House Fund Raiser
Naomi House Children’s Hospice are delighted to invite you to an exclusive ‘Evening of Style’ in association with high end fashion brand Phase Eight, and award winning hairdressers from Toni & Guy at Hampshire Court Hotel, Basingstoke RG24 8FY at 7pm on Thursday 21 March.
The evening will give you the opportunity to take an exclusive look at the latest trends from Phase Eight and exquisite hair styling as well as enjoying a wonderful evening out. The evening will include a complimentary glass of champagne, two course meal, fashion show, hair and treatment demonstrations and musical entertainment. There will also be the opportunity to look around a selection of stalls for some spring shopping and receive a free goody bag. Tickets are £25 per person from:
Contact: Natalie Hargreaves - 01962 843513 [email protected]
Weather in December 2012
The total rainfall for December 2012 was 140mm (5.51ins) spread over 15 days (13 consecutive days from 19th to 31st) compared with 72mm (2.83ins) in December 2011.
This gives a total Whitchurch rainfall for 2012 of 1063mm (41.83ins) compared with 671mm (26.41ins) in 2011, although this was 165mm (6.5ins) less that our 15 year average of 840mm (33ins). So 2012 was about 220mm (9ins) wetter that average, but not the wettest year – that was 2002 when we had 1104mm (43.46ins)
The maximum temperature in December was 12c (54f) on the 14th; the
minimum -6c (21f) on the 5th.
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Colossal Cake Sale
The wonderful band of volunteers from across Hampshire will once again be taking part in this year’s Colossal Cake Sale in support of Help for Heroes (H4H). For the 5th year
running the Cake Sale will be held on Saturday 9 March and stalls will be in The Brooks Centre and St Maurice’s Covert in the centre of Winchester. Councillor Frank Pearson, Mayor of Winchester will officially be opening the cake sale at 10.30am.
The Colossal Cake Sale has grown amazingly from 7 events in 2008 to over 700 last year and the charity hopes to see this continue in 2013 with even more communities getting together to help our heroes on the road to recovery.
Contact: Sarah Walker - [email protected] - 07771 990403
Help with Heating Bills
I've recently lost my job and am struggling to pay the bills. I live with my elderly mother so don't want to cut back on heating because it could be bad for her health. Is there any help?
There are lots of things you can do to cut your heating bill including checking you are getting all of the help you and your mother are entitled to. Under the Warm Home Discount scheme energy suppliers offer extra help for people on low incomes. If you are eligible you could get a £130 rebate on your electricity bill for winter 2012/13. Plus pensioners can get a Winter Fuel Payment of £100-£300. And if your mother gets pension credit or other eligible benefits you could get a £25 payment if the temperature where you live drops to an average of 0c or lower for 7 days.
You might be able to get a better deal with a new supplier, particularly if you have never switched before – saving you as much as £200 or more by shopping around, visit an accredited switching website to compare prices.
Insulating the loft and cavity walls of your home is a great way to save money on your heating bills. You could save up to £160 per year if you do both. Most major energy suppliers are also offering this free or at a reduced price.
There are also lots of small things you can do for free or at low cost around the home to save money on your energy bills. You can find out more by calling the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 or fill out an online home energy check http://hec.est.org.uk/
Need further information or Help? Basingstoke Citizens Advice Bureau, (within Basingstoke Discovery Centre) can help you with queries on budgeting, benefits and debt, relationships, immigration, employment issues, and consumer rights.
We operate a drop-in service in Basingstoke, 10am-3.30pm Monday to Friday (except Thursday) and Saturday mornings 10am-12noon.
Contact: Advice Line - 0844 245 1283 - www.adviceguide.org.uk
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HIOWAA Want Your Unwanted Gifts
Did you get a distasteful jumper, another hundred pairs of socks for Christmas or something you just don’t like? If you’re not sure what to do with your unwanted gifts of clothing then Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance are appealing for you to ‘Bag It Up’!
The start of a New Year always means New Year’s resolutions and quite often trying to lose weight and de-cluttering are high priority. That’s why we are asking you to gather any unwanted or outgrown clothing, shoes and other textiles and donate them to a good cause.
The charity works with recycling partner ‘Bag It Up’ which urges people to collect clothing they may have outgrown, unwanted shoes and bags they may have received over Christmas, and converts it into money for your Air Ambulance. They can even make use of old worn-out shoes and garments which are damaged. Simply bag them up and then put them in the charity’s yellow textile banks across the county.
John Perry, Chief Executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said ‘The majority of the textile donations we receive at this time of year have come from wardrobe clear-outs. With clothing banks at recycling sites across our region, there are plenty of places for people to take last season's garments and put them to a worthwhile cause.’
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance relies solely on the generosity of the public to maintain its service. The Air Ambulance requires a massive £125,000 each month which is why the kindness of people’s donations really makes a big difference and helps to keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives.
Charity Antiques Valuation Event
On Thursday 28 February there will be a Charity Antiques Valuation Event at St Mary’s Church Andover in aid of St Mary’s Andover [S.M.A.R.T. Appeal] from 10am to 2.30pm. There is an option, for the period 10am-11am, to book a 10 minute appointment for £10 – ring 01264 366373. Otherwise, from 11am, £5 for a maximum of three items. Refreshments are available.
Valuations are by Dreweatts Bloomsbury: Deputy Chairman,Will Richards, (furniture, general valuations), James Nicholson (Jewellery, watches, silver etc), Archie Parker (Paintings), Geoffrey Charles (Ceramics, glass, sporting items).
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PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR WHITCHURCH
Below are planning application registrations and decisions taken between 15 December 2012 and 18 January 2013. Unless otherwise stated, locations are in the parish of Whitchurch, applications are for full planning permission and the date shown is the registration date.
Registrations:
BDB/77353 14/01/2013 The Railway Inn, Station Road: Erection of 2 no. four bedroom, 3 no. three bedroom, 6 no. two bedroom and 1 no. one bedroom dwellings
BDB/77501 10/01/2013 17 Wheeler Close: Erection of first floor side extension and front porch
BDB/77476 02/01/2013 Byeway, Wells Lane: Erection of part two storey, part single storey side and rear extensions following demolition of existing garage
BDB/77461 24/12/2012 Blue Ginger, Bell Street: Erection of storage outbuilding (retrospective)
BDB/77454 24/12/2012 The Bungalow, 27, Lower Evingar Road: Erection of two storey rear extension with dormer windows and roof lights
BDB/77376 24/12/2012 The Knoll, London Road: Erection of an outbuilding to create a sun room
Decisions:
BDB/77247 08/11/2012 12 Queens Road: Erection of part two storey, part single storey rear extension following demolition of rear conservatory. Granted
Source: www.basingstoke.gov.uk
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Whitchurch Townswomen's Guild
The January meeting celebrated the Whitchurch Guild's 35th birthday, and all present enjoyed either a glass of Bucks Fizz, or a cup of coffee with a slice of delicious fruit cake, to celebrate the event. The speaker was Mrs E Bayliss, who spoke about ‘Thermal Imaging’, which members found most interesting and informative, and there were a great many questions at the end.
Our next meeting on 14 February will be at 10.15am in the Parish Hall. The speaker will be Mrs Hook and she will be talking about ‘Aerial Photography’. There will not be a sales table this month, but there will be a raffle as usual. Subscriptions are due this month. Visitors are very welcome to join us; the cost will be £2.
Contact: Vivienne Morris – 892140 - [email protected]
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Around the Parish
JEANNE TITCHINER
Nature Notes
Jenny Wren writes: You may have notice the green spears of snowdrops in your gardens, showing us that winter will eventually give way to spring. There is an old rhyme which says ‘The snowdrop, in purest white array, first rears her head on
Candlemas day (the Christian festival of lights)’, which is 2 February and is midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
If you’re passing The Rookery you’ll see, perched high in the tops of the trees, the nests of Rooks, these sociable birds and their families return to and repair the previous year’s nest in preparation for the year ahead. The collective noun for them is a “building of rooks”; maybe it’s connected to their desire to live in colonies and rebuild last year’s nest.
I have kept an eye on our garden pond, but there aren’t any signs of frogs spawn yet, but I expect to see some shortly. Common frogs spend the majority of their time on dry land and return to ponds to spawn in February to March, but also feed on dry land, so if your ponds have steep sides and they can’t get out they will die, so make sure they have an exit route, a “frog ladder” can be made by cutting a narrow piece from clematis netting, make sure it extends below the waterline and is secured at ground level. The male frog is smaller than the female and attracts her by producing a low croak; she can lay up to 4,000 eggs, which will hatch into tadpoles after 30-40 days, with only 1 in 400 surviving to adulthood.
Contact: [email protected]
Overton & District U3A
Overton & District U3A next meet at 10am on Wednesday 20 February in St Mary’s Hall. Peter Gentilli (of Caviste) will give a talk ‘Wonderful Wine’. Refreshments will be available and visitors are welcome for a charge of £3.00 (refundable if they then decide to join).
Contact: June Ewing - 895828 - [email protected] www.overtonu3a.org.uk
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Enquiries 892019 or www.andovercats.org.uk
Stories of rescued cats [email protected]
Fund-raising/volunteers [email protected]
Items for resale 892773
AROUND THE PARISH CONTINUED…
Cats Protection found 2012 a difficult year and their homing figures were very disappointing. They are still managing to keep their heads above water, however, and the coordinator would like to take this opportunity to thank all their fosterers and fund raisers for their great commitment together with the members of the general public who have helped with donations or homes to cats. They hope that
the good start to 2013 on the homing front will be maintained through the year.
They will be in the Whitchurch Charity shop for two weeks from the afternoon of Friday 8 February. Donations of small, saleable goods will be gratefully received.
Botham and Mojo, the elderly cats who were featured last time now have a new home. This month’s cat is Thomas, a sweet young black and white cat who just loves cuddles. He is looking for a loving, permanent home.
Overton Choral Society
A wonderful Christmas concert was well supported by Overton and the surrounding villages on 17 December. A varied programme with a lot of communal singing, Overton Sinfonia and, most of all, Overton Primary School, added up to a most delightful evening.
Thanks were given to all those who helped, particularly Rachel Turner and Nicholas Hussey for the time they had given to the pupils from the school. There were three young tenors and Amy with her very pretty and clear solo. A collection was made for the Sebastian Trust (for which they were very grateful) and everyone enjoyed the mince pies and teas after the concert.
OCS has resumed meeting for the spring season and are busy rehearsing Beethoven’s ‘Mass in C’ and CPE Bach’s ‘Magnificat’. Since both works are new to the majority of the choir, even the more experienced singers, everyone is prepared for some work. They are very pleased that the majority of the new members have decided to continue and glad to welcome more people to their practices from 7.45pm on Monday evenings in St Mary’s Hall.
Contact: Lyn Hardy - 379507
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AROUND THE PARISH CONTINUED…
Whitchurch Wildlife Wanderings
By Whitchurch resident Alex Cruickshank of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
Turn over any log or brick in your garden and you are likely to find an earwig. With their unmistakeable long, brown bodies and pincers at the tail end, they will squeeze into any dark crevice – including, it is said, people’s ears.
Like nearly all insects they have six legs, three main body segments and two pairs of wings. Earwigs, like beetles – the most diverse type of insects – have hardened forewings which act as covers for their more delicate hindwings. After flight the hindwings are folded fan-like and then folded in half and half again to fit under the protective forewings so that they can tunnel through the soil and squeeze into cracks. Despite the presence of these large, complex wings, earwigs rarely fly.
Many insects look after their young, and earwigs are one of the most maternal. Butterflies carefully select their egg laying sites and then leave their offspring to fend for themselves, but earwigs take their responsibilities much more seriously. In autumn, the female lays up to 50 eggs which she tends by licking off any dirt or mould until they hatch out in spring. She will continue to protect them until mid-summer, when they are big enough, and their skins hard enough, to survive by themselves.
The most obvious feature of earwigs is the pincers at the tail end. These are used for defence and offence – fighting off predators and catching food. They do not, however, live up to their French name: ‘perce-oreille’ or ear piercer.
Walking For Health In Whitchurch
Free ‘Walking for Health’ walks take place every Wednesday morning, departing from the Gill Nethercott Centre. Every week, whatever the weather, two circular Health Walks take place – one is at a medium pace for around an hour, the other is longer and brisker – with refreshments available afterwards. There are 11 volunteer Walk Leaders who take turns to plan and lead the walks, so every week there’s something different. Registration is from 9.45am at the Gill Nethercott Centre, for a 10am departure.
Many people are now feeling the benefit of regular exercise and enjoying walking around Whitchurch and the surrounding countryside. New walkers are always very welcome - please be sure to arrive by 9.45 if it’s your first time. Come on your own or bring a friend. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
For more information on Health Walks in Whitchurch and the surrounding area, please see the Basingstoke Walking for Health website:
Contact: Holly McAuley - 01256 845481 - www.basingstokehealthwalks.org
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Crafty Affairs are fortunate this month to be joined by two ladies from the Braid Society and the Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers, who will be demonstrating how to make beautiful braids suitable for key or handbag fobs,
tie backs, home furnishing adornment or even necklaces and bracelets. ‘Kumihimo’ is the word given to Japanese braiding which can form either round braids or flat braids – see the Braid Society’s website: www.braidsociety.com. This technique is ideal for youngsters to make their own friendship bracelets so go along and learn just how simple the basics are and pass on your new found skills to others.
Crafty Affairs will be meeting on Tuesday 12 February for Braiding and Kumihimo and Wednesday 27 February for a Social Session.
Social sessions are simply that; a chance to chat and be sociable while crafting. Simply take along whatever you are working on or would like help with and have a giggle and coffee at the same time. Crafty Affairs hope you will venture along to some of their meetings this year and join in the fun. Learn something new or teach others something you are skilful at yourself. It is a fun and relaxed group and anyone new venturing along to one of their sessions will be made very welcome.
There is no membership fee, just an entrance fee of £1.50 on the night which includes refreshments. Meetings start at 7.30pm at The Gill Nethercott Centre.
Contact: Rosie at Rosie’s Gifts (London Road) – 896403 - [email protected] www.craftyaffairs.org or www.facebook.com/craftyaffairs.
Hope for Justice
Hope for Justice is an organisation which exists to see the end of human trafficking and slavery in the UK. They are returning to Rotations (the charity shop on London Street) between 25 January and 7 February to raise much needed funds. They are looking forward to seeing again those they met last November.
They tell how 2013 started wonderfully for Hope for Justice when they rescued 'Rachel' from forced labour, where she was living in an overcrowded house, receiving just 75p an hour with threats to her life.
For more information about Hope for Justice or how you can help:
Contact: Kim 07951 623665 - www.Hopeforjustice.org.uk
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AROUND THE PARISH CONTINUED…
Whitchurch Utd FC
It has been a mixed period for the Jam Boys. After starting December with victories over Stockbridge and Laverstock & Ford, their only other fixture in four weeks saw them go down 4-0 at top of the table Team Solent. The Reserves have also suffered with the weather and will be hoping that, under new management, their New Year fares better.
The U16's have had a difficult season but their persistence and dedication finally paid off when they gained their first point of the season in a hard fought draw at South Wonston. The U15's still have a chance of making the top two and maintained momentum with a 4-2 win against Worthies, whilst the U13's also remain hopeful of finishing near the top after beating South Wonston 3-2
Fixtures Youth Home Games at Whitchurch (Saturday mornings)
2 February Whitchurch Away Vs Brockenhurst U13's & U16's
5 February Whitchurch Home Vs New Street
9 February Whitchurch Home Vs Ringwood None
16 February Whitchurch Away Vs Petersfield U13's, U15's & U16's
23 February Whitchurch Home Vs Amesbury U13's
2 March Whitchurch Away Vs Cowes U15's & U16's
Christmas Cheer from the Whitchurch Welfare Trust.
Each year the Whitchurch Welfare Trust distributes ‘Christmas Cheer’ to individuals and organisations based in Whitchurch. In December, the total value of the Christmas 2012 distribution was £4,790.
Small gifts of money, flowers or Christmas hampers, were sent to about 80 individuals, including people who have been seriously ill or recently bereaved. Donations were also sent to local organisations covering a range of age groups and interests, including Whitchurch Primary and Testbourne Community Schools, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Kingfisher Trust, the Lunch Club, the Ambulance and Fire Stations, the Youth Project, the Guides and Brownies, Testbourne Teapot, the Rising Fives Pre-school, and the Toy Library.
The Trust’s main objective is to provide financial help for people suffering hardship or distress, and also for students towards the costs of their training courses. The total of this additional financial help, in a typical year, amounts to about a further £5,000.
The Trustees welcome applications, in writing, from local organisations and individuals. Registered Charity no 204378
Contact: The Whitchurch Welfare Trust, c/o Town Hall, Newbury St., Whitchurch RG28 7DW - email via the Trust’s website – www.whitchurchwelfaretrust.org.uk.
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The Parish Giving Scheme
Paying for our Churches
Many readers kindly help the Anglican churches of this parish (All Hallows, Tufton and Litchfield) to continue to serve local people. Others may be considering some financial contribution that is tremendously helpful to us in meeting our costs. You may be interested in the Parish Giving Scheme which seeks to make this easier.
Why?
The Church of England offers a Christian presence in every community, seeking to be at the heart of all our cities, towns and villages; by serving our communities; by sharing our faith and values; by worshipping together and by our wonderful buildings. The cost of this valuable contribution to our community is largely met by personal donations. For the Church to survive and grow, we rely on regular donations so that we can plan confidently for the future.
‘Money’ dominates too many agendas in our Church. Successfully addressing the Church’s need to receive realistic, long term giving from committed Christians is fundamental to developing a thriving, outward looking church.
What?
The Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) introduces the flexibility of giving by Direct Debit to ease the process for both the donor and the recipient church. This can be
made on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.
Whitchurch Parochial Church Council (PCC) has approved the adoption of the PGS and plans to commence the implementation during 2013. This scheme will help to ‘inflation-proof’ our giving, maximize our cash-flow and minimise our administration. This will free up our parish to focus on other important priorities.
In summary the scheme:
Collects the regular donations for the parish
Claims the Gift Aid entitlement on our behalf
Pays the gross amount (both the donation and the reclaimed tax) to the PCC within ten days
Undertakes a basic level of donor care
Provides the option for donors to increase donations with inflation.
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AROUND THE PARISH CONTINUED…
The Parish Giving Scheme Continued
Who?
The scheme is operated as a partnership between Church of England dioceses to ensure that it administered as cost effectively as possible but delivered locally. It has been in operation since 2008 and is already making a huge impact.
What next?
If you are a regular donor who pays by bank standing order then you should be receiving further details in the near future. If not, but you would like to find out more about how you could contribute to the parish, please contact Andrew Cope.
Contact: Andrew Cope, Stewardship Coordinator - [email protected] – 892189
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Whitchurch WI – ‘Bishops, Sex and Money’
Calling all women of Whitchurch! The next WI meeting is at 7.15pm on Thursday 21 February at the Gill Nethercott Centre when, due to the popularity of his previous talk, Tony Stafford returns, this time to tell all about ‘Bishops, Sex and Money’ – amongst some of the most renowned ‘off-limits’ subjects!
Tony lived and worked at the Tower of London for 19 years and his talks are hugely entertaining. Visitors are always welcome for a small contribution of £2.50. Don’t be shy – if you go on your own they will ensure you have someone to sit with and chat to, and it is a great way to make new friends.
At December’s meeting the WI welcomed the Greywell Bellringers who gave a demonstration and talk about handbell ringing. Everyone had a chance to ‘have a go’ and voted it great fun as Christmas songs and carols rang out through the GNC, made all the more enjoyable with wine and nibbles. January’s meeting saw Michelle Holmes from Whitchurch Library entertaining WI members by revealing ‘behind the scenes’ stories about Hampshire Libraries, and lots of information about the wide variety of little known services they offer. Members were then challenged with a number of ‘hands on tasks’ that library staff carry out, and had an opportunity to try out some of the websites that the library has free access to.
Contact: Kath Donaldson - 892492
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Whitchurch Cricket Club
David Mariner writes: It is that time of year again when the club are thinking about pre season cricket nets. These will be every Friday from 6pm-8pm in the sports hall at Testbourne School and anyone, whether currently a member, looking to join, or interested in taking up the sport, is welcome. The club is also looking for umpires and scorers for both the first and second teams. For further details:
Contact: [email protected].
News from the Whitchurch Festival
The snow is here but the snowdrops are showing so spring must be waiting to appear in the not too distant future.
We are looking forward to selecting our new Carnival Queen and Princess on Friday 8 February at the Gill Nethercott Centre. We are very pleased to be holding this event with the Youth at Heart youth club. The club opens its doors at 7pm and judging will commence at 7.30pm. Once our royalty has been chosen we will look forward to the crowning ceremony at the May Day celebration, Saturday 4 May on the Millennium Meadow.
Other Future events are:
Sunday 26 May Great Whitchurch Pub Race
Saturday 29 June Procession and Fete
Saturday 26 October Fireworks and Bonfire Night
Saturday 16 November We’ll Meet Again
If you would like to take part or help out at any of these events:
Contact: Cindy – 893513 - [email protected] www.whitchurchfestival.org
HIOWAA
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is running the Rotations charity shop in Whitchurch from 26 April to 10 May. The continued support from Whitchurch and surrounding areas is greatly appreciated.
Whitchurch resident, June Leatheam, Community and Corporate Fundraiser is asking for help: ‘Last year we were fortunate to have the use of Rotations for a week and raised over £1600, which was fantastic, and we had the free use of a garage to store the donated goods. Unfortunately, we can’t have the use of the garage this year and are desperately searching for dry storage space in the Whitchurch area from now until mid April. If you are able to help:
Contact: June Leatheam – 07966 017236.
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History Society
The first 2013 meeting of the History Society will be the AGM, followed by a talk on the History of Winchester Prison given by Mark Watts, at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 February in the Gill Nethercott Centre. Everyone is welcome - they look forward to seeing you. Members' subscriptions of £6 are now due; visitors charge £2.
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RECYCLE BIN COLLECTION DATES FOR WHITCHURCH
Paper, card, plastic bottles, food and drinks cans and glass recycling Friday 1 February, Friday 15 February and Friday 1 March
Garden waste
Wednesday 13 February and Wednesday 27 February
Source: www.basingstoke.gov.uk
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WHITCHURCH OPENING HOURS AND PHONE NUMBERS
Citizens Advice
Town Hall ground flr
Tuesdays 9.30am – 12.30pm
Dentists
Whitchurch Smiles Ltd
893968
Mondays to Fridays 9am – 1pm; 2 – 5pm
Private patients only
Dental Concepts
893517
Mondays to Fridays 9am – 1pm; 2 – 5pm
Doctors 0844
477 2547 Mondays-Fridays 8am – 6.30pm
Library 0845 6035631*
Mondays 1 - 5pm; Wednesdays 1-7pm;
Fridays 10am - 5pm; Saturdays 10am – 1pm
Neigh-bourcare
892791
896922
Helen Knight
Sue Reynolds Mondays-Fridays 8am – 8pm
Post Office 892108 Mondays to Fridays 9am – 5.30pm
Saturdays 9am – 12.30pm
Station Ticket Off.
Mondays - Fridays 6.00am – 11.15am
Town Hall 892107 Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 9.30 – 11.30am
* Calls handled by Hantsdirect
