Evening classes in upholstery, an introduction to floristry, beginner's French, beginner's Spanish, yoga and pilates start in the week beginning 18th September at Testbourne and run for 10 weeks.

Full details and an on-line application form are available by clicking on the subject or call 306484 between 10am and 4pm. Costs are from �50 to �58, but are free to under 18's and those receiving some benefits, press here for details.

Taekwondo for 6 - 8 Year Olds

Following on from its success with the launch of a new class for 9 -14 year olds in Whitchurch earlier this year, Overton and Basingstoke Taekwondo Club will open a further class on Saturday 16th September at Testbourne Community School, Whitchurch. These classes will be specifically focused on providing high quality and fun training in the Korean Martial Art of Taekwondo for children aged 6 � 8.

As well as being a fun and exciting martial art, Taekwondo can also help students develop greater fitness, flexibility and improve concentration and discipline. For those interested in competing, the opportunities exist to participate in all levels from local events up to the Olympics with the necessary talent and dedication.

The Lead Instructor Lynne Firth, has over 18 years experience of Taekwondo, has an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and holds insurance with the British Taekwondo Council. As a parent of young children, Lynne understands how to provide a varied and exciting class and how to meet the demands of encouraging and motivating children.

The training will be from 11am to 12pm every Saturday. The first class is free and after that training is just �3.00 per class. There are still places for children aged 9 �14 in the existing class at 10.00am to 11.00am every Saturday.

 Further details can be obtained from Lynne Firth on 01256 895701 or via

Access the Internet for Free

The computer with free internet access in Whitchurch Library continues to be well used - but it is so popular that Wendy Sperry advises potential users to ring 892598 and book beforehand. When the Whitchurch Library is closed you can ring another Hampshire library and ask to book the People�s Network computer at Whitchurch. The same goes for renewing books on your ticket � all the non-mobile Hampshire libraries can do renewals over the phone.

Raising the Roof at the Community Hall

Those walking down Winchester Road may have noticed progress on the new Community Hall.

It now has a roof. Other internal features are also being added.

Christmas in Whitchurch 2006 - Calling all Retailers

Just as work really starts on the plans for Christmas in Whitchurch 2006, the South East Rural Town's partnership has printed details of last year's event in its September Newsletter.

Stewart Parrington will be leading a meeting of retailers who are interested in taking part in the 3 weeks' worth of activities in the run up to Christmas and receiving feedback from the business surveys that have been recently carried out in the Town. The aim is to have a bigger and better event than last year and help improve the future prosperity and well being of Whitchurch Town Centre retailing businesses. If you are interested, please come along on 5th October to the White Hart at 6pm. Please read the details, which include how to let Stewart know you're interested.

Work Continues in The Meadow

Picture by Graham Burgess

Agricultural expert Stewart Parrington, ardent and long-serving volunteer on the meadow, has been active this week mowing the long grass. The cutting seeks to preserve the spider habitat whilst continuing the battle against the coarser weeds and grasses. A team is being assembled to deal with the moles and rabbits that make certain areas dangerous to walk over.

There are still plums awaiting picking and the meadow boasts many other fruits including one of the prettiest hawthorns you will ever see. Having keen enthusiasts one can rely upon to do something each week in the main seasons is essential to the vitality of the meadow .

There is more on the Meadow, the plan and pictures of the fruits on the  Meadow's page.

Naomi House Children�s Hospice Fund Raising

Nobby Clark's fund raising bike ride and fun day have so far managed to raise �1,160 for Naomi House. Nobby hopes that the figure will rise to �1,300 when all pledges are redeemed.

He wants to thanks all the establishments which supported his fund raising and those who have donated money and attended the Fun Day at the Harvest Home.