News

Another Challenge is Nigh

Simon Dutton is aiming to raise £500 to thank North Hants Hospital Neonatal unit and the Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. He is planning cover the 70-mile Wayfarer's Walk in Hampshire in 3 days, to raise money in appreciation of the fantastic care his day-old son Tom received at the two units during the first week of his life.

It's happening on September 19^th - 21^st, so Simon aims to walk about 20-25 miles each day. Any monies raised will be split equally between these two fantastic causes...so please dig deep and donate on-line - if you're a tax payer, then that nice Mr Osbourne will add 25% of whatever you give, courtesy of Gift Aid!

Livvy and Helen's Challenge is Nigh

Livvy Snell and Helen Gray's 20 kilometre triathlon to raise £800 for Cancer Research UK is in less than 2 weeks. On the 3^rd September, Livvy and Helen will be running 5 kilometres and swimming 5 kilometres, in Whitchurch and Abbotts Ann. They will start with a run through the fields surrounding Whitchurch, and then in to Whitchurch itself, before proceeding to Abbotts Ann to do their 5 kilometre swim. On the 4^th they will don their cycle helmets for the final part of their triathlon style event, a 10 kilometre cycle from Abbotts Ann, to Grately.

You can support Helen and Livvy by going to www.justgiving.com/livvysnellandhelengray, and donating as much as you can.

For further information about The 20K, please email Livvy and Helen. You can also download a flyer here.

Whitchurch United are Through

The Jam Boys delighted a large crowd by beating strong opposition from the top of the league above them in the FA Cup.

'Church dominated the first half with everyone throwing all they had to the game. They were rewarded after 15 mins and 30 mins with goals that went easily through the Bemerton defence. The only problem was the loss of Grant Powell who injured his lower arm in a tackle, after half an hour which took him from the field for the rest of the game. He heard a crack as he went down but at the end of the match wasn't sure whether anything was broken.

The second half started just as well with a third goal after 5 minutes. 'Church remained in the driving seat until the last quarter of an hour when one or two ugly moments threatened to spoil the game. A penalty goal followed shortly by a very well struck direct free kick just outside the box for the visitors brought the score to 3 - 2. A nail bitinglast few minutes saw all 11 Bemerton players in the Whitchurch half. Some excellent Whitchurch defending and rapid counter attacks saw the home team safely through with no more goals for either side.

Chairman, Gary Shaughnessy, declared himself "Absolutely delighted". He did admit to being worried that it might all go away from Whitchurch in the dying minutes but with a huge grin he asked "Who says the magic has gone out of the FA Cup?".

Whitchurch's next league match is against Amesbury Town, currently just below them in the Wessex League, at home on 27th August, kick off at 3pm, so why not spend an(other) exciting afternoon at Longmeadow?

Summer in Whitchurch

Whitchurch was hit by a downpour of tropical proportions yesterday. Whitchurch's weather station recorded a massive 66.3mm of rain during the day, that's around 10% of the total for the year to date.

Most of the rain came in a 3 hour period with a peak of 87mm per hour. There was some local flooding the worst being on the A34 south of Bullington Cross and the A303 underpass between Micheldever Road and the A30 which caught out at least one driver who had to be pushed out of the small pond by passing motorists.

Parish Hall Improvements to Start

The Parish Hall Committee has approved a major improvement programme which will start in the Parish Hall on 5th September. The project, which will be professionally managed, is estimated to cost �150,000 and will provide:

• a new, larger, improved kitchen
• a complete electrical rewire with provision for computer controlled stage lighting
• a new floor, ceiling and lighting
• a dedicated bar
• a 4 metre wide screen for films
• improved heating
• double glazing
• cavity wall insulation
• under stage storage
• for those less agile
  • an access ramp
  • automated front doors
  • a hearing loop
  • dedicated disabled toilet
• In addition, the exterior fabric of the building, now over 100 years old, will be renovated to make it as good as new, retaining all the existing features.

The work is scheduled to take just under 3 months and it is planned to reopen the Hall in time for the Festival Committee�s We�ll Meet Again Supper for the Town�s Senior Citizens on 3 December and a new season of Moviola Films in the New Year.

Chairman Bill Judge says "It's a tremendous achievement for the Committee to have raised the majority of the required funds and organised a bridging loan to cover the remainder. I and the whole Town are indebted to those who have so generously contributed. They have saved the hall for us all and will now update it to 21st century standards".

Only one grant has been received for the current project, just over �4,000 from Hampshire Country Council. This means that in just over a year the Committee has raised over �170,000 from private sources. It is now looking for another �10,000 to cover immediate costs and the provision of items such as new tables and chairs to complement the new d�cor.

You can help now, at no cost to yourself. Do you have any old computer printer toner or ink cartridges? If so, please hand them in to the Handbag Shop and the funds raised from their sale will go towards the Hall Improvement Fund. The Committee will be announcing its other fund raising plans soon. Watch your letterbox, the Town�s notice boards and theWhitchurchWeb.

Blight Warning

The current warm humid conditions mean that blight in Whitchurch's gardens and allotments is likely. For the last two consecutive days the minimum temperature has been 10ºC and for at least 11 hours each day the relative humidity has been greater than 90%. This is known in the agricultural and horticultural world as a Full Smith Period. The conditions are ideal for the fungus which causes blight in potatoes and tomatoes.

If you haven't spotted the telltale brown blotches on potato leaves or blackening of tomato leaves you can spray with Bordeaux Mixture, this is a copper based fungicide and works (until it rains or for 2 weeks if it doesn't) by preventing the fungal spores getting into the plant. You will need to carefully wash your tomatoes to ensure all the mixture has been removed before eating them!

If your potato leaves have brown blotches, cut them off immediately and get rid of them - not in the compost bin. The potatoes will be ok to eat, but they will not grow any more. If your tomatoes have any sign of a blackened leaf, then it's too late; remove and get rid of the entire plant. It's no use trying to save the tomatoes, even if they don't appear to be affected and you remove them from the plant; they will go black within a week or so - affected plants blacken within a few days of the first signs.

Support the Jam Boys

Following a good league win on Saturday to get the new season underway, as previously reported, Whitchurch United FC now has a stiffer challenge ahead on Saturday as the Club welcomes Bremerton Heath Harlequins to Longmeadow in the preliminary round of the FA Cup. Bremerton has had 2 wins already in the Premier Division of the Wessex League.

Club Chairman, Gary Shaughnessy, says "We're delighted to be back in the FA Cup and looking forward to a really special match to get our season off to a great start". John Rutledge adds "Despite being the underdogs, United is keen to do well for the Town and community and hopes that as many folk as possible will come along at 3pm on Saturday to cheer on the Jam Boys".

The team is up for it - how about you? - Longmeadow Sports and Social Club, Winchester Road is the place to be at 3pm on 20th August

Success for Friendly Club

Whitchurch Bowls Club is chalking up individual and club victories. The Club, which has its green at Longmeadow Sports and Social Club, plays in four Leagues during the week in the Spring and Summer. The Club also takes part in all local league and County competitions and won 4 of 5 friendlies, in addition to running its own club competitions.

Some of the members play in county Friendly matches and association Friendlies. This year Linda Hayward was a member of Hampshire's winning team in the national inter-county team championship at Royal Leamington Spa. Linda saw the team through a nail-biting semi final against Cumbria by winning the final end and went on to draw her end in the final against Devon.

The Club welcomes new members and has home matches on 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th and 30th August. The final match is on 2nd September so why not pop along to watch and even join in a pint in the Social Club afterwards.

The season ends with a BBQ on Saturday 3rd September from 5pm onwards. If you're interested in the BBQ (tickets �6 per head), or anything else about the Club, please call Bryan Hand on 893142. The Club will then close for the winter and most members will join Longmeadow Indoor Bowls Club for the winter. Anyone interested in playing indoors should contact Mike Claxton 892120 or Hannah Burden on 895033.

Healthy Eating in Whitchurch

The Veg Patch is now offering healthy fresh fruit smoothies. Made while you wait to your specification, the smoothies have a frozen natural yoghurt base and so have a smooth decadent feeling but are pure goodness and only �2.50. Nigel is now producing other refreshing natural yoghurt based foods.

The shop in London Street also has an ever growing list of frozen foods on sale from 9am to 6pm daily (5pm on Saturdays). You can order on-line or by phone on 896696. If it's not in stock and you order by closing time, your fresh fruit or veg will be in the shop the following day.

See Local Crafts

It's your chance to see what goes on in The Studio in Fairclose. This year Penny Spooner will again be opening her doors for Hampshire Open Studios over two weekends this month, and will be joined by three other local artists who will be displaying their beautiful work along with hers. The artists will all be demonstrating their work at different times at the studio, so come and visit The Studio to see the workspace and demonstrations, or to take the opportunity to buy individual gifts that can't be found on the high street.

Penny will have her hand made porcelain ceramics, produced individually in small numbers and glazed in unique pastel speckled glazes of blue, green, pink & purple, Damien Rochford, from Laverstoke, will display his wonderful bronze sculptures and paintings, Adele Zaslawska, from St Mary Bourne, produces quirky & original mosaics and Alice Bloor, from Laverstoke, will show her beautiful original textiles.

Visitors are very welcome between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, 20 & 21st August, and again on Friday and Saturday 26 & 27.

Gentry go Underground

The Gentry Underground are recording their latest tracks underground in Whitchurch. The group, which practices regularly and has produced a video in the Whitchurch Parish Hall, has created a recording area in the space under the Hall's stage.

The spot is ideal, providing a location where the band's high noise levels cannot be heard outside the building. As before, watch this space for news of the tracks' release.

Up for the Cup

Whitchurch United are in probably the world's most prestigious football competition, the FA Cup, at home on 20 August. The club has home advantage but their opponents, Bemerton Heath Harlequins, from Salisbury, were runners up in the Wessex League Premier Division compared with Whitchurch�s 7th in the 1st Division, a difference of 27 places.

Hopefully the club�s pre-season games have put them in good shape for the match. Chairman Gary Shaughnessy said �Being in the FA Cup is great for Whitchurch United and I hope that the town will come and support their local team".

Many of the Town�s businesses are supporting the club so why not make a date in your diary to turn out and support them on the 20th August and the rest of the season? In addition to the information on the club's new website, there's a flyer for the game here and a full schedule of the first team's games for the 2011 - 12 season here.

Win at the White Hart

Win family oriented prizes each week in August at the White Hart. All you have to do is buy a a meal from the under 12's children's menu and you will be entered in that week's draw.

There's different treat to win each week. This week it's a family ticket to the Manydown Maize Maze.

Newbury Road Closure

Network Rail has released details of its plans which predict the road not now closing until around January 2012.

According to Basingstoke & Deane's Transport Strategy department, Network Rail has rescheduled the road closure which is needed to re-build the bridge which carries Newbury Road over the railway in Whitchurch. Originally scheduled to start in August 2011, the timescale has been changed after protected species of wildlife were found on the site and additional work is required to obtain a protected species licence.

Some works on the site will still begin in October 2011 with vegetation clearance and diversion of utilities, including water,and telephone. However the most likely date for the closure of the road will now be in January 2012. This will be followed by demolition of the existing bridge in February 2012 and reopening of the road in March. A letter drop to the residents around the site and further advice to Councillors will give firmer dates nearer to the time of the works.

If you have any queries please contact the Network Rail helpline on 0845 711 4141 or 0207 557 8000 (Option 1).

Whitchurch History for Sale

Hugo Fox is offering historic photos of Whitchurch for sale. A seller from Kent is offering 3 black and white photos from the early 20th century. They show a rural view of Whitchurch, the Square and the lower end of Newbury Street and were published by Rood Bros of Southampton.

It costs nothing to advertise your unwanted items for 30 days on Whitchurch's own jobs and classified site Hugo Fox.

Fancy Hanging Around?

Try out Testbourne's climbing wall at a Cheeky Chimps Climbing Session.

You will be instructed on how to use all the equipment safely and get the opportunity to climb the wall. There are 2 sessions during the school holidays on Tuesday 9^th August and 23^rd August in the Sports Hall between 2 and 4pm. The activity is suitable for 8 - 14 year olds and costs £15 per session. Please wear T-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and trainers. Booking is essential as spaces are limited

Thrill seekers should ring Paul Bushell on 892261.

Dance the Summer Away

The Marina School of Dance will be running a course of Summer School classes on Thursdays at Testbourne School. The classes are held every Thursday (4^th, 11^th, 18^th and 25^th August)

The cost per course of 4 classes is �16. Please call Marina on 07749112626 to book your place.

Other Things to do this Weekend in Whitchurch

See how local wool is produced and woven at Tufton Smallholding. Visit the small holding to see demonstrations of spinning, braid making and peg loom weaving, as well as interactive projects for children.

Tufton Smallholding wool and woolen goods will be on display and there'll be organic gardening experts on hand to answer any questions you may have. There's a �2 charge - for charity - booking is essential - call 893518.

A Good Time to be in Whitchurch

There's lots on in the Whitchurch pubs and eating places this weekend and throughout the summer. At the Blue Ginger there's 20% off your food bill on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and if your take away order is more than �25 you'll get a free bottle of red or white wine!

The Red House celebrates its reopening with new menus and a new look. It's the same great quality food and drink plus a more extensive bar menu & light bites and this weekend (Friday to Sunday) a free glass of bubbly to diners.

Now that summer's here, why not try the Shorts and shades disco and party at the from 8.30pm until late on Saturday night. Just the food for the beach is fish and chips, and it's only �5 for diners in Shorts and Shades on Friday and Saturday.

Or, if you're in more violent mood, dress up as a gangster for the Saturday night disco at the Kings Arms.

You can see all the current special offers in Whitchurch here.

Sun Shines on Fête

The weather contributed to a good day at Berehill House and Wessex Lodge. There was even a glimpse of the sun, in contrast to the recent terrible weather. In addition to the stalls, residents and visitors were entertained by a colourful display of belly dancing.

Over £400 was raised to provide extras for the residents.

How Things Used to Be

Do you remember how events used be in Whitchurch in the past? Now you can refresh your memory - well, you can look back at the events that have been advertised on theWhitchurchWeb since March 2008, since when the events have been stored in a database. Visit What's been on in Whitchurch.

More Summer Holiday Activities

There are a couple of family trips organised by Testbourne Extended Schools Partnership.

On 2^nd August there's a trip to Laverstoke Farm. Meet at 9.45am at Testbourne Community School Main Reception. Activities include handling chicks, feeding hens & collecting eggs, visiting dairy to bottle-feed buffalo calves, visiting walled garden & orchard, planting a herb salad to take home. Please bring outdoor clothing suitable for the weather & lunch.

On 25^th August the destination is Moors Valley. Meet at 8.45am at Testbourne Community School Main Reception.This is a fun filled park with a number of walks including fitness, nature, play, tree top trails. You can have a ride on the miniature steam railway, hire a mountain bike, go fishing, or play golf - all activities are available at an extra cost whilst at the park and may require booking directly (have a look at the park's website).

For both trips the price is just �5.00 per family, booking is essential as spaces are limited - a parent/guardian must attend. You can get more information from Paul Bushell on 892261.

Summer Holiday Activities at Whitchurch Silk Mill

From 2nd to 25th August there are a series of activities for children at the Silk Mill. They all run daily from 11am - 3.30pm and cost £5, there's no need to book just turn up during the session.

More information from 892065.

Famine in East Africa

To move from the parochial issues that normally comprise this website can I draw your attention to the need for funds to help combat the famine in East Africa? The UN has formally declared a famine, children and women are the most vulnerable. More than 2 million children under five in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are acutely malnourished, including almost 500,000 children suffering from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition.

What is most needed at the moment is cash and UNICEF UK and the Disasters Emergency Committee have on-line donation sites, just click on the links to go straight there. So please -forget your local problems for just a short while and think of those who are struggling to stay alive and remember Bob Geldorf's immortal words!

National Play Day

There'll be a whole raft of free activities at Testbourne. On 3 August between 10am and 12noon there'll be activities including face painting, craft, messy play, den building and sports. There's only one rule - children must be accompanied by their parents/carers at all times.

Call Paul on 892261 for more information.

Royal British Legion Whitchurch Branch

Despite being in the "heat of summer" it is time to prepare for Remembrance Day. Orders for wreaths, poppies and crosses are placed during August.

The Whitchurch Branch therefore ask if businesses and associations would kindly notify the Poppy Appeal co-ordinator (Christine Lynn on 893072) of their requirements for the 2011 collection taking place in November (finalised dates to be released next month). Churches can apply for altar poppies and associations can request their individual badges to be placed upon wreaths.

As in previous years, additional help is always welcome. The Whitchurch Branch would welcome anyone who can commit to just one hour in the two weeks. Just by assisting in delivering boxes to the local shops and offices would greatly assist several of our octogenarians in order for them to concentrate on lighter tasks. Again, please contact Christine on 893072 if you can help.

This year the Royal British Legion have committed themselves to building a new rehabilitation centre for all those service personnel injured during either conflict or general service. Your help could save a lot of pity.

Whitchurch Awards at Hampton Court

Two local gardeners have received RHS awards for their efforts at Hampton Court Flower Show. In addition to Hardy's now almost obligatory Gold Medal, Jo Kent of Gardens by Jo worked with her friend, Judy Cornford to produce a Silver Medal Winning garden, "The eye of the internet maze". Jo encouraged Judy to submit a design last year, which was accepted by the RHS. She then supported her during preparations through the winter and spring and was on site being extremely involved, in a very 'hands on' way, during the 3 weeks prior to the show opening on the 6^th July. The build was very much a team effort with only 3 designers (Judy, Jo and Tony MacBride) and 3 contractors.

Jo says "This was a very small team compared with other designers, (Chis Beardshaw seemed to have about 50 on his plot at any one time!). We all worked very long days (and nights!) for the 3 weeks of the build, and then during the week of the show but it was worth it. We were awarded a silver medal and are delighted with our result. It's now back to reality with a bump and trying to catch up all the work outstanding for current clients, as well as already getting enquiries following our success. Life is never dull and we are all very happy!"

So, if you want a high quality garden and high quality plants to stock it, you need travel no further than Whitchurch.

Please Don't Rain on my Parade

For the first time since the Carnival has been running in recent years, the weather turned against Whitchurch. Heavy rain in the morning and no sign of things improving meant that the decision was taken to cancel the parade. One group was determined to carry on and, as their theme was under the sea, a little bit of water made little difference. The Rising Fives gamely followed the procession route to the site of the fête.

Despite rain during the afternoon the fête continued with occasional sightings of the sun. Those there enjoyed the stalls, rides, food and drink. The Mayor, Barry Jackman, was in attendance and bravely tackled the Bucking Bronco, even though the result was never in any doubt!

Well done to Rob and his team for another great effort. There are more pictures here - including what happened to the Mayor!!

Calling all Card Makers

If you enjoy making greetings cards, and would be interested in displaying your work for sale in Whitchurch Library, the team there would love to hear from you. Please call in or phone 0845 6035631 during opening hours to arrange a time to show them some of your cards. They will display and sell your cards for you. You fix your prices and the Library will take a commission on your sales.

If you need to buy a greetings card, some postcards or notelets, please come into the Library to see what is on offer. All the cards are now made by local artists and craftspeople. They sell at various prices, in a variety of styles, and include some local views.

Whitchurch Festival Fête and Procession

Entries for the the Whitchurch Carnival procession on Saturday already include Whitchurch Youth Project, Oak Tree Nursery, Marina School of Dance, Belly Dancing, Cats Protection, Testbourne Community School, Hungerford Town Marching Band, Whitchurch Fire Brigade, Whitchurch Ambulance Service and a steam engine! There's still chance to enter via the website, or just be between Evingar Road and the Primary School between 1 and 2pm on 16^th July, with lots of coins to give.

In addition to more food and drink (tea, coffee, beer, Pimms ...) than you can shake a stick at the fête will include Name the Bear & Chocolate, a Mini Wheel, an Inflatable Slide, an Assault Course, an Inflatable Castle, a Carousel Ride, Pony Rides, Lucky Dip, Coconut Shy, Music, Displays & Presentations, Rodeo Rides, Sumo Suits, Henna Tattoos, Soft Toy Tombola, Massage Therapy, Jewellery, Nearly New Toys, Handmade Cards, Bead Weaving, Hand Crafted Cushions, Chutneys & Jams, Football Gifts ......... You'll need to be at the Primary School from 2pm to see it all - entry is free!

Financial Support Offered to Local Sports Clubs

Hugo Fox, Whitchurch's own jobs website, is offering support to local sporting organisations. Hugo Fox has recently signed a three-year deal with Overton�s Rugby Club and is also supporting the Overton Harriers� water stand at the Hampshire Road Race League for the second year running, as well as a number of charity events in the region.

Michael Thompson, founder and chairman of HugoFox.com said: �We like to support local teams as it�s great advertising for us and helps put funds back into the community where we live and where our children are growing up. The main principle of the business is locals helping locals, and that�s what our site is all about. It�s great to see our clubs do so well this year and we�d love to get involved with more sports teams.�

The company is now inviting applications from coaches and players in local teams to discuss possible sponsorship deals, in a bid to help more like Overton Rugby Club.

Whitchurch Festival Fête and Procession

There is still time (just) to register to take part in either the Whitchurch Carnival procession or fête on 16^th July. Following the links to get the full details and sign up but outline details are:

The Carnival Procession will start, as is now, traditional fro Evingar Industrial Estate at 1pm. It will travel down Evingar Road to Bell Street, the Square and Winchester Street to Micheldever Road. It will turn into Alliston Way but then in a change this year follow Alliston Way to Daniels Road to arrive at Whitchurch C of E Primary School at around 2pm. To enter the procession you can walk, cycle, run, hop or travel in a vehicle* either individually or in a group of any size. There are certificates for the "float" judged best in each of several categories. If you don't want to exhibit yourself, the committee are looking for volunteers to help on the day. For the majority there is the opportunity to see what the rest of Whitchurch will do to entertain themselves and you, please donate generously in the buckets that will be placed in front of you - but please DON'T throw coins.

* or any other safe and legal method of movement you can think of!

At the school from 2pm onwards there will be the usual fête with food, drink, games, stalls, rides and entertainments. It's completely free to visit the fête and if you would like a stall to sell your wares or just advertise your organisation, the committee would like a small contribution. Again full details are on the website.

Noisy Helicopters

Following one complaint about noise early on Friday morning, the team at RAF Odiham wants everyone to know how much it values local support for its work. Flight Lieutenant Katie Sheppeck RAF has sent this message:

The operational tempo at Royal Air Force Odiham has never been higher and the whole station is completely focused on providing the maximum possible Chinook capability for the soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan. Chinooks are providing vital and life saving work in Afghanistan, under dangerous and demanding circumstances. The Chinook crews’ ability to do this safely is dependant on the quality and quantity of training that they undertake in this country before they deploy.  Part of the skill set required is the ability to fly at low level and this, as with other flying skills, is perishable. This means that it needs frequent reinforcement through training for it to become second nature for the crews.

We are, however, acutely aware that the flying at home to achieve this essential training inevitably causes disturbance which we understand is not always welcome. We would like to assure you that every possible precaution is taken to minimise the disturbance whilst still achieving the essential training. Flying operations on the station are a whole team effort and there are many and varied different activities required in order to keep the Chinooks in the air, ranging from engineering, logistics and air traffic control through to infrastructure management, catering and accountancy.  All of the people at Royal Air Force Odiham are hugely grateful for the superb support that they receive from the local and wider communities and we are very keen to continue to build these relationships.

Local Group Going Places

As reported in the NME, The Gentry Underground turns on Tuesday 12 July at the Railway Inn, Winchester, as supporting Group to "Wild Mercury Sound". Zac Skinner, Dan Hutchins and James Barge take the stage at 8 p.m. ready to welcome all their many supporters.

The lads have been honing their unique sound at the Whitchurch Parish Hall for most of the year and hope to impress the Warner Brother�s talent scout who will be in attendance!

It should be a great night out - WATCH THIS SPACE for news of their first single.

Support Whitchurch United

United have a programme of pre-season matches this month. The club has a new website and you can download a poster giving details of their July matches here.

Please support them and their sponsors Clacy’s Garage, Headquarters Hair Salon and the .

Cats Protection - Help Needed

Andover and District Cats Protection is looking for new volunteers.

The existing team needs someone to do PR and Publicity, someone to take charge of the Lost Cats Register, people to help with fund raising and is always on the lookout for new, reliable fosterers. Please call 01256 892019 if you think you might be interested in helping.

…and Lots for Kids in the Holidays

This year's Summer Reading Challenge in Whitchurch library is called 'Circus Stars' and is open to all primary school aged children. Go along to the library from 16th July onwards to join up.

You'll get a great starter pack with a 3D Circus tent to collect your stickers on and a membership card. You'll gain stickers along the way, and when you've read 6 books you'll be awarded a certificate and a medal. Did you know you can also borrow books on CD to count towards the challenge? Great for those long summer holiday car journeys!

This year at Whitchurch and Overton libraries we're also running 'Bookcrawl' challenge for babies and children who aren't yet at school - each child will get a collector card and then stickers every time they visit the library, with a certificate for completing the challenge. The Summer Reading Challenge ends on 10th September, giving you 8 weeks to complete it.

Perhaps best of all it's completely free, and if you're not already a library member you can join up for free as well. The library�s band of keen volunteers will be available to help you at Whitchurch from 10am to 4pm and at Overton from 2pm to 4pm, also on Saturday mornings from 10am at both libraries.

Lots to Do This Weekend

You have lots of activities to choose from this weekend. From 120am you can visit the Silk Mill to see not only the fantastic new Fortuny exhibition but also to see Kennet Valley Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers displaying their skills.

If you're of a more active disposition (and a Dad with kids) you could go along to Whitchurch C of E Primary School and take part in a unique 2 hours of activities. From 12.30pm there'll be food and fun at the to celebrate the opening of the new kids' play area and from 2pm the Annual Church Fete offers an exciting display by Andover Gymnastics Club, a Dance performance by Marina School of Dance, delicious refreshments in the form of a BBQ, strawberries and cream, candy floss, Pimms and a chocolate fountain, the Duck Race in the River Test, a raffle with great prizes, lots of games for children and adults plus a great selection of stalls.

After all this you could spend a relaxing evening listening to the Singing for Fun choir at their Summer Concert in St Mary Bourne.

Wettest June on Record

According to the Whitchurch weather station, whose records started in February 2010!

108.1mm fell during the month, which is 14% of an average year's rainfall (760mm) and 235% of the average for June (46mm). On June 26th we had a high of 28.3° C, compared with last year's high of 27.9° C on June 27th.

New Kid's Play Area

The is opening a new kid's play area. The area includes slides, a climbing wall, towers, a scramble net, an animal springer, Oxo spinners and it's all fully fenced so adults can relax while the kids play.

To launch the new feature there'll a Family Party starting at 12.30 on Saturday 9 July, with free face painting (for the kids!), a Pimms Bar, BBQ (the kids get a free hotdog for every adult portion bought). So, let the kids enjoy the lovely garden, existing (and redecorated) playhouse and, of course, the new fully fenced play area.

Get Free Advice from an Architect

An hour's free advice from Architect in the House - but hurry! Architect in the House is an innovative scheme run by Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity, and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The scheme matches homeowners with a local RIBA chartered architect who gives up an hour of their time for a design consultation; locally, Mathewson Waters Architects are part of the scheme. In exchange, the homeowner makes a suggested donation of �40 to Shelter.

Whether it�s inspiration for a study, an extra bedroom, or just better living space you need, an architect can offer creativity and professional advice that will help bring your ideas to life. Registration for the scheme ends on 3 July.

Town Councillor Elected

An exceedingly low turn out has returned an ex-councillor. The results are:

So less than 750 of the nearly 4,000 voters bothered to turn out. As has been pointed out on the forum, this means that the elected candidate won the support of less than 7% of the population. The official turn out figure was 19.25%.

Swimming Pool is Open!

The Testbourne Pool is now open for the summer. So come along and chill out in Whitchurch's heated outdoor pool.

Cost: under 16's �2, Adults �3, Parent & child �3.50
Please note: Under 4's need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1-1 basis.
Children 4-7 on a max of 2-1 basis.
Ages are used as a guideline to ensure a fair swim for all. Cross age groups can be allowed at the discretion of the lifeguard.

Newbury Road Closure

Network Rail will be explaining what is to happen. Network Rail is undertaking bridge track widening works this autumn from October to December along the line between Whitchurch and Overton. The initial submission to HCC for permission to close the road was from 1 August to 31 January 2012. For bridges at Newbury Road and Freefolk (Priory Lane and Watch Lane/Twinley Lane) the road over bridge will be closed with local diversions. The main Newbury Rd bridge has the most effect with signed diversions via the A34.

A briefing by Network Rail, to receive comments and explain more detail, is to be held at the at a venue to be announced at 11.30 on Monday 11th July. The briefing is primarily for Councillors and reps and is open to local businesses, who may be affected. It is not intended to be open to the general public.

Support Whitchurch United

Whitchurch United Football Club is currently looking for a secretary for their senior teams which play in the Wessex and Wyvern Leagues.

The role is a voluntary one but will give a great deal of satisfaction. United is a very friendly club offering a high level of football and coaching to the local community from youth to senior players. Founded in 1903, United boasts a long history of developing local young players.

For the role of secretary you don't have to be a football fanatic or attend every game, the club is looking for someone who is enthusiastic and well organised. It believes being secretary for the first and reserve team would take a commitment of 6 to 8 hours a week you will need to own a PC as most correspondence is done by email.

Interested? Then contact Gary Shaugnessy 07771 673538 or John Rutledge 07771750501 for a more detailed overview of the role.

More for Dads (& Kids)

Following the success of Whitchurch Family Network's first Dads & Kids session in May, another is on the way on 9 July between 10am and 12noon.

The event is at the Primary School and features games and activities for fathers and their children (all ages welcome) - all families from the town are welcome � this is not a school event.

This will be a chance for Dad's to spend valuable time with their children, as well as to meet other Dads and maybe even get a bit of time to enjoy a bacon sarnie and read the paper. The organisers would appreciate �1.50 per family towards cost but this is not essential. Just come along, although a call on 01256 892755 before the day would be very helpful.

Schools To Open As Usual

Both Whitchurch schools will be open as usual on 30 June. Testbourne Community School and Whitchurch C of E Primary School report that they will be open and pupils should attend on the day of the teachers' strike.

Whitchurch Child Minders

The list of local registered Child Minders has been updated. Kathy Hardy runs a group for local Child Minders which meets the first monday of each month at 8pm to discuss all aspects of childcare, and to offer support to others, such as vacancies, training, new legislation, activities, outings etc.

The minders get together weekly for activities and outings, while in the school holidays they organise something for most days, scavenger hunts, den building, bowling, farm visits, seaside, picnics etc.

If you are interested in joining the group, or need a child minder then please contact Kathy on 01256 893170 or send her an email.

The list of local child minders is just one of the features that has been uniquely provided for nearly 6 years by theWhitchurchWeb. If you want something publicised or (a) web page(s) for your own group or business - free, there's no need for any training just email or use the contact page.

New Look for Pub

The Prince's looking good after completion of the external redecoration. Landlady, Victoria Jelley, has followed up the redecoration with a great floral display, including 10 highly decorative hanging baskets.

Since taking over the pub, Victoria has worked towards improving its appearance whilst retaining it truly local favour. Next on the agenda is an internal redecoration, but the quality of beer that is served and the friendly atmosphere mean that it's already well worth a visit - if you haven't already.

Temporary Reprieve for Harvest

Basingstoke and Dean BC has refused to allow the demolition of the Harvest Home, at least for short while. The effect of the Council's action is to cause a delay of up to 8 weeks whilst it determines how to ensure that work to remove Japanese Knotweed which it identified in its ecological assessment* will be correctly carried out; it is also requiring that a plan to protect the stream at the rear of the pub during demolition is produced. Claims made at the recent meeting about the presence of bats, which the assessment claimed were not roosting on the site, are not included in the council's request for more information.

The Council has confirmed that it will not be invoking Article 4 powers to prevent the demolition because of the risk to Council funds, this is despite protests in the form of a petition and the public meeting.

There is some disquiet in the Town that a national organisation is taking credit for the campaign which is meant to be locally organised; press statements from one of the organisation's officials is not helping the situation nor are exaggerated claims about the level of support at the public meeting.

* At the public meeting none of those present, including officials of the national organisation and the 2 borough councillors present, had apparently read the assessment which is an essential part of showing that the developer had taken the necessary steps to identify all potential ecological impacts and explain how they would be handled.

Local Charity has Funds for Locals

Whitchurch Welfare Trust is offering financial support to deserving local groups and individuals. The Trust has several thousand pounds to distribute each year.

Its major annual event is the "Christmas Cheer" it offers to those whom it believes would benefit from a small gift during the festive season. Less well known is that it also offers grants, typically ranging from £50 to £500, to those with short term need. The Trust is particularly keen to know about any young families or students to whom the money would make a significant difference. It also gives to groups and, for example, was responsible for funding refreshments at the youth football sessions recently.

The trust works with the Citizens Advice Bureau and other local organisations to try to identify individuals in need of help.

If you think you qualify, or know of someone or a group that does, please contact the trustees by email or drop a letter through the Town Hall letterbox giving brief details. You'll then be contacted by someone from the Trust.

Local Business Donates to Charity

Hugo Fox, Whitchurch's own jobs website, has donated £500 along with a range of computer equipment to the Dyslexia Research Trust(DRT) to help identify visual problems that could interfere with the learning processes of children throughout the region. Michael Thompson, founder and Chairman of the company, which species in local classified advertising, handed the cheque to the charity this week as a thank you to help raise the profile of a cause close to his heart.

Last Christmas, Michael�s sons were offered eye and dyslexia tests at Cheam School in Newbury for a donation of just �25. All first and second year pupils were tested and of the sixty children, 16 were found to have serious and previously undetected eye problems - one of which was Michael�s son, Hugo, who was revealed to be almost blind in one eye. The tests also showed that Hugo�s twin brother, Archie, was dyslexic.

As a result of Hugo�s early diagnosis, a combination of specially adapted glasses and patching his good eye have dramatically improved his sight in just six weeks - yet if the condition had remained undiscovered before the age of seven, it would have been untreatable. According to the charity, one in ten children suffer from dyslexia and it is the most common cause of childhood loss of self-esteem, leading to profound misery and even suicide, vandalism, violence or criminality. Again, if recognised at an early age, the condition can be treated very successfully.

Michael says: �As a family, we owe a great deal to both our school and the Trust, and as the charity survives on such minimal funding, we hope that HugoFox.com�s donation can help them to continue detecting and solving the visual problems and learning difficulties of children across the region.�

Dr Sue Fowler, Co-founder of the DRT added: �We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from Hugo Fox and pleased that people are seeing the value in what we do. Our main concern is helping children with learning difficulties, so by testing their eyesight we can find any problems which may inhibit their learning and development. Twenty years ago all children were checked before they went to school but now this has stopped, a lot get missed. By going in to schools like Cheam and checking that all children can see properly, we can help those that have unexpected difficulties in learning to read and write."

"New" Hairdresser

Amanda Outridge is the new name and style for Hairs and Graces.

Behind the smart new exterior, the same friendly team is there to serve you but after 17 years they have introduced a contemporary boutique style feel to the already popular salon. It now offers an intimate, luxurious environment which existing local and loyal customers can enjoy as well as new ones.

Specialising in all aspects of hairdressing the team prides itself on providing the full range of services including cutting and styling as well as colouring and straightening.

There's a smart new website which gives full details of what's on offer, prices and the chance to book on line.

Woodland Creatures in Town

Sylvanian Families, and hundreds of other families, were in Whitchurch at the weekend. As usual the town and Winchester Road was full of balloon carrying happy children as Rose Timbertop and her friends made their annual trip to Whitchurch.

A strange craft was moored in the Silk Mill leet and hundreds queued to make essential purchases.

Emotional Meeting on Harvest Demolition

A meeting heard of the limited prospects for stopping the demolition of the Harvest Home. Around 35 residents heard a previous landlord�s granddaughter, Cidny Green, explained her connections with the Harvest and appealed for everything to be done to save the Harvest, if not as a pub, then as a building adapted for another purpose.

Cllr Rob Golding, Basingstoke & Deane�s Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, explained the Council�s position. A Council Officer has assessed the financial risks to the Council in invoking a regulation that will result in delaying the demolition until a planning application. This is based on the rules around the regulation which allow the developer to claim compensation for costs or losses associated with the delay. In response to questions, Cllr Golding said the possible losses have been assessed at �100,000 with a high probability of the Council�s having to pay. Although he accepted that there was great local disquiet, he supported the Officer�s advice that all the Borough�s taxpayers should not be subject to the calculated factored risk. It was pointed out that the price paid for the land was higher than the Officer�s assessment and that this would reduce the factored risk by half. Questioning revealed that this particular regulation had not been invoked in Basingstoke and there was no record nationally of compensation being paid; it was, however, pointed out that the use of the regulation had only recently been seen as applicable to the demolition of pubs.

There followed information about CAMRA. Several points were raised about the accuracy of the council�s figures and accusations that it did not understand risk assessments. The discussion moved on to ways in which the demolition could be halted and, although Cllr Golding said that this rested solely upon the council�s invoking the regulation, there were potential issues around the developer�s demolition method statement. It was pointed out that this includes an ecological assessment covering the impact upon flora and fauna. The assessment�s claim that there were no bats roosting was disputed and several stated that there had been bat boxes on the Harvest as recently as 2 months ago.

The Harvest's status as a Building of Local Architectural or Historic Interest unfortunately provides no protection under planning laws and similarly it is outside the conservation area.

There were several claims that the council was ignoring local wishes but Cllr Golding pointed out that the issue was being treated for its potential cost to all the Borough�s tax payers, not just those in Whitchurch.

It was explained, in response to claims that that a development would create costs around parking and additional services, these would be borne by the developer and, similarly, inappropriate development would be managed by the planning application process. The financial advantages of a working business were put forward, using CAMRA figures. Whilst Cllr Golding did not dispute the benefit to the community of a functioning business and a pub in particular, he explained that the financial benefits would not currently accrue to the district but to central government, which were not returned directly to the borough.

The result of a stay in demolition was questioned and the answer was that this would provide the opportunity to explain the issues to a full planning meeting. It was pointed out that since the sale, which was not made public, several in the Town had expressed an interest in purchasing the pub as a going concern.

Cllr Golding thanked those present for their input and agreed to challenge the Officer on his risk assessment the developer�s ecological survey. He also agreed that if �100,000 was forthcoming �from Whitchurch� the Council would be willing to invoke the regulation.

The meeting closed as Cidny restated her emotional appeal to save the Harvest but Keith Watts summed up by asking those present how they would feel about funding the saving of a pub in another part of the Borough.

Christian Aid Week

Whitchurch's new organizer, Frances Harris, is pleased with the results of the 2011 collection.

£3,434 was raised thanks to the efforts of team of collectors and the generosity of the folk of Whitchurch. Although the figure is slightly down on last year’s figure, the sum collected is encouraging given the current financial climate.

The Last Music Event

Well, the last acoustic music session before the Autumn is scheduled for this weekend.

Keith Bell�s Music Sessions will pause after the lunchtime event at Longmeadow Sports and Social Centre on Sunday 19th June, starting at 12.30pm. This is the last chance before September so why not go along and have a sing/play/listen/drink? All are welcome, no need to book, just turn up.

But There's More Music in the Area

A 3 day music festival is to be held in St Mary Bourne. Billed as being for families and those of all ages living in the river valleys of the Bourne and Test, east of Andover, Valley Music will take place around the village.

The venues for the workshops and the performances will be the Village Centre, the village school, a concert tent sited near the War Memorial and the Parish Church. There will be workshops and activities for children as well as adults. Organiser, Mary Childs, says an adult should accompany children and young persons under 16, if they wish to attend the performances on Friday and the dances on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Artists include Belshazzar's Feast, Blowzabella, Craig Morgan Robson, Luke Daniels, KillBillies, Caroline Edwards (fiddler with the Madding Crowd), Lauren Goldsmith, James Carter, Morag Joss, Joe Penland, Barton Stacey Jubilee Traditonal Jazz Band, Mad Hatter Morris, Pan Jazz Internation and Nigel and Harriet Dickinson.

Full details are on the festival's website.

Pottery Classes

Penny Spooner's latest pottery workshop was another sell out. Four students of varying age learned the basics of pottery with slab work and work on the wheel.

The students came from Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey and enjoyed an educational and sunny day in Whitchurch. Penny's courses for the rest of the year are almost booked up but you can see her work at the Studio in Fairclose (between the Bell Street Car Park and Church Street) on 20 - 21 and 26 - 27 in August as part of Hampshire Open Studios 2011.

Summer Hits Whitchurch

Sunday�s rainfall, as measured by Whitchurch's weather station, was almost 1�. 24.4mm fell during the day, this was almost as much as we had in the whole of March and there was no significant rain at all in April.

Local gardeners and farmers are very grateful for the rain. Mandy Wright of Harroway Organic Gardens said �It�s a godsend. Although it�s come too late for the strawberries, which are 3 weeks early and almost over, it�s just right for the raspberries which should be ready very soon�.

Not so fortunate were Cats Protection whose Open Day had to be cancelled.

But What's Happening at the Harvest?

Do you remember the wooden fence being erected at the Harvest? A request for information about the ugly thing was made to B&DBC's Planning Department on 23^rd May (the day it went up). In a written response, B&DBC said that a site visit would take place within 5 days. Today (7^th June), in an email, B&DBC says:

"I can confirm that officers have now received a retrospective planning application to retain the hoarding currently in situ at the above site. In accordance with our procedures, as a valid application has been made, the enforcement file will now be closed pending the outcome of the application. "

The application, dated 25^th May, is number BDB/74475. Invitations for comments have been sent out, but only to the Town Council and the 2 Borough Councillors, neighbours of the eyesore have not been consulted.

Overton Black Arrows Strike Gold

Whitchurch's Archery Club, Overton Black Arrows, have a British Champion.

Steve Burke, has just become a British Champion, shooting his longbow to victory in the All British Field Archery Championships held in Castlewellan, Northern Ireland on 28 - 29 May 2011, improving on his second place last year. He was also part of the winning English Archery team at the meet. �Well worth the trip� was Steve�s comment on his return.

Steve, accompanied by three other Overton Black Arrows archers crossed the Irish Sea to bring back the coveted trophy for the first time, claiming Hampshire and regional records and just missing the national record by 4 points. To win, 49 year old Steve, who started the sport just 4 years ago on one of the Black Arrows' beginners' courses, outshot other competitors over two days and 48 targets on a course laid out in testing steeply hilly wooded countryside over both marked and unmarked distances.

His top class longbow shooting has given him yet another accolade as his performance earned him a selection for Great Britain Team at the World 3D Field Archery Championships to be held in Austria in August. Steve has now achieved the top Grand Master Bowman classification for two consecutive years. Last year he was ranked 12 in the world, in addition to being number 2 in the UK. So far he has had an outstanding 2011, breaking a number of county and regional records, making him almost unbeatable at his favourite discipline of field archery.

The other 3 team members also did well, Gennie Elliott was 3^rd in the Ladies Longbow class, Peter Turner was 3^rd in the Veteran Gentleman’s Recurve class, and Richard Tungate-Thorn was 16^th in the Gentleman’s Recurve class.

Overton Black Arrows is based in Whitchurch, Hampshire and has about 30 active members. It runs 3 beginners courses a year - see the website for more details.

Fund Raising Delay

The summer triathlon by Livvy and Helen has had to be postponed because of injury until September, but the two are pressing on with other fund raising for Cancer Research UK by having a stall at the Festival Fete on 16^th July.

To date the Just Giving site has raised £230 of the target £800, you can contribute there.

Whitchurch Town Council Election

B&DBC has announced the candidates in the election to be held on 29^th June 2001. In the Statement of Persons Nominated posted on its website on Friday, there are 4 named who will be fighting for the one remaining seat on the Council.

The candidates, who include 3 names new to the Council and 2 ladies, are:

The current council make up of 11 councillors, as displayed on the Town Hall Notice Board, is now on-line.

Bad Music in a Nice Town

Rockus hit Whitchurch with a vengeance on Saturday. As temperatures reached 25°C, crowds enjoyed the weather, food, drink and music at Testbourne. Dozens of musicians performed on the 2 large stages, the Open Mike Stage and in the Acoustic Tent. If that wasn't enough there were 2 huge bouncy castles.

Once again the organising team have done Whitchurch proud. There's more pictures of activities here.

What's Happening at the Harvest?

Details of how the developer proposes to demolish the old pub are now on-line. A planning application has been received by B&DBC but it only covers the method by which the developer proposes to demolish the building.

This addresses issues such as health and safety, protection of nearby properties and services and disturbance to the flora and fauna. The documents show that the plan is to demolish the building and clear the site between 27^th June and 8^th July. It also confirms that the ultimate intention is to redevelop the site.

The application is open to comment, but only as the the method of demolition, NOT the fact that the place will be demolished. A campaign is running to save the building, which closed last September following declining sales and increasing costs. The then owners advertised for a new tenant for over 6 months but no one was willing to take it on; the building was snapped up very quickly after it was offered for sale. As ever, the need is to support local businesses before they go under!

Outline details of all planning applications, with links to the B&DBC Planning site where full details can be seen, are regularly updated on this site in the planning pages - where they are colour coded to make it easy to see how they are progressing.

Newbury to be cut off for months!

Network Rail is proposing to close Newbury Road for up to months. NR has applied to Hampshire County Council to close the road from 1 August until the end of January next year whilst it works on the railway bridge.

HCC will be issuing an alternative route map which will involve the use of the A34, as it is not allowed to select routes of a lower classification than that being closed; the use of Bell Street/Bloswood Lane and Harroway would be shorter for small vehicles.

More .......>

Town Council Election

Time is running out to stand in the election. Nominations close at noon on 2 June.

The last time 2 potential candidates missed out, one by relying on the post and the other by arriving at the Basingstoke & Deane offices half an hour too late!

White Hart Birthday

The is 550 years old! There'll be several events to mark the occasion but, despite still recovering from the Harty Party on Pubs Race Day, the first is a 3 day special offer of £5.50 for steak and chips & fish and chips. Don't delay, it starts on 31 May at noon and ends at 11pm on Thursday 2 June, during this time all over 18s will be able to purchase a glass of Fizz for just �1 when ordering a meal from the main menu.

Whitchurch Pubs Race 2011

Another great success! 30 teams took part and raised well over £2,000.

There's no need for words to describe the event - if you missed it, the pictures might give you some ideas of how good it was - don't miss it next year!! The success of the event was down to all who took part, the organisers, led by Rob Dunlop and all the good folk of Whitchurch who joined in. The official results are:

Plenty of photos, including those from Christopher Lloyd, are here. A couple of teams were missed, so if you have a photo you want included, please email it to [email protected].

Flowers in Whitchurch

.... and there's more. There'll be more plants available next Saturday 4th June at the Parish Hall.

You don't even need to go as far as Freefolk for your plants! There'll be loads of bedding and herbaceous plants at bargain prices in the Parish Hall on Saturday 28th. Not only those but vegetable plants and herbs as well.

The sale starts at 10am but, if previous events are anything to go by, it won't last long - so get there early. The money raised will go towards the Hall's planned improvements which are due to start with the new windows in the very near future.

Hardy's at Chelsea Flower Show

Rosie & Rob have a larger stand than ever and have won their 16th successive Chelsea Gold Medal.

In addition to providing the immaculate plants for 144 square metres of their own exhibit, they also supplied the plants for another gold medal winning stand and one that won a silver-gilt.

In Whitchurch we only have to travel a couple of miles to the nursery in Freefolk to purchase the multi-award herbaceous plants including Hardy's latest introduction, Anemone Wild Swan.

Rockus is Coming

It's only 2 weeks until Rockus brings "bad music to a nice town" and there's a free taster this weekend.

The line up for the main event on 4th June now includes:

• Absolute Bowie
• The Have It Your Ways
• Cambion
• Karrion
• Kamikaze Test Pilots
• Mummamoto
• OkCorrel
• Defy 4
• The Fortunate
• Frankie The Gambler
• Blood of the Spectre
• Ceasefire
• Dream Overkill

This Saturday, 21st May, you can have free taster at the from 7pm - so get there early if you want to get in! The bands playing will be Le Chat Noir, Gray Smith and The Fortunate to deliver a triple helping of Rockus tunes.

More Roadwork Disruption

Southern Gas plan to dig up London Street. The company has permission to dig up part of the road between 6 and 14 June. Traffic will be controlled by stop/go boards.

The Prince Prepares

The Prince Regent is sprucing up for the Pub Race. A coat of paint outside (and who knows what inside) is brightening up one of the venues for the race in 2 weeks time.

The Prince specialises in draught ale. It's well worth a walk to the top of London Road (and it's much easier going home).

Support your local pubs!

Pub Race

Last year a record 32 teams competed in fancy dress and visited all the pubs in the town. Thousands of people from our community came out to cheer the fantastic array of teams in their costumes from lego bricks to vicars, all taking part helping to raise and donate money. Over £2000 was raised, can this be topped??

This year there the route will be (exact route confirmed on the day): Bell Inn - Kings Arms - Longmeadow Sports & Social Club - Prince Regent - Railway Station - and finish at .

Categories:

• Fastest team
• Most Money Raised
• Best Fancy Dress
• Top Team Effort

Entry and sponsorship forms are now available on on-line.

Lots to Do This Weekend

As we move towards summer there is more to do each weekend in Whitchurch.

The first of, hopefully, of many activities organised by the Whitchurch Family Network takes place at the Primary School between 10 and 12 on Saturday with games and activities for fathers and their children (of all ages). Why not join other dads for a morning of children's activities at the school? It's a chance to spend valuable time with your children, as well as to meet other dads and maybe even get a bit of time to enjoy a bacon sarnie and read the paper - if this event proves popular, the aim is to repeat it on a regular basis.

The Silk Mill is open over National Mills Weekend with Andover Radio Amateur Club trying to contact other mills around the world on Saturday. On Sunday there will be a Friends of Whitchurch Silk Mill book stall, Hampshire Mills Group will have an information stall and a team from Christchurch responsible for the Japanese Embroidery will be present.

For the musically minded a new venture will be a music session at Longmeadow Sports & Social Club between 12.30 and 4.30 on Sunday. The session will be totally acoustic, no amplifiers, microphones etc, and will feature local musicians, if anyone wishes to come along and perform, they will be more than welcome. Sunday lunches are available but must be ordered on the Saturday at the latest. If successful, this too will be repeated.

White Hart in Best Pub Vote

The is runner-up in voting for the best pub in the area. Members of the NW Hampshire area of CAMRA, which stretches from Stockbridge in the South to Hartley Witney in the East, has voted the pub into second place for 2011 in its annual vote.

A certificate to commemorate the fact will be presented to Andy & Julie Moss in the near future.

Do you know Michael Mouncey?

An old friend of a Whitchurch resident is trying to meet him. Michael Wright has emailed theWhitchurchWeb.

"I am searching for a friend I lost touch with many years ago. I will be visiting Hampshire next week and it would be great If i could find him. I have found that in 1983 he was living in whitchurch at 4, Micheldever Close, at that time his phone number was "Whitchurch 3030" which I am sure has changed. His name is Michael Clifford Mouncey, he would now be aged 75, his wife was named Carole A Mouncey. I know that they were in the 2002 voters list, but I don't know if they were still living in Whitchurch then."

Please email Michael if you can help; the personal email address is set up just for Michael to prevent spammers picking up his real email address - it's a service from theWhitchurchWeb - free!!

Festival Committee Gear Up for the Carnival

Details of this year's fete have been published. It will again be held at the Primary School, this year between 2 and 6pm on Saturday 16^th July.

Lots of stalls and attractions have been booked, including a Pimms Tent with Strawberries and Cream, Coconut Shy, Inflatable Kids Assault Course, Striker, Mini Ferris Wheel, Bead Stalls, Novelty Stalls, Treasure hunt, Rugby Kicking Contest, Henna Tattoo, Occupational Massage, Alternative Therapy Stall and much more too….. So if you want to get involved or know someone that maybe interested then please get in touch via the website where you can volunteer to help or book a space for a stall for your business or group.

Information on the Carnival will follow soon.

Party on the Meadow?

The Millennium Meadow is a water meadow as one family found out last weekend. The weather was fine and dry but the area selected for a birthday party was far from dry.

Luckily the Parish Hall was available as an alternative, so there was no need to call the RNLI or the Coast Guard!! You can book the Hall on 01256 893500 or 07787 056 580.

Where's the Missing Board?

SEEDA funds that were handed over to the Whitchurch Association to erect a board to advertise businesses and attract tourists to the Town centre appear to have been spent elsewhere.

When it was announced at the Annual Town Assembly that a board for community notices was to be erected, the Whitchurch Association spokesman was asked why the funds appeared to have been diverted. No response to the question has been offered.

The SEEDA funds were allocated to the Town to develop businesses not, not matter how useful, for notices about local groups, which were freely catered for by the fence alongside Winchester Road.

Why Wait

Please don't wait until it's too late to have problems addressed - raising a petition after the event is often pointless and leads to frustration or even anger. Many issues can be tackled by one of the local authorities, Parish, Borough or County.

For example problems with rights of way, which are the preserve of the County Council, can be reported on-line. You can pinpoint the location and give details of the problem.

United Finish Seventh

Despite a 7 - 1 win on the last Monday of the Wessex 1st Division league, Whitchurch could only manage 7^th. The tremendous home defeat of Stockbridge on 25^th left United with a chance of finishing 6^th by virtue of a much superior goal difference if they could beat 4^th place Pewsey away on Saturday.

Unfortunately the team was well beaten 3 - 0 and have to settle for 7^th place having been Team of the Month and reaching 2^nd position last October.

Internet Toys Here in Whitchurch

Pre-loved toys that were only available on the internet are now here in Whitchurch.

For some time now Rachel Cookson has been purchasing used toys which her husband Ian has been loving cleaning and, where necessary, repairing them to sell on ebay.

The toys are now on sale each Saturday morning at the Parish Hall Market where Rachel has many which the cost of postage make uneconomic to sell by post. Currently on show is a range from twin crying dolls in a push chair, through a wide range of Peppa Pig items to Barbie dolls. Rachel is also wiling to take orders to try to find specific items. Given the high cost of toys and the current economic climate "Pre-loved Toys" seem to good to miss.

If you have business which is not yet on this website's Business Page, just use the form to submit the details or use the Contact Page.

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