Make a date in your diaries for the 20th December….. The Santa Run is back. This is an annual event where we all get to dress up as Santa, Elves or any other festive get-up and run/walk/crawl through our amazing town!
The route will be 5km through the streets of Whitchurch.
There will be prizes for the best dressed participants.
For full details please go to the Events section of this website.
More info
FURLOCK HOLMES – WE’RE BACK!! Do Visit Us…
Visitors by appointment only – please get in touch to book an appointment. Please only visit in your bubble. Please ring the doorbell and wait outside for someone to come and let you in. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear – it is very cold here and all appointments are taking place outside (weather permitting).
Contact Us…
Our phones will be open again from 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. We are still very short staffed so please be patient and call back later if no one answers. Where possible, try to email us instead (enquiries@furlockholmes.uk). Please only call our emergency line in the case of an urgent animal matter – not just because no one answered the main line.
Volunteers…
Our volunteers are working exceptionally hard to keep everything running smoothly, despite having to work in much smaller teams than normal. When visiting, please show respect to volunteers and socially distance.
Thank you for your patience. Things may be a bit slower than normal, but we’re trying our hardest and we’re excited to be able to open again! We look forward to seeing you all again soon.
CHRISTMAS AT FURLOCK HOLMES ANIMAL CARE – COME & ENJOY OUR SLIGHTLY ALTERNATIVE NATIVITY SCENE December 19th and 20th 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Christmas at Furlock Holmes Animal Care
At Furlock Holmes Animal Care we are already preparing for Christmas. We will be joining the Whitchurch Christmas Lights Trail and will be displaying a live (and slightly alternative!) socially-distanced Nativity Scene!
We will be selling a few small gifts for you and your furries and possibly some hot drinks and mince pies too! So, don’t forget to put on your wellies, take part in the Whitchurch Christmas Display Trail and follow the star to Bethlehem as we embark on a magical Christmas with the animals!
PLEASE NOTE: There is no parking at Bethlehem, so please travel by foot!
More infoThe Gill Nethercott Centre will be re-opening it’s doors on the 2nd December. Under the Tier 2 restrictions the Centre will be playing host to the following regular activities;
Ballet on Monday, Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Hush Little Babies on Tuesday mornings. The Friday Country Market 9.30-11.30am ( 13 stalls so worth paying a visit)
Unfortunately we cannot have Pilates, Yoga, Steady and Strong, The Bridge Club, The Youth Club, WI, The History Society or Nia classes for the time being
More info
The Friday Country Market’s Back at the Gill Nethercott Centre Good morning everyone, it’s good news! We are able to open our Friday Country Market next week the 4th December 09.30 – 11.30.
There will be 13 stalls selling local produce, gifts & crafts so don’t forget to bring your Christmas list with you.
We hope to see you all continuing to ‘Support Local’, but please don’t forget, the same rules will apply, masks, use of hand sanitizers and you must leave your contact details.
Hope to see you there.
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What is National Tree Week? National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, marking the start of the winter tree planting season. This year, it’s taking place between the 28th November – 6th December.
It’s well known that walking quietly amongst trees and observing nature can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and well being in a natural way; in Japan they call this forest bathing or shinrin yoku.
We have some fabulous woods near Whitchurch criss crossed by Public Rights of Way, so why not get out there, enjoy the peace and the colour and celebrate our amazing trees. Here are some suggestions for a woodland walk near you…. Bradley Woods – Natural deciduous woodland just 2 miles north of Whitchurch – Bradley Woods Walk
Harewood Forest Wherwell – This is the largest area of ancient natural woodland within Hampshire, outside of the New Forest. It provides an excellent woodland habitat for wildlife, including roe deer and buzzards. Harewood Forest Trail
Blackwood Forest Micheldever – Managed by Forestry England – Explore the variety of paths and discover the stunning natural scenery. Discover Blackwood Forest
https://youtu.be/MgXLv9TGXb0
https://youtu.be/MgXLv9TGXb0
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Hampshire has been placed in Tier 2 from the 2nd December. What can residents do under Tier 2 restrictions? People must not socialise indoors with anyone not in their household or support bubble.
Rule of six still applies meeting anyone outdoors.
Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. They can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. These venues will still be table service only and must close by 11pm.
Weddings can be held with 15 people, and 30 people can attend a funeral.
Places of worship are allowed to stay open.
Organised sport outdoors can continue.
Organised sport indoors will only be allowed with people from the same household or support bubble.
Audiences can attend sports and live performances if they allow social distancing and work at 50% capacity or 2,000 people when the venue is outdoors and 1,000 when the venue is indoors.
People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they take and avoid travelling to a Tier 3 area
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Below is an urgent appeal from local animal care charity Furlock Holmes – Now here’s a thought Whitchurch, if everyone were to spend £1 less on presents this Christmas and instead donated that to the Furlock Holmes Just Giving Appeal, imagine what a difference that would make to the charity this winter. “As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, we yet again find ourselves frantically trying to raise funds to keep our animals healthy and warm over the winter period. This is a struggle every year as the poor weather leads to an increase in the number of animals surrendered to the rescue. So not only does it cost us more to keep our animals warm with extra bedding and heating, but this also means more mouths to feed, more vet bills and more work for our dedicated volunteers. This year, however, we face an even bigger challenge than normal. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing chaos worldwide, our fundraisers have been cancelled. Unfortunately, with lockdown 2, we can’t even offer our “Socially-distanced Private Tour Experiences”, which were providing us with much-needed funds. Despite the restrictions put upon us, we have been working hard to care for not just our rescue residents, but our sanctuary residents too. These are animals which, due to ongoing health and/or behaviour reasons, cannot be adopted out to new homes.
As you can imagine, this means we are frequent visitors at the vet. Despite them being absolutely fantastic and helping us in every way they can, this costs us a huge amount of money. As well as this, we have, on average, 12 rabbits to neuter and vaccinate each month. As our followers will know, this is something we are incredibly strict on – every rabbit will be neutered and vaccinated when old enough.
As a self-funded rescue organisation, we rely on our own fundraising efforts and donations from the public. You may see us walking dogs around Whitchurch or visiting your neighbour’s cat – in this current, particularly-difficult time, these services are helping to fund our sanctuary residents too.
We understand that everyone is struggling at the moment. No one is having an easy time and there is still so much uncertainty. But, we beg you to take a moment to think about those animals suffering too. You may not be able to donate financially, but please share our posts on Facebook, tell your friends and spread the word. Help us in our fight to save the animals and be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Here are some ways in which you can help us to help the animals:
Donate to our Just Giving Campaign -http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/furlockholmeswinter2020 Donate to our fundraisers – even £1 can make a difference! Keep an eye out for our Christmas cards and other Christmas-related fundraising! Make the most of our pet services – use us for dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, grooming, nail clipping and as a pet taxi to and from the vet if you are unable to leave the house. Watch our Facebook Live feeds and follow our news on our Facebook page. Share our posts and spread the word – tell your friends about us! – Buy your pet products from us. Did you know, we sell hay, woodshavings, treats and wood-pellet litter?! Volunteer your time to help us – this can even be done from home! Sponsor one of our sanctuary residents (more information coming soon). Organise your own fundraising event. Fancy a sponsored run or even a skydive?
Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. Whether you have visited us for a socially-distanced tour, donated to our fundraisers, used our pet services, watched our Facebook Live feeds or shared our Facebook posts, we really appreciate it! Without you, Furlock Holmes wouldn’t be here and, without you, a lot of animals would be suffering! Thank you also to our AMAZING volunteers who have worked long hours to keep everything going despite the pandemic!”
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Local Plan Update – Have You Had Your Say? The Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan Update Issues and Options is currently out for public consultation; deadline for comments is 4pm on the 9th November.
This non-statutory consultation asks for views on the identified key planning issues facing the borough over the next Local Plan period (to at least 2038) and potential options to address them. The consultation provides all stakeholders with the opportunity to shape the plan at an early stage.
If you would like to place a comment on record, full information can be found on the Local Plan Update webpage https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/issues-and-options.
You can email your response to the Planning and Policy Team at local.plan@basingstoke.gov.uk
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Friday Country Market – Shop Local Update In light of the new Government guidance, the Friday Country Market will not be running for the duration of the lockdown. However, over the next few weeks we will be sharing each regular seller with you on our Facebook page and giving you details of how you can still buy from them, so you can still do your Christmas shopping, keep it local and support local small businesses. Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you all again very soon. https://www.facebook.com/fridaycountrymarket
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Latest ‘Lockdown’ news update from three of our local eateries, as they adapt to the new ‘temporary’ trading restrictions. The GOOD NEWS is that once again the local community will be well served by our local producers, with take-aways and home deliveries of local produce and locally produced meals.
The Kings Arms
“Hi Everyone.
As you all know, in line with the new Government rules, we will be shutting at 10 pm on Wednesday 4th of November until the 2nd of December.
The good news is we will be offering takeaway again; Thursday, Friday & Saturday 5pm – 8pm.
All the information you need will be on here, https://www.facebook.com/thekingsarmswhitchurch as well as on our website. http://kingsarmswhitchurch.co.uk/
Please call 01256 896333 to place your orders.
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Dennings of Whitchurch
“ Following the news we all didn’t want to hear. We will adapt and overcome, just as we did earlier this year.
Our own brand Fairose Kitchen will be offering local deliveries of scrumptious ready meals (RG28) – https://www.fairosekitchen.co.uk
During lockdown, we will continue our exciting renovations to introduce three bookable private dining rooms… Dennings Suite – The Parlour – The Scullery
Stay Safe All and See You Soon!”
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Bere Mill Butchery and Gardens
“Following the news yesterday that we are due to go into a second lockdown, we would like to let you know that we will continue to offer free local delivery (RG28, RG25, SP11, SO21) from our butchery for online orders. We will also continue to open the shop on Fridays from 12-7pm.
To help with your shopping, we have added a new essentials and family essentials box to our range of meat boxes online. These boxes offer great value for money and include a range of our home-grown and free range produce including sausages, bacon, mince, meatballs and steaks.
We hope you all stay safe in these uncertain times. Thank you for continuing to support local”.
https://beremillfarm.co.uk/
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More infoIn line with the latest Government guidelines, the Gill Nethercott Centre will be closing from Thursday the 5th November 2020 until Thursday 3rd December 2020.
We would like to wish you all good health throughout this period of time and look forward to seeing you back at the Centre in December.
Thank you for your continued support.
www.gillnethercottcentre.org.uk
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The Watership Down Inn, Deserved Winners of a Good Food Award – Gastro Pubs 2021. As part of the award process, customer feedback was evaluated over the previous twelve months, which confirmed what locals already knew, that The Watership Down Inn had “demonstrated exceptional levels of food quality, service and value when compared to our industry benchmarks in their category”.
Congratulations to the chefs and all of the staff at the Watership we look forward to enjoying your hospitality again soon.
https://www.goodgastropubaward.com/winner/page/2/
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