Going Green with the Hardy’s Team

Going Green with the Hardy’s Team

Help us go Green! We do our best to to adopt sustainable practice wherever possible!

The vast majority of our compost is peat free. Reducing use of peat helps conserve valuable peat bogs. Peat bogs help to support flora and fauna and they are also an important carbon sink. Bark is applied as mulch to the top our our pots, around the plants. This helps to retain moisture to help manage the amount of watering required. Our growing tunnels are heated by the sun, giving show plants a real boost and also protection from bad weather. The nursery is planted with trees to encourage wildlife and biodiversity. Beneficial insects are introduced to the tunnels to manage pests in a sustainable manner. As much as 80% of our plants are propagated on site, reducing the need for transportation.

We are also running an initiative called “Pot-cycle”. We re-use our pots until they are no longer fit for use. We recycle them with all our other recyclable plastic. We are also looking at various plastic pot alternatives with a specific aim of using them for mail order in the future.

If you are visiting the nursery, we are making it possible for you to return 1 litre and 3 litre pots, clean and in good condition, for a credit 2p per pot towards any plants purchased during your visit on that day.

Ask at the sales area of the nursery for more information.

We are open as usual now so we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Hardy’s Team

https://www.hardysplants.co.uk/news/how-the-hardy-s-team-are-helping-you-to-go-green

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Beware of Wasps near Brick Kiln Wood

Beware of Wasps near Brick Kiln Wood

A local resident has passed this for wider circulation.To all who walk the path that runs down the side of Brick Kiln Wood (bluebell wood, parallel with Micheldever Road). If you normally turn right onto the pathway (facing toward Tufton Warren farm) that runs between the hedgerows bordering the fields, eventually turning right to head back toward Whitchurch please take extreme care. Halfway along the path near a fallen branch is a huge underground wasp nest that has had one side damaged and exposed. The very angry and aggressive wasps are hidden from view until you are on top of the nest.

Beware they require no encouragement to swarm out and sting indiscriminately.

TAKE CARE

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Burglary – Police Message

Burglary – Police Message

Received today, Sunday 16th August:

Overnight two Quads / ATVs have been stolen from non dwelling properties in the areas surrounding Whitchurch.A white Dacia has been seen in the vicinity partial plate being **** WLH. This vehicle is shown as stolen.

Crime enquiries are ongoing.

Crime ref 44200313026 & 44200312821 refers.

Message Sent ByAndrew Jones (Police, PCSO, Basingstoke District)

POLICE: 101 or 999 in an emergency

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VJ Day – maybe Red Arrows nr Whitchurch

VJ Day – maybe Red Arrows nr Whitchurch

Today is VJ Day.The 75th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) is being recognised on Saturday 15th August 2020 commemorating the end of the Second World War.

Further information:https://ve-vjday75.gov.uk/vjday/

The Red Arrows are planning several flypasts during the day.It is expected they will be near Whitchurch at around 5.20pm as they head towards London. (Newbury 5.20pm, north of Whitchurch/Overton 5.21pm are the latest timings but Note that the route & timings may change due to weather or other requirements.)

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Whitchurch Green Week

Whitchurch Green Week

Whitchurch Green Week September 19th – September 27th  A week to celebrate and inspire local green initiatives in the Whitchurch community. Building on the success of last year’s Green Week, this year the event will take a different shape with many activities being available online to carry out within household groups and in line with government guidance on social distancing.

Please see the Events section of this website for full details.

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Thursday is a cycling day – but where to?

One change that the Covid-19 crisis has caused is far more people taking to two wheels for both exercise and trade.

Many more are using cycles, not just for leisure trips but also for those shorter trips such as into town for some shopping or a visit to the Post Office or chemist.

This Thursday (6th July) was to be Cycle to Work Day, but the current changes to travel has meant a major rethink.

The organisers say:This year is a little different of course. With commutes now feeling like a distant memory for many of us, you might be thinking ‘Cycle to…Who? What? Where? Day’. It’s 2020, and we’re embracing the unknown. Rather than swapping your commute, we’re asking you to ride anywhere, for any reason and with anyone. It’s still Cycle to Work Day, but with a new twist!  

Maybe pop into Whitchurch, park the bike (don’t forget a lock) and enjoy a coffee and a cake at one of the town’s wonderful café stops such as Kudos, Dennings or by the river at the Mill; or call into a pub for some light refreshment and a snack.

Or perhaps call into the shops and pick up some essential shopping; ride to the river to feed the ducks; visit the BMX track with the children; or go for a socially distanced cycle with friends and family.There is so much a cycle can be used for.Whatever you’re planning on Thursday 6th August 2020, get on your bike and enjoy yourself!  

And you can even win Prizes too? Maybe set yourself some goals – take a look at the Love to Ride site:https://www.lovetoride.net/cyclescheme

Whitchurch is a lovely town for cycling in and around.

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Will the Library hours be cut?

Will the Library hours be cut?

Hampshire County Council are again asking for views on changing and/or reducing the hours of the Libraries. HCC are cutting hours in 40 libraries by an average of 20%. HCC say they made this decision:”following an extensive public consultation, which showed strong support for the County Council’s vision to adapt the Library Service to the changing needs of its customers.”Whitchurch Library in the Gill Nethercott Centre is one of those affected.The opening hours are proposed to be cut from 18 hours a week to 16 hours by making changes on Fridays and Saturdays.A summary of proposals for Whitchurch Library:

NO CHANGEMondayno change1.00pm – 5.00pmTuesdayno changeClosedWednesdayno change1.00pm – 5.00pmThursdayno changeClosedSundayno changeClosedREDUCED HOURSFridaynow:10.00am – 5.00pmproposed:9.30am – 1.30pmchange:open 30mins earlier, closed in afternoonCHANGE HOURSSaturdaynow:10.00am – 1.00pmproposed:09.30am – 1.30pmchange:open 30mins earlier, close 30mins later

The Questionnaire for views is here:https://hampshirecc.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=159491565843The deadline is 11:59pm on 17 August 2020.

Link to Hampshire’s full information is here:https://www.hants.gov.uk/News/030820librariesopeninghours

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Whitchurch Co-op helps charity walker…

Whitchurch Co-op helps charity walker…

Whitchurch Coop helps charity walker…

This morning in Whitchurch (Tuesday 4th) charity walker Neil Thomas passed through Whitchurch on day 3 his walk from London to Torquay in aid of Rowcroft Hospice in his hometown of Torquay who treated after his father in 1997.

As Neil says quite simply: “this Hospice survives mainly on fundraising … I thought it’s about time I do something about it, to do MY bit, to give back to those that truly deserve it and so I’ve come up with a walk, a long walk of almost 200 miles.”

He is looking for generous people for support for accommodation and food along the way so that no money will be spent. Last night the White Hart in Overton gave him a bed for the night, and Whitchurch Co-op provided Breakfast as he passed through.He hopes to reach Salisbury tonight.A lovely gesture from the wonderful team at the Whitchurch Co-op.

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300 miles, 3 days, 3 charities – all by cycle

300 miles, 3 days, 3 charities – all by cycle

What a fantastic achievement.One intrepid local Whitchurch cyclist has just undertaken a wonderful and amazing challenge – to cycle 300 miles in three days, all for good causes.Virginia Philips set off last Thursday and rode to the coast and back; on Friday she headed east on one of the hottest days of the year; and on Saturday she set off early to complete the magic three ton – yes THREE HUNDRED MILES in THREE DAYSVirginia’s riding was raising funds for three causes all very close to her heart – Make a Wish, Cardiac Risk in the Young and the Air Ambulance in Derbyshire.Before setting off Virginia explained her choices:

A couple of weeks ago, my brother-in-law was air-lifted to hospital by the air ambulance in Derbyshire, so I decided to raise money for them by cycling 100 miles today. Then I thought – I could go out tomorrow and maybe Saturday (depending on the heat) and raise money for two other charities – Make a Wish, granting wishes to terminally ill children, and Cardiac Risk in the Young, offering heart scans for young people. 

Cycling 300 miles in 3 days… to raise money for 3 charities.DONATIONS can be made here:

AIR AMBULANCEhttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/virginia-phillips3

CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNGhttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/virginia-phillips4

MAKE A WISHhttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/virginia-phillips5

A FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT WELL DONE VIRGINIA !

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All Hallows’ has a new website

All Hallows’ has a new website

The Whitchurch group of Church of England Churches, comprising All Hallows’ Whitchurch, St Mary Tufton and St James the Less Litchfield has a new website.

Designed to be user friendly with a useful search facility it reflects the activities of the Churches, worship and prayer, community and a brief history of each Church.

Please take a look.

www.hantswhit.church

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Eat Out to Help Out in Whitchurch

Eat Out to Help Out in Whitchurch

Today, from Monday 3rd August, the government’s heralded ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme has commenced – and a number of local businesses are taking part. It runs through to the end of August and the discount can be used unlimited times. As part of the drive to support local businesses attract customers the scheme allows customers visiting participating establishments to:

to get a 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner)every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 3 and 31 Augustas many times as you like

You do not need a voucher to use this scheme and you can use it at the same time as other offers and discounts. There is no minimum spend.You cannot claim discount on alcoholic drinks or service charges.Currently there are a number of Whitchurch establishments taking part. To find participating businesses see:https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant/

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Whitchurch Silk Mill – it needs our support

Whitchurch Silk Mill – it needs our support

Whitchurch Town Council is keen to support the Whitchurch Silk Mill, perhaps the town’s most valuable asset. It has produced an article to promote the Mill and its inclusion in “Eat to Help Out” – an ideal opportunity for us all to make that visit…

Whitchurch’s gem of industrial heritage is one of the many venues in the town ready to make use of the Government’s new “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme. The Riverside Cafe at the Mill is one of a number of cafes, pubs and restaurants in Whitchurch that has signed up to the new Government scheme, which starts runs throughout.

The scheme is designed to encourage the use of local venues as lockdown eases. Sue Tapliss, director of Whitchurch Silk Mill, said:

“This is a fantastic scheme from the Chancellor to give our customers a 50 per cent discount, and through our commitment to our local team it will give a boost to our community and team.”

Since it first reopened, following the relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown, The Café at the Mill has seen a steady stream of visitors particularly drawn to sit on the banks of the River Test in the glorious sunshine. The lovely lawns of the Mill thankfully lend themselves to effective social distancing. Discounts do not apply to takeaway refreshments but will be applied for customers using seating in the garden.

Mill lawns by the Test

Alongside a number of other museums, Whitchurch Silk Mill has recently joined the “we’re good to go” accreditation scheme, certifying that the Mill team have taken the necessary steps to support social distancing and good hygiene practices.

Visitors to Whitchurch Silk Mill’s riverside café who eat-in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and drinks, any Tuesday to Wednesday in August and Bank Holiday Monday.

The Silk Mill – a wonderful setting on the river

The deal can be used as many times as you like throughout the month and you don’t need a voucher to use the scheme, it can be used at the same time as other offers and discounts too plus there is no minimum spend. So you could just nip in for a cup of tea for £1 or hot chocolate for £1.20, or have an afternoon cream tea for just £3.25! Every penny spent at the Mill supports living weaving heritage at the Mill and helps keep this gem of industrial heritage weaving more than happy memories.

The Mill is taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme to make up for the 105 day closure the Mill faced during the coronavirus lockdown. 70% of the Mill’s income comes from visitors and this loss has put this Grade Two* Listed building and working museum at great risk. Even while closed, the building, grounds and river still needed continual care.

The website below lists all the cafes, pubs and restaurants taking part within five miles of Whitchurch https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant/results?postcode=RG28+7AL

This article appeared originally on the Town Council website at:https://whitchurch-hampshire-tc.gov.uk/2020/08/03/whitchurch-silk-mill/

Visit the Mill and support this wonderful amenity in our town.

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