News

HomeNews

Walkers are Welcome Launch the NEW Test & Dever Way – ‘Rivers, Railway & Riots’

15 April 2023 by guest-author 0
Walkers are Welcome Launch the NEW Test & Dever Way – ‘Rivers, Railway & Riots’

Friday 28th April saw the official launch of the NEW Test & Dever Way and the Walkers are Welcome team were delighted to welcome a representative from Tourism South East and the Strategic Manager for Hampshire Countryside to Whitchurch Town Hall to join in the celebrations.

The Test & Dever Way – ‘Rivers, Railway & Riots’

This 19 mile circular trail explores the stunning open downland and peaceful chalk stream meadows to the south of Whitchurch. A shorter 14-mile walk is available and it is possible to complete the walk in two sections with a bus journey at the start or end of your walk (86 bus Whitchurch – Winchester).

At Bullington, stop to admire the delightful 12th century church of St. Michael and All Angels in its beautiful meadow setting, the crystal-clear waters of the chalk streams and the panoramic views on the western section of the trail, with Danebury Ring Iron Age Hillfort on the far horizon.

Everyone loves an abandoned steam railway line and evidence of the former Didcot-Newbury-Southampton line can be seen in the landscape along the western stretch of the trail between Bullington and Whitchurch. Take some time to stop on the newly installed bridge at Tufton to admire the stunning river views and the impressive Victorian railway arch spanning the famous River Test chalk stream.

As you pass the Coach & Horses Inn Sutton Scotney, lookout for the plaque on the side wall of the inn that records the names of the farm labourers who signed the petition to the king at the height of the Swing Riots.

Further details of the Swing Riots can be found in the trail leaflet which can be downloaded from the town website.  Download the detailed walking instructions

Discover North Hampshire – Walking Without the Crowds.

More info

Celebrating 100 Years of Cricket at Parsonage Meadow – Message from the Chairman

14 April 2023 by guest-author 0
Celebrating 100 Years of Cricket at Parsonage Meadow – Message from the Chairman

Following a brilliant day yesterday celebrating 100 years of Whitchurch CC playing at Parsonage Meadow, the Chairman of the club was keen to share the following.

” I’d just like to say a huge thanks to everyone for yesterday. We had a fantastic day of cricket down at the Meadow to mark the 100 year return to the ground.

Thanks to all involved; the players and their coaches, the grounds team, those working in the background to make it happen. I’d like to thank the Mayor for coming down to do the Clive Osman building dedication and marking the day, and it was nice to see a few Vice Presidents of the club there as well.

I also want to thank Dan and Helen Nailor for giving up their Sunday to run the BBQ keeping us all fed, and to Alex Foxbatt for putting in a 12 hour shift running the bar (and somehow managing to make rocky road at the same time).

And a final thank you to the supporters who all came down to enjoy the day. Between us all we have generated another £800 after costs to invest back in to the club. Here’s to the next 100 years of cricket at Whitchurch Cricket Club”.

Jonny Foxbatt

WCC Chairman

More info

Celebrating 100 Years of Cricket at Parsonage Meadow – Sunday 25th June

10 April 2023 by guest-author 0
Celebrating 100 Years of Cricket at Parsonage Meadow – Sunday 25th June

On the 25th June Whitchurch Cricket Club will be celebrating 100 magnificent years of cricket at Parsonage Meadow…. the club invites residents to come along and help them celebrate this wonderful achievement. Anniversary Matches 9.00 am Winchester Warrior League Whitchurch CC – Under 9 vs Titchborne Park CC – Boys

11:00 am Winchester Warrior League Whitchurch CC -Under 11 vs St Mary Bourne CC-Under 11 Boys

2.00pm Anniversary 30/30 Cricket match (incorporating Richard Mallinson XI match)

Anniversary BBQ at 12.45 – all are welcome.

More info

** BOOKINGS NOW OPEN for the North Wessex Downs Walking Festival **

24 March 2023 by guest-author 0
** BOOKINGS NOW OPEN for the North Wessex Downs Walking Festival **

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN for the 3rd North Wessex Downs Walking Festival EXPLORE the ‘BIG CHALK’ with 9 days of walks to suit all ages and abilities.

With 27 events across the North Wessex Downs we invite you to explore more of this fascinating and beautiful landscape – There are opportunities to seek out wildlife or history, visit a working farm, develop your artistic skills – or simply just soak up the stunning views!

Our family-friendly walks at Cocklebury Farm, Savernake Forest and Marlborough provide great opportunities to get younger children outside and learning about the natural world.

Details of all the walks and activities and how to book are on the Festival website, so do take a look and be sure to book your favourites as places on all the walks are limited and last year many events booked up quickly. 

As always we are very grateful to all the volunteers and organisations who are involved in the Walking Festival and make it possible.  Put simply, the festival wouldn’t happen without their help and support.

We look forward to seeing you in June!

More info

Introducing for July a Saturday Brunch BBQ Along the Mill Trail

10 March 2023 by guest-author 0
Introducing for July a Saturday Brunch BBQ Along the Mill Trail

Planning to walk the Mill Trail on a Saturday in July? If you start to feel a little peckish along the trail, then this could be just what you need….. Introducing the Bere Mill Saturday Brunch BBQ Each Saturday morning in July between 11am and 1pm, you can enjoy this beautiful spot by the river whilst indulging in a delicious BBQ brunch, from juicy Bere Mill burgers to handmade sausages, cold drinks and ice cream; there is something for everyone!

More info

Andover Gardening Fair – Monday 1st May

21 February 2023 by guest-author 0
Andover Gardening Fair – Monday 1st May

FLOWERS and foliage will fill Andover’s High Street as the popular gardening fair makes a return. The High Street will be filled with an array of colours during the event which returns on Monday, May 1 from 10am to 3pm.

There will be a full day of outdoor activities  and hand-picked local exhibitors will offer a wide selection of plants, gardening ornaments, accessories and gifts for visitors to buy. The knowledgeable stallholders will be happy to chat about their plants and offer their expertise and guidance to green-fingered gardeners as well as those ready to sow seeds for the very first time.

Children can look forward to lots of free activities including storytelling, face painting, seed planting and outdoor games.

There will be live music to enjoy throughout the day and street food and drink stalls will be available to keep everyone feeling refreshed.

The event will be conveniently located in front of the Guildhall, where many of the shops on the High Street and inside the Chantry Centre will be open.

The event is a short walk away from Andover bus station and parking in Andover is also free on bank holidays, making this a great opportunity to pop into town to make the most of the event and support local businesses and organisations.

More info

Dates Announced Bere Mill National Garden Scheme Open Days

21 February 2023 by guest-author 0
Dates Announced Bere Mill National Garden Scheme Open Days

Bere Mill will be opening their stunning riverside gardens to the public as part of the NGS garden scheme on the following dates….

Monday 27th March 2023

Monday 1st May 2023

Monday 29th May 2023

Monday 28th August 2023

Admission: Adult: £7.50 Child: Free

All proceeds from the openings go to the National Garden Scheme who support a range of medical charities.

For further details see entries on the events page of this website.

Click on link to purchase tickets

More info

Tufton Bridge Re-Opening

20 February 2023 by guest-author 0
Tufton Bridge Re-Opening

It’s great to finally have the new footbridge open just downstream at Tufton; it’s such a picturesque setting and key to some of the most popular walking trails to the south of Whitchurch.  

The new 22 metre footbridge replaces a previous concrete structure that was closed due to its condition and is one of around 3,000 footbridges that Hampshire Countryside Service look after to provide access to our beautiful countryside and landscapes. The River Test’s rare chalk habitat here is home to species such as water-crowfoot, several hundred different types of water invertebrates, and otters.  

Walkers are Welcome co-ordinators and volunteers and members of the local walking group who supported the project joined local Parish and Town Councillors, the County Council’s Executive Member for Countryside and Regulatory Services, Councillor Russell Oppenheimer and the Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP to celebrate the new crossing.

  Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP said: “This charming new bridge is a real tribute to the collaboration between the local community and Hampshire County Council to solve a problem and enhance the beautiful river. Bravo to Hampshire Countryside Services and the local community for producing something to delight everyone who loves the River Test for generations to come.”

 

Whitchurch walking trails  

 

More info

A New Year and it’s Ramping Up to Cricket Season Again.

10 January 2023 by guest-author 0
A New Year and it’s Ramping Up to Cricket Season Again.

After a well-earned off-season rest, we are making the most of the next three months prior to the opening games. The club has really benefited in the last year from the huge support we have received from the community, so thank you. Our youth cricket programme goes from strength to strength and we hope to continue that trend this year; we look forward to seeing many of you on Friday evenings either again, or for the first time.

The Seniors team is looking for new players, so if you are interested please do get in contact either through Facebook, or contacting the club directly at wcc200yrs@outlook.com, don’t worry about ability; if you have played before, or maybe just want to try something new, everyone is welcome.

We are, as always, looking to grow the membership, and are investing in our facilities to support that. That segways nicely into what we have been doing over the winter and this spring; we have embarked on a major changing room and toilet block refurbishment to provide nicer facilities for our players and spectators, as well as new sight screens for the ground. Once the weather eases up and becomes a bit dryer, expect the plea for assistance on the first grounds day. Many of you have assisted previously and it is hugely helpful and gets us off to a great start for the season.

We are also looking for some help on the Committee, players or non-players are very welcome; the roles we are looking to fill are a Fundraising Officer, as we look to raise funds to invest further in the ground, and a Social Secretary/Organiser, to build up the social side of the club for all involved (players and non-playing members). Please contact the Club Secretary via the club email previously mentioned if you are interested in either of these positions.

If you would like to find out more about what the club is doing, our Annual General Meeting is being held on 9th February at 7.30pm at the Sports and Social Club, it’s open-door so all are welcome.

Thank you again for your continued support and here’s to us all having a great 2023!

More info

Furlock Holmes Animal Care – *** Volunteers Needed ***

1 January 2023 by guest-author 0
Furlock Holmes Animal Care – *** Volunteers Needed ***

  *** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED *** It’s a new year, so how about a new challenge?

We are desperately looking to grow our fantastic team of volunteers as now, more than ever, the animals need our help. As expected, we are already experiencing our post-Christmas/winter rush of surrender requests which, combined with surrenders and other challenges caused by the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, mean we are simply at full capacity. Without our volunteers, we can’t help 10 animals, let alone the 80+ we have in our care at the moment.

We are looking for volunteers who:

Can commit to volunteer at least 2 hours per week

Can work independently (once training has been given) Doesn’t mind getting cold and wet – tea and coffee can be provided! Is reliable and communicative Ideally has some experience/confidence around animals, but not a necessity Is passionate about animal welfare and agrees with our mission and aims Aren’t looking to bring young children for free entertainment or until they get bored! 

We appreciate this is a lot to ask, but our animals need consistency as well as a high level of care whatever the weather. In return, they offer lots of cuddles and cuteness!

For more information or to arrange a visit, please send an email to enquiries@furlockholmes.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Furlock Holmes Animal Care

Thank you!

More info