News

A NEW stunning 24-mile circular trail has been launched in Whitchurch to mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of the much loved modern classic; Watership Down.

The trail starts from Whitchurch Railway Station and leads walkers through the stunning North Hampshire landscape that author Richard Adams so loved to wander and where he told his tale of the rabbits of Watership Down.

The route will take you past ancient broad leaf woodland, across wide sweeping downland and up to the high chalk ridge and has been mapped to take walkers to some of the book’s locations; the ancient Harroway where Efrafa is located at the ‘crossing point of two bridle paths’, Nuthangar Farm, Watership Down and Hampshire’s famous River Test chalk stream where the rabbits made their way to safety on a raft.

“He reached the top of the bank in a single powerful leap. Hazel followed; and together they slipped away, running easily down through the wood, where the first primroses were beginning to bloom.”                                       

Jackie Browne from Whitchurch Walkers are Welcome said: “It’s taken seven years and there have been many hurdles to overcome, but a successful collaboration between two local community groups, the Whitchurch Conservation Group and Whitchurch Walkers are Welcome has finally seen the project completed and what better time to launch the new trail than the 50th anniversary of the book publication and the 50th anniversary of the creation of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the setting for the story.”

A celebratory illustration has also been commissioned by local artist Jo South

This new trail is an important part of a wider initiative which looks to build on Whitchurch’s rural tourism identity and encourage more staycation visitors to the town.

Download the walking trail from this website Watership Down Trail

New Whitchurch bridge officially opened

Whitchurch Conservation Group were joined by MP Kit Malthouse and other residents to officially open the new bridge over the River Test, funded by a Test and Loddon EU LEADER rural tourism grant at a cost of £26,412.

The bridge over a side channel of the river provides a safe walking route to town avoiding the stretch of busy London Street that has no pavement. It will particularly benefit local people with disabilities and families with small children who will now be able to travel over the river and safely into town, rather than risk taking the busy road.

Kit Malthouse thanked Whitchurch Conservation Group who’ve funded and have worked round the clock to make it happen.

Hampshire County Council will now formally adopt the bridge and create a new public right of way connecting Town Mill Lane with Pound Meadow.

Whitchurch Conservation Group  whitchurchconservationgroup@gmail.com

Whitchurch in Bloom is delighted to announce that they have been awarded Silver Gilt in the ‘Small Towns’ category of the nationwide RHS IN Bloom 2022 competition.

It is a huge achievement for the team led by Whitchurch residents Caroline Wells and Kathy Hardy, who  are pictured with Mayor Tracy Woodruff and RHS judge John Tweddle outside Whitchurch Town Hall.

Having won bronze in the 2021 competition, the team mobilised an army of volunteers to create stunning hanging baskets and planters as well as transforming previously neglected strips of land for their 2022 effort.

Caroline says “We are very grateful for the support of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Whitchurch Town Council as well as a lot of hands-on hard work from local Whitchurch residents. We have great plans for 2023!”

Whitchurch residents have been delighted by the amazing transformation that Whitchurch in Bloom has brought to the town centre, a sincere thank you to all involved. Onward to Gold ladies.

Whitchurch Halloween Firework Display – Millennium Meadow – Saturday 29th October

Gates open at 5.30pm   –    Fireworks at 7pm

Burgers and Bar

Admission by Donation – suggested £5 per Adult,   £2 per Child.

*** CAN YOU HELP? ***  

We are looking for some new faces to join our very friendly team! We are particularly looking for the following roles:  

– Animal Care Assistants to care for our animals on a day-to-day basis. – Fundraising Co-ordinators to assist us with planning and carrying out fundraisers. – Social Media Assistants to monitor our social media accounts and respond to messages/comments. – Adoption Co-ordinators to help us in responding to applications.  

Please send an email to enquiries@furlockholmes.uk if you are interested!  

Thank you

909 Bar & Bistro are delighted to announce that from the 19th July we will be intoducing a new collection menu; you can collect anytime during our kitchen opening times, Monday to Sunday, day or night. Just call us on 01256 541780 (phone line managed from noon)

Website and online table bookings for bistro & cocktails : https://www.909barbistro.co.uk

Email: reservations@909barbistro.co.uk 

909 Bar Bistro 5 Newbury St Whitchurch RG28 7DW