You may have seen new banners and fliers around the town advertising Whitchurch Welfare Trust (WWT), with a revamped logo, so it feels like a good time to reintroduce ourselves.

WWT is a charity in Whitchurch, Hampshire that helps relieve hardship in the town. We award grants to individuals or organisations in need of financial help. We have approximately £20,000 to give away each year.

There are seven types of grant we can award (outlined below) and anyone who lives, works or studies in Whitchurch can apply.

Please note that the terms of our trust deed prohibit us from making grants for the sole purpose of paying taxes (such as Council Tax) and from making grants where funds could be obtained from public sources (such as benefits). Whitchurch Welfare Trust will not award grants where the money could better be obtained elsewhere.

It is a good idea to discuss your needs with Citizens Advice before applying in case there are more appropriate sources of funding for you.

WWT awards grants under the following categories:

Emergency support for people facing temporary financial problems, such as household bills, debts, emergency white goods replacement etc. Medical, educational or other practical needs Specialist equipment for a disability or medical condition Travel expenses to hospital Support for carers Educational grants for course costs, equipment or travel costs for students of any age undertaking training, education or work placements Individual and group projects within the community (usually made annually)

To apply, you need to complete a short questionnaire. You can complete one online by visiting WWT’s new website whitchurchwelfaretrust.org.uk or you can get a hard copy by emailing WWT@whitchurchwelfaretrust.org.uk, by visiting the Town Hall or from Citizens Advice in Whitchurch (Tuesday mornings at Town Hall), Andover or Basingstoke, who will also help you fill in the form.

Whitchurch Welfare Trust  is registered charity number 204378 and was founded by a scheme of incorporation dated 26 July 1968 “For the relief of need, hardship or distress in the Ancient Parish of Whitchurch”. You can also follow WWT on Facebook.

Noel Privett

Trustee, Whitchurch Welfare Trust

2026 marks a remarkable milestone in the history of Whitchurch (Hants) Cricket Club, our 250th Anniversary.

We are proud to be one of the oldest cricket clubs in Hampshire, in the UK, and around the world. Interestingly, we are eleven years older than the MCC and their iconic ground at Lord’s…. now that’s something to shout about!

Commemorative Book

To commemorate this wonderful occasion, the Club has commissioned a book documenting its history, entitled “250 Not Out.” This 438-page A5 volume is richly illustrated and draws heavily on historic newspaper reports, alongside statistics and anecdotal stories from past and present players. The book is available to pre-order at the following prices: Softback copy: £20 Hardback copy: £52 To pre-order, please visit our website: this link should direct you to the correct page; if not, simply click on the SHOP tab at the top of the WCC homepage and follow the prompts.

Celebration Matches

The Club has also organised a series of celebratory events…..

The highlight will be an all-day match against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Sunday 5th July, starting at 11:00 am. Following this, there will be a Festival Week of Cricket, featuring matches for ladies, juniors, youth, and friendly teams. Proceeds raised from these events will be shared between a chosen charity and the Club.

Another key fixture will take place on Saturday 5th September, when WCC XI will play Mallinson XI in aid of Parkinson’s UK, starting at 12:00 noon.

The much-loved Whitchurch Christmas Tree Festival is making a welcome return!

Families, local businesses, and community groups are warmly invited to submit a decorated tree and take part in this wonderful community event held at All Hallows Church. This Year’s Theme is ‘Christmas on a Shoestring’.

Entry forms are now available via whitchurchchristmastree@gmail.com

Tickets are now on sale for next year’s festival which will take place on Saturday 9th May 2026 in the charming small town of Whitchurch situated on the picturesque River Test chalk stream and surrounded by rolling North Hampshire countryside. Whitchurch Folk Festival is a community-led celebration Featuring world-class folk artists, this vibrant one-day annual festival celebrates traditional music, dance, arts and crafts. For further details check out the Events page on this website.

Experience the vibrant Overton Music Festival, bringing live music, community spirit and summer celebration to the heart of the village.

Three days of local musicians, bands and community groups; food, craft and gift stalls; and family fun. Fri 6:30–10pm. Sat/Sun 12:30–6:30pm

As well as free events, there will be a special ticketed evening on Sat 13th (7:30pm–late) with three headliner acts – RELiX, Thirteen Lies and Fortunate Ones. Tickets can be bought in advance for £9 locally from Stanley’s, Overton Gallery, Honesty and Emporia – or £10 on the door. Pop-up bar and nibbles available.

• Travel by bus – be dropped off at the heart of the festival via Stagecoach bus 76

• Travel by train – 15-minute walk from Overton Rail Station.

We’re thrilled to announce that Testbourne Community School will once again host its spectacular Fireworks Evening on Saturday 25th October!

Back by popular demand, Pyrotastic Fireworks will light up the sky with another dazzling display, sure to delight all ages.

Overton Radio will be there to provide some great tunes too!!

For full details and ticket prices check out the events page on this website