Country Market to reopen

After an absence of 4.5 months, Titchfield Country Market will be opening it’s doors again at 10:00 on Friday July 31st.

Our ‘new look’ market will be complying with government guidelines for COVID 19 and there will be measures in place to ensure the safety of all our customers and members.

We ask that all customers wear a face mask please and use the hand sanitiser provided. There will be a one way system in operation and social distancing must be observed at all times please.

We now have a card reader for contactless payments but will accept cash if customers prefer. The ‘new’ market will be open from 10:00 until 11:30 every Friday in the Parish Room.

The shorter opening hours are to allow us extra time for setting up and cleaning the market while we adjust to the new regime.

Produce for sale will include a selection of sweet and savoury items, preserves, cards, plants and we hope some vegetables. Regrettably we will not be able to offer refreshments or other craft items currently.

We have very much missed all our customers and look forward to seeing you again soon. In the meantime please keep safe!

One singular sensation:

One singular sensation: A Chorus Line comes to Titchfield – and into your home

A Chorus Line is one of the longest running shows in the history of Broadway and this July the production is coming to Titchfield Festival Theatre for the very first time. The story explores the lives of dancers as they audition for a place in the new musical, directed by Zach, who has a confrontational and authoritative style.

The show is one of three shows being produced this summer as TFT reopens following the coronavirus pandemic. It is also an important milestone for one of the UK’s largest community theatres; A Chorus Line is also one of the first to be streamed live thanks to the purchase of high-quality HD cameras, mixing and streaming equipment. The investment will enable patrons self-isolating and those who prefer to watch the musical in the comfort of their own home, free of charge. Details on how to view the show live will be available soon.

Rehearsals for A Chorus Line during the lockdown have presented significant challenges for co-directors Becky Weaving and Sam Goodall, with cast members unable to rehearse together. The need to maintain safe and social distancing on stage and in the theatre has also required careful planning, Becky explained:

“A Chorus Line is my favourite musical and I am delighted to be directing the show along with Sam. The pandemic has certainly made the life of a director a completely different experience! However, I can honestly say that I have loved it despite the lockdown. We have had ‘virtual rehearsals’ of the cast singing and dancing and the cast have sent videos via Zoom for us both to critique. Posts on social media have been important too, helping to keep up morale.

“Sam and I have had to make changes though. We have had to adapt the music, the choreography and accommodate people on stage to maintain a safe distance. To do this, we have put 2m markers on the stage for the cast members. We also now have a one-way system to ensure there is no crossing in the corridors. It has been a test – but fun too. We can’t wait for opening night.”

Like Becky, this is Sam’s first production performing the role of director, with both also performing on stage. Sam said, “Whilst it has been stressful at times, directing at a distance, it has been great to see how our cast members have evolved over the last few weeks, gaining confidence and performing in their roles. For me, theatre is an incredibly social experience – especially musicals – so I am really looking forward to meeting up with everyone again.”

Titchfield Festival Theatre has purchased an ozone generator - normally used in hospitals - which will thoroughly cleanse the theatre (stage, auditoria, public areas and backstage) of any viruses or potential infection , following each performance. TFT has also introduced 2 metre spacing between the seats in the auditoria and safe distancing in the bars. Hand sanitising stations will also be available throughout the venues and a thermal check as you enter the theatre.

A Chorus Line is a perfect choice for one of TFT’s first two shows since March, with sizzling dance numbers accompanying Marvin Hamlisch's snappy, agile score in this unforgettable musical.

Who will be the lucky ones? Come along or follow us live or on your screens at home to find out.

A Chorus Line opens on Monday 27 July in the Oak Theatre and runs until Saturday 1 August. There is a matinée showing on Saturday.

For more information including booking tickets, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.        

Village pubs set to reopen

Both the Queens Head and the Wheatsheaf will open on Saturday 4th of July.

Following the government’s announcement earlier this week pubs can reopen, but only if they follow strict rules to keep customers safe.

At both venues it will be table service only. And the two-metre distancing rule will also be relaxed to one.

Mark, landlord at the Wheatsheaf in East Street, has been working hard to prepare the pub for the reopening, erecting screens and ensuring tables are not too close.

The pub will be open for drinks from 12 noon till 10pm but sadly there will be no food service.
The new landlord at The Queen’s Head, Alanna Ferriday, will also open the doors on Saturday but with a later time of 2pm, closing at 10pm. Other times are:-

Sunday - 12 midday - 9pm
Monday - Thursday 2pm - 9pm
Friday - 2pm -10pm
Saturday 12 midday - 10pm

Alanna ask prospective patrons to ring ahead to book a table as there will be some limited numbers due to seating space.” Call 07487679330

Titchfield Festival Theatre to launch new live streaming productions

Theatre doors across the country are currently closed, with increasing concern as to the future financial viability of entertainment venues. However, despite the significant challenges facing the performing arts, Titchfield Festival Theatre (TFT) has announced plans to protect its patrons when the doors reopen and to reach new audiences.

Titchfield’s Artistic Director Kevin Fraser and his team have been busy during the lockdown preparing their venues in the light of any potential new regulations required by the authorities as part of the plans to reopen.

When the theatre gets the green light to start performances again, maintaining safe and social distancing is key. The theatre will operate a one-way system, is reviewing capacity and is to implement an even more strenuous deep cleaning system after every run and following each performance. 

To do this, the theatre has invested in a new ozone sanitising machine for the auditorium and other spaces - normally used in hospitals - which will thoroughly cleanse the theatre of any viruses or potential infection. The purpose is to thoroughly sanitise the auditoria and stage areas after each performance. TFT is to introduce a safety distancing system in the bars as well as the auditoria. Hand sanitising stations will also be available throughout the venues.

Keeping patrons safe is the key priority; however, it is not the only significant development. TFT is to invest in brand new, high quality HD cameras, mixing and streaming equipment to enable one of the UK’s largest community theatres to start videoing and streaming shows live.

The company has identified that many of their patrons are in a particular age range or are vulnerable, where they must still shield, TFT wish to reach out to these, often very faithful patrons, who have supported them in the past and still give a full theatre experience whilst still at home. The streaming will also introduce a new and wider audience to TFTs talents.

Kevin Fraser said, “Although we do not know yet when we can reopen, it is important to plan and to make changes to ensure social distancing as well as a safe environment. We have been truly humbled by the response from our patrons and we have received so many supportive messages.

“Reopening the theatre is posing a number of challenges: Cast members will have to get used to rehearsing and performing whilst socially distancing and we need to carefully consider our choice of plays, too; perhaps focusing on smaller productions.

“However, we approach the next chapter of our history with confidence and determination. Our investment in the new cameras and streaming equipment is the start. This will give us the ability to make sure that no-one who is shielding or self-isolating misses out by not being able to get to our venues. Each week when a show is scheduled to run then we will make sure that at least two nights of the run can be downloaded or streamed.”

Further details of our productions can be found on our website: https://www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/whats-on including the full 2020 brochure. Revised dates are to be published when known. Details of the 2021 season will be published later in the summer.

The Theatre has launched a new YouTube Channel and a page on its website with videos and information during the closure period.

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.

Scheme to restore wetland nature reserve on land at Titchfield

A company, called Meonmarsh Ltd is in the advanced stages of developing a scheme to restore wetland on land that they own in Titchfield.

The site is located to the south east of Titchfield village with Bridge Street to the north and the B3334 (Titchfield Road) to the east.
The River Meon forms the western and part of the southern boundary of the site.
The site is currently comprised entirely of poor quality ‘grazing marsh’.

The proposal includes the retention and enhancement of the richest part of this habitat type, plus the addition of a range of new habitat types to include open water areas, channels, reed beds and, most importantly, a huge increase in ‘wet edge’, the richest habitat type that offers opportunities for a myriad of flora and fauna.

Meonmarsh will be submitting a planning application for the scheme to the local authority before the end of June, 2020.

For comments to be taken into consideration, they must be received before the 19th of June, 2020. 

To find out more and leave your comments on the proposal go to…
 https://www.meonmarsh.com/ there you will find an overview of the scheme along with some detail.

Titchfield's 'Secret Army'

The only recognition those in the Aux Units got at the end of the war

Was your Father or Grandfather one of the men of the Auxiliary Unit in Titchfield?

We have been contacted by a group of national volunteers researching these units and they have given us the twelve names of the Titchfield Resistance Unit. These men were trained in the event of a German invasion and had to sign the ‘Official Secrets Act’. After did a member of your family ever talk about this unit?

These men dug underground hideouts called 'operational bases', large enough to house six or seven men in reasonable comfort. In the South and south east of England, in areas vulnerable to invasion well over 500 of these bunkers existed, so where was ours and does any evidence still exist?

Read more on the volunteers website
https://www.coleshillhouse.com/bunkers.php

Here are the names of the Titchfield unit and their addresses at the time with extra information I have found to help you identify if they are your relative, it is sad to realise that we missed talking to some of these men about the unit by only a few years.

Sgt Ernest John Isaac born 1911 lived in Coach Hill and was a labourer on a fruit farm. He was married to Audrey.

Pte David Whitear born 1925, mother’s maiden name was Bristowe, no address given

Pte Charles William Bennett born1922, died in 1987, son of Martha Meads & John Bennett lived in Posbrooke Cottages and was a nurseryman

Pte Eric Thompson born 1923 in Portsmouth and lived in Park Road during the war. His mother’s maiden name was Gale and he was a mechanic in 1939.

Pte Arthur Freemantle born1925 lived in West St and died in 1989. Parents Ann & William

Pte Richard Goddard born 1922, an aircraft apprentice in 1939, Mother was a Frampton and they lived in Warsash Road and then at 19 Church Path.

Pte Harry Robert Bowman born 1924, died 2010 lived at 48 Bellfield during the war and worked in a nursery. In 2003 he was living in Pitchpond Road.

Pte Edward Michael Ferris born1926 lived in Brownwich Lane and died in 2014. Mother’s maiden name was Ferris.

Pte Arthur Whitear born1922, died 2006, worked in a nursery, son of Arthur & Florence lived 9 Bellfield

Pte Edward William T Hubbard born 1927 of 13 Warsash Road, son of Martha ne Cawte

Pte S J Holmes no date of birth, in 1932 he was living at the Whiteley Poultry Farm in Whiteley Lane

Pte J E Snelgar born in 1925 lived at 2 Bellfield, possibly James Edward who died in Lymington in 2007 and was a boatbuilder in Barnes Lane in the 1950’s.

Any information about the unit, a possible site for the bunker or stories of this time from these men please email amanda.laws@virgin.net or post of the facebook page and I will pass it on to the volunteers.

Thanks Amanda Laws

Elf day at Country Market

The Elves are taking over Friday’s Country Market at the Parish Rooms.

With funny hats, pointy ears and stripy tights the Country Market ladies will be unleashing their inner elf on Friday 6 December to raise money for and awareness of dementia.

National Elf day is a festive fundraiser to get you in the festive spirit and at the same time help the Alzheimer’s Society.

The Titchfield weekly Country Market sells homemade baked goods, eggs, preserves, garden-grown fruit and vegetables, plants and handmade crafts.

The market is open from 09:30 until 11:30.

Come and join us and meet the market elves and help a good cause.

Take a tour of St Peter's Church

Tours of St Peter’s church are conducted every third Tuesday of the month except December.  The tours start at 2 o’clock and last about an hour, there is no charge but a donation could be made toward the church maintenance fund.

Tour dates for 2020 are: Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 17, Apr 21, May 19, Jun 16,

Jul 21, Aug 18, Sep 15, Oct 20 and Nov 17.

Tours outside these dates can be arranged through the Church Office on 01329 847003.

Order your outside Christmas Tree NOW

October 25th will be the last day you can order an outside tree.

The village of Titchfield shines and sparkles at Christmas time with a blaze of light as local residents display a Christmas tree in a bracket fixed to the outside of their houses.

Each year a group of village volunteers get together to co-ordinate the tree display by ordering a bulk delivery of trees which are then delivered to a central collection point in the village The volunteers then prepare the trees to fit the brackets.

The group also organise trees for village community buildings like the Parish Rooms and a tree for the ‘Green'.

The company who supply the trees have an early deadline this year so the order-by date is earlier this year.

The Christmas Tree team are concerned that they have around half the normal orders and they will not be carrying spares this year, only paid orders will be supplied.

Trees are available for Titchfield Village residents only.  

Make sure you get your order in and tell your neighbours!

Order forms are available at Daisy B’s and at Hadlows.

Members of the team preparing the trees last year.

Fundraising Fashion Show,

Friday night was all about Fashion and was all in a good cause.

‘Travelling Trends’ returned to the Titchfield Community Centre for an evening of fun, fundraising and Fashion.

Over 60 ladies (and a few men) were treated to a fashion show of some famous brands all modelled by local ladies.

‘Travelling Trends’ has hosted thousands of successful fundraising fashion shows, which in turn, have helped to raise thousands of pounds for many charitable organisations.

After the catwalk and raffle the ladies were invited to browse the many racks of clothes and purchase their selection.,

This was the third visit of the very popular show and was in aid of the Community Centre.

LINKS

Titchfield Community Centre

Travelling Trends

Charity Preview Evening Launches Christmas

The Preview evening at the Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre Titchfield allowed customers holding privilege cards the opportunity to enjoy a full Christmas Roast dinner and view the extensive new Christmas department and display.

Santa is to arrive on Saturday 30th November at 10.15am accompanied by his elves and the Fareham Scout Band. Santa will then be ready to meet the hundreds of children who will visit his special winter wonderland until Christmas Eve.

Terry Head, Retail and Marketing Director at Stewarts Garden Centres, said that November will also see the Dine & Demo Evenings on the 13th November at both centres when suppliers with provide sampling and demonstrations, and the full Christmas roast dinner will be available.

“Again the team at both centres have planned and worked hard to ensure that we provide a very festive and traditional run up to Christmas day which delights both children and adults,” said Terry Head, “We wish to thank everyone who supports us and Age Concern Hampshire throughout this popular time of year.”

For additional information visit www.stewarts.co.uk

A Passion for Fashion

The next meeting of The Arts Society Solent will feature a talk by Sally Hoban entitled ‘A Passion for Fashion’.

A Passion for Fashion tells the story of 20th century fashion design, tracing how clothes, textiles and accessories were influenced by contemporary history.


It includes the elegant fashions of the Edwardian era, the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s, the austerity of the 1940s, the futuristic fashions of the 1950s, the liberating styles of the 1960s and the avant-garde fashions of the 1970s to the present day.

The meeting takes place on Tuesday 15 October 2019 at 10.30 In the Titchfield Community Centre .

Avenue Q at Titchfield Fesival Theatre

Cheeky and hilarious award-winning musical Avenue Q hits the Titchfield stage

Avenue Q is an award-winning, irresistible musical telling the story of several loveable characters from downtown New York – with the help of various bawdy, not very politically correct puppets….

Described as an adult Sesame Street or The Muppets on Acid, Avenue Q is sure to keep everyone entertained following the fortunes of Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate who moves to New York City with big dreams – and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone is looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.”

Director of Avenue Q is experienced puppeteer Elliott Fendle who said: “Avenue Q is a great musical and hugely entertaining, packed with bad behaviour, rude songs and political incorrectness.

“The show is incredibly funny and when I first saw the musical performed 5 or 6 years ago, I knew that it was perfect for the Titchfield Festival Theatre stage.

“Avenue Q is full of jokes, raunchy humour and has plenty of catchy tunes – and the audience will love the puppets! It has been huge fun rehearsing the play and the superb cast and production team are really enjoying it. Most of the show is tongue in cheek and we are certain that everyone coming along to watch will have a fabulous time.”

This is the first time that Titchfield Festival Theatre has featured puppetry in a main production, hiring in a bespoke set of the iconic puppets especially for the show.

Avenue Q opens on Wednesday 9th October until Saturday 19th October 2019 at 7.30pm in the Oak Theatre, Titchfield Festival Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG. Matinee performances: Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th and Saturday 19th October all at 2.30pm.

Note: This show is not “fur” the little ones! Recommended 14+

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.

TITCHFIELD IN BLOOM IN BRIGHTON

On Friday 13 September 4 members of the Titchfield in Bloom Committee travelled to the Amex Stadium Brighton for the South & South East ‘In Bloom’ Awards sponsored by Gatwick Airport.

The presentations in was front of 400 people began at 10am and cities, towns, parks and villages were amongst the many categories judged. Large villages were featured half way through the afternoon. After the silver and silver gilt awards it was announced Gold awarded to Titchfield for the second year running.

The judges visiting a Titchfield garden.

Later it was announced that the County Awards were to be awarded, each County in the South & South East was read out Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and Hampshire, and the winners for the County of Hampshire are Titchfield.

Not only Gold but the County Winners as well. Thank you to all those residents and businesses who supported the Titchfield in Bloom Team.

LINKS

Titchfield in Bloom

Moviola returns to Festival Theatre

Titchfield Moviola is moving back their original venue, Titchfield Festival Theatre, and to the first Thursday in the month apart from November where it will be 1st Friday due to a prior booking at the theatre we hope you will continue to support us. 

The next showing, ‘Red Joan’ will be on Thursday 5th September

Synopsis

Red Joan (12A) Joan Stanley (Dame Judy Dench) is a widow living out a quiet retirement in the suburbs, then suddenly her tranquil existence is shattered as she is shockingly arrested by MI5.

For Joan has been hiding an incredible past; she is one of the most influential spies in living history. Cambridge University in the 1930s and the young Joan (Sophie Cookson), a demure physics student, falls intensely in love with a seductive attractive Russian saboteur named Leo.

Through him she begins to see that the world is on a knife edge and perhaps must be saved from itself in the race to military supremacy. Post-war and now working at a top secret nuclear research facility, Joan is confronted with the impossible: Would you betray your country and your loved ones, if it meant saving them?

What price would you pay for peace? Inspired by an extraordinary true story Red Joan is the taut and emotional discovery of one women’s sacrifice in the face of incredible circumstances. A women to whom we perhaps all owe our freedom.    

Autumn Season



Thursday 3rd October - Collette - (15)

Friday 1st November – Rocketman (15)

Thursday 5th December - Fisherman’s Friends (12A)

All set for Strawberry Fayre

Titchfield Primary School’s ever popular Strawberry Fayre is taking place on Saturday 13th July.

The event runs 12 noon till 3.30pm

There will be a whole range of stalls and games to enjoy as well as the popular BBQ and raffle - and, of course, Strawberries and Cream.

Please feel free to come along to support your local school.

Haven star-star-studded carol concert

Martin Clunes

Hundreds of Breast Cancer Haven supporters enjoyed an evening of carols, music and readings from a talented cast of actors and musicians.

St Peter’s Church was the venue for last Monday’s charity concert which began with the traditional carol ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.

Celebrity guests Martin Clunes, Clive Mantle and Tom Goodman- Hill entertained the audience with amusing festive readings.

Between the readings the church rang to the sounds of various groups of talented singers and musicians including, Jamie Crook, Nick Blunn, Sonia Ruth, Hollie Chapman, Catherine Lawlor, West Hill Park Choir and Tre Amici.

The three members of Tre Amici had travelled down from Hull especially for the concert and had a six hour drive home directly after their performance.

A moving, yet humorous, ‘Visitor’s Story’ was given by breast cancer sufferer and ‘Haven’ client Dr Olugbenga Taiwo.

Dr Taiwo who is a senior lecturer at the University of Winchester explained how he became the first male client with breast cancer at the ‘Haven ‘in Titchfield.

Panto Time - Oh no its not!

Classic children’s tale Peter Pan set to charm us all at Christmas, but its not a Panto

Peter Pan is the ultimate classic children’s story and this December JM Barrie’s celebrated fairy tale will be performed at Titchfield Festival Theatre.

The fantasy world of Peter Pan and his adventures with Wendy in Neverland has enchanted families for more than a century, since its first performance in 1904. The play contains so many rich and colourful characters which we will remember from our childhoods; Peter Pan, Wendy Darling and her two brothers, the fairy Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, and of course Peter’s archenemy and pirate, Captain Hook.

Peter flies to London every night to listen to the bedtime stories that Mrs Darling tells to her children.

One night when Mr and Mrs Darling are out at a party Peter sneaks into the Darling children’s nursery to steal back his shadow, which he had lost on a previous night. Wendy, the eldest of the Darling children is awoken by Peter.

He charms her instantly and persuades her to travel with him to Neverland so that she may tell stories to the lost boys who live there. Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael, fly to Neverland which is where their adventure with Peter really begins.

Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director of Titchfield Festival Theatre says, “At Christmas, we all enjoy so many traditional things which no doubt we remember from our childhoods. Everyone loves a great story, which is why Peter Pan is the perfect choice of production for our Christmas season this year; it is beautifully written and nostalgic, with plenty of great characters.

Peter Pan will be the first time that we have actors on stage flying – so we are really excited about that. We have also been extremely fortunate in assembling such a fantastic cast, who hope to build on the great success we had last year with Hansel and Gretel.

We know that families will love the story of Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up and his magical adventures in Neverland with Wendy. It is a story that will never grow old and we are sure that all the family will love it.”

Peter Pan’s Director is Jamie Ann Templeman who directed the popular story Goodnight Mister Tom last year, as well as other productions. The opportunity to direct Peter Pan is a dream which has come true for Jamie. She says, “Peter Pan is a story that I have grown up with and love immensely. It was the show that I just had to do! We are performing to the original script written by JM Barrie – it is the first-ever Peter Pan, written by Barrie as a play before the book was published.

This really is a classic adventure story; I am certain that everyone will fall in love with Peter and want to join him on his wonderful journeys of discovery in the fantasy world of Neverland.”

Peter Pan opens on Wednesday 12th December until Saturday 22nd December at 7.30pm in the Oak Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG. There will be a Sunday matinee on the 16th

December and a special production held on Saturday 22nd December (please contact the theatre directly for details).

For more information, please go to Titchfield festival Theatre or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.

Countdown to Christmas

The village of Titchfield shows the true spirit of the festive season.

Click HERE to watch a YouTube video of the tree arriving

Dawn - and the tree is dropped into position

Early this morning a massive low-loader lorry from local firm, Chappell’s, delivered an enormous Christmas tree and, with the aid of a team of helpers, it was erected on the Green at the bottom of West Street.

The tree was donated by village butchers, Hadlows, and the tree lights are courtesy of Freemantles.

Heavy rain failed to halt the operation as the tree was manoeuvered into position.

Preparing the trees

Later in the morning another party of villagers set to work sorting, preparing and distributing the trees destined to light up the whole village.

From a yard in West Street people were able to select and collect their tree which had already been prepared to fit the external brackets.

There were also a team decorating and erecting trees for those villagers unable to do it themselves.

Over the next few days the village will be a blaze of light as we prepare for the Christmas festivities.

An amazing example of community spirit!!!

s

New book for Titchfield

October 26th sees the launch of a new book about Titchfield.

The book, edited by John Hiett, is a work of fiction, a series of 12 short stories by 10 different authors, set in Titchfield from the Dark Ages to the 1950;s

The book has mystery, myth and magic, tragedy and deception, witch hunting, mayhem, murder and love in the most trying circumstances.

The book will be officially launched on Friday October 26th between 6pm and 8pm in Titchfield Parish Room.

There will be wine to drink, people to meet and copies of the book to buy, with cash, cheque (payable to Magic Flute Artworks Ltd.) or credit card.

The book is priced at £9.95 (paperback) or £14.95 (hardback)