Closure of Titchfield Breast Cancer Haven centre

The Wessex Breast Cancer centre in Titchfield to permanently close.

Haven supporter Alison Ascough being interviewed by BBC South Today about the closure.. Watch the interview tonight from 6.30pm

In a statement on their website the charities CEO Sally Hall wrote…

“For over 20 years Breast Cancer Haven has been providing free one to one physical, emotional and practical support to anyone affected by breast cancer.

All our centres were forced to close their doors at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and still remain closed. It is uncertain when we will be able to resume in-person and touch therapy appointments with our visitors.



Today we have announced that we have taken the difficult decision to permanently close two of our regional support centres. The closure of the Wessex centre in Titchfield and the West Midlands centre in Solihull is a necessary strategic decision made to safeguard the future of the charity. Because of the coronavirus pandemic the charity has been faced with a 50% shortfall in voluntary income and must restructure to protect our vital support services for the future. 



At the beginning of lockdown we took immediate and decisive steps to reduce the financial impact of the Covid-19 crisis by all staff taking a 20% reduction in salary and using the Government furlough scheme. While these measures helped in the short term, the longer-term impact of the loss of income has put the future of the charity at risk.

The decision to close two of our centres has not been taken lightly. Unfortunately, the financial conditions imposed by the pandemic have left us very little choice, and we must put the people who have breast cancer and their families at the heart of our decisions, to ensure we are able to be there for them in the future.

In addition to closing two centres permanently, we are also reducing the number of people who work for the charity with planned redundancies.

A redundancy consultation process has begun with all those staff affected by the closures. We will be devastated to see any of our colleagues go and I want to thank them for working so hard to ensure the highest level of care has always been given to the people who use our services.

These changes form part of

Breast Cancer Haven’s revised strategy, which is to reduce spending in line with our projected income, making our services more accessible, and rethinking our delivery model to reach more people.

Help and support will continue to be available remotely for all those affected by breast cancer: over the telephone and online.

Online support classes, workshops and 1:1 therapies will continue as normal. 

We are the only breast cancer charity in the UK doing this vital work and although we might look different, our charity will continue to provide essential emotional, practical and physical support to the people who need us most.

Our centres in Leeds and Hereford will reopen once it is safe to do so and our income has increased.

Our NHS based outreach services will recommence as soon as we are permitted. Our new London centre will open as planned in Spring 2021.”

Titchfield photographer’s book on ‘The Art of the Nude for Camera Enthusiasts”

Local photographer, Ross Underwood, has today published his book on ‘The Art of the Nude for Camera Enthusiasts”
Nude Photographer is lavishly illustrated throughout with the great works from artists and photographers from across the ages.
It has a lively narrative to give you some background information without tying you up in jargon. Nude Photographer also includes some of the author’s own work and explains how he got into nude photography.

There is a practical chapter on how to capture naked beauty yourself with everything you need to know about working with models, what equipment you need, and what lighting to use for the best results.

The nude has always been controversial and the book attempts to address some of the contemporary issues that it raises. If you are ready to look at the nude from a different angle, this book is for you.

The human form is potentially the most awe-inspiring and meaningful subject that we can photograph. Let us go beyond merely judging nude works for their erotic value and delight in the beauty of the subject.

Birds have feathers and mammals sport fur, but human bodies give us glimpses of the workings of the extraordinary natural machine that carries us through our everyday.

In skilled hands the nude tells human stories with all the drama and poignancy they bring. This book celebrates these stories as created by the greatest minds in the history of art and photography.

Nude Photographer contains:
•35 x Great Nude works in painting and sculpture
•18 x Gorgeous Nude photographs
•55 x Live Links to other great pieces
•29 x The Author’s own photographs
•Practical tips for you to capture beautiful Nude images
Some people think of the Nude as just the female of the species, but this book attempts to be even-handed with the choice of male /female subjects, and male /female artists.

The book can be foundon Amazon and will be free from tomorrow for five days. 

This is a link to the book:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nude-Photographer-Art-Camera-Enthusiasts-ebook/dp/B08D6QR63T/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=nude+photographer&qid=1595224951&s=books&sr=1-3

If you don't have a Kindle, you can download an app for PC, MAC, iPhone, or Android from here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-dbs/fd/kcp

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!

Titchfield Village Trust on the latest Posbrook Lane Development

The ‘Site off Posbrook Lane’ trundles on unfortunately with Foreman Homes determined to ignore Local Authority planners, Planning Inspectors and Village opinion to the bitter end.
Let’s go over the history :

1: Foreman Homes put in a planning application for 150 homes on the field off Posbrook Lane that abuts Bellfield and Barn Close. The Application is refused by Fareham Planners
2: Foreman Homes appeal this decision
3: An Inquiry is held and the Planning Inspector refuses the application.
4: Foreman Homes put in another planning application for the same site but this time for just 50 houses.
5: Fareham Planning Officers indicate they will be recommending refusal.
6: Foreman Homes state that the decision was not made within the required time period and say they will appeal. They were aware that the officers would be recommending refusal however, and that is just what happened. The committee refused the application.

This means that once again the Planning Inspectorate, which is an independent from government body, will be asked to consider the new application for 50 homes.
To be frank the reason for the delay is obvious and even Foreman Homes cannot ignore what has been happening over the last 5 months!
F.B.C. have always been against developing this site and confirm their opposition to any development along the ‘Meon Valley Strategic Gap’ in the newly adopted local plan. While at the same time indicating just how they will fulfil their obligations under current government planning regulations.
Once the inspector has been appointed all those who wrote in with comments to F.B.C. on the new application will be informed and asked if they wish to make comments to the inspector. Their original comments will also be forwarded to the inspector.
It is perhaps worth recalling just why the inquiry inspector refused permission for the 150 houses in the original application.

‘I have concluded that the proposal would result in material harm to the character and appearance of the area, which is a valued landscape, to the setting of two Grade II* listed buildings and a minor adverse effect on best and most versatile agricultural land in the area.
On this basis the proposal would conflict with policy CS14, CS22 in the LPP1 and DSP5, DSP6 in the LPP2’.
LPP1 and LPP2 refer to F.B. C’s. Local Planning Policy parts 1 and 2.
(In terms of LPP1 policy CS14 seeks to control development outside defined settlement boundaries seeking to resist proposals which would adversely affect its landscape character and function. While policy CS22 advises land within strategic gaps will be treated as countryside and development proposals will not be permitted where it affects the integrity of the gap and the physical and visual separation of settlements.

In LPP2 Policy DSP6 further advises in respect of residential development outside of defined urban settlement boundaries that it should avoid a detrimental impact on the character or landscape of the surrounding area. DSP5 addresses the protection and enhancement of the historic environment. In considering the impacts of proposals that affect designated heritage assets it advises the Council will give great weight to their conservation and that any harm or loss will require clear and convincing justification, reflecting the statutory and national policy positions.)

‘The appeal site is located where there is potential for a significant effect on a number of European designated wildlife sites which comprise Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) potential Special Protection Areas (pSPAs) and Ramsar sites.’

In our submission to FBC we stated :
‘It is, to quote your own view from the Local Plan consultation, ‘a very
important landscape and any proposed new housing would have a negative impact.’
Keeping the Meon Valley strategic gap as a development free zone is vital in retaining the integrity of the 2 adjacent conservation areas of the Village of Titchfield and Titchfield Abbey.
Indeed the local plan suggests that at some time this gap has the potential to become greenbelt as the only open space between Southampton and Portsmouth along the A27. It is vital to retain this space to prevent coalescence between adjacent developments in Stubbington, Warsash and Park Gate.’

Foreman Homes should not be allowed to encroach in any way on this gap. Fareham already have a robust plan for housing development within the borough including provision for 400 or so dwellings alongside the A27 at the nearby Segensworth roundabout.
All of the comments made by the inspector hold good whether they be for 150 houses or 57. This is a green space that should remain green.
Please look out for the request to submit comments to the Inspector.

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

EoS Trust looking for Trustee

The Earl of Southampton Trust is looking for a new Trustee

Do you live in the parish of Titchfield, Stubbington, Sarisbury Green, Locks Heath, Hook with Warsash, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent or Whiteley?

Our ancient charity was formed in 1597 to help residents of these areas (then known as the Ancient Parish of Titchfield).

Knowledge of finance and investment, legal, medical and care and/or property management are all relevant to the post.

Please send your CV to Tracey Kenney at info@eost.org.uk

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.

Celebrating VE Day in Titchfield

With the ‘Lockdown’ in full swing VE Day events in the village have been severely curtailed.

However St Peter’s Church have published plans on how residents can celebrate and participate over Friday and the weekend.

Friday 8th May at 11.45am
Re-dedicate yourself at home to work for peace, freedom and justice.
Words available at Titchfield News https://www.titchfieldnews.com and St. Peter’s Titchfield www.stpetertitchfield.org.uk

At 12pm join your neighbours in singing, “We’ll meet again.”

At 3pm we are asked to join the 'Nation's Toast to the Heroes of WW2' from the safety of our own homes.  The official toast is:  'To those who gave so much, we thank you.'

Portsmouth Cathedral invite us to #bigpicnicforhope a stay-at-home picnic in your home or garden to celebrate the occasion..

They ask us to consider, please, making a donation to the Roberts Centre
http://www.robertscentre.org.uk/donate-now/ an organisation working to support the most vulnerable families and people in the Portsmouth area.

At 9pm Fareham Borough Council are urging residents to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day by singing along to the famous wartime song by Vera Lynn, WE’LL MEET AGAIN

Sunday 10th May from 7am Online Reflective Service, with Revd. Susan Allman (Vicar) on the St. Peter’s Church website www.stpetertitchfield.org.uk on the theme of VE Day.

The service will be available for you to join in with at any time from 7am on Sunday morning and will last for no more than 30minutes.

An order of service will be available to print from the website from Friday 8th May.

Although Friday’s picnic will be at lunchtime it is most likely residents will party on for the rest of the afternoon.

Click HERE to download The Order of Service for Sunday

(Check your Downloads Folder if you don’t see it straight away)

The text of ther Re-Dedication is printed below

Titchfield mask maker

Vivian Stewart from Common Lane has been busy making face masks and giving them away to anyone that wants one.

The masks are reversible and made from 100% washed cotton with a piece of quilt liner sewn between the pattered material.

Vivian has been displaying her handiwork on her fence and so far, in the three weeks she’s been sewing, over 120 masks have been snapped up by passer-bys.

The masks can be easily put together using spare scraps of material and elastic. and Vivian says there must be many ‘quilters’, like her, who could use their skills during the current crisis.

Well done Vivian!

Take a look at our Covid-19 Gallery

Fareham VE Day Home Schooling and Stay at Home Street Party Pack Launched

Home schooling resources and a “Stay At Home Street Party” pack have today been launched by Fareham Borough Council to help residents across the Borough mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8th.

The Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has meant events planned to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe in 1945 have had to be shelved. The early May Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday 8th to allow for a weekend of national commemorations, street parties and other events; these may now be held later in the year.

However, VE Day was May 8th in 1945 and Fareham Borough Council wants its residents to be able to mark the occasion on the actual 75th anniversary.

The Council has teamed up with a teacher to produce home schooling lesson plans and supporting resources for parents to help young people in the Borough learn about VE Day. The home-schooling pack is designed to be used each day in the week leading up to May 8th.

• The Council has also produced a “Stay At Home Street Party” pack for residents. It includes:

• A competition for residents to design their own bunting to hang or stick in their front windows, with a chance to win a home-delivered afternoon tea.

• A VE Day themed quiz that they can use with family and friends virtually on video conferencing services, or among the family at home.

• A VE Day themed Word Search.

• Some war-time recipes based on the rations available in 1945 for residents to try at home themselves.

• The words to We’ll Meet Again, the Dame Vera Lynn song made famous during the war and recently referenced by The Queen in her address to the national during the pandemic.

• A Spotify playlist of war-time songs compiled especially by the Council for the VE Day Stay At Home Street Parties

Fareham Borough Council Executive Leader Councillor Sean Woodward said: “VE Day is an important anniversary in our country’s history and we want to be sure that, despite the pandemic lockdown, residents have the chance to mark it in their own way.

“We know parents have been superbly tackling the difficult challenge of home-schooling their children - our lesson plans and resources will support their teaching and learning throughout VE Day week, and help children to understand the importance of VE Day to the nation.

“In 1945 the country celebrated the end of hostilities in Europe like never before, with street parties and other events. We had hoped to recreate that for the 75th anniversary this year until the Coronavirus pandemic put an end to those plans. Our Stay At Home Street Party pack will help all those who do still want to mark this very significant milestone.

“It would be fantastic if everyone across Fareham would join in a Borough-wide singalong of We’ll Meet Again at mid-day on Friday May 8th as we pay our own tribute to all those who fought in the Second World War for our freedom today, and at the same time to think about those nearest and dearest to us that we are missing seeing right now.

“I know how frustrating and difficult it continues to be for residents who are staying at home because of this lockdown. We want our VE Day packs to be something families and individuals can make use of to help mark this important anniversary.”

The downloadable home schooling and Stay At Home Street Party packs, and the Spotify playlist link, can be found at www.fareham.gov.uk/leisure/veday75.aspx.

Extra help for local parents during Covid crisis

Baby Bundles Bank based in Titchfield Common was set up to help struggling families with preloved or new baby items donated by the generous public.

But during the Covid-19 crisis they are extending their help further into the community and helping all families who may be struggling to get items, this might be nappies, baby wipes, clothing etc.

To learn more contact them via their Facebook group which you are welcome to join. HERE

Clare Monkton from Baby Bundles Bank says, “If you require support due to being in isolation or not being able to get what you need from a shop etc please contact me at clare.monckton@gmail.com if we have what you need we will help.

This is a free service and is usually done by referral via health professionals, but at this time we are able to open it up to include ALL families who may need it, we rely totally on donations of baby items from the generous community. “

They collect and distribute the following items - Baby clothing -good condition and not stained. Blankets and sheets- cot and moses size Bottles and sterilisers Dummies Toiletries Nappies Towels Muslin cloths.

They also take- moses baskets Baby baths Changing bags Baby chairs Toys Prams and cots on a need basis due to storage space.

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

Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank provides vital supplies despite closure

Fareham Borough Council would like to thank the Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank for providing vital food supplies for those in need. The Basics Bank was forced to temporarily close last week as a number of its volunteers identified as vulnerable. Despite its closure the organisation worked with the Council and local voluntary groups to ensure that none of its food was wasted.

All food has now been moved ready for distribution

On Monday a large group of Acts of Kindness volunteers spent the day collecting and transporting many tonnes of supplies from the Basics Bank in Fareham and put it in storage in a warehouse provided by Fareham Borough Council

Yesterday the Council mobilised a team of officers to collect several more tonnes of food from the Basics Bank storage facility in Segensworth and transferred it to its newly set up distribution centre. Acts of Kindness and Waypoint Church will play a crucial role in helping to ensure that essential food is delivered to those in need across the Borough

Since 2003 the Basics Bank has been providing practical help such as food and toiletries for people in crisis in a caring and welcoming environment. In the last year alone they have helped nearly five thousand people. They will reopen to continue their vital work as soon as it is safe for them to do so.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Seán Woodward, said:

“The coronavirus pandemic has created enormous challenges for every element of society including the voluntary sector. We know it was an extremely difficult decision for the Basics Bank to take to close last week, but the health and wellbeing of their volunteers is important. I would like to thank the Basics Bank for their agreement to ensure their supplies will still go to people who need it and for their hard work over the last 17 years. I know this hard work will continue once the pandemic is over.

"It was wonderful to see first-hand our community pulling together on Monday to move vast quantities of food and I am pleased that Council staff were able to continue that effort yesterday. This work is critical to ensure that those most in need are able to receive the food they require to enable them to stay safely at home.”

Acts of Kindness can be contacted on 07766 521314 or ActsofKindnessTeam@outlook.com
Waypoint Church can be contacted on 07934726212 or help@waypointchurch.org.uk

Clapping for our carers

UPDATE

Right across the village people stood at their doorsteps tonight to applaud NHS workers and all others helping to keep the country running.

A round of applause for our NHS staff and all those caring for us at this time is being proposed for later this week.

At 8pm on Thursday, March 26, people across the country are being asked to stand at their windows, front doors, balconies for a round of applause.

Many streets in Titchfield are already bedecked with flags and banners to show our support and defiance in the present crisis.

While the majority of people are now safely working from home and social-distancing to lower the chances of ourselves and our loved ones catching the deadly virus, for those working on the front line this isn't possible.

Doctors, nurses, porters, emergency call workers and other NHS staff are still going to work every day to keep the health system working - putting themselves at risk of getting sick.

Give them a big round of applause on Thursday!

Coronavirus: Sainsburys shopping arrangements

A statement to Sainsburys customers about opening hours.

I wanted to write to you again to update you on the steps we are taking to make sure everyone has access to food and essential items. I'm also sharing more information about how we are supporting our colleagues in these challenging times and how you can help.

An increasing number of you have told me that you're not always able to get the items that you need when you need them. We are working with our suppliers to get even more stock of essential items and we are adding warehouse capacity on a daily basis. You will have seen that we put restrictions in place this week to ensure that more products are on shelf for longer.

From Monday 23rd March, we are consolidating our opening hours and all our supermarkets will be open from 8am to 8pm, Monday-Saturday, including those with an Argos store. Sunday opening, Sainsbury’s Local and petrol station opening times will stay the same.

This means we can focus our store colleagues’ time on keeping shelves stocked and serving our customers well during the times that most of you are already shopping.

Last Thursday, we set aside an hour for elderly and vulnerable shoppers in our supermarkets. Many of you have told me how much you appreciated this and that you would like this to become a regular event. Some of you also said we should extend this to members of our hardworking NHS and Social Care workers. And we will be doing just that.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, all our supermarkets will dedicate 8am - 9am to serving elderly, disabled and vulnerable customers, as well as NHS and Social Care workers. They will just need to show us their pass or ID when they visit. Some of you fed back that you couldn’t find what you wanted during that hour, so we will try our best to have essential items on shelf for these customers. We will be working to keep our shelves well stocked and would encourage customers to arrive throughout the hour to prevent queues forming and to help everyone keep a safe distance.

Hundreds of you have written to me to thank our amazing colleagues who are working around the clock to serve our customers. A number of you have also shared your concerns for the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues. I want you to know that we are doing all we can to support everyone who works in our business. We have committed to paying all colleagues who are unwell or need to self-isolate for the full period of fourteen days. We have also committed to paying vulnerable and elderly colleagues in full if the government decides they should isolate for 12 weeks.

We hope this will go some way to helping our teams through this uncertain time and we are looking at other ways to thank our colleagues for their extraordinary efforts.

To keep our colleagues safe, I need to ask again for your help. Please do your best to stand one metre away from colleagues in our stores where you can. And we would prefer you to pay with card rather than cash at our tills. Please also treat our colleagues and other customers with kindness and respect.

These are unprecedented circumstances and our colleagues are being asked to come to work every day while so many others are being asked to stay at home. We all need them to keep coming to work to feed the nation – a small thank you goes a really long way.

I hope you will join us in looking out for each other and the communities that we serve.

Update on Breast Cancer Haven's Big Tea Cosy

In the interest of reducing risk and keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 situation, Breast Cancer Haven has made the very difficult decision to postpone their Big Tea Cosy at the centre on 24 March until further notice.

Following the current NHS England advice, your own personal health and safety, and that of our wider community, remains our key priority.

Community Fundraising Officer, Ellie Hughes added, “This turn of events does leave Breast Cancer Haven in a vulnerable position as we are an events-based charity and all our fundraising events are now postponed for many months.

“If you feel you are able to help us during this time, so we don’t have to stop our vital services when people need us the most, I would be most grateful if you would consider donating to our urgent Fundraising Appeal.

“This appeal was launched to coincide with Mother’s Day but now becomes vital for our charity.

“I would like to take this opportunity to offer a heartfelt thank you for your continued support at this difficult time.”

LINK

Breast Cancer Haven Wessex

FBC suspend garden waste services

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak Fareham Borough Council is suspending its garden
waste collection service with immediate effect.

This is so that the Council can focus resources on the most important collections.
Residents should not put out any garden waste at this time.

Executive Member for Streetscene at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Simon Martin,
said: “In these unprecedented times, we need to take steps to prioritise our most
important services. This measure will ensure that we can continue to empty waste
bins.

We would like thank residents for their understanding, and please be assured
that we will return the service to normal as soon as possible.”

It’s Referendum Day

Please vote - Your vote is important

Titchfield residents go to the polls today to vote in a referendum about the Titchfield Neighbourhood Plan.

Residents will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question: ‘Do you want Fareham Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Titchfield to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’

If more than 50 per cent vote ‘yes’, then Fareham Borough Council will ‘make’ the TNP. Once made, the planning aspects from the TNP will be used to help determine planning applications in Titchfield. If more people vote ‘no’ than ‘yes’ then the Neighbourhood Plan will not be made part of the statutory Local Plan for the Fareham Borough.

You can vote at the polling station in Titchfield Community Centre for the referendum today.

Residents are entitled to vote in the Referendum if they are eligible to vote in a local government election and if they live in the referendum area – which is identical to the area which has been designated as the Titchfield Neighbourhood Area.

Cllr Keith Evans, Executive Member for Planning and Development, said: “This is the first time we have had a Referendum in the Fareham Borough and it is essential we hear the views of the people of Titchfield.”

The results, which are expected to be announced tomorrow (Friday) around noon, will be published here as soon as we are informed by Fareham.

READ MORE HERE