Playboy of the Western World at Titchfield

Playboy of the Western World: let’s all raise a glass to this wonderful play.

In a quiet little village, an especially pretty young woman falls under the spell of a charming, somewhat roguish stranger who suddenly appears one day. Christy Mahon is a young man on the run, claiming he killed his father.

The locals are more interested in enjoying his story than in condemning the immorality of his murderous deed. Christy’s tale captures the romantic attention of the local bar-maid. Synge’s wonderfully evocative and lyrical Irish play will keep you enthralled throughout.

This is the story behind Playboy of the Western World, Titchfield Festival Theatre’s latest production opening on Wednesday July 18th. It is an extremely funny, lyrical and poetic play which patrons will appreciate the almost Shakespearian style of language and production.
When Playboy of the Western World was first performed in its native Ireland a century ago in 1907, it caused a riot.

The play written by John Millington Synge is set at a time when Ireland was preparing for self-rule, with the production resulting in huge controversy amongst nationalists. Synge had written a play which captured the essence of rural, west coast Ireland, yet created unease in the predominant Gaelic-speaking community who were offended by some of the language used.

Within a few years, Playboy of the Western World was recognised for what it is – a brilliant masterpiece of a play, with witty lines and strong characters.

Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director of Titchfield Festival Theatre, says, “This is a lovely story set in an archetypal part of the West Coast of Ireland, County Mayo to be precise; the author has written lines which are typically Irish and beautifully crafted, giving us a real sense of life in a rural community in the early 1900s. Come along and enjoy a taste of Gaelic charm – the play is relatively short, with a good, solid cast and will be great fun.”

The Playboy of the Western World opens on Wednesday 18th July until Saturday 28th July at 7.30pm in the Oak Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG. The Sunday matinee performance is on 22nd July at 2.30pm.

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

Village IS in Bloom

With the impending visit by the Britain in Bloom judges the village of Titchfield is looking superb.

A colourful display of hanging baskets, tubs and planters greet visitors to all the streets in the village.

The Royal Horticultural Society judges will be visiting on July 9th.

View a gallery of Titchfield in Bloom by clicking here

Related Articles

• Hanging Basket Warning
• Village in Bloom judging dates

Hanging basket warning

Titchfield residents have been warned to secure their hanging baskets and flora displays following a spate of thefts right across the village.

Hanging baskets have been taken from The Square, East Street and West Street.

With the village being judged on July 9th by Royal Horticultural Society judges, for the Britain in Bloom competition, the streets of Titchfield need to look their best.

The cheapest way of making your baskets more difficult to steal is to use strong wire or cable ties fixed to the basket, chain and bracket.

Or use a padlock and chain linking the elements as above.

Also make sure the bracket is screwed into the bricks - if the screws are in the mortar they can be easily pulled out.

Remove any care/description labels from the plant. A  plant is most likely to be stolen if you keep the label on it.

Have you got a tip to deter the thieves? Post your comment below.

Related articles

Village in Bloom judging dates
 

Get planting for Village in Bloom
 

Tenant sought for Titchfield Almshouse

The Earl of Southampton Trust has a property in the village for a person or couple in need.

Applicants for the two bedroom almshouse must currently be a resident within the Ancient Parish of Titchfield.

The Ancient Parish includes Titchfield, Stubbington, Lee on Solent, part of Rowner, Warsash, Sarisbury Green, Park Gate, Locks Heath, Swanwick, Whiteley, Titchfield Common and Titchfield Park.

Applications for the almshouse are available from the Earl of Southampton Trust Dayrooms  at 24, The Square.

The forms can also be downloaded from www.eost.org.uk/housing.html

Completed forms should be returned to Sue Boden at the above address by Monday 30th July.

The Earl of Southampton Trust has a long history of housing people in need and currently has 17 houses situated in Titchfield.

The Trust also provides one-off grants to help individuals to improve the quality of their lives. They also provide support for organisations locally.

Antony and Cleopatra: Shakespeare’s tragedy of two lovers

Titchfield Festival Theatre’s Shakespeare summer season continues with the company’s first-ever performance of Antony and Cleopatra, William Shakespeare’s tragedy of the two famous lovers set in Rome and Egypt.

Cleopatra is the exotic Queen of Egypt; Mark Antony is Rome’s greatest soldier. Cleopatra has dedicated her life to leading a nation and now she has fallen in love with Mark Antony, Rome’s idol and Julius Caesar’s most loyal comrade.

When Caesar’s nephew Octavius demands he goes to war once more he must choose between his loyalty to Rome and his love for the emotionally insecure Cleopatra. When Antony chooses his love for a woman over his love for his nation he must pay the ultimate price. As Rome advances Cleopatra knows there is only one possible outcome and only one way out.

The play’s Director, Stuart Hibbard says, “We are delighted to bring to local audiences at the historic Great Barn for the very first time our production of Antony and Cleopatra. The play has a number of underlying themes which make it so fascinating; lust and infatuation of course, but also loyalty and duty, regret... and finally the overriding power of love.

Our production will be a more contemporary interpretation, with actors performing in modern dress. We guarantee that there will be plenty for Shakespeare enthusiasts and those perhaps rediscovering the works of our country’s most famous playwright to enjoy.”

Antony and Cleopatra opens for its first performance on Tuesday 26th June and continues until Thursday 5th July, starting at 7.30pm in the Great Barn, Mill Lane, Titchfield PO15 5RB. The Sunday matinee performance is on 1st July at 2.30pm.

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

Fareham Men's Shed new facilities opened

Fareham Men's Shed new facilities were opened on Monday the 18th by BBC Solent Radio's Nick Girdler.

There was an excellent turnout of members with guests Councillors Pamela Bryant and Connie Hockley from Fareham Borough Council, representatives from Community First, Asda and the recently retired Chief Executive of what was Community Action Fareham, without whose help and encouragement the Shed may never have got off the ground.

Before the opening an EGM was held to present the Charitable status that the Shed has recently gained to it's members.

The shed has tripled in area since its inception 2 years ago and thanks to a grant from Fareham Borough Council a Clarke metalworking lathe and mill is now available for use by it's members along with woodworking facilities, a small computer workshop with 3D printing facilities and of course tea and coffee making facilities.

Fareham Men's Shed is open from Monday to Thursday from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Titchfield Festival Theatre, St. Margarets Lane.

Click for more from Fareham Men's Shed

Suella meets Fareham farmers

Fareham MP Suella Braverman has met with local members of the National Farmers Union (NFU).

Suella with local NFU members

At the meeting, with farmers from Tom Parker Farms and Meon Bye Farm, Suella discussed farming in Fareham and learnt about the important work local farmers do to contribute towards our food supply and their contribution to the area’s economy.

 There are 25 NFU members in Fareham farming roughly 2,500 acres of land, which amounts to around 20 per cent of the constituency. Farming directly employs 251 people locally and contributes £4.68 million to Fareham’s economy. Across Hampshire, farmers manage 58 per cent of county’s countryside.
 
As well as local farming, farmers were eager to discuss the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) and what Brexit will mean for local agriculture.
 
Suella said, “I would like to thank our local NFU members for taking the time to discuss local farming with me. Farming makes a huge contribution to our local economy and in ensuring we all have food to eat.

“I was pleased to be able to discuss the opportunities from Brexit. The UK’s agriculture, food and fisheries sectors are heavily influenced by EU laws, through frameworks such as the Common Agricultural Policy.

“Leaving the EU will provide Britain with the freedom to deliver its vision for a world-leading, sustainable, food and farming sector for farmers and consumers.”

Tickets still available for Pippa Greenwood evening

Titchfield Gardeners’ club have a few more tickers available for ‘An Evening with Pippa Greenwood’ at the Community Centre.

Pippa will first talk about her life in horticulture followed by answering questions from the audience.

Pippa is a frequent panellist on BBC’s Gardeners’ World and Gardeners’ Question Time. For eleven years she ran the Royal Horticultural Society's Plant Pathology Department at Wisley.

Tickets, cost just £8, are available the the Titchfield Community Centre reception, the Village Greengrocer in the Square or by calling 01329 843413

The evening takes place on Friday 29th June and starts at 6.45pm.

For more details contact Titchfield Gardeners' Club

Changes to Christmas Eve Services announced

St. Peter’s Parochial Church Council has published the details of this year’s Christmas Eve services.

They explain they have listened carefully to the views of the local community and tried, as far as
possible, to incorporate them into this year’s programme.

They are pleased to announce the following services for Christmas Eve 2018:-

3.30 pm Family Carol Service by Candlelight
This service will be especially suitable for those attending church with young
children.

6pm Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight
This year sees the 100 th anniversary of the beautiful, traditional service of
readings and carols, which was first held in Kings College Cambridge on Christmas
Eve 1918.

11.15pm Midnight Eucharist by Candlelight

It is envisaged that each of these services will be run by a different team.

The first service is at a slightly earlier time than in the past, which will allow sufficient time for
the church to be tidied up and properly prepared for the second service.

This programme has been prepared after much prayer and deliberation, bearing in
mind the needs of all those drawn to worship God in our beautiful church at this most holy time of year.

They go on to say their primary aim, as ever, is to ensure a high quality of worship in all their  services to the glory of God and in celebration of Jesus’ birth.

They look forward to welcoming you to the Christmas Eve services.

For more click this link to St Peter's Titchfield

Straight talking at CAT meeting

Fareham Council leader Cllr. Sean Woodward pulled no punches when he spoke at the Titchfield Community Action Team meeting at the village Community Centre.

Cllr Sean Woodward

Following an introduction by Cllr. Tiffany Harper, Sgt Nick Morgan talked on policing in the village and warned of the various scams in operation at the moment via email, phone or cold calling. And responded to a question from the floor on begging in the town centre.

Hayley Hamlet then explained the role of ‘One Community’ in the borough, how they help by providing support to local groups such as funding advice, governance and by building community resilience, and delivering volunteer and skills support.

Lastly the Council Leader gave a wide ranging  talk on what's going on in the local area.

He outlined projects undertaken in the last year in the borough such as the work on the sea wall at Hill Head, the refurbishment at Westbury Manor, the support for Fareham in Bloom and the cost of cleaning up the rubbish across the area.

He went on to detail the new road schemes already in operation and those still to be completed.

Cllr Woodward then spoke on the controversial subject of the Draft Local Plan and the current provision for housing in Fareham. He explained to the 40 plus audience the problems of meeting central government requirements on the number of homes and how developers will challenge the council if they don’t allow sufficient in the borough.

He also spoke about the plans for the 6,000 homes at Wellborne and also those for the town centre refurbishment which would provide some 900 new houses.

LINKS
Community Action Team
One Community

39 Steps to the Parish Room

Make a note in your diary - Moviola at the Parish Room on Friday June 22nd.

The tickets are going fast for a special Titchfield Moviola showing of the classic 1959 film ‘The 39 Steps’ at the Parish Room.

Richard Hannay (Kenneth More) witnesses a hit-and-run involving a woman pushing a pram.

Looking in the pram he sees a gun instead of a baby. He tracks the woman down and she reveals that she is a secret agent trying to stop foreign spies leaving the country with important military secrets.

Later that night she is murdered in Hannay's flat. Hannay takes it on himself to thwart the enemy agents.

This involves travelling to Scotland and keeping one step ahead of the police who are looking for him in connection with the murder of the woman.’

Please purchase tickets in advance for Moviola Extra  - The 39 Steps (1959) 

Click for more from Titchfield Moviola

Mum hit by van in West Street

A Titchfield mum has called for motorists to be more careful when driving through Titchfield's narrow streets.

On her way to school with her children, Catherine Doust, was struck by the vehicle's wing mirror, even though she was walking on the pavement.

In a post on social media after the incident she reported, "Please can I ask drivers to be road aware on West Street.

"I’ve just been hit whilst walking on the pavement. The van, going at some speed, nearly mounted the kerb with its wing mirrors at children’s head level.

"Lucky I was walking near the side of the road and not my 5 year old.

"The drivers response when approached was, ‘I didn’t see you’ (and the other 3 adults I was with. and other school children)"

There have been a number of accidents reported by residents with pedestrians being struck while walking on our village streets.

Make your voice heard by FBC

Fareham Council’s CAT meeting takes place from 7pm on Monday 11th June in the Malt Room, Titchfield Community Centre.

FBC say that listening to your views is essential to the Council providing better services.  One of the ways they listen to residents is by holding public meetings, known as Community Action Team (CAT) meetings.

The meetings are a great way to keep up to date with what is going on in our area.
Following a presentation by Council Leader, Sean Woodward, there will be an opportunity for residents to ask questions.

At the last CAT meeting held during October and November last year the Borough's Draft Local Plan 2036 was discussed.

The Local Plan looks at housing, employment space, and places where retail and leisure facilities should be provided.  It also earmarks areas to be protected, such as countryside, community and leisure buildings, and open spaces.

At the exhibition and meeting residents have found out about proposals for the local area and had the opportunity to speak directly to planning officers and Councillors.

Make sure your voice is heard by our local councillors, council officials and FBC leader, Cllr Sean Woodward.

For more information on Fareham Council’s CAT meetings Click HERE
 

Thefts over-night in Titchfield

Reports of thefts and suspicious behaviour in the Posbrook Lane/Bellfield area have been posted on Facebook.

One resident says that they were woken at around 4am this morning.

Stock image

They then spotted three males from a grey golf-like car were in a neighbour’s front garden..

They had abandoned their car in the middle of the road next to the junction leaving the doors open, they then went off in different directions.

The group stole the registration plates from a van parked nearby and once disturbed made off.

Hampshire Police advise that If you have information about a crime to call them. In an emergency, always call 999. Call 101 for all enquiries and to report non-urgent crimes.

Summer Fayre updates

Get ready for a bumper fun afternoon at the Titchfield Summer Fayre.

The Fayre, organised by the Titchfield Bonfire Boys is on Sunday 22nd July at Barry’s Meadow from 12-5pm. Entry will be just £1.
 
Sadly no carnival this year but the Bonfire Boys have a whole host of things lined up for the afternoon.

The Happy Fryer have confirmed that they will be at the Summer Fayre.  Finally Titchfield will have a chippy in the village again. Hooray!

Solent Segways will be returning this year with their Segway track experience.

Debbie Pinhorne Bows will be selling her wonderful handmade hair bows.

The Wheatsheaf will be providing liquid refreshments at the Fayre again this year. Last year all profits were donated to the Bonfire Boys.

Isis and Sue from Knit2Together will be attending, selling their handmade toys, finger puppets and story sacks in aid of Hants & IOW Air Ambulance

B'spoke Creations will have a stall, they specialise in handmade and up-cycled crafts which are all very reasonably priced so there will be something for every budget.

Whitecliffe Events will be attending so there will be a bountiful supply of ice cream and lollies...if we're lucky they'll also play their "ice cream jingle" for us.

GlitterSuite will be attending the Fayre so we can all have a sparking facelift for the day. Mum, Dad - this includes ADULTS and Children

Also

• A BBQ
• Live Music from Roy Peplow
• Refreshments and Licensed Bar
• Games for All Ages

So make a date to be there and support Titchfield Bonfire Boys.

Keep up to date with the latest from the Bonfire Boys by clicking HERE

Village in Bloom judging dates

Now's the time to hang out those hanging baskets and planters.

The Bugle Hotel, last year

On July 9th the Royal Horticultural Society judges will be touring the village looking for how residents and businesses have decorated their properties for the Britain in Bloom competition.

Gloria Hunt from the Village in Bloom team wants to encourage everyone to make a special effort and build on the success of last year when we won the Community Garden award.

The Village in Bloom team have been busy planting bulbs, re-doing community pots and supporting the wild flower meadow.

Meon House Open Garden

Come and enjoy the beautiful garden and surroundings at Meon House.

And treat yourself to delicious tea and cakes !

Please join us, The Friend's of St Peter's, and be part of something special, helping to maintain
the fabric of our beautiful Church.

The garden party is on Sunday 10th June 2018 - 2pm to 5pm at Meon House, Triangle Lane.

The house has a large, and beautifully landscaped, garden is adjacent to woodland.

It boasts herbaceous borders, specimen trees, orchard, large pond and a kitchen garden. Enjoy a stroll around and some tea and cake.

The garden is accessible to wheelchair users. Well behaved dogs (and their owners!) on leads are welcome. Entry is by ticket only.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at £5 each from Daisy B’s, Hadlow’s the Butcher and St Peter’s Church office

Strawberry time is here

Steve Harris Farms are to open their Pick Your Own strawberry fields on Tuesday 5th June.

The summer is finally here when its PYO time.

With the recent good weather its going to be a bumper year for this classic summer-time fruit.

If you don't have the time to pick a punnet yourself, there are loads of ready picked fruit right now on the stall, just along from the farm.

The Pick Your Own fields can be found in Posbrook Lane, just south of Titchfield on the way to the beach.

Steve Harris PYO is open every day (weather permitting) from 9.30am till 5pm.

Don't forget to get a tub of cream as you pass through the village - you won't need sugar the strawberries are so plump and sweet.

LINK:-

www.steveharrispyo.co.uk

The Great Gatsby at The Festival Theatre

A little party never killed nobody…. enjoy the roaring 20s with The Great Gatsby

Nick Carraway arrives in 1922 New York in search of the American dream. Nick, a would-be writer, moves in next door to millionaire Jay Gatsby and across the bay from his cousin Daisy and her philandering husband, Tom. As a consequence, Nick becomes drawn into the captivating world of the wealthy and as he bears witness to their illusions and deceits, pens a tale of impossible love, dreams, and tragedy.

This is a new adaptation of the romantic and jazzy 1920’s thriller The Great Gatsby, which brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic story to life. With hot jazz, cold cocktails, fast cars and even faster women, the thrilling tragedy of Jay Gatsby and Daisy will be told by Nick Carraway just for our patrons.

This is the first time that Titchfield Festival Theatre has performed The Great Gatsby and it will also be a directorial debut for Adam Feeley. Adam says, “We are delighted to bring The Great Gatsby to Titchfield. It will perhaps be a little different to what our audiences are used to; there will be dancing, musical numbers and a real 1920s vibe to capture this exciting period.

We are only a couple of years from coming back into the 20s again and it is noticeable how people are rediscovering the look and feel of the roaring twenties, in fashion and all things vintage. We have a superb young cast and it promises to be a very classy and suave production which we are confident our patrons will love.”

The Great Gatsby was written by Fitzgerald back in 1925, but even today the themes which run through this classic novel remain current, touching upon the differing class structures and race in society. Jay Gatsby however held parties for everyone, regardless of their background. He was simply a good guy, who was seeking the girl that he loved.   

Come along to experience the spirit of the 20s with Titchfield Festival Theatre’s presentation of The Great Gatsby - complete with a modern twist.

The Great Gatsby opens on Wednesday 13th June until Saturday 23rd June at 7.30pm in the Oak Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG. The Sunday matinee performance is on 17th June at 2.30pm.

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

Set for dizzy heights

Five year old Ava Jade Hands will be ‘up in the air’ when she joins with members of the Jessie Leigh Dance & Cheer Academy at a major cheerleader and dance event in Brighton.

Ava Jade, from Titchfield, has only been with the group for just a year and is the ‘flyer’ of the team.

The Jessie Leigh Dance & Cheer Academy have over 360 cheerleaders in 2 locations within the Gosport and Portsmouth region, they are also the largest After School Club Program in the area.

Young High Flyer Ava Jade

Ava Jade trains at Bay House school in Gosport.

They focus on developing our youth through the medium of cheerleading and dance.

The ‘Into the Future’ competition will take place on the 9th and 10th of June at The Brighton Centre in Sussex.

Well done Ava Jade and have a great day.