Titchfield writer’s first novel

Jacqueline Cottrell’s novel, Vixstory, will transport you back in time to Nelson’s Portsmouth.

A chance encounter takes a young woman into dangerous places, layers of deceit are peeled back, lives and events collide and resonate over time.

Escaping from her former life and the indignity of her marriage to a suspected terrorist, Victoria moves to the city to start a new life.

A chance encounter involves her in even further deception, including the discovery of the secret world of her closet friend.

Her quest for truth threatens lives, including her own.

She has to find her path through the smoke and mirrors of the undercover police, the intelligence services and the criminal underworld, encountering murder, violence and exploitation in the process.

As events unfold, she becomes a woman haunted by the past as she is taken back to the Portsmouth of 1805 and discovers how worlds, lives and events collide and resonate over time.

Vix’s world becomes a dangerous place as the layers of deceit are peeled away as she searches for the answers she needs.

Vixstory by Jacqueline Cottrell is published by Austin Macauley and is available online.

LINK

Publishers Austin Macauley

Is this the root cause of anti-social behaviour in the village?

Have you spotted the small silver canisters littering the street?

The canisters once contained nitrous oxide, otherwise know as laughing gas, hippy crack or Noz.

The empty canisters have recently been spotted in gutters around the village but over 50 littered the area around the MUGA at the recreation ground off Mill Lane.

Around the country the use of nitrous-oxide has been linked to anti-social behaviour by young people and in communities, large and small.

The gas can be bought legally but only for use in making whipped cream.

Found at the recreation ground

On average five people a year die after inhaling the gas.

Taking nitrous oxide can cause:

• feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness

• fits of giggles and laughter – hence the nickname ‘laughing gas’

• sound distortions and hallucinations – when you see or hear things that aren't there

• stop you thinking straight

• cause short-lived but intense feelings of paranoia.

The gas is the second most commonly used drug among 16- to 24-year-olds in England after cannabis.

Posbrook development back on the cards

Foreman Homes have submitted an application to build homes on the same site they were previously turned down earlier this year.

The new plan is for 57 houses on part of the field closest to Bellfield but leaving an area of open land between the proposed estate and Great Posbrook House.

The original plan was for 150 houses and a Scout Hut but in April the planning inspector turned down Forman Homes appeal against Fareham’s decision to reject the application.

At the time the appeals inspector had concluded that the green (Meon) gap that is protected under FBC planning guidelines is important enough to prevent Foreman Homes going ahead with their development.

The inspector gave the overall reasons for rejecting the scheme, saying, ‘I conclude that the proposed development would result in material harm to the character and appearance of the area.This would result in harm to a valued landscape’.

A number of objections have already been lodged against the development including one from The Titchfield Village Trust who have objected to this application in the ‘strongest of terms’ saying that this is ‘a somewhat cynical attempt by a developer to undermine both the Inspectors report regarding the already refused application.’

The new application can be found on Fareham Council’s planning website by clicking HERE.

The Reference No. Is P/19/1193/O

The Decision Date is the 4th February 2020

Village pride and village shame

Two contrasting incidents took place in the village this weekend.

Sunday morning saw the ‘Best Kept Village’ clock mounted over the butchers in South Street for all to see.

And shamefully, sometime Saturday night - Sunday morning, the hairdressers in The Square was broken into.

Sign of the times?

VILLAGE PRIDE

The clock, which commemorates winning the Best Kept Village competition in 1987/88, was taken down from the wall of clock cottage in The High Street earlier this year.

Titchfield Village Trust organised its removal and paid for its subsequent repair and renovation and following a lick of paint has been secured to the wall over Hadlows.

VILLAGE SHAME

Just yards away in The Square staff were repairing a broken window to the barbers.

At some time during the night thieves had smashed the glass in the front door, got inside and stole a charity collection box and till money.

Last night’s incident was the latest in an ever increasing string of anti-social behaviour, vandalism and criminal damage that has plagued the village for the last six months.

If anyone is experiencing anti-social they must phone the police on 101 and at some point mention the words “Section 4 Public Order Offence” as a Community Trigger.

The Community Trigger empowers members of the public to ask Fareham's Community Safety Partnership to review their responses to any incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Crime can also be reported online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/

Only call 999 during an emergency such as:

• a danger to life

• a crime is happening now (or has just happened)

• having immediate concerns for safety

• a dangerous incident on the motorway

• seeing something suspicious that needs immediate attention

NOT SO GENTLE? WAR AND CONFLICT IN THE ART OF HENRY MOORE.

The next meeting of The Arts Society Solent will feature a talk by MONICA BOHM-DUCHEN entitled NOT SO GENTLE? WAR AND CONFLICT IN THE ART OF HENRY MOORE.

Monica BohmDuchen

Prompted by the recent exhibition at Tate Britain, this lecture will trace an unfamiliar aspect of Moore’s oeuvre, from his response to the Spanish Civil War through his work as an official war artist during World War Two to his response to the Holocaust, the Cold War and the continued threat of atomic warfare in the 1960s.

The meeting takes place on Tuesday 19th November 2019 at 10.30 In the Titchfield Community Centre .

Part time Clerk to the Trustees required

The Earl of Southampton Trust is a charity which covers the areas of Titchfield, Sarisbury Green, Locks Heath, Hook, Warsash, Stubbington, Lee on Solent and Whitley.

The Trust owns 19 almshouses in Titchfield, runs a Day Centre and provides relief in need grants for qualifying residents in the area.

The Trustees are looking for a Clerk to assist with the daily running of the charity.

This role could be for you if you possess:

The Earl of Southampton’s Day Rooms in The Square

• good organisational and communication skills

• some financial know how

• strong IT skills

• a high standard of numeracy and literacy

• some knowledge of almshouses/property management

• a willingness to learn (training will be provided)

Hours: 12 hours per week – working pattern to be agreed

Salary: £27,000-30,000 per annum pro rata depending on experience

Location: Earl of Southampton Trust, 24 The Square, Titchfield, PO14 4RU

Apply to the Chairman, Frances Knight, for further details and CV to earlstrust@yahoo.co.uk

Before 31 December 2019

Residents stand in silent tribute to our heroic servicemen and women

Hundreds of Titchfield locals turned out to honour the memory of village servicemen who lost their lives while serving their country.

Following a moving service at St Peter’s Church the vicar, choir, scouts and congregation processed through The Square to the memorial at the Parish Rooms.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the start of the Second World War.

Before the traditional Two Minute Silence members of the three main armed services read out the names of village residents who lost their lives in the First World War, the Second World War and in conflicts since.

Marine Bugler, Mr Jon Yates, played the Last Post, and at the end of the silence, Reveille.

The first wreath was then laid on behalf of The Royal British Legion followed by the Armed Forces and village organisations.

In poignant tribute, members of the congregation were invited to come forward and place their own crosses among the wreathes.

Then came the famous words of the Kohima Epitaph read by a member of the Scouts…

“When you go home, Tell them of us and say,

“For your tomorrow, We gave our today.”

Click HERE for a Gallery of images

SUCCESS FOR TITCHFIELD IN BLOOM 2019

What a year 2019 has been for the Titchfield in Bloom Team. This is only the 3rd year they have entered the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s In Bloom competition.

Titchfield is judged in the large village category and in July the village was judged twice for the South & South East In Bloom and for the National In Bloom competition.

Nicky, Jane, Pamela, Coral and Marilyn with the silver gilt award.

In September at the South & South East In Bloom Awards which were held at the Amex Stadium Brighton the team achieved a Gold award, and during the South & South East County Awards with Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset it was announced that Titchfield were the overall winners for Hampshire with the highest marks. A fantastic achievement.

On Friday 25 October 5 of the team travelled to London for the R.H.S. National Awards Ceremony whilst Gloria (Chair of Committee) with Sue and Julie waited in Titchfield for the result.

In the large village category along with Titchfield representing the South & South East were Bridge of Earn representing Scotland, Catterall for the North West, Culleybacky from Ulster, Curry Rivel for the South West and Pateley Bridge from Yorkshire.

Titchfield village was awarded a Silver Gilt an amazing result for first time entry into the R.H.S. National In Bloom competition.

The Titchfield In Bloom Team with Gloria, Coral, Marilyn, Pamela, Jane, Nicky, Sue and Julie are already working on their entry for 2020.

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.

'Elton John' in Titchfield

Friday first of November sees Moviola’s screening of Rocketman at Thtchfield Festival Theatre.

Rocketman (15) is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John's breakthrough years.

The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John.

This inspirational story set to Elton John's most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton, tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

Rocketman also stars Jamie Bell as Elton's longtime lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as Elton's first manager, John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton's mother Sheila Farebrother.

Films will be detailed on the Titchfield Moviola web site http://www.titchfieldmoviola.com

Tickets (£6 each) on sale at Daisy B’s Kitchen in The Square and on the Door (subject to availability)

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 .

Ken Groves

The death has been announced of Titchfield historian, Ken Groves.

Ken passed away yesterday (Sunday) at his home in Mill Lane.

He was active in many projects and events in the village He was one of the founding fathers of the Titchfield Festival Theatre and was a leading light in the very successful Blue at the Abbey concerts.

A long time supporter of the Titchfield History Society, Ken was made their President earlier in the Year.

One of those paying tribute on social media was Kevin Fraser of Titchfield Festival Theatre who said, “I am desolate, I saw him only yesterday and thought he would live till 100 and beyond. I can say no more…”

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.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Our very own Breast Cancer Haven Wessex are supporting the nation wide Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October.

There are loads of events locally during the month, check them out by visiting the Haven website. CLICK HERE

Find out how you can get involved by contacting the Wessex Fundraising Team on 01329 559 295 or email wessexfundraising@breastcancerhaven.org.uk

The Haven offers support to anyone affected by breast cancer for free.

From their welcoming centre in The Square, their counsellors, therapists and health professionals offer you the support you need to help you with your own personal challenges of living with breast cancer.

Anyone can come to the centre. There are no geographical restrictions and no need for a doctors referral. Just get in touch and make an appointment today. 

Breast Cancer Haven Wessex are at 35, The Square, Titchfield, PO14 4RT

Make a note in your diary. The Breast Cancer Haven Wessex Christmas Carol Concert is on Monday 9th December at St Peter’s

Stubbington Bypass - a step closer

Hampshire County Council have confirmed that work is expected to start in November this year on the Stubbington bypass.

The long awaited road will enable drivers to bypass Subbington centre, hopefully reducing travel time and congestion in the village.

Bridge Street, Titchfield

The scheme, which is expected to cost £34m, will involve building a single carriageway from the Gosport Road, near to Crofton Secondary School to Titchfield Road, (B3334) near Hollam.”

Councillor Rob Humby, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, said: “We made a commitment to the people of Gosport and Stubbington to improve traffic and travel in South Hampshire.”

However, Titchfield residents have voiced concerns that the new road will result in more traffic using the village as a short cut.

The plans include changes to Titchfield Gyratory, but fears have been expressed that any queues backing up along the Titchfield Bypass will result in motorists using Bridge Street, Coach Hill and St Margaret’s Lane to rejoin the A27 to the west of the village.

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

Posbrook Lane triple whammy

Residents in Titchfield’s Posbrook Lane have, overnight, been suffering with three separate incidents.

Driving through the sewerage.

Workmen were already dealing with a burst sewerage pipe near Great Posbrook House when later in the evening a car crashed into a hedge on the left hand bend further down the country lane where the road changes from Triangle Lane to Meon Road.

Later on two large stacks of straw were set alight just yards from the accident and 300 tonnes of straw have been ruined.

The fire service spent the night dampening down the blaze.

This morning, whilst the car has been removed, the road is still inches deep in running raw sewerage and the fire is still burning.

Residents have called for the road to be closed while the broken pipe is being repaired.

Posbrook Lane flowing with sewerage

The hay stack still ablaze.

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