Picture Perfect Pumpkin Picking

Almost Hallow’een and there are plenty of PYO Pumpkins down on Steve Harris Farms Pumpkin patch.

The farm is renowned for its summer-time PYO Strawberries and Raspberries but this time of year it’s all Pumpkins and Squashes.

To check opening times visit their website:- http://steveharrispyo.co.uk

Festival Theatre awarded funding

Titchfield Festival Theatre: COVID secure and continuing to entertain the South Coast

The award of significant funding to Titchfield Festival Theatre  (TFT) as part of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) is a huge step forward, according to Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director and Chair of the Trustees. The money, which will fund stage and other equipment, enables TFT to continue to provide the community with an eclectic range of shows, from the popular, through experimental to brand new plays written by aspiring playwrights; indoors or outdoors, no matter what happens in future.

In September, TFT reopened to the public as a COVID secure venue, one of the first in the region to be certified under the See it Safely banner administered by The Theatres Trust and Society of London Theatres. Extensive measures have been put into place, to protect patrons, cast members, stage crew and volunteers Since then, TFT has performed several shows including Sweeney Todd and 84 Charing Cross Road, with Up Pompeii  based on the Frankie Howard TV farce in November and an all singing, dancing Christmas Panto  Sleeping Beauty in December.

Kevin Fraser said: “We are truly delighted with the news that we have been successful in applying for the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund and I would like to thank the Arts Council for their support, too.

“TFT is a safe and secure place for all our visitors, be they patrons, staff, cast members or volunteers. We are the only theatre in the UK to have an ozone sanitiser, which sanitises all auditoria, public spaces and stage areas, killing 'all known germs' bugs and viruses including Covid19. It is applied after every show once audiences and cast have left the building and ensures that the building is completely sanitised and safe. We also have a smaller ozone sanitiser for use with our wardrobe department, enabling us to reopen this service for hires.

“All our venues have thermal imaging on entry to the venue and hand sanitising stations, together with social distancing measures. For example, we operate with three metres distancing from the stage to the audience when musicals are on. This is on top of the increased cleaning and sanitising regime we have put in place. Patrons do have to wear face coverings whilst in the building and we do have an in-house app to order drinks and have them delivered direct to patrons seats.

“Furthermore, we have invested in over £60,000 worth of camera, sound and vision mixing equipment to stream our shows live and are currently FREE to view. This is a major step forward and allows us to give broadcast HD TV quality streaming year-round.”

Despite the continuing epidemic TFT have invested in a new brochure with productions for 2021 which will soon be released, with a huge amount of new shows, comedies, dramas and musicals, something for everyone. Look out for it coming through your letterbox.

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

Christmas tree time is here again!

The Tree on the Green

Every year Titchfield Village celebrates Christmas when local residents display a lit Christmas tree in a bracket fixed to the outside of their houses. Would you like to join in (or join us again) and have an outdoor tree this year?

We are a group of local volunteers who co-ordinate the trees: placing an order for 300 English grown trees; they are delivered to the village for collection. The trees will be trimmed but may need further trimming by you to fit into your bracket.

We organise Christmas trees for community buildings like the Parish Rooms and a tree for the ‘Green’ – sponsored again this year by ‘Hadlows’ the Butchers and Lights provided by ‘Freemantles’ Transport by Mark Harris and the ‘Star’ by Tony Traces.

This year we can supply a 4ft Nordmann tree at £13.50. If you would like a Christmas tree, orders must be placed by:

Monday 2nd November 2020 (at the very latest - no late orders)

The trees are ready for you to collect from 9.30-3.30pm on Saturday 5th December from the Yard entrance please adhere to Social Distancing and wear a mask. These Trees are available for Titchfield Village residents - outside Trees only. Please tell your neighbours and friends in the village if they do not know.

Latest Parish News available

The Parish magazine, Titchfield News, contains information about both Church and
village life. It has been published bi-monthly since June 2020 and copies of the June
and August magazine are available at http://www.stpetertitchfield.org.uk/titchfield-
news .

There is a facility for online copies to be read aloud. Please see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETOohmYui3Q

Titchfield News is delivered to people who have paid a subscription.

From Saturday 3 rd October, copies of the October issue, costing 80p, are available for people to buy
during times when the church is open for private prayer (currently Tuesday,

Thursday and Saturday from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm.). Please just ask a steward for
a copy and, if at all possible, have the correct money because they are not able to
give change.

We are unable to sell the Titchfield News on Sunday mornings for the
time being.

The October 2020 issue of Titchfield News will be available online from December
2020.

We do hope you enjoy reading Titchfield News.

FBC's emergency mid-year budget

Emergency mid-year budget to cover predicted £1.14m Covid-19 black hole

Fareham Borough Council is drawing up an emergency mid-year budget to manage a predicted £1.14m shortfall as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The measures will be discussed at the Council’s Executive which meets later today (Monday, September 7).

The pandemic left the Council’s original break-even £9.6m budget with a £3.66m shortfall. Government grants and other financial support is only expected to cover around two-thirds of that shortfall leaving the Council with a £1,143,700 hole in the budget.

It is proposed that the shortfall for this year is met from the Council’s reserves but a number of other measures - including charging for parking in coastal car parks - are being considered to bridge the funding gap for future years.

Before the pandemic, the Council’s medium-term financial strategy predicted a funding gap - the gap between what the Council needs to spend to maintain services and what it will have available to spend - of £1.5m over four years. Plans were in place to overcome the shortfall, but the indications are that the Covid-19 pandemic will mean that gap widens considerably putting Council services at significant risk.

During the pandemic the Council has had unforeseen costs with its COVID response while seeing declines in income as a result of:

• Parking charges being suspended

• Demand for trade waste collections reduced

• Concessionary payment terms for commercial property tenants

• Reduced number of planning applications received

• Suspension of market pitch fees

• Treasury investment income affected by adverse cash flows and reduced interest rates
   
  A 14% Council Tax rise - approximately £23 - would cover the £1m funding gap but has so far been dismissed as an option.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Seán Woodward, said: “Most residents are surprised that Fareham Borough Council delivers all of our services for a cost of just £3 per week for the average home, almost the lowest in the country. 

“However, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on every aspect of life and society in our Borough and it is well reported how this has led to an immense impact on the UK economy.

“It is fortunate that as a Council we have been so prudent with our reserves for a number of years so have a strong financial standing, but this is still going to have a very significant impact on what we can and cannot do as a Council for the rest of the year and for many years to come.

“We must take action now and that is why we have got an emergency mid-year budget coming before us and why we are having to look at alternative ways of bridging the funding gap for the future.

“Our services are vital to our residents and, for many, are a lifeline. But in order to safeguard those services from cuts we must find revenue from other sources - either increasing the Council Tax for everyone in the Borough or introducing a modest charge for demand-led services.”

Armed Police in Titchfield

Armed Police are dealing with a serious incident in the village.

Police in Lower Bellfield Road

Police are currently in attendance in Lower Bellfield Road.

A resident earlier reported that a man was seen in the village centre brandishing a knife.

In a separate incident the Police were in attendance in Posbrook Lane where a caravan had come off the road at Thatchers Copse.

The caravan in Posbrook Lane

MORE TO FOLLOW…

Parking charges could be introduced at Fareham coastal car parks

Parking charges could be introduced at all coastal car parks in the Borough of Fareham to help close the projected funding gap, made worse  during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meon Shore

 But parking charges in Fareham town centre would continue to be frozen and new app-based systems to pay for parking would be introduced alongside cash and credit card payments if proposals are agreed.

 A report to go before Fareham Borough Council’s Executive on Monday 7th September recommends the introduction of charges at all coastal car parks at Swanwick, Warsash, Meon Shore, Hill Head and Portchester.

 If approved the decision will bring Fareham into line with all other local authorities along the south coast.

 One recommendation on the table is for a £3 charge for a four-hour stay between 10am and 6pm. Other options to charge by the hour will also be considered.

 The proposed rates are in line with neighbouring Gosport where charges range from £3.50 to £4 for a four hour stay, and considerably cheaper than Hayling Island where the charge is £5.80.

 It is hoped the charging will encourage a greater turnover of users at busy car parks in the peak months, allowing more residents to enjoy easy access to the Fareham coast.

 The new charges could generate up to £900,000 income for the Council each year which would offset some of the losses the Council has made during the pandemic, cover the costs of upgrades and improvements to the car parks and new payment machines.  It could also be used to help fund a much-needed £5.5M refurbishment of the Osborn Road multi-storey car park in the town centre which will make it more attractive and user friendly.  The proposals for this will also be considered at the September Executive meeting. 

 Enforcement in the car parks will be conducted by the recently formed General Enforcement Team , who are also taking a more proactive role in tackling environmental issues such as littering and fly tipping.

 It is also proposed to have:

 •  new pay-on-foot machines for Osborn Road, Fareham Shopping Centre and Market Quay car parks;

•  new solar powered pay-and-display machines for the coastal car parks;

•  Meon Shore car park upgraded with improved surfacing and marked bays;

•  dragon’s teeth and height barriers be installed in Monks Hill and Salterns car parks;

•  consultation on a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) outlining any required changes to parking restrictions;

•  consultation on free car parks where the time waiting limit is deemed too long.

 Executive Member for Health and Public Protection, Cllr Trevor Cartwright, said: “For some time we have been the only local authority on the south coast of England that has not charged people to use our coastal car parks, but now we must.

 “The Council must explore all available revenue streams open to it and it is fairer to charge people who want to use the car parking facilities that we provide and maintain than to simply add more to everyone’s Council Tax bill.

 “We have deliberately kept the rates low – lower than our neighbouring authorities – and been flexible with the times that charging is in force to allow for early morning and evening use to remain free of charge.

 “I am pleased that we are able to continue to freeze the day-time parking charges in Fareham Town Centre which have now been frozen for over a decade and I hope this will continue to encourage people back into the centre for shopping and leisure.”

"Death is the solution to all problems, No man, No problem.“

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. This play shines a light on human nature and our frailties: the lust for power, the consequences of greed, ambition and revenge … as well as love. This month, Macbeth makes a welcome return to the Titchfield stage as the Bard at the Barn season continues inside the wonderful atmospheric setting of The Great Barn.

The brave and noble Macbeth receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. Wracked with guilt and paranoia, he descends into madness and a reign of tyrannical bloodshed. This is a tale of the passionate love between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and the driving ambition that ultimately led to their destruction.

Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director at Titchfield Festival Theatre, said. “Macbeth is always popular with Titchfield audiences, captivated by the tragic heroes and the relationship between the Scottish general and Lady Macbeth. Shakespeare wrote Macbeth at a time when many people both believed in and had a fear of the supernatural. Indeed, it is said that the play was written specifically for King James VI of Scotland who believed in the dangers of witchcraft.

“We are therefore delighted to perform Macbeth on the stage again at Titchfield. The director Malcolm Bain has had a life-long passion for this play, and we have a strong cast ready to perform this production. We look forward to welcoming patrons back as our Bard at the Barn season continues.”

Macbeth will be performed at the Great Barn, Titchfield in Mill Lane.

Performance dates: Tuesday 25th August - Thursday 27th August (7.30pm); Sunday 30th August (2.30pm matinee); Monday 31st August - Thursday 3rd Sept (7.30pm).

Why not come along and enjoy a wonderful evening of Shakespearian acting at the Great Barn?

For more information including booking tickets and details of the live streamed performances, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.

Important notice – protecting our patrons

At the Great Barn, social distancing will be in operation with a one-way system for entry and exit, hand sanitising available at several points and a thermal imaging check on entry.

In the main theatre at St Margarets Lane, 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.

Flu Jabs for Titchfield patients

The Sovereign Health Network (Highlands, Jubilee &
Whiteley surgeries) are excited to announce that this
year they will be operating a drive through flu clinic for
their patients.

The explain…

WHY?
Our priority is our patient's and staff's safety. The drive
through will allow the flu vaccination to be administered
safely in the comfort of your car. Social distancing and
hygiene protocols will be followed at all times.

HOW?
This will commence during the month of September
2020. Upon arrival, you will be guided through the drive
through by one of our traffic marshals, remaining in your
vehicle at all times. Further information of how to book
will follow in due course.

WHERE?
Fareham Community Hospital Car Park,
Brook Lane, Sarisbury Green, Fareham, SO31 7DQ

If you don't have access to a vehicle, we will shortly
release further information on how you will receive this
season's flu vaccination

Country Market open again

A reminder from the Country Market team,

The very popular Titchfield Country Market will once again be open on Fridays 1000-1130. 

They re-commenced last week and were delighted to find so many people had missed them!

Team member, Sandi Jones, said, “We will have home baked cakes and savouries, locally grown veg, jams, marmalades and chutney, plants and shrubs and greetings cards. 

“We now take card payments as well as cash. 

“For the moment we’re not able to offer eggs, craft items or tea and coffee to customers but are working on it, and all customers must wear face coverings and observe social distancing.

“Look forward to seeing all our old friends”

Comedy at the Barn

Join us at the Funny Barn for Titchfield Festival Theatre’s first ever Comedy on the Green

Titchfield Festival Theatre is delighted to announce its first-ever Comedy on the Green at ‘The Funny Barn’ in Mill Lane on Friday 14 August. The line-up comprises five outstanding comedians including MC (Mike Cox), with all the comics regulars on the club and festival circuit throughout the UK and across the world.

This is what Bruce Dessau, the London Evening Standard’s art critic had to say about Mike Cox:

"If Rob Beckett is the new Micky Flanagan then Cox could be the new Rob Beckett"

- Bruce Dessau

The four other supporting comedians include:

§  Jenny Collier, a multi-award-winning comedian who hails from North Wales and appears regularly on the BBC

§  The popular Dinesh Nathan who was South Coast Comedian of The Year in 2019, described by The Stand-Up Club as a ‘promising act and one to watch’

§  Fiona Ridgewell who has won several stand-up comedy competitions including ‘The Blackout’ at Up the Creek (five times) and finally,

§  Tom Deacon, who originates from nearby Southampton and is a comedian, radio DJ and television presenter.    

The night at ‘The Funny Barn’ starts at 7.30pm with a 9.30pm finish. Please note that Comedy on the Green is appropriate for those aged 18+ only and may contain swearing and other adult themes.

So, join us for an evening of fun packed laughter and music promising a great open-air experience as well as a superb night out. There is a bar and patrons should bring a chair or a blanket to sit on. Please note that at the Great Barn social distancing will be in operation with a one-way system for entry and exit; hand sanitising is available at several points and there is a thermal imaging check on entry.

For more information including booking tickets and details of the live streamed performances, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366. Tickets £10 which must be booked online.

Titchfield News: August issue

The Parish magazine, Titchfield News, contains information about both Church
events and events put on by village groups. It has been published bi-monthly since
June 2020.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the June 2020 edition was only published online and
remains available at: http://www.stpetertitchfield.org.uk/titchfield-news

The August 2020 issue is a paper edition, delivered to people who have paid an
annual subscription. From Monday August 3 rd copies, costing 80p, will be available
for people to buy during times when the church is open for private prayer (Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm.).

Please just ask a steward for a copy and, if at all possible, have the correct money because they are not able to give change. We are unable to sell the Titchfield News on Sunday mornings for the time being.

From October 2020 the August issue of Titchfield News will be available online on
the church website: http://www.stpetertitchfield.org.uk/

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

Swift action required

Do you live in Titchfield Village and take a regular evening walk?

I am looking for volunteers to help with the Hampshire Swift Survey, recording swifts probably over 4 (ideally 6) evenings spread between now and the end of July.

Simple note taking, guidance provided, I am happy to handle the computer inputting.

Please let me know if you are interested in helping. If you can’t help, but are aware of swift nesting sites, do please let me know.

Many thanks

Suzy
Suzy Jackson
suzyajackson@gmail.com
07532 168454

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