Walk-through testing site opens at Cams Alders

https://www.fareham.gov.uk/coronavirus/intro.aspx

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is opening a walk-through testing site for Coronavirus on Cams Alders Car Park.  It will open on 10 November and operate on an appointment only basis.

 Anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute. Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 and you can expect your result the next day.

 The site will operate using detailed procedures that have been approved by Public Health England. 

 Further details about how walk-through sites operate are available on the Government’s website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

Titchfield Act of Remembrance 2020

The Titchfield Act of Remembrance this year, due to ~Covid-19 restrictions was held solely held in the Parish Church of St Peter’s.

Only representatives of the Armed Forces, and wreath layers from village clubs, societies and organisations were allowed to attend.

Rev'd Janet Trevithick led the service. During the service the wreaths were laid at the alter but later moved to the War Memorial outside the Parish Rooms.

Throughout the day ofher wreaths and crosses were also placed at the Memorial.

Residents are being urged to observe a two minute silence outside of their homes (socially distanced of course) on the 11th at 11am. In West Street they plan to play a recording of the Last Post.

Read about the lives of all the Titchfield men who fought and died in The Great War on the ‘Titchfield Remembers’ website.

Click HERE and then select ‘Servicemen’. (Those names in bold are the men who died).

Click the link below for a short video of the service.

No Memorial Service at the Titchfield War Memorial

Titchfield Remembrance service - Update

Due to the latest Covid-19 regulations there will be NO service at the Titchfield Memorial beside the Parish Rooms on Sunday 8th. November.

Residents have been asked not to attend on Sunday morning but, if they wish to lay tributes are asked to do so later in the day.

To comply with Coronavirus restrictions, Fareham Council have not agreed the usual road closures in the High Street which would have made ‘social distancing’ impossible.

However, there will be an amended service in the St Peter’s on the day but only individuals who have a role in the service have been cleared to attend.

The wreaths laid in the Church will be moved to the Memorial later on Sunday.

Rev Janet Trevithick posted on St Peter’s website, “I am happy to say that we have had permission to go ahead with our live streamed ‘Act of Remembrance’ service on Sunday 8th at 10.45am.

“Only individuals who have a role in the service have been cleared to attend. So please, if you are able, do join us on line as we remember those brave service men and women of Titchfield who gave their lives to keep us free.“

Watch the service live from St Peter’s on You Tube. Click HERE

Once again; there is NO Service at The War Memorial

The Earl of Southampton Trust are looking for a new Trustee

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

The Earl of Southampton Trust is a charity which was formed in 1597, we aim to assist people in need who live in these areas (then known as the Ancient Parish of Titchfield).

 The charity has a long history of housing people in need and currently has 19 houses situated in Titchfield village, we provide one-off grants to help individuals to improve the quality of their lives and also provide support for organisations locally.

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

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

 Closing date for applications is 27th November 2020, interviews to take place at the beginning of December.

Titchfield Remembrance Service and COVID safety guidance from FBC

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the annual Titchfield Remembrance Service has been significantly amended.

There will be no parade or service at the War Memorial beside The Parish Rooms.

A Covid safe service will, however, be conducted inside St Peter’s and restricted to the clergy and nominated wreath layers only.

The names of those village residents who lost there lives will be read out as usual.

There will be no hymns but the bugler will play the Last Post and after the two minutes silence, Reveille.

At some point after the ceremony the wreaths from the Royal British Legion, the Armed Forces and those representing village organisations will be transferred to the village memorial.

Those wishing to place crosses at the memorial in remembrance of family members may do so but must adhere to current Covid safety guidlines.

COVID safety guidance from FBC

The Director of Public Health for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has provided guidance on staying safe against Covid-19 virus transmission during upcoming events.

Halloween

This weekend it is Halloween and residents who like to take part in festivities and activities to mark this time of year are urged to do so in their own homes. At this current moment, advice from Public Health is that parents are not encouraged to take their children door-to-door trick or treating and risk spreading the virus through contact with shared surfaces such as buckets, bags and sweets. However, in this rapidly changing situation people are advised to check the Government’s website for further updates and advice.

It is also important people do not meet in groups of more than six. Instead, the Council is encouraging families to produce their own creative and alternative ways to celebrate Halloween at home with household family members.

November 5 – Bonfire Night

Large events marking bonfire night are strongly discouraged because of the risk of spreading the virus and increasing the infection rate within Hampshire. If large groups gather together to watch firework displays, there is a higher risk of importation of infection from surrounding areas and the potential need for support from the emergency services.  

All private events must adhere to Government guidelines regarding the rule of six and social distancing. The Council will be working with the Fire Service to ensure local communities are aware of safety measures, including the requirements to be COVID safe at all times.

Remembrance Sunday (In Fareham)

This year we have had to change the way we commemorate Remembrance Sunday. 

There will be a small church service of Remembrance restricted to the Royal British Legion and civic guests only due to social distancing requirements in Holy Trinity Church.  Sadly, there will be no parade or public gathering in West Street.

 All parades have been discouraged because of the risk of spreading infection with large numbers of people. However this year’s ‘Forever Remembered’ roll call will be broadcast on the Council’s website from 10:00am on Sunday 8th November: www.fareham.gov.uk/leisure/remembrancesunday.aspx. 

Holy Trinity Church will livestream the Remembrance Sunday service on their Facebook page from approximately 10:50 am on Sunday 8th November. 

Councillor Trevor Cartwright, Executive Member for Health and Public Protection, said: “At Fareham Borough Council we understand the importance of these events for our local community, however, during these difficult times it is paramount we follow the guidelines to protect ourselves and each other.

“We must reinforce the guidelines wherever possible to continue to stop the spread of the virus and decrease infection rates.

“Unfortunately that means annual events will look very different this year; however, if we persevere with social distancing and following the guidelines there is hope we can mark these occasions properly again next year.”

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Read about the men from Titchfield who fought in the Great War and who paid the ultimate price.

Visit the website ‘Titchfield Remembers’

OR

Click HERE to buy ‘Beyond the Memorial’ Book

Join the Titchfield Hallowe’en Pumpkin Trail

Get ready for the COVID Safe Social distancing Spooky Pumpkin Trail around Titchfield for the village youngsters on Thursday 29 Oct, beginning and ending at the Community Centre.

The event has been organised by YServices (Oasis Youth Group)

Due to the current restrictions in place Trick or Treating is a not safe option this year, however the team didn’t want to cancel Halloween for the children so instead they are encouraging as many residents as possible to pop a pumpkin or pumpkin related decoration into their front window.

Elaine David, who runs the Oasis Youth Group (YServices Charity) at the Community Centre, has planned for an organised trail for youngsters and with residents decorating their windows with pumpkin or pumpkin related front window, it could be ready made or home made.

Children taking part will be able to collect a pre-made pack from the Community Centre from 1.30pm until 3.30pm to help them navigate the Covid friendly Halloween trail.

Parents can buy a few treats and take them on a walk around the village and each time the children spot a pumpkin they could pop a treat into their bag.

NO knocking on doors & staying Covid safe at all times.

A special prize for the best children’s Fancy dress. All children must be with accompanied by an adult & no groups of more than 6 please.

So get your spooky costumes ready for a SPOOKY Thursday.

Further info from elaine@yservices.co.uk

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:

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