Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Titchfield

This summer (June 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th) Titchfield will be joining in with celebrations to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Picture Credit: Malcolm Nethersole

Last week a meeting was held to ensure that events planned by various village groups would not clash with each other.

The meeting was NOT called by any individual or group with the intention of organising the celebrations but rather to hear what is being planned.

It is too early to produce a definitive plan of village events for the extended Bank Holiday weekend, however, below is a preliminary list of both planned and suggested activities.

Thursday 2nd June

Lighting of a Beacon at West Hill Park - Titchfield Bonfire Boys

Friday 3rd June

Guided tours of Titchfield Abbey (morning) - Titchfield History Society

Open House and Garden Party (afternoon) Ticketed - Titchfield History Society

St Peter’s Church Bells - time to be decided

Saturday 4th June

Children’s party at the Parish Rooms - Titchfield Bonfire Boys

Senior Citizens Party at the Parish Rooms - Gillian Thoma

Sunday 5th June

Individual friends/streets/households etc. to coincide with the national Big Lunch.

General Titchfield Initiatives

Jubilee Scarecrow Trail from the 28th May up to the 5th June plus teas served daily - St Peter’s Church

Tree planting - Village Trust and Earl of Southampton’s Charity

Flags and Bunting - individual residents

Best decorated house competition - Phil Burner

National events

Thursday 2nd June

Trooping the Colour

0ver 1500 Beacons lit across the country

Friday 3rd June

Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s

Saturday 4th June

The Queen attends the Derby at Epsom

Platinum Party at the Palace

Sunday 5th June

Big Jubilee Lunch

Platinum Jubilee Pageant

There is NO over-all village organising committee.

If you or your organisation want to arrange a Platinum Jubilee event let me know the details and I’ll publish them here on Titchfield News. Email phil.burner@gmail.com

I’m Coming Bela: a new bitter sweet comedy from TFT

I’m Coming Bela: a new bitter sweet comedy to continue Titchfield’s New Play Season

Marlow is a retired horror movie star who is living out the rest of his life in the top floor rooms of a run-down retirement home. Surrounded by horror memorabilia, he harbours a dark secret that only Bela will ever know. But who is Bela? And can the secret be prized out of him? I’m Coming Bela is a new bitter sweet comedy by Gary Orchard, opening at Titchfield Festival Theatre this Monday 24th January as part of our New Play Season.

Kevin Fraser, TFT’s Artistic Director is directing I’m Coming Bela. Kevin said,

“I’m Coming Bela was written by Gary Orchard who has had previous plays performed at TFT, notably Looking for Joe Di Maggio and An Evening with Rosie. Gary has a fascination with horror movies, particularly the early black and white ones.  None of the play is based on fact. Gary thought up the character of Marlow - a cantankerous, ageing actor who played only the monsters in post war horror movies. All the other characters and plot were then fitted round this principal character.

“I loved the idea of the ageing blind Marlow harbouring a secret that no one has unlocked. He’s a typical elderly actor. The reminiscences he has are brought to life by film which I decided would be a fantastic way of expanding the playing area and bringing his daydreams to life.

“The actual story has a couple of twists and is actually more akin to a thriller. Do we find out who is Bela? All is revealed in the end though there are some secrets that are never truly resolved!”

Titchfield Festival Theatre’s production of I’m Coming Bela opens at the Titchfield Festival Theatre, St Margarets Lane on Monday 24th January until Saturday 29th January 2022. The shows start at 7.30pm.

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

Christmas Tree Collection

For some the decorations, including the Christmas Trees, should always come down on January 5th.

January 5th is Twelfth Night, and marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas.

But others say Epiphany on January 6, the day the Three Kings are said to have arrived in Bethlehem, is the right time to de-Christmas your house.

But then, how to dispose of your tree?

In early 2022, the Council will once again be offering a free Christmas tree collection service.

Between 10-21 January, on your normal recycling day only, one whole Christmas tree per property will be collected and should be left next to your recycling bin.

You can find the updated bin calendars on the Council website: https://www.fareham.gov.uk/waste_collection_and_recycling/bincalendar.aspx

FBC go on to advise residents that a new subscription-based garden waste collection service will commence from 7 February 2022.

You can find out more and sign up at www.fareham.gov.uk/gardenwaste.

'Real' trees are recyclable and can be shredded into chippings which are then used locally in parks or woodland areas.

What about artificial trees?

Artificial trees are made from a combination of materials and therefore cannot be recycled.

Unwanted trees in good condition may be accepted by charity shops.

The Welcome Cafe at St Peter's Church

With regret, the decision has been taken to cancel the final opportunity to open the Welcome cafe on Saturday 18th December.

This is due to concerns about the developing spread of the Omicron variant of Covid.

The cafe team would like to thank everyone who visited St Peter's to share coffee with friends and to support the church,

Fairtrade and Fareham Homeless charities at the gift stall over the last several weeks.

The Welcome Cafe will be back in 2022 and we will look forward to seeing everyone again then.

Carols on the Green

Get in the festive spirit with your friends and neighbours for a selection of Carols round our magnificent Christmas tree.

Join the Friends of St Peter’s on the Village Green at 7.30pm on Thursday 16th December.

And to keep you warm and in good voice mulled wine will be available.

No charge but donations to the Friends of St Peter’s most welcome

  The Friends of St Peter’s (FoSP) exists to raise funds and public awareness to maintain St Peter’s Church building, ensuring the public can continue to benefit and enjoy this ancient and beautiful focal point in Titchfield.

Carols on the Green 2019

Latest grants for Parish Rooms

After their success at obtaining a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery towards the repair of the Village Hall roof the Titchfield Village Trust have now topped that with a grant of £20,000 from the Veolia Environmental Trust.

Veolia are the company that deals with refuse and recycling bins in Hampshire.

Nick Girdler, the Trust’s chairman, said “This generous donation from Veolia has taken us to within touching distance of our goal of £100,000 that will enable us to begin work on this essential project”

Photoshop of how the hall will look with rows of flush fitting solar panels

The hall was given to Titchfield in 1890 as a memorial to Henry Hill Hornby who lived in Hook and is buried in the village churchyard. During its 130 year life the roof has undergone some minor repairs but now needs totally retiling.

As part of the refurbishment the Trust has planning permission to install 3 rows of flush fitting solar panels on the south side of the building in order to reduce future running costs and make a contribution to the village achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

“Much work still remains to be carried out to safeguard the hall and keep it at the heart of village life for future generations” said Nick.

Future projects include returning the interior of the hall to its original Victorian vaulted ceiling by removing the modern false ceiling and replacing the much worn out flooring.

“All of that is in for later” Nick continued “but to quote Churchill after the Battle of El Alamein” ‘this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning’.

The Day Rooms - your views

CONSULTATION ON PROVISION OF DAY ROOMS AT 24 The Square, Titchfield, Hampshire, P014 4RU

The Earl of Southampton Trust has been considering how best it can meet one of its charitable objectives, namely the relief of the charitable needs of elderly people in the Ancient Parish of Titchfield which includes Titchfield (parish of St Peter's), Sarisbury and Whiteley (parish of St Paul's), Locks Heath (parish of St John's), Warsash (parish of St Mary's), Stubbington (parish of Holyrood) and Lee on the Solent (parish of St Faith's).

Prior to the pandemic, the Trust provided a day centre at 24 The Square, Titchfield, Hampshire, P014 4RU for the elderly people of the Ancient Parish to drop in, have somewhere to chat, with the provision of drinks and hot food. This was a facility that was used by between 3 - 6 daily visitors, mostly local Titchfield residents.

Unfortunately, as a consequence of the COVID pandemic, and following government guidelines and a risk assessment, the Trust made the difficult decision to close the day rooms to the public as it simply could not enforce safe social distancing or a suitable cleaning regime.

Although the government has relaxed guidelines on social distancing and mask wearing, the Trust has decided not to reopen the day rooms at the moment.

The closure of the day rooms has given the Trust the opportunity to consider how best it can meet the future needs of people across the Ancient Parish of Titchfield.

We are, therefore, looking to consult residents for their views on what becomes of the Day Rooms.

Please take into account the size of the rooms when making suggestions.

The kitchen measures 13 feet x 5 feet.

The room at the front measures 14 feet x 11 feet.

If you have any comments to make, please write to Tracey Kenney, Clerk to the Trust at 24 The Square, Titchfield, Hampshire, P014 4RU or email her on info@eost.org.uk

The consultation period will run until then end of February 2022.

The Trust will then consider the consultation responses before making a decision on the provision of day-centre services.

Christmas has started

Early this morning a massive low-loader inched its way along South Street to deliver the village Christmas tree ready for the festive season.

After unloading the tree lifted into position on the green in West Street.

A huge ‘thank-you’ to all those who helped to purchase, transport, erect and decorate the 30 foot tree.

The Art Show returns

This weekend sees the return of the very popular Titchfield Art and Craft Show.

After a break of two and a half years local artists are able to display their amazing skills.

All of the art and craft work is original and is for sale during the Show.

Over the years thousands of people have supported the Show as customers, helpers, volunteers and artists.

Mark Pearce, Show Chairman, thanked all those who have contributed to this years event.

With the profits from the last show in 2019 the organisers were able to donate £7,000 to Titchfield Community Centre to help with various essential projects. A further £450 was shared between The Oasis Youth Club, Jigsaw Pre-school and the League of Friends of Oaklands.

The Show is open to the public on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Tickets available on the door at £2.

Get some Winter Glitz

Come along to the Parish Rooms on Friday 10th December and enjoy some Sparkle on a Winters night.

So dig out your most Glitzy gear for an evening of pre Christmas fun with a Cabaret, Bar, Canapes and a chance to win a super Raffle prize.

Doors open at 7.30pm - Sleighs at 10.30pm.

Tickets cost just £15 and are available from Daisy B’s in The Square.

All proceeds to The Friends of St Peter’s.

• The Friends of St Peter’s (FoSP) exists to raise funds and public awareness to maintain St Peter’s Church building, ensuring the public can continue to benefit and enjoy this ancient and beautiful focal point in Titchfield.

Bulb planting to brighten Barry's Meadow

The completion of the path through Barry’s Meadow from West Street to the centre of the village with access for pushchairs and buggies prompted the Trust to find other ways of enhancing the space.

So, during the first weekends of November, we organised 2 bulb planting sessions partnering with Titchfield Gardeners Club  and Titchfield Primary School.

Thanks to everyone who took part, and to those who donated bulbs: St. Margaret's Nurseries, Hollam Nurseries, Fareham Borough Council, Titchfield Village Trust, Titchfield Gardeners Club, along with many others.

Thank you also to Daisy B's Kitchen who supplied drinks on both days and kindly donated goodie bags to the children who helped.

At a rough count some 500 or so bulbs were planted and we’re looking forward to the spring to see the fruits of our labour. We hope you enjoy them as well.

Plans are being developed to perhaps encourage more planting next year, and an even more ambitious project is being worked on for other parts of the meadow to improve not only it’s appearance but also help fulfil The Trusts commitment to the ‘Greening of Titchfield Project’ being fostered by Fareham Borough Council

Watch this space for further developments.

Lest we forget. Remembrance Sunday in Titchfield

Village residents today gathered to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces from Britain and the Commonwealth, particularly those from Titchfield.

Following a shortened Sunday Service at St Peter’s Church, the congregation processed the short distance to the Memorial outside the Parish Rooms for an Act of Remembrance.

During the service the names of village residents who have lost their lives were read out by three serving members of the Armed Forces.

The Last Post was followed the two minutes silence, then, after the bugler sounded reveille, wreaths were laid by representatives of The Royal British Legion, The Armed Forces and village organisations.

Before the end of the service Kohima Epitaph was read…

’When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,

For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.'

See a Gallery of images by clicking HERE

Remembrance Service in Titchfield

Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 14 November in 2021, is an opportunity for Titchfield residents to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

This year’s ceremony reverts to the usual format - a short Remembrance Service in St Peter's Church, starting at 10am, followed by a procession through The Square culminating in the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial beside the Parish Rooms.

Following the Act of Remembrance you are invited to lay personal tokens or crosses.

During the service at the memorial part of the High Street will be closed to traffic.

Service sheets will be available at the Parish Rooms Click HERE to download a copy to print out in advance.

Government guidance on Covid, is constantly changing. The organisers will monitor this and act in accordance with any changes.

Pop in to a Pop Up Cafe

During advent St Peter’s Church would like to invite you its ‘Pop Up Cafe’.

Enjoy refreshments, company and conversation, browse Christmas gift stalls and support our church and other charities.

Come on your own, bring a friend or neighbour, or come as a family group

The cafe opens on Saturday 27th followed by Saturdays 4th, 11th and 18th December and are open on each of those days from 10.30 am to 1pm.

Do come along

Christmas Choir

Calling any singers who would like to join an ‘all comers’ choir for the Christmas services and celebrations at St Peter’s this year! Rehearsals will start on Saturday 13th November, 2.00pm, in church.

Please email: office@stpetertitchfield.org.uk to express interest in the opportunity.

If you know which part you normally sing include that detail in your message but don’t be put off if you are not sure.

David Chandler, who gave a series of excellent organ recitals in church during the summer, will be choirmaster.

Christmas Country Market Craft Sale

The crafty ladies of Titchfield Country Market would love to see you at the Parish Room on Saturday 16th October 1000-1600.

They will be selling Christmas decorations, jewellery, hand knitted socks , scarves and shawls, felted hats and bags, greetings cards, pictures and prints, fridge magnets, sun catchers, tea cosies, patchwork quilts and handbags, as well as our home made cakes and jams.

They will be taking orders for Christmas cakes and puddings, home made mincemeat and mince pies. Drop in for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake for just £1.50.

Just the place to find Christmas presents and they take either cash or cards - look forward to seeing you!

Titchfield Ablaze - Time to order your tree

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?

This year we can supply a 4ft Nordmann tree at £13.50. (same price as 2020) If you
would like a Christmas tree, orders must be placed by:

Monday 1st November 2021 (at the very latest - no late orders)

The trees are ready for you to collect from 9.30-3.30pm on Saturday 4th 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.

Click the above link to download a .pdf of the Titchfield Ablaze order form and return it to Tessa Short, 35/37 West Street, Titchfield, PO14 4DG

Photo: Mary Burner

The Greening Campaign is coming to Titchfield

Residents in Titchfield are coming together to set up a new campaign to tackle Climate Change.

 ‘Greening Titchfield’ is an initiative where the community will join forces to help reduce its impact on the environment. The idea is that if enough individuals make small changes in their lives it will collectively make a positive difference.

 The campaign will be launched at a public meeting, where residents can learn more about Greening Titchfield, what it involves and how they can take part. The meeting details are as follows:

• When: Wednesday 20 October, at 6.30pm

• Where: The Parish Room, High Street, Titchfield

 Cllr Simon Martin, Climate Change Champion at Fareham Borough Council, said: “This community-led project has seen great results in other areas. We hope that if it’s successful in Titchfield other parts of the Borough will want to come forward and do their own greening campaigns. I’d encourage residents and community groups in the village to get involved and help make changes to mitigate the effects of Climate Change at a truly local level.”

 For more information, please contact climatechange@fareham.gov.uk or call 01329 236100.

 More details about the Greening Campaign can be found at www.greening-campaign.co.uk 

 To find out more about the Council’s work to mitigate the effects of Climate Change, visit https://www.fareham.gov.uk/climatechange

Titchfield Festival Theatre announces new playwright competition

Titchfield Festival Theatre is delighted to announce a new playwright competition with a total prize package worth £10,000.

Supporting new plays and playwrights is extremely important to everyone at our theatre. That is why we have launched this new contest by providing financial incentives and a platform for playwrights to see their play performed in front of a live audience.

The Winner will receive a cash prize of £1000 and see their play performed in the Acorn Theatre for one week. The package includes support from a TFT Director and a cast of actors.

 The criteria is simple.

 Your play must be a BRAND NEW FULL LENGTH PLAY and never performed before. Plays of all genres are welcome, with a maximum length of two hours performance time.

Submissions close 30th November 2021, with our expert panel shortlisting the finalists in December 2021.

All plays will be read anonymously by a panel of readers appointed by TFT. This panel consists of a diverse mix of Patrons, volunteers, language and literature professionals, all from a wide age range and geographical area).  This panel will then create a final shortlist. A panel of readers consisting of artistic directors, professional actors, directors and playwrights will meet to make the final decision.

One winner will be picked from 10 shortlisted  finalists and announced in January 2022.

 To find out more including a link to the Entry Form, please click onto our website.

 Good luck!

The Parish Magazine

The Parish magazine, Titchfield News, contains information about church and village news and events and articles about village life. It is published bi-monthly and copies of previous issues 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 

The October issue of Titchfield News is being delivered to all subscribers this week. Individual copies, price £1.00, are available to buy in the church when it is open.

If you don’t have a subscription and would like one, please contact Gerry Pontefract by text message on: 07818 568034 and she will see if there is a distributor for your area.

We do hope you enjoy reading Titchfield News.

Order the Titchfield Parish Magazine Here

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Order the Titchfield Parish Magazine Here 〰️