Find out about 'Fareham MP Watch' group

Time for more honesty in our politics? Time for Fareham MP Watch!

MP Watch is a politically non-partisan national organisation, whose mission statement is to bring honesty and integrity back into politics, with a strong focus on the politics concerning the climate crisis and environmental degradation.  

 Fareham MP Watch is a local group of Fareham constituents who would like to encourage our MP - currently Suella Braverman - to support stronger climate action in Parliament and to make the environment a priority, as she pledged to do whilst running for re-election in 2019.

Their main areas of concern:

They are concerned by Ms Braverman’s apparent disregard both for the legally-binding target of reaching Net Zero by 2050, and by her support for expansion of North Sea oil and gas drilling against all scientific advice to the contrary.

They are worried by Ms Braverman’s environmental voting behaviour in general; out of 19 possible parliamentary votes to strengthen climate and environmental action since she became MP for Fareham, Ms Braverman has voted against this action 16 times and abstained from voting 3 times.

Another area of concern is the pollution of our rivers and coastlines, particularly those local to Titchfield. Despite Ms Braverman’s claims to be worried about river pollution, she herself voted against more stringent regulation of water companies in October 2021.

They have written to Ms Braverman in the hope of engaging in constructive dialogue for the benefit of our local area.

If you would like to learn more or get involved, please visit www.farehammpwatch.com, or search for ‘Fareham MP Watch’ on Facebook.

Council tax set to rise in Fareham

Fareham Borough Council is committed to the responsible management of Council finances, in order to provide essential services and to meet both the current and future needs of Fareham residents.

Reduced government funding and surging inflation has left many councils in the UK with insufficient funds to pay for the delivery of their core services within the next year.

Fareham’s position is more secure as a result of forward-thinking prudent financial management over many years.  More recent initiatives include various cost savings work, a comprehensive Opportunities Plan and other income generating opportunities such as the Daedalus business site and the purchase of the Fareham Shopping Centre.

Despite the foregoing, the Council continues to face significant financial pressure. Like almost all councils in UK, Fareham Borough Council will therefore be increasing council tax by 3% for all residents. This equates to an increase of around 1p per day for most homes in Fareham, making it the fifth lowest council tax in England. 

While Fareham Borough Council collects residents’ council tax, it retains less than 10%.  The majority is paid forward to Hampshire County Council, which provides services such as schools, adult social care and highway maintenance. Hampshire Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue services also receive a share.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “I fully appreciate that some residents will be frustrated that council tax is rising, but this is absolutely necessary to ensure that our core services continue to run seamlessly both now and in the future. Fareham’s Council Tax continues to be among the very lowest in England at around 30% below the national average.” 

Whalers perform in Porstmouth

Titchfield’s very own shanty boys entertained patrons of the Still and West pub on Spice Island, Portsmouth.

The group performed a selection of tradiitional sailors work songs to a packed crowd.

Click HERE to watch the Whalers on YouTube. https://youtu.be/1KkG4OBMSr0

Anger over Bellfield footpath closure.

Residents and walkers are upset after two Rights of Way in Titchfiel have been closed without notice.

Security fencing was erected last week at three locations in the field off Posbrook Lane blocking access to two Public Rights of Way - Numbers 084/341 and 084/39/1

The paths are not marked as closed on the HCC Public Rights of Way map.

The route of a public right of way may not be moved unless the change has first been authorised by a legal order, known as a ‘public path diversion order’.

Obstructing a public right of way without the necessary closure in place is an offence under the Highways Act 1980.

A single notice on the fence states that the footpath is ‘Closed for Archaeology Study’.

The field, known locally, as the ‘Horses Field’ has planning permission for 57 new homes.

Fabulous night with the FB Pocket Orchestra

If you were not at the music event at St Peter’s Church, you missed a fabulous night of music performed by FB Pocket Orchestra.

The event was to raise money for the Titchfield Village fayre, to be held on the 5th May.

This follows a very successful event last year for the Kings coronation and will include a parade, stalls, entertainment, and competitions.

We were so lucky to have living in our village two of the three musicians from FB Pocket Orchestra and to say that they entertained us is an understatement, in fact they blew us away with their talent. So thank you Jenny, Paul and Ollie for giving up your time to support us.

Huge thanks also go to Julian Gibbs, Christ Oakley and James Gardner for providing such amazing lighting both inside and outside the church. James also provided all the LED up-lighters loaned for free from the local Company Live Wire.

We would also like to thank St Peter’s for allowing us use of the church, it was a wonderful setting for the evening.

We raised circa £2500 which will more that fund our day and contribute to helping local charities.

Final thanks go to all those who turned up to help and to everyone who attended, over 150 in all.

LINKS

The FB Pocket Orchestra

Friends of St Peter’s

Titchfield Art and Craft Show

26 - 28th April

Artists! Get ready - our application form is due to arrive with you on the 1st of February, if you have subscribed.

If you are not signed up already and would like to receive one - please fill in the form to subscribe.

The picture here is a sneak preview of this year's brochure! https://titchfieldartandcraft.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=70412e81f899313fb21d34a9c&id=9f566026c8

#titchfield #hampshireart #localartists #artandcraft

Recycled Christmas Trees

COLLECTION DATES

In early 2024, Fareham Borough Council will collect one Christmas tree free from all households. Between 8-19 January, on your normal recycling day only, one Christmas tree per property will be collected. It should be left whole, next to your recycling bin.

Outside this period, Christmas trees will only be collected by the garden waste collection service. Subscription to this service is required and trees must be broken up and placed in the garden waste bin.

Village news website to close

After running the ‘Titchfield News’ website for over 12 years I have decided to close it down,

The site contains a wealth of information about the village, with contact details for all the village groups and organisations as well as links to local businesses and shops. It has a ‘Public Noticeboard’ a gallery of images and videos of village events and much, much more.

But its real raison d’etre is to be a platform for news about Titchfield.

I have become increasingly disillusioned by the lack of interest from village groups, clubs and organisations.

Too often I see their posts on Facebook, their posts on their own sites, their emails and their posters on lamp posts but they fail to offer any content to the site. I have done my best, often ‘disassembling’ text from posters to create an article.

If no-one submits content the site remains static and visitors drop away.

I have personally funded the site from its conception - hosting and purchasing the domain name but feel that if the site is not being used then it might as well close.

At the start I tried to get funding from local businesses but to no avail.

Given the above I think it time to close the site when the hosting next comes up for renewal.

Phil Burner

Concern over East Street parking proposals

East Street residents are worried that proposed parking restrictions will result in an increase of speeding down the village street.

The East Street "‘pinch point’

Hampshire County Council are looking to create no parking areas outside the ‘new build’ houses, where the old garage was, near the ‘pinch point’.

Residents are concerned that installing double yellow lines there would only serve to increase traffic speeds up and down the road.

As in all the Village, East Street is a 20 mph zone, but the majority of vehicles already exceed the limit, some racing through at over 50mph.

As far as residents can remember the East Street speed limit has never been enforced, even during the time the village had a ‘Speed Watch’ group.

The junction of East Street, Mill Street and Church Path is particularly difficult to negotiate at the best of times, but is only made relatively safe due to East Street traffic taking it easy when negotiating the pinch point.

This junction is already a particular concern for parents taking children to and collecting from the Primary School, the general car park and the Community Centre users.

There are also plans to install the yellow lines outside The Wheatsheaf public house, which will not help their business and can only exacerbate the parking problem in the village.

A copy of HCC’s proposed order, a map showing the location and effect of the proposal, a statement of reasons varied may be viewed at

https://www.hants.gov.uk/community/publicnotices/?typeid=5

Your views must be made in writing to The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UD or email public.notices@hants.gov.uk quoting reference: A2016b/MJB by Friday 20th October 2023.

All objections must state the grounds on which they are made.

Under the requirements of current access to information legislation.

Another `Knees up!’ is Being Planned

After a successful meeting in the Village Hall on 14th August, we have a fantastic group of enthusiastic attendees and volunteers to plan another Village Fun Day.

A second meeting hosted in The Bugle by the new landlord Gavin and his partner Natasha was also well attended and plans are starting to take shape.

Everyone agreed the format of the previous coronation event was well received, with the parade and field events for adults and children. A theme was discussed, and many ideas were put forward. It was finally agreed that the parade should have the theme of `Book Characters’, which will give enough scope for everyone to join in, so get those costume ideas started.

Save the date! A date for the event next year was also decided, being Sunday 5th May which is the first bank holiday in May 2024 on Barrys Meadow. The timing will be in line with last year’s Coronation event.

All monies raised during the event will be distributed amongst local charities. Donations for raffles and tombola’s will be most welcome.

If you would like to be involved and have been unable to attend a meeting so far, please do not be disillusioned, we still need plenty of helpers.

Please email pam.jane.pritchard@gmail.com for the next meeting dates.

Skydive for Portsmouth Hospitals Charity.

Portsmouth NHS staff member living with MS to take to the skies for charity

An NHS employee living with multiple sclerosis is taking his fundraising to new heights with a skydive for Portsmouth Hospitals Charity.

Trevor and Amy

Trevor Mose, Head of Sustainable Development at Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust (PHU) will be joined by colleague and Head of Capital and Property, Amy Hutchison, as they both complete the 15,000 feet challenge this September in Salisbury.

Working at PHU for almost five years, Trevor - who has raised more than £20,000 for charity including for Comic Relief and MS Trust in nearly 25 years - says a chance conversation between him and Amy revealed their shared passion for adrenaline-fuelled events.

A keen runner and cyclist before his multiple sclerosis began to progress, Trevor, who has lived in Portsmouth for five years, also decided a new activity would be better suited to his diagnosis.

Trevor said: “Taking on fundraising events like this is just part of being me, as I’m always up for a challenge. I’ve always wanted to do a skydive and as I near my five-year anniversary at the hospital, it seems like the time to put increased support behind the charity.

“At work I often see the charity’s efforts and how it really focuses on the human side of what we do. For anyone fundraising or donating to the hospital, they are rewarded by knowing they bring extra colour and dignity to those connected to PHU.

“As for the skydive itself, I expect to get nervous nearer the day, though there’s no backing out now.”

Kate Sandys, Head of Portsmouth Hospitals Charity, said: “We are so grateful to people like Trevor and Amy who quite literally take their fundraising to new heights to help our hospitals charity.

“Their skydive is an amazing commitment with all funds raised going towards enhancing patient care and staff wellbeing, including helping to improve facilities, purchase equipment and support research and innovation across our hospital.”

If you would like to donate to Trevor and Amy, visit their online fundraising page here.

To find out more about Portsmouth Hospitals Charity, go online to porthosp.nhs.uk/charity.

National Lottery grant for Village Hall

The National Lottery have just deposited £10,000 in our building account after we made an application for funding towards the interior refurbishment of the Village Hall. This is the second time they’ve given us money.

It means we can now go ahead and install a battery making the solar panels much more efficient.

 Also on the making things more efficient front all the radiators in the hall are being replaced and uprated next week.

You may also have noticed we’ve been carrying out a DIY project to repaint the outside and replace the old noticeboards. Inside we’ve insulated and relined the two storage area cupboards (where the tables are kept and Country Market keep their equipment) upgraded the lighting and decorated. This has saved us £5,000 in building costs.

 Thanks to Johnny Bilson, Phil Burner, and David Sinclair for the help in this.

 We still need to raise a further £25,000 to complete the rest of the work and need to encourage more people to join the Trust to take us forward.

Please spread the word and encourage friends/family/neighbours and even enemies to join us we need all the help we can get to complete the final stage of bringing the Village Hall in the 21st century and ensuring it remains at the heart of our community for at least the next 50 years.

Country Market News

URGENT - Titchfield Country Market is looking for a new treasurer.

We are urgently seeking someone to take on the role of market treasurer. S

Some background in book keeping or similar would be useful, although not essential as training will be given.

As with all country markets, roles on our committee are held by volunteers . Although none of our positions are paid, certain expenses can be claimed.

Anyone interested should contact Sue Batho , market secretary . Susaneb.TCM@outlook.com or (01489) 577776

‘Hugely disappointing report’ from HCC on Titchfield Haven.

Save Our Haven Centre Supporters speak out after Haven bid is rejected.

They say… “Hampshire County Council (HCC) published yesterday the report for two meetings on Monday 31 July. We are very sorry to say that the report recommends HCC decline the bid from Titchfield Haven Community Hub (THCH) for Haven House.

“The report also recommends that the proposals for the nature reserve submitted by Hampshire & IoW Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) are declined.

“This is hugely disappointing, not only to those of us who have worked on the bid but to our thousands of supporters who signed the petition last year and the hundreds who have since shown their support through the public meetings held in March and April, and subsequently by the submission of forms indicating financial and other support, with many contributing to the HIWWT ‘fighting fund’ which we used to prepare the bids.

“It is also deeply disappointing that although HCC sent both the Wildlife Trust and THCH a list of questions to clarify factual details, there has been no dialogue since we submitted our business plan on 13 June.

“The report sets out a deeply flawed analysis of THCH’s business case, claiming it is not financially viable which is of course in complete contrast to the view of central government, which has awarded us £186,000 from the Community Ownership Fund.

“The report is for the following meetings on 31 July:

“The Universal Services Select Committee at 10.00 at The Castle in Winchester: this committee has an advisory role and will not actually make the decision.

“ The Executive Member Decision Day at 3pm by video: the two Executive Members will be Cllr Nick Adams King and Cllr Russell Oppenheimer.  This is where the decision will be made, theoretically taking account of advice from the Select Committee which met in the morning.

“We intend to challenge the conclusions of the report and its recommendations and Pamela has arranged to make a deputation in person to the Select Committee meeting and by video in the afternoon. 

“We know, however, that HCC is not renowned for changing its mind in the face of reasoned argument and they have clearly ignored public opinion as well as the excellent arguments included in the 14 July letter from Cllr Woodward and the MPs (a copy of which is on THCH’s website).

“If you wish to make your views known in advance of the 31 July meeting, please email the two Executive Members who will make the decision: nick.adams-king@hants.gov.uk and russell.oppenheimer@hants.gov.uk, and copy to our councillor pal.hayre@hants.gov.uk (who is as deeply disappointed as we are). 

“You may wish to emphasise the need for proper dialogue with THCH and a review of the highly questionable assumptions in the report concerning financial viability of our plans.  We believe that no decision should be taken on the basis of such a flawed report and more time should be taken to explore constructive and mutually beneficial solutions.

“We will keep in touch with you and our critique, together with the HCC report,  will be posted on www.thcommunityhub.org.uk Latest News as soon as it is sent to HCC on Monday morning.”

Pamela Charlwood   Lynne Murray    Caroline Herbert   Directors THCH

Meet OCTOPOST

The latest creation from Titchfield Yarn-Bombers.

Our own wollen version of Banksy strikes again outside the Post Office.

The passing of Maureen Taylor

Maureen Taylor died yesterday in hospital after suffering a heart attack while under treatment for lung-related problems.  Roy and Maureen’s family were with her and Roy has asked that all are aware.

Her passing was unexpected and understandably has come as a great shock to them all.

Maureen, together with Roy, was a strong supporter of the Community Association over very many years and took over writing and directing the annual village pantomime after Joyce Bryan.

She was a very supportive member of the Management Committee for many years and was awarded Honorary Life Membership on her retirement from the committee. 

Maureen continued to support the Association with her Quiz Nights which were well-attended popular evenings at the Centre.

She always had an optimistic outlook on things and could be relied upon to lift spirits with her ‘can do’ approach.

Our heartfelt sympathies go to Roy and the family. Further details in due course.

Your article:

The funeral service will be held at Portchester Crematorium on Thursday, 10th August at 1:45pm. Flowers are welcome from all, or donations if desired to the Alzheimer's Society may be sent to M Coghlan Funeral Directors, Westbury Road, Fareham, PO16 7XU. Tel: 01329 282711. www.coghlan.net [As posted in The News, earlier this week]

Following the service, there will be a gathering at the Titchfield Community Centre, Mill Street, Titchfield, PO14 4AB, to which all are welcome.

A Right Royal Knees Up Success!

Let’s get ready for the next one…

The village Coronation event in May was a huge success, with visitor numbers exceeding our wildest expectations.

The event was able to cover its costs and even managed to raise money, which has been re-distributed to good causes within the village.

The small parade reminded many of the good old days of the carnival. The tug-of-war competition was vigorously contested and the dog show brought a family atmosphere to the field, although picnic etiquette of some of the dogs was not observed...

Keeping up the momentum of enthusiasm we are looking to plan another 'village fun day' for 2024, but this can only happen with the support of key volunteers.

Our initial plan is to include many of the entertainments, participants and stalls we welcomed this year with a few more exciting additions. Please be under no illusion, if we don’t have the support we cannot go ahead with our plans.

We would like to invite you to a meeting in the Titchfield Village Hall, on 14th August at 7pm to hear your ideas, thoughts, and suggestions.

The next event will need a larger body of volunteers to make it a success. We will need more people for a variety of roles e.g.:

• Committee members

• Parade organisers

• Activity planners

• Stalls

• First Aider

• Entertainers

• Communication Lead

• Marshalling to cover events throughout the day and to ensure a great event for everyone.

No experience required, remember no volunteer is a bad volunteer :o)

See you at the meeting,  

Walk for Wards charity fundraiser

Gosport’s Gillian gearing up for July’s Walk for Wards charity fundraiser

A former patient at Queen Alexandra Hospital (QA) is gearing up to take part in a charity event to thank ‘courageous’ staff.

58-year-old Gillian Simmons was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and wants to give back to the hospital staff by taking part in Portsmouth Hospitals Charity’s Walk for Wards event this July.

“I was diagnosed with cancer in my tonsils, which progressed to my lymph node. Things moved very quickly after that, and I was given a treatment plan which consisted of six weeks of radiotherapy. The pain and discomfort that followed was challenging to say the least, but I was lucky as I had my loving family around me.

“Every day I would turn up for my treatment, walk into oncology and be greeted by a lovely nurse that would always make cheery conversation. Even though the nurses would change, they would still somehow make you feel special by remembering those little things about you to chat about,” said Gillian.

The Gosport resident will be walking 7.5km round Staunton Country Park to raise money for the Cancer Services department at QA Hospital.

“The whole team at the hospital were amazing. I personally could not do their job, but I am so glad that they have the kindness and courage to deal with cancer on a day-to-day basis. I’m taking part in the event to say thank you in some small way.” Gillian added.

Walk for Wards is taking place on Sunday 9 July at Staunton Country Park. Registration for the event is from 9:30am on the day, with the walk starting at 10am. Tickets are available for £12 through the charity’s website, here: https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/charity/events/Walk-for-Wards-2023.htm

And if you would like to support Gillian’s fundraising efforts directly, go online to her JustGiving page, here: https://tinyurl.com/2tw2n356.

Titchfield Book Exchange - On line soon

High Sreet resident, David Ibbetson, has done a sterling job in stripping down and repainting the old Phonebox at the bottom of Southampton Hill.

New signage is in place and the Men’s Shed have been asked to look after fitting out the shelving.

As soon as that is complete, the box will be open for business as our own village Book Exchange.

Organised by The Titchfield Village Trust, a village wide referendum confirmed the change of use.

TVT raised the money to buy the box from BT, but to be honest the £1.00 transfer charge wasn’t difficult to find.

However, getting all the equipment to strip down the box and bring it back to life with new windows and paint has cost us some £800. TVT has managed to get a grant from HCC through our County Councillor Sarah Pankhurst which will cover part of the costs.

Once finished we’ll be asking you to furnish it with books, but please wait until the inside is completed as we don’t have space to store books just yet.

David Ibbetson at work on the old phone box.

An Evening with Lord Montagu

Your Monument Shall Be My Gentle Verse....



A look inside the Southampton Monument & Vault Initiative (SMVI), a programme of discovery, heritage conservation and commemoration. 



At the heart of the quiet village of Titchfield stands the ancient Parish Church of St Peter's and, within it, the remarkable Chapel, Monuments and final resting place of the Wriothesley Earls of Southampton (1505-1667).

Join Lord Montagu, a senior hereditary descendant of the Earls of Southampton and special guest, SMVI Project Coordinator Laura Matthias, as they share highlights from their decade-long journey to preserve and commemorate the Wriothesley legacies at Titchfield alongside many of the country's leading heritage authorities.

Exciting historical truths have come to light, while some mysteries remain unsolved.

Join us in what promises to be an illuminating multi-media event delving together into St Peter's past whilst preserving it for generations to come.

Proceeds raised will help to fund the continuing restoration of the Southampton Chapel.

Tickets £7.00 available at www,ticketsource.co.uk or from Hearts & Hugs, Titchfield