Titchfield History Files find new home

Fareham Borough Council has announced that the Titchfield History Files will now be displayed at their new home in the Crafty Makery inside Fareham Shopping Centre.

The files at Crafty Makery in the shopping Centre

Back in 2023 Hampshire Cultural Trust told Fareham Borough Council that it would no longer support Westbury Manon Museum, (home of the files) saying ‘It is no longer financially viable for Hampshire Cultural Trust to operate the museum.

Following the decision by the Hampshire Cultural Trust to close Westbury Manor Museum in 2024, the Council was keen to relocate the History Files so that they could be enjoyed by the Fareham community, rather than put them into storage. The files have been painstakingly put together by volunteers and local history groups over the years and contain a wealth of historical facts, documents, information and photos relating to Fareham from across the ages.

But all is not lost… Titchfield history lovers can visit the Crafty Makery to view the files during the following opening hours:

Monday: 10.30 to 4pm

Tuesday: 10.30 to 4pm

Thursday: 10.30 to 1.30

Fridaitchfield y: 10.30 to 4pm

Saturday: 10.30 to 4pm

Executive Member for Leisure and Community at Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Connie Hockley, said: “I am really pleased that the Fareham History Files have found a new home within the Crafty Makery. There is a wealth of information and history lovers could easily spend hours getting lost in this huge collection. I encourage local people to come and visit to take a look.”

The Future of the Stubbington Study Centre

Fareham Borough Council has expressed concerns following a consultation launched by Hampshire County Council into the potential closure of the Stubbington Study Centre, to make way for a specialist secure children's home.

The Stubbington Study Centre is a well-attended and much-loved community facility that has served children across the region for almost 90 years. It operates to around 95% capacity over the school terms and employs 24 staff.

A change of use on this scale will require planning permission to be granted and any such application will be carefully considered by Fareham Borough Council’s Planning Committee. Schools, organisations and individuals have until Monday 10 February to share their feedback and Fareham Borough Council encourages local people to take part in the consultation to ensure their voices are heard.

 Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Simon Martin, said: “I was extremely surprised to hear the news about the proposals from Hampshire County Council to close the Stubbington Study Centre. While I appreciate that there is an increasing need for facilities offering specialist residential care, this should not be to the detriment of this thriving community hub.

 “I will be strongly encouraging Hampshire County Council to continue their search for an alternative site, in order to protect the future of the Study Centre. I will also be seeking a meeting with the Hampshire County Council Cabinet Member to express my reservations in the meantime.”

 You can find the open consultation on the Hampshire County Council website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/consultations/stubbington-study-centre

Santa and the Krampus

Santa Claus and Krampus represent contrasting figures in Christmas folklore, embodying reward and punishment.

Santa Claus, rooted in Western Christian traditions, is a jolly, benevolent figure derived from Saint Nicholas.

He brings gifts to well-behaved children on Christmas Eve, spreading joy and reinforcing positive behavior.

Clad in his iconic red suit, he embodies generosity and goodwill, traveling in a sleigh pulled by reindeer to deliver presents worldwide.

Krampus, by contrast, originates from Alpine folklore and represents the darker side of Christmas.

This horned, demonic creature punishes naughty children, serving as a foil to Santa’s kindness. With his menacing appearance—cloven hooves, long horns, and a shaggy coat—Krampus wields chains and birch rods to scare or even capture misbehaving kids.

Traditionally, he accompanies Saint Nicholas on December 5th, known as Krampusnacht, to mete out justice to the unruly.

Together, Santa Claus and Krampus create a moral duality: one rewards virtue, while the other disciplines vice.

Their coexistence reflects the balance of light and darkness in human nature and the importance of both reward and consequence.

Today, Krampus has enjoyed a cultural resurgence, often celebrated in parades and festivals, offering a playful counterpoint to Santa’s cheery persona.

Perhaps more scary than the Krampus is the Yule Cat of Iceland, a very large feline who preys on the idle and the lazy.

Carols on the Green 2024

Well done Friends of St Peter’s

Carols round the Christmas tree tonight

Come snd sing some Carols with the Solent Communnity Choir.

Gather around the tree in West Street from 7pm tonight.

Keeep warm with a cup or two of mulled wiinre and a mince pie and help the Friends of St Peter’s raise money for the upkeep of our beautiful church.

What are chances of a white Christmas in Titchfield?

The chance of a white Christmas in Titchfield is generally low due to its mild maritime climate.

Historically, snowfall during late December is rare around here, with temperatures typically ranging from 2°C to 8°C.

Snow in March 2018

Cold spells and snow are more common in January or February, making December snow uncommon. Our picture here was taken in March 2018.

A “white Christmas” is officially defined in the UK as a single snowflake observed falling at any time on December 25, regardless of accumulation. This occurs sporadically, with the Met Office reporting snow on Christmas Day in the UK approximately once every four to five years.

However, Titchfield’s coastal position reduces its chances further, as warmer sea temperatures often moderate cold air, preventing snow formation.

Meteorological patterns, such as high-pressure systems from the east or Arctic air masses, could increase the likelihood of snow. However, these are unpredictable and depend on broader atmospheric conditions. In recent years, climate change has also contributed to milder winters, reducing the odds of snow.

As Christmas approaches, monitoring local forecasts will provide the most accurate information. While picturesque, a white Christmas in Titchfield remains an infrequent and fleeting event.

Fareham Charity joins The Big Give Christmas Campaign

Key to Joy is excited to announce participation in this year's Big Give Christmas Campaign with Hampshire Cricket Foundation as its champion funder.  Key to joy is a local charity and membership club for adults with learning difficulties and neurodiversity.

From its beginnings as a Friday Night Club in Fareham in 2019, undergoing a rebrand to Key to joy in 2023 and expanding their team, being selected by Hampshire Cricket Foundation is a huge sign for continued growth and development for this local Fareham charity. 

Having brought so much joy to its members through a range of life-enhancing activities, Key to joy has outgrown its small, shared venue and needs a larger venue a new home from home for its members and the people who support them. A larger premises would enhance member experience and enable Key to joy to support more adults with learning difficulties and neurodiversity.

With the generous support of the Hampshire Cricket Foundation, every donation made during the Big Give Christmas Challenge will be matched, doubling the impact of every single donation. This means, if Key to joy reaches the £8,750 fundraising target on the Big Give platform between 3-10 December, matched funds raised would be £17,500 toward their home from home campaign. 

While it’s a huge undertaking for a local independent charity in its beginnings, used to raising funds through raffles and more modest community events, Key to joy is determined to step up to the challenge and make double the difference. Chair of the Trustee Board at Key to joy, Christine Mouat, said: 

“There is so much potential for us to reach more adults with learning difficulties in the Fareham and Gosport boroughs that are isolated and need our support. Being part of such a huge nationwide campaign is a big step for our charity, which started its roots as a Friday Night Charity. We are incredibly excited and proud to have Hampshire Cricket Foundation as our champion funder. It’s an ambitious target to reach, but we're determined to do everything we can to make it happen. Even better, with the generous support of the Hampshire Cricket Foundation, every donation made during the Big Give Christmas Challenge will be matched, doubling the impact every single donation.” 

Head of Customer Experience at Hampshire Cricket Foundation, Greig Stewart added: 

“Hampshire Cricket Foundation is passionate about supporting small, independent charities. We are looking forward to seeing this brilliant charity grow and it is an absolute pleasure to be part of their journey, through the Big Give.” 

Key to joy have three core activities running through the Big Give campaign period from 3rd to 10th December: 

• 3rd, 4th & 9th Dec: Indoor sponsored rowing challenge Gosport to Isle of Wight  

• Sat 7th Dec from 10am-1pm: Fareham Town Christmas Carols singing and signing  

• Sun 8th Dec from 6.30pm: Charity comedy night at Fareham Social Club 

The comedy night, https://keytojoy.org/biggive is particularly exciting with an excellent lineup that are predominantly neurodivergent and 100 percent funny, including; Paul McCaffrey (BBC Radio 2), Joe Wells (The Neurodivergent Podcast), Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer and Sunjai Arif. 

Key to joy’s neurodivergent MC for the night is local comedian, Emma Ashley-King who is pleased to be supporting a cause close to her heart. She said: 

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be MCing Key to joy’s comedy night. Not only will it be a great night full of laughter, thanks to the fantastic comedy talent appearing, but we’ll also be raising funds for neurodiverse adults and those with learning difficulties. As a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD and dyspraxia later in life, I understand how challenging things can be.” 

The Fareham Social Club have been incredibly supportive, sharing the event with their members both at the club and across their digital channels. 

Titchfield Remembers

The village pays tribute to its war dead.

After a short Remembrance Service at St Peter’s the congregation processed through the Square to the War Memorial at the Village Hall.

Over 150 attended both services.

Wreaths were laid by members of the armed services followed by scouts, schools, village groups and village organisations.

Wessex Cancer Christmas Concert at St Peter’s

JOIN TV’S SARAH PARISH AND SAM FRASER AT TITCHFIELD CHRISTMAS CONCERT  

Sam Fraser

  Actor, Sarah Parish, and BBC South presenter, Sam Fraser, are guest readers at Wessex Cancer Support’s annual Christmas concert at St Peter’s Church, Titchfield, on Monday 9th December. 

The event will raise money to support local people affected by cancer.

Hampshire’s oldest Church will host 300 guests for an evening of carols and performances from local artists, including Wessex Cancer Support’s Cosham Sing for Life choir. 

 Sam Fraser, said, “Most of us will be affected by cancer at some point in our lives and Wessex Cancer Support is there to help local people cope with whatever they’re going through.

Sarah Parish

As well as being a wonderful celebration of Christmas featuring some fantastic local performers, events like this are an important way of raising money so this charity can continue being there for anyone who needs them. I read at last year’s concert and it was a really special night. Please do join us.”  

Tickets for the concert are £20 and £40 for a pre-concert reception at the Bugle Hotel. For more information and to book, visit..

https://www.wessexcancer.org.uk/event/carol-2024/ 

Need your help

Can you spare some time next Saturday, 9th November, around 10am?

We could do with a little help getting the memorial at the Village Hall looking neat and tidy, ready for Sunday’s Act of Remembrance.

Bring along your garden waste bag, gloves, a rake and secateurs. There’ll be loads of leaves to gather up.

Let me know if you think you can help. phil.burner@gmail.com

Make a Bee-line to Titchfield

Your chance to join a Beekeeping course at Titchfield Community Centre

Fareham & District Beekeepers’ Association will be running a beginners course commencing on Tuesday 14th January 2025.

They will accept applications for the Beginner’s Course now,

The course cost is £85

Starting out in Beekeeping

For those wishing start beekeeping we strongly encourage you to take a beekeeping beginners course with a local Association. This will help you decide if beekeeping is for you before spending large sums on new kit and it will help you to understand how to handle used kit. 

Beekeeping is a fascinating hobby and the temptation of free honey is very irresistible.  Whilst we will always encourage anyone interested in taking up the hobby, it can be expensive so it is only fair that you are forewarned!  

For more information about the course and how to enroll click on the link below…

Posbrook pong returns

A new sewerage link on Posbrook Lane..

What appears to be raw sewage has once again been seen pouring across the road and into the field opposite.

The leak was quickly attended to but not before gallons of very smelly sewerage flowed across Posbrook Lane, close to its junction with Heath Lane.

It was in September 2019 that a major spill of sewerage at the same site resulted in a costly clean-up operation.

Read our story from 2019

Come along to the Titchfield Luncheon Club

TLC provides lunch for local pensioners every Wednesday, also providing transport for them to get to the Community Centre.

A 2-course lunch for £4.00 is available for up to 24 over 60’s at the Titchfield Luncheon Club (TLC) every Wednesday.

Titchfield Luncheon Club has existed for over 50 years and would like to welcome more diners from the Titchfield/Stubbington/Hillhead areas.

The lunch is served at the Titchfield Community Centre at 12 noon every Wednesday with tea/coffee and biscuits served from 10:45am.

If you like meeting people for a social chat and a home cooked meal, why not come along.

Transport can also be provided to and from your home for a donation of £1.00.

For more information, please telephone Mr Ken Moore on 01329 315615

Titchfield Ablaze 2024

Every year Titchfield village celebrates Christmas by local residents displaying 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 able to supply a 4ft Norway Spruce tree at £15.00. We have again chosen to supply Norway Spruce the same as last year to keep costs down. Norway Spruce trees have classic fresh Christmas fragrance and structure (pyramid shape).

Their needle retention is fine for outdoor trees and are used for Trees in Trafalgar Square and at 10 Downing Street.

We will be sending an email with an order form out shortly to names on our mailing list. Forms will also be available from Hadlows the Butchers. Alternatively you can complete the form and post it through 27 West St, letter box is though the archway or email via titchfieldablaze@gmail.com.

Thank you for joining us in lighting Titchfield for Christmas.

The trees will be ready for you to collect from 9.30am -1.30pm on Saturday 30th November from the yard opposite 27 West St, the yard is on left before the path to Garsons. If you are unable to collect your tree please make alternative arrangements with a friend to collect within these times.

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 about ordering a tree.

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 village green – sponsored again this year by Hadlows the butchers and with lights provided by Freemantle’s, transport by Mark Harris and the star was made by Tony Traves.

3D-animated fantasy at Titchfield Village Hall

Fareham currently has 38 families from Ukraine living with host families around the Borough. As part of its commitment to make them feel more integrated into both the Fareham community and the surrounding areas, Fareham Borough Council has worked with local partners and charities to arrange a number of free events.

A monthly ‘Conversation Café’ is being hosted by Fareham Library on the following dates:

•              Tuesday 22 October

•              Tuesday 12 November

•              Tuesday 10 December

The Conversation Café is a new initiative, welcoming anyone from Ukraine to meet and spend time with others. Sessions will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm and attendees will receive a free drink and piece of cake.

On Tuesday 17 December, a special screening of the magical Ukrainian 3D-animated fantasy film ‘MAVKA’ has been arranged at the Titchfield Parish Halls from 3.30pm. This event is being run in partnership with the charity ‘Bridge to Unity’ and visitors can also enjoy a range of Ukrainian food and traditional songs at the event. Bridge to Unity offers support and practical assistance to those undertaking the difficult journey towards independence and integration in the UK. Places for this screening are limited so if you are interested in attending, please book via this link.

 Finally, on Wednesday 4 December the Council will be taking a small group of Ukrainians and their host families to the beautiful city of Bath to enjoy a tour of the world famous Roman Baths, followed by the traditional and hugely popular Christmas Market.

Executive Member for Housing at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Fred Birkett said: “I am incredibly proud of the ongoing work we are doing to make our Ukrainian guests feel integrated with life in Fareham and the surrounding areas. This diverse range of events offer something for everyone, and they sound absolutely brilliant! I encourage our Ukrainian guests and their hosts to attend and thank the Council Officers, Fareham Library and Bridge of Unity for making these events possible.”

Details of these events and more can be found at www.fareham.gov.uk/whats­­­on. 

Fareham Philharmonic Choir - Baroque and Beyond Concert

Saturday 19th October, 7.30 pm

Holy Trinity Church, West Street, Fareham, PO16 0EL

The Choir, Orchestra and Soloists will perform an exciting and popular programme featuring Mozart’s Vespers and also including other splendours of the Baroque as follows:
Handel - Zadok the Priest, Entrance of the Queen of Sheba,

Hallelujah Chorus, Bach – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Albinoni - Adagio in G minor Pachelbel - Canon in D major

Tickets £15 (under 16s free) available online at www.fpchoir.org  https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DWYS

or on the door. Free parking at rear of the church. 
For further information please contact: 07966 867613 (Voicemail)

Village Hall celebrations

An evening of celebration in the Village Hall as the Titchfield Village Trust marked the completion of their 5 year project to take the Hall into the 21st century and keep, it at the centre of village life for at least the next 50 years.

The new roof and internal alterations, which included removing the old false ceiling, installing a new kitchen, laying a new floor, and updating all the lights and sound systems along with new furnishings throughout, brought to a close a 5 year project and meant raising over £200,000.

CUTTING THE RIBBON: (left to right) TVT Chairman, Nick Girdler, Cllr Connie Hockley, Cllr Tiffany Harper and Sandi Jones.

Special thanks to all those who contributed in so many ways to help us achieve our objectives both on the night and in the creation of the finished project.

Onwards and upwards as they say, today we will be delivering a new Defibrillator, to the Jubilee Surgery which will be mounted on the outside of the building. It has meant raising £1,600 and means Titchfield will now have access to another fully automatic machine in the centre of the village

And to complete the village transformation we are expecting another 50 woodland trees for a final planting session on Barry’s Meadow in February.

EcoTitchfield online meeting

The EcoTitchfield team want to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined them for the launch event on Thursday evening. Your presence, enthusiasm, and shared commitment to sustainability made the event truly special.

Together, the’ve taken the first step toward building a greener, more sustainable future for the Titchfield Ward. Your input and support are invaluable as we embark on this journey, and we’re excited to grow and learn with you every step of the way.

Join Us for Our First Introduction ‘Meet the Experts’ Workshop!*

As discussed on the evening, we’re thrilled to invite you to our very first online workshop on the evening of Monday 16th Sept, where we’ll dive deeper into the principles of our 5 pillars and explore how we can make a real impact together. It’s a great first opportunity to learn more, share your ideas, and connect with like-minded members of our community. We will share the connection details nearer the time.

In the meantime if you have any feedback on last Thursday, ideas or would like to get more involved, we’d love to hear from you!  Please use this link to connect to the website where you will find a feedback form to kindly complete. We would be very grateful if you could take just 2-3 minutes of your time to do this

‘Let’s continue to work together to make our community a local beacon of sustainability and together start to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.’

If you are able to join them it would be brilliant and very encouraging. Kindly just a quick reply via WhatsApp  - basically send any message you can to just reassure us that we’re not attending it alone…..THANKS

Microsoft Teams

Monday 16th September, 7pm

Meeting ID: 380 461 555 01

Passcode: cC9EER

Former Councillors Honoured

Fareham Borough Council has bestowed its highest honour on a number of former Councillors, in recognition of their long and exceptional service to the Council and to the Borough.

Former Councillors Seán Woodward, Sue Walker, Nick Walker and Katrina Trott were all named Honorary Alderman in a special Council meeting yesterday, Thursday 25 July.

Each of these Councillors have served the Council and the community for many years, acted as respected ward Councillors and held various positions within the Council’s Executive, with Seán Woodward also serving as Executive Leader of the Council for 25 years. 

Executive Leader of the Council, Councillor Simon Martin, said: "It is such a privilege to be presenting the Council’s highest honour to former Councillors, Seán Woodward, Sue Walker, Nick Walker and Katrina Trott.  Each Councillor took their responsibilities incredibly seriously, acting with meticulous attention to detail. They dedicated so much time and energy to serving our community and I am proud to count them among my colleagues and friends.”

Take the Scarecrow Trail

Take a wander around Titchfield and see it you can spot the various scarecrows, all on a movie theme.

The trail runs untill 2nd June.

Collect your entry form at the Church between 10am and 4pm.

St Peter’s Scharecrow Trail