Success for a local group?

A Success Story that others can copy

What a brilliant day; the sun was out; the BBQ was sizzling; and over 30 children from age 5 to early teens were being taught the basic skills of cricket under the watchful eye of many parents, friends and the Whitchurch Cricket Club. The Sunday morning was a perfect example of how volunteers and the dedication of a local group can help further the well-being of the town and its residents.

A critical situation
Last year the local Cricket Club, which had been playing in Whitchurch since 1776, was close to folding. Players were leaving, a team could not be formed, equipment had been vandalised and the Parsonage Meadow ground was falling into disrepair. The Club was at serious risk of being wound-up and there seemed to be very little hope for the future.

There was an excellent turnout
of families, helpers and friends 

The Cricket Ground
Parsonage Meadow is one of the Whitchurch's most idyllic locations – a large open space opposite All Hallows with views across the River Test and the water meadows to the east, and bounded on the western side by the tree covered embankment of the old railway line.

The Cricket Club had been long time custodians but times were changing and the lease was up for renewal by the landlords, the same who had been selling off local land to developers. The situation was looking bad – real bad. If the ground were to become unused, pressure for redevelopment could become reality, and does Whitchurch need more?

The old flag still adorns the Pavillion

Support from the Town Council
A suggestion that the Town Council be approached for support was made and some preliminary talks took place – having a chat always a good idea as it can generate suggestions and provide other potential leads. Ideas began to formulate.
Each year the Town Council allocates a modest sum that can be applied for by local organisations "in support of a cause that benefits the community". – and that became the starting block for reigniting local enthusiasm (for details of the Grant Scheme just contact the Town Hall).

Whitchurch Cricket Club made an application for 1) a new gang mower, without which the ground would not be useable, 2) a secure vandal-proof container for storage of equipment and 3) funds to enable coaching and training of new young players to aid a sustainable future.

The monies were approved and a dedicated group from the Club put many hours into clearing the old pavilion, preparing the ground and recruiting a team.

Four groups of youngsters were taught basic skills of cricket under expert eyes.

The future looks good
Beyond all expectations it all began to click into place. With the support they were able to commit to the rent for the ground, join the Hampshire Cricket League and hold the youth coaching sessions which received astounding support. As well as nearly 100 youngsters taking advantage of the coaching, the Club now has a Mens team playing and the possibility of a Ladies eleven too. From a position of near despair the future was now beginning to look rosy.

Each young 'player' received
a special drinks bottle.

Protecting the Meadow
Meanwhile the Town Council also applied for, and was successful in, registering Parsonage Meadow as an Asset of Community Value, so if the owners ever did wish to sell then a community group would have the right to place a bid – ie a sale to developers could not be done behind closed doors and there would be an opportunity for s community group to put in a bid. Although it may not become necessary it is a welcome tool to hold should the Meadow ever be at risk again.

How others may benefit
So...
If you have an idea, a project, or a cause that you believe in, and you can show that it will benefit the town, its residents and its well-being, please do not hesitate to talk to the Town Council. Nothing can be promised but at the least advice can always be offered, and there is always the chance you could be successful and put on the way to achieving your aims.
Nothing can be lost by having that informal friendly chat as has been demonstrated with the Cricket Club.
Contact: WHITCHURCH TOWN COUNCIL

Long may the Whitchurch Cricket Club provide cricket for the town of Whitchurch and long may the Town Council listen to the needs of its residents.

The Local Butcher – Yes we have one

Many who pass Graham's Estate Agents in the town will always think of the local butcher.

Before the property company moved in, the premises were used by Philip Langley and before him John Dennett in providing a traditional butcher service to Whitchurch. Regrettably many small shops have struggled as high rents and rates make it impossible to compete with the supermarkets with their pre-packaging and lower prices and the butcher's shop closed.

But Whitchurch does still have a local butcher – and a high quality one too. Bere Mill Butchery on the edge of town specialises in top quality meat, mainly from sheep and cattle reared in the local fields.
Bere Mill specialises in Black Welsh Mountain Sheep and Belted Galloway Cattle which produce high quality lean tasty lamb and beef. Pork, chicken and venison is also available but check before travelling.

As well as the usual joints and cuts they also produce their own sausages, burgers, mince and even faggots (this writer's love), and much more depending on season and availability. The Merguez sausages also won a recent award in the 2018 Great Hampshire Sausage Competition – they should not be missed.

The best way to reach Bere Mill is undoubtedly to walk* out from Whitchurch using the country paths. There are two main routes, either from the end of the Green along the north bank of the River Test, or from Town Mill and follow the south side by way of the Hangings and of course a circuit of both could be made. The round trip takes around an hour.
The footpaths go through wonderful countryside and fields and sometimes will cross areas where the cattle and sheep may be grazing. If taking a dog please keep it on a lead where there are animals.

Bere Mill Butchery is a truly family run local business so no need at all to travel elsewhere for high quality meat – it is on our doorstep here in Whitchurch.

* actually cycling is arguable more fun (I would say that!) – just ride up to The Gables then take Bere Mill Lane. Don't forget to have an ice cream after buying your produce – and fill your water bottles from the complimentary tap. Then perhaps take the new Permissive Cycle Route from Bere Mill towards Freefolk for a bit more fun...
Aren't we lucky to live here.

Bere Mill Butchery is open on Fridays and Saturdays.

Check on their Facebook page:
BERE MILL BUTCHERY
Their website is here:
BERE MILL FARM and BUTCHERY

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES – Coming soon – The Fishmonger.

The Whitchurch Public House

Over one hundred years ago the Star newspaper described Whitchurch with:

“Whitchurch is in Hampshire. People who live in it call it a town.
People who live out of it call it a village.
It is about as big as a good-sized pocket handkerchief.
It has three shops and 19 public houses.”

Much has happened since that was written but Whitchurch is still a town, a status proudly guarded by its 4500 residents. The Royal Charter was awarded in 1285 and each year a Mayor and burgesses were elected to govern the town with the existing Town Hall, built around 1790, dominating the centre and where the Town Council now conducts its business.

Special places
The Public House holds a special place in the town's history, but over the years many have been lost and along with them part of the town's special character. There are now just five left, plus one 'Club'. That character must not be eroded any more.

Presently the pubs are:
The White Hart, The Kings Arms, The Prince Regent, The Bell Inn, The Red House, and the Whitchurch Sports & Social Club.

Reasons for demise

There are many reasons claimed for the closure of pubs – changes in social habits, increasing costs through taxation and duty, competition from supermarkets, the smoking ban, the extortionate restrictive practices of Pub Companies, pressures on land, high taxation and business rates ... the list goes on, and we can all add more to it.

Massive benefits to the Town
But what is often missed are the massive benefits the public house brings to a community as part of its social, economic and historical fabric. They are places were people meet, talk, exchange ideas, debate and put the world to rights.

They provide venues for local clubs and societies, from reading groups to craft circles and from darts teams to quiz teams. They raise thousands each year through charity events ranging from simple raffles and coffee mornings through to sponsored chest waxing with proceeds being fed back to enhance the lives of Whitchurch people.

And who cannot mention the annual Pub Race where over 200 Fancy Dress participants fill the town with music, colour and hilarity whilst filling the charity buckets with donations.

Pubs also provide entertainment in many forms ranging from singers to discos and from folk to cabaret. Whitchurch has a long history in the music world with several nationally prominent musicians in traditional, classical and modern music fields – all having started in the local pubs.

The local economy

But its not just socialising and entertainment that pubs provide. Pubs add enormously to the local economy in both attracting visitors into the area as well as being a source of employment for many.

They provide work for local tradespeople such as window cleaners, gardeners, electricians, plumbers, and taxi companies. The income earned by these tradespeople will often be returned into the local economy in supporting local shops and businesses, providing an ongoing livelihood for a great many people.

Our town's publicans – Let us raise a glass

The worth each pub brings to Whitchurch is almost beyond value. This is only possible by the hard work of the town's publicans who too often are forgotten. Hours are long, the work is tough and the financial rewards often poor.

Without the publicans our town's well-being would be massively depleted; its heritage and culture diminished.

Let us all make a resolution to call into one of our fine pubs and raise a glass to the unstinting commitment of our landlords, landladies and their staff.
They deserve our gratitude.

Cheers!

Pubs top to bottom:
The White Hart, The Kings Arms, The Prince Regent, The Bell Inn, The Red House (currently closed), and the Whitchurch Sports & Social Club.
(technically the Sports and Social Club is not a pub but in the context of this item it acts the same – a valuable amenity to Whitchurch)

There are two local Pub related sites that may be worth looking at (Facebook):

WHITCHURCH PUB HUB and

NORTH HAMPSHIRE and UPPER TEST PUB GROUP

National campaigning site:

CAMRA