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- WTC Newsletter - November 2025
WTC Newsletter - November 2025
Celebrate Christmas with us! Plus win vouchers, help us fight dog fouling, and enjoy potential updates on 5G signal!
Slow Down Poster Design Competition
We are running a competition open to all children under 11 who live or attend school in Whiteley. The brief is to design a poster to encourage drivers to slow down while driving through our town.
Create your poster digitally, or using traditional media of your choice (paint, pens, crayons, anything that can be scanned and reproduced as a poster).
The poster can be created at any size, but writing will need to be legible when scaled to A4 or A3.
Make sure your name, as well as your parent or guardian’s contact details, are submitted with your entry.
Hand in designs to Cornerstone C of E Primary School, Whiteley Primary School, or Meadowside Leisure Centre. Alternatively, email your design to Leah, our Comms Officer, using the link below.
Three winners will be selected by WTC councillors and staff. These winners will receive a £50 voucher to spend in their choice of either Waterstones or The Entertainer.
One entry per child.
Deadline November 28th.
For questions or submissions, email the address below:
Our Newly Accredited ACSO
We are tremendously excited to offer Sarah McCulloch our heartfelt congratulations on her Accreditation. Sarah, who has been our beloved Community Safety Officer for over a year now, has been vetted by Hampshire Police and completed training that has allowed her to become an accredited officer for Swanmore and Whiteley. This accreditation grants Sarah a selection of police-delegated powers, detailed below, when she is in uniform and carrying documentation. Powers: Paragraph 2.3.5 and 6 of schedule 5 to the Police Reform Act 2002 ands Paragraph 8A of Schedule 5 to the Police Reform Act 2002 (inserted by section 89(6) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003) 1. Power to require giving of name and address 2. Power to require name and address for anti social behaviour 3. Power to persons aged under 18 to surrender alcohol 4. Power to seize tobacco from a person aged under 16 5. Power to stop cycles. In addition to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, Sarah can also help with food bank referrals, SIM cards, and other advice, and can often be found patrolling Whiteley or attending events. Follow her on Facebook or reach out to her personally using the contact info below. Congratulations again, Sarah! And thank you for all your hard work making Whiteley a safer, happier place for us all. Contact ACSO Sarah McCulloch |     |
Addressing Dog Fouling in Whiteley
Whiteley Town Council have placed ten new green bins around popular dog walking areas in Whiteley to help address issues raised by residents, including dog fouling and overflowing bins.
Overflowing Bins
If you find a bin that needs emptying, that is marked with a Whiteley Town Council logo, please report it to the Town Clerk. “Regular” dog poo bins must be reported to the Consortium via your management company.
Please do not leave bagged excrement next to or on top of a bin; try another bin along your journey, or take it home with you to dispose of safely.
Dog Fouling in Whiteley
Dog excrement can cause toxocariasis, leading to serious health issues like breathing problems, seizures, and blindness, especially in children. Sadly, one of the worst areas being affected is outside our schools. This is unacceptable.
All we can do as a community is collect evidence when we see it and report it to Winchester City Council's Environmental Team.
 | What to do if you witness someone committing a dog-fouling offenceRecord as much of the following information as you can
You may submit a photo or video with your evidence; however, this is not required, and we would ask you not to attempt to record someone if you believe they will react in a way that puts you in danger. Doorbell or security camera footage is also appropriate if available. |
The law states that being unaware that a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse. Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. If the case goes to court, this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000.
Report Dog Fouling
Report WTC Overflowing Bins
Halloween Social Saturday
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We were delighted to host the Mayor of Winchester Sudhakar Achwal, and Mayoress Vivian Achwal at our Social Saturday in October.
The event was held at Barn Farm Community Centre and is one of many successful events held this year for the new community.
The photos speak for themselves.
The Mayor took part in some of the Halloween activities and wrote afterwards to say:
“The event was exceptionally well organised and clearly demonstrated the positive impact that both of you have had in fostering community connections. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with families and children engaged in a wide variety of creative activities — from Halloween-themed crafts and spider web making to painting and play in a safe and joyful space. The contribution from the Hampshire Wildlife Trust added an educational and engaging dimension, which drew great interest from visitors of all ages.
It was particularly encouraging to see how the Barn Farm Community Centre, even in its temporary setting, has already become a focal point for local families. The enthusiasm and commitment of those involved are laying the foundations for what will no doubt become a thriving community hub once the new centre is completed. The morning’s sunshine seemed to mirror the cheerful, hopeful spirit of the event.”
A big thank you from the Town Clerk and all the councillors to Sarah and Katie for their enthusiasm and commitment to our new community - you are a great asset to the council.
Whiteley Fireworks Display
 | Thank you to everyone who supported our fireworks event on the 2nd November, it is greatly appreciated by councillors and staff. Thank you to Whiteley Rotary, we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you to Pete and Dave for setting up and then clearing up the morning after in the rain. Thank you to Selstar for the fireworks, Bernie and Whiteley Events for the sound and great music, Whiteley ACSO Sarah for being our celeb, and together with ASCO Gary and Mast Security and the first aid team kept us all safe. Profits from the fireworks fund our summer events and provide grants to Rotary, who do fantastic work to support the community in many different ways. |
Tips for Crime Prevention this Winter
While many of us look forward to cooler weather and all the festivity this season brings, Winter can also be a time when criminals are looking for easy targets. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe.
At Home
Don’t leave presents in your car - even hidden, it’s still a risk not worth taking, as cars are a common place for thieves to check around Christmas time. Bring them inside.
Dispose of packaging discreetly - you may be inadvertently showcasing items to potential burglars when discarding packaging. Make sure your recycling bin is not overflowing, and consider folding the packaging of expensive items inside out, or in a manner that hides what it is.
Make your home look occupied - before leaving home, shut curtains, turn on lights or use smart controls to schedule them. Consider leaving a radio or TV on, too, to create the illusion of someone being home.
Avoid leaving deliveries on your doorstep - not only will an unattended package attract opportunistic thieves, but it also implies no one is home. Try to schedule deliveries when you will be in, or send packages to your workplace, a neighbour or a friend.
Out and About
Make sure your car does not become a target - park in well-lit areas. Ensure your car is properly locked, and do not leave any valuables or bags on display.
Keep your personal items safe - make sure your handbag is closed and avoid leaving it unattended, even when using a trolley. Keep phones, wallets and purses in an interior pocket where possible, and out of sight.
Protect your money - ensure your PIN remains confidential. Inspect cash machines before use for any suspicious or bulky attachments. Consider using cards instead of carrying cash.
Motorcycle Theft Prevention
Several attempted thefts of motorbikes have been reported recently in our area, so our ACSO Sarah, has provided some tips for securing your bike from theft.
Lock, chain and cover - consider using this three-point approach to secure your bike. Use a disk lock, grip lock, or a D lock to prevent movement. Chain your bike through the back wheel to an immovable object or anchor, or thread the chain through the back wheel and bike chain. Cover your bike to hide the model, design or specification from thieves looking for particular bikes.
Never leave your keys with the bike, and always use your steering lock - even when only leaving for a few seconds, and even when the bike does not leave your line of sight.
Fit an alarm system - this may also have an added benefit of reducing your insurance premium!
Mark the parts - bike marking providers can serialise each part of your bike, making it more difficult to sell on, even when broken down. It can also help police with identifying and recovering stolen parts.
Consider shoring up home security - a doorbell camera, CCTV, floodlights or other deterrents may be enough to put off opportunists. Fit a garage door defender or upgrade locks. Consider fitting a ground anchor, or invest in a motorcycle locker.
Congratulations to Whiteley Pumas! Whiteley Wanderers Pumas U10s girls’ football team ran a “Pumas Go Pink” campaign to raise funds and awareness for the Breast Cancer Now charity throughout October. From all of us at WTC, we offer a huge congratulations to this incredibly passionate team, who absolutely smashed their target! Consider donating to their cause using the link below. | Botley Bypass and M27 Roadworks With a not-insignificant amount of roadworks taking place around us over the festive season, we thought it best to provide you with links to access as much information as possible on progress and closures while the Botley Bypass and M27 are undergoing works. |
Welcoming Two New Members to Our Council
Following a co-opting process in October, we would like to welcome two new councillors to Whiteley Town Council. They will be joining our team of nine existing councillors, who volunteer their time to make our town a better place.
Congratulations to Zac Hart and Dan Wilkie. We can’t wait to see how you grow into your roles and help shape the future of Whiteley!
I would like to thank the members of Whiteley Town Council for my co-option. This fantastic town has seen dramatic development and continues to drive a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community. I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and yourselves to deliver positive change in keeping with our community values, for both residents and visitors alike to really put Whiteley on the map.
I’m delighted to have been co-opted onto Whiteley Town Council. My family and I live and work here, and we’ve found Whiteley to be such a welcoming place — a wonderful community to raise our children in. One of our kids attends Cornerstone Primary, and when I’m not out and about with the children, you’ll often find me walking our German Shepherd, Kobe. I’m looking forward to continuing the Council’s great work in keeping Whiteley an exceptional, inclusive, and welcoming community for residents and visitors alike.
What’s new in Whiteley?
Regular Markets in Whiteley Shopping CentreArtisan Market Enjoy regular Artisan markets featuring local creators and crafters - and some talented bakers and treat makers! Markets run from 10am - 5pm on Saturdays, and 10.30am - 4.30pm on Sundays, on the following dates: 8th & 9th, 29th & 30th Nov. 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th & 21st Dec. Find the market outside Cineworld in Whiteley Shopping Centre. Farmers’ Market Enjoy chatting with local farmers, tasting delicious produce, and exploring talented artisan stalls. 9th Nov, 14th Dec 2025. 11th Jan, 8th Feb, 8th March 2026. The Farmers Market takes place on the 2nd Sunday of the month, find it in Market Square Car Park, 10am - 2pm. | New Benches & Planters for Barn Farm An extra six benches and three planters are being installed at Barn Farm Community Centre for our growing outdoor events space and community garden. We can’t wait to enjoy them with you at our Barn Farm Christmas Events! |
Join Meon Valley Neighbourhood Watch!
Neighbourhood Watch is a grassroots charitable movement. It is the largest crime prevention voluntary movement in England and Wales and has upwards of 2.3 million members. As a volunteer, access resources and make contacts across our area as you work to make Whiteley safer for everyone.
Help the community by running awareness campaigns, holding social events, and leading community projects such as litter picks, community cafes, flood defences, and presentations in schools.
Whats happening with the ______?
Telecom (5G) TowerAn application has been submitted to increase the height of the 5G tower on Whiteley Way. If this is approved, it should improve signal for Vodafone networks. We still have no updates on the proposed 5G tower near the Meadowside Leisure Centre, as this is still in litigation. | AllotmentsWork has restarted on Allotment Site 2, Gatekeeper Hill and Site 3, Behind Bartley Road/Ringlet Road. The developers have advised that they should be completed by the end of the year. The legal work on the developer’s side is holding up the land transfers, so we are unable to provide a date when they may open for use. |
Secondary School
 | Work has started on the secondary school. It is planned to open in September 2027 as a five-form entry school for Year 7. Regular updates on progress will be made by Hampshire County Council. |
Our Events
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 6th December, Meadowside Recreation Ground, 5pm, free
Enjoy a performance by Cornerstone CofE Choir while you watch Father Christmas turn on our lights, and take a photo with him in his sleigh!
Barn Farm Christmas Party Sunday 14th December, Barn Farm Community Centre, 11am - 1pm, free In partnership with the Rotary Club of Whiteley, enjoy Christmas crafts, a face painter, Santa's sleigh, a live band, while enjoying tasty pizza from Arty-Stan. Free young children's toys will be given out while stocks last. | Christmas Drinks & EatsSunday 19th December, Barn Farm Community Centre, 5pm - 8pm, free Enjoy tasty grub from food trucks - including newcomer Not Vegan Friendly, grab a drink from Bowman Ales, and sing along to live music as we celebrate together on the last Friday before Christmas! |
Our Favourite Local Events
Is there a great local event we’re missing? Send me an email and we will consider posting it on our socials, or in next month’s newsletter.
Food Truck Friday This month’s lineup features: Arty-Stan Pizza - A Nomadic Pizza Company using the freshest ingredients for the most delicious flavours. Baja Mexican - Serving up tasty tacos - can you stop at just one! Louleigh’s Sweet Treats - Grab your hot drinks, milkshakes, cakes and sausage rolls, all handmade and delicious! Pop-up trucks arrive just in time for payday, so come hungry and bring your friends. Friday 28th November, 5pm - 8pm, Barn Farm Community Centre. | Murder Mystery Mayor of Winchester Event The Geriactors’ latest murder mystery centres around the exciting launch of a brand-new community television station. Forget Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z — this cutting-edge channel is designed for those who truly know where it’s at: the Baby Boomers. So sit back and get ready for an evening filled with intrigue, laughter, and suspense as you join the movers and shakers of Boomer TV, gearing up to unveil their innovative new station. The Audience will be asked to identify who, how and why at the end of the play. Tickets include a three-course meal. Drinks will be available to purchase at the bar. Will the launch go off without a hitch… or will the evening take a deadly turn? Saturday 15th November, 7pm, Twyford Parish Hall. £28 |
Quiz Night hosted by Kevin Ashman Mayor of Winchester Event Previously ranked as the world’s number one quizzer, Eggheads ‘Grandmaster’ Kevin Ashman will host the Mayor of Winchester's Quiz Night at Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall. Come and test your knowledge with one of Britain’s most celebrated quiz champions. Teams of up to 8. Saturday 28th February, 7pm. Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall. £10 | Whiteley Farmers’ Market Now occurring on the 2nd Sunday of each month, visit Market Square Car Park (outside the Meadowside Leisure Centre) and enjoy meeting local farmers, tasting delicious produce, and exploring talented artisan stalls. Sunday 9th November, 10am - 2pm |
Barn Farm Community Centre
The new centre is now expected Summer, 2026. In the meantime, find our Temporary Community Centre just off Rosco’s Roundabout on Whiteley Way. SO30 2YX. What3words ///mugs.then.detergent What will Barn Farm be like when it’s finished?That’s a great question, and the team are so excited to show off the plans for the new centre. You can find out all about Barn Farm and the current and future buildings at the link below. |  The Temporary Community Centre |
Want to know what’s going on at Barn Farm?
Visit the Barn Farm website to explore a full breakdown of everything on offer at our centre.
Don’t forget, new dates and vendors have been released for next year’s Food Truck Fridays!
Affordable, Gentle Exercise & Activities
Looking for a gentle, affordable way to get into exercise? Here’s our list of accessible and easy classes for all skill levels, in and around Whiteley 🏃♀️
Park Yoga A gentle group suitable for all skill levels, including total beginners. Saturdays at 9.30am - 10.30am on the Meadowside. Free Parkrun A fun and friendly group where you can walk, jog or run, or even just spectate. Saturdays at 9am on the Meadowside. Free - but registering is required beforehand. | Whiteley Health Walks A great way to walk at your own pace, make friends and have a chat. Wednesdays at 2pm, meet outside the Meadowside Leisure Centre. Free Beginner Pilates This Level 1 Beginner Pilates class is held by Meon Wellbeing. Very suited for those with reduced mobility. Book via the email below. Mondays at Fareham Community Hospital, 6pm - 6.45pm. £4 |
Seated Exercise Classes Gentle, chair-based exercise class. Perfect for people with reduced mobility. Fridays at Whiteley Community Centre, Gull Coppice 10am - 10.45am. £4 |
About the Council
Want to get in touch with a Councillor? Find names, roles within the council, and contact details here.
Council Meetings
The public is always welcome to attend council meetings. These take place in the Council Offices, on the second floor of the Meadowside Leisure Centre.
Committees include Planning, Finance, Highways and Transport, Recreation & General Purpose, and Strategic Development and Policy.
Agendas will become available here as they are published. Minutes for previous meetings can be found on the WTC website, under the ‘How the TC Works’ menu. Select Full Council or the committee you are interested in to view.
Meeting Type | Dates |
|---|---|
Full Council Mondays at 7.15pm | 1st December (if needed). |
Committees Wednesdays at 7pm | 12th November, 10th December (if needed) |
Our Staff
All the council’s staff work part-time but will respond as quickly as possible during their working hours.
Town Clerk Nicki Oliver | Nicki manages the day-to-day running of the council and its facilities. |
Accredited Community Safety Officer Sarah McCulloch | ACSO Sarah is out keeping our community safe and building relationships with schools, our young people and the wider community. |
Community Development Officer Katie Mattingly | Katie is working with residents in the new development to deliver new initiatives, events and activities to support the growing community. |
Communications Officer Leah Scott | Leah manages the council’s social media presence and designs communications to improve residents’ access to local information. |
Planning Coordinator Hilary Oliver | Hilary has joined us from Winchester City Council to oversee the work of the developers as they prepare the play areas, sports pitches and open spaces for handover to the Town Council. |
Local Services & Help
Meon Valley Food Bank If you are in need of short-term help with food and basic household supplies, a confidential referral can be made by our Accredited Community Safety Officer. Home Start Hampshire Home-Start helps families who are experiencing difficulties in their lives by providing support. My Home Made BetterFree, independent advice to make your home more energy efficient. Save money, feel comfortable in your home, increase your property’s value and do your bit for the planet. Green Travel Boost Each household can claim up to £100 to help them travel more sustainably and reduce their car use. Plus, we can now help you pay! Please contact Katie, who will support you with your application. | Citizens Advice Offering free, independent advice, CA can help you with employment, housing, benefits, debt, human rights and more. Hospital Transport Friends of Fareham Community Hospital provides travel from your home so that you can attend your appointment. Meon Health Wellbeing Drop-ins Offering non-medical advice to Meon patients, around topics like mental wellbeing and stress. Mondays, 10 am - 1 pm at Whiteley Surgery, PO15 7LB Y Services Clubs and events for our youth, including specialised sessions for SEN, LGBT+, and Home Educated children and teens. |
Exciting ways to help your community!
Become a Whiteley Womble Litter pickers, hi-vis and bag holders are available if you would like to keep your neighbourhood tidy. Contact our Town Clerk, Nicki Volunteer with Whiteley Youth Club Whiteley Youth Club takes place on Fridays at 6.45 pm. For school years 6-10, the club offers arts and crafts, group games, and discussions with trained youth workers. Donate to Meon Valley FoodbankIf you can’t commit to regular events, but want to do your part to help the community, consider donating to Meon Valley Foodbank. Please contact our Comms Officer to find out where to drop off donations. | Join The Rotary Club of Whiteley as a Member Make a difference through volunteering, to achieve change on a local level, and raise money to help those struggling globally. To speak to someone about membership, check out the link or call the number below. Get stuck in with the 1st Sarisbury Green Scout Group If you love the outdoors and can spare a little time, you'll be welcomed. Adventurer, master of social media or expert marshmallow toaster, whatever you can do will be appreciated with our flexible approach to volunteering. You'll be helping create a positive impact on our local youth. |