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- WTC Newsletter - October 2025
WTC Newsletter - October 2025
Social Saturdays, Meadowside updates, the Barn Farm move, and more!
Social Saturdays
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Whiteley Town Council staff hosted the first Social Saturday event, taking advantage of the glut of apples that have been produced recently. Children and adults got to enjoy apple stamping, making magic wands and dream catchers from foraged items from our woodlands, and of course finishing it off with a delicious chocolate apple snack.
Bill and Dorlee Carr from the Whiteley Gardening group were also in attendance, showcasing apple pressing, with attendees getting involved in making their own apple juice.
Bill said – “The children helped with the processing of the apples and tried their strength on the press! Apple juice was sampled, children wore face paint and showed their craft projects – a lovely morning”
Our next event is 10am - 12pm on Saturday, October 25th, which will be Halloween and Bonfire themed – see Barn Farm Facebook page for further details
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Contact our Community Development Officer, Katie Mattingly
£100 free to spend on something that helps you travel - What are you waiting for?
Did you know that residents of the North Whiteley Development can use the Green Travel Boost to buy all sorts of great stuff that can help you travel sustainably?
Some examples can be found below.
Cycling
| Walking
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Public Transport
| Sustainable Driving
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The £100 can be used to purchase a single item, multiple items, or contribute towards the cost of a more expensive purchase. The only limit is that it can only be claimed once per household. All you need to do is purchase the item(s) and submit your receipts/evidence using the form linked below. If you’re not sure something meets the criteria, get in touch via email, using the address at the end of the article.
This initiative forms part of a planning obligation for the North Whiteley Consortium, which is fully funding the initiative and has commissioned Hampshire County Council to deliver on its behalf.
What if I don’t have £100 spare?
This scheme used to require you to purchase the item and then submit your receipt for reimbursement; however, now we can help you pay! Please contact our CDO, Katie, who will be able to support you with your application.
Need more information? Contact via Email, citing ‘Green Travel Boost’ in the subject line
Meadowside Maintenance
 |  Trampoline temporarily out of order! |
The Town Council has been repeatedly asking Hampshire County Council to repair the cracked greenways around the recreation ground. At present, only one section has been approved for repairs. The campaign for safe walking and scooting continues.
The much-loved trampoline in the play park has reached the end of its life and has been removed. A replacement is on order.
Our groundsman has had to repair the zip wire numerous times over the summer. This is because it is being used by adults who exceed the weight limit. It would be great if adults could refrain from using the children’s play equipment, please.
Whiteley Wanderers YFC are welcomed back for their new season. Junior football is subsidised by the Town Council, as it is in many areas. The Council is pleased to have such a great club within its community.
Only two responses have been received regarding the proposal to ban the riding of e-scooters and e-bikes on the recreation ground. Let us know your thoughts by emailing our Town Clerk.
Barn Farm Move & Updates
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We’ve Moved!
A huge thank you to Community Development Officer Katie, who, with the help of Community Safety Officer Sarah, managed the task of moving Barn Farm (temporary) Community Centre to its new location with their customary good humour and resilience.
To visit, please use the pedestrian gate off Whiteley Way. If you struggle to find the centre, consider using What 3 Words -dividers.tequila.synthetic
See the website for information on what’s happening in the coming weeks.
Did you see our feedback tree at Barn Farm over the summer? We asked visitors for their ideas to help our community grow! As Autumn is now really truly set in, the leaves have fallen from our tree, and we will use your ideas to start planning for next year’s fun and activities. We love that you enjoy Food Truck Friday, and these will keep going! We will work on the requests for Chinese and burger vendors! New ideas for August school holidays will be implemented now - including looking into suggestions of inflatables/mini beasts/dance and music activities And for those asking for seasonal activities - we heard your request, and have started Social Saturdays! |  |
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The Future of Barn Farm
Work is well underway on the new building with an estimated completion in late 2026/early 2027.
To see the detailed plans for the building, use the link below.
If you’d like to register an interest in hiring space at the new building, please contact our Comms Officer using the email address below.
Report Road Problems Potholes? Drainage problems? Broken or missing signs? Faded road markings? Faulty lights? If you find a problem on an adopted road in Whiteley (not the new development), you can make a report to Hampshire using the link below. | Fly Tipping Always ask anyone offering waste clearance for their waste carrier licence. If in doubt, check with the Environment Agency using the number below. They can verify if the service provider offering to take your waste away is registered. |
Sarah’s Colouring Sheets | Grab a colouring-in sheet, and help familiarise your child with our Community Safety Officer, Sarah, who works closely with our local children to keep them safe and out of trouble. There are always sheets available at Barn Farm, or you can print your own using the link below. |
Food Waste
Have you received your new Bin collection calendar through the post yet?
Inside, you’ll find a letter introducing the new weekly food waste recycling service.
From October 2025, Winchester City Council will launch the service in phases, and all households will receive a weekly collection on their usual bin day by the end of March 2026.
Our key dates are - Curbridge starting 12th January, and the rest of Whiteley 2nd February.
If you live within Winchester Council, you will receive everything you need to start recycling your food waste up to three weeks before your collections start.
Table of Contents
What’s new in Whiteley?
Have you met Berty the Barn Farm Snake? Have you seen our summer snake at Barn Farm? Thank you to everyone who added to him; however, there is still plenty of room to make him longer!  | Bus TimetablesThe 28 and 28a bus timetables have been updated. We recommend Traveline as the best place to plan your journeys. Thank you to resident Chris Jenkinson for clarifying the changes. He asks that people note the following advice -
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School ApplicationsSecondary school applications are now open! Is your child in Year 6? It’s time to apply for their September 2026 secondary school place. Apply online by 31 October 2025. Easy, secure & flexible – you can update your application at any time before the deadline. Find out the result on 2nd March 2026. You can list up to three school preferences – but don’t forget to include your local or catchment school. |  |
Whats happening with the ______?
Telecom (5G) TowerThe signal in the shopping centre is poor. Checking your bank balance or calling a friend? Forget it unless you find one of those rare bars. Whiteley Town Council has been pushing for a signal tower for years; it's currently with lawyers, and you will be updated with news as soon as there is any. | Allotments Work 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
Coming Up
Whiteley Fireworks
Sunday 2nd November, 4.15pm at the Meadowside. Fireworks start at 7.15pm.
A great night every year, Whiteley fireworks raises money for the Rotary Club of Whiteley, a wonderful group who do a lot of good for our town. It also helps fund the Meadowside Music Festival, keeping that event free to attend for all.
Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 6th December, 5pm at the Meadowside Recreation Ground, free
Watch as Father Christmas rides the sleigh into Whiteley, where he will switch on the lights!
Our Favourite Local Events
Is there a great local event we’re missing? Send me an email and we’ll consider posting it on our socials, or in next month’s newsletter.
ComputerXplorers ComputerXplorers Half Term Activity Club. Cornerstone Primary School, 27th - 30th Oct, 9am - 3.30pm. £25 per child per day, or 50% off for HAF eligible families. Get in touch to book your place via the contact details below. 📞 Call | Bollywood Event Bollywood Evening. Colden Common Community Centre, 25th Oct, 7pm. £28 |
Jazz Piano Jazz Piano with Robert Carter. St Paul’s Church, 7th Nov, 7pm. £15 | October Half Term Football Half Term Football Coaching for boys and girls, ages 6-13. £1 a day at Meadowside Leisure Centre! |
Murder Mystery
We don’t have a poster for this Mayor of Winchester event yet, but it’ll be on Saturday, the 15th of November at Twyford Community Centre.
Follow our social media for updates!
Barn Farm Community Centre
Events
Social Saturdays
Saturday October 25th, 10am - 12pm
Activities include making coffee filter bats, and trying out wood fire artwork.
NOTE – the Mayor of Winchester is coming to this, and friendly dress up is encouraged!
Doggy Play Dates Hosted by Louleigh’s Sweet Treats, Doggy Play Dates are your opportunity to enjoy a coffee and cake while your dog makes new friends and runs wild in an enclosed environment. Booking in advance is essential as there are limited spaces available. Sat 11th Oct for medium to large dogs. Sat 18th for small to medium & puppies.10am - 11am. Free admission. | Food Truck Friday Three Cuts Burgers and Arty-stan Pizza will be joining us for a Food Truck Friday on October 10th, 5pm - 8pm. |
Clubs
We’ve got tons of clubs that run fortnightly or monthly. You’re welcome to join in, or even start your own. Just send us an email with your idea and we’ll do all we can to make it a reality!
Community Garden Project Unwind in our community garden-meet friends, swap tips, and enjoy the sunshine. Check social media for meetups as these vary with the weather! Home Education Social Group Home Ed group is currently on summer break, but will be resuming at the end of August. Kids can enjoy crafts, games and gardening, while you chat with like-minded parents. Wed 15th Oct, 12.30pm - 2pm, free Role Playing Easy, disability inclusive sessions for the beginners, the old hands, the nervous, and those who ‘played Dungeons & Dragons in the 80s but have since forgotten everything’ alike! Thurs 9th & 23rd Oct, 6.30pm, £2.50 per person. Cash or card accepted. Booking in advance is required by visiting one of the links below. | Arts & Crafts Club Join Craft Club for a fun Thursday of crafting, free tea & coffee, and new friends! Thurs 16th & 30th Oct, 11am - 1pm, free Board Game Club Choose a game from our sizable library, bring your own, or join us on Facebook or Discord for more. All experience levels are welcome! There’s always a beginner’s table where you’ll be taught a simple game by one of our volunteers. Thurs 16th Oct, 7pm, £1 per person. Cash or card accepted. New Father’s Support For fathers of children aged 0-3. Find a supportive network of local dads to share your experiences with. Learn and grow together as you tackle this new challenge called Fatherhood. Tues 14th Oct, 8.30pm - 9.30pm, free |
Whiteley Sustainability Action GroupThe Sustainability team are doing some amazing work, and they need all the help they can get! Join a group full of friendly, passionate individuals dedicated to improving conditions around Whiteley and encouraging sustainable living. Wed 15th Oct, 7pm - 9pm |  |
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. Paused for the winter, back next year! 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 |
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Full Council Mondays at 7.15pm | 6th October, 3rd November, 1st December (if needed). |
Committees Wednesdays at 7pm | 15th October, 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. |
Community Safety Officer Sarah McCulloch | CSO 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 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. |