Staying Cool in Titchfield
With the current heatwave affecting Titchfield, it is important to take sensible steps to stay cool and protect your health. Temperatures can rise quickly during the day, especially in homes, cars, and outdoor spaces with little shade.
One of the simplest ways to keep cool is to stay hydrated. Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeinated drinks, which can contribute to dehydration. Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton can also help your body regulate its temperature.
Try to keep your home as cool as possible by closing curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows during the hottest parts of the day. Open windows in the early morning or late evening when the air is cooler. If you need to be outside, seek shade whenever possible and avoid strenuous activities during the afternoon, when temperatures are usually at their highest.
Take extra care of vulnerable people, including older adults, young children, and anyone with underlying health conditions. Pets also need plenty of fresh water and a cool place to rest.
By planning ahead, staying hydrated, and avoiding unnecessary heat exposure, residents of Titchfield can remain safer and more comfortable throughout the heatwave.
Met Office tips for keeping cool in hot weather
Author: Met Office
Tue 23 Jun 2026
Hot weather can be welcome, but when temperatures remain high for several days, it can pose risks to health and wellbeing.
While anyone can be affected, some people are more vulnerable, including older adults, those with underlying health conditions, and those exposed to heat through their work or living environment. Taking simple steps can help reduce these risks and keep you comfortable during periods of very warm or hot weather.
Why hot weather can be a concern
Prolonged heat can lead to dehydration, overheating, and in more serious cases, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. These conditions can develop quickly, particularly during periods of strong sunshine and high humidity, and it is important to recognise the risks early and take action to stay cool.
Staying cool indoors
Keeping your home cool is one of the most effective ways to manage high temperatures. Closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun can help prevent heat from building up indoors. While it may seem counterintuitive, keeping windows and doors closed during the hottest part of the day can help retain cooler air inside.
During the evening, when temperatures begin to fall, opening windows can help ventilate your home and allow cooler air to circulate. Spending time in the coolest part of the house, especially during the afternoon, can also help you stay comfortable.
READ MORE: How unusual is this week’s extreme heat, and why will it feel so intense?
Staying hydrated and avoiding heat stress
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential in hot weather. Water is the best option, and it is important to drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty. Reducing alcohol intake can also help prevent dehydration.
It is best to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. If you need to be active outdoors, try to plan this for the early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower. Carrying water with you, particularly when travelling, is also important, as journeys can sometimes take longer than expected.
Keeping safe in the sun
The sun is strongest between late morning and mid-afternoon, so limiting time outdoors during these hours can reduce the risk of heat-related illness. If you do need to go outside, staying in the shade, wearing a hat, and applying sunscreen can help protect against the sun’s intensity.
UV levels can be high during hot spells, increasing the risk of sunburn, so taking precautions is essential even on days with light cloud.
Supporting vulnerable people
Some people are more at risk during hot weather, including those who may find it difficult to adapt their routines. Checking in on friends, family members, or neighbours who may be vulnerable can make a significant difference. Ensuring they have access to water and a cool environment is particularly important.
It is also essential never to leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially children or pets, as temperatures can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.
READ MORE: UK could see 45°C by 2056, scientists reflect on 1976 heatwave anniversary
Recognising heat-related illness
Being aware of the signs of heat-related illness is key. Feeling unwell with a high temperature, dizziness, or unusual fatigue during hot weather may indicate heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Acting quickly by moving to a cooler place, hydrating, and seeking medical advice if needed can help prevent more serious complications.
Keeping pets safe
Pets are also vulnerable to hot weather and need extra care. Ensure they always have access to fresh water, shade, and a well-ventilated space. Walking dogs should be avoided during the hottest part of the day, with early morning or late evening being safer times.
Checking ground surfaces before walking pets is also important, as pavements can become extremely hot and cause injury. Providing cool areas and avoiding overexertion will help keep animals comfortable during periods of heat.
Planning ahead during hot spells
Staying informed about the latest weather conditions and any heat warnings can help you plan your day and take appropriate precautions. Simple steps, such as adjusting your routine, staying hydrated, and keeping your environment cool, can make a significant difference.
Periods of hot weather are expected to become more frequent, so understanding how to manage the heat is increasingly important. By taking practical steps and looking out for others, you can stay safe and make the most of summer conditions while reducing the risks linked to high temperatures.
Launching John Hiett’s latest book, "The Man in the Arena"
Titchfield author John Hiett has published his fifth book. It is a work of fiction, a cracking story of adventure and love, spread over four continents at the time of the second world war.
"The Man in the Arena" is told in the first person by the major characters, British, German and Yugoslav, demonstrating the different views of events of the time.
The characters are fictional, but they are s Readers of a sensitive nature et in real events and they interact with real people, Winston Churchill, Marshall Tito and Robert Maxwell.
Our hero, Charlie Mitchell, falls in love with Helen, daughter of an American diplomat in Nassau. Their romance is interrupted by the war. He becomes a British army officer and serves in North Africa before being dropped into Yugoslavia to help Marshall Tito harass the Germans there. He goes to Trieste to sabotage the German submarine pens but is captured by the Germans and sentenced to death.. He escapes into the chaos of northern Italy towards the end of the war, than makes his way to the glamour and intrigue of Vienna. There he learns that Helen has married his brother and become pregnant. He goes off the the rails but eventually makes his way via Germany to England, But to what?
The story has m ore twists and turns than an Agatha Christie novel. It has two endings. Readers of a sensitive nature can tear out the last chapter unread, leaving a hopeful conclusion. The more heroic can read on. No cheating. Don't read the last chapter first!
The book is available at all good booksellers and Amazon, from John (01329 315893) or from the Monk's Rest on Titchfield Square. It costs £12. The ISBN number is 978-1-915166-66-1
Titchfield Gardens Open Day
On Sunday, Titchfield bloomed with colour and community spirit as visitors wandered through a collection of beautiful private gardens opened specially for the annual Gardens Open Day.
From vibrant flower borders to peaceful hidden corners, each garden offered inspiration and delight.
Families, friends, and gardening enthusiasts enjoyed exploring the village while sharing refreshments and conversation along the way.
The event raised valuable funds for the Friends of St Peter’s Church, supporting the preservation of this cherished historic landmark at the heart of the community.
By day’s end, generosity, hard work, and sunshine combined to make the occasion a memorable success for all.
Titchfield Whalers entertain festival crowd
Local Sea Shanty group the Titchfield Whalers took to the water on board Gosport’s Haslar Lightship bar and restaurant to entertain visitors to Gosports Sea Shanty Festival.
The nine man group performed traditional sea shanty songs, including, of course, ‘What shall we do with the drunken saiilor’.
Following their appearance on the stern of the old lightship they were booked to appear another couple of times around the festival site.
Paddle protest
Protest takes to the water
Members of Surfers Against Sewage gathered at Hill Head Beach to protest against sewage pollution affecting local waters and marine life.
Demonstrators carried banners, collected litter, and called for stronger action from water companies and the government to prevent untreated sewage discharges into the sea.
The protest highlighted concerns about public health, declining water quality, and environmental damage impacting swimmers, surfers, and wildlife along the coast.
Organisers urged communities to support cleaner waterways through awareness campaigns, policy changes, and investment in sustainable infrastructure, stressing the importance of protecting beaches for future generations and preserving fragile marine ecosystems.
The event, organised by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), is part of a national day of action.
News of Titchfield Gardens Open day
Open Gardens - Sunday 7th June 2026 1-5pm
Come along to St Peter's Church from 1pm on Sunday 7th June and visit 12 beautiful gardens in and around Titchfield Village.
We have some old favourites for you to enjoy as well as some new gardens on show this year. A courtesy bus, kindly supplied by West Hill Park School, will be available so that you can easily reach the gardens located a little further from the village centre.
Enjoy some home made refreshments inside the church and in a couple of the gardens. Please take the opportunity to visit our interesting, ancient church.
All of the profits will be used to support the maintenance of St Peter's Church.
We look forward to seeing you.
Titchfield Festival Theatre closes
Posters on social media today are reporting the the controversial theatre complex in St Margaret’s Lane has closed.
A Titchfield Youth Theatre member is reporting the closure and appealing for a new venue locally.
One post states that tickets have been cancelled. Although the theatre’s own website makes no mention of the closure.
Titchfield Festival Theatre closes
Titchfield Festival Theatre closes
Posters on social media today are reporting the the controversial theatre complex in St Margaret’s Lane has closed.
A Titchfield Youth Theatre member is reporting the closure and appealing for a new venue locally.
One post states that tickets have been cancelled. Although the theatre’s own website makes no mention of the closure.
Art and Craft Show timings
This weekend sees the return of the very popular Titchfield Art and Craft at Titchfield Community Centre.
On show will be an impressive display of original art and crafts.
The Preview Evening on Friday is chance to enjoy view the work and purchase prior to the public opening on Saturday 11th
Friends of St Peter’s Brian Anderson Memorial Lecture 2026
The Life of St Wilfred
On Friday 6th March 2026 around 120 people from Titchfield and beyond congregated in St Peter’s Church to attend a lecture about the life of St Wilfred presented by Dr James Connelly. James is an Early Medievalist with a particular interest in exclusion and outlawry in early medieval societies.
He presented a very entertaining and informative account of the life of this 7th century missionary who travelled from Northumbria on a mission to establish christianity. Wilfred travelled to this area and is believed to have established Christianity throughout the MeonValley, including Titchfield.
The records show that he lived a full and interesting life, suffered periods of exile andtravelled to Rome on at least 4 occasions to petition the Pope. He seems to have been astrong minded man who in the eyes of some would have been considered a trouble makerwith a very strong will and a talent for getting things done.
The evening was very well received and the lecture elicited some interesting, thought provoking questions.
Our thanks to James for his presentation.
Art Show News
The 52nd Titchfield Art and Craft Show
Calling all artists, photographers and digital artists entry is now open for the 52nd Titchfield Art and craft show (see web link below).
Entry to the art show is not curated which is why it attracts so many artists from across the area to showcase their work. We are proud to display such beautiful and original art for sale, and we are always well supported by our local and further field communities. I think we can say safely say that the private viewing on Friday evening (tickets available) and the whole weekend is a diary event for many people.
One of the attractions at the Titchfield Art and Craft show is having both art and craft together in a warm and welcoming space. We also have our yummy Art-Tea Cafe supplied by Stubbington Bakery, with drinks and light snacks.
We have amazing crafters confirmed this year, and we already have nearly 200 artists entered. Please don’t delay, space is filling up and we would love to welcome you and your art submissions.
Bridge Street flooded
Flood alert for Lower Meon
Following a prolonged period of heavy rain falling further up the Meon valley Titchfield faces flooded roads, paths and fields.
Most cars were turning back
This from the .Gov Flood Service…
High river levels on Tuesday may lead to flooding.
Flooding is possible on 27 January 2026 from 12:00, as a lot of rain (27mm) fell overnight.
Flooding could affect fields at Titchfield Hill with high water levels at Titchfield Mill, Bridge Cottage and the Tanneries Industrial Estate. While groundwater and river levels are currently high, any intense rainfall events are now likely to cause surface water flooding in Titchfield High Street. Showers are forecast to continue this morning. River levels and flood risk are likely to remain elevated into next week. We will issue a Flood Warning if we expect property flooding to occur.
We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and managing water levels in the Titchfield Canal.
Consider activating any flood protection products you may have . Particularly properties close to the river in Titchfield.
A FoSP event not to be missed
The Life of St Wilfred talk
The Life of St Wilfred; Missionary, Exile & Builder of Churches
The constitution of FoSP states that one of our core objectives is to educate and inform about the history of our ancient church building. For this purpose, after the death of Brian Anderson, one of the founders of the charity, the Brian Anderson Memorial Lecture was established.
As part of this series, Dr James Connelly will take us through the fascinating life of St Wilfred through a combination of lecture and storytelling.
St Wilfred, founder of the churches along the Meon including our very own St Peter's Church in Titchfield, had an incredibly interesting life with careers spanning from preacher, to missionary, to politician, to exile, to reformer.
Dr Connelly will cover key events such as St Wilfred's travels across Europe, becoming a champion of the Papacy, and the Synod of Whitby where he convinced King Oswyu of Northumbria to follow the Roman Church, rather than the Irish Church.
Dr Connelly is a social and cultural historian specialising in the early Middle Ages in England. He received his PhD from the University of Winchester, with a thesis exploring the development of social exclusionary punishments and outlawry in England. His current research focuses on the wanderers and exiles of early medieval England, which St Wilfred can count himself as one of!
Where is this event? St Peter's Church, Titchfield
When is it? Friday 6th March
What are the timings for the evening?
Doors Open and Licensed Bar Opens at 7pm
Lecture Starts 7.30pm
How much are tickets, and where do I purchase them from?
Tickets are £10 per person. All proceeds from this event goes to FoSP.
Tickets can be purchased in person from Hays Travel in Titchfield or online via this link: The Life of St Wilfred TicketSource
Tickets can be purchased on the door, but as seats in the church are limited, we advise pre-booking.
We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible! Non-members are welcome so please invite friends and family to this interesting and educational evening.
FoSP in 2025
Friends of St Peter’s year round-up
As 2025 draws to an end we wanted to send out a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported FoSP this year! Through events alone, we raised over £5,000 this year - a staggering amount - all of which goes towards the repair, maintenance and preservation of our St Peter's Church in the heart of Titchfield Village!
As a reminder of all of the wonderful things we have celebrated together this year, please see some of our highlights below:
We kicked off the year in March, setting sail to "Titchfield-by-the-Sea", an evening of Fish'n'Chips, sea shanties and a nautical quiz! A huge thanks goes to The Titchfield Whalers who treated us to a variety of traditional sea shanties familiar to many and with a good excuse to have an old fashioned sing song - Aye Aye Captain!
We held our annual AGM in June and it was great to see so many faces in attendance at St Peter's Church where we re-capped the 2024-2025 financial year and former Chair Mary Yearley handed over to new Chair Pam Pritchard who gave some really valuable updates in terms of what we raised throughout the year and what exciting and necessary projects we donated to too.
A huge thank you to Mary for her dedicated work to the FoSP charity! We also took the opportunity to formally say a big thank you to Pat Shirley for her years of service to FoSP!
In September we held a "Jazz in the Barn" evening - back for the first time since 2022 by popular demand! Another huge thank you goes to Atlantic Jazz who blew us away with a repertoire of classic and modern jazz standards in the beautiful venue of The Great Barn. I hope you can agree that it was a beautiful venue - do let us know if you have any ideas for more events you would like to see in the future!
The Madding Crowd in the Church
Then in December, we were treated to not one but two amazing festive events. Firstly we had our Georgian Christmas evening on 13th December - a wonderful evening of traditional music, readings and a mummers play, reminiscent of how the festive period would have been celebrated in Titchfield all those years ago. Another huge thanks goes to The Madding Crowd for entertaining us!
The conservation of these historic traditions requires a huge amount of time and dedication so not only was it a real privilege to see these efforts in action, we also felt it reflected the same values as we try to at FoSP; preserving history for future generations!
And lastly, to conclude our year, we held the annual Titchfield tradition of "Carols Around the Tree" - although unlike other years the weather tried to scupper our plans so it was held instead inside our beautiful St Peters Church! The committee did a stellar job in making lots of last minute changes to accomodate the inclement weather, setting up the church with a candle walkway entrance and the continued tradition of warm mulled wine and mince pies. Our last huge thank you goes to Solent Community Choir who treated us to a wonderful performance and got in the festive spirit.
Looking ahead to 2026, please pencil in your diaries the 7th June for the return of our Open Gardens! We have the return of many of last year's amazing gardens plus the promise of some new gardens to look around. Further details will be released in the New Year. Please start crossing your fingers for good weather!
Lastly, a huge thank you to the FoSP Committee and everyone who has volunteered their time and efforts to help arrange events during the year and help raise money for our beloved church building!
As ever we hope to continue to facilitate open communication, so please reach out if you would like to be involved, if you have any suggestions for next year or if you would like to hear any more about the work that we do!
From everyone here at FoSP, we hope that you have had a restful and joyous festive period and we wish you a healthy and happy year ahead. We hope to continue to bring you exciting new events that raise us money for St Peter's Church so that it can continue to be celebrated for generations to come!
Track Santa as he delivers presents around the world
Santa visits Titchfield
Log on and track Santa as he soars around the world delivering presents.
Watch live as he flys over Titchfield.
`Click HERE to go to the special website created by NORAD
Carols and Madding Crowd a rousing success
Chruch venue for Carols
Friends of St Peter’s spent December getting Titchfield into the festive spirit whilst raising money towards the protection of the historic church building at the heart of Titchfield village.
First was an evening hosted alongside Titchfield History Society, where guests were transported back by The Madding Crowd, veteran performers who treated attendees to an evening of contemporary carols, readings and a mummers play all whilst dressed in the traditional costume of the early 1800s.
It was a fantastic evening and quite the spectacle, and the cause of preserving history for future generations is close to FoSP’s heart.
The second event hosted in December was Titchfield’s annual ‘Carols Around The Tree’, though this year the inclement weather meant that Solent Community Choir joined us for mince pies and mulled wine inside St Peter’s Church itself.
Beginning with a blessing from Rev Thatcher it was wonderful to see faces old and new at this lovely tradition, and a highlight of the evening was a song sung by the children at the front of the church.
Together, these events raised £1895.50. Another highlight of the Titchfield calendar, the return of Open Gardens, will take place 7th June 2026.
Yarnbombers bring the Christmas spirit to the village
A Yule tide Yarnbombing ttreat for Titchfield
A Christmas Celebration
Get into the Christmas spirit
Fareham Philharmonic Choir Christmas Concert
Featuring Christus Natus Est by Cecila McDowall, supported by the usual mix of carols, some for audience participation, and other festive music.
Saturday 13th December at 7.30 pm
Holy Trinity Church, Fareham, PO16 0EL
Tickets £18, accompanied under 16s free
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FKGQ
choir members or on the door
email: concertmanager@fpchoir.org Tel: 07803 908741
Free car parking at rear of church
The BIG tree is up!
Christmas has officialy arrived in Titchfield
Time to collect your tree
From 9.30 am today you can collect a tree for outside your house
The ‘tree team’ have your tree all ready foe collection from the barn in West Street
Launch of book all about Titchfield old and new
A great Christmas gift
THE NEW BOOK IS HERE AND WILL BE ON SALE THIS COMING SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER AT - MONKS REST COFFEE HOUSE, THE SQUARE
From 10am till 3pm
It tells the story through old and new photographs of the trades and shops that were once abundant in the village.
Christmas present solved........
Look forward to seeing you and perhaps hearing about your memories from these times.
'THROUGH THE WINDOWS OF TIME' - Just £10.00
Community Centre News
Helping to save the planet
Titchfield Community Centre needs your help.
Food Collection
We are now a collection point for Waypoint Church & Fareham Food Pantry and have a collection basket placed at the Entrance of the Centre. They would welcome donations of non-perishable food items, drinks and toiletries including nappies.
Save the Planet
Do you want to help protect the planet? Did you know you cannot recycle plastic sweet tubs in your normal recycling bins? Please drop off any clean empty plastic Roses, Celebrations, Quality Street tubs at the Centre and help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Collections every Wednesday evening.
Fundraising
We are hosting a Christmas Bingo Afternoon on Friday 12th December from 2-4pm. Entry is just £3 per person, and Bingo Books are £5 & £10 each.
We will soon be selling our very Popular Christmas Cards. These are £1.50 for 1 or £5 for 4. Watch this space.
Our very well attended Tea Dance is back every Tuesday and Come Dancing is held Monthly. They are also holding a special Christmas Dance and a New Years Eve Dance. Please contact the office for more information.
All Proceeds from the above go the Titchfield Community Association. If you are unable to attend but would like to donate any raffle prizes these would very much be appreciated.
Titchfield Act of Remembrance
Sunday 9th November 2025
A short video of Sunday’s Remembrance Day service at the Titchfield War Memorial.
