Medstead Guide
The guide provides an introduction to the main village organisations, social and interest groups, and a directory of local services.
Medstead has a large number of active interest groups and many regular village events, which help make our village a friendly community, with an active social life.
- Our traditional annual Village Fête is held in July on the Village Green and in the Village Hall, with a parade, stalls, refreshments and entertainment. It raises money for village causes under the auspices of the Fête Committee.
- A Harvest Supper, organised by St. Andrew's Church, is held in the Village Hall in September and all residents are welcome.
- In October the annual Mick Carter Memorial Walk raises funds for the Medstead over-60s New Year's Party, held in January in the Village Hall.
- In December the village gathers on the Green for festive carols, lights and a visit from Father Christmas.
Note: Following a serious fire on December 20th, 2009, Medstead Village Hall suffered extensive damage and is closed until further notice. Events scheduled there have been relocated. Please check with individual organisations listed in the guide for specific details.
Badminton
The Ladies' Badminton Club was started in the early 'seventies and is a very friendly club which goes out of its way to welcome new members. Although we are competitive we play it for fun. We meet in the Village Hall on Wednesday mornings between 10.00am and 12.30pm all year round.
Monday Badminton has been running for many years and we cater for all adult age groups, with a very mixed bunch of ladies and gentlemen who play friendly games. We are a very social club and always welcome new members, meeting in the Village Hall every Monday evening, between September and July, from 8.15pm to 10.30pm.
| Contact: | Mrs K Whitcher |
| Telephone: | 01420 562123 |
Best Foot Forward
Best Foot Forward aims to provide a high standard of dance teaching in a relaxed, friendly and fun atmosphere so each pupil has the opportunity to develop and become confident in their own abilities.
Regular dance courses are held on Wednesday evenings, at St. Andrew's Church Hall: 8.00-9.00pm for beginners and 9.00-10.00pm for improvers. Courses are between 6 and 10 weeks in length, during school term times, with a maximum of 8 couples per class.
Qualified UKA and NATD Ballroom and Latin Dance teacher and member of the ISTD, Alan Amor teaches all rhythms, including: Waltz, Quickstep, Cha Cha Cha, Ballroom, Jive, Sequence and party dances. If you have never danced before or want to improve, Alan will be pleased to show you how.
| Contact: | Alan Amor |
| Telephone: | 01420 564066 or 07758 589441 | Email: |
Body Moves
Dance your way to fitness with Body Moves! Treat yourself to an hour away from the stresses and strains of life and enjoy this lively, friendly class which combines a variety of dance styles with body conditioning and general keep-fit. Led by a Keep Fit Association tutor and member of the Register of Exercise Professionals, classes are suitable for all ages and abilities.
They are also fun and informal (we laugh a lot) and aim to exercise your mind as well as your body! Music ranges from current chart hits and pop classics to light classical, anything which encourages good movement. Come along for a trial session, you will be made most welcome. Don't forget to bring a drink and wear suitable clothing. Classes are held in the Village Hall on Tuesdays between 2.00pm and 3.00pm.
| Contact: | Sheron Gillard |
| Telephone: | 01420 560065 |
| Website: | Body Moves |
Broadlands Group Riding For The Disabled
Broadlands has been providing riding lessons to riders with physical and learning difficulties since 1955. In addition to adults and children from the local area, pupils from Shepherds Down School and Treloars School ride regularly. Broadlands now provides over 1,000 rides every year.
Our wonderful ponies help the riders to have fun and improve their lives. As well as the ponies we have an enthusiastic team of helpers ensuring the riders have fun during their lesson and make as much progress as possible.
We raise all our own funds through collections, sponsored events and requests to trusts and foundations to ensure we can care for the ponies, maintain the facilities and continue to improve the lives of those with a disability.
If you would like to be involved in the success and happiness the helpers create at Broadlands, please get in touch.
| Contact: | Suzanne Stratford |
| Address: | Broadlands Riding Centre, Medstead, Hampshire, GU34 5PX. |
| Telephone: | 01420 563382 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Broadlands Riding Centre |
Citizens Advice Bureau
As a voluntary body, depending on grants, charity contributions and volunteer help, the Citizens Advice Bureau can offer independent and impartial advice. They deal with enquiries on a wide range of topics, including employment issues, consumer matters, benefits, debt, housing, legal and relationship issues.
They offer a drop-in service from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Mondays to Thursdays, and can be contacted via:
| Address: | 7, Cross and Pillory Lane Alton. |
| Telephone: | 01420 84399 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Citizens Advice Bureau |
Confident Kids Theatre
Boost your child's confidence with a monthly workshop of 1½ hours for children aged 6-11 years old (School Years 1-6), on Saturdays in the Village Hall. The tutors are all ex-professional actresses trained at the highly respected Guildford School of Acting. Children are taken through drama, dance and song with the emphasis on having fun.
| Contact: | Michelle Anderson |
| Telephone: | 01420 561558 |
| Email: |
Dentists, Doctors, Hospitals & Physiotherapy
Local dental practices include:
Anstey Road Dental Practice
Address: 54, Anstey Road, Alton.
Telephone: 01420 83589
K P Collins
Address: 56, Normandy Street, Alton.
Telephone: 01420 87756
Kingsclere Dental Practice
Address: 90, Normandy Street, Alton.
Telephone: 01420 82365
T Langford, A Hudson & H Chappel
Address: Apollonia House, 2, Amery Street, Alton.
Telephone: 01420 84443
M Yewe-Dyer
Address: The Alton Health Centre, Anstey Road, Alton.
Telephone: 01420 590085
Local medical practices, which come under NHS Hampshire and NHS Hampshire Community Health Care, include:
Boundaries Surgery
Address: Winchester Road, Four Marks.
Telephone: 01420 562153
Watercress Medical Group
Address: Mansfield Park Surgery, Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead.
Telephone: 01420 562922
The nearest hospitals include:
Alton Community Hospital
Address: Chawton Park Road, Alton.
Telephone: 01420 82811
Basingstoke & North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke.
Telephone: 01256 473202
Winchester & Eastleigh NHS Trust
Address: Romsey Road, Winchester.
Telephone: 01962 863535
Other practices include:
Burchfield Physiotherapy Practice
Address: Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead.
Telephone: 01420 563200
Medstead Osteopathic Practice
Address: Lymington Barns, Lymington Bottom Road, Medstead.
Telephone: 01420 565644
Medstead Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic
Address: Harfields, Wield Road, Medstead.
Telephone: 01420 560026
Emergency Telephone Numbers
| Ambulance, Fire, Police | 999 or 112 |
| Dental Help Line: dental emergencies. | 0845 0508345 |
| Electricity: emergencies | 08000 727282 |
| Gas: first turn off gas supply and open windows | 0800 111999 |
| NHS Direct: 24 hours/365 days health advice | 0845 4647 |
| RSPCA: animal emergencies and enquiries | 08705 555999 |
| Samaritans: 24 hours/365 days if you are in despair | 01962 860633 or 0845 7909090 |
| Water: emergencies | 0845 6021724 |
Friends of Medstead School (FOMS)
FOMS organises events to raise funds for the benefit of all the children at Medstead School, to complement their education and provide facilities over and above those from the Local Education Authority.
FOMS is committed to the organisation of events that are fun, enhance community relations and provide social entertainment for children and parents alike. Recent events include discos for adults and children, Christmas Fayres, Quiz Evenings, dinner dances and stalls at the School and Village Fêtes.
These have raised funds towards, for example, a new adventure playground, updating the school library, reception playground refurbishment including playhouse, sandpit and toys, digital cameras for each classroom, a sensory garden and a reading chair.
FOMS is run by an elected Committee of 'Friends' (usually parents) and teachers who are appointed annually at our AGM held at the start of the Autumn term. Dates of meetings and information are published on the FOMS notice board, found by the school gate facing the car park.
| Contact: | Headteacher, Mr Ian Waine, or Chairperson, Catherine Simons |
| Address: | FOMS, Medstead Church of England Primary School, Roedowns Road, Medstead, Hampshire, GU34 5LG. |
| Telephone: | 01420 562824 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Medstead School |
Friends of St. Andrew's Church (FOSAC)
Many will see St. Andrew's for its historical and architectural value, as a building which enhances the character of our village. It is used by nearly all villagers at some time for weddings, baptisms and funerals, as well as for regular church worship.
However, whilst the function and spirit of St. Andrew's is timeless, the building itself is not!
FOSAC, a registered charity, was formed in 2001 in response to the many offers by the villagers of Medstead, to assist the church's regular congregation in the maintenance and restoration of this fine Grade II listed building.
FOSAC aims to encourage the wider community to participate, in whatever way possible, in the preservation of this unique and ancient building for future generations.
| Contact: | Chris Oulton, Chairman or Bill Davis, Honorary Treasurer |
| Telephone: | 01420 562106 |
| Fax: | 01420 562426 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | St. Andrew's Church, Medstead |
Hog The Limelight
The Hog the Limelight scheme is Hampshire County Council's programme which enables professional touring theatrical and arts productions to visit rural communities.
Medstead has participated in the scheme for several years. As a result, not only do top notch professional productions come to the Village, but thousands of pounds are contributed towards improvements to the Village Hall: a win-win all round.
| Contact: | Mike Overy |
| Telephone: | 01420 562378 |
| Website: | Hog The Limelight |
Jubilee Church
We are a group of ordinary people from many walks of life, who have found that knowing Jesus makes a difference in our lives. Our desire is to establish an effective, lively, Bible-based church, displaying God's love throughout Four Marks, Medstead and the surrounding area.
From a core group of nine people in 2003 committed to starting this exciting new church we have continued to see steady growth, experiencing several people coming to faith in Jesus for the first time and seeing many others restored in their faith.
We are part of Salt and Light Ministries an international family of leaders and churches. We are also a member of the Evangelical Alliance. We meet at 10.00am every Sunday in the Village Hall.
| Contact: | Doug & Chris Titheridge |
| Address: | 7, Lymington Bottom Road, Four Marks, Hampshire, GU34 5DL. |
| Telephone: | 01420 562014 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Jubilee Church |
Library
The nearest library is Alton Library, on Vicarage Hill. A mobile library service, Petersfield library's link 7, route 3, visits Medstead every other Wednesday, stopping at Goatacre, Soldridge, St Lucy's, Greenstile and Hussell Lane, currently from noon onwards. Route 10 visits Lymington Bottom and Boyneswood Close every other Thursday, currently at 12.15pm and 3.00pm.
| Contact: | Hampshire Libraries |
| Telephone: | 08456 035631 / 01329 225391 |
| Website: | Hampshire Libraries |
Local Councillors & Elected Representatives
Medstead is part of the Four Marks and Medstead Ward of East Hampshire District Council; the Medstead and Selborne Hampshire County Council Division; the East Hampshire Parliamentary Constituency and the South East European Constituency. In 2004, the electoral roll contained 1565 names.
In addition to Medstead Parish Council, Medstead's local councils are:
East Hampshire District Council
Telephone: 01730 266551
Hampshire County Council
Telephone: 0845 603 5638
Medstead's local councillors are:
Hampshire County Councillor, Alton Rural:
Mark Kemp-Gee, Conservative
Email:
Telephone: 01420 563550
East Hampshire District Councillor, Four Marks & Medstead:
Maurice Johnson MBE, Conservative
Email:
Telephone: 01420 563329
Medstead's elected representatives are:
Member Of Parliament, East Hampshire:
Michael Mates, Conservative
European Parliament, South East Constituency:
Your MEPs
Medstead Bowls Club
Medstead Bowls Club is very much a village green type of club, with an emphasis on informal games, members' internal competitions and friendly matches against other local clubs. For the more competitive we also enter a team in the Stan Hardman League, based in Basingstoke, which holds matches every Thursday throughout the summer.
Our green is unusual in having a well drained, all-weather playing surface of simulated grass which allows play throughout the year, including a Ladies vs. Gentlemen match on New Year's Day. We also have a short mat rink indoors for use in inclement weather.
Membership fees are kept as low as possible. For the current, 2009-10, season, a year's full membership costs £64. Casual visitors may also play at a charge of £2 per two-hour session. Casual roll-up games are played every Wednesday at 2.00pm and on Fridays at 6.00pm in the summer and 2.00pm in the winter.
As well a playing bowls we have a strong social side and try to hold a social event every month, throughout the year. We are able to cater for up to 60 people in our own clubroom, using our own well-equipped kitchen.
| Contact: | Wilf Robinson |
| Telephone: | 01420 560014 |
Medstead Carpet Racers, Model Car Club
We are a British Radio Car Association (BRCA) affiliated club and race 1/10th scale touring cars on BRCA approved carpet. Racing usually takes place every other Friday night in the Village Hall. The Hall is normally open from 6.30pm for setting up, booking in finishes at 7.30pm with the first race soon afterwards.
New members are always welcome, as are beginners, and help and advice is freely given.
| Contact: | Graham Franklin |
| Telephone: | 01420 541900 |
| Website: | British Radio Car Association |
Medstead Church of England Primary School
Medstead School provides high quality primary education for 210 children aged between 5 and 11 years old. The school also has places for 8 profoundly deaf children, supported by British Sign Language Communicators and qualified Teachers of the Deaf.
The school motto together we learn, chosen by the children, embraces the ethos of teamwork which pervades the school, which also has a strong Christian ethos. The school takes seriously its responsibility for providing for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of their children.
Medstead is a high-achieving school with standards well above the national average. The school is committed to children learning through a variety of experiences which fully engage pupils. This "active learning" approach is embodied in day to day practice and in the planning of the curriculum.
To meet statutory requirements the governors publish the latest school profile on the UK government's direct.gov website.
The school also runs a breakfast club in partnership with Medstead Pre-School to provide child care and a healthy breakfast from 8.00am. At the end of the school day, Medstead After School Club (MASC) provides after-school care until 6.00pm.
| Contact: | Headteacher, Mr. Ian Waine |
| Address: | Medstead Church of England Primary School, Roedowns Road, Medstead, Hampshire, GU34 5LG. |
| Telephone: | 01420 562824 |
| Fax: | 01420 562451 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Medstead School |
Medstead Cricket Club
The cricket club is a member of the Hampshire Cricket League, and we play league matches every Saturday between May and the end of August and Sunday friendly cricket until the end of September. We also offer midweek evening Twenty20 cricket and, during the winter, indoor 6-a-side cricket at Alton Sports Centre.
Thursday evenings are practice nights on the Village Green for adults, and we also have an Under-9 section, which we plan to develop into Under-11, Under-13, etc. over the next few years.
The club will always welcome new faces. So if you are considering taking up the game from scratch, or perhaps starting again after a few years "in the outfield", please join us.
| Contact: | Ken Kercher, Club Secretary, or Andy Tingey |
| Telephone: | 01420 563553 or 01420 563626 |
| Website: | Medstead Cricket Club |
Medstead Fête Committee
Medstead Village Fête is held on the second Saturday in July and takes place on the Village Green and in the Village Hall. The Fête is based on traditional activities and stalls, including craft and trade stands along with entertainment and family fun games such as egg throwing, bouncy castle, hoopla, coconut shy, etc. We also provide a BBQ using locally produced meat and a beer tent, again serving locally produced ales and other refreshments.
The Fête aims to provide our community with a fun event for all the family and in the process raise funds which can be put back into supporting village good causes. It is run by a local Committee who all donate their time and effort in organising the annual event.
The Fête Committee receive requests from local organisations and groups within the village for funds for special activities and a decision process is used to allocate the funds from the previous year's Fête.
The Fête relies heavily on the community to assist with the running of stalls, entering the procession and generally helping out. Assistance and support is always welcome.
| Contact: | Mark Bowman, Secretary Medstead Fête Committee |
| Telephone: | 01420 562429 |
Medstead Gardeners Club
Club meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month (except January and August) in the Village Hall at 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Meetings normally feature a guest speaker, though from time to time social evenings are organised. At most meetings there is a competition for the best home grown flower and vegetable; there is also a monthly raffle. The Club has its own reference library of specialist gardening books which members may borrow.
An annual plant sale open to the public is held in May and members are encouraged to contribute. The Club also holds an annual flower and produce show in July where members and non-members may exhibit. Club visits to gardens of interest are arranged each year. Occasional 4-day Club tours to gardens further afield are also offered.
Annual membership is currently £4 per person. Discounts are available at local garden centres and nurseries on production of a valid membership card. New members and visitors are always very welcome!
| Contact: | Zoe Fenwick, Secretary |
| Telephone: | 01420 564210 |
| Email: |
Medstead Guides & Brownies
For more information on Medstead Guides:
| Contact: | Pippa Mackett |
| Telephone: | 01420 563225 |
| Email: |
For more information on Medstead Brownies:
| Contact: | Di Marlow |
| Telephone: | 01420 564481 |
| Website: | Girl Guiding |
Medstead Lawn Tennis Club
Situated in the centre of Medstead, the Club has three courts all floodlit. Coaching is available and there is a Club Evening each Thursday. There is also a Saturday morning coaching session for young people. Facilities are good and play is continuous throughout the year. The Club enters several teams into the East Hants District Leagues for members who wish to play competitive tennis. There is ample opportunity for social games and membership is open to all including beginners.
Come along and talk to us, you will be most welcome.
| Contact: | Scilla Winchester, Membership Secretary |
| Telephone: | 01420 83156 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Medstead Lawn Tennis Club |
Medstead Neighbourhood Watch
Regrettably, we are not immune from crime and there have been occasional burglaries in the area. Residents are reminded to be vigilant.
A Neighbourhood Watch scheme operates in the village, bringing local people together to address crime, anti-social behaviour and disorder, as well as keeping an eye on each other's property.
| Contact: | Peter Gibson, Coordinator |
| Telephone: | 01420 562905 |
| Website: | Hampshire Neighbourhood Watch |
Medstead Old Time Dance Club
Our club has been running for over sixty years, with practice dance evenings every Wednesday between 8.00pm and 10.30pm from September to May, in the Village Hall. Entrance fee £1.00.
We also have a monthly dance with live bands or CDs, held every last Saturday from September to May between 7.45pm and 11.30pm, again in the Village Hall.
We do old time sequence dances as well as trying to learn new ones. Everyone is welcome: young or old, dancers or learners.
| Contact: | Phillip, Leader or Terry Pridell, Chairman |
| Telephone: | 01420 84513 or 01962 732934 |
Medstead Parish Council
Medstead Parish Council has 9 councillors representing local people. It is responsible for public open spaces, such as the Village Green and its facilities. It also owns two further ponds and the area known as The Knapp, on South Town Road. The war memorial and churchyard are also maintained by the Parish Council. Medstead Cemetery is owned and managed by the Parish Council.
As the third tier of local government the Parish Council has frequent contact with East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council. The Parish Clerk will assist residents in facilitating a response from these bodies on matters under their jurisdiction, for example roads and refuse collection, but the Parish Council has no responsibility for these areas.
Medstead Parish Council meets every two months - in January, March, May, July, September and November - on the third Tuesday at 7.45pm in the Village Hall. The Annual Parish Meeting is held in April each year. All meetings are open to the public.
At the beginning of every Council meeting there is an open session where residents of the Parish can ask questions or make suggestions or comments on any topics related to Parish Council business.
Planning matters are handled by a Planning Committee which meets as required. Details of the next meeting can be obtained from the Parish Clerk. The Parish Council are not responsible for planning decisions, however East Hampshire District Council is obliged to seek their views on planning matters relevant to the Parish.
Details of your local Parish Councillors are available on the Parish Council notice boards and in the Medstead Times.
| Contact: | Parish Clerk, Errol O'Farrell |
| Address: | Paxfield, Paice Lane, Medstead, Hampshire, GU34 5PR. |
| Telephone: | 01420 564231 |
| Email: | |
| Contact: | Footpath Warden, John McIlree | Email: |
Medstead Parish Plan Committee
The committee was formed in February 2007 from a group of volunteers and Parish Council representatives with the objective of producing a Parish Plan.
The aim of the Parish Plan was "to prepare a comprehensive view from those who live in the Parish of how they wish to see it develop over the next ten years".
After a detailed consultation exercise, the Plan was presented to the community in April 2008, adopted by the Parish Council in May 2008 and distributed to households in July 2008.
The Committee, together with the Parish, District and County Councils and other agencies are now in the process of delivering the actions highlighted in the Plan, one of which is the production of this Welcome Guide.
There are many opportunities for volunteers to become involved in delivering the Plan by joining one of the implementation groups either as a committee member or supporter:
- The Parish Plan Committee who monitor and support delivery of the Action Plan.
- The Communications Group who support improvements in the dissemination of information throughout the Parish.
- The Environmental Group who deliver the environmental initiatives identified in the Plan, including improvements to the Village Green and the Greening Medstead campaign.
| Contact: | Peter Fenwick, Chairman |
| Telephone: | 01420 564210 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Medstead Parish Plan |
Medstead Players
The Players were founded in 1977 when a few people got together to put on a variety show on the then new Village Hall stage. Since then the group have put on around 75 productions in and around Medstead and raised thousands of pounds for various local and national charities.
The productions vary enormously in scope and style and are well received. A whole range of skills are necessary to ensure a successful production. As well as acting, we design and build sets, paint and decorate, make and find costumes, operate the sound and lights, hunt out props, direct, prompt, stage manage and script write. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month, usually in the Wiltshire room at the Village Hall. We are a friendly group, always keen for new members.
| Contact: | Jenny Overy, Membership Secretary |
| Telephone: | 01420 563260 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Medstead Players |
Medstead Pre-School & Nursery
Highly regarded Medstead Pre-School and Nursery is a community-run setting, located in the grounds of Medstead Church Of England Primary School. A Registered Charity, affiliated to the Pre-School Learning Alliance, they are also registered with, and approved by, OFSTED.
Children learn more skills during their first five years than at any other time in their lives. The Pre-School helps children develop at their own rate through constructive play, coaching and small group structured activities, supporting and facilitating the all-round development of the individual child in line with 'Every Child Matters'.
The Pre-School also provides a Total Communication environment for the education of Hearing Impaired children, supported through the use of British Sign Language.
| Contact: | Pat Brough |
| Address: | Medstead Pre-School & Nursery, Roedowns Road, Medstead, Hampshire, GU34 5LG. |
| Telephone: | 01420 561028 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Medstead Pre-School & Nursery |
Medstead Scouts, Cubs & Beavers
1st Medstead Scout group has active sections for Beavers (ages 6 to 8), Cubs (ages 8 to 10½) and Scouts (10½ to 14). Meetings are currently held in the Village Hall on Monday evenings, but we are looking to expand into our own Scout Hut and on different nights.
All sections have very active programmes and are involved in many District arranged activities as well as our own sleepovers, hikes and camping activities.
| Contact: | Tim Warren, Group Scout Leader |
| Telephone: | 07783 439388 |
| Email: |
Medstead is part of the Rotherfield Scout District, covering Alresford, Alton and Bordon, which provides Scouting for those aged over 14. The District has several Explorer units for 14-18 year olds and a network unit for 18-25 year olds. The District also has an active fellowship section which supports district activities as well as a number of Adult support roles.
| Contact: | Allan Coombs, District Commissioner |
| Telephone: | 01420 563906 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Rotherfield Scout District |
Medstead Table Tennis Club
The Club meets every Thursday evening throughout the year, except for Bank Holidays, in the Village Hall, between 8.00pm and 11.00pm. Our club is open to people of all ages and is run very informally, in a friendly and relaxed way. Being the only club in the Alton and District Sports Committee area, there is neither the opportunity nor the desire for competition at present.
It is an inexpensive sport costing adults less than a pound a week and children and young people in full-time education half that amount. Unfortunately, the venue is not currently available at an earlier time to encourage a more youthful membership. If you wish to play just come along or speak to:
| Contact: | David Bird |
| Telephone: | 01420 563425 |
Medstead Times
The Medstead Times is our local village magazine, published monthly, to provide residents with news, views and information about our village. It contains details of our many village organisations, what they do, who to contact and how to join.
Contact details of many local businesses are carried in the advertising section, so if you need a plumber, electrician, builder, or even someone to frame your pictures, you need look no further than the Medstead Times.
All profits from the sale of the magazine are used for the development of the Village Hall and all work to produce it, apart from the printing, is voluntary.
The subscription for a full year is £6 and this will give you 12 issues, delivered to your door at the beginning of each month. If you would like to add your household to our readership please use the subscription form periodically provided in the Medstead Times, or contact the Manager.
| Contact: | Lesley Rae, Manager |
| Telephone: | 01420 563916 |
Medstead Toddler Group
We meet every Thursday during school term time in the Village Hall between 9.30am and 11.30am, for parents, carers and toddlers aged 0-4 years old to come along for fun, play and chat.
We have a safe baby area, lots of toys, trampolines, a slide, books and puzzles. We provide refreshments and biscuits for the parents and children.
Each week we do a new craft activity and have a short singing session towards the end of the group.
We are a voluntary run group and provide an excellent opportunity to meet others with similar aged children in the area. We pride ourselves on being a friendly group with a wide variety of things to do.
| Contact: | Cathryn Hewett |
| Telephone: | 01420 568134 |
Medstead United Reformed Church
The United Reformed Church gives a warm welcome to the residents of Medstead. Being a United Reformed Church, we include Methodists, Congregationalists, Baptists and anyone who wishes to worship. We would be very pleased to meet you in our Church, situated on South Town Road.
We have different speakers every Sunday who come from a wide area and all walks of life. They range from Ministers from Methodist Churches, Church of England clergy and lay preachers. As soon as you enter the Church you will be greeted with a warm welcome. The Church is very nicely decorated with carpets, upholstered chairs and lovely flower arrangements.
Services are held on Sunday at 11.00am. Holy Communion is held on the second Sunday in the month and we have coffee after the family service on the fourth Sunday. There are also arrangements for children who come to our Services, contact Joy Giles (01420 562457) for more information.
| Contact: | Elsie Andrew, Secretary |
| Address: | South Town Road, Medstead, Hampshire, GU34 5JF. |
| Telephone: | 01420 562359 |
| Website: | United Reformed Church |
Medstead Village Hall
Medstead Village Hall is available to hire in whole or part to individuals, businesses, clubs and organisations.
It has rooms ideal for birthday parties, classes, concerts, conferences, dances, drama, fund raising events, indoor sports, performances, private functions, public meetings, training courses, wedding receptions, workshops, etc.
The Main Hall has capacity for 200 people (up to 150 seated around tables), the Small Hall ('Wiltshire Room') capacity for 50 people and the Meeting Room ('Committee Room') capacity for 10 people.
Facilities include a fully fitted, well equipped kitchen with china and cutlery available for hire, separate bar area, raised stage for bands and performances, ample chairs and tables and patio area overlooking the Village Green. For booking enquiries:
| Contact: | Mrs K Whitcher |
| Telephone: | 01420 562123 |
| Website: | Medstead Village Hall |
Medstead Village Website
The medstead.org website is run as a community resource supporting current, former and new residents and visitors to the area. It includes a wealth of local information on Medstead and places nearby via its 25 plus pages and links to other sites of interest.
| Contact: | Mike Overy, webmaster |
| Telephone: | 01420 562378 |
| Website: | medstead.org |
Medstead Voluntary Care Group (MVCG)
MVCG helps those in Medstead who need transport to hospital, dental and doctors' appointments, collection of prescriptions/pensions or assistance with shopping. In certain circumstances it can also provide practical help and emergency meals. It is a registered charity and is run entirely by unpaid volunteers in the village. It asks for donations for its services only to cover transport costs.
MVCG always welcomes new volunteers, as drivers, coordinators or other helpers. It is a very good way to get to know the village when you move in.
| Contact: | The Duty Coordinator |
| Telephone: | 01420 561438 |
Affiliated activities are the monthly Lunch Club and Everwelcome Tea for the over 60's. Both present good opportunities to meet your fellow villagers while enjoying a chat and a homemade meal.
The Everwelcome Club meets for home cooked tea on the second Tuesday of the month in St. Andrew's Church Hall. New members welcome.
| Contact: | Christine Thornley |
| Telephone: | 01420 563431 |
The Lunch Club meets monthly on Fridays in the Village Hall. Enjoy a home cooked lunch and meet new people. New members welcome, transport can be arranged.
| Contact: | Bel Jabelman |
| Telephone: | 01420 562267 |
Medstead Women's Institute (WI)
The WI offers women the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and campaign on wide-ranging issues. Medstead WI, which started in 1918, is a friendly, lively and enthusiastic WI with around 65 members, who meet on the second Thursday of every month at 2.00pm in the Village Hall.
In addition to our monthly meetings we have a full programme of events which aims to offer something for everyone: from handicrafts to Ladies Who Lunch, swimming and monthly walks with pub lunches at the end, to name but a few.
We also organise regular outings, participate in county events, and love to cater for groups of visitors to local attractions such as the Watercress Line, Jane Austen's House or Selbourne. We like to extend a warm welcome to visitors and new members alike, so do please come and join us soon!
| Contact: | Sheila Dawson or Gill Siddall |
| Telephone: | 01420 564176 or 01420 564339 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Medstead WI |
Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society
The Watercress Line needs you!
As one of the South's leading tourist attractions, without the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers the railway cannot exist. New volunteers are sought to join our friendly team; not just on the trains but also for office, catering, retail and more.
We run steam trains throughout the year from Alresford via Ropley, Medstead and Four Marks to Alton, with some exciting special events such as 'Days out with Thomas' and 'War on the Line'. For more details about us, our events and volunteering, please visit our website. Come and join in the fun!
| Contact: | The Watercress Line |
| Telephone: | 01962 733810 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | The Watercress Line |
National Women's Register (NWR), Medstead and Four Marks
NWR is a countrywide network of autonomous groups for lively minded women of all ages who enjoy sharing ideas, discussing topics, listening to speakers, sharing social events and making new friends. It is a registered charity with a small membership fee.
We meet, mainly in each other's homes, on the second Tuesday evening of each month. NWR is a great way to meet and make new friends if you new to the area, or similarly if you already live locally and want to try something different.
| Contact: | The Local Organiser |
| Telephone: | 01420 564345 |
| Website: | National Women's Register |
Police
Hampshire Constabulary's Safer Neighbourhood, or Beat, Sergeant for Alton and the surrounding area is: Police Sergeant 1242 Ian Dugdale.
The Safer Neighbourhood, or Beat, Officer for Alton Rural West, which covers the villages of Bentworth, Medstead, Lasham and Shalden, is: PC Nick Whitehouse, assisted by: Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Dave Nops.
The aim of Safer Neighbourhoods is to involve residents in the way policing is carried out, and to identify perceived issues in, the local community. Contact Ian or the Safer Neighbourhood Officer with any issues or concerns you may have.
| Telephone: | Alton Police Station 0845 045 045 |
| Email: |
Rotary Club of Four Marks and Medstead
The Rotary Club of Four Marks and Medstead has been formed by a group of enthusiastic local men and women to have fun putting something back into the community whilst networking and involving local businesses. Our first major project is a fundraising social event in aid of Riding for the Disabled.
We hold weekly meetings at Four Marks Golf Club: the first with a speaker and a meal; business meetings; and a social event meeting. Members join as many of the meetings as they can, subject to their own business and social commitments as well as helping at local events run by the villages or schools.
We encourage businesses to participate by answering their Corporate Social Responsibility commitments and by improving their standing in the community.
Rotary is an international organisation with 1.2 million members worldwide in 33,000 clubs. Come and be part of it! Make a real difference by putting something back.
| Contact: | Howard Farr |
| Telephone: | 01420 562992 / 07977 003009 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Rotary Club of Four Marks & Medstead |
Shopping & Local Retailers
The main village shopping areas are in the centre and south.
The village centre is around the High Street. At one end lies St. Andrew's Church, the Church Hall, the Castle Of Comfort public house, which serves lunches and a variety of fine beers, the Handy Stores, a grocer and newsagent and Medstead Hardware, which includes the village sub-Post Office.
Post Office opening hours are 9.00am to 5.30pm, daily. The Post Office is closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.45pm and on Sundays. Early closing days are Wednesday and Saturday.
At the other end of the village centre are the Convent of St. Lucy, the village green with its sports pavilion and Village Hall and Medstead School, with the Tennis Club and Bowls Club beyond.
In the south of the village on Lymington Bottom Road are WKL Building Supplies, Mansfield Park Surgery and Lymington Barns, which has a variety of shops including Reads the Butchers; Rumours Café Bar, Clementines Greengrocers, Greenfrog Systems for computing needs, TDS Saddlers, for everything equestrian, and Southern Trailers. At the bottom of Red Hill, Ian McNeill provides horse boxes, saddlery and equestrian supplies.
The nearest shopping centre is the market town of Alton, where market day is Tuesday. There are also regular Hampshire Farmers Markets. Other nearby market towns are Alresford and Farnham.
Larger shopping centres may be found at Festival Place, Basingstoke; in the historic city of Winchester; and at Whiteley Village or West Quay, in Southampton.
Local retailers include:
| Clementines | Greengrocer | 01420 563984 |
| Greenfrog Systems | Computing and IT | 01420 568228 |
| Ian McNeill | Horse Boxes and Equestrian | 01420 562249 |
| Medstead Hardware | Hardware Store and Post Office | 01420 562107 |
| Norman Read | Butchers | 01420 562139 |
| Phoenix Perennial Plants | Nursery | 01420 560695 |
| Rumours | Café Bar | 01420 568162 |
| Southern Trailers | Trailer hire, sales, parts and maintenance | 01420 564191 |
| TDS Saddlers | Equestrian supplies and clothing | 01420 562758 |
| The Castle of Comfort | Public House | 01420 562112 |
| The Handy Stores | Newsagent and General Stores | 01420 563141 |
| WKL | Building Supplies | 01420 561311 |
Shorthorn Country Music Club (CMC)
Dances are held in the Village Hall on the third Saturday of each month and we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in February 2010. Live music is provided by solo, duo or band. There is no line dancing or Western dancing, just couple and freestyle: waltz, quickstep or whatever you feel comfortable with.
Doors open at 7.00pm and music starts at 8.00pm sharp, with three 45 minute sets and 30 minute breaks in between. There is no bar so we bring our own. Tea, coffee and rolls are available. There is also a raffle.
| Contact: | Joan or Peter Rowe |
| Telephone: | 01420 588403 |
St. Andrew's Parish Church
In a world characterised by rush and bustle, St. Andrew's stands as a place of Christian peace and love, right at the heart of our community.
Here we seek to worship God and care for our neighbours, as Jesus commanded us, through a combination of traditional and modern approaches, reflecting the development of Christian worship right up to the present day.
We also seek to equip our whole community for service: through youth work, regular adult discipleship programmes and study groups. Preaching rooted firmly in the Bible is also an integral part of our life of worship, keeping Christ's teachings relevant to our changing everyday lives.
Sunday by Sunday, as well as at other times through the week, a range of worship styles are offered, based on the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship. Informal Family and Praise Services are also a regular and permanent feature of our life of worship together, as are services for births, confirmations, marriages and deaths, and all the spiritual celebrations of the church year.
Our church is a place where, in the quiet and cool of a summer's day or the warmth and boisterousness of a Christingle service, the still, small voice of God can be heard. Above all, St. Andrew's is a place for our spirits to be at ease.
| Contact: | Rector: The Reverend Ben Flenley |
| Address: | The Rectory, Bentworth, Hampshire, GU34 5RB. |
| Telephone: | 01420 563218 |
| Fax: | 08701 304520 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | St. Andrew's Church, Medstead |
| Contact: | Churchwardens: Debby Barnes or Ian Jurd |
| Telephone: | 01420 562854 or 01420 563533 |
| Email: |
St. Andrew's Church Hall
St. Andrew's Church Hall is provided as a community facility, and is regularly hired for children's parties, weddings, christenings, coffee mornings and community events, also by groups, classes, clubs and societies from Art to Yoga, via Line Dancing, Pilates, WI Teas, and more.
The Hall can accommodate 100 people, or 80 if seated for a meal and the hiring fee includes the use of a large, fully equipped kitchen. The Hall also has an Entertainment Licence.
Our hiring fees are: Church Hall, £6.50 per hour; Church Room, £4.50 per hour. We also offer off-premises table hire at £2.00 each per 24 hours and table cloth hire at 30p each per 24 hours, please return laundered.
A booking form needs to be completed and accepted before the event is advertised. If you would like to use the Hall for your event, for information on availability, or for a booking form, please contact:
| Contact: | Pat Mitchell, Bookings Secretary |
| Telephone: | 01420 562331 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | St. Andrew's Church, Medstead |
St. Lucy's Catholic Chapel
Mass centre for St Mary's Parish, Alton: Sunday Mass, 9.00am; also weekdays, except Saturdays, usually at 5.00pm.
| Address: | High Street, Medstead, Hampshire, GU34 5LL. |
| Telephone: | 01420 563562 |
St. Lucy Nursery
St Lucy Nursery is a Pre-School Playgroup for children aged 2½ to 5 years old, which runs from Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 12:00pm.
Facilities include:
Book corner, climbing frame, computer, construction materials, crafts area, garden, home corner, lawn area, messy play, music and musical instruments, outdoor play (ambulance, basketball, bicycle, tricycle, pram, scooter and petrol pump), indoor and outdoor sandpit, singing, slide, nature walks, water play, etc.
| Contact: | Sister in charge |
| Address: | Convent of St Lucy, Medstead Manor, Medstead, Hampshire, GU34 5LL. |
| Telephone: | 01420 563562 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | St Lucy Nursery |
Travel
There is a regular, if infrequent, bus service from the centre of the village to Alton and Basingstoke run by Stagecoach Bus.
The nearest main line railway station is at Alton. Train services are run by South West Trains into London, Waterloo. For National Rail Enquiries, telephone 08457 484950.
The Watercress Line, managed by the Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society, also runs steam and diesel heritage services from Alton to Alresford, via Medstead and Four Marks Station.
Southampton Airport, about 40 minutes away, serves numerous domestic and European locations.
Local taxi services include Wilson Taxis Limited in Alton, telephone: 01420 87777
Veterinary Practices
Local veterinary practices include:
Cedar Veterinary Group
Address: Chawton End Surgery, 1a Winchester Road, Four Marks.
Telephone: 01420 562048
The Liphook Equine Hospital
Address: Forest Mere, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7JG.
Telephone: 01428 723594
Email:
Waste Collection & Recycling
Non-recyclable household waste (green bin) and recyclables (black bin) are collected alternately weekly by East Hampshire District Council's Waste Collection Service. Garden waste is collected at the same time as recyclables from reusable sacks which may be purchased from EHDC. Glass for recycling (black boxes) is collected every 4 weeks.
The nearest Household Waste Recycling Centres are: Omega Park, Wilsom Road, Alton and Prospect Road, Alresford.
| Contact: | Waste Reduction Team |
| Telephone: | 01730 234288 |
| Email: |
Yoga
Yoga classes are held in St. Andrew's Church Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday evenings during most of the year, led by Maura Pearson, a British Wheel of Yoga diploma holder.
| Contact: | Maura Pearson |
| Telephone: | 01962 735548 |
Integral Yoga classes are held in the Village Hall on Tuesdays from 10.00am to 12.00pm during most of the year, run by Satchi, a British Wheel of Yoga diploma holder.
| Contact: | Swami Satchidananda Ma |
| Telephone: | 01420 562027 |
| Email: | |
| Website: | Swami Satchidananda Ma |
