Highclere Fete 2026 Summary

This year marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Highclere Fete, as a new committee stepped in to carry the tradition forward. In many ways, it has come full circle, with a new generation now organising the event after some growing up attending the fete themselves as children.

Once again, we welcomed over 1,000 visitors, making it another fantastic day for the whole community. The dog show proved, as always, to be a firm favourite, while families enjoyed everything the fete had to offer.

A huge thank you goes to every single volunteer who helped make the day such a success. Whether you gave weeks of planning behind the scenes or a few hours on the day, every contribution mattered. From the teas/cakes, flower stall and ice cream stands to the bar, children's games and fun stalls, and everything in between, your hard work made the fete what it was.

It was wonderful to see the community come together, and we were delighted to welcome some fantastic new vendors, including Tractor Shed and La Bella Pizza, both of whom completely sold out on the day.

We're also thrilled to announce that the fete is expected to have raised approximately £18,000 – an incredible achievement that would not have been possible without the generosity and support of everyone involved.

A special thank you goes to everyone around the village who donated a bottle (or two!) to our famous Bottle Tombola. As always, it was hugely popular and was almost completely sold out within the first hour.

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, sponsored or supported the fete in any way. It truly was a fantastic community event, and we couldn't have done it without you.

If you'd like to get involved in helping to volunteer at next year's fete, we'd love to hear from you. New ideas and extra pairs of hands are always welcome. Please email us on: highclerevillagefete@gmail.com

Sunday 28th June at 1.00pm saw the start of the annual Highclere Society BBQ.  The day was set fair with a balmy 23*, much to the relief of everyone who were fearing 38* in the shade.  A very big thank you to Peter & Pauleen Malone for allowing us to have the event in their beautiful garden:  it was much appreciated by everyone. 

This year we opted for a Hog Roast with two salads, stuffing, crackling, onion and apple sauce – delicious, as well as halloumi skewers for anyone who fancied a vegetarian  option followed by English strawberries, meringues and cream.   We have had some very positive comments this year about the food – so thank you.

There were several families with their delightful children who were playing with the toys provided. One young man who shall remain nameless ate four meringues (which he added sugar to for good measure!) I hope mum and dad got him to bed ok. It is so lovely to see all the generations mixing together.

It was good to see so many people there all having a good time with friends, acquaintances and newcomers, everyone was made to feel welcome.  No-one got by the people selling raffle tickets in aid of AMMF which was Traci’s charity, they were accosted by the gate as they came in.  Thank you to all those who gave so generously.  At the time of writing I am unsure of the full total raised but it was circa £1,700 with the proceeds of the hotly contested auction added in. 

Lastly, I would like to thank all  the behind the scenes people who helped to make it such a success, without such wonderful volunteers these sort of events just wouldn’t happen.

Highclere Society Committee

Our local Highclere Area NHW is managed by Ron Snipp and has “16 Watch Co-ordinators”, who cover all of Highclere

If any Highclere Society member is unsure who their Watch Co-ordinator is, please contact Ron at ronsnipp@btinternet.com.

Please include your Highclere address, telephone number, email address, and confirmation that you are happy for me to share these details with your Watch Co-ordinator. I will then arrange for them to introduce themselves to you.

Your Watch Co-ordinator should be your first point of contact if you have concerns about a suspicious person or incident in Highclere that is not an immediate emergency. However, if you witness a crime or suspicious activity that is happening at the time, you should contact the police immediately by calling 999.

Please also note that our current local Police Officer is PC Ulrike Maier. The other Police Constables previously listed in the newsletter no longer cover the Highclere area.

We currently have two vacancies for Watch Co-ordinators in the Westridge and Byeways areas. If you live in either of these areas and would be interested in taking on this important community role, please get in touch with me.

Highclere Parish Council met on 9 June at Westridge Studio to discuss local planning, highways, community projects and council business. Here are the main updates for residents.

Planning and Local Development

The Borough Councillor reported that work on the new Local Plan continues to be delayed due to concerns over water infrastructure. If the plan is not submitted by the Government’s deadline, the process may have to restart, potentially leaving planning decisions more vulnerable to speculative development while existing Neighbourhood Plans remain in place.  

There has been no further progress on the proposed Watermill Bridge development, while the planning appeal relating to Highgates, Church Lane, has been dismissed. The owner has up to 12 months to remove unauthorised works, including the mobile home.  

The Parish Council objected to the planning in principle application at Thackit Eaves, Andover Road, and made no comment on the application for land north of Spring Gardens, Andover Drove. There is currently no update on the Neighbourhood Plan.  

Annual Parish Meeting

Councillors felt that May’s Annual Parish Meeting was a success, with a relaxed atmosphere encouraging questions and discussion. Improved publicity, including posters around the village, helped increase awareness, and future newsletters will include links to Parish Council information and highlight topics of particular community interest.  

Highways and Community Improvements

Work continues on several projects within the Parish Council’s Action Plan.

A detailed survey of roadside bollards has now been completed. The report identifies missing and damaged bollards and will be sent to Hampshire Highways to request repairs. The council will also ask Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for additional road sweeping and litter clearance along the A343.  

Progress also continues on the Community Funded Initiative for new village gateways and improved signage in Penwood and Highclere, with the project currently awaiting the next stage from Hampshire Highways.  

20mph Proposal for Tubbs Lane

Following a suggestion from a resident at the Annual Parish Meeting, the council has agreed to support the principle of introducing a 20mph speed limit in Tubbs Lane.

Before Hampshire County Council can consider the request, evidence of current traffic speeds is required. A replacement Speed Indicator Device (SID) will be purchased following the theft of the previous unit, with insurance funding covering the replacement. The new SID will be installed in Tubbs Lane to collect speed data before a formal application is made. Councillors will also identify the most suitable monitoring location.  

Council Finances

The council reviewed and approved its latest financial reports. As of 31 May 2026, parish council balances stood at £93,452.08 across current and savings accounts.

The annual internal audit was accepted, with work planned during the current financial year to introduce a new Internal Control Policy and complete a data audit. Residents should also note that the statutory public inspection period for the council’s accounts runs from 9 June to 20 July 2026.  

The next meeting of Highclere Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 7 July 2026. Residents are encouraged to follow the council’s work and view the Action Plan via the Parish Council website.