SPARSHOLT Parochial Church Council (PCC) has launched is search for a new rector. Reverend Jax Machin is leaving the benefice, made up of the parishes of Chilbolton, Crawley, Littleton, Sparsholt and Wherwell, in September to take on a new position in Devon.

To help the process, the Downs Benefice is wanting to put together a parish and benefice profile quickly, detailing to potential candidates what characteristics and skills people want in their new rector.

Anyone wishing to contribute and share what type of rector would be beneficial for them and their family should email their suggestions to Sally Wesley at sally.wesley@btinternet.com by Friday, July 7. Sally will be collating the information on behalf of the PCC and has assured answers will be in confidence.

THE girls’ cricket team at Sparsholt Church of England Primary School came third in the Hampshire schools cricket final.

The final at the Ageas Bowl consisted of 12 winning schools from each of the county’s districts. The Sparsholt side lost in the semi-final before winning the playoff match to take the bronze medal position.

Headteacher Elizabeth Hanratty said: “It is an absolutely amazing feat to finish in the top 3 of all schools in Hampshire for cricket. Not only did the girls show their fantastic sporting prowess, they also demonstrated every single one of our values: Courage in going for every opportunity; Compassion for each other and the other teams’ players and Creativity in how they approached every single game thinking about tactics, positioning and their batting strokes. Well done!

KINGS Worthy Parish Council has awarded grants to two groups. Art group Strange Times Quest has been awarded £600 to help cover the costs of staging its three day arts exhibition at St Mary’s Chapel in August.

Worthys Youth Football Club received £200 to support its new kit fundraiser. Community projects can apply for additional funding from the parish council at https://www.kingsworthy-pc.org.uk/grants/.

LITTLETON Safari Supper is back on Saturday, July 29. Participants will move to a different house for each course from 7.15pm to 10.30pm, with each household hosting once course (starter, main or desert) and travelling to different homes for the two others.

The evening will end with coffee together at a central location. Tickets cost £17.50 per person with proceeds going towards the upkeep of St Catherine’s Church. There are a limited number of tickets available for people who are unable to host.

For more information, or to obtain a booking form, contact Carol Ward, 7 Dale Close, Littleton (carol.ward@daleclose.co.uk, tel: 883185).

LITTLETON and Harestock Parish Action on the Climate Emergency (PACE) is planning a mini Eco-Fair outside the March Hare pub on Saturday, September 30. 

Residents are being urged to save the date and stay tuned for updates on the event providing more information on energy efficiency, recycling opportunities, waste prevention and more. 

THE date has also been announced for the return of Littleton and Harestock Show. Arena events confirmed for the show on Saturday, September 2 include Dog Gymkhana, Stax of Soul, Jelvis, Open Mic. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Reg Day Funfair, Punch and Judy, Eastleigh Model Boat Club and Wessex Ferret Club.

There are a few craft tables available for £22 per stall. Anyone interested should email craftlhshow@gmail.com for an application form. Potential visitors are urged to keep checking the website for updates for what’s on. For more go to https://www.lhshow.org.uk/.