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Unfinished building – Whitehill - Dawn Hoskins (19th Jan 2008 - 19:36:22) Unfinished building – Whitehill I wonder if anyone can tell me who is responsible for the building which was half built then abandoned between Whitehill and Griggs Green? It seems such a waste of money, as the half that was built will now have to be pulled down as it will be unsafe! Someone did tell me ages ago that they thought it was the social club – in that case, is it a council building?

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Rhys G (19th Jan 2008 - 20:09:04) I think it was meant to be a workerman's/social club but they ran out of funds. How long has it been like it though? Years?

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue W (19th Jan 2008 - 21:45:19) Dawn Are you talking of the 'Whitehill Social Club' that was a member of the Friendly Society and WMC Association on the outskirts of Whithill next to the 'shooting ranges' If so it was a private members club only and NOT in the ownership of any council authority. If this is indeed what you are asking I can fill you in on many of the details. If this is the site in question, it is a total eyesore and I have always believed that someone somewhere could have solved the problems and made it a perfect site for a much needed 'entertainment' venue for many people in the area. It holds many memories for us!! (and some others posters here too! ... Steve??)

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Editor (19th Jan 2008 - 21:55:38) A couple of aerial shorts, dates unknown, but the first was taken before the roundabout at Whitehill was built.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Dawn Hoskins (19th Jan 2008 - 23:34:28) So, what happened? Why did they only half finish? and who owns it? It seems such a waste of space to me and I wonder at what point it will become dangerous?

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue W (20th Jan 2008 - 11:10:52) Dawn, It was until about 8 years ago a well-used WMC, who used to have a very good Cricket pitch, with youth and adult teams, an artificial pitch, and screens etc which was helped by a lot of hard work and a contribution from the Lottery. They had various darts teams and I would say probably one of the best sides in the area. I believe that some of the original Ladies now play from 'Passfield Club', and many of the men integrated into other local teams. Their bowls green was a pride and joy to those who worked hard, their pool and snooker teams were successful too. In fact a much used and needed community building. It was burnt down - as far as I understand in very suspicious circumstances but no one was 'charged'. When I last spoke to the then Chairman, (who was a very good friend), something was wrong with the original survey, and when they started laying the foundations, they discovered there were under ground air-raid shelters. (You must realise that this ground was MOD and used - but the army transferred it/donated/sold it for the Whitehill club to be born). The extra cost in laying a massive re-inforced base, cost of the manufacture of what you see used up all the funds, and the insurance would not pay for further work. I never quite understood, why the committee and paying members (even though there was no club to attend), did not do fund raising. The locals are very good at supporting such things and Whitehill club played a huge part in the raising money for the Chase Hospital and the scanner appeal. Unfortunately the youth cricket team (of which my boys were both members) moved to BOSC and then I believe merged into the Headly team, with some members joining other local teams too. All in all a very sad state of affairs. I would think there would be many legal problems with ownership now, but the local Town Council should really look hard at solving this and perhaps finding someone who is prepared to make it into what is was - a very vital recreation centre for the area!! Sue

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue W (20th Jan 2008 - 11:27:55) Dawn, Just a little extra on the site. The very first 'hut' erected there was for a social club for the Canadian Soldiers who were stationed in Bordon. The then hut was demolished to make way for the new building. Many years later they added the function room, and about 20 years ago they increased it to take a 'games area' and bowling/committee room. If any of you played cricket or bowls you may have seen the 'flag' flying of a maple leaf with a Black Rabbit (these have always been seen hopping around, digging holes etc and they are still living there today. Quite a surprise to some people to see wild black bunnies.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Dawn Hoskins (20th Jan 2008 - 14:45:21) thanks for all that info Sue. What a sad and stupid state of affairs.... We are as you say sadly lacking in local facilities and yet this prime bit of land, with excellent accessability, is left to go to rack and ruin. I just don't understand how it can be allowed.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Cllr Adam Carew (21st Jan 2008 - 03:46:25) I have been alerted to this site and thought the following may be of interest. I agree the site looks unsightly on the main entrance to Whitehill, Petersfield Rd (A325). Its was to be the new Whitehill Club. Unfortunately the club experienced serious financial and legal difficulties which I gather are almost resolved. Members of the club have been through some very difficult times and I wish them well. The Town Council has been very supportive and I took members of the club to see the previous leader of the EHDC, to see if they could assist. The previous leader of EHDC was very symapthetic but not willing to touch it whilst the difficuties remained unresolved. The site was then occupied by travellers for a second time who apparently could not be moved on as there was no site to move them onto - the cricket pitch for which it was once famous in the 1970s has been ruined and would need to be re-instated. The land is outside the settlement policy boundary, adjacent to Woolmer Forest / Longmoor SPA (Special Protected Area) and would be inside the National Park if the Western Weald is reincorporated - so major building here is unlikely. Local councillors have signalled that they would not want to lose the recreation space available and if anything happened to the club would want the land be retianed for community / leisure use. At the end of the day the club is still a private affair and we must wait until they or a developer are in a position to bring a planning application forward. I agree its an eyesore and I am sure the club along with the residents of Whitehill would love to see the land in use again. All this has been in the local press over the last few years but I appreciate people in Liphook may not have seen it. We are expecting a master plan for the wholescale regeneration of the town will be drawn up later this year. I hope this helps. Thankyou for your concerns. Adam Carew - County Councillor, Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue W (21st Jan 2008 - 10:50:22) Adam, Thanks for your information, I most certainly hope that whatever is holding up being able to re-open this club, we will have a satisfactory ending for the Club and area. Even though it is in Whitehill, many people from other villages have used it and enjoyed many events held there. Bordon really needs this!. I will keep my fingers and anything else crossed in anticipation!. Sue

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - dawn hoskins (12th May 2008 - 16:59:21) A while ago we heard that the financial and legal difficulties were at the point of resolution. So, is there going to be an end to this affair soon?

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue w (13th May 2008 - 10:02:35) The last I heard about it (from an ex committee member), was that the council (as stated by Adam), were very interested to adopting this site ...... so they could build a old peoples complex on the South Boundary!!. What was going to happen to the rest was unclear. Perhaps this will become encompassed into the new planned development of the area - interesting to see.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Steve Read (18th May 2008 - 16:35:46) Interesting reading on this subject. Having been a member at this club for years and played cricket there its a great shame to see this state of affairs. My take on whats happened is slightly different to what has already been previously posted. If anybody knows more info on the following points I would appreciate an update. 1) Lord Selbourne still owns the site of the building and car park. 2) The MOD still own the land where the cricket pitch & pavillion were. 3) Over £650,000 paid out in insurance. 4) Architect given carte blanche to design a replacement building within this figure paid out by insurance. 5) Plans submitted and passed, then someone twigs the design is going to cost over that figure?????? 6) Back to the same architect to alter the design around to fall within budget. 7) Re-designed ok, plans passed ok, ready to start. 8)Steelwork goes up, hold on run out of money?????? 9) Did the company that fixed the steelwork ever get paid? Without going into too much detail something stinks here, rumours have swept around for years about what has happened etc and what is going to happen. All I know is that a good club and facility was lost to the local community.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - claire (19th May 2008 - 14:42:16) I have to agree it is an eyesore, however , not nearly as much of an eyesore as the old 'Spaniard' (such a wonderful welcome to liphook!!)

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue W (19th May 2008 - 16:28:12) Having been a visitor to the Spanard - (in my youth!!), knew what a good venue it was, and totally agree with you Claire. But the Whitehill Club offered the community soooo much more. Steve, you obviously have access to certain details that perhaps others may not have, and as you know we were also very active within the Whitehill Club, at times too close for comfort!! I was very interested to read that Lord Selbourne owned the land that the Club and car park was on. This is the first that I had heard of it. I knew he was the President, but resigned his position after a number of 'suspect' incidents came about and wished not to connect himself with the club or its committee further. As to the Army owning the 'field', I was told by a longstanding Trustee (Mr Fred Norris), that the Army had given the land to the club. Whether there was any legal documentation to support that would be interesting. Perhaps that is why there are 'legal' issues that need addressing before this can move forward. I knew the construction people removed their labour from the site, due to non payment - but do not know if that has been settled. More information is greatly needed, but will we or anyone else get it?

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue W (19th May 2008 - 18:56:10) NEWS!! I have just been informed there is to be a meeting 'later on this week' at the Forest Community Centre about the Club (via my son who never remembers dates). Apparently there will be representatives from EHDC. I'm trying to find out the actual day - so if anyone else knows please post ASAP.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue (19th May 2008 - 19:49:33) Sorry folks Son completely got it wrong. There is a meeting Tuesday, but it is a council forum one and NOT about the Club.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Dawn (22nd May 2008 - 12:52:17) I wonder if Adam Carew can shed some light on it?

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Steve Read (22nd May 2008 - 19:21:36) Sue, As you and your significant other half can remember good days up at the club. Its not that I have any inside news, but just whats been going around for years. I am curious to know if anybody can throw any light on any of my points. I must add that there are many other less savoury rumours abound that obviously one cannot put on here, but as I said earlier the biggest loosers are the local community.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue W (22nd May 2008 - 23:28:30) Steve I don't think you read my post properly. It contained all good points about the success of the club and I too along with all those who used it over the years, knew of its importance in all sectors and the community. I wish nothing better than it becomes what it used to be. I find your choice of words very offensive. Shame I don’t bowl, as good as the significant one! I know you enjoy 'winding' up posters so I will treat it with indifference!!

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Dawn Hoskins (23rd May 2008 - 09:49:09) What??? Sorry, but what was offensive - has the editor removed something? Dawn [editor - nothing was removed]

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Steve Read (23rd May 2008 - 18:13:13) Sue, Apologies but you have lost me here, having known you both for many years, what have I said to cause offence? There was no malice intended or anything of such nature, just putting up some info that I had regarding this post and asking if anybody could throw some light on my points. Thats all it was!

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue (27th May 2008 - 12:31:36) Steve, Sometimes when you read posts, they may not be received the way intended. I just found the opening sentence such a put down. Sue

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Simon Coyte (28th May 2008 - 10:33:19) Why are we all getting hot and bothered over this topic after all it is in Whitehill and this is the LIPHOOK ( or possibly the Passfield) web site

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Dawn Hoskins (18th Aug 2008 - 10:59:14) I was driving past yesterday and it reminded me that the councillor had previously said a master plan for "wholesale regeneration" was imminent. Do you think he meant the 'eco' town proposals? and if it was to be drawn up - where is it? Any one know? I am not 'hot and bothered' by this, as a previous poster suggests. However, it is a bloody eyesore which is slap-bang in the middle of an area which has no other amenities.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Dawn Hoskins (5th Jun 2009 - 09:30:19) HURRAH!!!! Just drove past, not only have the travellers gone - huge load of workmen with what looks likes heavy equipment for clearing up.

Re: Unfinished building – Whitehill - Sue W (5th Jun 2009 - 21:52:01) Sorry Dawn, you seem to be as excited as I was. Unfortunately they are a power cable company, who carry out repair and new installations!! From asking two different people on different days both said the same thing, just renting the site to store their equipment while in the area!! They have very good security, which includes people living on site! We can all live in hope! Sue

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