Live life local
connect and thrive
Overton Parish is a vibrant and welcoming community offering many ways to get involved and numerous activities that bring people together around shared interests.
From social gatherings to volunteer opportunities, we believe that getting involved is the key to making lasting friendships, building a strong community and fostering a sense of pride in the place we call home.
On this page, you’ll discover more about the clubs, societies and community initiatives that make this such a special place to live.
From playing sport, to joining a working party or simply enjoying our green spaces, there are plenty of opportunities to feel connected and thrive.
Overton Parish Council initiatives
– and volunteer opportunities
There’s always something going on in Overton that you can get involved in. The Parish Council itself offers a number of ways to meet up with like-minded locals and feel more connected, whilst doing something satisfying. Click on the images to find out more.
Clubs and societies
Here you’ll find details of just some of the activities taking place on a regular basis in Overton Parish – but there is so much more! For details of other meet-ups, volunteer groups and initiatives, happening soon, check out the latest edition of Overton News & Views.
Community interest groups
Friends of Watership Down Health
The Friends of Watership Down Health is a registered charity administering donated funds to relieve suffering by the purchase and maintenance of medical and other equipment, and the provision of services for the general good of patients of the Oakley and Overton and Kingsclere Surgeries, Hampshire, not readily provided by the Health Authority or by other statutory funds.
The Trustees ensure that all donations are carefully used and books recording the names of Donors and of those in whose memory donations have been made are available to view at the Surgeries.
Any donations should be addressed to the Honorary Treasurer, care of Overton Surgery, Station Road, Overton, RG25 3DZ.
CONTACT: 0333 034 1033
WEBSITE: www.watershipdownhealth.com
Heritage Overton
The object of Heritage Overton is to encourage and promote interest and research in Overton heritage – built, natural and cultural.
• Heritage Overton has oversight of the Overton Pictures website overtonpictures.co.uk. The Committee is using photographs from the hard copy archive in occasional exhibitions to promote this fantastic resource.
• We are just completing the digging on an archaeological project to see if evidence of Medieval Overton can be detected ‘in the ground’. Look out for displays and reports on our findings.
• We have a major project ‘Portals Heritage and Memories’ recording information and memories of 100 years of Portals Paper Mill, 1922-2022. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact us using the details below.
• Heritage Overton has supported authors preparing and launching their books about Overton history including and ‘A Soldier and a Gentleman a life of Sir Bertram Portal’ Richard Waldram 2021 and ‘A History of Overton in Hampshire from 1500’ Waldram et al 2019 – now in its second reprint.
CONTACT: heritage.overton@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.heritageoverton.org.uk
Overton Biodiversity Society
The aims of the Overton Biodiversity Society are to raise awareness of wildlife issues in the parish of Overton. This is done through a range of community based activities, including wildlife talks, guided walks, wildlife surveys and the maintenance of Little Meadow as a community wildlife area.
We have completed surveys of land use, hedgerows, veteran trees, water voles and dormice and have produced a Parish Biodiversity Action Plan.
New members are always most welcome. We are a very informal, friendly group and enjoy learning from each other.
CONTACT: Ken or Jane MacKenzie 01256 771121
WEBSITE: www.overton-biodiversity.org
Overton Speedwatch
Overton Parish Council with the assistance of volunteers runs a Community Speedwatch scheme. Members of the team use a Speed Indicator Device (SID) to monitor traffic speed on a weekly basis at a different location and time.
If you would like to join the Speedwatch team, please contact the Clerk.
Sheep fair
The Overton Sheepfair dates back to the 13th Century, when sheep drovers brought their livestock to be sold in the village.
Eight centuries on, in the year 2000, the fair was revived as a quadrenniel village family event
The 2024 Sheepfair had a 1920s theme.
CONTACT: baa.overtonsheepfair@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: Overton Sheepfair
Creative activities
Art
Art Club
This is an opportunity for a group of painters/artists to get together every Tuesday from 2pm–4pm at ORC’s Bridge Street Pavilion.
All levels welcome to paint together and share ideas.
Demonstrations are organised on a quarterly basis and an annual exhibition of work is held over a weekend every August.
CONTACT: Carol Haler 07743 776290
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Art and Craft Meet-Up
A self-directed session every Thursday during school terms from 11:00am–1:00pm in St. Mary’s Church rooms.
Bring your own materials and create… paint/knit/sew/draw… in a social atmosphere.
CONTACT: Mo Hilton 01256 770886 or email welcome@stmarysoverton.org.uk
Bellringing
The bellringers practice tower bells (not hand bells) at St. Mary’s Church every Friday evening from 7:30–9:00pm and ring for the Sunday service at 10am.
Bellringing is for all ages and does not involve very much physical strength. Most people master the basic skills in about six weeks, although you can go on learning for the rest of your life!
New members are always welcome, as is anyone who wants to see what is involved without any further obligation. Come up into the tower any Friday evening (entrance is from the church rooms link at the west end of the church. As this door needs to be kept locked, it is advisable to phone beforehand if you cannot be there at 7:30pm).
CONTACT: Adrian Lewis 01256 770980
Drama
Overton Dramatic Society (ODS) produces two shows each year, one in spring and one in winter. These include pantomimes, plays and musicals with all aspects of the productions being carried out by members.
Rehearsals take place at the ORC Bridge Street on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, while performances are held in St. Mary’s Hall.
If you are interested in drama, music, the technical/artistic elements of stage craft or just want to join a vibrant social group, please get in touch.
CONTACT: Chairman Ian Llewellyn 01256 772055 or Secretary Liz Lewis 01256 770576. To hire costumes and lighting equipment contact Ian.
WEBSITE: www.overtondramatic.co.uk
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/overtondramatic
Folk music
Overton Folk Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month in Overton Community Centre from 8pm.
Nights alternate between guest nights and singers nights.
We welcome all styles of acoustic music, instrumental and song, so come along and have a go – performers get in for free – or just come and listen (bring your own refreshments).
CONTACT: 01256 770384, email overtonfolkclub@hotmail.co.uk
Photography
Overton Photographic Club
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this is the perfect place to grow your skills, share your creativity, and connect with like-minded individuals.
We’re a small, welcoming club dedicated to enjoying photography together and helping each other improve. From relaxed outings with our cameras to inspiring guest speakers, we offer something for everyone—whatever your experience level.
Join us for: Engaging talks from expert photographers. Hands-on practical sessions to develop new techniques. Image review evenings for constructive feedback. Fun photographic competitions, both within the club and with other local clubs.
Our season runs from September to May, with two meetings per month:
- Tuesdays 7:30pm at the Church Rooms
- Fridays 7:30pm at the ORC Pavilion, Bridge Street
CONTACT: Tony Coombes secretary@overtonphoto.club
WEBSITE: https://overtonphoto.club
Stitching
Oakley Stitchers are a group of volunteers who use their hobbies and skills to help others who need support.
The amazing Stitchers provide thousands of items each year to individuals, organisations and hospitals around the UK.
As well as our Stitcher Meetings and Open Craft Groups we attend and host local craft fayres, showcase our work and raise awareness at a range of community activities and in local magazines, volunteer at a local repair café and now also host workshops to teach new skills.
We have many remote stitchers, so you can join in no matter where you are.
WEBSITE: www.oakleystitchers.org.uk
Singing
Overton Cocktail Choir
FACEBOOK: Overton Cocktail Choir
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Overton Choral Society (OCS)
The Choral Society has both a static and roving programme and is a choir of mixed voices. Each year OCS take part in the Hampshire Choral Festival with other local Choral Societies in either Romsey Abbey or Chandlers Ford and, occasionally, The Anvil. We are also part of Basingstoke Festival of Choirs and participate in concerts in the Anvil. A Christmas Concert is always held in St Mary’s Hall in December and we actively support St Michael’s Hospice.
We occasionally host a Come and Sing which is always popular and we have a great relationship with our German counterparts, the Sangerkries Euskirchen. Exchange trips between the two choirs always result in much bonhomie plus there is the opportunity to sing in some delightful venues. We have also participated in local ventures such as The Sheep Fair, Overton Christmas Market and the recent Overton Music Festival. We have sung at many special events in Overton.
Our Musical Director is Paul Timms. New singers are always very welcome. We are a small, friendly choir numbering 25 plus regular members, so if you would like join us, come along to any of our rehearsals in St Mary’s Hall every Monday evening at 7:45pm. We do not audition but due to the complexity of some of the major works we perform an understanding of music is helpful
CONTACT: Lyn Hardy – 01256 397507, overtonchoralsoc@gmail.com
WEBSITE: overtonchoralsociety.org.uk
Social groups
Social Club upstairs at ORC Bridge Street
Upstairs at the ORC Bridge Street Pavilion
An independent social club with strong links to Overton United Football Club. Good-value bar open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings during the football season, and Thursday and Friday evenings at other times.
Other clubs and organisations are welcome to use the facilities by arrangement.
Due to licensing laws, all users need to be members of the Social Club for a nominal annual fee.
CONTACT: Colin Phillimore 01256 771127
u3a
The University of the Third Age is a self-help organisation for people no longer in full-time employment. It provides member-led educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment that promotes learning for pleasure.
Main u3a meetings are held at 10:00am on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at St. Mary’s Hall with a talk, usually by an external speaker.
Activities are organised mainly in small groups that meet regularly. Members share their knowledge, skills and experience and learn from each other.
Groups include: bridge, art history, photography, walking, line dancing, play reading, history, gardening, a range of European languages, Scrabble, opera, reading, Inter-Knit Café, craft, theatre visits, gallery visits, sports events, IT and lunch clubs.
We encourage new members to start a group if they have a particular skill or expertise that they can share.
WEBSITE: https://overton.u3asite.uk/
Welcome Hub
Welcome Hub
Come along to St Mary’s Hall between 10.00am and 12.00 noon on Thursdays to get together, socialise, enjoy a chat. Refreshments, nibbles or cake for £1 donation. Have a good time with those that you know – or meet new people.
CONTACT: Steve or Denise Williams 01256 770434
Wine appreciation
Overton Wine Club meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from September–June at 7:30pm in Overton Community Centre.
Members have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of wines from all over the world. The club supplies the wines for tasting.
CONTACT: Secretary, Paul Mayers overtonwineclub@gmail.com.
Women's Institute
Women’s Institute
Overton WI meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:15 pm in the Club Room at Overton Community Centre.
Visitors and new members are always welcome. Our aim is friendship with fun and an educational touch provided by speakers on a wide variety of subjects.
CONTACT: overtonsec@hampshirewi.org.uk
FACEBOOK: Overton WI
Sport and fitness
Archery
Overton Blackarrows is a fun and friendly Target & Field Archery club based near Overton. The club supports your introduction to the sport, offering a safe environment to practice and compete.
The Target Archery range is in Laverstoke and the Field Archery range is at Whitehill near Kingsclere. In winter, the club shoots indoors at Testbourne School. The Laverstoke is open seven days a week with club sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays
CONTACT: secretary@overtonblackarrows.org
WEBSITE: www.overtonblackarrows.org
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/overtonblackarrows
Badminton
St. Mary’s Hall Badminton Club meets every Thursday from 7.30pm in St Mary’s Hall.
CONTACT: Dave and Teresa Reynolds at reynoldsXX@aol.com
Cricket
Overton Cricket Club are based at the ORC grounds in Bridge Street. They offer youth and senior cricket, as well as ECB All Stars and W10 Women’s soft ball cricket.
New players of all abilities and age are always welcome, with an emphasis on playing in a friendly environment.
CONTACT: Club Secretary Henry Deacon on 07779 339221 or email via the web form.
WEBSITE: https://overton.play-cricket.com/home
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/overtoncricket
Football
Overton United Football Club, founded in 1913, provides football for ages 16+ all the way to vets (35+).
Current teams include Overton United First Team, Overton United Reserves, Overton United U23s and Overton United Vets. The first team and Reserves play on a Saturday Afternoon. The u23s play midweek on Wednesdays and the vets play on Sundays.
Matches are played at ORC Bridge Street and the Berrydown Sports Ground is also used.
CONTACT: Secretaryoufc536@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/overtonunited
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Overton Youth FC was founded in 1982 and has teams in most age groups from under 7 to under 17. In addition, ‘mini-soccer’ is available to younger boys and girls.
As well as playing, coaching is available.
CONTACT: overtonyouthfc@outlook.com
WEBSITE: www.overtonyouthfc.co.uk
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/overtonyouthfc
Golf
Overton Golf Club is located at Town Meadow, the site of a picturesque nine-hole course on the River Test.
Play commences each day from 7:00am and must be completed by 6:00pm from Monday to Thursday.
Both social and competitive golf is played with monthly medals being run throughout the year and friendly matches organised with other clubs.
CONTACT: Emma Scoggins 01256 770455 or email eventstmgc@hotmail.co.uk
WEBSITE: www.townmeadowgolf.co.uk
Line dancing
The line dancing group meets from September–July in St. Mary’s Hall every Friday from 10.30am–12 noon.
The basics are taught to everyone from beginners to advanced level.
New and returning members are welcome..
CONTACT: the Group Co-Ordinator via the web contact form.
Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation offers 30-minute Mindfulness Practice sessions led by those who follow the teaching of the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation.
Saturday mornings from 8:20–9:00am at Overton Surgery, Station Road.
Also by Zoom link on Saturday and Wednesday mornings 8:20–9:00am.
CONTACT: Mo Hilton 01256 770886 breathingspaceoverton@gmail.com
Rugby
Formed in 1971, Overton Rugby Football Club is a friendly and inclusive club with a diverse range of players, volunteers and supporters.
The club plays at the Old Cricket Ground, Off Watch Lane, Laverstoke, RG27 7NU.
A family club for all ages and abilities with teams for seniors and juniors.
CONTACT: rugbyoverton@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.overtonrugby.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/overtonrugby
Running
Overton Harriers
Running since 1974, Overton Harriers have developed from their traditional Harrier roots to cater for runners of all standards.
This friendly club has thriving mens, ladies and juniors teams. Something for all abilities.
Whether you’re a jogger who enjoys running a few miles a week and wants to improve, or a seasoned athlete looking improve your racing, there are sessions for you.
Training takes place on Mondays from 6:30pm, Thursdays from 7:30pm and Sundays from 9:00am at the Bridge Street Recreation Ground.
The Harriers also hold an annual five-mile road race on the first weekend in September.
CONTACT: via the web form.
WEBSITE: www.overtonharriers.org.uk
Short Mat Bowls
St. Luke’s Short Mat Bowls Club
Short Mat Bowls (SMB) is a variant of normal outdoor or indoor bowls. The main difference being it is played on mats, resulting in a shorter bowling distance whilst offering the same challenges and enjoyment.
This friendly club welcomes new members. Coaching and loan bowls are available.
Play is at St. Luke’s Hall on Mondays and Thursdays evenings 7:30pm–9:30pm with refreshments being served in a short intermission.
Affiliated to Hampshire Short Mat Bowls Association, which offers the opportunity to play in other environments.
CONTACT: Trevor Holmes tholmes409@btinternet.com
Tennis
Overton Tennis Club
Overton has two tennis courts at ORC Bridge Street.
Club nights run throughout the year on Tuesdays and Thursday from 7pm.
Welcomes all levels, with the more advanced players helping out the novices.
A 6-week juniors training course is also available.
CONTACT: Carlos Tilbury Carlostilbury@hotmail.com, 07880 705047
FACEBOOK: Overton Tennis Club
Walking
Overton Walking Group offers a choice of two walks every Monday morning, meeting at ORC Bridge Street at 9:45am for a 10:00am start. Please wear shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. No need to book.
These organised walks are led by trained volunteers.
The shorter walk is approximately 60–80 minutes at a gentle pace. The regular walk is for those who like to stride out and lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Refreshments are provided after the walk for a small donation.
The Overton Walking Group also undertake voluntary projects to maintain footpaths in the Parish.
CONTACT: overtonwalking group@gmail.com
WEBSITE: https://overtonwalkinggroup.org/
Swimming
Overton Community Pool
Based at Overton Primary School’s pool, Lordsfield Swimming Club has been providing Overton with the opportunity to enjoy the water since the 1960s. Staffed solely by volunteers, it’s a community facility run by and for the village community.
The 23m outdoor, heated pool is operational annually from the end of May until the end of August.
There are a wide range of swimming sessions, fitness classes, sport activities and learning opportunities – and lots of ways to get involved as a volunteer.
CONTACT: via the web form
WEBSITE: www.overtonswim.org.uk
Taekwondo
Overton Taekwondo
A family oriented WT style Taekwondo club, founded in 1997. Meets at St. Luke’s Hall on Tuesdays from 6:00pm and Saturdays from 9:30am – see website for full timetable.
Members range in age from six to 60+ and there are class times for each age/level.
Teaches WT Taekwondo, a combination of the Olympic sport, patterns, basics, sparring and self defence. The aim is to introduce the benefits of Taekwondo to everyone, regardless of age, gender or ability.
Part of Chungdokwan or the Bluewave school founded in 1944 by Won Kuk Lee, and affiliated to the world headquarters of Taekwondo, Kukkiwon in South Korea.
Also a member of British Taekwondo, the governing body for World Taekwondo (WT) Taekwondo in the United Kingdom.
CONTACT: enquiries@overtontkd.org.uk, 01256 672030
WEBSITE: https://overtontkd.org.uk/
Under 18s
Army cadets
The Army Cadets are for young people aged 12–18 years old and meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm–9:00pm at the Cadet Hut in the High Street.
CONTACT: Steve Slack
WEBSITE: https://armycadets.com/
Church youth activities
Sunday groups available during 10:30am services for children 0–16.
Friday Toddlers 10:00am–11:30am
JoyZone – a family club organised and run by the Overton Churches Together. Meeting in St. Luke’s Hall on the first Sunday afternoon of the month 3–4:30pm. Crafts, challenges, games, sketches, songs, stories and fun – all based on a theme and story from the Bible.
Explorers
The Overton Explorer Scout unit is called “Mosi-oa-Tunya” and is part of the Basingstoke West District Explorer Scouts. Explorers normally meet in the Town Meadow hut at 8.00pm on Thursdays.
CONTACT: Lisa Bracken 01256 771230, Hugh Bridge 01256 770392, overtonexplorerscouts@gmail.com
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides
Rainbows
Meet at Town Meadow on Thursday from 4:45–5:45pm.
CONTACT: 1stovertonrainbows@gmail.com
Brownies
1st Overton meet at Town Meadow on Thursday from 6:00–7.30pm.
CONTACT: 1stovertonbrownies@gmail.com
2nd Overton meet at Town Meadow on Tuesday from 5:30–7:00pm.
CONTACT: michelle.lewarne@sky.com
Guides
1st Overton meet at Town Meadow on Tuesday from 7:15–8:45pm.
CONTACT: karen.elliott@googlemail.com, girlguidingbasingstokewest@hotmail.com
WEBSITE: www.girlguiding.org.uk
Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
Beavers
Meet at Town Meadow on Wednesday from 6:00pm–7:00pm.
Cubs
Meet at Town Meadow on Monday from 6:30pm–8:00pm.
Scouts
Meet at Town Meadow on Wednesday from 7:30pm–9.30pm.
CONTACT: Group Scout Leader, Stuart Williams 01256 770717 or overton.scout.group@outlook.com
Wellbeing Hub
Overton’s local doctor surgery, Watership Down Health, has a Wellbeing Hub on their website, where you can find a range of helpful information on subjects such as:
- Abuse
- Bereavement
- Cancer support
- Carers
- Child health
- Diabetes
- Drugs and alcohol
- Elderly care
- General health care
- Health kiosk
- Learning disability support
- Maternity
- Mental health
- Sexual health
- Shared decision making
- Stop smoking
- Veterans
- Weight management
Overton Parish – a great place for walkers
Overton is a pretty village with many nice eateries and pubs, and has good public transport links. The area offers a variety of rural walks, over easy and medium terrain, which can be unusual in a country location.
Home to the Overton Jane Austen Trails, Overton is accredited to the Walkers are Welcome national network, and also has a series of nature trails.
The walks vary from 1.8 miles to over 10 miles for those who love to stride out. We have walks that are buggy, wheelchair and dog friendly in a relaxed unhurried landscape.
Support has been received from local landowners who welcome considerate walkers on the marked footpaths running through their land. We ask that all walkers stick to these footpaths and that those walking with dogs keep them on a lead and deal with their mess appropriately. Please refer to the Countryside Code for more information.
If you need to report a footpath problem this can be done via the Hampshire County Council website.
Click on a leaflet below to view it on screen or download to. your device. Printed copies are also available in the Clerk’s office.
Exploring Overton
Overton Green Spaces Trail
Overton Tree Trail
Overton to Steventon
Jane Austen Trails
Overton in
Jane Austen’s Time
Overton Heritage and Nature Trails – Little Meadow and Flashetts
Overton Heritage and Nature Trails – Historic Overton
Overton Heritage and Nature Trails – Fields and Rivers
Overton Heritage and Nature Trails – Walk into the AONB
