Community Connections
Alton Community and Events
Active Alton is aimed at everyone in the GU34 area, to inform you about the opportunities for physical activity and exercise in the locality. Listed on this website you will find over 90 sporting clubs and organisations, and venues which host them. There is everything from Archery to Zumba, from Bowls to Walking for Health, from Dance Classes to Kickboxing. Something for everyone.
Your what’s on guide from Alton Town Council to keep up to date with Alton in Bloom, our Community Events, and the Community Grow Club workshops.
Weekly community information and events newsletter published by Alton Town Council that can be downloaded from the Alton Town Council website or email community@alton.gov.uk to receive the newsletter by email.
The Alton Events website provides details of events in and around Alton in Hampshire, UK. With a regularly updated calendar of events as well as a useful directory of local attractions, markets, clubs, societies, as well as helpful local where to eat and stay listings.
Amateur Dramatics Groups
Alton Fringe Theatre is a local theatre group who take members from the age of seventeen upwards. There are no fees or subscriptions, just a willingness to get involved and contribute to whatever the group decides as to the next project.
Alton Operatic and Dramatic Society (AODS) are an amateur operatic and dramatic society who put on many different productions including musicals, operettas, plays and revues. Founded in 1921, AODS has grown to become a two-shows-a-year society which provides first class entertainment for the people of Alton and a hectic social life for its members. AODS are always seeking new members and you don’t have to be keen a keen actor or singer to join in. We always need backstage crew, set designers, directors, musicians, committee members and of course audiences! We are a friendly society with members of all ages and backgrounds and a busy social scene.
Holybourne Theatre is a not for profit amateur dramatics group run by volunteers which stages an energetic and diverse entertainment programme for the people of Holybourne, Alton and the surrounding areas. Our annual pantomime is watched by over one thousand people and our youth theatre is full of talented youngsters who continually surprise us with their ability. We stage many shows during the year, not only with our own adult and youth talent, but also invited performers, musicians and comedians.
Arts and Crafts
Free entry to our rich permanent collection, which displays a wealth of ceramics and paintings and exhibitions by local and national artists. Regular specialist and general art, craft and clay workshops. Monthly talks by the Friends of the Allen Gallery and Curtis Museum.
Promoting the practice of creative arts in Alton and the surrounding area since 1925. Membership costs £15 per year and entitles you to join in all of the Society’s activities, including the right to display work at our largest event of the year – the Annual Exhibition of members’ work, held in the Alton Assembly Rooms at the end of September/early October. There are monthly programme of talks and demonstrations during the winter and a summer programme of meetings at various locations for members to paint together outside. There are weekly indoor painting afternoons held throughout the year meeting on Thursday afternoons, providing an informal opportunity to work in spacious surroundings with fellow artists. Non-Members are also welcome at our demonstrations – £5 a head.
Alton Art Society brings people together through a shared curiosity for the arts, creating a better, healthier and more connected society. Our events provide welcoming places to hear expert lecturers share their specialist knowledge about the arts. We are a lively group who meet to learn, appreciate and wonder at the decorative and fine arts. We aim to do this through monthly lectures, special interest days (SIDS), guided visits to private houses, exhibitions and museums both at home and abroad. We have the advantage of evening meetings where you can relax after the day, enjoy a drink before the lecture, meet and make friends. We are affiliated to The Arts Society (TAS), with all its benefits of access to study days, foreign travel and expert lectures in all fields and quarterly magazine. For details of our programme and activities please go to our website.
Maggie’s ‘Art for All’ classes are on a Monday’s and Tuesday’s from 10am-1pm. They are friendly, informal and include lots of guidance. The class is suitable for everyone from the petrified beginner to the improver – all are welcome. You will need to bring your own materials. The ‘Painting & Drawing for Everyone’ classes are on Thursday’s from 9.45am-12.15pm. This is friendly mixed ability class. These are fully structured sessions with lots of guidance from the tutor. Explore composition, tone, aerial and linear perspective and colour mixing. Experiment with different techniques in watercolours and acrylics. The ‘Art for Fun Workshop’ We will explore creative possibilities using this inventive medium – experimenting with colour, pattern and shape. There will be lots of guidance to create your own painting. Experimenting with art and colour is a great creative outlet and can have a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
Crochet Club at Alton Library on Mondays (except public holidays) from 10am to midday. Hosted by Katie of Creating Crafts and Blooms. Come and crochet whilst making new friends and take part in the ‘Giving the Gift of Warmth’ project. Help create ‘granny’ square blankets to be gifted to those who need a community hug. Beginners welcome.
These 12 week workshops are held on Saturdays from 9.30am-12.30pm at Alton Community Centre. You will learn how to understand and work from a pattern, cutting, pinning, tacking and stitching. How to fit the dress and finishing techniques. Learn and improve your machine and hand sewing techniques to use on your own projects You will need to bring your own sewing machine, pattern, fabric etc. Full equipment list available on request.
Knitters Anonymous
This informal group meets in All Saints Church Hall, usually on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm, to knit and crochet blankets and garments. The completed items are passed to local and national charities e.g. premature baby units. A supply of assorted wool is available for your use.
Loopy Loopers at Alton Library, every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. Do you enjoy crochet, knitting and crafting? Come along and join our group. A great opportunity to meet others and share ideas. Please bring your own equipment. Beginner’s welcome.
Choirs and Music
Alton Choral Society is eager to hear from committed singers who would like to join the choir. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings in the Salvation Army Hall, GU34 1HN and welcomes new singers of all voice ages and voice types. Some ability to read music is helpful, but not essential. There is no audition. If you would like more details, please contact Nancy Buck at welcome@altonchoral.org.uk.
ACC was formed in 2000 by Carolyn Robson and is still led by her. Members share the joy of singing together for pleasure. There are no auditions and it is not necessary to read music. The choir enjoys performing at concerts and events in the community, both in Alton and other areas, and profits go to local charities. Our varied repertoire includes traditional songs (many, but not exclusively, collected in Hampshire). The music is arranged in 3 or 4 part harmonies for unaccompanied voices.
Alton Community Choir
Alton Community Choir Day Trip
Alton Concert Band is a friendly group of amateur musicians founded in 2010. Since then we have grown both in size and musical skill. We play a wide variety of light and classical music, including music from the shows, jazz and swing. We welcome new members with a love of playing on any woodwind, brass or percussion instrument . If you would like to join, please send us a message . There are no formal auditions , so please come along for a trial session. Our rehearsal time is on a Thursday evening: 7.30 to 9.30 pm at the Alton Community Centre in Amery Street, Alton.
Alton Concert Orchestra is based in the market town of Alton in the East Hampshire District of Hampshire. We have around 60 keen musicians and are always pleased to welcome more brass and string players. We practice every Wednesday evening from 7.30 – 9.30pm during term time at Wootey’s Junior School in Alton, Hampshire. If you are interested in finding out more please send us a message via the contact webpage.
An exciting and life-affirming journey building new friendships and experiencing unique events. An opportunity to engage with the local community and support local as well as national charities. An increase in personal confidence and improvement in your general well-being. No-audition, no-experience-necessary community choir. Everybody and anybody is welcome.
Alton Rock Choir
Joining Encore welcomes you in to its ever-growing family, its lively community spirit that shares the gift of music and passion for singing. We pride ourselves in delivering fun rehearsals that boost all the benefits of singing. A friendly and exciting company with the aim of bringing people together to share a passion for singing and to bring joy and fun sessions to anyone who joins. Our choirs have no auditions and no experience required, so that anyone can join in and experience singing in the best possible way! We sing in a wide range of styles from Pop, Rock, and Soul, all the way to Musical Theatre. Why not try one of our FREE taster sessions before any commitment to becoming a member?!
Alton-based Luminosa Voices are an excellent choir with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Run by vocal specialist Rebekah Abbott, she makes every rehearsal engaging and really informative. So, whether you are an experienced chorister, or you haven’t sung for a long time, Luminosa has something to offer every singer. Anyone wanting to join the choir can join us for a couple of trial rehearsals before deciding whether to commit. For younger singers, we have two youth choirs. Luminosa rehearse every Tuesday in the Alton Maltings Centre from 19.45-21.45 with a short break included. We often go to the local pub after rehearsals and have regular social, perform at community events and concerts. Luminosa are recruiting all voice parts throughout the year to join our fun choir so do get in contact with us to come along to meet our friendly team and sing with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Luminosa Choir
Community Clubs and Groups
Alton Community Centre is a public facility that caters for all age groups and backgrounds. We offer hall hire for your event whether it is large or small. We have a variety of hall/meeting room spaces for your class, course, group etc. Party packages available for childrens parties, weddings, christenings etc. Our building is home to many local groups and organisations and we run an Adult Leisure Learning programme, Community Club and many other Community events and services
There are lots of free welcoming weekly sessions at Alton Library including: Mondays, 10am to midday – Crochet Club – Crochet whilst making new friends. Tuesdays, 2pm to 3:30pm – Chat About – meet new friends and have a chat. Thursdays, 2pm to 4pm – Loopy Loopers. Do you enjoy crochet, knitting and crafting, a great opportunity to meet others and share ideas. Saturdays 1pm to 3pm – Community Connections – Open to all for a chat and helpful information and signposting.
Alton Lions Club was formed in 1972 and has since become a respected volunteer service organisation within Alton and is active in:
• Fund raising for local (and sometimes national & international) good causes.
• Community Service activities for those in need.
• Social activities – enjoying the fun and fellowship that goes with being a Lion.
We support many local charities, local school activities, national and international projects. Are you interested in joining Rotary Club of Alton to use your time, talents, professional skills and energy to improve the lives of people in your local community. And, in the process, you can enjoy the benefits of business networking, personal development, meeting new friends, hearing inspiring speakers, having a great deal of fun and experiencing that special sense of fulfilment that comes from achieving something really worthwhile.
Altonu3a “learn, laugh, live!”
You need never feel bored or lonely again! We are a friendly, peer-led community offering over 55 different groups and activities from backgammon to bird-watching, current affairs to craft & chat and guitar to gardening; plus monthly coffee mornings and talk & teas, and regular coach trips. We welcome both new club members, and new group coordinators who would like to share their interest with others. You can pick up a copy of the annual programme from the Allen Gallery, the Museum, the Library and Alton Community Centre (ACC); and most indoor activities are held at the ACC. Annual membership fees (Sept – Aug) range from £10 – £60 depending on the frequency and location of the groups you have chosen.
Alton U3A
Alton U3A
Barrett’s, Stomach and Oesophageal Cancer Support (BSOCS) gives people the opportunity to meet and share experiences with others living with Barrett’s or oesophageal cancer.
Goldfinch provides a space for various clubs and community groups. Various clubs and organisations meet at Goldfinch, including ACAN (Alton Climate Action Network), Walk Alton, and others. Clubs run by Goldfinch include gaming clubs (Dungeons & Dragons), four book clubs, a young adult book club, live poetry monthly gathering, live music monthly gathering, writers’ group monthly gathering, and other ad-hoc events for which details are provided in the Goldfinch online events calendar.
On Tuesdays The Healing Hubs Charity offers brunch in collaboration with Orchard House from 10am until 12pm on a donation only basis. This is a warm area to eat and socialise or just eat and go. On Fridays we offer the Meeting Place in collaboration with Alton Rugby Club from 11am until 2pm for a £3 entry fee (donations are very welcome). The Meeting Place offers the opportunity for a weekly social with activities and refreshments/light lunch.
We also offer Telephone Befriending Services: this is a weekly befriending call (approx. 30 mins) which is ongoing for as long as is required by the client. The client is referred via social prescribing teams. Self referrals are accepted via email or telephone (please see contact details below).
A social group for ladies from the churches in town. We meet on a monthly basis on the first Monday of each month. The evening gives us the chance to chat with people we don’t get to see very often and to meet new friends and to try out new activities too. In the summer we go on short walks before we share a meal. In the winter we enjoy a range of different speakers and craft opportunities. If you would like to be added to the distribution list or need any information email Lyn Baines at meetandeat@btinternet.com
Alton Men’s Shed is a registered charity based in Edgar Hall, Anstey Park. We aim to improve the well being and mental health of older men and women. A community initiative that can improve the physical, and psychological well-being of the whole person, allowing retirement to be a joy, with the benefit of helping others. A major boost to mental health with a sense of belonging and involvement. Social events are frequent and some members come just for a chat and a cuppa whilst others enjoy the challenge of trying new skills. The idea of a Men’s Shed, is something that is a catalyst to get retired men of all backgrounds, no exclusions, involved in their own well-being as well as feeling they can still be a participant in the community, whilst forming new friendships and camaraderie together.
One Way
An opportunity for anyone looking for friendship and to grow in confidence. Enjoy games, puzzles, art or chat over a cup of tea.
Alton RBL social club is located in Anstey Park, it is a family friendly club with a great atmosphere and regular entertainment like Big Bingo, darts and pool tournaments, comedy nights and seasonal events. You don’t have to be a member to pop in and see what our club is all about or to attend one of our events.
The WI is for all women of all generations to share experiences and learn from each other. Alton WI meets at Alton Community Centre on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm. You will be made very welcome at our meetings which always include an interesting speaker or activity and we have various clubs and our own garden to look after. We hold coffee mornings once a month and the occasional lunch meeting.
Community Clubs – Children and Young People
The Alton Army Cadets meet at Anstey Park on Wednesday’s between 1900 – 2130 hrs. Hampshire & Isle of Wight ACF are seeking young people from the age of 12 to join us for adventure, fun, friendships and skills for life.
The Scouts is the UK’s biggest mixed youth organisation. We change lives by offering young people fun and challenging activities, unique experiences and adventures, as well as the chance to help others so that we make a positive impact in both our local and wider communities. At 3rd Alton, we have 7 sections – with 2 Beaver colonies (6–8-year-olds), 2 Cub Packs (8-10.5-year-olds), 2 Scout Troops (10.5-14-year-olds) and an Explorer Unit (14–18-year-olds) which is hosted by our Group. Scouting helps young people reach their full potential through developing a range of skills – teamwork, time management, leadership, initiative, planning, communication, determination, cultural awareness and commitment. We help young people to have a voice, generate ideas, get jobs, save lives and even change the world!
Army Cadets
Air Cadets
The RAF Air Cadets offers an unbelievable amount of activities, from Flying to Shooting, Radio Communications to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, we have it all. It’s our aim to get you airborne as often as possible, as an Air Cadet you’ll get the chance to fly gliders, powered light aircraft and ride along in RAF aircraft, such as the A400M, Chinook or even the Hawk.
Located at The New Cabin on Anstey Park, our group is a great place for children to experience some of the amazing things Scouting can offer. From learning teamwork through game play in Beavers, to developing leadership skills in Explorers, our aim is to teach young people skills for life in a fun, challenging, exciting and caring way. Beavers age 6-8yrs, Cubs age 8-10yrs, Scouts 10-14yrs, Explorers age 14-18yrs.
BB meets in the Alton Methodist Church on Friday evenings throughout the school term from the age of 4 (year R) to 18. It is challenging. The Boys’ Brigade offers a progressive programme of activities geared to each boy’s age – from simple achievements at age 6 to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award at age 17+. It is disciplined. With a blend of formal and informal events, a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities, challenges and team-working and enjoying doing things with their friends.
8th Alton Scout Group
Young volunteers
Duke of Edinburgh's Award (D of E)
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (or DofE) is a nationally renowned developmental programme for young people from the age of 14. There are three progressive levels of award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. DofE focuses on Physical, Skill and Volunteering activities, which may be done as individuals or with others over a period of months. Perhaps its best-known section, however, is the Expedition, where groups of between four and seven people are trained to make their way unaccompanied over increasingly challenging terrain. Everyone aged between 14 and 24 is invited to accept the challenge of DofE
GB meet in the Alton Methodist Church on Monday evenings throughout the school term, from the age of 4 (year R) to 18. GB has become known worldwide as a fun, interesting, challenging and relevant provider of activities, life skills, care and Christian love for hundreds of thousands of young people. Each week we enjoy many different activities. We play games, do handicraft, sing, dance, skip and learn more about the bible.
Girlguiding is the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls. Girls can do anything. We help them know that, whether they’re 4 or 18 or in between. Through fun, friendship, challenge and adventure we empower girls to find their voice, inspiring them to discover the best in themselves and to make a positive difference in their community.
Girlguiding
KA After School Club
Group for children in years 3 to year 6. It will take place in the Galilee Chapel in St Lawrence church from 3:15pm until 5:00pm every Thursday (term-time only). During the group they will play games, do crafts, learn about the Bible and spend time together praying. Refreshments will be provided for the children. If your child would like to attend, please register with the office on office@potr-alton.co.uk
Holybourne Youth Theatre hold four workshops each Saturday to teach acting and stage skills by experienced drama coaches. Several times per year there is an opportunity to audition for places in youth productions and the annual Holybourne pantomime.
Chilling out after the challenges of school is what the After School Club is all about. Young people aged 11 – 18 years are welcome to the club which is free and is on during term time for 90 minutes after school. Offering a safe, fun environment to chill out with your mates, perhaps over a game of pool, table tennis or air hockey. We also have an Xbox and our Youth Workers are never short on game, craft or activity ideas. Monday: 3-4.30pm (yrs. 9-11 only) Tuesday: 3-4.30pm (yrs. 7-8 only)Wednesday: 3-4.30pm (yrs. 7-11, sign up only) Thursday: 3-4.30pm (yrs. 9-11 only) Friday 3-4.30pm (yrs. 7-8 only)
Gardening and Nature Groups
Alton Local Food Initiative encourages and enables people in our local community to be involved in growing, sourcing and eating local, seasonal and responsibly produced food. We do this by looking after 11 growing plots in and around the town, holding events to share seeds, swap seedlings and promote local produce. We encourage local children to get involved through our annual competition. We promote fresh local produce and are interested in ways of supporting local producers and small businesses and encouraging people to consider the environmental impact of food production and transportation. We also produce seasonal recipe leaflets to encourage and inspire people to cook and eat local fruit and vegetables. There is no cost to joining and we welcome anyone who is interested in any of these aspects of our work and would like to get involved.
Each of our five allotment sites in Alton have site representatives and their contact details are displayed on each of the site gates. Alternatively please drop us an email and we will get back to you as soon as we can. To apply for a plot or if you have any questions regarding your site fees etc you need to contact Alton Town Council on 01420 83986 or visit www.alton.gov.uk/Allotments. Get in touch with Alton Allotment Association to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
From new budding gardeners to lifelong nurturers of nature, Alton in Bloom – Community Grow Club is a delightful series of workshops welcoming all in our community! Young and old, novice or professional, everyone is invited to come and join us. Together, at the Alton in Bloom – Community Grow Club, we’ll grow more than just flowers – we’ll grow as a community too!
AVLAN is a community group for improving our local area for wildlife. We think that nature is beautiful and want us all to make space for it in our gardens, parks, road verges and industrial estates. We also want as many people in our community to appreciate the value of the nature on our doorsteps. We are about practical action and learning and are open to expert and novice alike. You can find out more about the wildlife in Alton and the nearby villages, find out about our projects and learn more about what you can do in places like your garden and neighbourhood to help wildlife.
Alton Natural History Society is for anyone in Alton and the surrounding area who enjoys nature, wants to learn more about it and would like to share their interest with like-minded people. We welcome everyone from beginners to experts. We run friendly and relaxed field meetings in the summer to interesting sites for wildlife in the glorious countryside around Alton. We also have a packed programme of stimulating talks throughout the winter, with occasional bracing field meetings to get you out on a winter’s day. Whether you’re interested in plants or insects, birds or mammals, snails or lichens, come along to a meeting and try us out for free, before deciding if you’d like to join.
Welcome to the Green Hub Project for Teens garden! You have arrived at the beating heart of the project. Through a range of activities, the garden will provide you with a safe and tranquil haven to come along to, to learn new skills, develop new relationships and to take much needed time out for yourself and to enjoy nature. We would very much like you to be involved in the development of the garden and, working alongside our garden volunteers, it is hoped the garden becomes a place that you are proud to be involved in. By contributing in the garden we hope that you reap positive benefits in respect of your mental health, development of skills and experiences and also to improve / benefit from positive social interactions.
Medstead Gardeners Club is one of the major gardeners club in the local area. We welcome members from Alton, Four Marks, Medstead and all surrounding villages. Offering regular monthly meetings at Medstead Village Hall on different garden or related topics. We like to get our members involved in the Club through our Plant Sale, Summer Show as well as with other local activities and outings. We have 140 members and we are a very social and chatty bunch. Refreshments available at Village Hall meetings with monthly raffle and competition.
Community Cupboard
Dementia Friends Garden
