What makes a good community?
Many of our residents say it’s about belonging, having a shared sense of purpose, knowing your neighbours and feeling safe and cared for.
In tandem with putting a roof over people’s heads, we encourage Whiteley residents to participate in and support their community – one that’s created by the people who live here. But our community stretches beyond our boundaries and friends and relatives of residents are always welcome, regardless of age.
Our beautiful 225-acre estate is a wonderful heritage asset with Grade II listed historic buildings designed around an octagon in the Arts and Crafts style. In addition to our extensive woodlands, gardens, lakes and green spaces there are also a huge variety of other facilities on offer.
These include a shop and Post Office; the Lantern Café and hair salon in the Eliza Palmer Hub; allotments; a golf course (currently out of operation) and a bowling green. There is also a therapy pool, the Village Hall and the Clubhouse, Bar and Conservatory supporting the plethora of clubs, societies and social activities organised by, and for villagers.
Whiteley is also proud to have its own Anglican church, St Mark’s, and the Trust recognises the importance of pastoral care for all residents of faith – and of none. (See below for more information.)
These venues as well as our Guesthouse can all be hired by residents and the public. More information is available from our Events & Venues section.
Volunteers play a vital role in helping support and enrich the community at Whiteley and over half are residents themselves. Many participate in our Befriending Scheme, which helps prevent loneliness and isolation in the Village. Lots of local people also volunteer for us and we have strong partnerships with local businesses, schools and universities too, who volunteer and/or provide sponsorship or donations.
If you would like to support us in any way, we’d love to hear from you – please contact our Volunteer Team or visit our Get Involved section to find out more.
Pastoral Care
St. Mark’s Church was designed in gothic style by Sir Walter Tapper and we celebrated its centenary in 2018. In addition to the weekly 10.00 am Sunday service, St Mark’s also hosts a variety of Village events and special services throughout the year.
The Trust recognises the importance of pastoral care for all residents of faith – and of none. In addition to weekly Anglican services, Roman Catholic and Community (Free) Church services are also held in the Village, and members of the local community are always welcome to attend. (Service details are published in The Octagon magazine and in the monthly Diary which is distributed to all residents).
For those wishing to consider St. Mark’s for their own service, this beautiful church comfortably seats over 100 people, has dedicated space for wheelchairs, comfortable pews and a high-quality sound system and hearing loop. As with any Anglican Church, we require anyone who wishes to hold a Baptism or a Wedding in St. Mark’s to have some link to our church or Village. If you would like to discuss your plans further, please contact the Trust’s Chaplaincy Assistant for advice in the first instance.
The Estate
Our beautiful 225-acre estate offers extensive woodlands, gardens, lakes and green spaces for our residents along with their families and friends to enjoy. The Estates Team work hard all year round to ensure that our grounds are safe and can be enjoyed by all.
By permission of The Whiteley Homes Trust, members of the public are admitted into the Village on the proviso that the rules stated in our Whiteley Village Estate Rules 2021 are adhered to at all times.
