ORGANISERS of the annual charity football match between Whitchurch and Overton have been drumming up interest ahead of next month’s fixture with a special tour of the area.

The third annual Rotten Hill Cup event will take place on Sunday, May 5, at Longmeadow Sport and Social Club, in Winchester Street, and to celebrate its return, social media snaps are being shared of the Rotten Hill trophy in and around town under the hashtag #TrophyOnTour.

The trophy has attended photo opportunities with a variety of figures and organisations, including Whitchurch mayor, Cllr John Buckley and a number of pubs, shops, businesses and sports clubs.

Jo Cowmeadow, Whitchurch United committed member, credits fellow organisers Claire Kingston, Katie Barry and Mark Freeborough with the idea for #TrophyOnTour.

Jo said: “I think this all started as a bit of a joke by thinking that we would take photos of the trophy in various locations, starting with the roundabout in the centre of Whitchurch.”

“Claire and Katie were going out to visit businesses the following day in Overton, so they decided to take the trophy with them and get photos of everyone who was kind enough to donate to the raffle.

“Claire and Katie are out and about again over the next few weeks trying to collect as many raffle prizes as possible to make the raffle a huge success, and we would like to thank all those who have kindly donated so far.”

This year’s event returns to Longmeadow, where the event was first played in 2017, with two matches scheduled for the afternoon.

Jo added: “As with last year we are going to combine the Rotten Hill Cup Match with a Junior Rotten Hill Cup Match which will kick off first.

“This will be played between the current under 13 teams from Whitchurch United Football Club and Overton United Football Club which will then be followed by the veterans’ match.”

Gates will open at 1pm, with the junior game at 2pm and the veterans’ game at 4pm, followed by the presentation of the trophy.

Other activities on the day include a barbecue, bouncy castle and evening disco.

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £1 for children or £10 for a family of four.

The money raised from this year’s event will be split between the two football clubs and Kingfisher Day Centre, which is based in Laverstoke and provides day care services for the elderly, and Simon Says, a Hampshire-based child bereavement support charity.