The launch was at Merchistoun Hall in Horndean.

While acknowledging the part played by Hampshire County Council, Rowlands Castle Society and the two local councils of East Hampshire and Horndean, she also praised the commitment of the project group members, chairman Brendan Charles and trustees of Horndean Community Association and particularly the 170-plus organisations featured in the guide.

Cllr Snaith said she had seen the guide when visiting her daughter in Rowlands Castle, and had been delighted to find clubs and societies offering a wide choice of leisure and learning activities for all age groups. There are also opportunities for families to take part in fitness, health and sports as a group.

Marie Jafkins, who won the competition at Horndean Technology College for the cover design, also came to the launch and was congratulated for her imaginative use of the local features.

Mr Charles, senior manager of the Horndean Community Association, said Horndean Parish Council and the Rowlands Castle Society had been involved from the start and all had members serving on the team encouraging organisations to get involved.

He told the meeting that he already held a sheaf of details from organisations that wanted to be included in the next edition of the guide and on the Discover Horndean and Rowlands Castle website that the group hope to launch early in 2009. It will be necessary to raise more funding to ensure that an updated guide is produced in 2009.

Brendan has also been told about a substantial increase in the number of inquiries at Horndean Technology College There have been reports of some areas not receiving copies at their homes and he assured the meeting that there were adequate supplies at libraries and the community centre.

Organisations not featured can appear in future by e-mailing john.best4@btinternet.com