SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 055
www.winchestertoday.co.uk
WINCHESTER STUDENTS EXCEL ONCE AGAIN Beaming faces all round as GCSE and A Level results thrill students, staff and parents By KEVIN GOVER News Editor
Wedding gift for proud dad
STUDENTS across Winchester have done it again, with exam targets not only being met, but surpassed.This year saw the final rollout of the three-year implementation of 1 to 9 grade ratings for GCSEs - with 9 being at the very top of the scale and a pass grade being 4 or above. In congratulating Hampshire’s students, Roz Chadd, who’s responsible for Education and Skills for the county said it was a huge achievement: “There is no question that the new GCSE examinations are tougher than ever, yet Hampshire’s pupils have risen to the challenge again and performed excellently. “They should be very proud of their results for 2019, as should their families and schools. Hampshire schools performed very well last year so to improve from that strong position is a real achievement for them.” There were increases in top GCSE
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Scouts’ USA Jamboree
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AHOY!
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Charity transforms life of Winchester youngster MEET Joseph Sandercock, an 11-year-old from Winchester who is in recovery from cancer, and who feels more optimistic for his future after enjoying the sailing trip of a lifetime with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, as the charity aims to transform more young lives this summer. Joseph was six when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and underwent intensive chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital. He was amongst 22 young people in recovery that took part in a continued on page 2 ➜
A Wizard production page 12
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September 2019
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR In last month’s edition of Winchester Today, I told you about an old Scout friend and leader who’d gone off to the Great Jamboree in the sky. He’d taken Scouts just like me to a Jamboree in England in the early 1970s at the home of Scouting, Gilwell. We had a fab time representing our City of Bath. I can remember it as if it were yesterday. Although we never made it to a World Jamboree, our Scout troop made it abroad on a number of occasions to France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria, where we stayed at
ABOUT US
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n EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Kevin Gover kevin@winchestertoday.co.uk n CONTRIBUTORS • David Cradduck • Drew White • Gavin Harris • Rachel Gover • Helena Gomm • John Ellery • Chrissie Pollard • Freya Storey • Eleanor Marsden • Chris Book • Edyth Miles • Richard Horsman • Simon Newman Richard Horsman portrait by Chris Eastham n LAYOUT DESIGN • Jon Heal Winchester Today Media Partner to Winchester Film Festival and Bishop’s Waltham Festival
the European home of Scouting, Kandersteg. We gained memories that we have never forgotten. Football with the Austrian Scouts, alpine forests, massive lightning and thunderstorms which seemed to happen every single evening, camp fires, constantly smelling of woodsmoke, trips up and down mountains, cuckoo clocks… well, in this edition we feature some of the exploits that Scouts from Winchester and Hampshire got up to at the World Jamboree in West Virginia. Looking at some of the photographs they sent us from
the US and Canada, it seems that they had a fantastic time, just as we did. A lifetime of memories, new friendships, new countries. I’ll bet you that some of them will be meeting up with each other for years to come. It was a small adventure in life’s Big Adventure. It’s just as every Cub, Scout and Venture Scout will tell you, they always have a good time. During the week, away on a DofE expedition, being made a leader. Ah yes, the leaders. To them we owe a huge debt of gratitude. Kevin Gover
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unique four-day Trust sailing adventure around the Isle of Wight. Launched in 2003, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a national charity that rebuilds confidence after cancer, using sailing to support, empower and inspire young people aged 8-24 in re-engaging with life and embracing their futures with optimism. Joseph missed out on a lot of school during his treatment due to his weakened immune system. He spent long periods of time in isolation so wanted to go on the Trust trip to meet other young people who shared similar experiences: “I was nervous going back to school after my treatment as I was worried the other kids would be mean to me because I had no hair, but then it turned out they were just wondering what happened. “It’s nice on the trip because I have made lots of new friends as they know what you’ve been through so they understand more so I don’t have to explain all the time as I do at school.” For many young people in recovery, the unseen mental and emotional aftereffects of cancer are as difficult as the physical, and simply picking up where they left off before their diagnosis is not possible. Many young people like Joseph miss
Sharing: Joseph pictured with his crew mate Kenzie as they set sail together on the Solent
out on education, don’t sit exams or leave jobs whilst on treatment. They can be crippled by shyness and anxiety from missing day-to-day interaction with people, get left behind as their friends grow up and face the complex anger of survivor guilt, questioning why they lived but others did not. This is where the Trust comes in; providing long-term support to young people in finding the confidence to re-engage with education, employment and relationships and to enjoy being the young people they still are. Joseph celebrated his 11th birthday on
I feel like I’ve got more confidence
the trip with his new friends, and says he’s feeling more confident at the end of the week from trying new things: “I feel like I’ve got more confidence because I managed to sail for quite a long time. I did a lot of helming and some winching to open the sail — that was quite hard but really fun.” The windy weather and Solent swell caused Joseph to experience a spell of seasickness but this hasn’t put him off wanting to return on another Trust trip next year: “I really liked the stormy day just watching all the wind coming in and out on the sea and being all choppy. If you’re sick when you’re feeling ill it’s not that bad because it passes and then you feel good later on.” No fewer than 31 trips are set to take place in all since they started in June right up to the end of September, both on the water and at the outdoor adventure centres the Trust partners with across the country. If you know someone who is struggling or could simply do with a bit of support, however long off treatment they are, the Trust would LOVE to hear from them. But for every young person the Trust currently supports, there are nine they can’t. Yet. Support young people like Joseph at: www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org
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Want to be in the next edition? Call our sales team on 07456 065100 Friendships: Joseph and his Trust crew mates visit The Needles
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September 2019
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FATHER OF BRIDE’S WISH COMES TRUE Caring staff stage second wedding to bring smiles all round A Winchester care home has stepped in to make a father of the bride’s wish come true by arranging an emotional wedding ceremony in its garden. The management and staff at Colten Care dedicated dementia home - St Catherines View in Stanmore Lane - were deeply saddened when they learned that one of their residents, Barry Stimpson, would not be well enough to travel to his daughter Ellie’s wedding in Devon. Determined to make Barry’s dream of giving his daughter away a reality, the staff sprang into action. Barry’s wife Maggie explained more: “Our daughter Ellie and her husband Ryan were married in Noss Mayo, South Devon in June. But sadly Barry was not well enough to attend and to give his daughter away. “As a family we desperately wanted to find a way to include Barry in the wedding. So St Catherines stepped in to help and on 3 August a beautiful wedding celebration was organised in the stunning garden of the home.”
Dad seemed so very proud as he walked me towards my new husband
The staff and gardening club at St Catherines View produced flower arrangements, while the activities team decorated the garden with colourful bunting. A short service and blessing was followed by canapés and cake. Maggie says it was a beautiful gesture: “We all watched as Barry, accompanied by his daughters, the bride and her bridesmaid made their way through the garden to the awaiting bridegroom. “The afternoon was an amazingly beautiful service and celebration of love, friendship and the importance of family support.” Barry’s daughter Ellie agreed: “The wedding celebrations have been such an emotional experience for both me and my new husband Ryan. “Dad seemed so very proud as he walked me towards my new husband. For him to be able to give his blessing by putting his hand in mine was wonderful. “We will always cherish this day for the wonderful memories it has given us. Thank you to all the staff at St Catherines view for making this possible.” Vanda Baker is Manager at St Catherines View: “So many people gave so much time to make sure this was a truly amazing and emotional experience. “I feel immensely proud of everyone involved and also deeply privileged that St Catherines View was able to bring Barry and his family such happiness.”
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September 2019
AUSTEN LETTER SAVED Museum thanks the public after £10k is raised in just six weeks JANE Austen’s House Museum in Chawton say they’re delighted a precious section of a letter by Jane Austen has been saved after an outpouring of generosity from the public. Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Stephen James Charitable Trust, the Walter Guinness Charitable Trust and individual members of the public, the Museum successfully raised the £35,000 negotiated purchase price and has now acquired the letter for public access.
Each new acquisition advances the Museum’s vision The public campaign alone raised over £10,000 in the course of just six weeks, with more than 250 donors from around the world chipping in to save the unique piece of Austen history. The irreplaceable letter fragment joins
Pictured: Jane Austen Woodcut (1870), Dr Mary Guyatt, Director of Jane Austen’s House Museum taking delivery of the newly acquired Jane Austen letter from Robert Harding, dealer at Maggs Bros, and the letter itself. All images © Jane Austen’s House Museum
the 12 other Jane Austen letters held in the Museum’s collection. As promised by the Museum at the start of the public fundraising campaign, the letter will be on display for the rest of the year. The current exhibition, ‘Making the Museum’,
celebrates the 70th anniversary of the opening of Jane Austen’s House as a museum. Dr Mary Guyatt is Director of Jane Austen’s House Museum: “We are thrilled to be able to display this irreplaceable
manuscript and we would like to thank the individuals and organisations who have helped to secure its future here. Each new acquisition advances the Museum’s vision to cherish and share Jane Austen’s home, work and legacy as
an inspiration to the world.” The letter itself was written by Jane to her niece Anna in November 1814, during the time she lived at the cottage in Chawton (now Jane Austen’s House Museum).
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OH YES THEY ARE!
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Playing Field Revamp
Panto favourites return for this year’s festive treat
THEATRE Royal Winchester’s panto favourites, Julian Eardley and Ed Thorpe, who played Dame Dotty and Wally respectively in 2018’s Beauty and the Beast, are set to return later this year in the theatre’s traditional family pantomime, Dick Whittington. The comic duo first performed together in Peter Pan, Theatre Royal Winchester’s panto in 2017, with Julian as Mrs Smee and Ed as Smee. Peter Pan was Ed’s first ever panto and he was nominated in the Great British Pantomime Awards for Best Songsheet performance. Julian is already well known within the city, having played the
The pantomime will once again be produced by the same creative team
Dame at the theatre for many years. The pantomime will once again be produced by the same creative team with writer and director James Barry and composer Simon Slater already working on the finer details of this year’s production. Their original musical score for Beauty and the Beast was nominated in the Great British Pantomime Award’s Musical Achievement Award. Dick Whittington tells the story of a man who seeks his fortune in a London tormented by the sinister King Rat and his Revolting Rodents. Dick Whittington runs from Saturday 30 November 2019 – Sunday 5 January 2020
Winchester PPP Raises Thousands For Macmillan
BEEN able to hand over more than £15,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support on behalf of the 350 competitors who took part. The race was started by the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Eleanor Bell, at the town’s Guildhall. Heading off in three separate waves, competitors cycled for 20km out into the glorious Hampshire countryside, followed by an exciting 5k run along the scenic Hockley Viaduct, before finishing with a 2km kayak. Organiser Mike Sharpe says it was a great turnout: “We’re amazed at the commitment everyone showed to completing our triathlon. This year we welcomed our first blind competitor
and our first electric bike – we welcome everyone to our race as every entry means £40 more for Macmillan and the brilliant work it does.” Julian Mann returned to claim back the overall title he won in 2017, completing the course in a remarkable 1:02:59, closely followed by last year’s winner Matt Robinson and Rob Carter in 3rd. Just 47 seconds separated Becky Hobbs and Bea Searle in the women’s classification. The team title went to The Three Gamigos for the second year in a row, holding off a strong finish from the brilliantly named PLB team – Pedalit, Leggit, Boatit. Ryan Howarth is Macmillan
fundraising manager: “Cancer is lifechanging, but with the right support, life with cancer is still life and we help people live it. Through better treatment and early diagnosis, people are adding years to their life. We want to support those affected by cancer to add life to those years. “We’re here to help people live life, no matter what, but we can’t do it without the amazing people who fundraise for us. The money raised will go towards helping Macmillan support people affected by cancer at the time they need us most.” Next year’s race takes place on Sunday 12th July with registration opening on 1st January 2020.
RESIDENTS in Swanmore have celebrated the official reopening of New Road Playing Field after it underwent a major £400,000 transformation. It now boasts a new 100m running track, a 500m jogging circuit, along with a skate park, car park extension and toilets. The revamp was part funded by Winchester City Council, using £185,000 of local Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is money received from local developers as part of planning permissions. The project was developed following extensive consultation with residents and local groups by Swanmore Parish Council. Jackie Porter looks after Built Environment and Wellbeing:
“I am delighted to see CIL money being used effectively to improve the lives of residents in the district. These improvements are going to make a real difference for the communities in Swanmore, Bishop’s Waltham and Wickham and will help a growing number of people take part in an active lifestyle.” In September last year the council decided to make £1 million of CIL money available for community-based projects over a three-year period. The scheme has received a good response, with 16 parish councils and other organisations submitting proposals. Final decisions regarding the allocation of funds to these projects will be taken by Cabinet in the autumn.
CAN YOU HELP?
Local Citizens Advice in search of new trustees
THE charity which helps put people on the right track with a multitude of problems, Citizens Advice Winchester District, is looking for new trustees to join their team. If you’re interested in social justice and want to help change things for the better in your local community then becoming a trustee of this influential and important charity could be for you. Citizens Advice Winchester District provides free, confidential advice to thousands of people each year, helping resolve a wide range of issues from money and benefits issues to housing and employment problems. All you need is a commitment to the charity’s aims and objectives and the ability to offer approximately half a day a week of your time, unpaid. If you would like to find out more, please contact them by emailing admin@ cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk.
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FROM THE ARCHIVE: SEPTEMBER 2014 BOOMTOWN SUCCESS
5 YEARS AGO PHONES 4U COLLAPSE
INITIAL figures showed a positive light surrounding crime statistics at Boomtown Fair 2014, after a successful policing operation alongside multiple agencies. Reports of theft, criminal damage, assault and possession of drugs were all down. Around sixty people were arrested and dealt with away from the event, and violence remained very low, with only four reports received. Sixty-four thefts from tents had been reported, compared to eighty-two immediately following the festival in 2013.
The Phones 4u shop in Winchester’s High Street was left dark after Vodafone and EE both pulled their support for the company - and says it was “forced” into administration. Phones 4u executive David Kassler told Sky News about the hurt being felt by staff and customers: “Today is a very sad day for our customers and our staff. If the mobile network operators decline to supply us, we do not have a business.”
A LEVELS SOAR AT PSC PETER Symonds College appeared to have had an outstanding 2014 if the A level results are anything to go by. The success at A* was up again, and came hot on the heels of a report from the Sutton Trust showing that Peter Symonds was one of the top two performing state sixth form colleges in the country when it comes to getting young people into the nation’s top universities.
OPEN MEETINGS FOR GREATER INVOLVEMENT Residents are to be given a fresh chance to speak out on three key schemes A new style of ‘Open Forum’ meeting is being offered by the city council this month so that residents can become more involved. The first forums will focus on each of the current development projects, the Central Winchester Regeneration, Station Approach and Winchester Sport & Leisure Park. They will allow for discussion between residents and councillors, as well as other interested parties, to promote a two-way dialogue about the developments. Leader of Winchester City Council, Lucille Thompson, says it’s vital to have an open conversation with residents on the big projects: “We are looking to do things differently and to start with we want to ensure people have a voice in these three very important developments in our city. “This is just the start of a process of making our council more transparent and we will also be looking at other ways of improving resident engagement in democracy.”
September 2019
THE THREE OPEN FORUMS FOR SEPTEMBER ARE AS FOLLOWS: Winchester Sport & Leisure Park Friday 13 September, 3.30pm, Walton Suite, Guildhall Station Approach Monday 16 September, 4.30pm, Walton Suite, Guildhall Central Winchester Tuesday 24 September, The Nutshell, Kings Walk, drop in information session at 3.30pm, and question and answer session at 5.30pm
Discussion: big plans are being made for the regeneration of the City Centre (right and below) and the Station approach (bottom right) - but the Council needs your input
K ings’ school
WOW, WHAT A DAY! THE atmosphere for Results Day was of excitement and fear all rolled into one. Everyone was emotional and relieved all at the same time! The atmosphere was more like a festival... seeing old friends and waiting for the band to start. Headteacher Matthew Leeming says it’s a special day for everyone involved: “It is always delightful to see young people we know to be well-motivated and determined become well-qualified as well! They have worked very hard - as a rule, I would say that the teenagers we work with today are even more conscientious than their predecessors were. The staff deserve great credit too - I am lucky to work with such a skilful and committed group of professionals.”
The teenagers we work with today are even more conscientious than their predecessors Of 329 pupils: 86% achieved at least 4 in English and Maths
(and also in three other subjects; equivalent to the old 5+A*-C including English and Maths measure)
68% achieved at least 5 in English and Maths 92% achieved at least 4 in English, with 82% achieving at least a 5 88% achieved at least 4 in Maths, with 73% achieving at least a 5
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September 2019
WEEK OF FUN FOR WORTHYS From duck races to flower festivals, treats are in store this September ORGANISERS of the Worthys Festival are gearing up for what looks like a fantastic week of events from 14 September in and around the various parts of the area. It all gets underway with a Village Open Day on Saturday 14 September. There will be a flower festival at St Swithun’s Church which continues all week, tours up the Tower at St Mary’s, exhibition football on Church Green, free bus rides around the village with King Alfred’s buses — and the inaugural St Swithun’s Duck Race at 3pm! Jane Rutter is Chair of the Worthys Festival Organising Committee and says she’s particularly pleased about the bus runs: “I’ve just been sorting out the bus timetable for the first day and I’m really happy that it will be going to places that many people probably haven’t visited. It would be great to get the residents to go
I want everyone to have a sense of community to places that are right on their doorstep but perhaps haven’t gone before. “There’s so much happening during the Festival and I would encourage everyone to pick up a programme for the full run-down. We’re making sure that it will be available across Winchester as well as homes across the Worthys.” It’s clear that Jane is very passionate about what she’s doing: “I want everyone to have a sense of community, a sense of belonging and a sense of ownership of where we live. We all own it. It’s a great place to live because we make it so. It’s not a money-making exercise, it’s a bonding exercise.” Events through the week include a Quiz Night, bike ride with the Worthy Wheelers, film night at St Mary’s, campfire songs with the Scouts and Guides, jazz at the Cart and Horses and a Community Tea Party. The final weekend of the 20th - 22nd sees a whole host of events around the marquee at Eversley Park, including a beer and cider festival and food festival. Friday night will also see a ceilidh, while Saturday sees an arts and crafts market, fairground rides, festival fun runs for
Varied: Jane (above) and her committee have a variety of events, including many at St Mary’s (below centre) and St Swithun’s (right and below right). The Dean of Winchester, Catherine Ogle (below) will be speaking at a special service
adults and children and an all-day music festival. Sunday sees a fun dog show, Scout BBQ, wildflower meadow walk, flower arranging demonstration and the Worthys Football Club tournament, with a festival finale of fireworks at Eversley Park at 8pm. The Dean of Winchester, Catherine Ogle will be speaking at a special service: “I’m really looking forward to being part of the worship. A Cathedral is not just a building, it’s a mother church for the entire diocese. It’s a tremendous joy for me to get out and about, meet people and celebrate with the community. “It’s enormously significant that a community can have moments like this when it can gather together and celebrate all that is good in its community. We often notice when things go wrong and forget about the good things, that most of the time people are good and live together well – and we should celebrate that. I think we all need to focus on hope and a bit of joy, so that’s what I’ll be talking about probably.” More details of the service and other events are available in the Festival programme.
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September 2019
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SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER
TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
Flower festival begins in St Swithun’s Church (across the week of the Festival) 10am-2pm: Kings Worthy Pre-School is open - come and see the new facilities. 10am-12.30pm: St Mary’s Tower Tours and Ringing 2pm: Have a go at bellringing St Swithun’s Church 3pm: Inaugural St Swithun’s Duck Race 7.30pm: Radio Variety Show - Worthy Players in the Jubilee Hall
6-7.30pm: Scouts’ and Guides’ songs round the campfire. Field behind the cemetery on Lovedon Lane
The Worthys Festival Run - from 1.30pm for Juniors 12 and under (The Festival Mile) and 2pm for 13 and over (Festival 5k). Entry Form is in the programme
SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 10am: Festival Thanksgiving Service at St Mary’s Church 2pm-4pm: Open Gardens a full list is in the programme
MONDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 7.30pm: Film Night ‘The Shack’ at St Mary’s. 6.30pm: Bike Ride with the Worthy Wheelers - 20 miles. Meet at car park at Eversley Park. 8pm: Jazz in the Cart and Horses (continues through the week)
WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 3pm: Tea Time Talk - given by Chas Girdwood about ‘The Mighty Theatre and Cinema Organ’. £5 donation 7.30pm: Village Quiz - WSSC Sports and Social Club.
THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 1.30pm-4.30pm: Open Afternoon at Worthys Community Shed. Mend, repair, restore!
SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 10.30am: Dog Show (entry form in programme) Flower, Fruit and Produce Show, Eversley Park. Open to public from 11.30am. Prizegiving at 3pm.
SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 8pm: Festival Fireworks - Eversley Park (with best views from the Festival Marquee!)
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FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 10am-12noon: Scrabble at Tubbs Hall. £1 with tea or coffee.
FRIDAY 20 SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER FINALE WEEKEND! Centred around Worthys Festival Marquee at Eversley Park ** INCLUDES ** Beer Festival (all weekend) Street Food (all weekend) Music Festival (Saturday from 11am and Sunday from 1.30pm)
MORE DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE SPECIAL 44-PAGE WORTHYS FESTIVAL 2019 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS, WHICH CAN BE PICKED UP AT VARIOUS POINTS ACROSS THE WORTHYS AND THE CITY
We do two things on our internet radio station...
1: talk about Winchester 2: play fantastic music
FIND US ON THE TUNEIN APP! St Mary’s in Kings Worthy - venue during the Festival for a film night, bell tower tour, teas and a whole lot more!
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sport
September 2019
POINTS IN THE BAG Citizens off to a flyer on home start in league WINCHESTER City got their first home league game of the season off to an emphatic start with a 2-1 win over AFC Totton. The encounter followed a thrilling three-all draw away at Bristol Manor Farm when the team was threeone down. Club spokesman Matt Richbell was delighted with the home outcome: “Given all the chances we had, including hitting the crossbar, I think it was a fair result. We went ahead but we needed a second goal to kill the game off. That was difficult when AFC Totton equalised and made it clear that they were going to be happy with a point. It was great when Simba got our second.
(Main picture) Jamie Barron; (above) Olly Balmer on the ball, Ollie Griggs and Jamie Barron behind with Rob Flooks in the distance (below) Simba Mlambo towers above the AFC Totton defence to head home City’s second Images: Gary Marsh
Given all the chances we had, I think it was a fair result “We also had a good crowd, over 200 — that figure was a benchmark that we set earlier in the year and it’s good that the attendance appears to have carried on from the last three games of last season.” There’s twice as much football to be enjoyed at the ground as well for the moment, with Basingstoke Town ground sharing until their new facilities are ready. Being in the same league, Bank Holiday Monday saw a bizarre situation when the two sides met in competition, with City having to remember to use the away dugout and away dressing room!
Two Huge England Internationals For Ageas Bowl Ballot is now open for ticket applications THE ECB has announced that the home of Hampshire cricket will welcome World Cup winners England for two limited-overs international fixtures next summer. Following hot-on-the-heels of this year’s World Cup triumph, the announcement includes a One-Day International between England and Australia on Tuesday 14th July. Eoin Morgan’s men will also return on Wednesday 2nd September as they prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup down-under with an IT20 against Pakistan, all as part of a schedule which will see England face four different international teams in 2020. The Bowl’s Chief Executive Officer, David Mann, says the news comes off the back of a fantastic summer for cricket: “The World Cup generated record crowds across the country and culminated in an incredible final, and this together with an equally compelling Ashes series has got people engaged with the game in a way that we haven’t seen since 2005. “2020 should be another exciting year and we’re expecting sell-out crowds for both of our Internationals. England v Australia is always a huge fixture whilst the IT20 against Pakistan ahead of next winter’s T20 World Cup is sure to be another great spectacle.” ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, explains why a ballot is needed: “Alongside the red ball matches, England’s ODI contests against
We’re expecting sell-out crowds for both of our Internationals Australia and Ireland will see the World Champions return to home soil with big crowds expected at all venues. With further interest in IT20 cricket, the sixmatches against Australia and the world number one side Pakistan will offer a fascinating guide to form ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia during the autumn of 2020. “Following a once-in-a-generation summer which has seen exceptional demand for tickets, all men’s international host venues will be running ticket ballots. We would urge fans to register their interest now and plan for another big summer of cricket.” Fans are now able to enter the ballot online via www.ageasbowl.com/ballot. The ballot for both matches will close on Wednesday 25th September with results to be shared with entrants on Tuesday 1st October.
September 2019
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POSTCARD FROM WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE Winchester Scouts take part in a trip of a lifetime to the US and Canada SPECIAL REPORT FOR WINCHESTER TODAY with thanks to Ray Noice for his help SCOUTS from Winchester and across Hampshire will certainly have some tales to tell in the new term at school after returning from the 24th World Scout Jamboree held in West Virginia. It was a joint venture with Mexico, USA and Canada Scouts Associations, and was opened by Bear Grylls, UK Chief Scout and World Scout ambassador: “World Scout Jamborees only happen every four years in a different country each time and tens of thousands of Scouts attend each one. “They are incredible festivals of peace, friendship and adventure. Young people will make friends for life with people from over 150 countries, experience different food, language and culture while learning new skills. “It will have been the journey of a lifetime. The theme was ‘Unlock a new world’ – focusing especially on how we can create a sustainable world together.” The Jamboree offers young people the chance to learn new skills that they can use in other aspects of their life and taste high adventure. Three Winchester based young people, 17-year-old Olivia Crimlis, 14-yearold Isabel Whitt, and 14-year-old Jamie Benwell — one of the youngest to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity — joined 45,000 other Scouts from nearly every country in the world to learn new skills and activities. They included climbing, scuba diving, kayaking and a zip wire with a total distance of 5.5 miles (8.8
This is what the Jamboree is all about – learning about other countries km) long, as well as meeting and making new friends. Speaking while at the event, Jamie said he was having a great time: “The Jamboree is awesome, my favourite bits so far have been trading things with Scouts from around the world and being able to meet people from different places like Sweden, Japan and lots of other countries. In the run up to the Jamboree I’ve built up my social skills which has helped me make lots of new friends.” Isobel says meeting others was key: “This is what the Jamboree is all about – learning about other countries. Culture Day was the best day so far. I’m definitely more confident as a result of my Jamboree experience. I am doing lots of singing and dancing.” Each had to raise £3,790 over the past two years after being selected
They had the most incredible experiences that will stay with them forever from among more than 300 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Scouts and Explorer Scouts that applied. A lead volunteer for Hampshire Scouts said none of them will ever forget it: “It’s a huge achievement for all of them and we know they had the most incredible experiences that will stay with them forever.” The first leg of the Scouts journey was to New York where they toured the city sites during a heat wave, including paying their respects at Ground Zero (pictured). They then travelled to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia to join Scouts from around the world for 10 days of fun and adventure while continuing to learn skills for life. After the Jamboree the Scouts travel to Washington DC for a tour around the capital before finishing their adventure in south east Canada. Olivia enjoyed the activities: “The great thing about Jamboree is that we get to do things we can’t do at home. We did scuba diving and it was great to get the chance to do it with lots of other Scouts from across the world.” The Jamboree expedition was the culmination of two years’ work for 16 specially selected adult Scout volunteers who also each had to raise the £3,790 fee per person. You can join in the fun and adventure while teaching young people skills for life. scouts.org.uk/volunteer Left: Photographer Vanessa Slawson captures the Hampshire team just before they head out to the US.
12 winchestertoday.co.uk THE WIZARD OF OZ Salisbury Playhouse
ENTHUSIASM and energy were limitless in Wiltshire Creative’s production of The Wizard of Oz, which drew on the talents of Stage 65 Theatre Group and Jigsaw Youth Dance Company to assemble a cast of nearly 60 young performers. With live music, a well-designed set and colourful costumes, they brought to life the story of Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto, who are whirled by a tornado from rural Kansas into the Land of Oz. There, they team up with Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion and set off to follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, intending to petition the Wizard to grant their requests. Along the way, Dorothy and her new friends meet a host of different characters, and it was lovely to see the potential of those actors who, here, took fairly minor roles. I was particularly enchanted by the grove of grumpily defensive apple trees, who weren’t going to give up any of their produce without a fight.
review
September 2019
A TRIUMPHANT WIZARD OF OZ Helena Gomm follows the yellow brick road to Salisbury Playhouse
It was exciting to see performers of varying abilities working so well together
Triumph: An inclusive cast including dog puppeteer Ethan Speed (below) made for an absorbing show Images: Ash Mills
Stage 65 has a commitment to inclusivity and it was exciting to see performers of varying abilities working so well together. The cast even included a real dog (at least for the Kansas scenes), who shared the enthusiasm of the cast by barking joyfully at every opportunity. In the Land of Oz, Toto turned into a lifelike puppet, skilfully manipulated by his young handler, Ethan Speed. Directing young people is a special skill, and it was clear that this was a well-disciplined cast who knew exactly where they had to be and when. The choreographed dance numbers were very well executed. I did have a bit of a problem with the sound, though. Young people often don’t realise that projection doesn’t mean shouting, particularly not when microphones are being used. More guidance and direction in this
Directing young people is a special skill, and it was clear that this was a welldisciplined cast area would have been welcomed by the audience, and would have brought greater subtlety and a better sense of light and shade to the production. All in all, though, this production of The Wizard of Oz was a triumph for the talented and enthusiastic youngsters who took part. What a great opportunity it was for them to put on a show in a professional theatre. And what an opportunity for their proud parents to see how hard their children had worked and to what great effect.
arts
September 2019
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SIXTEEN’S PILGRIMAGE RETURNS THE SIXTEEN 40TH ANNIVERSARY - AN ENDURING VOICE
ESSENTIAL
VINYL
Winchester Cathedral, 13th September, 7.30pm with associate conductor Eamonn Dougan
THE Sixteen marks its 40th anniversary with the return of its annual and much-loved Choral Pilgrimage in 2019. This year’s programme, entitled ‘An Enduring Voice’, spans choral works over six centuries to capture music past and present, highlighting the choir’s choral journey over the last 4 decades. The tour is running for 27 performances in all across beautiful venues all over the UK, including Winchester Cathedral. The Sixteen has long been celebrated for its championing of Tudor music, particularly that of the Eton Choirbook, as well as choral treasures of the 20th century and its work with 21st-century composers. This year’s programme revisits The Sixteen’s grassroots with performances of English polyphony juxtaposed with works by Tavener and Eric Whitacre. The Sixteen’s close relationship with award-winning composer, Sir James MacMillan continues with a new commission, O virgo prudentissma based on a fragment from the Eton Choirbook. The programme also features Tavener’s Hymn to the Mother of God & Hymn for the Dormition of the Mother of God, Sheppard’s Gloria & Agnus Dei from Cantate Mass, Eric Whitacre’s Sainte- Chapelle, Fayrfax’s Eternae laudis lilium which was performed on The Sixteen’s very first recording on Hyperion, Gabriel Jackson’s Ave Maria
Celebrated: The sixteen revisit their roots in this year’s programme
and Wylkynson’s monumental Salve Regina, also from the Eton Choirbook. The Sixteen continues to invest in a number of dynamic education and outreach projects with the aim of engaging further with its current audience and also developing a new one. The ethos of access and support runs throughout their thriving education programme. During the tour, The Sixteen invite those who enjoy choral music, of all ages and backgrounds, to join in through the Choral Workshop Series. This year, the choir undertakes eight workshops to give keen amateur singers an opportunity to explore a selection of music inspired by its 19th Choral Pilgrimage programme. The workshops include advice on vocal
The Sixteen has long been celebrated for its championing of Tudor music
Image: Firedog
technique, as well as performance interpretation and historical context all under the guidance of Associate Conductor Eamonn Dougan and singer and practical scholar Sally Dunkley. The education team also deliver its annual schools matinee project with Key Stage 2 pupils, as well as working with the wider community with relaxed performances in care-homes, further developing its work with the homeless and for the first time working with refugee groups. There is an accompanying tour CD, An Enduring Voice (COR16170), released on The Sixteen’s own label CORO, available to buy here: https://thesixteenshop.com/products/ an-enduring-voice
Clare brings the joy to her jazz The award winning vocalist and broadcaster comes to the Theatre Royal WE don’t know about you, but every time we hear Clare Teal on the radio, she always sounds so enthusiastic about what she does. Well, jazz and swing enthusiasts will delight in this brand-new show by Clare Teal and her Trio, who head to the Theatre Royal in Winchester on Thursday 19 September, for the opening night of the Winchester Jazz Festival 2019. The award-winning jazz vocalist and her group will present a host of classics from the Great American and British Song books, and contemporary writers.
Expect a mix of song, swing and sparkling melodies Expect a mix of song, swing and sparkling melodies, and enthusiasm as the popular Radio 2 broadcaster is well-known for her fabulous arrangements, interwoven with her own warm and witty storytelling. The award-winning Teal has released
Delightful: Clare mixes fabulous songs with warm storytelling
multiple critically acclaimed albums, topped the charts, as well as performed at festivals and venues across the country. Her trio is made up of three instrumentalists with decades of
experience between them, having performed with stars including Sting, Peter Gabriel and The Divine Comedy. Clare Teal and her Trio will be at
the Theatre Royal in Winchester on Thursday 19 September at 7.30pm. Find out more, or book tickets, by visiting www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk, or call the Box Office on 01962 840440.
U2
THE JOSHUA TREE Released: March 1987 Island Records An album which went platinum in the UK within 48 hours, became the fastest-selling album up to that point – and which, quite frankly, has some of the best songs ever recorded. U2’s The Joshua Tree was the one which followed on from their huge success at Live Aid in 1985 and made superstars of the band. I had been in a field with them at Torhout in Belgium in 1983 with 36,000 others, but they weren’t the headline act. A year later in 1984, I saw them at the Forest National in Brussels, but again it was only an indoor venue for 8,000 people. It was the whole Live Aid sequence (which the band say almost resulted in Bono’s sacking as they had no idea why he’d jumped off the stage) which propelled them into stadium performers. The year after, 1986, saw them record the songs for The Joshua Tree which was released in 1987. At the insistence of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois they recorded as a whole in the ‘non-studio’ environment of the rooms of a country house in Ireland instead of individually. The album was a musical response to Bono’s impressions of America, whether it be beauty (the landscapes and life itself) or hate (politics). I picked the album up again recently and was amazed that the first seven songs are just belters. The man brought in at the 11th hour to mix everything was Steve Lillywhite. His then wife Kirsty MacColl had been tasked with coming up with the running order, as long as ‘Where The Streets Have No Name’ was first. When it came out she was surprised - she’d misunderstood the request and written the list of which songs she liked best, from 1 to 11. Check out the documentary footage on YouTube of ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ created with the gospel choir at the church in Harlem. Goosebumps anybody? Kevin Gover
news
September 2019
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What’s On in Winchester and beyond
COMPILED BY
RACHEL GOVER
September-October-November 2019 Ongoing Kings and Scribes Winchester Cathedral. More details on winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Every Wednesday until September Guided Tours, Winchester Cathedral A number of free specialist subject tours are available at Winchester Cathedral on Wednesdays. These tours are free to attend upon admission to the Cathedral but need to be pre-booked via the Cathedral Box Office. For full tour descriptions, please visit winchester-cathedral.org.uk/whats-on
Saturday 14 September Sunday 22 September Worthys Festival 2019 See centre pages or Festival Programme
£18, U26s £15, Schools/Groups (8+) £10, Matinee Tickets £19, Friends £17, U26s £14, Schools/Groups (8+) £10. Tel: 01962 840440
Friday 20 September Starlit Trail (For Wessex Cancer Trust) Starts at Winchester Guildhall at 7.30pm
Friday 27 Saturday 28 September The Three Musketeers: A Comedy Adventure Theatre Royal Winchester. Fri/Sat - 7.30pm, Sat Matinee - 2.30pm. Tickets £19, Friends £17, U26s £14, Families/Groups (4+) £16, Schools/Groups (8+) £10. Matinee Tickets £17, Friends £15, U26s £12, Families/Groups (4+) £14, Schools/Groups (8+) £10. Tel: 01962 840440
Saturday 14 September An Audience with Lesley Garrett
Saturday 28 September The Fulflood Ball
Theatre Royal, Winchester. 7.30pm. Tickets £28. Tel: 01962 840440
Winchester Guildhall. £85 (dinner at 7.30pm) or £35 (party at 9.30pm). fulfloodball.co.uk
Monday 16 September Doug Allan: Wild Images, Wild Life
Saturday 28 September Tiff Stevenson (Comedy Festival)
Theatre Royal, Winchester. 7pm. Tickets £21.50, Friends £19.50, U26s £19.50, Families/Groups (4+) £19.50. Tel: 01962 840440
Discovery Centre. 7.30pm. £16
Sunday 29 September Hampshire Farmers’ Market Winchester
Tuesday 17 Wednesday 18 September No Man’s Land Theatre Royal, Winchester. Tue/Wed. 7.30pm, Wed Matinee. 2.30pm. Tickets £21, Friends
You do NOT have to pay to have your event listed here! You can send printed leaflets or brochures to Winchester Today, Suite 123, 80 High Street, Winchester, SO23 9AT, send details by email to news@ winchestertoday.co.uk or tweet us the info @winchestertoday All event details listed are correct at time of going to press.
Sunday 29 September Sofie Hagen (Comedy Festival) Discovery Centre. 7.30pm. £15
Don’t miss the Cheriton Players new show, which features a James Bond thriller-style film as well! New shows have already been added as tickets have been selling so quickly for Diamonds Are For Trevor
Sunday 29 September One Small Step
Friday 4 October Gary Delaney
Until Sunday 13 October Art in the Garden
Wednesday 30 October Frank Skinner
Theatre Royal, Winchester. 1.30pm, 3.30pm. Tickets £12, Families/Groups (4+) £10, Schools/Groups (8+) £9. Tel: 01962 840440
Theatre Royal, Winchester. 8pm
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Theatre Royal, Winchester. 7.30pm
Saturday 5 October Sunday 6 October
Friday 25 October Shappi Khorsandi
Green Harvest Festival Weekend Winchester Cathedral. 10am - 5pm
Theatre Royal, Winchester. 7.30pm
Thursday 3 October Ed Byrne Winchester Guildhall. 8pm (also Friday 4 October)
Sunday 6 October Mark Watson Theatre Royal Winchester. 8pm
Saturday 26 October Griff Rhys Jones Theatre Royal, Winchester. 8pm
Tuesday 19 Saturday 23 November Diamonds Are For Trevor Cheriton Players at Cheriton Village Hall. See poster in this newspaper for more details
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the final word
September 2019
➜ contined from page 1
grades for St Swithun’s pupils in the challenging I/GCSE curriculum. 30.0% of entries achieved the top grade 9 and 60.2% graded 9/8/A*, both increases from 2018. Half of the students achieved seven or more grades 9/8/A*, with 12 pupils gaining grades 9/8/A* in all their subjects, three of whom achieved straight grade 9s. Headmistress Jane Gandee is delighted: “This is a cohesive and friendly year group which has excelled in all areas of school life in a typically understated way. As well as hardworking and committed students, their numbers include award-winning musicians and composers, international sportswomen and talented actors. They thoroughly deserve their success and we look forward to welcoming them into the sixth form in September, where I am sure they will continue to make a broadranging and energetic contribution to school life.” At Perins in Alresford, the cohort saw substantial gains in all measures of progress and attainment including English, which had an 8 percentage point increase on student gaining grades 9-7 with a third of students gaining these grades (equivalent to previous A*/A). Maths also saw a 5 percentage point increase on 9-7 with 25% of students gaining these grades. Both achievements pleased Headteacher Steve Jones: “Our whole school focus on ensuring that our
This is a cohesive and friendly year group which has excelled in all areas of school life
Double bubble: Twins Chris and Patrick Lotery who each got 5 A*s at PSC
students gain not just the standard passes but achieve higher grade passes in core subjects has paid off. These provide students with the baselines required for all future courses of study.” Meanwhile, at Peter Symonds College, A level and vocational qualification results released earlier in August were described as “remarkable” and absolutely outstanding. The pass rate for A level stands at 98% with over a third of the grades awarded being at A* or A (34%). The proportion of the very highest grades (A*, A, B) is an impressive 62%. The college reports that the pass rate for vocational courses is a superb 100%, with 80% of grades awarded at Distinction or above. Also at Peter Symonds, three students from the remotest settlement on the planet, Tristan Da Cunha, are celebrating being the first in a generation to achieve A level results and vocational qualifications. Students Janice Green, Jade Repetto and Rhyanna Swain travelled from the islands of Tristan Da Cunha in the South Atlantic to Peter Symonds College in Winchester to board at the college while they studied for post-16 qualifications. By the way, if anyone in their 50s thinks A Levels are “easy and not as difficult as they were in my day,’’ well, I took a mini-test of some typical current A Level questions — and I failed. I failed Big Time.
Delighted: Huge smiles at St Swithun’s
Long distance: Students Janice Green, Jade Repetto and Rhyanna Swain travelled from the islands of Tristan Da Cunha to take exams at PSC