Winchester Today 22 April 2024

www.winchestertoday.co.uk

This week’s edition of Winchester Today is dedicated to the totally awesome Jon Gripton, who completed the London Marathon over the weekend, his first marathon. Jon did it in just over five hours in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Images: University Hospital Southampton

Winchester City 1-0

Baeavomsfield Town page 11-12

London MaratonhJon Gripton page 1-2

Review : Come from Away page 23-25 Monday

Trust Pearsons for a smooth move this winter.

Worried that moving home will be a rough ride? Talk to Pearsons. Established and trusted in Hampshire for over 120 years, we’ve always offered unwavering service through calm and crisis.

Shocking Rise In Attacks On Defenceless Animals in Hampshire

Animal lovers in the county are being urged to report wildlife crime, following recent incidents of birds being shot with catapults. Police say injuries being caused to wild animals in Hampshire peaked in May last year, and we see monthly reports relating to incidents of poaching. Catapults are being used to cause serious injury. A group was witnessed firing catapults at wildlife near the Garnier Road bridge over the River Itchen. Stuart Ross, is from the Country Watch team and says Intentionally harming defenceless wildlife and birds is shocking and it simply won’t be tolerated: “It is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to kill, harm, or take a wild bird. It is also an offence to take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird. Anyone found to have done so faces an unlimited fine and/or up to six months in jail. We want you to be aware of the law around this, and want to educate people around the serious consequences of hurting our local wildlife. Crimes against wildlife have a huge impact on local communities and we want to reassure people that we take this extremely seriously, and work closely with partners including the RSPB and RSPCA to address issues affecting animals and birds. Please help us put a stop to this behaviour by reporting incidents to us.”

The story of Kevin’s journey continues, as dictated to our editorial team.

Monday 22nd April 2024, an update:

Having worked as a journalist in Hampshire since 1988 – by and large in good health – I’ve not had so much need to take personal issue with government missives designed to inform us mere mortals here in the county. However, this last weekend, I became incensed . Judging from comments made by others, it is clear I am not alone. (I also need to say at this point that over those 30 years, in my opinion, our current MP has done much good for this city, both inside and outside the House. This one is not his fault. Yes, he has helped me both as a journalist and personally).

However, in a political world of collective responsibility, I let it be known that I was not happy with some of the lecturing from above being made over the weekend surrounding disability and benefit payments. Largely from someone who has clearly been out of touch for many a month. I asked certain people for some kind of acknowledgment that I would not be considered to be part of this ‘sick note’ culture, having paid shed loads of tax and NI whilst working for a national broadcaster and a prominent college in the county. I’m only claiming because there’s nothing else and because I have been told to. Believe me, there is nothing more I would love to do than to be able to get back in my beautiful Mini One, drive up the M3 to Osterley and broadcast again across the nation. However, having had – quite literally – a hole drilled in my head, I am clearly not well enough to undertake my duties. I understand from (multi millionaire) Sunak that after one year that will be it. No further benefits without a job. Well, how does he know what kind of condition I will be in? And why shouldn’t that decision be made by the person who knows me best… My doctor?

Steve Brine MP Working hard for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford

Help and Advice

As your Member of Parliament for over a decade, I have helped thousands of constituents with their concerns, and am here to help with any local or national issues.

Please do contact me by phone, email or letter if I can be of assistance.

Whatever your concern, please do get in touch, I am happy to help.

are – quite frankly – a miracle. I used to hate needles with a passion, even just going to the dentist. But I’m actually having far more of a stressy time with issues at this moment over spelling these words I’m writing to you than I ever have had with an insulin injection or carrying out a blood glucose sugar level self test. And remembering where I have put my glasses!

Be brave. Take the prick test quickly, don’t forget

to write down your levels on the daily test tables. Don’t cheat on writing down the levels, there’s absolutely no point.

Choose your spot to inject the insulin (I use a KwikPen for pre-filled and correct pre-determined levels). Make sure the area is clean, inject, press the plunger, count to ten, enjoy the footy and rest of your day. And when you realise that you are able to feed back your results to a dedicated team in Southampton which can take a look at what’s going on, make instant changes, and feed back to you in ‘real’ time, then surely it’s worth it?

Really looking forward to seeing Nick and the rest of the guys in oncology at SGH very soon. Then, my friends, enjoy the footy, enjoy the sunshine, enjoy your loved ones, enjoy the day, enjoy life!

Thanks to Grace Pradhan for the writing and illustrations.

A huge range of beautiful furniture from around the world!

The Winchester Hotel and Spa

J u s t a 1 0 - m i n u t e w a l k f r o m W i n c h e s t e r H i g h S t r e e t , l i e s a p a r a d i s e w a i t i n g t o b e e x p l o r e d .

F r o m s o o t h i n g m a s s a g e s t o r e j u v e n a t i n g f a c i a l s , o u r t r a i n e d s p a t h e r a p i s t s w i l l t a k e c a r e o f y o u r e v e r y n e e d .

U n w i n d i n o u r n e w l y r e n o v a t e d s p a f a c i l i t i e s , i n c l u d i n g a n e w p l u n g e - p o o l , h y d r o - p o o l , s t e a m r o o m a n d s a u n a .

V i s i t t o o u r n e w f i t n e s s s t u d i o , c o m p l e t e w i t h f r e e w e i g h t s r e s i s t a n c e c a b l e m a c h i n e s , c a r d i o v a s c u l a r m a c h i n e s , a n d a n a r e a f o r a e r o bi c e x e r c i s e .

S i g n u p t o o n e o f o u r m e m b e r s h i p p a c k a g e s a n d r e c e i v e a

r a n g e o f b e n e f i t s i n c l u d i n g 2 0 % o f f o u r r e l a x i n g t r e a t m e n t s .

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t

w w w . t h e w i n c h e s t e r h o t e l . c o . u k / s p a

W o r t h y L a n e , W i n c h e s t e r , S O 2 3 7 A B

End of an era

Winchester City 1-0 Beaconsfield Town

Saturday 20th April 2024

Report: Matt Richbell

A solitary Ollie Griggs goal was enough to earn Winchester City a 1-0 home win against Hungerford Town on Saturday Winchester City have played their final home game of the 2023-24 season and their final game on grass at the City Ground, signing off with a 1-0 win over relegation threatened, Beaconsfield Town, writes Matt Richbell.

Olly Balmer scored the only goal of the game, on his birthday, finishing well after a City corner, to put Thursday’s disappointing defeat at Tiverton Town firmly behind City and they now look to finish the season strongly at Swindon Supermarine next Saturday.

Stuart Mott was absent after going off injured at Tiverton, with Jordan Rose back in the starting line-up. Simba Mlambo is also ruled out due to an injury sustained in Tuesday’s victory over Merthyr Town.

Image: Gary Marsh

Trevor Caborn came close to putting City ahead on 17 minutes. The pacy winger beat several players before his left-footed effort went over the crossbar. IK Hill also came close to putting the hosts ahead shortly before half-time, but his effort also went over.

Beaconsfield did have the ball in the net in the first-half, but the effort was disallowed for offside, and Pip Nolan was also booked for City.

Devon Arnold came on as a substitute in place of Sam Ashton early in the second-half, as the hosts looked for a breakthrough. Max Smith also joined proceedings, replacing captain, Jamie Barron. Then the deadlock was finally broken, with Olly Balmer (pictured) on hand to finish well from a well-worked set piece.

Beaconsfield rarely threatened a come back, and Trevor Caborn came close twice to doubling City’s advantage.

The final whistle signalled the end of an era for Winchester City FC. That was the last time a competitive match is to be played on grass at the City Ground, as work on a new 3G pitch begins in just over a weeks’ time.

Supporters and players’ friends and families took to the field for a kick about and to soak up surroundings before the end of season awards took place. Luke Cairney won Managers’ Player of the Year, Tommy Wright won the Golden Boot, Danny King won Players’ Player of the Year and Trevor Caborn picked up Supporters Player of the Year.

City are next in action next Saturday (27th April) with a trip to Swindon Supermarine to end their season.

Happy New Year from Pearsons!

Last year was un unpredictable market, even for the usually very resilient Winchester market. We are pleased to notice much better levels of interest across the board even this early in 2024. Buyer confidence started to stabilise in November and December 2023 and has surged in the first weeks of the year. With interest rates holding, mortgage lenders being more competitive and stable with their products and vendors that have waiting now coming to market, we anticipate a fruitful ‘bounce-back’ year.

If you are considering moving over the next year or simply interested in the price of your property – please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you. In the meantime, have a lovely festive season!

Testimonials

“We moved to Pearsons 6 months into attempting to sell with hopes of better success. We were not disappointed. Sam and his team provided a genuinely insightful and professional service.”

“I have moved several times over the years and this is by far, the best experience I have had. I was kept informed throughout the selling process what was happening; where things needed to be expedited they did what was required to make things happen. My faith in Estate Agents has been restored, I have and would recommend Pearsons to anyone wishing to sell their house.”

“Pearsons give a personal, kind, friendly service which simply can't be under-estimated when buying and selling houses. They listen and treat you as an individual. I'd really recommend them.”

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There are two ways: Online Only and Full

Online Only: £35 / month. This gives you a 1/4 page ad in the online newspaper every Monday. No minimum spend, advertise when you like ahead of a campaign. And, like our friends at BA, now and then we’ll upgrade you to a full page!

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Come From Away works on so many levels, and it’s best if you experience these first-hand for yourself. At its heart, it’s a tale of selfless humanity born of soul-shaking tragedy, when the people of Gander, Newfoundland, opened their hearts and homes to more than 6,500 terrified, confused strangers at a moment in world history when kindness was so desperately needed. It’s a tale of community, and a testament to the spirit of the small town of Gander. It’s also –and this does come as a surprise – wildly funny at times, and lest anyone perceive this as possible bad taste, given the subject matter, it should be said that the whole show has been created with nothing less than total respect, dignity and absolute dramatic taste, holding us fast and attentive right to the end. The selfless response from the residents of Gander, when planeloads of strangers attempt to thank them for their kindness, is “You’d have done the same”. It’s a lesson for us all. To be honest, the show as a whole is a lesson for us all, without ever consciously attempting to be.

Several of the show’s most affecting moments – and there are many throughout – occur when we find out what happened to various characters after the mass departure from Gander. Some stories are never quite finished, and some never will be. Come From Away is both profoundly moving and profoundly uplifting, and I recommend it with a full heart. The Mayflower stage is honoured by its presence this week, and equally so by the company of performers who work seamlessly and beautifully to lift both the show and our hearts. The deafening roars of approval and sheer elation from the audience at the curtain call won’t be forgotten – nor will this devastating piece of theatre. Trust me.

NB In line with the show and in collaboration with Theatrical Lydia, Mayflower Theatre is running a food bank drive, with all donations going to Feed The Community in Southampton. All non-perishable food items will be gratefully received.

New Owners For Prestigious New Forest Site

The Heartwood Collection has acquired The White Hart in Lymington from the Stonegate Group, continuing ambitious growth plans and remaining on track to grow to over 60 sites by 2027.

Built in the late 1700’s, The White Hart is a Grade II listed building located on the edge of the New Forest. Following the acquisition, the pub will now undergo a significant multi-million pound refurbishment to restore and preserve its many historical features including its part-tiled exterior and beamed interior. Richard Ferrier is CEO of the Heartwood Collection:

“The White Hart is a beautiful pub that is clearly much loved by the local community

in what is a fantastic location. We’re looking forward to restoring this pub and returning it to its former glory. We have long wanted to open in or close to Lymington and are delighted to have found the White Hart.”

Please Support Our Advertisers and Supporters!

Please Support Our Advertisers and Supporters!

Without them, we simply would not be here. All our arts supporters allow us to see their shows and report back so that YOU can make your own mind up!

Without them, we simply would not be here. All our arts supporters allow us to see their shows and report back so that YOU can make your own mind up!

Many thanks to:

Many thanks to:

A World Of Furniture, Chandler’s Ford Pearsons Estate Agents, Southgate Street

A World Of Furniture, Chandler’s Ford Pearsons Estate Agents, Southgate Street

Mayflower, Southampton

Mayflower, Southampton

Sarker Danceworks

Sarker Danceworks

Theatre Royal, Winchester

Theatre Royal, Winchester

Chesil Theatre

Chesil Theatre

MAST Southampton

MAST Southampton

Jane Austen’s House

Jane Austen’s House

The Anvil, Basingstoke

The Anvil, Basingstoke

Cheriton Players (left)

Cheriton Players (left)