Winchester Today Monday 11 March 2024

Week 2. Or is it already week three or four? One of the biggest problems I have at the moment is remembering which day it is and what the time is. That’s a ‘given’ in my job, it has always been natural.

Just to recap my story so far. I never, ever imagined that something of this scale – two seizures coupled with the diagnosis of a possible brain tumour – would be happening to me. I’ve written so many stories over the years about this happening to other people, but I never, ever imagined that one day I would be in the same boat.

Yet it’s all there on my hospital discharge notes. A possible brain tumour. It has a size… not huge according to my discharge notes, but it’s there. And to be quite honest, all the signs had been there anyway… huge black areas of the left side in my vision, seeing words on the screen that weren’t actually there. Trying to fathom out what other words meant. Having to look at words ten times over to work out what needs to be said in news bulletins when words are my living, my profession and it should be easy.

If all this is true, what has happened to me? Why is my head absolutely spinning yet I feel no pain?

I will try to explain and re-establish everything that’s happened so far, so that any of you going through the same thing can maybe smile to yourself and say: “Yep, I can relate to that.”

Going back to the beginning, I remember ending up in A and E at the RHCH in Winchester and them saying to me that I had been taken for an emergency brain scan… and here’s the biggest thing so far, and since then I just can’t remember any of that happening initially. All I know is one of my neighbours Fergus saved my life, I’m convinced of that.

Can’t remember getting into the ambulance, arriving at the hospital, the scan itself – except for having to wear those huge white padded headphones they give you because of the noise from the MRI and CT scan machines. And those repeated messages of: “Do not move. This scan will take three minutes…” Over and over.

Now I have all those bruise marks over my arms and hands where they were looking to put that special fluid in and out through one or two cannulas. Put things in. Take things out. Even at three in the morning. Endless blood sugar tests by pricking the fingertips. Yes, they hurt after the twentieth time!

I feel some kind of headache but it’s gentle and not overbearing. I actually feel like a fraud because nothing really hurts even though I know what I’ve been through. I’m reading the hospital discharge notes and I can see it written down there in black and white. It’s whatever my tumour is and wherever it may be, it has size, it has a measurement. But I’m not giving it a name.

Then I realise more about what’s happening in the world, I think about my normal job, bringing you stories good and bad along with great music from the 70s and 80s. I used to work on Ocean Sound here in Winchester back in the 1980s, maybe you remember.

I hear about good news stories like the Body Shop in Winchester staying open! I have loved these shops since the 1980s… Anita was one of my guests here in the city. It was one of my best interviews and I remember the time and patience she had for me. I never forgave them though for getting rid of the ice blue shampoo.

I see the bad news received by people all over Winchester that my doctor’s surgery appeared to have gone into meltdown because of an IT crisis, just when I needed them most of all. Thankfully it didn’t last long and I managed to get a face-to-face appointment with my lovely doctor. It lasts more than half-an-hour. But having an accident all over the floor in the surgery is surely the lowest point of all my dignity, despite the reassurances from my wonderful doctor that I wasn’t to worry and at the end of the day the mess over the floor “really doesn’t matter”…

Then there’s the news that the footy in Winchester and elsewhere in our league was called off yet again because of the weather.

All my friends and businesses here in the city have rallied round and I thank you!

GREEN UPGRADE FOR PARK & RIDE

The city has updated how Winchester’s Park & Ride buses are getting a green upgrade as part of a recently agreed contract between Winchester City Council and bus operator Stagecoach.

From spring 2024, all Park & Ride buses will switch from diesel fuel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable fuel that will reduce the buses’ greenhouse gas emissions. HVO-fuelled vehicles can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%.

L to R Stagecoach Managing Director Marc Reddy, Cllr Kelsie Learney, Stagecoach Commercial Director James O’Neill, Cllr Martin Tod, Stagecoach Operations Manager Mark Jackson.

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

A Week At The City Ground

Report: Matt Richbell

Winchester City haven’t had a game this week, since their away win at Harrow Borough on Saturday 24th February. But that hasn’t meant it has been a quiet week for the football club, writes Matt Richbell.

City were due to travel to Plymouth Parkway on Tuesday night, but the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. That was a second successive postponement after a home match scheduled for last weekend against Merthyr Town was also called off.

With a lack of game time in mind, full back Jack Torniainen moved to AFC Stoneham on dual-registration forms to get minutes. ‘Torns’ is one of numerous Citizens dual-registered at other clubs, with forward, Conor Lynch, still getting minutes at Hartley Wintney and many of City’s youngsters are dual-registered at Wessex League clubs.

City’s youngsters were themselves in action on Thursday night at the City Ground against Fareham Town. The two sides were involved in an entertaining 3-3 draw in the Hampshire Combination and Development U23s league. Jamie Barron (pictured) and Josh McCormick were on target for City.

City fielded first-team squad players for the game including Henry Brooks, IK Hill, Jamie Barron, Mark Jamison, Josh McCormick, Simba Mlambo, Stuart Mott and Max Smith.

Winchester City Red U18s were involved in a Hampshire Combination Challenge Cup Quarter-Final, but the young side exited the competition, losing 2-1 at home to Wimborne Town.

Up next, City’s first team host Poole Town next weekend at the City Ground, whilst the Under-23s host Dorchester Town U23s next Thursday. If City’s young side win, they will be four points behind third placed Dorchester and with four games in hand over the young Magpies.

Project Cash Available

The city’s looking to award further funding to rural businesses and not-for-profit and community groups as part of its next round of Rural England Prosperity Funding, which opened to applications yesterday.

The fund forms part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda and organisations can apply for between £15,000 and £40,000, with commercial businesses required to match fund their projects.

The fund can support businesses that want to make an investment in tangible assets, such as equipment or improvements to their premises, that will help them to expand production, diversify or go green and be more sustainable. The city council is also keen to hear from those who have larger projects.

Some of the projects that have already been supported include larger capacity roasting equipment for a coffee business, barn construction, a shepherd’s hut, and energy-saving measures such as solar panels and ground source heat pumps. Projects such as refurbishment of old farm buildings for tourism, or as a co-working space, could also be eligible.

Business and Culture boss, Lucille Thompson, says rural organisations are hugely important to Winchester’s vibrant local economy: “Our REPF grant scheme is a really significant opportunity and, with the next round of funding opening soon, I would really encourage our district’s rural organisations to apply.”

The council will welcome applications until 17 May.

Image caption

A borehole for a ground source heat pump being drilled at Itchen Abbas and Avington village hall, which received £28,000 from Winchester City Council towards the project

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.”

“Mighty Fine Tunes Needed Please…”

”Jess Garner, weekdays at 7pm on Winchester Today on DAB+ across the city.

Fun For The Family – Young And Old!

The Theatre Royal in Winchester has a whole host of family shows to enjoy… here’s an idea of what’s happening.

Science Museum: The Live Stage Show, Sunday 17 March, 1.30pm

The Gruffalo’s Child, Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 March, various times

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, Tuesday 02 – Wednesday 03 April, various times

Dear Zoo, Saturday 06 – Sunday 07 April, various times

The Singing Mermaid, Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 April, various times

Cillian O’Connor: My Magic World, Tuesday 30 July, 7pm

Call the Box Office on 01962 840440 or see the website at theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

THE REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE PRODUCTION

LYRICS BY TIM RICE MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

STARRING

JULIAN CLARY

THU-SAT AS HEROD

MON 25 - SAT 30 MAR

“You absolute moron!”

SOUTH Western Railway is launching a new campaign highlighting the damaging effect of abuse directed at its frontline colleagues.

Management there have told Winchester Today that SWR colleagues can be subjected to a range of abuse, from physical assaults to verbal attacks, including swearing and insults.

These verbal attacks might be considered relatively ‘low-level’ compared to more extreme assaults, but the consequences for colleagues can nonetheless be significant and enduring, affecting their mental health and overall wellbeing.

The campaign aims to reduce the level of pernicious verbal abuse that colleagues suffer, by inviting customers to consider the lasting impact that heat of the moment words, often used in momentary anger, can have. management there have told management there have told Winchester Today tha Winchester Today tha This is especially true when the abuse involves personalised language regarding a colleague’s appearance or a characteristic such as their age or gender.

The campaign is directed primarily at customers who wouldn’t normally be aggressive, but who might lose their temper during disruption, or because of other issues on their journey, and take this out on colleagues.

Hard-hitting printed and digital posters conveying this message are now on display across the SWR network, depicting four examples of thoughtless abuse staying with colleagues beyond their shift.

The posters show examples of abusive language on everyday household items: a doormat, shower gel, a kettle and a tin of

soup, indicating how the abuse continues to play on the minds of colleagues, even while at home.

Frontline colleagues may be on-train guards, colleagues at the gateline, dispatchers, revenue protection officers, community rail officers and any other colleagues who interact with customers on trains or at stations.

The campaign is based on consultations with such colleagues,

who shared their experiences of abuse, and encourages customers to be kind. ‘Be Kind’ badges are being given out to colleagues to help spread the message.

The campaign will be particularly visible on the network during certain events and times of the week, especially when customers are more likely to have consumed alcohol, which tends to be when levels of abuse against colleagues are higher.

A video explaining the impact verbal abuse has on SWR colleagues and the campaign to tackle it can be watched here.

Grant Robey is Senior Network Crime and Security Manager for South Western Railway:

“We hope this campaign will bring the human impact of thoughtless abuse to the front of our customers’ minds and remind them to be kind to our colleagues, even when things go wrong on their journeys.

“We know that most customers wouldn’t purposefully abuse our colleagues; a lot of this behaviour arises when customers lose their temper and make heat of the moment comments.

“Our colleagues come to work to keep everyone safe and they should not expect to face this behaviour. People wouldn’t behave like this in their own workplace, so it isn’t acceptable in ours.”

To help deter abuse and assist with evidence gathering, SWR has also been conducting a phased roll out body-worn video cameras to frontline colleagues since 2021. All SWR guards now have access to them, with gateline colleagues due to have access in the spring.

Last autumn, Network Rail published figures showing that 9/10 of its workers in the biggest stations in its Southern Region, which includes the SWR network, have suffered abuse, including verbal abuse and physical assaults.

SWR is an industry leader in safeguarding its customers and colleagues, achieving the highest possible score of 100% for its Safeguarding on Rail accreditation by the BTP, demonstrating its commitment to looking after its people.

Classic Design – New Livery

South Western Railway has unveiled a special ‘new’ livery for one of its Class 455 trains, inspired by its original 1980s British Rail design.

Train number 455-868 received its makeover at Bournemouth Depot, during its last paint job ahead of its eventual retirement

• Class 455s are one of Francis Bourgeois’ favourite trains and the TikTok star was treated to an exclusive look at the retro design at 455-868’s Wimbledon Depot home

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Monday

4 March

Dear Readers,

We regret that we are unable to bring you our normal edition this week due to a serious medical incident involving our managing editor.

Kevin is currently recovering at home, and hopefully we will return next Monday with a full issue.

Please keep him in your thoughts as we get through this tough time.

It’s Back!

Very Soon!

Easy ways to advertise with Winchester Today!

If you would like to advertise with us, we have kept it very simple for you.

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!

Full: £95 / month. You get a full page ad in the online newspaper every week and daily coverage on the radio station, with the radio coverage exactly to your choice. You can have traditional radio adverts across the day or choose to be associated with a show, like ‘Playmakers’ have done on Jon Gripton’s show every evening. ‘A World of Furniture’ is associated with Kevin’s show every morning. ‘Pearsons’ support our Saturday radio programmes. ‘Sarker World of Dance’ supports our Saturday Night Party.

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 Mayflower, Southampton

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

Cheriton Players (left)

(left)

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Radio Play Live On Stage

Restoration

For a fascinating look at how theatre costumes are restored, please take a look at our feature in the Winchester Today edition from Monday 29 January.

DAB+ Radio Update: As you may have read elsewhere, our DAB+ radio service is back on, and we are broadcasting from our new transmitter at Flagstaff Stables, near Crabwood Farm. This follows a considerable but necessary consultation period carried out by the regulator Ofcom throughout January.

You can now enjoy us on the move if you have a DAB+ receiver in your car, or at home on TuneIn and via your smart speaker. Ask Alexa: “Alexa, play Winchester Today.”

Our training days for anyone aged 16-25 and interested in a career in media will be open for applications very soon. This is provided through our training team: media professionals determined to pass on their skills to the media professionals of the future. Initially, the details will be released to schools in the Winchester District. Last time, sessions were sold out. Don’t miss out!

Contact: Thank you for reading the online version of the Winchester Today newspaper. We publish every Monday morning. If you would like to get in contact with us either for editorial or advertising purposes, please ring 01962 458452.

Our email address is news@winchestertoday.co.uk Winchester Today, 47 Southgate Street, Winchester SO23 9EH.

Managing Editor: Kevin Gover. Layout Design: Grace Pradhan. Contributors: David Cradduck, Jon Gripton, Helena Gomm, Beccy Conway, Sophia Sample, Tony Simon, Chrissie Pollard, Matt Richbell, Jan Conway, Jack Shaw, Mark Ponsford, Eleanor Marsden, Jess Garner and Rachel Gover

Project:Alfie150 – supporting the training of young journalists in Winchester since 2012.