On Winchester Now this week:
- Winchester Parkrun celebrated its 10th anniversary at the weekend, and had 435 participants enthusiastically walk, jog or run the 5k timed course at North Walls. We catch up with some of the people involved, including some of those from the inaugural Winchester Parkrun in 2013 such as Dave Greenslade. We also talk to volunteer coordinator Nikki Flannigan, and Chelsea Duke who did her first stint as a volunteer at the 10th anniversary event.
- Our news round-up includes:
- The NHS Spring COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign which is underway for eligible Hampshire residents. The jab is open to older people aged 75 years or over, and those with weakened immune systems. Teams are also visiting care homes.
- A visit to Peter Symonds College by former student Sohail Choudhary, who appeared on the recent series of the BBC TV series The Apprentice.
- WinACC’s upcoming ‘green hustings’ open meeting this Saturday you’re your chance to hear from political parties on their Climate stance.
- Information about Polling Stations for local elections on Thursday 4th May – open from 7am to 10pm. You’ll need photographic ID with you this time in order to vote.
- Our community Shout-Outs
- Local runners who took part in the London Marathon at the weekend, raising funds for charities including Autism Hampshire, Blue Apple Theatre and Wessex Cancer Trust.
- A team of residents, staff and volunteers at St. John’s Winchester charity who are teaming up with staff from Winchester Hospice this weekend to climb South Wales’ highest peak, Pen y Fan to raise vital funds for the city’s hospice.
- The team at Naomi House & Jacksplace, who organised a visit from Shetland pony Teddy, bringing joy to the children and families staying at our local children’s hospice.
- Local businesses Home Instead Central Hampshire and the Everyman cinema on Southgate Street for organising free monthly dementia-friendly cinema screenings for those living with dementia and their carers.
- Some Out & About suggestions in and around Winchester for you, including: the 1st May Bank Holiday Running Day where charity Friends of King Alfred Buses will be offering free rides; and there’s the Twyford Waterworks Spring Rally this Sunday.
- The monthly Chat-Tea Café was set up in 2019 to support the older generation feel less lonely or isolated. This week it held a ‘Coronation-Café’ themed event at the Badger Farm Community Centre. We spoke to volunteers Simon Lever and Lesley Loughridge about the joy and companionship, the initiative brings guests.
