On Winchester Now this week:
- Hundreds of people are expected to join a protest on Saturday morning against the planned closure of Chesil Lodge Day Care Centre in Winchester. We hear from Winchester MP Danny Chambers.
- News-in-brief:
- South Central Ambulance Service is urging people to keep themselves and others safe with the third heat wave this summer and a yellow health alert in place.
- Work is due to start on the demolition of a derelict property next to the Chesil Theatre, ahead of the construction of a new extension.
- A Winchester restaurant has been forced to close after a fire. It broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning at Forte Kitchen.
- Plans have been unveiled to replace the current 15 local councils in Hampshire with 4 unitary authorities. Under the proposals, Winchester would be included in a unitary council for the north of the county.
- Over 35 schools in Hampshire, community groups and artists have come together to create a dramatic exhibition which highlights the need to protect our planet. It’s taking place at the Winchester Gallery and we spoke to exhibition curator Kate Maple.
- News-in-brief:
- More than 100 primary schools including several in Winchester have pledged to go smartphone-free by next January.
- A new campaign has been launched to find foster carers in Hampshire, with the County Council setting itself a target to find 150 new homes by the end of 2026.
- £8million improvements have been completed to two wastewater treatment works along the River Itchen.
- The popular Pedal Paddle Pace charity triathlon takes place this Sunday.
- Shout-outs:
- To Weeke Primary School girls cricket team who have become the 2025 Hampshire Schools Cricket Champions.
- To all those who received their Duke of Edinburgh Gold awards this week.
- To local care provider Bluebird Care who have been awarded a five-star outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission for the third time.
- To Itchen Abbas Primary School on its 150th anniversary.
- To Winnall Rock School which is marking 21 years and has its Summer Show next Tuesday 15th.
- Hat Fair returned to Winchester last Saturday with street performers entertaining thousands of people. Winchester Radio was there.
