On Winchester Now this week:
- After the driest spring in over 100 years, and the warmest June on record, a hosepipe ban begins on Monday. We went into the city centre to hear views.
- News-in-brief
- Police are appealing for information after an assault on three men which left two with stab wounds.
- Meanwhile an investigation is underway into reports of a racially-aggravated assault on a taxi driver in Winnall.
- There are new plans for the disused River Park Leisure Centre, which has been empty since 2021. Winchester City Council has agreed to market the site for sale.
- A new boss has been announced for Winchester Hospital. Sue Harriman has been appointed as Chief Executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to Alex Whitfield in October.
- Emmaus Hampshire says it’s had a good response to the opening of its new pre-loved boutique in Hampshire. The charity has taken over a retail unit in Romsey Road. We talk to manager Sarah Sullivan.
- News-in-brief:
- People can learn more about plans for a massive shake up of our local councils at a special drop in event in Winchester next Thursday.
- Winchester has agreed a twinning agreement with the city of Nizhyn in Ukraine.
- It’s an exciting day at Winchester City football on Saturday – the team are hosting championship side Queen’s Park Rangers for a pre-season friendly.
- The battle is on for the Ashes at Sparsholt Cricket club. It’s hosting the England v Australia over-60s international on Monday.
- Shout-outs:
- To power lifter Marina Cornwall who has just regained her British title.
- To all the volunteers at the Basics Bank who have packed up 3,000 food parcels ready for families across Winchester during the school holiday.
- To the 300 people who took part in last Sunday’s Pedal Paddle Pace in the heat of the sun.
- Two Jo and Sarah who took on the Race to the Stones 50km Ultra Marathon in Wiltshire to raise money for Friends of the Family.
- To long-serving volunteers at the Watercress Line who were honoured with a special lunch and certificate for their years of commitment.
- Do you fancy walking in the footsteps of Jane Austen? A week-long festival of free walks takes place next month to do just that. We hear from organisers Winchester Ramblers.
