On Winchester now this week:
- Nearly 1000 runners took part last weekend in the annual Rotary Clarendon Marathon, a scenic route between Salisbury to Winchester. Many of the runners raise money for charity – and volunteers and organisations, who help with marshalling and at water stations, are also given money for their chosen causes. Winchester Radio was there at the finish to cheer runners over the line, along with crowds of family and friends. Mary Blaxland heard some of the runners’ stories.
- News-in-brief:
- Southern Water customers could face more price rises, after the UK competition regulator gave the company powers to charge more. Southern Water said it needed more money to invest in infrastructure. Outdated systems have been blamed for causing sewage leaks and pollution. The decision is now open for consultation.
- Actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, Chancellor of the University of Winchester has re-opened its ‘Martial Rose’ Library, after a multi-million-pound refurbishment, made possible by a grant from the Office for Students. Martial was the Principal of King Alfred’s College for 17 years.
- Sue Harriman started work at the Hampshire Hospitals Foundation this week -for her handover period with Alex Whitfield. Sue will succeed Alex as CEO when Alex leaves the role on 28th October, after 8 years in the post.
- And the Winchester Beacon has a new Chief Executive too. The charity which supports people experiencing homelessness has appointed Robyn Kohler, who was previously CEO at Citizens Advice Hampshire.
- Work has started this week on constructing the Winchester Christmas Market. in the Cathedral Close. This Christmas Market is regularly voted as one of the best in Europe.
- And, the search is on to find a local hero to help switch on Winchester’s Christmas lights. Nominations have been opened for the annual event, which will take place on Thursday 13th November in The Broadway. Winchester BID is looking for an individual or organisation which has made a significant contribution to the city or community.
- Local charity the Winchester Beacon has been supporting people experiencing homelessness since it started in 1988. Anna O’Brien learns more about how more volunteers are needed to assist with this vital work at the charity.
- Shout-outs:
- To everyone involved with this year’s Clarendon Marathon! This includes over 200 volunteers who make the event possible, and the nearly 1000 competitors, many who run to raise funds for charity.
- To all the team involved at the Hospital of St. Cross for their Michaelmas Fair. The event was a big success for the charity, and over 1100 people went through the gates to support it this year. A great range of stalls and entertainment made for a wonderful community event.
- To farm-based charity, the Boaz Project, near Sutton Scotney, who put on a Community Fun Day and Running Trail last weekend. It was well supported and provided a great atmosphere for all those attending, including adults with learning disabilities who the charity helps.
- To all the people who have donated their pre-loved clothing through the recycling banks across the county for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. An impressive £288,852 has been raised through the initiative – enough to fund 82 potentially life-saving emergency missions.
- To the late and much-loved Dr Colin Godber OBE from Winchester who has had a Care and Wellbeing Centre dedicated to him, in recognition for his work, volunteering and kindness in supporting older people across Hampshire.
- MHA Communities, a charity for the older generation, has celebrated 25 years of helping people in and around our city. It provides befriending, clubs and transport for people – with their motto: live later life well. Mary Blaxland went along for Winchester Radio.
