On Winchester Now this week:
- A beautiful photography project has captured the memories of residents in Abbots Barton Care Home. Retired nurse Alison Dorey from Winchester took up photography a few years ago and, as part of an HND course, visited residents to hear their stories, and take photos of places and objects that would spark fond memories. Many of her photos are now on display in residents’ rooms. Alison shared with Mary Blaxland how her love of photography came about.
- News-in-brief:
- A fundraising mission is underway to raise £250k to establish a new cancer sanctuary charity in Winchester. A launch event was held in the Brethren’s Hall at the Hospital of St Cross, and this was attended by many people, including the Mayor of Winchester, the High Sheriff of Hampshire, the Bishop of Winchester and the Vice Chancellor of the University.
- A man has been jailed for four years after pleading guilty, at Winchester Crown Court, to possession with intent to supply. He was caught attempting to enter the Boomtown Festival with drugs worth thousands of pounds.
- Nearly 10 tonnes of food waste was collected by Winchester City Council, during the first week of new recycling collections across the district. By the end of March next year, every household will have received a new bin and kitchen caddy to recycle their food waste from home.
- Sue Harriman has officially taken over this week as Chief Executive of Hampshire Hospitals. She has been a nurse in the Royal Navy and the NHS, and served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
- The “Forte Kitchen” restaurant in Winchester, which closed in July after an electrical fire, has reopened. The owners say they are delighted after a period of uncertainty.
- And, after nearly 30 years, the charity Christmas Card shop will be missing from Winchester this Christmas. The “Cards for Good Causes” pop-up shop, which has been part of the city since 1996, has been unable to secure a venue this year.
- Ambitious plans are afoot to create a bellringing school at St John the Baptist church in Winchester. It’s hoped it will encourage more people to take up the hobby and help keep this ancient tradition alive. There’s one problem though – the bells at the church haven’t rung together in nearly 40 years and they need work! Mary Blaxland spoke to bell-ringers Jill Fuller and Marion Daniel who are spearheading the project, and are determined to make it happen.
- Shout-outs:
- To all the new graduates from the University of Winchester! Around 2,200 students have been presented with their Certificates this week at 11 ceremonies held at the Cathedral.
- To Emma, Zoe, and all those involved in the recent fun 12-Hour “Night Shift” Fitness Challenge in aid of Winchester Hospice! The Hospice says well over £9000 has been raised so far with more sponsorship money still coming in.
- To Brian Harpur who has won the “Charity Today” UK Fundraiser of the Year Award! Brian’s epic “Big Five: Where is Brian?” initiative took him to 11 countries, covering 2,800 miles, and involved undertaking many adventures and challenges along the route! At the end of his challenge, he raised an incredible £15,000 for children’s hospice, Naomi House & Jacksplace!
- To everyone who took part in last weekend’s Great South Run. Despite the heavy rain, competitors were cheered round the course by smiling spectators! It is believed up to 25,000 people took part over the course of the weekend.
- To three Hampshire individuals recognised for their decades of dedicated volunteering helping their local communities at the inaugural “Churchill Living” Local Hero Awards recognising the volunteering carried out in our communities by older people. The winner was Rosemarie Humpage from Winchester Bereavement Support; Highly Commended were Gerald Merritt from Basingstoke for his varied charity work; and Winchester Radio’s Tony Knight.
