On this week’s programme:
- The festive lights are glistening, the seasonal sellers of the many markets are on hand to visit and, for plenty of people, panto is also a precious part of their Christmas. Mary Blaxland spoke to two of the leading lights involved in this year’s production of “Puss in Boots” at the Theatre Royal, to find out what panto means to them.
- News-in-brief:
- Hampshire Police are renewing their warnings about scams, after a 150 per cent increase associated with winter fuel payments. People have been contacted by phone, text or email – with criminals asking for personal and financial information. Officers say the Department of Work and Pensions will not contact individuals, and warn people not to share personal or financial information with strangers.
- The annual week of action to tackle knife crime is underway. Amnesty bins are set up at police stations across Hampshire where bladed articles can be handed in, and education is taking place across schools and colleges.
- People in Winchester are being invited to have their say on how council services should be delivered in the future. The Government wants to simplify local councils by replacing the current two tier system with fewer unitary authorities. The consultation announced this week will end in January, and a decision will be made next Spring – with the new councils coming into force in 2028.
- Maternity services at Winchester and Basingstoke have been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission. The Hospital’s Trust says it’s delighted with the rating, which followed an inspection in July.
- A new accessible outdoor gym and play space has opened at the Winchester Sport & Leisure Park, in memory of a teenager who died suddenly in 2015. The Gym was donated by local charity Allegra’s Ambition, in memory of Allegra Whittome.
- Free activities and nutritious meals are being provided in Hampshire this Christmas, for children and young people from low-income families. Hampshire County Council’s ‘Holiday Activities and Food’ programme, is funded by the Department of Education, for children who receive free school meals during term time.
- And, as the temperature drops, the Winter Coat Exchange has returned to Winchester library, where there are coats for adults, and some for children. Anyone is welcome to take one if needed, for no charge. Donations are being asked for, and coats for men are most in demand. Organisers say they want everyone to feel warm this winter.
- The Madding Crowd is a local group that researches and performs the church and secular music of the English village bands and choirs in the 200-year period from 1660. They celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year. Anna O’Brien caught up with their Musical Director, Mike Bailey to find out more.
- Shout-outs:
- To the Parent Teacher Association at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School and Little Fishes Pre-School, Winchester. Their fireworks night kicked off with a juggler, then a bonfire and accompanied by a spectacular firework display, and raised just under £4,700.
- To Winchester Rugby Club, who are flying high at the moment as they push for promotion with their latest win on 8th November away against Chobham. Tomorrow they take on Wimbourne at North Walls Park.
- To Helen Gapper, Winchester RFC’s volunteer of the month for all her work with the Under 12s team. Helen is known as the heartbeat of the team, as she manages everything from admin and first aid to new-player enquiries and social events.
- To the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance charity, which has responded to over 2000 callouts already this year. The team has flown to an average of seven critically ill and injured patients every day.
- To the South Wonston Repair Cafe, which is celebrating its first birthday this autumn! Well done to all the volunteers who have been fixing broken electricals and mending clothes and saving things that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
- To Emily, Martin, Johnny, Tom, Lisa, Karen, Kiera, Inna, Ligita, Carol and Ella of Guy Kremer hair salon in Parchment Street, Winchester who swapped their curling tongs and hair dryers for mixing bowls and recipe books to bake cakes that they then sold on the premises, raising £370 in aid of “Children in Need”.
