On Winchester Now this week:
- Last Sunday morning there was a sea of red all along The Broadway, with the return of the annual Winchester Santa Fun Run, raising money for our local children’s hospice, Naomi House and Jacksplace. Mary Blaxland was there to report for Winchester Radio.
- News-in-brief:
- Winchester Cathedral has a new Dean. Rev Canon Chris Palmer, currently Canon Treasurer at Exeter Cathedral, will take up the role in March. The appointment comes after the departure earlier this year of the former Dean Catherine Ogle, and a turbulent time for the Cathedral after allegations of bullying and failings in leadership and management.
- A new project is underway to survey key sites in Hampshire which were used in the run up to D-Day. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with fieldwork which will be led by University of Winchester archaeologist, Dr Phil Marter, Hampshire’s Hidden D-Day Project will explore the sites of 22 Marshalling Camps where thousands of troops and vehicles were assembled in the days before the Normandy landings.
- This week, Sally Stoodley returned to Twyford Ward at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital to hand-over a new hoist to staff, having completed a fundraising “Adversity to Adventure” trek along the famous pilgrims’ route to the Santiago de Compostella in a wheelchair. Sally spent 3 months on Twyford Ward after a stroke, and said that handing-over the hoist was an emotional moment.
- The Mayor of Winchester took part in one of his more unusual ceremonies today. For the opening of new loos at Unit 12 in Winnall, instead of the usual ribbon, he was asked to cut toilet paper. Managers say it’s been a number 1 priority, and they are flushed with happiness at the success of the project.
- It’s two years this week since a massive fire devastated a warehouse in Andover containing a number of vintage vehicles, including one belonging to the Friends of King Alfred buses. But the remains of the 1950s Leyland Olympic were rescued and a massive project is underway to rebuild it. Mary Blaxland caught up with FoKAB Chairman James Freeman to find out more.
- Shout-outs:
- To all the members, volunteers and staff of the Boaz Project involved in making the recent festive film night of “Boaz the Movie: The Promise Fulfilled”, so special! The charity supports adults with learning disabilities, and the event created a truly magical atmosphere, bringing the nativity story to life on the farm in such a memorable way. Thanks also to Andover Salvation Army Brass Band and Barton Stacey Chamber Choir for providing the music.
- To Santa and the reindeers who arrived in Winchester for the Barton Farm Bike Bus last Friday! And also to the many teachers so supportive of the bike buses to and from school. Teachers from Barton Farm Primary Academy accompanied Santa and the children on the bike bus, much to the delight of the young people!
- To long-serving Brendoncare staff member, Steph Freeman who has retired after dedicating over 40 years of care to supporting residents and their families across three of the charity’s Winchester care homes. The charity shared that “Steph has been a constant source of comfort, kindness, and dedication. She has cared for people with extraordinary life stories, witnessed care evolve through the years, and always put residents at the heart of everything she did.”
- To Chief Nurse at Hampshire Hospitals, Julie Dawes, on her recent investiture! Following the announcement back in June, on Friday last week, Julie received her MBE medal in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nursing and the NHS, as part of the King’s Birthday Honours. Julie has been a nurse in the NHS for over 40 years.
