On Winchester Now this week:
- A special exhibition has started this week showcasing the work of Ukrainian artists. It is being held at the University of Winchester, and has been organised by the Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association alongside the University and City Council. Mary Blaxland spoke to Julia, Irina, Anna and Olena who have all been involved in the project.
- News-in-brief:
- Extra security has been put in place after an increase of vandalism at the empty River Park leisure centre. Last weekend people broke into the derelict site and fires were lit. A public meeting is being held next Tuesday, 27 January, at the Winchester Guildhall, to display some of the options for future uses of the site.
- The future of the Russell and Bromley store in the city is uncertain, after the firm went into administration. The name has been bought out by Next, but it’s understood most of the shops are expected to close.
- The Westgate School has written to parents confirming that the school will be smartphone-free from next year. It follows a commitment by a number of local primary schools to do the same. The school will allow low-tech ‘brick’ phones for communication, and there will be exemptions in exceptional cases.
- Extra police will be on patrol around the Winchester area. The officers will be based in rural communities around the city, following a pledge by Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, to expand the ‘Local Bobby’ scheme from 99 officers to 114. It aims to solve issues around anti-social behaviour, and reoccurring criminal activity.
- Hampshire Hospitals has celebrated the official opening of the new Orthopaedic Outpatients Department in Winchester. The new state of the art building at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, has seven consultation rooms including a designated room for dressings, an x-ray service and a plaster room. More than 1,500 patients have already attended since its launch in early December.
- 7,000 pairs of recycled training shoes have helped with the refurbishment of the Chaundler Road play area in Abbots Barton. The recycled material was used to provide a new ground surface and, along with more swings, a trampoline, sensory panels and a roundabout, has given the play area a new lease of life.
- Volunteering opportunities:
- The Winchester Rotary Clarendon Marathon raises money for a whole variety of good causes, and it is organised every year by volunteers! Over 200 volunteers are needed on the day to make the event possible. There are also roles to help on the organising committee if you have more time to give, but if you like being outdoors and can spare 3 to 4 hours on Sunday 4th October this year, then do get in touch with JJ and the team!
- The charity ‘Against Breast Cancer’ is also seeking volunteers to assist with marshalling participants in their fundraising ‘Breast Walk Ever Hampshire’ event at IBM’s Hursley Park offices on Sunday 14th June. Those taking part in this fundraiser may be walking a full marathon, half-marathon or 10K distance around the course. Volunteers are essential to the event going ahead. If you would like to help, there are plenty of roles available on the day – email events@againstbreastcancer.org.uk and they can provide you with options.
- St. Peter’s Church on Jewry Street would welcome assistance with events this year to mark the church’s centenary. The Catholic parish is holding a three-day celebration from Monday 2nd through to Wednesday 4th February, with illuminations during the evenings inside and outside the building, with accompanying music, providing a chance to meet volunteers at the church and discover more of the community projects they help with. For this 3 days ‘Light of the World’ event, the parish would love the help of more volunteer ushers to help welcome visitors. They have other events through the year too, and there are other ways you can lend a hand and share your time and skills too. More details from CatholicWinchester.org.uk/centenary.
- Winchester is an official ‘City of Sanctuary’ – a place where people seeking sanctuary can find welcome, support and opportunity. The United Church, and St. Peter’s Catholic Church, both on Jewry Street in the city-centre, run supportive Hubs. Winchester Radio’s Anna O’Brien went along to the St. Peter’s Hub to speak to some of the guests about their hopes and aspirations for this year, and what they appreciate and enjoy.
- Shout-outs:
- To Frederick, who lives at the Winchester Heights Care Home and celebrated his 100th Birthday on Monday this week! Staff, residents, and guests all came together to share in this special celebration, and Frederick and friends got to enjoy a lovely homemade cake, beautifully prepared by the home’s kitchen team.
- To Winchester Sport and Leisure Park, which has been nominated for ‘Official Delivery Partner Venue of the Year’ at the British Gymnastics Awards 2026. The nomination recognises the centre’s commitment to supporting gymnasts of all ages and abilities through providing a welcoming environment, high-quality coaching and a strong partnership with British Gymnastics.
- To all those involved in the weekly 5k Winchester ParkRun at North Walls. Despite the cold weather, 451 people took part last Saturday, and there were some milestone achievements! Well done to Lucia Corujo on completing your 100th Park Run, and to May Glover-Poultney and Ben Burfoot for finishing your 250th ParkRun! A big shoutout too, to all the amazing volunteers who make the event possible each weekend.
- To brothers Henry and Ben, who joined forces to bake and sell chocolate brownies to raise money to help Winchester Beacon. The boys’ recipe of success raised a much appreciated £60.05 for the cause, and they had fun in the process.
- To Winchester Rotary and friends, who took part in their latest tree-planting session at Hinton Ampner. They planted an impressive 1,076 trees, bringing their total from two volunteer tree-planting sessions to 2,212, a third of the total planted there so far this season!
