On Winchester Now this week:
- Emergency gas works have closed Jewry Street to allow Southern Gas Networks to fix another gas leak. Buses are being diverted and there are major delays across the city centre.
- A poignant vigil has been held in Winchester to mark four years since the start of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine– and to remember the lives lost. Candles were lit, prayers were said and songs sung during the gathering in the Abbey Gardens. The Guildhall clock faces were lit in blue and yellow to mark the anniversary, and the Ukrainian flag hung from the building. Mary Blaxland spoke to Yulia Debovnick and Anna Wright from the Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association.
- News-in-brief:
- A woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, after two women were injured at a care home in Winchester. Police and ambulance crews were called to the Westacre Nursing Home at Sleepers Hill on Monday.
- A tribute has been paid to a motorist who died in a collision on the A272 near Winchester. The accident happened on 18th February, close to Owslebury. 24-year-old Toby Parker from Hythe, died at the scene. Police continue to appeal for witnesses
- Parents have stepped up the fight to save the school bus service from Kings Worthy to Henry Beaufort School, with a protest outside Hampshire County Council headquarters in Winchester. Families say children will have to walk along unlit routes, and have lobbied councillors to change their minds. The county council says a new designated walking route has been designed, which is now under three miles, and in line with national legislation.
- An appeal has been made for the public to keep out of the River Itchen, in order to protect endangered Atlantic salmon. Experts from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, say that the salmon eggs – which are buried in fragile gravel nests – are at risk from wading, wild swimming, paddling, and dogs entering the water.
- Members of the Boaz Project in Sutton Scotney – a charity which supports adults with learning disabilities – have handcrafted 30 dormice nesting boxes, to help protect one of Britain’s most endangered native species. Local ecologists commissioned the boxes from the charity, and they’ve been set up in a nearby stretch of woodland.
- This month marks the seventh anniversary of the Chat-Tea Café – the free monthly get-together at the Badger Farm Community Centre to help combat loneliness and isolation, particularly for the older generation. Anna O’Brien spoke to organisers and other members of their volunteer team who make this wonderful community initiative possible each month, amid the party atmosphere of the 7th birthday celebrations. The March Chat-Tea Café will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Monday 30th March.
- Shout-outs:
- To pupils and staff at Prince’s Mead School in Winchester, who have raised a staggering sum approaching £7,000 for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Their efforts have included a wide range of activities, from daring skydives and the school’s inaugural Ride of Champions 100-mile cycle challenge, to events such as a colour run, summer fair, and even a camp out.
- To all those who ran in last weekend’s annual Winchester 10k event, and especially to all those who ran to raise funds for charity, as well as to the volunteers who gave their time to help marshal along the route. Huge congratulations to Andrew Fyfe, who took the men’s title with a record-setting time and to Laura Johnston who was the first woman to cross the finish line.
- To the Achoiring Voices choir – this month marks ten years since their very first rehearsal, which just seven people attended. At their special “all in” rehearsal, more than 200 singers came together to celebrate!
- To the Winchester Area Tourist Guides, who have once again earned a Travellers’ Choice Award from Tripadvisor, thanks to an outpouring of positive reviews throughout 2025. Their themed programme for 2026 will be announced soon, but tours continue every Saturday at 11am and 2pm, rain or shine, each led by a qualified and insured guide.
- To the Mayor of Winchester Cllr Sudhakar Achwal and his wife Vivian who celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary earlier this week!
