On this week’s Winchester Now:
- It’s become one of the biggest mass cycle rides in the country. Next Saturday hundreds of cyclists will converge on Winchester city-centre in a show of support for cycling and to encourage more people to get on their bikes. It’s open to all ages, and routes have been set up across the city to enable people to ride in together. The event has been organised by the local campaign group Cycle Winchester and Mary Blaxland spoke to one of the volunteers, Emma Street.
- News-in-brief:
- The NHS in Hampshire has launched this year’s COVID-19 Spring Vaccination Campaign. Starting this week and running until 30th June, it focuses on the most vulnerable members of the community. Those eligible for a free vaccine are people aged 75+, residents in care homes, and adults & children with a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions. People will be contacted by their GP practice, or they can arrange an appointment via the National Booking System, the NHS App, or by calling 119.
- The University of Winchester has been re-accredited as a University of Sanctuary, in recognition of its ongoing support for refugees and asylum seekers in higher education. In 2018, Winchester became the first university in the south to receive this award. Since 2010, Winchester has provided 67 sanctuary scholarship awards and fellowships, to students seeking asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK.
- Play to the Crowd, which runs the Theatre Royal, is to receive a £390k cash boost. It’s one of 14 venues, museums and libraries across the South East, to be awarded a share of £12m in funding, from the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund.
- St Paul’s Church in Winchester has been consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester more than 150 years after it was built. The ceremony saw the church officially declared holy and for the worship of God. The chancel of the church was consecrated in 1872 when the church was first built, but now the rest of the building has been officially blessed.
- Young bellringers from across the region will compete in a major competition in Alresford this weekend. It’s the South-East finals of the National Youth 9-bell striking competition. Teams of 8 children will perform pieces for the judges, as they battle for a place in the National finals.
- The Mayor of Winchester has presented The Wykeham Arms’ Head Chef, Luke Emmess, with a special certificate of recognition, after his recent outstanding achievement in reaching the final three of MasterChef: The Professionals. Cllr Sudhakar Achwal was joined by the council’s Chief Executive Laura Taylor, to meet Luke at the venue. The mayor praised Luke as an inspiration for aspiring chefs, and a source of great pride for the city.
- Dementia Action Week activities:
- Saturday 16th May: ‘Dementia Friendly Winchester Parkrun Takeover’, with volunteers from a number of local organisations who support those living with dementia helping to marshal along the North Walls course on Saturday morning, alongside regular parkrun volunteers. Team members will be on hand with flyers and information about the upcoming week’s activities.
- Monday 18th May, 10am – 2pm: Dementia Information Fair in the Education Centre at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. This is open to members of the public, and members of Hampshire Hospitals NHS staff, and will include representatives from a number of departments from the hospital, and local organisations from the community who all support those living with dementia and their Carers.
- Monday 18th May, 5:30pm – 7:30pm: Dementia Aware and Share event at Winchester Baptist Church on City Road. This will provide an opportunity to visit a variety of stalls run by support organisations, and talk with people about local services to help people living with dementia, and also family and carers.
- There will also be helpful information points and displays at Winchester City Council offices at Colebrook Street, plus St. Clement’s surgery in the city-centre during the week.
- Shout-outs:
- To the Recycle Bike Hub in Winchester which is celebrating having raised £100,000 for Naomi House & Jacksplace! This volunteer-run workshop transforms donated bikes into vital funds to support seriously-ill children and young adults across the region. If you have an old bike to donate or are looking for a serviced ride, get in touch and help them reach their next big goal! Their website is www.recyclebikehub.com.
- To Move Momentum, for an uplifting community dance event by the Buttercross last month. Over 140 people joined in, including members of the public, students, and community partners, creating a joyful celebration of inclusive dance. Thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm and generosity, an amazing £1,800 was raised.
- To the catering team at Hampshire Hospitals, which is earning national praise for its fresh, cooked-from-scratch on-the-premises food. The Trust was a Hospital Catering Award runner-up at last week’s annual Public Sector Catering Awards.
- To Simon Budden, founder of Winchester Karate, who has been awarded the rare and prestigious 8th Dan black belt after more than 50 years of dedication to karate. Only a small number of practitioners worldwide ever reach this level.
- To the University of Winchester, whose Nursing Apprenticeship programme has been shortlisted in three categories at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2026 — including Best Student Experience, Teaching Innovation of the Year for Curriculum, and Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of the Year. The awards take place next week.
