On this week’s Winchester Now:
- Southern Water has imposed a hose-pipe ban from today. We visited the High Street to ask people about their thoughts on the ban, and for their tips for saving water.
- News-in-brief:
- A major fire has badly damaged a number of historic buildings in The Square in Winchester. Fire crews were called to reports of a blaze early on Monday morning, and thick smoke could be seen across the city. Ten fire engines, along with specialist teams, were sent to the scene and it took more than 4 hours to bring the fire under control. Police set up a cordon around the area, and scaffolding is in place while the buildings are assessed. Philip Simmonds, 57 and from Farm House Close in Fareham, has been charged with arson, with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
- Facial Recognition vans will be situated in the High Street on Monday. Specialist teams will be joining forces with local police officers, to help identify suspects for priority offences, as well as trying to find any high-risk missing people. Police say the operation targets criminals, and keeps communities safe.
- Former Southampton Football club stars, including James Beattie, Ken Monkou and Jason Dodd, have joined forces with the NHS to encourage people aged 50 to 74 from across Hampshire, to complete their bowel cancer screening kits.The Saints players came together at a charity football match at Winchester City’s ground, to support a new campaign highlighting the importance of early detection. It comes as figures show almost one in three eligible people do not return their home screening test. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 43,000 people diagnosed each year.
- British Paralympic Gold Medallist, Aaron Phipps has attended an accessible Sports Day at Naomi and Jack’s. The hospice organised games for the children, young adults and families, who use the charity’s services. Aaron, from Totton, was part of the national wheelchair rugby team, and competed at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, and the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, where the team won the gold medal. He joined in the activities at Naomi and Jack’s, hosted a short talk and posed for photos. He also brought along his gold medal for everyone to see.
- And, Winchester’s Pedal Paddle Pace returns to the city on Sunday. The annual event, which raises money for charity, has been running for more than 15 years, and includes a 20km bike ride, 2km kayak paddle, and a 5km run. It’s organised by Winchester Round Table, and ends with festivities at Palmers Field alongside the River Itchen.
- The 11th Winchester Heritage Open Days Festival takes place this year from Friday 11th through to Sunday 20th September. This time round the theme is ‘Everyday Histories’. As always there are plenty of events to get along and enjoy for free! – including walks, talks, tours and workshops. Winchester Radio’s Anna O’Brien spoke to Liz King, Chair of the charity, the Hampshire History Trust who coordinate the local events across Hampshire, to find out more about this year’s Festival.
