On this week’s Winchester Now:
- Summer Cook talks to Heather Kirkland, the coach at Winchester Walking Football, and the club’s Development Officer, Ian Dowson to find out more about Walking Football, the Winchester Club, and their plans to recruit more women players.
- News-in-brief:
- Drivers are facing more closures on the M3 over the coming weeks, as work continues to upgrade junction 9. Next weekend, the northbound exit slip road will close from 9pm Friday until 6am Monday. That will be followed by two further weekends (23-26 Oct and 6-9 Nov) when the motorway will be shut in both directions between junctions 8 and 9 to allow demolition of the old bridges at Jct 9.
- People across Hampshire are being encouraged to quit smoking at the start of so-called ‘Stoptober’. Free help is on hand from trained stop smoking advisors, and includes ongoing support.
- Legal leaders, prison chaplains, and community organisations will come together at Winchester Cathedral next week for the fourth annual Law Week Festival. It includes work by local school children and men from Winchester prison, and the annual Law Sunday Service.
- Meanwhile religious leaders from across Winchester will take part in a prayer walk around the city on Monday night. Organised by Churches Together in Winchester, it will start at 7.30pm from the Salvation Army in Parchment Street.
- And, a rare bird of prey has been sighted in Hampshire for the first time ever. The Pallid Harrier was spotted last year, but has just now been verified by the British Birds Rarities Committee. The birds are rare visitors to the UK.
- Community Shout-outs:
- To everyone who took part in the annual Purple Night Walk for Winchester Hospice recently. Over £40k was raised.
- To The Countess of Brecknock Hospice. The hospice has received Platinum Status recognition from Hampshire Hospitals, following three consecutive years of Gold Status.
- To all the organisers of the very busy and successful Michaelmas Fair held at the Hospital of St. Cross. It was a good day for the charity.
- To everyone who participated and supported the Boaz Project’s Fun Runs on Saturday. Runners of all ages took on the 2km, 5km and 10km trails with handmade medals for participants, and plenty of entertainment.
- To Winchester Goalball, who beat Napaja 7-4 in the final at the European Goalball Club Association Grand Prix 2026 event in Finland. Player Paddy Harmer was also awarded the ‘Most Valued Player of the Tournament’ award, as voted for by the coaches of the other teams.
