On Winchester Now this week:
- A 25 year dream has come a step closer for the historic Chesil Theatre in Winchester. The theatre has been granted planning consent to expand.
- What’s life like after politics? – we hear from former MP Steve Brine 6 months after he stepped back.
- News-in-brief:
- Train travellers from Winchester have faced delays and cancellations after a nationwide computer fault. And there could be further disruption to travellers this weekend with storm warnings in place.
- South Western Railway, which operates services out of Winchester, is to be transferred back into public ownership.
- Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched a battery safety campaign in the run-up to Christmas.
- St John’s House in the Broadway is getting a makeover. Restoration work is needed to protect the Grade 1 listed building.
- Conservation and maintenance works have been carried out at the historic site of Nunnaminster, which is located alongside Abbey House and Gardens.
- Shout-outs
- To 2nd Harestock Brownies and 1st Winchester City West Guides for raising £500 for the Winchester Basics Bank.
- To people who attended Home-Start Winchester’s annual quiz night which raised more than £3,500.
- To the team at The Wykeham Arms in Kingsgate Street which has been crowned the Fuller’s Pub of the Year 2024.
- To the Popular Music Performance students at Peter Symonds College who bought the house down recently with a concert at the Theatre Royal.
- To all the actors, actresses and backstage teams embarking on the Christmas tradition of panto.
- We report from the Santa Fun Run that has taken place for 15 years and raises money for Naomi House and Jack’s Place.


