On Winchester Now this week:
- 2025 is a big year for fans of Jane Austen and could bring thousands of people to Winchester from across the world. It’s the 250th anniversary of the author’s birth and we hear from local councillor Lucille Thompson about some of the plans.
- News-in-brief:
- Police have mounted an operation against rural crime in the Winchester area.
- Knife crime in Hampshire has fallen by 19% in the last two years according to new figures on police forces across the UK.
- People have just a few days left to book their free Covid and flu jabs.
- Hampshire Hospitals have stepped-down their crucial incident but are urging the public to help. Anna O’Brien spoke to Chief Executive, Alex Whitfield.
- News-in-brief:
- The ribbon has been cut on the new St Clements surgery. Actor Tommy Jessop performed the opening ceremony.
- Another independent trader is closing its doors. Men’s clothing shop The Eclectic Hound is shutting after 11 years.
- Winchester Police have organised two events next week to give advice on how to protect yourself from burglary.
- This week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to use AI to deliver public services and boost growth. What do you think of AI and have you used it? Winchester Radio went into the city centre to find out.
- Shout-outs
- To the Rapid Relief team charity who handed out hot drinks and refreshments to staff at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital after it declared a critical incident last week.
- To people who have visited the Clue Capers pop-up games shop in St Thomas Street, raising money for St John’s Winchester.
- To volunteers at Winchester Cathedral who gave a tour to residents of an Eastleigh care home.
- To Winchester Soroptimists for donating £600 to local charities despite some fundraising challenges.
- News of the Mayor of Winchester’s Community Awards which honour individuals and organisations who have made a real difference in the Winchester district.
