On this week’s Winchester Now:
- Luke Emmess, Head Chef at the Wykeham Arms here in Winchester, has worked hard, and shown culinary skills of the highest level, winning him a place in the Final of TV’s ‘Master Chef: The Professionals’ last night! Winchester Radio’s Anna O’Brien spoke to him about making the final, and his journey through the competition.
- News-in-brief
- The future of local government in Winchester has been decided after months of debate. Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, from 2028, services will be provided by five councils instead of the current 13. Winchester City Council will no longer exist, and our district will become part of a new Mid Hampshire Council – along with East Hampshire, Test Valley and the New Forest.
- After years of consultations, the Local Plan, the blueprint for the future of development in Winchester, has been agreed. It sets out sites for future housing development in the city and across the district – along with employment and leisure.
- Police in Winchester are asking residents to be vigilant following three reports of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles. They are often stolen for the metal within them, which has risen in value in recent years. Police are asking drivers to be aware of how and where they park, and to report any suspicious activity.
- The new pavilion at River Park, a community and sports facility for local residents and clubs, is nearing completion and will be officially opened in May. Construction on the £2.3m building began last year. It’s been funded by the council along with developer contributions, and grant funding from the Town Forum and Hampshire County Council.
- The Cards for Good Causes charity pop-up shop is looking for a new home in Winchester this Christmas. It has been part of the festive season in the city for 3 decades, but was unable to find a venue last year. Now volunteers are calling on local property owners, businesses and community venues to help them find a temporary space for Christmas 2026. Profits from the sale of cards support a range of charities.
- Winchester Radio is celebrating three successes at this year’s National Hospital Broadcasting Association awards. A gold award in the new ‘Unsung Hero’ category went to our Ron Venturi who was described as a true star – always helping others and the station. Winchester Radio won Silver in the ‘Best Speech Package’ for our coverage of the Winchester Hospice ‘Purple Night Walk’ last year. And there was a lifetime achievement award for Nigel Dallard who has helped, not just our radio, but others up and down the country for nearly 40 years.
- Volunteers at Winchester Round Table stage a number of large community events each year in Winchester to bring people together, and to raise vital funds for many small grassroots charities and good causes.Each summer they the fun of ‘Pedal, Paddle, Pace’ to Winchester, and Anna O’Brien spoke to Charlie Sell, Chairman of this year’s PPP event to find out more.
- A danceathon took place in Winchester High Street last weekend to raise money for Move Momentum, a charity that was set up 10 years ago to make dance accessible to all. Mary Blaxland went along and chatted to CEO Amanda Watkinson and two people who benefit from the classes.
- Shout-outs:
- To all the litter-pickers who were hard at work last weekend. The Big Winnall Clean Up, organised by the Winnall Forum, saw teams don their fluorescent jackets and litter pickers to clear up rubbish around the area. Volunteers at Headbourne Worthy also trod the pavements for their annual litter pick, with adults, children and dogs taking part. This Sunday is the turn of residents of Littleton and Harestock who will join together for their Big Spring Clean.
- To the Community Café in Sutton Scotney and the nearby Boaz Project. Members of the Boaz Project baked carrot and chocolate cakes to sell at the Community Cafe for the charity. £650 was raised through the sale of teas, coffees and homemade sweet treats, plus eggs from the Boaz hens, along with jams, cards, and birdboxes.
- To schoolchildren at Oliver’s Battery Primary and Nursery School, who are celebrating a homegrown success with the Edible Playground which has just marked five years of hands-on-outdoor learning. The once unused space is now a thriving garden where pupils grow herbs, vegetables and flowers, with weekly sessions led by professional gardener Helena Smart, supporting children to learn more about science, sustainability and healthy eating.
- To the Westgate School, which has earned national recognition from the Schools, Students and Teachers network for outstanding performance, placing in the top 10% of non‑selective schools in England for pupil attainment in the 2025 Key-Stage-4 exams.
- To Kings’ School, which is celebrating 40 years, this academic year, since its formation in 1985. There are two celebratory events coming up – an Alumni Sports Day on the 25th of April and a family fun day on the 4th of July. More details on the school’s website.
- To one of Alresford’s best-known shops. Eddolls was founded 130 years ago, this week, and it is still trading from its original base on Broad Street in the town – and is now known as Eddolls Carpets.
- To the Great Britain women’s GoalBall team which, at this year’s GoalBall Nations Cup in Berlin, featured Phoebe Clifton from the Winchester GoalBall Club making her international debut! After 4 days of tough competition, the GB Women progressed through the competition to the final, missing out on a gold medal by just one goal.
- To the Winchester City Flyers, for winning the 2026 North Hampshire Divisional FA Women’s Cup Final with a 4–2 victory over Farnborough Women last week.
