On Winchester Now this week:
- Tuesday marks ‘World Health Day’ and to coincide with this, the Winchester Sport and Leisure Park are holding a Community Health & Wellbeing Event from around 2pm to 7pm. The aim is to bring together local organisations who support health and wellbeing in our community. Covering a wide variety of ways to care for your wellbeing – movement, nutrition, sleep, recovery, brain health, and social wellness, the event is free to attend. Kieran Tibbert spoke to Rebecca Woodford, the Health Activity & Wellbeing Manager with ‘Everyone Active’ to find out more.
- News-in-brief:
- Motorists in Winchester are being warned to plan ahead this Easter – with the RAC saying it’s set to be the busiest since 2022. Almost 21 million trips are planned nationwide this bank holiday – despite fears over rising fuel prices. It’s thought to be due to the number of people choosing to stay in the UK this year, rather than heading abroad.
- Parents fighting to save a school bus route in Winchester, have won a reprieve. Hampshire County Council planned to withdraw the bus service from Kings Worthy to Henry Beaufort School this Easter, but the transport will now continue until the end of July. The issue had sparked protests, and had even been raised in Parliament. The decision is subject to an appeal, and the appeal panel has asked for more time and information to resolve the matter.
- Next Tuesday will see the 15th walkout by resident doctors. It will last six days and is the joint-longest since the dispute began in March 2023. During strikes, Hampshire Hospitals advises people; to use NHS 111 for medical assistance, and 999 only in an emergency, to collect patients ready for discharge from hospital as soon as possible to ensure beds remain available, and to attend appointments as planned, unless contacted otherwise.
- Now that the roll-out of food waste bins, which began in October last year, has been completed, around 60 tonnes of food waste is being collected in the Winchester area each week. The council says that when that’s turned into green energy at the anaerobic digestion plant, it’s enough to power six average homes for a year.
- A phone box in Harestock is getting a new lease of life. No longer in use, the box, which is situated by the local shops, has been adopted by the Parish Council, and is being refurbished for its new purpose as a community library and book swap.
- Trinity Winchester says its annual ‘Big Sleep Out’ will be bigger than ever this year as the charity, which supports the homeless, celebrates its 40th anniversary. This year’s Sleep Out is taking place at Winchester Rugby Club on Friday 19th June, and there will be the usual entertainment, food, drink and bedtime story.
- Things to do this Easter:
- Winchester families can get their steps in walking around the city-centre, following the fun, free Bunny Hop Trail, which runs through until Sunday 12 April. Trail sheets are available from: the Winchester Visitor Information Centre, the City Museum, and The Arc, or you can print off a trail via the ‘Winchester BID’ website. Participants hunt for nine hidden Easter words tucked into local business windows. Completed Trail sheets earn a treat and a chance to win further prizes. It’s a simple, cheerful way to explore Winchester in a fun and educational way.
- Wickham Village is inviting families on a free Easter Egg Trail also running through until Sunday 12 April, guiding young explorers around the village with the opportunity for a sweet treat at the end. Maps can be picked up from the Meon Valley Trail car park or Warwick Lane Shopping Centre.
- Another family-focussed activity this school Easter holiday is available at the Adjutant General’s Corps Museum, located alongside other military museums in the former Peninsula Barracks in Winchester. Children can join ‘Addy the Lion’ on a hunt for hidden bees and eggs until Saturday 11 April. Families can enjoy a museum trail packed with spring‑themed crafts and hands‑on activities. This is a free activity in the museum’s educational space. The military museums in the city have a variety of activities taking place through the school holidays – do check out their websites for more details.
- If you are seeking something a little different this Easter, you can step into a medieval mystery with Clue Capers at the Hospital of St Cross. Groups work as a team of detectives to unravel clues, solve puzzles, and uncover a lost treasure hidden within the historic surroundings of St Cross. More details on social media of the Hospital of St Cross, and you can book and pay for your Clue Caper tickets through the Clue Capers website.
- There is a new 2026 programme of tours available from the Winchester Tourist Guides, including tours about Winchester’s hidden waterways, an evening stroll up the High Street, and a special tour celebrating the trees in the city centre. Find out more by popping into the Visitor Information Centre, or checking out the Winchester Tourists Guides website.
- May sees the return of free Park Yoga sessions at the Garrison Ground, located near the Winchester Sport and Leisure Park. These weekly yoga sessions start up again on Sunday 3rd May and will run for 20 weeks. They are an hour-long, begin at 9:30am, and people of all ages and abilities are welcome. Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but it is an activity all the family can enjoy. All you need to take with you is a bottle of water, a towel or yoga mat, and comfortable clothing. No need to book – you can just turn up on the day. Follow Winchester Park Yoga on social media for further details.
