On Winchester now this week:
- Summer Cook talks to James Freeman, Chair of heritage charity The Friends of King Alfred Buses, about a major milestone in the restoration of their Leyland “Olympic” bus, following the devastating fire in 2023. The running chassis will be available to view at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum in Fife during the museum’s Open Weekend on 22/23 August. James also tells Summer about plans for the FoKAB “Autumn Country Bus” Day, on Sunday 13th September, as part of next month’s Heritage Open Days Festival.
- News-in-brief:
- Residents are being warned of traffic congestion from the middle of next week as festival goers arrive in the city for the Boomtown Festival. The annual event is due to attract around 70,000 people. There will be temporary 40mph speed limits, lane restrictions, and rolling road closures on the A31, A272, and local rural lanes around the Matterley Estate. Drivers can also expect heavy traffic around the M3 junction 9 at Winnall.
- Meanwhile a new bridge has opened at the Winnall roundabout, after last weekend’s total closure. The bridge is part of the upgrade of the motorway junction, and is on the north side of the roundabout. Another weekend closure will take place from 21st to 24th August – with a further one planned for September.
- More than 4,500 young people across Hampshire have come forward for a new meningitis B vaccination, in the first two weeks of the programme being available. The jab is offered to those in Year 13, and to undergraduate and further education students. NHS health bosses are urging anyone eligible to get protected against the disease.
- Almost £2m of Government funding is being allocated to upgrade bus stops across Hampshire. The money will be used to improve and replace information displays. Around 100 sites – including some in Winchester – will receive new real-time information screens, supporting passengers with up to the minute information.
- The Winchester Beacon has welcomed a new Patron. The Dean of Winchester, the Very Reverend Christopher Palmer, visited the charity this week, to meet staff and residents, and to learn about how they support people experiencing homelessness, and help them to rebuild their lives.
- Hampshire Police are looking for horses and their owners to join the mounted rural patrol teams. These high visibility patrols provide reassurance to rural areas, and support local policing teams, as well as attending community events. Training is provided for all such volunteers.
- Shout-outs:
- To the Winchester Walking Football Club’s Over-65s who have qualified for the Walking Football Association National Cup Finals in Nottingham, following a 2–1 victory over Plymouth Argyle. A tough match played in the heat, with plenty of hydration breaks! Best of luck in the Finals!
- To Bev Bu-Rashid for her ongoing commitment to Goalball, as she has been awarded the 2025/26 Keith Lound Service to Sport Award this summer at the flagship Goalfix Cup. Bev volunteers at Winchester Goalball Club; referees and officiates at national and international competitions; and trains, mentors and supports players, where she is well known for her kindness both on and off the court.
- To the players at Winchester Rugby Club, over 85 of whom, from the 1st XV, Warriors, Saxons, Knights, Academy, and Pilgrims squads, took part in the Cats Challenge on Tuesday this week. This consisted of a run of over 10km, and a climb of St. Catherine’s Hill, including up the many steps! All efforts were rewarded with a fun social and BBQ after the run!
- To the team at Winchester Boxing Club, who have been out-and-about this summer, at events such as the Highcliffe Community Day, and last weekend’s Kings Worthy Summer Fete, raising awareness of boxing and encouraging everyone to have a go. Boxing can help build confidence, discipline, fitness, and the skills to succeed both inside and outside the ring, and the club offers a fun, safe and supportive environment to learn boxing technique and skills.
