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Alresford Chamber of Commerce As we approach the end of term, ready for the summer break we PR AERIALS wish you all a happy and safe summer! DIGITAL TV & SATELLITE SPECIALIST

Ukrainian Refugee Update

Following Cllr Fiona Isaacs, attending the first Ukrainian/Host meeting in Winchester. A process of finding employment with business vacancies was established. We would also like to thank and acknowledge all the hard work of Estelle Bentham our Deputy Chair, in arranging and organizing the travel and hosting of our Ukrainian guests. Should any member of Alresford Chamber of Commerce or Hampshire Chamber of Commerce have any job vacancies, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Parking Strategy

As advised previously, Hampshire County Council will be taking over the parking management in 2023 from Winchester City Council. There won’t be any changes made without consultation first, after our chair raised the question. After 2 attempts by Winchester City Council in the last 4 years to try and bring in parking meters, we have good data of how businesses and residents feel. This will obviously be raised; we continue to monitor and will lobby for the best interest of the businesses.

New Members

We are happy to announce New Era Travel as our recent New Member to the Chamber. If you are thinking of taking a trip, why not pop in to see Brian, Alan, Cathy or Jordan for some inspiring ideas! Any Businesses wishing to join the Chamber, please contact Lorraine alresfordchamber@gmail.com

Together we are stronger

Keep track of our events, follow us on Facebook Twitter & Instagram @AlresfordChamberofCommerce / AlresfordCofC / info@alresfordchamber.co.uk /www.alresfordchamber.co.uk

Paul Rolfe

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T. 01420 80650 M. 07918 913194

Adrian Cobb Plumbing & Heating

No job too small No call out charge Free quotations available ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING & HEATING Reliable local plumber

M: 07774 979 325 T: 01962 735354

Wickham Festival 2022

An award-winning 4-day live music and arts festival held on a beautiful green field site near the historic village of Wickham in Hampshire. 4th-7th August 2022. Artists include Levellers; The Waterboys; The Saw Doctors; The Undertones; 10cc; Los Pacaminos feat. Paul Young; Martha Wainwright; Rumer; Gilbert O'Sullivan; The Dhol Foundation; Oysterband; Show of Hands; Skinny Lister; Ferocious Dog; The Celtic Social Club; Spiers & Boden; Chris Difford of 'Squeeze'; Grace Petrie; The Men They Couldn't Hang; Sharon Shannon; The Longest Johns; Cut Capers and many more. Plus late-night comedy; storytelling; street theatre; dance displays; silent disco; digital funfair; The Magic Teapot; childrens entertainers; traditional crafts fayre; real ales & cider festival and much, much more.

Thu 4 Aug to Sun 7 August from 5pm - 1am Thursday, 11am - 1am Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Day tickets from £50. 4-day weekend season tickets from £200. Under-16s half-price. Under-10s free. Blind Lane, Wickham, Near Fareham, Hampshire PO17 5HD Contact telephone: 023 9252 8017 Call to check latest times or cancellations.

Alresford Rotary News

Successful 10K Run

400 runners turned out on a perfect day for running at the final Hampshire Road Race League race of the season, the Alresford Rotary 10k. The course followed the usual route through the market town, past the famous watercress beds and out into the countryside beyond. It’s a tough course with plenty of hills, but all the runners proved up for the challenge. The men’s race was won by for the second year in a row by Phil Berntsen in 33 minutes and 32 seconds, closely followed by Sebastian Hoenig in 33:51.

The women’s race was won by Victoria Gill in 36:56 with Tamsin Anderson second in 37:52. All of the results are available at eventchiptiming.com

Three children’s races preceded the main event, with children between 2 and 11 running different distances around the park. The winners received specially made chocolate medals from Chocolate Craft in Alresford, and everyone got a special medal for finishing.

The race was the 15th annual event organised by Alresford Rotary and supported by local businesses: Prospect Fencing funded the race numbers, The Watercress Company provided 500 bags of local watercress, Becky Shotton Driving Instructor sponsored the medals, Chocolate Craft provided the chocolate medals for the children’s races and boxes of chocolates for the adult races, The Arlebury Cafe baked 500 special cookies and made up hampers of local goodies for the age category winners, Fyffes supplied the bananas, Charters Estate Agents allowed the use of their sign boards for the kilometre markers, Hair Art helped out with the art work and signage, and The Bottom Line Accounting contributed towards the prizes for the age category winners. Thomas Miller designed the logo for the race.

The event was marshalled by volunteers from Alresford Rotary and additional help at the field was provided by enthusiastic students from Perins school. Everyone gave their time for free and all profits will be used for local and international good causes, including providing medical supplies to Ukraine, part of a global effort by Rotary International.

The race organisers made new efforts this year to reduce waste and improve sustainability. All of the prizes were from local sources and the race medals were wooden and made from sustainable wood. Water was in containers and recyclable cups with no single use plastic. Competitors were encouraged to car share, walk or take public transport. Next year’s race will again be on the third Sunday in June (Fathers’ Day), June 18th.

Eel House Open Day

On July 17th an eager group of Rotarians ran the open day at this unique local attraction. It proved a popular way for local residents and visitors to get a glimpse into the amazing life cycle of the eel. Eels start and end their life in the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda but find their way up the Arle river to Alresford where they spend most of their life. The recent renovation (part funded by Rotary Donations and organised by the Town Trust) has brought the 1822 built Eel House back into splendid working order. Don’t miss one of next year’s open days.

Upcoming Events

Wessex Rotary Shoebox Scheme

Make an early start to preparing Christmas shoeboxes of gifts for disadvantaged and displaced children in eastern Europe. Because in recent years it has become increasingly difficult to source boxes of the prescribed size Rotary can now provide boxes as well as the scheme leaflet (wjrp@ hotmail.co.uk 738788) and both are available now! Local schools who supported the scheme last year are being contacted but it is not just a scheme for schools. Everyone and all local organisations are encouraged to take part – please contact us and make a child’s Christmas!

Alresford Show on September 3rd

Alresford Rotary will be helping out at the Alresford Show making it a safe event where pedestrians and horses meet.

Bonfire Night Fireworks on November 4th

We are already planning our annual Bonfire and Fireworks evening with torchlight parade. Block your calendar now! In addition to this, members will be enjoying a number of social events to complement the varied volunteering agenda. The Stratton Bates playground opening has been postponed to 6th August at 2pm. Thanks to a generous legacy from Bridget Newitt (widow of former Rotarian Mike Newitt) we have made a financial contribution to the new space and will be there to celebrate.

If you are new to Alresford or just looking to join a growing group of like-minded individuals help catalyse our great community, contact me for a chat or join a ‘social’ to find out more.

David Marshall RotaryAlresford@gmail.com