Winchester Today - April 2018

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March 2018

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APRIL 2018 ISSUE 038

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PERINS ON COURSE FOR ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER ‘Beauty and the Beast’ most ambitious yet

photo: Leela Bennett

UP ON THE CATWALK

It’s a case of best foot forward for Winchester Fashion Week 2018 which is just around the corner. There will be a busy schedule of catwalks, exhibitions, film screenings, talks, workshops and shopping events across the city from 16-21 April.

On Saturday 21, a catwalk show and shopping evening will mark the grand finale of the week, with top international and national brands, local independent retailers and designers taking to the catwalk with their latest collections.

More details on Winchester Fashion Week can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

photo: Andy Brooks Photography

YOU may remember that Winchester Today’s website went into meltdown when we reviewed the Perins Youth Theatre production of Phantom of the Opera. Well, the Creative Arts department says the next production is already on course for an even better reception - with the first wave of tickets for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast rapidly selling out.

The summer production this year will be the most ambitious theatre show Perins has ever attempted and will involve a 300 seater performance over 6 nights. The production has grown so significantly over the years that a result they are building a temporary theatre on one of the school’s playing fields for the duration of the Beauty and the Beast production week. Additionally, Perins School Theatre has been specifically granted the only Disney approved set and costumes in the country. The same

Nurses shown a busy future page 4

Cathedral to bloom this autumn page 6

This will be the most ambitious theatre show Perins has ever attempted scenery has previously featured at the Mayflower and is guaranteed to give the wow factor and their talented students a taste of life as a professional actor.

Easter wishes from the Bishop

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more on page 10 ➜

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April 2018

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR We take comments on the chin, both good and bad - even if sometimes we actually feel a little hurt when things appear to be beyond our control. For example, we took exception when someone questioned our green credentials recently about why our newspaper packs were individually wrapped in plastic. We had always argued that we were ‘doing our bit’ and that the plastic was only there to protect the newspapers from the rain. When we were at the office in Winnall we religiously separated our normal and recycling waste, even to the point of having two bins.

Then we looked a little harder…

ABOUT US winchestertoday est 2012

n EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Kevin Gover kevin@winchestertoday.co.uk n CONTRIBUTORS • David Cradduck • Drew White • Gavin Harris • David Cradduck • Rachel Gover • John Ellery • Chrissie Pollard • Lex Harris • Julia Kimber • Cate Hardy • Eleanor Marsden • Helena Gomm n LAYOUT DESIGN • Jon Heal

yes, the plastic on the individual packs offered protection, but they were also wrapped in a further layer as a whole. So now, they’re not individually wrapped, as you can see in the picture. We’ve actually gone even further, as the newspaper itself is now slightly thinner by using a lighter paper.

Hopefully you will not even have noticed any difference in quality, and will be cheered by the amount of paper we’re saving. Why continue printing? Well, we feel that we can still carry stories that have a different style and impact.

Our online audience is still a fraction of the number we reach by printing, and we know that people

enjoy what we do. So we would like to carry on printing while trying to grow online.

Now, how are YOU going greener this month?! ***** Like many of you, I have watched in horror as events have unfolded in Salisbury. Of course we focus on Winchester here in the newspaper, but I lived there for the best part of seven years, and Rachel grew up there. Many of our friends still live there and have urged us to pass on the message: “Salisbury Is Open!”

Hey, it’s a lovely drive along the scenic route too!

Kevin Gover

New sculpture at Salisbury Museum A brand new work by Johannes von Stumm - ‘Goliath’ - is the latest sculpture to grace its ‘Wessex Plinth’ at the front of the museum.

Johannes is a sculptor who unifies stone, wood, metal and glass to form one sculpture. His critically acclaimed work has been exhibited both in the UK and abroad and is the result of years of hard work and experimentation: “It’s an imposing figure, about 280 cm high. The name ‘Goliath’ sprang to my mind, because it is a powerful, unapproachable figure.

“The head is made out of glass. I remembered the story of David and Goliath and this work is inspired by the story.

The forehead of my ‘Goliath’ is made out of fragile glass. The imposing, powerful and unapproachable figure is vulnerable.

My warrior ‘Goliath’ stands in the Northern tradition, perhaps inspired by nearby Stonehenge and Avebury.”

‘Goliath’ will be on display until 1 June 2018.

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April 2018

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CATHEDRAL DIVER HERO ACCOLADE William Walker finally given praise at his former home

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WE all know the story - in the early 1900s, Winchester’s 11th-century cathedral was in danger of collapse due to subsidence. The reason it’s still standing today is thanks to William Walker, a professional deep-water diver from South Norwood in south London.

‘Diver Bill’ spent more than five years single-handedly propping up the cathedral’s water-logged foundations, using more than 25,000 bags of cement, so that the groundwater could be pumped out.

Walker worked in total darkness in trenches full of peaty water as much as 6 metres deep, wearing lead boots and a heavy diving suit made out of cloth and rubber – but no gloves. Air had to be pumped down by hose into his huge round copper helmet. For much of the time until the project was finished in August 1911, he cycled the 70 or so miles home to his growing family in South Norwood every weekend, returning on Mondays by train.

Born in 1869, ‘Diver Bill’ trained with the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Dockyard, and worked on the Blackwell Tunnel and the Royal Victoria Dock in London, and on the building of the naval docks in Gibraltar. Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he succumbed to the Spanish flu epidemic and died in 1918.

The cathedral honoured his contribution at a thanksgiving service in 1912 and George V (whom he had taught to dive) made him a member of the Royal Victorian Order.

Now our own Dean, the Very Rev Catherine Ogle has helped the People for Portland Road community group in Croydon celebrate this local hero with the latest plaque in its Heritage Trail developed by historian John Hickman and designer Ken Baker.

Dean Catherine told Winchester Today that it was a special day: “It was wonderful to see the people of South Norwood celebrate their local hero who ‘saved the cathedral with his own two hands’. They are rightly proud of the heritage that we share and want it to influence the next generation growing up in this part of Croydon. We had a great day with them.”

Dean Catherine unveiling the plaque (right), the plaque itself (top), and Dean Catherine with some of William Walker’s descendants (below). photos: Tony and Pat Holding

They are rightly proud of the heritage that we share

CHARLIE Corbett has been running the Barn Store for around 10 years now, helping people declutter while still knowing their possessions are safe, dry and secure: “The housing market’s pretty quiet at the moment, so why not take Sarah Beeny’s advice… make your house look bigger and more spacious.

Your storage problems will go away, and you’ll make negotiating easier later if you need to sell your house.”

Charlie’s farm is still a working one, with sheep and arable dealings. But like many others he’s had to diversify. He’s part of a franchise, with 12 of them

Personal touch: Charlie Corbett pictured with wife Susie and Flute the dog

across the UK doing exactly the same thing: “We like to make people feel confident that their treasured possessions will be safe. We use units that are all raised off the ground by four inches. Soft furnishings come out exactly as they went in.”

Charlie also finds that many people like the personal touch: “We’re in the South Downs National Park, and when people come to see us they usually park up and go for a walk!”

Look for the Barn Store ad elsewhere in the paper - and maybe go for that walk too!

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April 2018

Nurses shown opportunities NEWLY-QUALIFIED and experienced nurses interested in working at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recently attended a special recruitment event - with potential employees encouraged to “watch this space� for future opportunities.

Sarita Kataria-Julka is clinical matron on the unit, where patients are assessed

No two days are ever the same

before being admitted to the most appropriate ward for their medical needs: “No two days are ever the same when you work in the acute assessment unit because of the variety of patients we see. Working in the unit gives nurses a fantastic grounding, setting them up for a career in the emergency department, intensive care or any number of medical specialties.

Images: Sarita Kataria-Julka, clinical matron on the acute assessment unit (above), along with members of the acute assessment unit team (left)

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April 2018

GEMS TO FLOG? Experts on the lookout for more record-breakers A series of special antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon in the area, with the experts of Lockdales Auctioneers providing free valuations to the public at three places across Hampshire, including Wednesday 4 April, 11am to 3pm at Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall, The Hall Way, Littleton, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 6QL (free car parking on-site subject to availability).

Experts will be providing valuations on the following types of collectables: Coins (including British & World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives & proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, pens, vintage toys, vintage comics, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets, deactivated and antique firearms. No appointment is necessary - simply turn up with your items and the valuers will be happy to see you.

Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High

Many star items have turned up at their events quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available.

Lockdales recently broke the British record for a Rolex Submariner watch sold at auction.

On 11th October 2017 they sold an example made c.1964 with orange numerals for nearly ÂŁ280,000 including premium. This achievement was reported in the national media. The owner consigned the watch to auction at one of our valuation events in the east of England. Many other star items have turned up at their events.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales’ Martlesham offices: 01473 627110, sales@lockdales.com.

For further information see the website www.lockdales.com

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April 2018

FRAGRANT BLOOMS IN AUTUMN Winchester Bible is theme for this year’s Festival of Flowers FLOWER-LOVERS will be pleased to learn that ‘A Festival of Flowers’ is back at Winchester Cathedral, running from 5 to 9 September. The stunning array of flower arrangements is inspired by the magnificent Winchester Bible, the largest and finest surviving 12thcentury English bible.

This year’s eagerly anticipated festival follows two spectacular and highly regarded flower festivals in recent years, and the Cathedral will once again be transformed by striking and fragrant floral displays.

Visitors will be invited to immerse themselves in a riot of colour and admire a variety of flower arrangements evoking the Winchester Bible’s exquisite illuminated initials and elaborate decorative schemes coloured with gold and lapis lazuli. The Flower Festival will also offer visitors the opportunity to find out more about the Winchester Bible, before all four volumes of this medieval masterpiece go on display in the Cathedral’s new multi-million pound exhibition Kings and Scribes from winter 2018/2019.

Returning to the festival is Creative Director Angela Turner, having designed the Cathedral’s Flower Festival in 2013.

Angela is a regular exhibitor at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and has won many

Visitors will be invited to immerse themselves in a riot of colour of their highly coveted RHS gold medals.

Angela’s flair and understanding of the Cathedral will result in a spectacular event. Amongst others, most of the arrangers themselves will come from across the region of Wessex and Jersey NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arranging Societies).

Ticket prices range from £7 - £12 with a variety of concessions available (including groups of 15+) and can be booked via Winchester Cathedral Box Office on 01962 857 275 and www. winchester-cathedral.org.uk. A full list of prices can be found on the website.

‘The Public Gets What The Public Wants’ IN a show rescheduled from January, ‘From The Jam’ are touring the UK in 2018 and are at The Guildhall in Winchester on 15 April.

From The Jam is comprised of legendary former ‘The Jam’ bassist Bruce Foxton, vocalist & guitarist Russell Hastings, drummer Mike Randon, and Andy Fairclough on Hammond and piano.

Over the past 11 years From The Jam have toured relentlessly, having played almost 1000 headline shows in the UK since their inception in 2007.

Throughout this time, they’ve gained a reputation for the kind of incendiary live performances that sealed the reputation of The Jam all those years ago, being described as “incredibly exciting” by the Daily Mirror and “sounding dynamic as ever” by the Daily Record.

‘The Public Gets What The Public Wants’ show is, as Russell Hastings explains, “basically the big festival set, hit after hit.”

In 2007 Russell was fronting ‘The Gift’ (which featured Rick Buckler) when he was joined on stage by Bruce Foxton (who was touring with Casbah Club) for a ‘one off ’ performance. This performance sparked the genesis of From The Jam, and an enduring partnership between Foxton & Hastings.

Legendary: Russell Hastings and Bruce Foxton bring their tour of the hits to the Guildhall

Blown away by this band - you must see them if you can!

Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2 Off-stage Foxton and Hastings wrote the album, ‘Back In The Room’ released in 2012, which received critical acclaim and solidified Foxton & Hastings as an excellent and contemporary song writing duo. They then returned to the studio in 2016 to record and release ‘Smash The Clock’, which reached number 31 in the UK charts. The album also entered the independent album chart at number 4, whilst the vinyl edition entered the vinyl chart at number 7.

Alan McGee from Creation Management describes it as the “best night out I have had in years - all The Jam hits and more done to perfection... what’s not to love?!”

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April 2018

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TOP AWARD FOR CITY RESTAURANT Two of our local Winchester restaurants have come up trumps in the Asian Restaurant Awards.

One of them is the Gandhi Indian Restaurant. We sent along Julia Kimber to find out why it’s an award-winner THE Gandhi Restaurant stands in the High Street directly opposite the Guildhall and has been serving Winchester folk Indian cuisine since 1986. High time, then, for a visit from my 17 year old son and myself to sample the tastes of India on an early Thursday evening.

We were greeted and seated very promptly at a table for two with linen napkins and tablecloth and after ordering our drinks were left to study the menu.

There was a vast selection of dishes with the starters divided into Signature and Classic (£4.95-£8.95) and the main courses being grouped into House, Authentic, From the Tandoor and House specials starting at £8.95 and leading up to £15.45 for the slow cooked Spiced Ox cheek so all meals very reasonably priced we thought. There was also an extensive vegetarian menu which included Bhindi Bhajis and Mushroom Mutters which could be served as starters or a main course.

My chosen starter was the wood pigeon, grilled and sliced on a bed of chicory and green leaf salad with a spiced walnut and yogurt dressing. It was very tender but also eye catching with all the ingredients making it a colourful combination and very tasty. My son had

Regulars were warmly greeted

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the crispy chilli fried Calamari Chat served on top of a green salad with dried mango, coriander and a mint chutney.

With words of “Mmm this is tasty” and “Very good presentation” the starters went down very well with me and the Teen!

After a complimentary canapé of chicken we headed for our main courses

which comprised of Rajistani Shai Murgh and Dalcha Gosth which were both mildly spiced and from the Signature collection, the Shai Murgh being a whole chicken breast stuffed with spinach and panir and topped with a makhani sauce. The Gandhi restaurant do not scrimp on portion size either and they certainly know how to present the food in an attractive way.

My main course was the slow-roasted shoulder of mutton with chickpeas, potato and a mild spiced curry leaf.

According to our attentive waiter the meat had been slow-roasted for six hours which gave it a beautiful succulent flavour. We also had the Basmati Pilau and mixed rice along with a Peswari Nan with its sweet taste of coconut and almond.

We had arrived for our meal at 7pm and during our main courses just before 8pm I had noticed that the restaurant was almost full with diners and that included two parties of what looked like a corporate well awaited mid-week meal.

Regulars coming in were warmly greeted by their first names and all the staff were attentive and helpful.

We finished our meal with a dessert, each comprising ice cream and then were given a choice of teas to choose from: a lovely box containing little glass bottles of various tea leaves in which we could sniff and choose for a beverage. Our favourite being the Orange Dulce.

The Gandhi has earned its Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor as well as heaps of top rating reviews online and my son and I agree it is a city restaurant well worth a visit - if you haven’t already given it a glowing review.

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April 2018

Squirt and Squidge

YOU CAN READ PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF FREYA’S BLOG AT SQUIRTANDSQUIDGE.COM

Becoming a Commitment Phobe Freya Storey continues to share her life as a mum-of-two SO I write a lot of lists … it’s got to the stage in fact where I am writing lists of lists (and that is no joke!) I’ve definitely got worse since I discovered the ‘notes’ section of my phone and things notched up to a whole new level when I realised you could colour code such notes. So now I have lots of lists, colour coded in order of relevance and importance.

The other night I found myself looking at the tiny 3” by 6” screen in front of me thinking how many times had I picked it up and looked it during the course of the day ... I reckon it had easily been at least 10 and each time I would do the same checks ... the 3 social media groups and then my notes.

I paused and thought ‘that’s pretty nuts,’ perhaps my whole life is becoming way too dependent on this small device.

I started to question the relevance of the various ‘to do lists’ that were currently activated as ‘of importance’ and I made a revelation that in fact they could be just ‘stressing me out.’

To do lists of any kind I suppose add an element of pressure - you are writing them down and making them concrete - they are no longer a stream of conciousness or kept in the cocoon of your mind. I edit my ‘to do’ lists

Perhaps my whole life is becoming way too dependent on this small device and have been breaking them into days of the week; this has proved troublesome as I appear to be overly ambitious of what I can achieve realistically. This means that often elements of the previous days list spills over to the next day.

This under achievement of list management, I believe could be having a bad effect on me... firstly, I feel annoyed

if I don’t get to satisfyingly tick off everything I had set out to achieve and secondly it adds a new weight of pressure to the already bulging list of the next day.

What I’m finding has been happening lately, is even worse! I have my daily ‘to - do lists’ for the week and then a haemorrhaging ‘add on’ list at the bottom which is a mass of all the things that keep ‘rolling over’ - this list

gives me the most fear - as it never seems to go!

So I’ve made a decision and I’ve got to say I’m feeling petrified ... I’m going TO STOP! For a whole month (as of now) I’m not going to write a ‘to do list’ I’m going to wing it... to any friends that may be reading this I’m going to apologise now as I’m a little concerned of the

consequences myself... but I feel I’ve got to try, I’m fed up of making myself feel underwhelmed by my lengthy and unrealistic lists.

I just need to quickly write out any important information from my phone notes after this blog and then I am going to wipe my entire notes and keep them blank - I feel a bit queasy... I may need wine!

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April 2018

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RECORD-BREAKING BLAST SALES Hampshire ticket boost ahead of 2018 Season

HAMPSHIRE’S preparations for the 2018 season are going well both on and off the field, with the Club achieving record-breaking, first week, ticket sales for this year’s Blast. Sales for the seven Blast matches at the Ageas Bowl this season have increased by more than 90% in the opening week, which follows three years of increased attendances at the venue in the most recent instalments of the T20 competition.

The record start follows a 2017 season which saw Hampshire reach an unprecedented seventh Finals Day in eight years.

The Bowl’s Chief Commercial Officer is Jonathan Crocker: “It’s great to see that sales have started so well.

This has exceeded our expectations and offers a positive outlook for the season ahead of us, which promises to be another good one.”

Hampshire’s campaign begins on Friday 6th July with a home clash against Glamorgan, with Thursday 12th July the date set for local rivals Sussex Sharks’ visit.

Finals Day will once again be at Edgbaston, but held on a slightly later date of Saturday September 15, to avoid a clash with England’s Test series against India.

Tickets for all 2018 fixtures can be purchased online via www.ageasbowl. com, over the phone on 02380 472002 or in person from the Ageas Bowl Ticketing and Membership Office during normal working hours.

Image: Dave Vokes Photography

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FANS of the hugely popular itv1 series ‘Cold Feet’ will be thrilled to learn that filming has begun on the highly anticipated eighth series.

Created by Mike Bullen, ‘Cold Feet’ stars James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris, Robert Bathurst, Fay Ripley and John Thomson as the nation’s favourite friends as we follow their lives in Manchester.

The new series finds Adam back on the singles market; but for once in his life he’s not finding any takers – has he finally lost his mojo? Pete on the other hand appears to have found his and with mature student Jenny top of the class, the Giffords are in a good place, aren’t they? As Karen’s daughters turn eighteen fiercely independent Karen is left wondering whether her business will

Back for another series: (l-r) Fay Ripley, John Thomson, Hermione Norris, Robert Bathurst, and James Nesbitt

be enough to fulfil her in her later years.

Meanwhile ex-husband, David looks set to become a kept man, if his pride will let him. Packed full of hilarious highs and heart-breaking lows, ‘Cold Feet’ series eight follows our tight-knit group of friends as they navigate their way through mid-life, facing whatever life throws at them, together.

Mike Bullen says it’s a good feeling: “It’s great to be back in Manchester at the start of another shoot. We’ve still got so many stories to tell for these characters and I’m delighted that we’re being given the opportunity to tell them. As usual, we’ll be aiming for the viewers’ funny bones and tear ducts.”

The new six-part (6 x 60’) series will film until July in Manchester for later broadcast on itv1.

10 winchestertoday.co.uk ➜ contined from page 1

Perins have backed up their promotion of the Beauty and the Beast summer production with a video that was filmed in the local Alresford community. The school reports that the support from our wider community has been fantastic and that they are proud to have established these important links. Early sales already surpassed expectations, with the hugely ambitious project made up of 130 Perins students forming the cast, orchestra and backstage team.

Perins also welcome back, M3 Technology, a professional Stage Production company who have worked tirelessly to organise the logistics of building a theatre of this size on school premises. They are also responsible for all technical aspects of the production including the lighting, sound and pyrotechnics. Following the release of the promotional film, the support was overwhelming and over 1600 tickets were sold in less than 48 hours!

Early sales already surpassed expectations

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April 2018

An Easter message from the Bishop of Winchester [JESUS], for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. HEBREWS 12:2 I imagine Jesus as a joyful person. He brought great joy to others. Even when he faced the biggest challenge of his life, the cross, he focused on the joy beyond it all. In this way, he revealed the joy of the resurrection, before it happened: he was full of life. So what motivates you to persevere when you face challenges?

The Old Testament tells the story of how the people of Israel were led by God through the desert. Having been rescued from slavery in Egypt, they were guided by God’s presence and sustained by the food he provided. They were also motivated by God’s promise that he would lead them to a new home.

Likewise, we are told that Jesus endured the suffering of crucifixion with his eyes set on the joy of God’s eternal Kingdom. Each of us is invited by God to participate in Jesus’ journey, responding to God’s calling, sharing God’s life and serving God’s Kingdom by contributing to the common good.

When we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection at Easter, we are celebrating the promise of a world which has been completely transformed, raised from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection is a foretaste of what has been promised: a joy-filled world. We persevere in our service of God and of the world because we know the one who has been raised from the dead and who has shared the joy of his resurrection life with us.

“Christ is Risen!” expresses both the joy of Jesus’ resurrection, and the hope of a world transformed by God’s love.

This Easter, I pray that you will discover afresh that joy.

The Right Reverend Tim Dakin Bishop of Winchester

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April 2018

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Radio Listening Guide Winchester Today Radio News from Winchester and amazing songs - ‘The Music From Your Life’ brought to you by radio professionals right here in Winchester.

Find us online via the TuneIn app, or through the ‘Listen Now’ button on our website at winchestertoday.co.uk

MONDAY - FRIDAY 06:00 Breakfast In Winchester.

Upbeat songs to get you in the right mood for the day.

Local news bulletins on the hour.

09:00 Kevin Gover continues with ‘The Music From Your Life.’

14:00 John Ellery 22:00 The ‘No Sleeping’ Zone.

Other stations want to send you to sleep at this time.

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SATURDAY 06:00 Breakfast in Winchester 10:00 Kevin Gover 13:00 T he Great Destinations Radio Show. Keri Jones brings you the atmosphere of countries and places around the world. He’s not just talking about it either.

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SUNDAY 10:00 Chrissie Pollard She loves the music.

We love her!

13:00 Kevin Gover with the best of the 60s and 70s 15:00 John Ellery with the best of the 80s

Kevin Gover

15:00 John Ellery John Ellery

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April 2018

Police join Fire Services Back at Base MP Steve Brine has visited Alresford Fire Station as they prepare to welcome the police back in to share the iconic building on Pound Hill. He met with Hampshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin, and Group Manager for Test Valley and Winchester, Dan Tasker, to discuss a range of local and national issues.

A large part of the visit was dedicated to looking at Hampshire’s Fire as a Health Asset work, where the fire service supply and support a number of services alongside health partners. Fire crews and staff work across a range of health and community issues, all with prevention at the core. Steve describes it as a “fantastic scheme”: “As a Health Minister, work around prevention is right at the top of my agenda. It makes so much sense to invest early to prevent more expensive and potentially deadly problems further down the track.

“I was delighted to learn more about Fire as a Health Asset. Fire crews carry out a wide range of health prevention work including Safe & Well visits to assess for things like trips and falls hazards in the homes of vulnerable people; coaching older people on how to deal with frailty through STEER (Safety Through Education and Exercise for Resilience) courses; working with teenagers and young people on healthy bodies and healthy minds through ‘A Better Me’ courses; acting as emergency

It really was inpirational to see this for myself

Steve Brine MP (centre) meets Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin (left) and Group manager Dan Tasker

co-responders to medical emergencies.

“It really was inspirational to see this for myself and I plan to invite the Fire Minister down so he can see this for himself and hopefully share this excellent practice across the country.”

Chief Fire Officer is Neil Odin: “Fire services play an incredibly diverse role in supporting residents.

“Prevention and education are at the heart of all our work, and this extends to helping create healthier communities.

“We have the skills, resources and personnel to be able to complement the work of our health partners, providing vital interventions that can help save lives, protect the most vulnerable and improve the quality of life for people of all ages.”

Alresford Fire Station is now fully re-open, with co-located police officers serving the town, after a fire damaged part of the mid-19th century building last year.

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RESIDENTS at a Winchester dementia care home have enjoyed a welcome taste of the snow without having to brave the cold.

Carers at Colten Care’s St Catherines View went out and gathered snow from the garden and brought a load in so residents could build a mini-snowman and even throw a few snowballs around in the lounge.

Resident Maggie Ireland was lead architect of the snowman, dubbed Frank, adorning him with a scarf of woolly socks, the traditional buttons for eyes, a carrot for the nose, and a pair of brushes for the arms.

Companionship Team Leader is Codey Hickman: “Some of the residents said they were desperate to build a snowman. It really was too cold for them to go outside so we brought the snow in for them. Everyone thought it was a great idea.

“Frank was just the first name that popped into our heads. As well as making him, the residents had a gentle game of snowball ‘catch’ in the lounge.

“I also volunteered to stand in the garden so they could throw snowballs at me directly from the warmth of the home.”

Frosty: Resident Maggie Ireland with snowman Frank (above) at St Catherines View dementia care home in Winchester. Staff hand out snow (below) to residents ahead of a gentle game of in-door ‘catch’

reviews

April 2018

winchestertoday.co.uk 13

THE VERY BEST OF ‘EARNEST’ THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Theatre Royal, Winchester

By KEVIN GOVER OKAY, so I’ve seen more than a few productions of Earnest over the years – and I have to say this is easily the best one. Easily.

Absolutely everything is right about this… the wonderful period costumes, the delivery, casting, lighting, amazing set… and the Theatre itself. The audience played its part too in helping create an immensely joyful atmosphere.

The play was written by Oscar Wilde in 1894 and opened in London on Valentine’s Day 1895 – and as director Alastair Whatley reminds us, his fall from grace came just two months later.

Two years’ imprisonment with hard labour, lest we forget, and then exile to Paris.

The play stars Gwen Taylor (Coronation Street, Duty Free & Barbara) as Lady Bracknell and Susan Penhaligon (A Fine Romance, Emmerdale) as Miss Prism.

But they would be the first to acknowledge that everyone in the ninestrong cast played their part. There’s a lot of dialogue that has to be right, and the timing was spot on, so particular praise here also has to go to Simon Shackleton (Lane/Merriman) and Peter SandysClarke (Jack Worthing) who both have a lot to get through!

I particularly enjoyed the set, which

at times was designed to make you feel as if you were in a huge library at The Manor, Jack Worthing’s country house in Hertfordshire. It was simply beautiful.

They have really gone to town on this, and it shows.

Just as an aside – and indeed a sign of the times – this is probably one of the only times when smoking IS allowed in the auditorium. Well, on stage at least.

I must confess that it’s been ages since I experienced that kind of smell wafting around the room… and I have no complaints whatsoever!

Everyone in the nine-strong cast played their part

Lurid take on a Verdi curio Helena Gomm finds this magnificent production a feast for the ears, if not always for the eyes perhaps Death itself, variously dressed as a conjuror, circus ringmaster and, most commonly, as some sort of black fairy, rather unfortunately resembling Bellatrix Lestrange, the unhinged witch of the Harry Potter films. Most poignant is Gringyte’s appearance amongst the people caught up in the war that forms the background to Leonora’s story, as she wanders between them, choosing, seemingly at random, those who will live and those who will die.

As you might expect from a story of guilt and retribution involving both the army and the church, there is much flagellation and a lot of blood: supplied, quite literally, by a bleeding wall. A trickle of fresh blood emanates from this whenever anyone feels the need for a topup to smear on their hands and faces, lest we forget the guilt and shame of the lovers – though, hang on, wasn’t the killing of the Marchese a complete accident? And hadn’t the liaison between the lovers actually gone no further than a couple

LA FORZA DEL DESTINO Mayflower, Southampton

VERDI’S La Forza del Destino is the most problematic of Welsh National Opera’s trio of Italian operas currently touring the country in its spring season under the banner ‘Rabble Rousers’; the others being revivals of the more familiar and crowd-pleasing Tosca and Don Giovanni.

The rambling byzantine plot (even by opera’s standards) with its multiple disguised characters and the more-thana-little-unlikely incident that kicks it all off – a gun thrown down in surrender, which somehow manages to kill the heroine’s father – in addition to the high degree of musicianship required of its four major characters may account for the fact that La Forza del Destino is seldom seen, in comparison with Verdi’s other operas. Moreover, the somewhat leaden and heavy-handed religious message of sin, guilt and penitence, hammered home with the same force that in this production has Destiny, Fate, call her what you will, thumping the stage thrice with her staff in time with the orchestra, may not appeal to modern tastes and could also contribute to the fact that the opera is relatively unknown – apart from the melody of the aria ‘Invano Alvaro’, which many will recognise as the theme music to Claude Berri’s film Jean de Florette.

Nevertheless, there is much to admire in this tale of love, honour, loyalty and relentless vendetta, and the soloists, chorus and orchestra of Welsh National Opera under the baton of Carlo Rizzi give it all they’ve got. Mary Elizabeth Williams as Leonora is outstanding, as

photos: Richard Hubert-Smith

are Gwyn Hughes Jones as her lover Don Alvaro, Luis Cansino as her obsessed and vengeful brother Don Carlo and Miklós Sebastyén, who takes on the dual roles of Leonora’s father and Padre Guardino, the benevolent priest who permits Leonora to live as a hermit in a sacred cave outside his monastery. In David Pountney’s imaginative production, the roles of both Leonora’s maid Curra and Preziosilla, the gypsy fortune teller and war-mongering rabble rouser, are taken

by Justina Gringyte and, in another of this new production’s twists, she also drifts in and out of the action as the shadowy but looming presence of Destiny, Fate,

They could perform on a bare stage and it would still be magnificent

of declarations of love and a decision to elope? There are also bags of offal and a rather gratuitous hand-chopping incident.

All these shenanigans tend to slow down the action of the second half, which does start to drag a little, but is then rescued in spectacular fashion by the stupendous performance of the four principals in the final scene, where Carlo and Leonora are mortally wounded and, with her dying breath, Leonora joins with Padre Guardino in exhorting Alvaro to seek redemption from God. The set, a bulky construction of hinged screens, dubbed by the production team a ‘Verdi Machine’, seems more of a hindrance than an asset. It is heaved to and fro by a couple of hard-working but utterly incongruous stagehands, who wander in and out of the action as if the show is still in rehearsal. The singers gamely carry on regardless, occasionally having to stop or step aside to allow this hapless pair to pass. Sometimes all that heaving results in so little by way of change that the disruption seems hardly worth it. In fact, the constant presence of two muscular blokes with no part to play in the plot had me starting to wonder whether the theatre had got the bailiffs in.

One thing they could usefully carry off is the pink velvet case in which Carlo keeps his duelling swords (always at hand so he can have a go at Alvaro if he ever stumbles across him – which, of course, he already has, in the guise of his army comrade). This case almost becomes a character in its own right. It is always being left on stage to be tripped over and trodden on, and in the performance I saw, it threatened to derail the curtain call, until it was finally removed by a chorus member, who sensibly broke ranks to boot it out of the way.

However, such is the quality of the music and the singing that it doesn’t really matter that this production is rather more of a feast for the ears than for the eyes.

Welsh National Opera could perform it on a totally bare stage and it would still be magnificent.

news

14 winchestertoday.co.uk

April 2018

CLEAN UP FOR COUNTRY LANES CPRE Hampshire staff and volunteers with Orvis staff members have picked up a haul of 76kgs of litter collecting from Bishopstoke Lane and Kiln Lane near Winchester.

Frequently used by commuters as a rat run, Kiln Lane and Bishopstoke Lane in Bambridge, are often littered by people on the move between Winchester and Eastleigh.

Orvis approached CPRE Hampshire seeking an opportunity to put their ethos of giving back to the community into practice by cleaning up vulnerable countryside areas.

Tanya Thorne is Director of Marketing at Orvis: “Every year without fail, we at Orvis give 5% of our pre-tax profits directly back to conservation and nature and we have been doing this for a very long time. In addition, we also see much value in getting the Head Office team out in to our various communities, getting down and dirty and physically helping to clean up the countryside.

“This project where we partnered CPRE was no different and equally as pleasing with 76kgs of rubbish picked up including plastics, metals, rubber, glass, car parts, old signage and tin that was contaminating the verges, paths and waterways.

“Many motorists, cyclists and even the local council stopped to thank us for our efforts which very much kept us going throughout the day and has simply spurred us all on to do more of these types of ‘clean ups’ in the future.

We would like to thank the CPRE for partnering us so well in the organisation and execution of the effort. A great team effort all round.”

Both roads are situated close to the Itchen Navigation and run through some of the most beautiful and untouched countryside close to Eastleigh. Cans and plastics thrown from vehicles pollute the area and could get into the highly

Giving back : The volunteers display their huge haul of litter after a successful collection

protected River Itchen.

CPRE has a long history of working on litter and was instrumental in the introduction of the plastic bag levy and is now campaigning to see a bottle return system introduced across the UK. At a local level, the Hampshire branch of CPRE supports communities to clear up their areas and organises litter picks in some of the county’s most polluted areas.

New School Postponed

76kg in a few hours was a great success

Charlee Bennett is Chief Executive of CPRE Hampshire: “Litter is a huge problem for the Hampshire countryside, especially in the areas close to larger settlements. We were delighted that Orvis approached us, keen to get their team out collecting litter.

“We love working with like-minded organisations. 76kg in just a few hours was a great success – both lanes are looking much better.”

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CONSTRUCTION of the new Barton Farm Academy Primary School has been rescheduled to begin in spring 2019, with the new school building expected to be completed by the summer of 2020.

Education bosses have told Winchester Today that a recent review of the Barton Farm housing development’s building progress confirmed that the construction rate of the houses is slower than the original forecasts used to plan for school places.

In light of this information, Hampshire County Council and the University of Winchester Academy Trust, the new school’s academy sponsor, have therefore agreed a new timescale.

Children’s Services boss is Keith Mans: “The latest predictions around pupil data for 2019 suggest that the delay in the number of houses being built at Barton

Rescheduled: A perspective drawing of the Barton Farm Academy

Farm would not justify the opening of a new school for September 2019.

“When the original schedule for the new school’s construction was planned, we were clear that the dates would be subject to the rate at which the new housing would be built by the developer, and families moving into those properties. We and the University have taken the latest information into consideration and agreed that it would not be in anyone’s interests to have a school built significantly ahead of being needed to meet the demand arising from the new development.”

Winchester Today understands that with existing Winchester schools having sufficient places for the forecast demand, the updated construction schedule will have no adverse impact for families, and their children, currently living in the area.

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the final word

16 winchestertoday.co.uk

April 2018

✁

★ ★★WINCHESTER TODAY ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ COMMUNITY AWARDS ★ ★ LAST CHANCE TO ENTER!

We’re very proud to announce the Winchester Today Community Awards, designed to recognise the most talented and caring people in Winchester and beyond. We invite your nominations for the awards that you can vote for in the following categories:

EDUCATION Best Pre-School Teacher (Winchester District).........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Best Primary School Teacher (Winchester District).............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Best Senior School Teacher (Winchester District). ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Best College Teacher (Hampshire). .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Best University Lecturer (Hampshire). ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

CUSTOMER SUPPORT Best Independent Shop Winchester District.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Best Chain Store Winchester District..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BUSINESS Best Local Business - Winchester District.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ATTRACTIONS Best Attraction in Winchester.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Best Attraction in Hampshire..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

CHARITY Best Charity in Hampshire..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Your Name and Email Address. ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

(This will not be used for any purpose other than this project)

Rules: All nominations must be for people who live or work in Winchester District Area - except where indicated in the College/University/Attraction/Charity categories.

The awards cover the timescale 1 Jan - 31 December 2017. Nominations can be submitted by post to Winchester Today, Suite 123, 80 High Street, Winchester SO23 9AT - or by email to news@winchestertoday.co.uk - the closing date is Tuesday 24 April 2018. You cannot vote for yourself.

One entry per person/education establishment/business. Good Luck!

✁

Please cut out this entry form and send it to Winchester Today, Suite 123, 80 High Street, Winchester SO23 9AT or email it to news@winchestertoday.co.uk by Tuesday 24 April 2018.