Winchester Today - December 2014

December 2014

… and not forgetting Cheriton, Romsey, Stockbridge, Hursley, Kings Worthy, Littleton, Alresford, Chandler’s Ford, Micheldever, Bishop’s Waltham, and everywhere in between!

Monthly • Issue 015

winchestertoday.co.uk

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Merry Christmas!

Inside

Market – how more than 300,000 people are expected to visit Winchester over the next few weeks ahead of Christmas.

Page 3

Gospel – a peaceful Norwegian invasion... Page 7

Film – a Winchester Short Film Festival Winner aims for the Big Apple Page 8

Comic – meet the new member of our team who has 25 answers for you Page 11

Picture: Winchester Cathedral / Joe Low

Winchester Today - Your local FREE newspaper - out every month.

Lymphoma – An unexpected visit to hospital leads to fundraising project Page 12

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WINCHESTER TODAY DECEMBER 2014

Welcome

Hampshire Force Changes Crime Reporting Methods

Letter from the editor By all accounts, I should not be writing this to you at all.

for the Mayor of Winchester, Eileen Berry.

I became trapped upside down in my car after crashing it on the M3 after a particularly crazy string of double shifts leading up to the Scottish vote on that Thursday.

I'm sure the Mayor knew all of the words to the songs - even though she was hearing them for the first time! Thank you for the invitation to The Parlour.

Next time you drive into Winnall or down the Andover Road into town and you see on one of those signs 'Don't Drive Tired', please take heed.

Thank you to the DHL delivery driver who pulled me out, the paramedics, fire crew, the A and E team at Basingstoke and the A and E team here in Winchester when I had to go back in. You all do a wonderful job. *** Another of our team, David Cradduck has had a pretty miserable time in hospital, as you will see elsewhere in this edition.

One moment he was having the time of his life on holiday - the next he was having an emergency operation and has been receiving chemo in Southampton General for a rare type of lymphoma.

I'm sure you will join me in wishing him well for a speedy recovery and to be back on stage where he belongs with the Cheriton Players. *** Those of you who worship at Christ Church and were there on the evening of Sunday 26 October will have witnessed an amazing visit from the Drammen International Gospel Choir.

What a fantastic atmosphere.

The choir also sang at the Discovery Centre, Salisbury Arts Centre, St Lawrence's Church and

Hampshire Constabulary has told Winchester Today that it is making 'major changes' to how it is recording crime, after a damning report from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary showed police across the UK are failing to officially record one in five of the crimes reported to them.

An inspection of all 43 forces showed that 800,000 offences a year were not logged as crimes.

*** We have some new recruits to our ever-growing team here at Winchester Today.

Over a quarter of sexual offences were not recorded, while the figure for crimes of violence against the person was even higher at a third.

Andy Goddard has joined us as Web Editor, Alex Gidden has just completed a successful work placement and will continue to write for us, and the cartoonist Piers Baker joins us too – his introduction comic can be seen below – with more on Piers elsewhere in this edition.

The Hampshire Force says crimes which previously would have been investigated first and then recorded as crimes, are now being recorded immediately on contact from a victim or on speaking to a member of the public.

***

The Force says it wants to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system.

Our commitment to the Winchester Short Film Festival as media partner continued last month - and we are very pleased to do so.

A separate Hampshire-specific report, which looks at force activity between 1 November 2012 and 31 October 2013, states that the force has a “strong victim focus”

What a great idea to move the awards ceremony over to the Discovery Centre - and now a further move to open it up nationwide.

There are new categories which we will tell you about in this edition, and entries can be submitted from 1 January 2015. *** Everyone at Winchester Today wishes you a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

and that “there is no evidence of institutionalised performance pressure not to record crime correctly”.

Investigation standards are not called into question.

Weaknesses were highlighted in Hampshire Constabulary’s previous “investigate to record” approach, where officers speak to victims and investigate before recording and categorising crime in databases. Less crime has been recorded than would have been if national standards had been applied in all cases.

Reasons include: * Occasions when crimes are not recorded into databases when victims state that they do not want to pursue criminal action with regard to the offence; * Occasions where multiple crimes, reported as part of the same incident, are only recorded once; * Occasions where crimes with multiple victims are only recorded once rather than a separate crime record filed for each victim.

D/Supt Rachel Farrell says that for almost a year the Force has been

Pied Pipers Respond To New Winchester Rat Alert

rat infestations around the railway line.

Personnel have been spotted laying new rat bait stations beyond the fence in Newburgh Street after more

Staff at the newspaper have spotted 4-strong families of the vermin scuttling around that seem completely oblivious to anyone or anything around them.

A spokesman for South West Trains told Winchester Today that they are 'confident' these new measures they have put into place will tackle the problem.

In the light of what I have been speaking about, I hope that you manage to spend some time with your family and friends - and remember why we celebrate.

working with staff and officers to change the process of how it records crime.

"This has been necessary as we cut back office staff in order to keep as many officers as possible on the frontline.

“The HMIC audit has been timely. It comes part way through our change and highlights specific areas where we need to improve. We welcome the positive comments about our strong victim focus.

"It is also reassuring that our plans are judged to be comprehensive, and that there is no evidence in Hampshire Constabulary of institutionalised performance pressure not to record crime correctly.

“We are already seeing improvement. We are recording more crime on our systems every year and if that means that public trust and confidence in policing also goes up then that can only be positive."

Over the last three years Hampshire Constabulary has seen a 53% increase in reports of rape from the public.

This is welcomed by the Constabulary as a sign of confidence in the public reporting such crimes, and a great deal of progress working with their partners across the county.

As our picture shows, it appears it would help though if people stopped throwing fast food remains and boxes over the fence too...

See you in 2015! he’s a lugworm that i’ve become great friends with

© Piers Baker. www.ollieandquentin.com

SO HOW COME YOU’RE HOLDING ME UPSIDE DOWN?!

WinchesterToday est.2012

Property Editor Adam Zuchetti adam.zuchetti@winchestertoday.co.uk

Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Gover kevin.gover@winchestertoday.co.uk

Music Editor: Rebecca Rayner rebecca.rayner@winchestertoday.co.uk

Deputy Editor: William Brougham william.brougham@winchestertoday.co.uk Designers: Jamie Ludlam - Layout Editor jamie.ludlam@winchestertoday.co.uk Katie Chappell - Ad Design Assistant katie.chappell@winchestertoday.co.uk

Web Editor: Andy Goddard andy.goddard@winchestertoday.co.uk News & Features Correspondents: William Brougham william.brougham@winchestertoday.co.uk

Annabel Radcliffe annabel.radcliffe@winchestertoday.co.uk Dina Burgess dina.burgess@winchestertoday.co.uk Photographer: Lisa Gigante lisa.gigante@winchestertoday.co.uk Logo and Web: Gavin Harris at Plastic Box www.plasticbox.co.uk gavin.harris@winchestertoday.co.uk

Winchester Today is a publication printed on newsprint, so after you have finished with it please pass it on so others can read it or take care to recycle or re-use it. Be kinder to the environment, thankyou!

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DECEMBER 2014 WINCHESTER TODAY

3

Winchester Soldier Battles The Weather In Canada

2001 and has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Northern Ireland.

Regiment and 4 Close Support Logistic Regiment.

A Winchester soldier has completed a challenging infantry exercise and battled the demands of the weather on the Canadian prairie.

During 17 arduous days, troops conducted live firing and simulated training by day and night. They also had to cover distances of up to 10 kilometres a day on foot over rough terrain.

Although throughout Exercise Prairie Storm these soldiers mainly travelled on foot, 4 RIFLES will convert from a light role infantry role to the mechanized infantry role next year.

This will involve training to operate a wide range of wheeled armoured vehicles, including the Mastiff and Husky vehicles that have been used on operations in Afghanistan.

31-year-old Corporal Daniel Currie is a former pupil of Henry Beaufort School, and has taken part in Exercise Prairie Storm at the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), where daily low temperatures often reached minus 9 degrees Celsius.

Despite the challenges of the exercise he says that he enjoyed the opportunity: “It’s not every day you get to go to Canada and train - it’s a once in a lifetime for some soldiers.”

Daniel was joined by other soldiers from units across 1st Armoured Infantry Brigade, based in Tidworth in Wiltshire, on the Army’s final major exercise in Canada this year. These included soldiers from ‘Z’ Company Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, ‘H’ Battery 1st Royal Horse Artillery, 22 Regiment Royal Engineers, 5 Medical

“It was absolutely freezing,” he says. “The conditions were hard, especially in the mornings, but it was outstanding to be part of it.”

Daniel serves with The 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 RIFLES) based in Bulford in Wiltshire. He joined the Army in

Christmas In Our City - a personal view by the Editor.

Christmas in the Cathedral Close.

This is undoubtedly what makes living here in Winchester very special - and you don't have to take my word for it!

People come from miles around because they KNOW that Winchester has the perfect environment for this.

In fact, over 300,000 people are expected to visit the 100 gift and food stalls during the five-week run of the Christmas Market, with groups travelling from around the country and beyond to experience what has begun to be known as 'The Perfect Christmas'.

The rows of attractive wooden chalets are each carefully selected for the quality of the products.

Each year I look forward to going down the 'left-hand lane' - and THAT smell of spices that hits you just as you get into the market area!

I have visited many other cities to see what they do at Christmas, and I always come back to our own. This is a wonderful place to soak up some festive atmosphere. Enjoy!

The market continues to Sunday 21 December and the rink to Sunday 4 January.

Picture: Winchester Cathedral / Joe Low

When he is not on exercise or deployed, Daniel’s normal duties include serving as the Commanding Officer’s Bugler. As one of the best buglers in the battalion, he was awarded the honorary title after his success in the battalion bugling competition in July.

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WINCHESTER TODAY DECEMBER 2014

Remembered in Winchester Dozens of County Council staff gathered at the war memorial next to the Great Hall in Winchester to pay their respects to servicemen and women who lost their lives in war, including members of Council staff.

Chairman Colin Davidovitz led the Act of Remembrance as staff and councillors stood shoulder to shoulder to observe the two minute silence.

He asked them to remember and commemorate all the servicemen and women who died in war, their bereaved families and friends, as well as wounded servicemen and women who returned with terrible injuries.

He also saluted members of the Armed Forces who, he said, continued to place themselves in harm’s way for the sake of others. A wreath was laid at the ‘To Honour a Promise’ memorial unveiled during Armed Forces Week earlier this year.

Among those proudly wearing their poppies was Lieutenant Commander Keith Whitehead RD RNR (pictured), a member of the Royal Navy Reserve for 29 years, and also a Chartered Building Surveyor working within Hampshire Property Services: “I wear a poppy badge all year to act as a constant remembrance to others and myself of the ultimate sacrifice made

Make Mine a Tea Please! New 'Pub' Opens At Winchester Care Home.

A new 'pub' is hoping to make the environment at a Winchester care home more dementiafriendly for the residents.

The facility is at Westholme, Hampshire County Council's residential and nursing care home in Winchester, providing the opportunity for recreation and reminiscence.

This is recognised as a very effective way of communicating with people with dementia at the same time as empowering them and improving their wellbeing.

Westholme manager, Christine Chirimumimba told Winchester Today more about the facilities: "We have created a permanent replica pub in one of our communal rooms. Our residents will benefit from the new pub, which has a dry bar, and have been voting to decide upon its name, which is The Mary Rose.

"We will be making full use of this new facility with social activities such as pub quizzes and other games such as cards and darts. It will also provide residents and their families and friends with a new place to socialise.”

Some of the County Council's other residential homes have pubs or bars already - and the feedback from residents and their relatives has been encouraging, both in terms of social interaction and encouraging residents to drink and thereby helping with hydration.

Design Awards

by servicemen and women over the years.

prisoner of war in 1917 while serving in Mesopotamia now known as Iraq.”

"In particular I want to remember the sacrifice made by my Great Uncle who was a member of the Hampshire Regiment (TA) and who died as a

Hampshire County Council supported the annual Poppy Appeal by placing poppies within its premises to help raise much needed funds

Rail From South To Waterloo - On The Right Track?

"This all signifies that their business is working hard to create an inclusive and supportive environment for people with dementia and their carers."

As part of its programme to make Hampshire Dementia Friendly, the Council is looking at all its homes to ensure they offer the very best environments for people with dementia.

Waterloo International Terminal. But we need to do more, and do it quickly.

“The plans we are proposing in this study mean we will be able to cope with a forecast growth of 40 per cent on main line services over the next thirty years.

Local GP, Dr Jason Bradbury welcomed guests at the opening and declared the Mary Rose open, praising the efforts of staff in creating the room as part of reminiscence therapy.

Cllr Liz Fairhurst is responsible for Adult Social Care and Public Health: "The Mary Rose opening at Westholme is just one example of the work happening across Hampshire to make it a more dementia friendly county.

"We already have dementia friendly high streets in Winchester, Fareham, Lyndhurst, Romsey, Fleet and Alton where local businesses are signing up to training to help support people with dementia and displaying dementia friendly stickers.

for the Royal British Legion, whose welfare services are as important as they have ever been for the forces, their families, those making the transition to civilian life and veterans.

"We are also looking at what kind of improvements we can offer in reliability and frequency by introducing new technology which will allow us to improve the network further.

Plans to make sure the railway from London Waterloo to the south and south west of England can continue to accommodate the huge growth in passenger journeys have been published by the Network Rail-South West Trains Alliance. Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say as part of a 90-day consultation period.

The Wessex Route Study, put together with the help of Transport for London, the Department for Transport and train and freight operating companies, covers lines from London Waterloo to Reading, Southampton, Weymouth, Portsmouth and Exeter and includes suburban services in London and Surrey.

Winchester Heads Up Top Design Awards The much-acclaimed St Alphege Building at the University of Winchester has won further honours - this time in the 2014 Solent Design Awards.

The new 2014 Urban Design Award was handed over to the University - in the opinion of the judges: “The best example of urban design.”

They were impressed by the overall master plan for the campus, which was central to

Those lines include some of the most congested sections of railway in Britain, with more than 55 trains arriving at London Waterloo every hour at the busiest times of day, and a significant amount of freight traffic operating to and from the Port of Southampton.

Tim Shoveller is chief executive of the Network Rail-South West Trains Alliance, and says demand continues to surge: "Our railway already carries more than 220m passengers a year, and that number is predicted to grow significantly in the years ahead.

“Work we are already doing over the next five years will make a huge difference, including lengthening suburban trains and reopening the

the success of this scheme: “St. Alphege demonstrates how a single building can contribute positively to a sense of place by respecting its neighbouring buildings and creating enclosure of a reclaimed piece of public realm. The use of public art was exceptional – it was truly integrated into the building fabric and lifted the whole sense of the space as a beautiful piece in its own right.”

The awards were supported by Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH), the housing and construction company Bouygues UK, and the Urban Design Group.

“It’s fantastic that more and more people want to travel by train and we want to provide the railway to take them where they are going.”

The draft study identifies priorities for the period from 2019 to 2024 – and looks ahead to 2043. The draft Wessex Route Study is now open for consultation. Potential options include: • • • • • • • •

New double-deck trains Electrification to Salisbury 125mph on some sections of track F l y o v e r s a t Wo k i n g a n d Basingstoke Extra platforms at Southampton Central and Guildford Development of cab based signalling and automatic train operation Extra track from Surbiton to Clapham Junction Crossrail 2

Sean Woodward is Chairman of PUSH: “Our initial aim in setting up these Awards was to encourage the creation of excellent places and spaces for our local community in which to live and work. Good design can make great places.”

(Picture) Left to right: Richard Jobson, Design Engine Architects John Mann, University of Winchester James Salman, Design Engine Architects Matt Jane, University of Winchester

DECEMBER 2014 WINCHESTER TODAY

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Daisy Conway wins MP's Christmas Card competition

Daisy Conway, from Compton All Saints C of E Primary School, has been announced as the winner of Steve Brine's fourth annual Christmas Card competition.

The Year 6 pupil, is following in the footsteps of previous winners Eleanor Ring, Liam Skeat and Ellis Gauntlett Boak, and took first prize with her fantastic depiction of Father Christmas and Rudolph delivering their presents. Daisy now wins a family ticket for this year's 'Sleeping Beauty' pantomime courtesy of Theatre Royal Winchester.

This year saw a record number of schools and children participating, with nearly 500 entries and 52 finalists.

The judging took place at Winchester Discovery Centre, where the paintings are on display in the Children's Library until Christmas.

Highly-regarded local artist Daphne Vaughan helped Steve

Brine in the judging: "'I look at children's artwork a lot and I could see just how much time some children had spent in making their cards.

"It was great to see so many imaginative and creative ideas and a lot of good drawing and painting as well, and because the quality of entries was high it made the judging very difficult."

There were also awards for different year groups, with the Reception prize going to Lucifer Dean, from Kings Worthy Primary, and the Year 1 award won by Grace Gunn from Stanmore Primary. Ava Child from Prince's Mead won Year 2 and Aadi Rakhit from Sherborne House won Year 3.

The Year 4 prize was collected by Kira Woodd and Jessica Peters from South Wonston completed the year group winners with her Year 5 award.

All the year group winners receive a special family ticket for a day out to Marwell Zoo,

courtesy of Marwell Wildlife.

There were also two Special Commendations awarded, the first to Clara Bocci from Sherborne House, and the second to the entire Linnets Infants Class at Shepherds Down special school for their group effort.

Steve Brine says it was a record year for entries and schools taking part: "What a pleasure to be able to do this once again. I am ever so grateful for everyone who helped to make this happen from the schools to our wonderful sponsors Theatre Royal Winchester and Marwell Wildlife, as well as Winchester Discovery Centre who are once more so generous with their time and space.

"My thanks also to Daphne Vaughan whose expertise was really put to the test in the judging, and all my congratulations to Daisy Conway and all those who took part."

'Shocking' misuse and fraud involving Blue Badges in Hampshire. of free parking - including using a deceased person’s Blue Badge.

“This is a national problem, but as the issuing authority for Blue Badges in Hampshire, we must ensure that they are being used correctly in the county by the people who really need them, and that disabled people are not competing with drivers who might be misusing or abusing the system. We are determined to protect the quality of life for our vulnerable residents.”

More than a quarter of Blue Badges checked during targeted enforcement action by the County Council in October have been confiscated.

The effort was undertaken to tackle Blue Badge misuse and fraud in disabled parking areas.

In crackdown operations held in Winchester, Andover and Eastleigh, 28 of the 100 badges inspected were taken away.

The infringements included; people using someone else’s badge; people using a deceased person’s badge, and use of expired badges.

In addition to receiving penalty charge notices, holders also had badges confiscated and received formal warnings.

The Authority has also teamed-up with Portsmouth City Council’s Blue Badge enforcement team, as well as stepping up partnership working with Hampshire’s district and borough councils who have responsibility for parking enforcement in general.

In total, around 70,000 people have Blue Badges in Hampshire, and each year, the County Council issues around 22,000 to ensure that people with the most severe mobility problems continue to be supported so that they can get around more easily.

Leader Roy Perry, says he's appalled by the findings: “It is shocking to find out the lengths to which some people will go, for just a few hours

Steven Hewett, Parking Investigation O f f i c e r, Portsmouth City Council says the investigations will continue: "We're proud of the work undertaken in the city and across the county to support the Blue Badge scheme. We will continue to pursue those that deliberately put disabled people to a disadvantage."

Helen Dolphin, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Disabled Motoring UK, says she's delighted to hear that Hampshire County Council is tackling Blue Badge abuse, so successfully.

"Unfortunately abuse of this scheme is seen by many as a victimless crime and many authorities just sweep it under the carpet. However, when you have a disability which means you can only walk a very short distance, being able to park close to where you need to go, is essential.

“I hope Hampshire’s excellent work continues so this scheme can return to being one which helps and improves the lives of disabled people, and not just those who are too lazy to walk that little bit further.”

The number of confiscations in each area was as follows: • Winchester - 5 confiscated out of 30 checks (Misuse - 3, Expired - 2) • Andover - 19 confiscated out of 40 checks (Counterfeit -1, Use of deceased person’s badge - 2, Misuse - 5, Expired - 11) • Eastleigh - 4 confiscated out of 30 checks (Misuse - 3, Expired - 1)

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6

WINCHESTER TODAY DECEMBER 2014

Winchester MP Secures Debate On Flooding

spends on highways as part of its annual maintenance budget. That is a word of thanks, which I know the Minister will appreciate.

"As I have tried to set out, many things went well in my constituency last winter when we were faced with unprecedented levels of rainfall, and there are real success stories to tell.

Steve Brine has managed to bring the subject of flooding in Winchester and the District to a wider audience by securing a debate in Westminster Hall.

He brought more insight to ministers of what happened to places like Littleton, Sutton Scotney, Headbourne Worthy and Hursley. He also described how the River Itchen had effectively been diverted to avoid making the situation worse. Steve described what happened last winter as a "nightmare" - but also pointed out that lessons had been learned from previous experiences, and that the flooding could have been far greater.

Steve also discussed the Pathfinder programme, which looks at resilience across the county, and the repair and renew grant.

Here is an extract from Hansard, the official parliamentary record of proceedings in the House: "I place on the record my thanks, on behalf of my constituents and many others in Hampshire, for the £11.5 million that our county was awarded from the Government’s flood recovery fund to assist with repairs following the floods.

"We need some further help, as I outlined, in preparation for winter 2014-15. In preparation for this winter, however, other nuts are not so easy to crack. I close by stressing the importance to me and to my constituents of the Pathfinder scheme, as put forward by Hampshire county council.

"I look forward to hearing what other Members have to say, and I look forward to the response from the Minister and the shadow Minister."

"That has been invaluable in repairing roads in my constituency, such as Springvale road in Kings Worthy and the B3047 through Itchen Abbas, which were ripped to shreds by floodwater.

"Hampshire spent £5 million of that £11.5 million on repairing the county’s roads. That was in addition to the £35 million that the county

Would you like to join a friendship club for people in the South?

Brendoncare Clubs are devoted to giving people the opportunity to meet new friends, take part in activities and enjoy occasional club outings. Here are the clubs running in your area. Why not come along and try out one of the activities and see how you can become a member... we’d love to welcome you there.

Good Companions Eastleigh (2nd and 4th Tuesday, 2pm - 4pm)

Eastleigh Arts and Crafts Club (1st and 3rd Tuesday, 2pm - 4pm)

Badger Farm Friendly Group (Alternate Thursdays, 2pm - 4pm)

Weeke Gaiety Club (Alternate Fridays, 2pm - 4pm)

Romsey Companions (Alternate Mondays, 1.30pm - 3.30pm)

Romsey Tuesday Luncheon (Every Tuesday, term time, 11.30am - 1pm)

Bishop Waltham Welcome Club (2nd and 4th Tuesday, 2pm - 4pm)

West End Club (Monday, 2pm - 4pm)

Southampton Coffee Shop

“Tuesday is my day, the best day of the week. I now have people to speak to and this means the world to me. No longer do I feel isolated.

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DECEMBER 2014 WINCHESTER TODAY

7

Gospel! The Friendly Norwegian Invasion...

Winchester Today was very proud to host the Drammen International Gospel Choir for a series of concerts in Winchester and Salisbury - the biggest event yet for us.

Music Director Sven Jøran Michelsen led the 40-strong choir and band through the 5-day visit.

The choir didn't disappoint, with

a mixture of their own songs and Gospel classics. Some of the songs were serious ('Fill the Streets With Love' was written in light

of the appalling attacks in Oslo and Utøya) - and others lighthearted, with plenty of audience participation.

(Top) Lifting the roses high: singing 'Fill The Streets With Love' at the Discovery Centre in Winchester

The Mayor of Winchester, Eileen Berry got the tour underway by welcoming the choir to the Mayor's Parlour for coffee and an early morning sing-song at Salisbury Arts Centre.

The proceedings at the Discovery Centre , Salisbury Arts Centre and Christ Church have been recorded for a CD which will be released in the New Year after being mastered back in Norway. The sale of the CD will help Naomi House, the chosen charity of Winchester Today.

Images: Mona Auke Photography.

The Mayor receives flowers and a unique Norwegian gift from Maia

An amazing atmosphere at Christ Church

Monica sings her heart out for the Mayor

(right) Sven Jøran and the choir take in the audience appreciation at Salisbury's Arts Centre

Festival Guide

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20 1 4

WINCHESTER TODAY DECEMBER 2014

Warm Reception For Winchester Film Makers The festival is now in its third year running, and was set up by John Hayes from The Winchester Art Café.

Winchester

John brought in special guest filmmaker Caroline Sax to introduce the ceremony and sit on the judging panel. Caroline told the packed auditorium how her love for film grew when she had the opportunity to be on the film set as a child for 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Short Film

Festival



The 10 categories ranged in everything from Best Music Video, to Best Animation, to Best Filmmaker Under 22 - with Matt Livingstone winning the big award for Best Short for his film "Sugar".

16-year old Matt Livingstone says the evening was a terrific event: "It's a great way for people to exhibit their work and I'm very happy to have picked up the big award."

Professionals from the world of cinema were on hand to encourage the talent of the future. Winner of the best screenplay - supported by Winchester Today - Julius Whiteman gives his own personal reflection. (Pics: Kevin Gover, except Julius Whiteman: Charlie Osman) The Winchester Discovery Centre was abuzz with local short film makers winning awards at the Winchester Short Film Festival - and an appreciative audience of family, friends and experts.

8 - 15 November

The event received just over 150 entries shortlisted down to 27, making up the top 18% of short films submitted, and is set to get even bigger next year.

John Hayes was also very pleased: "The quality of films this year was incredible - it's truly an honour to even be involved" Winchester Today was even in attendance to present me with the Best Original Screenplay award - for which I am hugely grateful.

www.winchestershortfilmfestival.com

@winchesterfilm Winchester Short Film Festival

No awards ceremony could be complete without the words: "... is unable to be here tonight...", but Rebecca Hopkinson had a pretty good excuse. She was in Australia!

Thankfully her sister Miranda and mum Nicola were both on hand to collect two awards (Best Animation and Best Director Under 22) on her behalf for the film 'A Stuffed Pufferfish in London': "We drove all

the way down from London. We felt we had to be here just in case."

Miranda told me of Rebecca having to use all the computers in one room while she was a student here in Winchester, just to render the film: "I think she'll be ecstatic. She worked so hard over the period of four months on that. She was honoured just to be short listed, so this is great.

DECEMBER 2014 WINCHESTER TODAY

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Winchester Short Film Festival Winner Aims For Big Apple One of the winners is already setting his sights for the future very high indeed.

James Newman lives in Highcliffe, works at the Railway and studies Film Production at the

University of Winchester.

He won the Winchester Short Film Festival Award 'Best Music Video' category and has had his work shown at the Williamsburg International Film Fest in New York.

He's now in the process of making an Independent TV sitcom pilot with the hopes of sending it to the New York International TV Fest.

James told Winchester Today that the pilot is based in Winchester, and revolves around the historic aspect of the town being in a Darwinian tone of squatters in a house.

"We're really passionate about this project and hope others will be too."

James has a Kickstarter project at: h t t p s : / / w w w. k i c k s t a r t e r. c o m / projects/5231179/civilisation-sitcompilot?ref=nav_search

Winchester Short Film Festival Sees Further Expansion In 2015 A personal viewpoint by Winchester Today's Editor Kevin Gover – himself nominated for an award in 2014.

I had the pleasure to attend the award presentation ceremony for the Winchester Short Film Festival 2014 – and I say a pleasure, because it is truly wonderful to see how the Festival has grown since 2013. Last November, we all crowded into the Art Café for the ceremony. It was great, but it didn't feel like a big bash.

This year, the organisers decided to go big and cross the road to the Performance Area of the Discovery Centre. We all dressed up in black tie, there was a proper Festival Programme (beautifully printed and bound), beautiful flowers, a proper stage... everything felt right.

We found out that the next big thing is expansion; to make this one of the prime festivals in the UK by opening it up nationwide.

For about five seconds I became slightly disillusioned - for Winchester Today has grown up with the Festival being a WINCHESTER competition. All the entrants live, study or work in the area.

I say the feeling lasted for about 5 seconds, because I then saw that there will be a Hampshire-based film makers category, so as not to let down those who have already contributed so much. This is good. Very good.

I also felt a bit of a fraud at some points of the preceding weeks leading up to the Festival.

After all, there was Winchester Today as one of the lead sponsors (Best Original Screenplay).

Yet also - there was my name as one of the nominations. Yes, nominated. Down to the last three in Best Short Non-Fiction! This was in itself a new category. I'd entered by accident because my film had been seen elsewhere.

However, I now also realise that I actually know none of the judges, and none of them know me. I now feel absolutely reassured that I was there on merit alone.

My film on racism, intolerance and indifference surrounding immigrant members of the Drammen International Gospel Choir had been filmed, edited, mixed and captioned entirely on an iPhone 5s.

It took hours to film and edit. Hours and hours. The technique challenges the traditional boundaries of film making, by using mobile journalism instead of a traditional edit suite.

Great coffee - snacks wines and beers

I am so proud of that film and the longer version which landed me with a Distinction in my MA International Journalism for Media Professionals.

Yes, I was there on merit, not making up numbers.

Oh, and by the way - I was wearing Banks. Jeff Banks that is, from Debenhams.

There's also to be a new category for best film under 12 minutes - and another new category for comedy. Fantastic.

2015 Winchester Short Film Festival - competition open from 1st

January, 2015

James receiving his award from The Breeze presenter Jez Clark. Picture by Charlie Osman

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WINCHESTER TODAY DECEMBER 2014

Snapshot of hospice life hidden for future generations to discover Liz Hopper has worked at the hospice since 1998: “Working in the Family Support Team we see families from their first visit to the hospice through to their child’s death.

"Beginnings and endings are important to do well. This time capsule tells a story of today, and the people of tomorrow who discover it will catch a glimpse of life in the hospice in 2014.”

Children and staff at Naomi House & Jacksplace have left behind a surprise treat for the next generation of the Naomi House family.

High in the rafters of the newly built section of Naomi House Children’s Hospice is a small void that will become totally inaccessible once current building work is complete.

It was decided that this was the perfect spot in which to bury a time capsule.

Included in the air tight plastic tube are items such as children’s artwork, poetry, photographs, information about the hospice and even the Caterpillar Appeal building schedule.

The charity’s staff watched on as Naomi House & Jacksplace Chief Operating Officer climbed two separate scaffold towers to reach the new roof and place the time capsule at the highest point in the hospice’s new ‘hub’.

Children, young people and staff at the hospice have filled the time capsule with items that will - one day - offer its finder an insight into Naomi House & Jacksplace in 2014.

The ‘hub’ is a major element of the Caterpillar Appeal and will provide space for messy play, arts and crafts sessions and music therapy, as well as family accommodation, a spiritual area and roof garden.

Major milestone in refurbishment project

the building becomes watertight and focus shifts to interior works rather than structural.

December's topping-out ceremony at Naomi House & Jacksplace’s means the Caterpillar Appeal and major refurbishment work has been moving at lightning pace.

Progress that has been made included the creation of nearly 1,000 square metres of new living areas, play spaces and family accommodation.

A ceremonial tile on the hospice’s new roof marks the point at which

The Caterpillar Appeal is the charity’s fundraising appeal to fund construction work. So far, more than £3.1 million has been raised

Hampshire Cops On The Run Raise Thousands For Pudsey

Ke i t h W i l s o n i s S e n i o r Communications Officer at Naomi House & Jacksplace: “This was a really special day here at the hospices. Not only did it feel like we had reached another key milestone in our building project and Caterpillar Appeal, but also as though we were making a bit of Naomi House history.

"We can only imagine the excitement that will be felt in the distant future when the time capsule is discovered and a new group of children, families, volunteers and staff sit down to discover the things we left for them.”

Work on the hospice refurbishment is going well and staff at the charity expect to be able to hold a topping out ceremony in December and open the hospice again in Summer 2015.

For further information, please visit www.caterpillarappeal.org.uk by generous members of the public, businesses and trusts.

Santa run already a record-breaker

The topping out ritual has been observed by builders for many centuries. Architect William of Wykeham attended one of the earliest ceremonies on 28 March 1393 for the Winchester School, while English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who died in 1400, referred to topping out ceremonies in his writing.

Students and staff at the University of Winchester may have been surprised to see nearly 20 Santas striding through the Student Union and university campus ahead of Winchester’s annual Santa Fun Run.

A team of officers has raised more than £3,000 for Children in Need following a gruelling cross-channel challenge through Winchester.

torrential ran in Portsmouth, blazing sunshine in Winchester and then on to Basingstoke Police Station via a very long and repetitive A33.

The team battled through knee injuries, blisters, nausea and exhaustion to make the 123-mile journey which saw them cycling and running from Alencon Police Station in France, through Winchester and on to Basingstoke.

They were cheered on by members of the public at various locations, who had come out to support them.

The challenge began on Thursday, November 13, when the team of six officers and support staff from Basingstoke, Winchester and Alton police stations, travelled to Alencon Police Station.

They then cycled from Alencon – Basingstoke’s twinned town – to the port of Caen – a distance of about 75 miles, through picturesque countryside, guided by colleagues from the Alecon police team.

They then boarded a ferry to Portsmouth where the fundraising continued with fellow passengers donating their spare change when they heard what the team was doing.

On Children in Need day itself they ran a total of 48 miles through

Donning the festive outfits were the University of Winchester Hockey Team, all due to take on the 5km fun run.

The event was featured on the force’s social media accounts @HantsPolice and the official Hampshire Police Facebook page – which showed photos, videos and some live commentary on this forcewide challenge.

Officers from across the force supported the team throughout the challenge, providing cycle escorts and motorcycle officer PC Andy Hammans.

The Chief Constable Andy Marsh and Superintendent Dave Powell also took part in a leg of the journey between Winchester and Kings Worthy to show their support to the team.

Chief Inspector Steve Wallace joined the team at for the final leg of the journey along with the original #FedsOnPeds from Basingstoke Police Station.

Detective Constable Andy Panter

Naomi House confirmed that 350 people had already confirmed their attendance three weeks before the event, making it one of the biggest ever.

The race begins at Winchester Guildhall and takes runners past many of Winchester’s historic buildings and through the city’s main shopping core.

says it was an amazing event to be part of: "It was a tough challenge but the support of the team and from the general public on social media, really helped to get us through those dark moments.

“We were made to feel extremely welcome by the police in Alencon and got the opportunity to cycle through some beautiful countryside – and some tough hills!

“We’d like to thank Brittany Ferries, Alencon Police and our colleagues across Hampshire for their support over the two-day challenge.

"Their generosity has been overwhelming and we couldn’t have done it without them! We’d also like to thank each and every person who has donated, it’s really appreciated.”

DECEMBER 2014 WINCHESTER TODAY

Introducing...

We have a new member of team here at Winchester Today, and he has just one job - to make you laugh!

illustrating childrens' schoolbooks for publishers like Oxford University Press.

Piers Baker is a cartoonist and his task is to bring you short stories about his friends Ollie and Quentin.

"Ollie and Quentin started life as a comic strip I produced for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).

They wanted me to create a comic strip about a lifeboat man but I needed a sidekick for him to talk to.

Ollie the seagull was born.

Piers told us he always wanted to draw a comic strip: "My grandfather was an illustrator and my dad is a good cartoonist himself. As a child I used to set myself cartoon drawing examinations in the hope that one day I would be good enough to become a syndicated cartoonist.

"My career started as a graphic designer. I used to design lolly wrappers for Wall's Ice Cream. I must have designed over 50 wrappers in my time and some of those designs can still be seen in the bins outside newsagents across Europe."

Cartoonist Piers Baker

11

Piers then moved on to cartoon illustration and spent many years

"The more I wrote the more I realised Ollie himself needed his own sidekick and Quentin (named after my youngest brother) came into being. Eventually the lifeboat man was replaced by Nobby (the dreadful nickname my mother gave me as a child) and the strip became as you see it today."

Piers says he loves writing his comic, more than drawing it. In fact, that's how I discovered Piers myself, guffawing at the 'Binoculars' comic.

"This has been the biggest surprise for me as I always considered myself an artist first and writer second. I write and draw every day.

"I cycle into town and get into a coffee shop before it gets too crowded. I like the buzz of people around me and even get ideas from the odd word or phrase I hear people use.

"Sometimes it’s just something someone is wearing or the way they are behaving that sparks an idea. I then write and doodle for the next couple of hours until I have a decent comic written then cycle home and draw it up."

Piers says he's often asked where he gets his ideas and inspiration from: "Charles Schulz of 'Peanuts' fame said the best thing for any cartoonist to do is go out and live. Ideas come from life. He's right.

"I’m surprised how much of my own life is in my comic. One or two strips a week are things that are happening in my life. Family, kids, health, friends, love, sport etc. Another area is word play and a third is finding a ‘juicy’ topic that gets the creative juices flowing.

"It’s difficult to come up with a joke from nothing, a blank canvas, but if someone says write a gag about, say, a ladder or a unicycle or something it’s much easier. I give myself these ‘juicy’ topics and ‘throw’ them at my characters to see how they react."

He says he knows his characters so well: "One character would say something and I’d write the other’s reply because I know exactly how he would respond. I also try to recreate the spontaneity you might get when chatting with friends where a sudden quip makes everyone fall about laughing. I write quickly to try and achieve a spontaneity that surprises even me."

Piers lives with his two grown up children and his 'wonderful better half', the gorgeous Alison, and likes to keep fit and train regularly in a boot camp style fitness club as well as cycling when he can.

© Piers Baker. www.ollieandquentin.com

Piers has also been given the honour of taking our first '25 Q and As' on life here in the South.

Name: Piers Baker Occupation: Cartoonist Best thing on the telly (current): The Detectorists with Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones.

Best thing on the telly (ever): Blackadder Goes Forth.

Corrie or Eastenders?:

Aaargh... neither! I would rather

watch paint dry.

My kind of music: Relaxing

music to draw to like Hans Zimmer, John Hopkins and London Grammar

My sport team: England Rugby Hero/Heroine: Bill Watterson

(creator of the comic Calvin and Hobbes) / Paula Radcliffe (Marathon Runner)

Best thing at school was...:

The sport. I loved running and became South West Counties 400m Champion when I was 17.

Posters on your bedroom wall included...: Salvador Dali's "Metamorphosis of Narcissus"

First crush: Anneka Wilson who accidentally called me "Piersy Darling" which then became my school nickname for the next 2 years.

One thing you're really good at: Writing comics. (Actually it's the only thing I'm good at!)

Best thing that's ever happened to you: Obviously

my son and daughter but 'Ollie and Quentin' becoming syndicated by

King Features in New York came a close second.

shop that doesn't play music. That's where I write my comic.

Person in your life you most admire: My mum. I miss her every

Best Film Ever: "The Way" with

day.

Best place for a holiday:

Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez about walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Venice in Italy for food and romance, Alsace in France for cycling through vineyards, Sweden for the people and snow and Germany for just about everything else!

Best concert ever attended:

Favourite Charity: The Bobby Moore Fund - Bowel Cancer Awareness.

The Yorkshire Dales

Best part of the South: The

Röyksopp (and Robyn) at Latitude Festival this year.

Best place outside the South: Town - Edinburgh. Place Best pub in the South: The

Percy Arms in Chilworth

Downs near Guildford. St Martha's Hill is wonderful.

Best restaurant in the South: Drakes Restaurant in Ripley.

Favourite shop: Any quiet coffee

Most annoying thing ever: "110%" Grrrr!

Worst thing about the South: Traffic and potholes, not good for us cyclists.

© Piers Baker. www.ollieandquentin.com

The Winchester Today 25 Q & As

You have 5 minutes left on the planet - what do you do?: Hug my kids, cuddle Alison and drink Prosecco on a hill as we watch the incoming asteroid!

Sum yourself up in 3 words: Tall, Dad, Cartoonist.

12

WINCHESTER TODAY DECEMBER 2014

A Man With a Mission (For Our Friend David)

by Winchester Today's Editor Kevin Gover Those of you who know 'our man' in Cheriton, Alresford and Tichborne - David Cradduck - will know that he hasn't been out and about in the area recently. That's not like him at all.

In fact, much of his view recently has been one of a not-very-inspiringone-of-ambulances-from-a-windowat-Southampton-General.

For David has been trying to see the back of a rare form of lymphoma. This involves 12 weeks of chemotherapy.

Far from feeling sorry for himself and this situation though, David has managed to write it all down in the form of a blog. Not only that, but in just a few weeks he's managed to raise thousands of pounds for

We had a lovely fortnight+ in the Gower, walking the cliffs, beaches and little lanes.

An Ill Bloke’s Blog Here's the first bit of David's blog - From Normality To Abnormality In One Move - and you can read the rest of 'An Ill Bloke’s Blog' on anillblokesblog.blogspot.co.uk The phrase ‘An Ill Bloke’s Blog’ started as a facebook joke as in “I don’t want this to turn into an ill bloke’s blog”. Who on earth wants to read the gory details about another person’s serious illness? I remember some years ago the journalist John Diamond writing every week a magazine article on his declining health and eventual death from throat cancer. At the time I was filled with a mixture of revulsion, horror and fascination.

Someone suggested that I should do the same and even if no-one but me ever reads it I guess it will be extremely cathartic. A problem shared…

From normality to abnormality We all have ailments from time to time; in the past twelve months I have had a lower back pain issue which

was very painful and a large molar extracted which was equally so. I've had gout, hypertension, occasional headaches and self induced hangovers. But having something happen like has just happened to me in such an alarmingly short space of time is a different thing altogether.

Back in May, Sally and I invested in a 10-year old caravan, well-equipped and big enough for us two and Rosie the Retriever. The plan went well – a initial week long trip to Swanage and a longer, three stop tour of the Gower in August. True we had a few teething problems with the caravan: a stuck gas regulator, various bits and pieces not working, blown fuse etc. but otherwise the start of a new adventure, partly reliving the many summer holidays we spent in the noughties down in Cornwall caravanning at Teneriffe Farm with the kids.

I took with me a script to learn for the forthcoming Cheriton Players’ production A Month of Sundays in which I had been cast in the lead role.

Ironically I was to play an ill bloke in a nursing home and as well as learning 61 solid pages of lines (never offstage in this one) was practicing the art of walking/shuffling feebly, getting up painfully out of chairs and so on. In fact all the things I have been doing recently for real. Method acting at its extreme. I would wake earlier in the caravan than Sally, walk the dog, then take myself back to bed and spend an hour on lines.

All those lines learnt - for nothing!

It was during that hour that I first started noticing a slightly distended tummy, and a bit of a dull ache; nothing to worry about but it gradually worsened so that once I got home and it was starting to wake me up at night with more than a little discomfort I took myself off to the local GP. She prodded and felt ‘something firm’ lower right bowel and fast tracked me for an appointment with Mr Miles of the ColoRectal Unit at RHCH, Winchester for a fortnight later, Tuesday 30th September. Meanwhile it became worse, very uncomfortable bloated feeling with erratic bowel

lymphomas.org.uk - for a special project of theirs that will help train GPs. They've told David that they are very excited about the new GP online training programme that they are developing in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing.

The 30-minute e-learning module has been written by GP Dr Afsana Safa and GPs will be able to access it at any time that is convenient to them.

Here is the link to the blog: http://anillblokesblog.blogspot. co.uk ... and here is the link to the Virgin Giving page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ team/anillblokesteam So, from all of us at Winchester Today - David, please get well soon.

For our readers, please - follow the links.

Through a series of case studies, the module will show GPs what to look out for and help them to better understand the signs of lymphoma, so that they are able to spot those patients more likely to have lymphoma from those who don’t and make quicker referrals.

Our pictures show David enjoying a glorious holiday just weeks before emergency surgery turned everything upside down

movements and stomach cramps, especially at night.

to groin, armpits and kidneys.

A blood test showed no abnormalities, no anaemia and normal readings throughout. I went back twice more after that initial visit, as it was getting worse but was prescribed painkillers only.

Then on Sunday night, 28th September, life changed forever; I was in agony, short of breath, distended/ bloated abdomen and it was clear that the system was blocked. Sally drove me to A&E on the Monday morning at 7.30am and by lunchtime I was admitted to Kemp Welch ward pending surgery. Nil by mouth from my delicious Sunday night supper until about 6 days later as it turned out.

To surgery – and beyond!

Mr Miles came and saw me on the Monday afternoon to explain what they intended to do – a laparotomy to remove whatever the blockage was that was showing up on X-rays and clearly on CT scans. An interesting man, very professional, almost the caricature of a senior surgical consultant but obviously with an awesome reputation for being a ‘safe pair of hands’.

He guessed, quite rightly, that it was going to be a Lymphoma, a tumour generated by a cancer which attacks the lymph system and which can pop up anywhere in that system from neck

It could save a life. Thank you.

There didn’t seem much point in reading up at this stage, to be honest; within 48 hours I would know for sure and besides, I didn’t really care very much, having been put on painkillers, including morphine that made me lose the will to read, listen to music or anything requiring more than the attention span of a gnat.

I was wheeled down to theatre on Tuesday afternoon, ironically by an old neighbour from Cheriton, Doug Smith, who retired from the hospital maintenance department and now enjoys part-time work as a porter.

Another coincidence was that Caroline Fairley (the anaesthetist who brought our triplets Lizzie, Zoe and Tom into this world on 29th November 1990 at Mayday Hospital near Croydon) was also on duty that day; it transpired that she finished off my anaesthetic and took me to the recovery room when I was waking up.

Of course I knew nothing about 'me op' – it lasted well over three hours and had Sally and family concerned for hours of ‘no news’. I came round about 9pm, with two sensations – desperate for a wee and a drink.

Allowed neither of course – (1) catheter and (b) just not allowed.

I was transferred to recovery and then onto the ICU ward overnight before being taken back to Kemp Welch and relative peace.

DECEMBER 2014 WINCHESTER TODAY

13

14

WINCHESTER TODAY DECEMBER 2014

Review

Review: Wicked – The Mayflower, Southampton Winchester Today’s Beccy Conway loved this touring version of the much-loved favourite: It can be difficult to be objective when you’re reviewing a show that you’ve seen before. Who wouldn’t agree that recognising the songs makes a show that bit more entertaining to watch? It’s akin to watching a much-loved movie or sticking your favourite album on in

the car. Enjoyable familiarity. ​However, sitting in the Dress Circle

at the Mayflower theatre before a glittering map of the Land of Oz, I’m concerned about drawing comparisons between the touring production and the London show – what if this show doesn’t live up to my memories of seeing Wicked in the West End? ​ I needn’t have worried. ​ The curtain goes up and Dan Jackson’s conducting of the orchestra begins. The audience is immediately captivated by the whimsical costumes unique to each member of the ensemble and by the glowering presence of the red-eyed dragon overhead.

Under Joe Mantello’s direction Ashleigh Gray leads the vivacious cast as Elphaba, charting a greenskinned girl’s journey from sorcery studies to fighting for justice during times of turbulent social change in Munchkinland and beyond. Whilst perusing the programme in the interval, I note from Asleigh’s list of credentials that she previously held the role of standby Elphaba in the West End. I marvel at this when, having had a ‘goosebumps moment’ caused by her fabulous rendition of “Defying Gravity� at the conclusion of Act1, I struggle to view her as anything other than a born leading lady.

Emily Tierney plays Elphaba’s

somewhat ditzy roommate Glinda, formerly Galinda (“The Ga is silent...�)

She too is on a journey; to become the sparkling ‘Glinda the Good’ recognisable from L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and perhaps even more so from the 1939 film adaptation.

From Tierney’s entrance inside a luminous floating bubble it is clear that she will be the show’s comic relief. She has the audience audibly laughing at her precocious one-liners throughout Act 1, and her voice is stunning in the more emotional second act.

by Susan Hilferty, coupled with the incredible scenery by Eugene Lee make the imagery from Gregory Maguire’s 1990 book of the same name come to life.

Despite a sound glitch with the wizard’s oversized head in the first act, a heady combination of contemporary themes and choreography, with a

surreal homage to musicals of old mean it’s no wonder Wicked has taken the world by storm.

And yes, I did drive home blaring “Defying Gravity� from my car stereo at full volume.

Beccy Conway

Carina Gillespie, Samuel Edwards and Richard Vincent support the two leads wonderfully as Nessarose, Fiyero and Boq respectively. It’s fun to watch the story subtly reveal each of these character’s links to personalities in the classic film (let’s just say another witch, a scarecrow, a tin-man and a lion make appearances.)

Marilyn Cutts as Madame Morrible, and Steven Pinder as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz provide the delightful measure of evilness needed to contrast Stephen Schwartz’s extraordinary music and lyrics.

Imaginative costumes designed

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Tasty Recipes Baked Camemberts

Enjoy one of the best-known French cheeses in a delicious way, bursting with flavour and coated in breadcrumbs. Make sure the cheese is not too ripe and freeze before cooking to ensure the centre melts when baking. Serves 4 INGREDIENTS

Lookit Cookit - a new fun book of recipes with children in mind It doesn't take you long to realise that Judy Jackson's attempt at getting kids interacting with food has a very different approach to other cook books. In fact, one look at the 'Un-contents' alone (a list of what isn't in the book) will suffice: No long recipes or lists of ingredients you don't have; No mention of eating five-a-day or hiding vegetables in a sauce. Fruit and the green things are not to be taken like medicine, before you're allowed dessert;

deliver a publication that aims to do two key things: encourage children to enter the kitchen, and get them interested in food.

Not least, there's explanation of what goes into a dish and why those elements may appeal to their palate the idea presumably being that when people are more aware of what it is they are eating, their diets usually reflect this with a focus on healthier options.

No instructions for making Chocolate Rice Krispies - if you want to get messy fingers there are more exciting things to cook - like Sticky Chicken Wings or Blueberry Pancakes.

Given the ongoing problems Britain faces thanks to its decidedly unhealthy youngsters, and the constant relationship between edibles deemed to be "fun" and junk, it was only really a matter of time until someone came along with an idea like this.

With that in mind, it's probably best to focus on what Lookit Cookit does offer, which is plenty. Judy, a food writer herself, has compiled over 25 kitchen games, 130 photos and innumerable hours of research to

So by developing these unique tasks and challenges, which are in themselves recipes, the author has created a somewhat psychological road map to instilling good eating habits in our little ones. Rather than

Beef Bourguignon

simply being a case of explaining which ingredients need to be mixed in order to serve up a dish, instead they are given an insight into why flavours are the way they taste, various methods of cooking, and how a healthy, mixed diet can be delicious, exciting and doesn't need to involve parental tricks, thus appealing to their desire for independence.

Each "game" comes with a star rating, making it easy to work out the age a child should be in order to take it on. The selection offered ranges from the simplest tasks to preparing an entire three course meal, the latter best reserved for older youngsters.

The final tasting, then, is an addition to the culinary bookshelf that families are likely to revisit time and time again, making for both a worthwhile investment in advance of inevitable rainy days to come, and a shrewd purchase on the part of anyone that wants their kids to understand that they are what they eat.

A hearty beef casserole for those chilly winter nights, full of flavour and delicious served with a fullbodied red wine.

Serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS • 150g streaky bacon, chopped • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 kg lean stewing steak, cubed

• 750ml red wine • 1 tbsp Tomato puree • 600ml beef stock • 2 cloves garlic, pureed 1/2 tsp thyme, dried or fresh • 15-20 small onions • 400g small mushrooms, sliced METHOD

• black pepper to taste

1. In a casserole, saute the bacon in the oil over a moderate heat for 2-3mins to brown lightly. Remove to a side dish with a slotted spoon.

• 25g flour

2. Fry the beef in the oil and

• 1 medium onion, sliced • 1 tsp salt

4 individual Camemberts or one large Camembert cut into approx 80g/3oz wedges, frozen for 1 hour.

• 25g plain flour • 1 egg beaten with 1tbsp water • 25g breadcrumbs • 50ml sunflower oil raspberry coulis or cranberry sauce to garnish METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6 2. Remove the Camembert from the freezer and carefully cut the white skin from the top, while leaving the bottom and sides in tact. Coat well on all sides with the flour.

3. Dip the coated Camembert in the egg mix and coat with breadcrumbs, then repeat both steps. Pat well to help the crumbs stick, then place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

4. Heat the oil over a medium heat. Remove the cheeses from the fridge and fry lightly on each side until light golden brown approximately 1-2 minutes. Make sure the cheese does not begin to melt. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

5. Place the lightly-browned cheeses on a lined baking tray and bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the top is slightly puffed.

6. Serve immediately with a raspberry coulis or cranberry sauce.

bacon fat, then add to the bacon before browning the sliced onion.

3. Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with the salt and pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly.

4. Place casserole uncovered in the middle of preheated oven for 4 mins. Remove casserole, and turn oven down to 160°C 325°F gas 2.

5. Stir in the wine, and enough stock so that the meat is

barely covered. Add the tomato paste, garlic and herbs. Bring to simmering point on top of the stove. Then cover the casserole and place in lower part of pre-heated oven.

6. Simmer for 3-4 hours or until meat is tender.

7. While the beef is cooking, gently fry the small onions and mushrooms, then add them to the casserole before serving with green beans.

Enjoy!

16

WINCHESTER TODAY DECEMBER 2014

Sport Five Up For Winch Pictures: Tony Smith Photography At the time of going to press, Winchester City had just sparkled on an extremely grey and wet day, knocking five past Fawley at home.

It left Winchester City in a favourable league position, with as many as four games in hand over some other clubs because of the amazing FA Cup run.

First Team Coach John McFarlane spoke to Winchester Today after the match:"Overall very pleased with today's result, some great football at times and the goals to match.

"We've been working on how we start games, so to go 2-0 up in the early stages of the game was very pleasing. The first came from a corner (Bentley) and the 2nd a sweeping counter attacking move with Taz Roberts crossing for Bentley to finish again.

"The game then got scrappy for the remainder of the half with a lot of stop starting from the referee. Fawley kept working hard and Gareth Barfoot in goal had to pull off 2 fine saves to keep the score 2-0 at HT. It was fair to say we were pleased with the scoreline at HT but not

necessarily the team performance.

"The 2nd half we showed a lot more discipline and really controlled the game, once the third goal went in from Mike McEnery there was no way back for Fawley.

"At this stage it was important for us to keep the clean sheet and keep our concentration till the final whistle, we added a fourth with a superb volley from Chris Mason and a fifth in the closing stages from another corner (Scott Sampson)."

John told Winchester Today that

he's grateful for the loyalty shown by the supporters to help keep the team on track: "We've scored 17 for, and conceded 2 in our last three league games which is great form. I'd like to add the Winchester fans have been tremendous in supporting the team home and away since we've arrived.

"I hope this continues and I hope more come back to supporting the team and the entertaining football we're currently playing, as their support is a vital component to what we're trying to achieve on the pitch and the environment we're trying to create."

Christmas Fixtures: Saturday 20 December Whitchurch United v Alresford Town Winchester City v Andover Town Saturday 27 December Alresford Town v Winchester City (1200) Saturday 3 January Bournemouth v Alresford Town Winchester City v Folland Sports Pictures – Tony Smith Photography.

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Good luck to Peter Symonds XV who are now focusing on the Hampshire Cup Final game on Wednesday 10th December at Basingstoke RFC after losing to Bishop Wordsworth in the 4th Round of the Nat West Cup.

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