Winchester Today - December 2017

DECEMBER 2017 ISSUE 034

www.winchestertoday.co.uk

STAYING SAFE THIS WINTER

A Christmas message from the Dean page 3

Creating a peaceful garden page 9

Pictured: Diane Taylor, Teacher at Western CofE Primary School with pupils.

By KEVIN GOVER News Editor PUPILS at Western CofE Primary School will be standing out this winter, thanks to the generosity of housebuilder CALA Homes.

The pupils have all been given a ‘Be Safe Be Seen’ pack as part of the recent Road Safety Week which includes 30 high visibility vests for taking children on school outings, educational activity booklets and clip on reflective badges for all pupils to help them be seen on the journey to and from school.

Peter Burbridge is head teacher at Western CofE Primary School: “Road safety is such an important topic and we would like to thank the company for their kind donation. The vests will be really useful when taking classes on visits and the badges went down brilliantly with all the children. The activity booklets are a great way of getting the

children engaged and thinking about potential dangers.

“The donations will help our pupils to be much more visible over the winter months, which gives parents and teachers peace of mind. It’s great that the importance of road safety is being recognised and that we are being supported in this way to help keep children safe.”

It’s great road safety is being recognised

DON’T LET GO! Sometimes, all you need in life is someone to cling on to.

More details on this year’s Ice Rink and Christmas Market in Winchester on Page 5.

Image: Katherine Davies / Winchester Cathedral

All set for another ‘Convention’ page 13

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December 2017

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR It’s that time of year again when the outskirts of the Cathedral are turned into a Christmas wonderland. For me, there’s nothing like going down the left-hand lane into the Market and smelling THAT smell. Yep, once you get into the market, the first stall on the left-hand side (pictured) lets you know exactly where you are and why! I’m sure I’m not the only one to be drawn into the Market in this way each year.

You know, we’re not the only city to do a Christmas Market - but it’s the others who need to catch up with how it should be done, not us.

No-one else does it quite like us. No-one else can come close to our surroundings.

These may be times of austerity, but it seems that there are many people in our city who are

ABOUT US

still determined to push the boat out and help make it a special time for us.

This year at Winchester Today we are proud to be directly involved in the work of the Cathedral this Christmas. We would also like to thank the Dean for giving her time in delivering a message to you for Christmas. It’s her first Christmas in Winchester - and all of us at Winchester Today hope it’s a joyous one for her.

As one who normally has to work on Christmas Day, the newspaper would also like to highlight the work of all of those who will be on duty as well. For all our emergency services, NHS staff and all those others who will be on 24-hour call, we salute you.

Kevin Gover

New Fleet Keeping Highways Moving This Winter

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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 n LAYOUT DESIGN • Jon Heal

Winchester Today Media Partner to Winchester Short Film Festival

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Charity Partner - supporting Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance until December 2020.

winchestertoday Suite 123 80 High Street Winchester SO23 9AT

news@winchestertoday.co.uk This digital edition of Winchester Today has been produced entirely by the commitment of our friends through crowdfunder.co.uk - a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone involved Want to be in the next edition? Call Julia on 07462 155247

THESE are the new state-of-theart salting vehicles, fitted with the latest technology, that will help keep Hampshire’s roads moving this winter.

They have Euro VI efficient engines, are fitted with snow ploughs, and with the latest technology, which provides: • Satnav guidance; • programmed and automatic salting of roads so no salt is wasted; • the ability to vary the width of the road treated for more accurate and effective salting; • a record of which roads have been salted and when.

Highways teams use localised weather

forecasting and roadside weather sensors around the county, constantly monitoring conditions to make decisions about the best time to salt the roads, where to salt and how much salt to use. Roads are treated with salt before temperatures drop to freezing to try to stop frost and ice forming.

Temperatures and conditions can vary significantly even within one county, so winter teams look at three distinct weather bands: north, central and coastal. This helps decide when and where to put the winter fleet to work.

Transport boss Rob Humby is confident everything’s in place: “We’ve

State of the Art: Rob Humby (left) with Matthew Riches (right) Skanksa’s Business Director for Hampshire Highways

G E T YOU R S K AT E S O N!

CH R ISTM AS M AR KE T AN D ICE R I N K 2017 F RO M 20 N OVE M B E R 201 7

Ice Rink tickets available from 01962 857 276

www.winchester- cathedral.org.uk

a full stock of salt for the winter, with 20,000 tonnes of salt ready in barns which are strategically placed across Hampshire at Hook, Havant, Bishops Waltham, Weyhill, Totton, Micheldever, Dummer and Petersfield - and stocks are topped up when needed.

“Everyone can do their bit in their community to keep pavements and smaller roads not covered by the main salting routes clear of ice, by using the salt provided in the blue or yellow community salt bins. There are around 3,700 across Hampshire, and all are now re-stocked and full for the winter.”

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A message from the Dean of Winchester 2017 DURING December, here at the Cathedral, we’ll be welcoming many hundreds of people, young and old, to Advent and Christmas services.

The lights and colour of the Christmas market in the Close will brighten up short dull winter days and long, dark winter nights. It’s a beautiful season.

I’m looking forward to singing my favourite Christmas carol, ‘O little town of Bethlehem’. However often it crops up, I always love it, and am struck by the words in the first verse: ​‘Yet in thy dark streets shineth, ​the everlasting Light. ​The hopes and fears of all the years ​are met in thee tonight.’

I know that at this time of year, as well as hope and happiness, many of us feel a sense of poignancy about times past and sadness for those who are no longer here with us, and perhaps too a sense of anxiety about the future and what the New Year holds.

The simple and stunning message of Christmas is that into all the complexity of joy and gladness, of fear and anxiety, God steps right in. God wants to be with us so much, that he comes to be born as one of us, Emmanuel. The new-born baby lights up the world with the everlasting light of love.

May God bless you this Christmas and light up your life with His love, now and always.

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December 2017

Alresford Born Captain Honoured At Last AN army captain who died during the First World War has been honoured in a special ceremony at Winchester West Hill Cemetery with a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) headstone 102 years after he died.

Captain John Henry Nicholson, of the Army Ordnance Department (AOD), died aged 51 at 7.30am on November 6, 1915 at Avington Park Camp, Hampshire, when he accidentally shot himself while cleaning his own revolver before going on duty.

At the time, authorities never reported his death to the CWGC. This meant John was never given a Commission headstone or remembered on the Roll of Honour.

However, thanks to John’s Great Grandson, David Nicholls, who researched his death and brought it to the attention of the CWGC, John can now be commemorated by the Commission.

Born in the Alresford district of Hampshire, John joined the army when he was 19 years old. Throughout his career as a professional soldier, John was also a Senior Warrant Officer and Company Sergeant Major in the Royal Artillery, until he started working for the AOD. He married his wife, Alice Benson, in 1889 and they had seven children, Grace, Sidney, May, Hilda, Kenneth, Cyril and Elsie.

Tragically, John and Alice lost two daughters - Grace to Scarlet Fever when she was only 7 years old and two-year old May, to diphtheria.

Les Kibble is CWGC’s Regional Manager for the South East: “We are always

Images: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

He fought for his country… he should always be remembered for that

Great To Live Here Who Can Afford It? A range of measures is being undertaken by Winchester City Council to make living and working in the district more affordable. Although twice voted the best place to live in the UK, Winchester has also been identified as one of the least affordable places to live in the country. To address this the authority is taking a range of steps that will help residents and benefit taxpayers.

Stephen Godfrey spoke at an event for London Councillors at Westminster on behalf of the city, and explained that Winchester’s one of only four authorities in the south east of England to be accredited by the Living Wage Foundation. He detailed ways in which this influences the Council’s social and community policies, which include: • A local council tax reduction scheme which replaces the national council tax benefit scheme and does not require a working age benefit claimant to pay any council tax until they are earning a basic wage • An ambition to double the number of council homes delivered to more than

600 homes by 2021 • Running a national pilot scheme to help claimants move to Universal Credit • Supporting people who are struggling to start a working life by using mentors • Supporting and promoting the ReadEasy campaign which helps adults to read with confidence • Ensuring that both Council employees and its contractors’ staff are paid at least a living wage “The Council is addressing ‘affordability’ locally in as many ways as possible and this does include getting our own house in order. We are keen to attract and retain good staff and part of that is ensuring that they are valued by us as an employer.

“We also want to send this message to other employers across the district and so increase the number of lower paid workers who can work locally rather than having to commute or stay on benefits. Making a commitment to paying at least the living wage helps us and our contractors deliver a more reliable service that is better value for money.”

honoured to be able to commemorate those who died during both world wars and to make sure they are remembered for their sacrifice – whether their death was on the battlefields abroad or here on home soil.

“Now that John has a Commission headstone, everyone who comes to visit this cemetery will know he fought for his country and that he should always be remembered for that.”

David Nicholls is the Great Grandson of John Nicholson: “We are very grateful to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for helping us get my Great

Grandfather a Commission Headstone.

“According to press reports at the time of his death, John Henry was a well-known and respected officer in both Colchester Garrison and the wider community. He was a devout Christian, a Presbyterian, and an active member of Lion Walk Church, Colchester.

“During his previous posting of three years in Hong Kong, he was involved with building a mission there. On a lighter side, my Great Grandfather was also a keen sportsman, capable of beating much younger men at tennis when he was fifty years old.”

Remembering The Fallen LAST month, Hampshire County Councillors and staff gathered at the war memorial next to Winchester’s Great Hall to pay their respects to servicemen and women who have lost their lives in war.

The Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Graham Burgess, led the Act of Remembrance: “It is right that we take time to remember those individuals who paid the ultimate price in war sacrificing their lives. Even though we naturally look back and reflect on past wars, it is important that we acknowledge the service and sacrifices still being made by our Armed Forces today, including those returning from combat, those who are injured on the frontline, as well as the support they receive from loved ones, every single day.”

A wreath was laid at the ‘To Honour a Promise’ memorial with poignant readings by Reservists and ex-Service members of County Council staff.

The County Council’s ‘Poppy Pod’ camping village at Tile Barn Outdoor Centre in the New Forest offers free respite for military families.

Honouring the fallen: Left to Right - Hampshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Graham Burgess, Lieutenant Commander (Ret’d) Keith Whitehead, Wing Commander (Ret’d) Martin Perrin, Former Irish Guardsman, Enda Ryan, Chief Inspector Mark Lynch, Hampshire Constabulary and Bugler Simon Lloyd from St Albans Primary School.

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MAKING CHRISTMAS MEMORIES AT WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL WINCHESTER has undoubtedly become a must-visit destination for all those in search of an authentic Christmas experience, and you’ll find the majestic Winchester Cathedral at the heart of the festivities.

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is one of the best in Europe, with over 100 chalets and an impressive Ice Rink spectacularly situated in the shadow of Winchester Cathedral.

Last year almost 500,000 visitors were attracted to the Christmas Market, travelling from far and wide to soak up the bustling festive atmosphere. Inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, you’ll be captivated by the sights, sounds and smells of Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, with tempting seasonal treats and exclusive Christmas gifts.

A visit to Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market and Ice Rink should be on everyone’s Christmas to-do list, but visitors from near and far should also take time to explore the magnificent Cathedral itself, one of the finest medieval Cathedrals in Europe.

The people of Winchester are understandably proud of their Cathedral, an ancient building which stands at the heart of a city which was once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman power, and Christmas is the perfect time to visit. You will discover almost 1,500

‘We were overawed by the Christmas Tree which seemed to reach to the rafters’ years of history at Winchester Cathedral and the Cathedral’s living heritage is equally evocative, offering visitors an opportunity to embrace treasured Christmas and Christian traditions.

This year, to celebrate this rich and vibrant heritage, Winchester Cathedral is encouraging people to share their memories of Christmas at the Cathedral.

The campaign has already captured the imagination of Winchester Cathedral’s social media followers, with memories being shared in abundance. Barbara Harrison recalls being ‘overawed by the Christmas Tree which seemed to reach

to the rafters’ whilst Kirsty Robinson exclaims that ‘the service of Nine Lessons and Carols is where my Christmas really starts’.

Members of the Cathedral community are also getting involved, including Winchester Cathedral’s team of almost 800 volunteers. Tower guide Ralph Jessop recalls a marriage proposal during a Christmas Twilight Tour, whilst volunteer Mike Vokes has attended the carol service at the Cathedral for nearly seventy years!

With a towering Christmas tree and traditional carol services throughout December, Winchester Cathedral really does epitomize the true joy of Christmas.

So after a long day of shopping at the Christmas Market or skating on the Ice Rink, visit Winchester Cathedral to make your own treasured memories. You won’t be disappointed!

If you would like to share your memories of Christmas at Winchester Cathedral, please contact marketing@ winchester-cathedral.org.uk or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

To plan your visit to Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market and Ice Rink, please visit www.winchestercathedral.org.uk/christmas An annual pass to Winchester Cathedral costs just £8, with free entry for under 16s accompanied by a parent or guardian.

CH R ISTM AS M AR KE T AN D ICE R I N K

E XPE R I E N C E T H E J OY O F C H R I STM AS AT WI N C H E ST E R CAT H E D R AL Visit one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe with over 100 traditional chalets, skate on the spectacular covered Ice Rink, and explore Christmas traditions past and present in the majestic Winchester Cathedral.

ICE RINK 20 N OVE M B E R 201 7 – 7 JAN UARY 201 8 Session times: 10am – 9pm (last session starts 8pm) Tickets, including free skate hire: £11.50 adult, £9.50 child aged 8–18, £6.95 child aged 4–7 Other price options available for groups.

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WI N C H E ST E R CAT H E D R A L Enjoy traditional Christmas carol services and discover 1,500 years of history in one of Europe’s finest medieval Cathedrals

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EXTRAORDINARY TALENT DOMINATES SHORT FILM FESTIVAL WINCHESTER Today and Winchester’s Short Film Festival have two things in common. We were both born in 2012 and we’ve worked together ever since. After another yearlong period of support from us, so it was that over 150 filmmakers from the four corners of Britain and around the world, sponsors, judges, dignitaries and special guests packed the Winchester Discovery Centre for the black-tie award gala of the 6th Winchester International Short Film Festival.

The gala night rewarded the best short filmmakers selected from over fifty countries and was the culmination of a week of sold out screenings at venues across Winchester.

With champagne flowing and live music from the south coast band Wild Front, the pre-gala filmmaker’s party kicked off at No.5 Bridge Street, which was commandeered by the festival to put up the visiting international filmmakers.

The gala proper was compered by Professor Lucy Mazdon, Head of Film at the University of Southampton, with director Peter Lydon as guest speaker, and the amazing Jamie Petersen as accompanying pianist.

Festival Director John Hayes told us about the key to the success of the festival: “It has a growing reputation for providing audiences with bold, original and thought-provoking films that not only entertain, but also stir souls, widen horizons and reflect the burning issues of our time.

“At a moment in history when nations are rebuilding borders and technology is redefining personal boundaries, the curators of the festival selected a collection of films that cross borders, challenge moral boundaries and test emotional limits, each screening offering a unique window into the global zeitgeist of 2017.

“We also attempted to curate screenings that would appeal to a diverse audience, evidenced by film lovers aged between 18 and 80 years old attending the screenings. The awards gala and the rewards we offer are our way of saying thank you to the filmmakers that allow us to do this for Winchester.”

You can see photos, interviews, film clips and nomination reels from the award gala on the festival website: winchestershortfilmfestival.com

Guest speaker Peter Lydon, compere and member of the WSFF_2017 Judging panel Lucy Mazdon and festival co-cordinator Zuzanna Lis

Each year the Festival will stir souls, widen horizons and reflect the burning issues of our time

THE OFFICIAL LIST OF 2017 WINNERS Best British Short Film Geraint Reynolds for Catch of the Day Best Foreign Short Film Michael Grudsky for The Transfer Best Short Documentary Olivia Martinez de la Grange for Orchids Never Die Best Animated Short Fx Goby for To Build a Fire Best New Director Jess O’Brian for Girl A The Hampshire Prize Barnaby Boulton for A Place for Everything

December 2017

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December 2017 Winchester Today is the Official Media Partner for the Winchester Short Film Festival and has taken over the sponsorship of the Hampshire Prize.

This year, we are delighted that the prize has gone to Barnaby Boulton for A Place For Everything. Barnaby spoke to Winchester Today after the ceremony: “I am absolutely thrilled to win The Hampshire Prize! Winning this prize has been extremely motivating and has boosted my confidence for my future projects. A huge amount of work from so many people went into making this film, it’s amazing to know that all the work and effort has been recognised and appreciated.”

Barnaby told us what his film is about: “A Place For Everything is a short drama with a fantasy twist about a man who accidentally discovers the lost and found of the universe whilst searching for his missing stapler. The man must search with the mysterious caretaker to reclaim what he has lost.

“The idea came from Svilen (one of our cinematographers) wondering what might be found down at the bottom of a lift shaft after years of things falling down the cracks. This thought was then developed over several months through endless meetings, discussions, and the occasional argument, and eventually grew into A Place For Everything.”

We asked Barnaby how much work had gone into creating the film: “This film was extremely challenging to make happen, the concept was always a little bit bigger than what we felt we could handle, but we took on the challenge anyway. Through a series of lucky events we were given the opportunity to shoot the film at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Bulgaria, which would provide the

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facilities to create the film with the scale and magnitude that we had envisioned.

As you can imagine this brought a whole new wave of problems and challenges; transforming our small student project into an overseas studio production was no easy feat.”

Was he happy with the result?: “When looking at your own work you can always find flaws; we faced some serious setbacks during the shoot which resulted in some scenes being simplified, particularly where cinematography is concerned. However despite all that I am very happy with what we were able to achieve, it’s no masterpiece, but we are all very proud of it, and we learned a huge amount making it.

“This film is quite closely related to my career as I have a real passion for films with a fantasy twist, I am especially inspired by Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy work. This was my first attempt at

exploring a strange new world, and I hope to venture further into dark and fantastical territory in the future.

Barnaby mentions facilities in Bulgaria - but I wondered how much there is in Hampshire for him: “My main knowledge of film facilities in Hampshire at the moment are the excellent facilities at the University of Portsmouth. Events like the Winchester Short Film Festival are fantastic for the local filmmaking community, more networking opportunities and film showcases would be great for the county.”

And the future? “I am currently in pre-production for my next short film (an early 90s police comedy), whilst also working in the TV & Film industry as a production runner. I hope to make one or two more short films before venturing into longer form material.”

Our congratulations to Barnaby, and all the best for the future.

It was always a little bit bigger than what we felt we could handle but we took on the challenge anyway!

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COMING SOON Winchester’s window into the world zeitgeist

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December 2017

Squirt and Squidge Get a life!

Freya Storey continues to share her life as a mum-of-two I never knew so much happened past 7pm… people actually go out and do stuff.

This big revelation happened recently for me, when I was training for a half marathon. Looking at my windows of ‘spare time’ I decided the only chance I was going to have to fit in my training was if I started running once the kids were in bed.

The initial thought of this made me shudder, how was I going to muster up any kind of energy when my usual routine involved quickly dashing to pour a glass or red, plonking myself on the sofa and praying quietly that my night would remain uninterrupted.

So I thought of the flip side… that early morning run - jumping out of bed and into one’s gym wear and hitting the tarmac… NO! I think I would actually have been sick! I am not a morning person - it takes me at least an hour to vaguely warm up. Ask my husband he’d say more. I can barely communicate, I mostly grunt - so the thought of having to coordinate my body parts in an orderly and heightened fashion was a NO. So night time it was, and gradually over the weeks the night time became my friend.

I had forgotten this time in between the last 4 years of being either pregnant, lactating or just plain whacked out. I

Beautiful sight: Lush sunset while I was out running

Personal challenges are now the answer

came to learn it was a lovely time of day and that a whole other world existed.

I’ll never forget one of my first night runs a fairly short route through the park and along the water’s edge.

There were groups of people up to all kinds of things some just hanging out, some exercising but the most memorable were the fishermen.

Running along the water’s edge they were scattered, set up in tents with thermos flasks. The beacons of their lights lit my path. I remember feeling comforted by the sight of them as I ran along, most of them giving a gentle nod

of acknowledgement. It was a beautiful sight and seemed to go on for miles. It made me feel sentimental, somehow grateful. I don’t why but I feel like I’ll never forget it.

I returned home that night feeling energised, wanting to see more and wanting to get my trainers back on.

I carried on my night runs for 4 months.

I can honestly say that after the first few runs in which: a) I did want to be sick, b) I fully contemplated quickly turning around and running home and ...

c) I considered running to the nearest newsagent to buy wine and a packet of scampi fries. It WAS really ENJOYABLE and no .... I’m not going to say it .... LIFE CHANGING (I said it and I do feel like a cheeseball) but it WAS. However, life’s changed 6 weeks on.

I’m back at work and it’s tough! The mornings are darker, the nights are darker, I juggle 2 kids, a very demanding part time (not at all part time) job, I’ve had a cold for a month and it’s all a bit rubbish.

So what’s changed? I don’t really mind the weather, I run in the rain, I can wrap up in the cold, I can’t say it’s ever stopped me before. So it must be the work right?

- I’m either too tired to do anything or have a mountain of work to do at home. I just don’t feel I have the time!

This is where I’m coming to learn that personal challenges are now the answer, I’m finding that if I set myself something I can’t wriggle out of I have to commit and I have to make exercise an important priority to myself.

I’m going to have to dig deep to be really hard on myself to keep at it. Or is it in fact to be ‘really kind to myself ’ making sure I look after myself, not getting lost within that vat that can become ‘winter’ that vat that can become ‘work.’

Surely there’s more to life?

‘A glass of the warm stuff’

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I’M over Prosecco, I’m fizzed out …

In need of a new tipple. I turn to the hob. Ah! A glass of the warm stuff that will do it!

It’s a beautiful crisp night, the log burner’s embers are glowing brightly and the kids are all tucked up. Tonight I decide is a night for decadence, I am going to do it properly. I slice some orange, soak some cinnamon, add some cloves and leave to warm.

The smell’s divine, my mind begins to drift to Christmas in the past – arriving at my folks where there’s a pan gently warming on the hob, welcoming us in on cold winter nights.

Times spent with friends laughing and keeping warm at communal bars in towns, it’s funny how a simple smell can evoke so much!

So why do we turn to mulled wine at Christmas and how did it all begin? Well, we have the Ancient Greeks to thank.

Here you go Freya this should keep you going for a while!

Being the resourceful type, they salvaged waste from the harvest, added spice, warmed it up and there began the mulling of the wine. Its favour gathered pace during the Middle Ages, where they believed the spices had added health benefits (of course!) and were used to help brighten up what was probably without, pretty foul tasting wine.

Then, propelled into the Victorian era, the tradition stuck around and it soon became a popular holiday season drink, placing it firmly on the calendar for the winter months and Christmas celebrations.

The wonderful tradition lives on, now with slightly better (yet still cheap red wine) it warms us through chilly carol concerts, brings us together with friends or can simply be enjoyed in the peace of one’s home on a cold winter’s night, log burner and all. I’ll drink to that – CHEERS and Happy Christmas!

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December 2017

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All Hands On Deck For Tranquility Garden MORE than 20 people of all ages came together at St John’s Church in Winchester to create a wildlifefriendly garden in the grounds of the 12th century church. The Tranquility Garden will be a space for wildlife and people alike.

Curate of St John’s, the Revd Christine Smith, told us more about the project: “St John’s Church is on the ancient Pilgrim’s Way between Winchester and Canterbury, and has been a place of rest and refreshment for almost 900 years. Today its doors are kept open so that anyone may drop in and enjoy its extraordinary peace and beauty, or just take a break from the hectic pace of life.

“The wild flower garden will make that welcome more visible, will give pleasure to the whole community and affirm the church’s message, that despite all the terrible headlines, the world is a sacred place.”

As you can see from the pictures, a team ranging in age from 7 to 70 turned out to help. Wildflower turf that included 34 species of native plants and 2,600 bulbs, were planted. Local resident, Hazel Southam, told us about what was achieved: “It was a fun day and everyone enjoyed it. We hope that next spring, local residents will be able to enjoy a few quiet moments in the Tranquility Garden. As pollinators are under threat in the UK, we also hope this will be a great habitat for bees and other insects.”

The scheme was funded by a £1,000 grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help.

Pictures courtesy Geordie Torr

The garden will make the welcome more visible

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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.

Not us!

SATURDAY 06:00 Breakfast in Winchester 10:00 Kevin Gover 13:00 The 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.

He’s actually there!

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

Kevin Gover

15:00 John Ellery

John Ellery

news

12 winchestertoday.co.uk

December 2017

Discworld exhibition breaks records ON 16 September The Salisbury Museum, the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett and Paul Kidby, opened an exclusive major exhibition ‘Terry Pratchett: HisWorld’ Within two weeks of opening, a record 2,700 visitors had been to experience the show, quite literally coming from all four corners of the earth to honour Sir Terry.

This major exhibition explores the life of Sir Terry Pratchett, giving a privileged insight into the man who created some of literature’s most enduringly popular fantasy worlds and characters. To be able to hold this exhibition at Salisbury Museum is very relevant to Terry’s story.

Terry moved to what he described as a ‘Domesday manorette’ near Salisbury in 1993. His affinity with the Chalke Valley is reflected in the books he wrote. He drew on his personal experiences and fascination with the chalk downland when creating his characters and stories, especially the Tiffany Aching novels.

Terry was also a patron of a number of local causes and was actively involved with local communities.

Rob Wilkins is manager of Sir Terry’s estate: “We are absolutely overjoyed at both the number of people who have visited the exhibition, and their feedback on getting to explore Terry’s world. We all believed this exhibition would be popular, but to see it succeed on this scale is marvellous. Terry meant the world to his fans, but so many visitors

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previously unfamiliar with his work have also taken both him and his creations into their hearts.”

The exhibition features artwork by Terry himself, and over 40 stunning original paintings and drawings by Paul Kidby, Terry’s artist of choice. Paul has designed the Discworld book jackets since 2002 and has illustrated many Discworld publications including the 2001 novella The Last Hero and The Art of Discworld.

One of the major talking points has proved to be the full-size recreation of Terry’s office - known as The Chapel quite literally the place where so many of his books began their life. For the visitor, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Terry’s world as he worked and the objects in situ with which he chose to surround himself.

Terry Pratchett: HisWorld continues at the Salisbury Museum until 14 January 2018.

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news

winchestertoday.co.uk 13

IT’S FAIRPORT TIME AGAIN! Massive 2018 Tour takes in Winchester FAIRPORT Convention are following up a successful Golden Anniversary year in 2017 by doing what they do better than anyone else: getting back on the bus, covering the length of the UK over 28 dates and breathing new life into old and new material on the road.

You’ll be pleased to know that the Theatre Royal Winchester will be one of the venues.

Fifty years is a long time… but it passes quickly when littered with classic albums, legendary line-ups, critical acclaim and awards. The story of Fairport Convention is also set to be chronicled in a forthcoming major Sky Arts documentary, as the group’s legacy continues to be celebrated.

Winners of the coveted ‘BBC Lifetime Achievement Award’, Fairport were also delighted to see their ground-breaking Leige & Lief record voted Radio 2’s ‘Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’ by listeners.

This year’s Winter Tour will feature a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and new material from their most recent, critically-acclaimed, studio album ‘50:50@50’. The concerts will also feature an opening performance by the wonderful singer/songwriter duo, Winter Wilson, who have become favourites on the folk scene in the UK and as far away as Australia.

Fairport Convention features Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion.

Impressive musicians with a great back catalogue.

They still take chances and clearly enjoy themselves

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SALISBURY Playhouse is presenting a Relaxed Performance of this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, on Thursday 4 January at 2.30pm for people who might not otherwise be able to enjoy theatre.

A relaxed performance ensures there are no loud noises or flashing lights.

House lights remain partially lit throughout the performance with doors to the auditorium open and audience members are free to come and go if they wish. The cast will introduce themselves at the start of the performance and special effects such as a smoke machine will also be demonstrated.

This is an opportunity to enjoy a

Christmas pantomime in a genuinely relaxed atmosphere.

With its less formal atmosphere this relaxed performance is especially suitable for those with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, learning disability or elderly people living with dementia.

Tim Croall is Salisbury Playhouse head of communications and sales: “Christmas is such a special time of year and everyone should be able to enjoy a trip to the theatre so we’re delighted to be presenting a relaxed performance of this year’s pantomime.

We work hard to create an atmosphere that is welcoming to all.”

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reviews

December 2017

winchestertoday.co.uk 15

NOT ‘AFOOT’ WRONG WITH THIS PERFORMANCE Kevin Gover reviews ‘The Game’s Afoot’ by the Cheriton Players THE GAME’S AFOOT Cheriton Village Hall

CRIKEY - here am I, theatre critic and reviewer - all at once sitting in a theatre where the people in the play are all playing actors - except the one who is a theatre critic and reviewer for Vanity Fair and who’s perhaps despised by all of them for how she’s described them in previous productions!

I look behind me for anyone carrying suspicious objects... come on Kevin, get a grip, it’s only a play. Anyhow, it’s also an immense satisfaction then to know that as a theatre critic and reviewer it doesn’t matter one jot what I say - as all four shows were sold out, returns only.

The story is based around a real person William Gillette, who actually did exist, who actually knew Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and who received permission to write a play based around Sherlock Holmes which played to sell-out houses for the best part of 30 years.

The Players have set it in Christmas 1936 - but moved the action and words to a mansion in an English setting of Henley-on-Thames instead of the original Connecticut. Good move. The set is stunning, with an idea of all the gadgets that Gillette actually owned (a 1930s remote control?), as are the period costumes... and look, isn’t that an old telephone? I’m immediately transported back to my own and pine for that hot summer’s day and ‘Another Murder in Cheriton’.

And hey, look there... original paperchain Christmas decorations! Wow, haven’t seen those in a while!

The casting is spot-on. Gillette (Richard Perkins) rightfully dominates the stage. Richard is word perfect,

Picture: Craig Robertson and is the perfect host. Or so it seems!

He’s invited the excruciating reviewer Daria Chase (Fiona Mackay) to spend Christmas. Fiona is a delight; it’s her first production with the Cheriton Players - and she also dominates the stage when she’s on. I cannot say much about what she does later on as it would spoil things - but I can just imagine what Saturday night’s going to be like when she has totally got into the part.

Especially the seance scene. Oh boy the seance scene. The lights are dimmed and this part is genuinely creepy.

Excellent.

There are solid performances from the ‘regulars’ - David Cradduck (who plays Felix Geisel) has some fantastic one-liners and retorts - and if you remember that washing machine from last year, you’ll be genuinely laughing your backside off this time round as he

Helen Gomm’s direction is masterful

tries to cope with something that’s just as unpredictable (!) We all thought Craig Robb was going to explode at one point as he grapples with another member of the cast. Character acting at its finest as he ends up on the floor.

Credit too to Pauline Cornter (who plays the long-suffering Martha Gillette) - and who is so absolutely 100% evil at the end. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who was scared!

Add to this that cast and crew are literally struggling to stand up with the virus that’s hit the production team and you have a show that’s hit another level, regardless. Helena Gomm’s direction is masterful. I have seen many shows here, but I sense now there’s a definite change - controlled calm amid the chaos. It just feels different.

Yet there is Helena, front of house as the show goes on, cool as a cucumber and immensely proud of her team: “I thought they did a splendid job, they were absolutely spot on”, she tells me afterwards. “Night after night they get the balance right between the comedy and the drama... and I think that’s the important thing so that the audience are having a good laugh, but they’re also following the story and they’re gripped and they want to know who did it!” So, as a theatre critic and reviewer, Helena also threatens me with their hidden room which doubles up as a torture chamber and threatens to get out the implements of torture if I give them a bad review.

As one theatre-goer @theotherdebs who also saw the show on the same night as me - said in a reply to Winchester Today on Twitter: “Loved it! Laughed loads. Great cast and some terrific direction choices.” Agree, 100%.

This is one of the finest shows I’ve seen by the Cheriton Players. Another level.

A GREAT VERDICT FOR A FEEL-GOOD SHOW Beccy Conway gives a five star thumbs-up to ‘Legally Blonde – The Musical’ LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL The Mayflower, Southampton

THE ‘Bend and Snap’ is back, this time on the theatrical stage in Legally Blonde – The Musical, the tale which sees blonde sorority president Elle Woods follow her ex-boyfriend from UCLA to Harvard Law School in order to win him back. Tired of being seen as an airhead, Elle, with the help of teaching assistant Emmett, works to prove that she is worth much more than just her looks.

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown, and the subsequent 2003 film

by Robert Luketic, which starred Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde was first devised for the Broadway stage in 2007, receiving critical acclaim. The show opened in London’s West End in 2010 with Sheridan Smith leading the UK cast.

Since 2012, Legally Blonde has toured the world being performed in English, German and French.

Lucie Jones, of X Factor and Eurovision fame, leads the cast of this tour by UK Productions, reprising the role of Elle Woods, having previously played her during a run of Legally Blonde in Leicester. Jones’ voice is nothing short of phenomenal, and her comic timing is spot on, particularly in partnership with Rita Simons’ Paulette Bonafonté. Simons, famous for playing Roxy Mitchell in BBC’s

Outstanding cast: (l-r) Rita Simons, Lucie Jones and Bill Ward

Jones’ voice is nothing short of phenomenal

EastEnders, is also fantastic.

David Barrett returns to the role of Emmett Forrest, teaching assistant and lawyer training under Professor Callahan (Bill Ward, best known for roles on Coronation St and Emmerdale).

Barrett’s extensive theatrical experience is evident in his slick performance, and Ward’s portrayal of the sleazy professor has the audience booing him delightfully during the curtain call. Supported by a stellar ensemble cast, who perform some

of the most fast-paced and excitable choreography I’ve seen in a long time, fans of the book and film will not be disappointed.

Special mention goes to the canine cast members who play Elle’s Chihuahua Bruiser, and Paulette’s beloved Rufus, who cause the audience to audibly ‘ahhh’ each time they enter stage.

But, it’s the unavoidably-catchy music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin that make this musical

what it is: simply joyful (people can be heard merrily humming “Oh my god, oh my god, you guys!” as we exit the auditorium).

With several of the songs reprised throughout the show there’s a pleasing circuitousness to the story. The lessons about maintaining integrity and belief in oneself are arguably what have made Legally Blonde such a great success worldwide. Feel-good musical theatre at its very best.

16 winchestertoday.co.uk

the final word

December 2017

✁

★ ★★WINCHESTER TODAY ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ COMMUNITY AWARDS ★ ★ 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 Friday 23 March 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 Friday 23 March 2018.