Winchester Today - July 2012

Cheriton - Romsey - Littleton - Alresford - Chandler’s Ford

July 2012 Monthly • Issue 001

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Man With The Plan

Why smartphone apps developed in Hampshire are Page 13 causing a stir

Richard Baker talks to Winchester Today on bringing in the tourists Page 9

Hatful of Reasons to be Cheerful Welcome! (...for a Fantastic July in Winchester!)

A huge

welcome from all the team at Winchester Today.

Hope you like what’s inside!

More on page 2

Hat’s Terrific!

By Kevin Gover, Editor kevin.gover@winchestertoday.co.uk

Organisers at this year’s Hat Fair in Winchester are promising to

Olympic Torch: Almost Here!

Excitement is building ahead of the Olympic Torch relay which passes through King’s Worthy and Winchester on 11 July.

For a brief few minutes, our city will be the focus of the Olympic dream as the flame is passed on by those nominated to run. The epic tour of the

involve parts of the city never before used in the celebrations.

Many of us have our own special memories of Hat Fair. For some of us, it stretches back 38 years to Day 1 in 1974 when it was merely a festival for buskers.

To prove the Hat Fair can move with the times as well as still holding on to the vital link with the audience,

there is a new improved app for the smartphone – which organisers hope may even be updated in real time. Funds can now be donated by text, too.

There are many reasons why Hat Fair is still with us despite the economic difficulties; not least the enormous generosity of everyone in Winchester.

Inside the First Edition of Winchester Today we are proud to bring you our very own personal interview with Artistic Director Kate Hazel, talking about the new work she has commissioned and why she thinks Hat Fair has an enduring appeal.

Inside

Continues on Page 3

Story on Page 16 country started back in May at Land’s End when the torch was held aloft by former Peter Symonds student Ben Ainslie.

Since then, the flame has passed through towns and cities across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Now it’s our turn.

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

The 40-year-old aiming to complete 10 million metres and raise £1m Sport ....................... 16 Links between Winchester and Port Stanley are closer than ever Falklands 30 ............ 4 Meet the woman who’s busking for charity FESTIVAL! ............... 13

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WINCHESTER TODAY JULY 2012

Welcome News in Brief

Pic: Steve Brine with those involved in the new ‘Safer Places’ scheme as it was launched at the Great Hall.

Stories for the breakfast table.

Letter from the editor Wow! What a month. That’s the month of June for all the staff here at Winchester Today in putting all of this together - and this month to come. All of us at Winchester Today think that July 2012 could be a month to remember in the city for years to come, with so much to see and do.

So, where do we begin?! Well, how about our lead picture; the magic of Hat Fair. My first encounter with Hat Fair was when I had my first radio job in England, initially as the breakfast show radio presenter in Winchester back in 1989 on The Light FM from Ocean Sound. I later went on to present the afternoon sequences.

Those afternoon programmes really gave me a fantastic opportunity to be in the city, reporting on events like Hat Fair. I was completely bowled over by the vibrancy and enthusiasm of everyone involved. Today, here in the paper, we have the opportunity to tell you how Hat Fair has evolved and kept up with the times.

Very soon, we have our own Olympic Dream in the form of the Torch Relay. This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to be part of an Olympic Games in our country.

We have a poignant reminder of just how close Winchester and Port Stanley are – particularly in this ongoing feud – with a special interview given to us by the principal of Peter Symonds College on his return from the

Falkland Islands.

Further afield, in this issue you will be able to learn more about events elsewhere in the south that we feel you might be interested in, including the Larmer Tree festival.

Not least in all of this, you now have a new monthly newspaper to look forward to in Winchester, and I hope we’ve been able to give justice to all of the above. But it’s not just Winchester that we will write about. As you will see, there’s news from the surrounding towns and villages too, including Romsey, Cheriton and Alresford and we would love to feature you more. Who are we? Winchester Today is made up of a group of talented journalists and photographers who have many years’ experience – and in the case of our young journalists, the drive to learn from their peers. We will offer free training to anyone aged 16-25 through Project:Alfie150.

Details of how to get involved are printed elsewhere in the paper.

If you would like to be in the next issue, make sure you keep us up to date by email on news@ winchestertoday.co.uk – or give us a call on 01962 868234. If you have any printed leaflets, magazines or brochures, you can send them to us at Suite 123, 80 High Street, Winchester SO23 9AT. Kevin Gover Editor

News ‘Strong Indication’ of More Cuts to Public Sector Funding Talks have been held in Winchester to try and insulate Hampshire from the impact of more cuts threatened to public sector services in the county.

It’s after what’s been termed as ‘strong indications’ from the Government of further cuts beyond the current

four-year Comprehensive Spending Review.

Officers at the county say they will: “continue to minimise any frontline spending reductions”, having already reduced office space, restructured departments, renegotiated contracts

Safer Places MP’s Office is Safe - Official The city’s MP Steve Brine has declared his office in Fulflood an official Safe Place after helping launch a scheme which tries to improve the experience of vulnerable people in the community.

The ‘Safer Places’ scheme provides vulnerable people, particularly

those with a learning disability, with a safe place to go where help can be summoned if they feel scared or upset while out on their own in the community.

Steve says he wanted to show his support right away: “As soon as I heard about ‘Safer Places’, everything clicked straight away.

It is simple and easily identifiable.

Winchester is a safe place to live in

News City Pays Tribute to Forces Winchester hosted a memorable and colourful morning last week (25 June) at the start of a week of activity showing its support for our

and visit. But people sometimes can be victims of bullying or harassment… or become lost or separated from their carer or simply disorientated.”

Vulnerable people can carry a ‘Safer Places’ card with them which they can show to staff who will make the phone call for them.

Armed Forces. All three services marched up the High Street behind the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, watched by flag-waving schoolchildren, veterans and reservists. The Armed Forces Flag was then raised at the Great Hall.

Photos:Winchester City Council

and invited public opinion on sharing services.

Leader Ken Thornber says he wants to see any reductions made over two years rather than four, to reduce uncertainty: “Rather than indiscriminately cutting services, we’ve established a cost reduction programme that looks to restructure the Council, and modernise and share services – with the aim of protecting front-line resources.”

Interested in becoming a sport contributor or joining the training project for 16 to 25-year-olds, Project:Alfie150?

Drop us a line to news@winchestertoday.co.uk WinchesterToday est.2012 Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Gover kevin.gover@winchestertoday.co.uk Deputy Editor: William Brougham william.brougham@winchestertoday.co.uk Layout Editor: Johnny Blonde johnny.blonde@winchestertoday.co.uk

News Editor: Kevin Gover kevin.gover@winchestertoday.co.uk

Photographer: Lisa Gigante lisa.gigante@winchestertoday.co.uk

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

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News & Features Correspondents: William Brougham william.brougham@winchestertoday.co.uk Annabel Radcliffe annabel.radcliffe@winchestertoday.co.uk

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JULY 2012 WINCHESTER TODAY 3 news@winchestertoday.co.uk

Hat’s Terrific!

38 years strong and the city still thrives on Britain’s longest-running street arts festival Kevin Gover

kevin.gover@winchestertoday.co.uk

‘Rime’ - the spectacular new Sunday night show from Square Peg Circus

Hat Fair 6-8 July: Info Areas & Times

Performance Zones Hidden Hat Fair, St John’s House, Iceland Supermarket: Fri, Sat, Sun The Outdoor Living Room, Broadway: Fri 12-5pm & 8.30-9.30pm, Sat 12-9.30pm The Brooks: Fri & Sat, 12-5pm Small Wonders, Discovery Centre & Theatre Royal: Fri & Sat, 10am-4pm Cathedral Zone: Fri 12-7pm, Sat 12-7pm The Big Dance, Great Hall/Law Courts: Sat 12-6pm Hatting Zone, The Square: Fri & Sat 12-5pm Time Out Zone, Abbey Gardens: Fri 12-5pm, Sat 12-7pm Big Show Zone, River Park: Sat 9.30-10.30pm & Sun 7-8pm Oram’s Arbour: Sun 12-5pm

News

Continued from front page As I sit down for a chat with the artistic director of Winchester’s Hat Fair – Kate Hazel – in the lofty heights of Hat Fair mansion just off the High Street, I cannot help but be convinced that the event is in safe hands. Not that what you will see around the city is in any way ‘safe’ at all! Her boundless enthusiasm bowls me over. 365 days of work for just 3 days of madness and mayhem: “I think because Hat Fair is so different, the city comes alive, and the streets are taken over by these weird and wonderful people. The acts that we’re bringing to Winchester now are world-class performers, and I think people embrace the fact that they can see them here for free.”

I ask if she has her work cut out in deciding who she wants to bring to the city: “Absolutely – sometimes it’s like being a child in a sweetshop, but you also have to think practically as well.

That’s probably the most difficult part of my job; not to randomly programme things that sound amazing, but also to make sure I speak with my production crew!”

Kate says she’s fortunate to have been able to work with special people: “I know potentially that people think things are thrown together, but it really is planned… wild, but PLANNED wild! The real job about the artistic director is more about creating an overview, so that the audience can engage with what’s going on… creating a cohesive festival to make everything happen.”

Kate is overwhelmed by the generosity shown by people and businesses around the city to help them keep going: “You know, there are no permanent members of staff here; we’re all freelancers and sometimes

Artistic Director, Kate Hazel

it’s very difficult to run a festival this size with such a small team. But the audiences are fantastic in how they support the ‘hatters’, and the busi-

Wannabe gangsters and Italian fashion victims Mia Mine and Mr Vita invite you to enter their bizarre and absurd world. Don’t miss the grand finale ‘rubber ducky fountain’.

nesses have kept us alive. I don’t think there’s any doubt that Hat Fair would not be here without that local support.”

Kate is also really happy that Hat Fair has moved with the times and embraced modern technology; not least their smartphone app and the ability to donate by text: “We’re launching the ‘Gimme 5’ project – where people can donate £5 by text for next year’s festival – because we need to step up the support. Funding is dwindling and it’s difficult to grow the Festival. We hope to be able in coming years to have the ‘Gimme 5’ commission in specific acts and specific work, so that people can see where their money is going in something created by the city for the city.”

Kate feels it’s also important to stay at the top of their game in social media: “It’s been a fantastic way of getting closer to our audience to see how they think. Sometimes it’s actually very brutal feedback! We have people who are now tweeting and keeping Facebook up-to-date as part of their responsibilities.

The iPhone app is new and improved on what we had last year. During the Festival there may be problems with timings on acts, so we’re hoping – fingers crossed – that we can provide real-time updates.

If we manage to crack that, it will be interesting; there are a lot of other festivals waiting to see if we succeed!

But I love technology. People don’t expect us to be on the cutting edge of technology, but we don’t mind being a guinea pig. It’s just another demonstration of how we’re working with local business to try and be able to do that!”

You don’t get the feeling that Kate maybe will succeed; you just know.

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WINCHESTER TODAY JULY 2012

News Winchester link with Port Stanley stronger than ever City principal finds vibrancy in a vast wilderness still raw with emotion William Brougham

“We were overlooking the bay with just the noise of an oyster catcher… and I was thinking: ‘It’s in the middle of nowhere and people died here…’ yet on the other hand I met this vibrant population, society and community that want to go forward from that.”

Neil Hopkins is barely off the plane and is already keen to describe one of the abiding memories of his trip to the Falkland Islands where he braved freezing temperatures with veterans and various other visiting dignitaries to mark 30 years since their liberation.

The principal of Winchester’s Peter Symonds College says he is really honoured to have been an official guest of the Islands’ government at

the commemoration, as many of its youngsters are educated at his school’s sixth form. 11 young Falkland Islanders attend the college, as their own community of 3,000 people is too small to support one of its own.

An understandably jet lagged Neil only returned from his 16,000 mile return voyage a couple of days before the interview, but is enthusiastic about his experiences which are still very fresh: “It was a fantastic trip-a mixture of really moving and poignant memorial services, along with visits to various more far-flung parts of the islands to see how the modern community live,” he says.

Walking into his study there are vivid photographs of his visit, such as those of a King Penguin colony and other

Photos: Neil and Judy Hopkins

pictures depicting the natural beauty of the area. Another picture shows him holding a wreath. The snow and winter weather are very stark in all of them.

Neil arrived on the Islands following an exhausting 18 hour flight from RAF Brize Norton, via a quick stop on Ascension Island, but that was not his biggest challenge: “The packing, frankly, is a nightmare because it’s winter in the Falkland Islands. Strong winds all the time. Ascension Island is in the tropics near the equator. So we had to go from the summer to the winter, knowing that when we got off the plane, and before we went to the hotel, we would be going to a wreath laying ceremony at Fitzroy and we had to look smart. It was a challenge.”

Neil was one of about 16 VIPs flown to the British overseas territory.

Other guests included Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne, as well as representatives from the Labour Party, Gibraltar, Wales and Scotland: “It was a strange mixture of people when you consider the small countries huddled together.”

One of the most enjoyable parts of his trip was how welcome he was made to feel by the Islanders: “The college 8,000 miles away is very well known so I only have to say who I am and they immediately say hello and that their sister went there or whatever.”

“

They’re very grateful for the opportunity to develop a society that those poor soldiers and airman gave their lives for to make that possible...

“

william.brougham@winchestertoday.co.uk

They had a busy schedule attending meetings and wreath laying ceremonies. As well as visiting the capital Port Stanley they flew out by helicopter and in 8-seater planes to various parts of the Islands including San Carlos, Volunteer Point and Fox Bay. During his trip he also met former Peter Symonds College students, as well as prospective students and their parents. He says it is easy to forget how large the islands are: “People don’t always appreciate in the UK that the Islands’ land mass, if you stuck it all together, is roughly the size as Wales yet the population is just over 3,000. The vast majority of the population live in the capital Stanley, so camp - as they call everything that’s not Stanley itself, - is just unbelievably big and empty. The landscape’s very much like Scottish moorland, rolling rather than mountainous with very little in it.”

He stayed in the Malvina Hotel in Stanley and describes the capital as being like a small town or village but

having everything disproportionate to its size: “It’s got lots of pubs, a cathedral, a Roman Catholic Church, a couple of supermarkets… and yet it’s tiny.”

Neil believes the Falkland Islanders are incredibly thankful for the valuable help given by British troops in liberating their Islands in 1982 from Argentine occupation: “The positive thing about the Islands is that all those sacrifices would have been a waste if they’d just been frozen in time. What happened is the Islands have moved on and they’re very grateful for the opportunity to develop a society that those poor soldiers and airman gave their lives for to make that possible.”

He says the invasion and the Islands’ difficult relationship with Argentina is rarely far from people’s minds.

Neil says some people play it down and others are very anxious about it: “They are trying to get a message across to the world’s media that they are a genuine indigenous population.

They’ve lived there, some of them, for six or seven generations since 1833.

Argentina’s claim is a bit spurious if you start looking at the history. There was a British presence in the Falkland Islands before Argentina existed.”

But while the Falkland Islands may seem very British in some ways Neil admits they are very different in other ways: “When you walk about in Stanley the landscape feels Scottish and the people speak with an English accent but then you suddenly see a bit of alien wildlife. I remember walking along Ross Road which is the main road in Stanley past one of the few trees and seeing several turkey vultures looking down at us. You don’t get many of those in Scotland.

It’s surreal actually because it’s like having a bit of Britain moved into a different landscape.”

Strong winds and blizzards may have dominated much of the trip, but Neil says it was definitely worth it; the important ties that bind Winchester and the Falkland Islands still exist, with evidence on both sides that they want it to continue.

JULY 2012 WINCHESTER TODAY 5

News

Below: Theatre Royal, Winchester Photo: :Duncan

Chance for Teens to Let Off Steam This Summer

William Brougham

Theatre Royal offers workshops in August

william.brougham@winchestertoday.co.uk allows youngsters to take traditional stories with their original meanings using puppetry and storytelling before turning them into something dark and creepy. But Ryan says to be warned – it’s hard work: “They’re long days.

Each day’s ten to five and we have to go for five days a week. We have to perform at the end of the week and you do get tired by the end.”

The week-long summer schools developed from a series of half day workshops such as puppetry, stage fighting and musicals: “It was a huge amount of work to do trying to keep lots of different people happy in only half a day.We found it was much more fun to spend an entire week doing one thing that lots of people enjoyed rather than half a day that a couple of people enjoyed.”

Youth Theatre Manager, Ryan James

The Theatre Royal is offering youngsters another chance to tread the boards next month when it brings back its popular summer schools. Children and teenagers aged between 8 and 16 will be able to take part in two five-day workshops in August.

‘Musical Mash Up’ takes place between 6 and 10 August, and A Week

of Grimms’ Fairy Tales is on between 13 and 17 August.

The Youth Theatre Manager at the Theatre Royal, Ryan James, says they will appeal particularly to youngsters who are sociable and love the stage: “They’re people who love music, love meeting new people, love being involved and love getting on together.”

The summer schools have proved so popular this year that the theatre has had to extend the number of places available on each one to 50. A lot of energy goes into organising the courses but Ryan says he would not have it any other way: “It’s a great week to be completely out of the office and to be working on the stage with a group of young enthusiastic people and putting on a show. That’s why all of us work in theatre. We wouldn’t do it otherwise. We do it because we actually enjoy working in theatre and it’s a week of actually getting do what we love.”

For more information phone the Theatre Royal Winchester Box Office on 01962 840440.

At the end of each week the students will put on a show for their friends and families.

‘Musical Mash Up’ will involve students coming up with different songs from musicals and creating a narrative before putting on a show at the end of the week.

A Week of Grimms’ Fairy Tales

Winchester Today is pledging support to

as our nominated charity until 31st December 2015

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WINCHESTER TODAY JULY 2012

Features Thanks to Hampshire’s transient population, Winchester attracts more than an average amount of crime; criminals will travel miles to visit.

Not quite the type of tourism the city wants. Jon comments: “Not everyone bothers to report crime and this comes across as there being nothing wrong.

It’s a vicious circle.”

What it Takes…

It’s not hard to imagine why, when you see how isolated most of the houses are. It may seem that the public are less pro-police these days.

But what is difficult to grasp is how thinly stretched they are. In the back of the work’s Land Rover, the radios hum. We still manage to spend hours zipping between addresses. I got the feeling it was normal to try and be in two places at once.

…to be a Wildlife Officer in Winchester District

By Annabel Radcliffe annabel.radcliffe@winchestertoday.co.uk Excitement with a hint of trepidation… my feelings about spending a night shift with the Hampshire Police Wildlife team. I’d heard of some upsetting stories before and so was concerned about what might be ‘out there’. I hoped - with some guilt for the ultimate prize: for us to catch a criminal in the act, foil their plans and hear the famous words, “You’re nicked, mate.” Do they even say this in the country, let alone in the towns?

Team. Such a responsibility. Yet the building I’m standing in is up for sale.

After the news of all the cuts should I have been surprised? I felt slightly better after hearing that there hadn’t been any takers!

I wanted to find out what it was like focusing on the rural side of crime fighting. My point of contact was Jon Radcliffe, a Police Officer with more than 20 years’ experience. Okay, he’s my father, but I’ve never been out to see what he does. He helps to keep the inhabitants, wildlife and beautiful countryside of Hampshire (and more importantly, Winchester) safe from harm.

After signing my life away, I noted on the disclaimer I had to sign that there was a high risk of witnessing violence and dead bodies, human or animal. Luckily for me, counselling afterwards would be optional if needed! Handed an observer’s jacket, I was warned: “Never remove this and if anything kicks off, no matter what, stay in the car”. Feeling slightly apprehensive I was assured this was standard procedure.

With 220 square miles covered by only 3 specialist officers at any one time, you don’t realise quite how substantial that is until you are standing in the station looking at the map of Hampshire broken down into four colours. I gaze up at the map.

Green swamps most of it which represents the area covered by the Wildlife

“

Poachers are thoughtless, arrogant – and often violent

”

Names and addresses were given out and the theme of the night was overt not covert. No unmarked cars this time. We needed to be seen AND heard.

Poaching, theft, crop or hedgerow damage and even illegal metal

detecting are the main problems these days. Poaching? Admittedly my first thought was of Heartbeat’s ‘Greengrass’; what would be wrong with a couple of pheasant for the pot?

It couldn’t be further from the truth, poachers are thoughtless, arrogant and often violent people. Jon explained: “If you come across a poacher in the act, you and he both know it’s illegal. It isn’t unheard of for them to be armed; luckily it’s unusual for anyone to be hurt”. Law breakers in the country are rarely caught due to their activities being nocturnal.

At about 9pm we visit a local game keeper for any fresh information on a potential metal theft case. The game keeper made a few phone calls to other land managers. The conclusion was that it wasn’t likely to be theft, but an innocent mistake of overzealous clearance. Jon is cliché but honest when he comments that the public are vital for policing.

This visit had shown how much the force needs extra pairs of eyes and ears to help. The CountryWatch program would work excellently if everyone was as helpful as this to the police. This rural equivalent to ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ aims to connect people all over the region to unite and fight against crime. Sadly though, not all the public feel safe enough to do that. Not when vehicles have been torched and threats made to families.

Crop and hedgerow damage can seem trifling but joy riding across crop fields can be incredibly destructive and costly. I saw this during a call out to trespassing; deep ruts had been cut into the fields. Evidential photos were taken and multiple tyre treads were found in the field which would be helpful when trying to catch the suspect. Apart from their property being damaged, hedgerows are taken for granted but can be wiped out in seconds to make an escape route. They take years to establish, as much as a decade or two.

Officially Winchester is a designated heritage city and full of ancient history which is something illegal metal detectors, or ‘nighthawks’ as they are termed, are very interested in. Repeatedly digging up land is frustrating for farmers - and leaving finds unreported is illegal. Winchester is a very beautiful place, but I can’t help but feel this fact also presents its own set of unique problems to policing.

The night ends early for me at 1am, a couple of hours earlier than the rest of the shift. I leave tired, but more impressed and encouraged than when I had arrived. This wasn’t just a job but also a labour of love by the team, every crime committed felt personal.

Jon has always encouraged my love of the countryside but never before had I ventured out with him on duty.

I feel more faith in the police after seeing them in action. It makes me realise how much we, as members of the public, as well as countryside lovers, need to help fight the people who are out to destroy one of the best things about Winchester.

Deer and hare are commonly targeted, with the choice of weapons being long dogs such as lurchers or even guns. Venison isn’t a cheap meat. Poachers will catch deer for several reasons: their own consumption, to sell on illegally, for betting or what perhaps is the worst... for fun. It is one thing to find remains of a gralloching, where a deer carcass is gutted for human consumption; not illegal, until being done without permission.

Jon admitted sadly: “We have heard of cases of headless stags being discovered.” This to me personifies the pointlessness of poaching.

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WINCHESTER TODAY JULY 2012

Treading the Boards Review

Murdered to Death By Peter Gordon Cheriton Players, Cheriton Village Hall, 26 May 2012.

Reviewed By

Kevin Gover

kevin.gover@winchestertoday.co.uk

∞∞∞∞∞ [L-R] Tracey Anderson, David Cradduck and Helena Gomm

project:Alfie l50 project:Alfie150 is giving young people aged 16-25 free training in all aspects of media – radio, print and online.

Register for a place now on our next training start date (Sunday 27 January 2013) on news@winchestertoday.co.uk

One of the most enduring things about life in Winchester and surrounding areas is the sheer dedication and hard work put in by our amateur dramatic societies to try and please audiences, who in this high-tech world of having everything at their fingertips, sometimes can be extremely demanding. That’s if you can get them to come out in the first place! One of these groups is the Cheriton Players, who are now in their 51st year. Not only did they have a relatively difficult play to contend with in terms of comic timing, but they battled courageously on the tiny stage at the hall throughout four of the hottest days of the year.

I need not have worried about the timing – I saw the play twice and was amazed by how they managed to pull this off, even down to the special (and crucial) effects off-stage – and how crucial BOTH are to this tale of murder and mayhem at a country mansion in the 1930s.

Inspector Pratt (David Cradduck) is called in to investigate the deaths which put even the body count of Midsomer Murders to shame.

You can guess by his surname the level of incompetence, and David’s delivery was spot on – even to the point of how he was trying to look round the room for inspiration in solving the crimes.

Did I mention the room? Well, a beautiful 1930s set and costumes, with care and attention to detail as is customary from the Players.

The play relies on interaction from the various grouping of couples within the storyline, and I thought

the Players had this casting spot-on too. I enjoyed the pairing and interaction between Colonel Charles Craddock and his grumpy wife Margaret (Mike Cornter and Jan Conway) the Inspector and his long-suffering sidekick Constable Thompkins (Charlie Hellard), and also of Pierre Marceau (Jules Anderson) and Elizabeth HartleyTrumpington (Tracey Anderson) who both had to leap in and out of accents throughout the play. In fact Jules, your French accent eez zee best in zee area! Then there was Joan Maple (Pauline Cornter) who looked exactly like those lady sleuths on the telly trying to solve everything too… with everyone trying not to call her Marple in this spoof of all detective stories.

Credit also to the long-suffering Dorothy (Helena Gomm), the host Mildred (Cheryl Brennan) and Bunting (Reg Large) – who delivered the most difficult part possible, of an actor who has to pretend he’s drunk when he isn’t, with absolute credibility.

The lines from everyone were delivered in the main with gusto in the immense heat, and even though you know the gun shots are coming, you still leap twenty feet in the air!

I thought that at times the Players could have been encouraged to over-act a little more, and deliver with even a little more urgency – and it was evident at times that some of the lines were getting a little lost along the way – but this didn’t detract from the whole enjoyment.

As I was sitting in the audience, I also heard others laughing along at the choice of detective theme tunes that were played between the set changes. Very clever!

Afterwards, I talked to the cast about how they managed to work through some of the hottest days of the year. Mike says they’ve all been major beneficiaries because they’ve all lost weight! He also says it’s been amazing that the audience seemed to pick up something different every night: “The trouble was, we had to anticipate and wait for the laughs because it’s no good speaking when everybody’s laughing. But some nights we got a big laugh on one line and on other nights it didn’t seem to hit them. They did all seem to laugh about my wife suffering from wind!” David agrees that he also had problems with his ‘trifle in the safe’ joke… but we were all so busy laughing at his other antics that it probably didn’t matter.

Director Barbara Large says it’s important to play everything as seriously as they possibly can – however daft the character is – and THAT’S when the laughs will come, as they did a-plenty.

Since the show, I have also been back to the Hall for the Players’ AGM, to hear about plans for the future… and long may they continue.

JULY 2012 WINCHESTER TODAY 9

Man with a Plan

No 5 Bridge Street opened in December 2011 after a refurbishment and features a restaurant, bar and six en-suite boutique guest rooms. Richard even plans to use the Olympics as a way to win extra customers: “Well, we’re doing little theme nights during the major events… so during the men’s 100 etc we’re putting on little events in our private dining room and hopefully selling it to people.” The manager admits it is a gamble opening up a new business but he believes it is one that has paid off: “There’s a lot of competition out there and it’s about getting our name out there to the general public but Winchester seems to be responding rather well if I’m honest.”

Richard knows exactly what he likes best about running his business: “It’s probably the customers. It has to be. Without the customers you couldn’t run a

Man With A Plan:

Richard Baker - N°5, Bridge Street

business.” But he has no doubts as to why No 5 Bridge Street is such a success: “It all comes down to the staff. If you have the right people in the right place and do things correctly people will flock to you.”

In fact, so sure is he of the success of his hotel, bar and restaurant that he is unfailing in his conviction that they will continue during and after the London 2012 games: “I am incredibly optimistic for the future that we’ll keep going from strength to strength hopefully to the end of the year and beyond.”

Richard is a Man with a Plan.

Would you like to be featured in a future issue of Winchester Today? Simply drop us a line to news@winchestertoday.co.uk – and before you ask, no – you don’t have to be a man! You don’t have to pay us anything, either.

Angry Skies Make For Drama Over Farley Mount Richard Baker outside the hotel

Richard Baker talks to William Brougham.

We’re sitting in a beautifully converted stable at the back of the premises, and Winchester hotelier Richard Baker is not letting predictions that tourism will slump during the period of the Olympics get him down. Reports of rip-off prices elsewhere in the country have led to suggestions that tourism as a whole to the country may drop

by over 30 per cent. In fact, the General Manager of No. 5 Bridge Street insists his hotel will benefit because of the proximity of the city to London: “We’re already looking at 50 per cent occupancy in terms of sales for the dates of the Olympics.

We are seeing people plan ahead, that’s for sure and grabbing rooms while they’re still available,” he says.

His remarks follow recent claims

by the tourism trade association UK Inbound that its members are reporting bookings are considerably down compared to the same period last year. The increased cost of accommodation is being blamed for turning tourists away. But Richard is confident his business is not under threat: “We’re looking forward to the Olympics. We think it will bring a lot of people to the city itself.”

Lisa Gigante

lisa.gigante@winchestertoday.co.uk Farley Mount has always held an attraction. For someone to make such a huge monument for their horse, that’s pretty amazing.

I went for a drive up there after I lost my job. It was a dreary day but I managed to capture something quite moving. I’ve always expressed myself

with a little of the ‘dark’ side I guess you’d call it!

It was pouring down with rain when I took that shot – and then I legged it up the hill and hid in the monument until the rain passed.

I love my job. It’s the best, most enjoyable thing ever. And now having my own business is fantastic!

10

WINCHESTER TODAY JULY 2012

Turn It Up! Interview: Music Editor Rebecca Rayner meets ‘We Deny’

We Deny’s Best album of all time

Blink-182: Take Off Your Pants And Jacket.

Local female fronted poppunk five piece, We Deny, are definitely ones to keep an eye on this year.

TD They had already started writing some stuff and me and Loren were in an acoustic band together. We all ended up joining to form We Deny.

The band - Loren Mancini-vocals, Sean Page - rhythm guitar, Jake Barratt - lead guitar, Ed Rainford – bass and Tom Drinkwater – drums, certainly know how to create the perfect song.

Their music is a blissfully catchy explosion of Loren’s unique and powerful vocals with energetic guitars, strong bass lines and hammering drums.

The band’s journey is really progressing this year after spending last year playing countless gigs across venues around Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton and Reading. Their debut EP is due for release this month with a collection of unique songs and the band is already receiving plenty of interest from management and venues around the country.

RR Do you see yourselves turning this into a career?

TD We’ve been getting quite a few gigs recently and we’ve sort of been thinking we need to sort things out as Jake and Ed are at University, so to do gigs it’s quite difficult to get them down so we hardly ever practice at the moment.

Jake Barratt If we were going to make a career out of it things would really have to take off.

LM If I had it my way we would make a career out of it.

Sean Page I don’t care whether we play Reading Festival as long as we’re touring all the time and playing shows in front of new people

I caught up with them at their first show of the summer at Winchester venue, The Railway, to discuss the exciting journey the band are about to embark on.

Rebecca Rayner How did you all meet each other and then start up the band?

Tom Drinkwater Well we met at secondary school, Testbourne in Whitchurch. I used to play basket ball with ED and Jake.

Loren Mancini I was actually in the same tutor as Tom. I didn’t meet Ed and Jake until Sean introduced me when asking about joining the band that the three of them had already started. They were looking for a singer and a drummer so that’s where Tom and I came in.

RR What are your musical influences?

TD Mostly all pop punk stuff but we all listen to different music.

RR So if you had to pick a band each that influences you, what would you pick?

TD for drumming influences, Yellowcard because I really like their drummer.

LM For vocal influences either Hayley Williams from Paramore or Lacey Turner from Flyleaf. They both have really different, powerful voices and I love that.

SP I’m just going to go ahead and say, you guys are gonna hate this, but Boys Like Girls. I’ve always liked them but you guys don’t.

Ed Rainford I’d probably say Red Hot Chilli Peppers actually even though were not that much like them in the bass, but for me personally, Flea is awesome.

JB It’s got to be Blink-182 for me but I also like Avenged Sevenfold.

RR So do you bring in all the different aspects of these bands and merge them together to create your sound?

LM What’s really cool is that we have a pop-punk sound but Jake really throws it up with his metal style solos.

JB I’m really into metal so I try to mix things up a bit with the guitar, but it’s generally a pop- punk sound.

What are your songs and lyrics about?

LM Most of my lyrics are about heartbreak, falling out with friends and parents and running away.

TD They are pretty depressing lyrics but when you sing them to pop-punk it sounds quite happy.

LM I’ve also written a song about being young, doing whatever you want and not listening to what people say.

RR What is the most unique aspect of ‘We Deny’?

JB We mix things up. It’s not all your general pop punk stuff, we say that on our Facebook page but it’s not all that.

We kind of mix things up, we have one heavier song and a few softer ones.

TD We find it difficult to fit into a genre which can be a pain to get gigs.

We have played with heavier bands and opened for them, doing that gives us experience so I guess that is a good quality.

LM I think it’s the fact we have the aspect of the energizing and fun of pop-punk but we also have the emotional and heavier quality of stuff which isn’t so much pop but maybe more alternative and heavy.

RR Some people would say it’s good that you’re female fronted, because not lot of bands out there are. Do you

see it as an advantage having that?

ER We always get compared to Paramore.

SP So many people say we’re just like Paramore. It’s not a bad thing being compared to Paramore because they’re a great band, but at the same time we don’t want people saying that we’re just a Paramore rip off.

LM Every female fronted band will get compared to Paramore, it’s just the way it goes.

TD They are one of the main female fronted bands that made it big. It’s not a bad thing being compared to that.

RR You’re planning on releasing your debut EP in July. Do you have news on progress or a possible title?

TD We booked the studio for the end of June to record.

SP I think we are going to spend our time making it as awesome as possible.

LM We were thinking of maybe calling it the Summer EP as it’s coming out in the summer and the sound of the songs are upbeat summery. When we have enough songs to release a proper album we will probably start to think of a serious name.

SP This is going to be an EP where we have three songs for now and give it out for free. We want as many people to hear it as possible.

TD We will give copies out for free at our EP launch gig on 18th July at the Railway in Winchester.

It will also be available on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ wedeny for free download.

Like to be featured? Simply drop me a line at rebecca.rayner@ winchestertoday.co.uk

Why Blink-182 is a huge influence on our music. We all like it and really enjoy it.

Best song Every Time I Look For You. What effect has this album had on you?

Tom By listening to it, I started learning the drum beats so it changed the way I play drums. I wouldn’t be in this band if I couldn’t play the way I do.

Loren When I listen to it, it made me think about how pop music doesn’t always have to be serious. It can be fun, it can be stupid and it can be hilarious.

JULY 2012 WINCHESTER TODAY 11

Festival Guide

Festival Guide Rebecca Rayner

rebecca.rayner@winchestertoday.co.uk

Festivals are the best place for music lovers to come together and enjoy the best live music has to offer.

The atmosphere is always electric and sunny weather is optional. Hampshire has a buzzing music scene and a great variety of festivals for you to pick from, all of which are on your doorstep.

Here is your foolproof guide to the best of the bunch this year ranging from alternative heaven on the Isle of Wight to sweaty rock in a small indoor venue, I can smell it already.

Bestival

Where: Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park near Newport, Isle of Wight.

When: September 6th-9th.

Ticket information: Adult Ticket with entry from Thursday 6th September - £180 Adult Ticket with entry from Friday 7th September - £170 Teen Ticket (age 13-17) - £120 Age 12 and Under Weekend Ticket - FREE (but you must obtain a ticket) Website: http://2012.bestival.net/ Every year as September arrives hundreds of Hampshire residents flock to Bestival on the Isle of Wight for the alternative atmosphere, the fancy dress themes, the green ethos and the vast array of fantastic live music. Bestival is sometimes described as a boutique festival due to its non-corporate feel. It is also known for its innovative ideas which include an inflatable church where people can get married.

At Bestival almost every music taste is catered for; this year indie fans will love bands like Friendly Fires and Two Door Cinema Club, whilst the dance music maniacs will be able to rave to their hearts content to sets from the likes of Radio 1’s Annie Mac and 2 Many DJ’s. 2012 is set to see the biggest and best line-up in Bestival’s nine year history with headliners including New Order, Stevie Wonder and Florence And The Machine who will be headlining Friday. Organiser Rob Da Bank is excited about Florence’s Bestival return: “Her shows for us at both Bestival and Camp Bestival over the last few years have always been highlights for

2009, her epic vocals, quirky melodies and self-contained musical world have created some utterly jaw-dropping moments that will live long in Bestival lore. Her second album ‘Ceremonials’, released at the end of last year, has cemented her reputation as one of the biggest stars on the planet and gained her accolades by the bucket-load.

Tickets are available now so make sure you get them while you can.

All the information and ticket vendors can be found on Bestival’s website, which is listed above, and remember to pack your animal costume as this year’s fancy dress theme is wildlife. An animal extravaganza is being planned as we speak.

many and I’m glad we can finally seal the deal with a headline show on the Friday of Bestival and, with The xx on before her, this promises to go down in the Best of Bestival yearbook!”

A long-standing Bestival buddy, Florence Welch and her trusty Machine have wowed Bestivalites across the years. From her mesmerising early performance in the Club Dada tent to a handful of those in the know, to her all-conquering Main Stage set in

BoomTown Fair

Where: The Bowl, Matterley Estate, Near Winchester.

When: 9th -12th August Ticket information: Adult weekend tickets are priced at £124 plus a £5 eco bond deposit Teen tickets (13-17 years) have SOLD OUT Child ticket (6-12 years inc) is priced at £10 Under 6’s can attend for free but must be registered Website: www.boomtownfair.co.uk Now in its fourth year BoomTown Fair is a music, arts and family festival.

This festival is a postmodern explosion of amazement; it prides itself on the creation of a huge, mad city named Boomtown, with many exciting spectacles hiding around every corner waiting to be discovered.

This year’s fancy dress theme will be ‘Outer Space’ with the mother-

ship, Arcadia, crash landing onsite.

Strange creatures will be infesting the surrounding woodlands and mutated vehicles patrolling the landscape, this year the aliens will be walking among the crowds.

The music is just as diverse and wacky as the festivals surroundings and there is a good variety to choose from.

The main stage line-up will consist of ska and party bands from around the world, with the other live music stages offering cabaret, gypsy, folk, reggae, dub and country and western.

This year’s line-up includes: Alborosie, Reel Big Fish, Caravan Palace, Beanie Man, Natty, Dirtyphonics, Jack Beats, The Beat, Dub Pistols, The Beat, Pronghorn, Skatalites and many more.

This festival is great for families, because Boomtown will have a specially designated family campsite with showers and toilets. There will also be a children’s area with its own reception for babies, toddlers and children up to 12.

The area is programmed with creative workshops, and has a chill out space for parents and games for kids.

Not only will this provide families with an easygoing and enjoyable festival experience, but the artistic and creative surroundings are sure to spark children’s imaginations and they could also participate in the alien fancy dress too.

Visit the Boomtown Fair website for lots more information about all the special features of the festival and the usual information like travel details and ticket purchasing links.

Turn It Up!

Burnout Festival

Where: The George Venue, Andover.

When: July 27th- 29th.

Ticket information: • WEEKEND: Full weekend ticket will be £35.00 • FRIDAY: Friday only ticket will be £12.00 • SATURDAY: Saturday only ticket will be £15.00 • SUNDAY: Sunday only ticket will be £15.00 • AFTER PARTY: We will have an after party on Saturday - strictly 18+ this will be £2.00 Website: h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / BurnOutFest For rock music fans out there, Burnout Festival is being held at The George Venue, the small rocky gem hidden behind the high street in Andover. Usually during festival season, everyone flocks to see their favorite new and established bands in crowded settings and tickets are expensive.

Burnout Festival gives you the chance to see the best up and coming and establishing bands for a fraction of the cost in a small and vibrant local venue.

26 bands, 14 acoustic acts, 3 days, 1 venue, No clashes.

Bands include: Canterbury, Don Bronco, Futures, Mallory Knox, Burn the Fleet, Straight lines, Evarose and Bury Tomorrow.

Visit the website to see the full line-up, travel directions and links to buy tickets.

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WINCHESTER TODAY JULY 2012

On Stage

Go West!

Clockwise from top-left: Larmer Tree Global Bazaar, Allotment, Joss Stone & Paloma Faith

An appreciation of the Larmer Tree Festival Kevin Gover

Paloma photo: Rebecca Pierce Allotment photo: Eamonn McGoldrick

kevin.gover@winchestertoday.co.uk From time-to-time, Winchester Today will feature events from further afield that we think may amaze you.

One of those, as you can see from the adverts around town featuring Jools Holland is the Larmer Tree Festival.

Okay, it’s a bit of a hike to the site the other side of Salisbury, but having made the trip before, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. After all, why would they want to take the time to advertise around town if they didn’t think we would be interested?

Six stages, 70 artists, 150 free workshops, street theatre and carnival procession all make this a special place.

For me, the beauty of this Festival is that in relative terms to others it’s still small scale, and when you are in the audience you feel that you are a privileged member; seeing Paloma Faith for example with about 80 others in a tent BEFORE she was famous. And what a line-up this year for small scale: Paloma Faith, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra with special guest Roland Gift, Levellers, Roots Manuva and many more. We’re always promised the best in comedy as well, and the guests this year will not disappoint: Tim Minchin, Greg Davies, Milton Jones, Stephen K Amos and loads more.

What’s more, for the first time, you can enjoy an adventure off-site this year… er… in an allotment! Audience members will be carted off in a big red Routemaster bus for the 2011 Fringe First award winning play.

Enjoy!

Box Office: 02380 711820

The Festival organisers are also pleased to welcome Joss Stone.

The Grammy award-winning diva will be making a special appearance to perform with Yes Sir Boss on the Thursday night (12 July) on the main stage. Founder and co-director of Larmer Tree Festival – James Shepard – says it’s a bit of

a Brucie Bonus: “Having Joss Stone gig with Yes Sir Boss will magnify an already fantastic evening of music and comedy. Yes Sir Boss is an exciting new band, which looks set to make waves on the music scene this year and is perfect for Larmer Tree’s ethos of supporting up and coming talent.”

JULY 2012 WINCHESTER TODAY 13

Business & Entertainment

What’s App?

How a Hampshire-based business is causing a stir with smartphone apps Photos: Matthew McCulley

An Alresford-based company seems to be tackling the issue of developing smartphone apps for high-profile clients in Winchester and elsewhere in Hampshire with some aplomb.

First Option Solutions is collaborating with Winchester’s Hat Fair to produce the 2012 Hat Fair iPhone app.

The company says it’s ideal for anyone who has been to a large festival and familiar with the dilemma: “Where am I? What’s on, when? Where can I get something to eat?” The app has been developed from last year’s highly popular app, providing the user with a free, comprehensive up-to-date list of

Winchester Festival News A former ‘Busker of the Year’ is pitching up at the Winchester Festival this year in a specially adapted acoustic set for us to enjoy.

The career of busker turned singer/ songwriter Kristyna Myles (top right) is already taking off with a debut single ‘I’m Not Going Back’ released online – and the first in a five album deal on Decca due out this summer.

Kristyna has also returned to the streets to try and raise £250,000 for the homeless charity ‘Centrepoint’, by busking in towns and cities throughout the country. Her project has attracted so much national media interest that she’s also been invited to open for major acts, including Will Young, Gipsy Kings, Chic, M People, Tim Minchin and Status Quo at the Kew The Music festival this week at Kew Gardens (3-8 July).

Kristyna will be accompanied by her Romsey-based writing, touring and recording partner – guitarist Ben Williams – for a mixture of soul, pop and jazz in a stripped-back set on Friday 13 July at Winchester Guildhall, starting at 8.30pm. More details on

www.winchesterfestival.co.uk The next day – Saturday 14 July – sees a golden opportunity to learn more about the style, techniques and joy of singing gospel. It’s for you whether you sing in a church choir, rock choir – or just in the bath!

‘Black Voices (bottom right)’ will be leading the workshop for amateur singers of all ages and abilities at The United Church in Jewry Street in Winchester. ‘Black Voices’ has forged its own dynamic way of distilling and presenting black music from a Caribbean, black British perspective, and has its roots firmly planted in the black church. Members will also be in concert later in the evening, with music to energise, uplift and entertain.

The workshop runs from 11am to 4pm and costs £10. The concert later in the evening begins at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £18. More information from the Winchester Festival website on www.winchesterfestival. co.uk, or from the Festival office on 01962 857240. The 15th Winchester Festival as a whole runs from 6-15 July.

artists, venues, show times and where to eat, all displayed clearly with the aid of a local map.

But it’s not all for the company. The app comes hot off the heels of one developed for the Alresford Music Festival – and another developed recently for the 6th Form College in Farnborough.

This one provides a campus map, tips on finding your way around, rooming information and general information to help students and visitors new to the College.

Assistant principal Jon Marks is welcoming the move: “The app will offer prospective students, employers and commercial business clients an ‘e-window’ into the College, whilst helping new students familiarise themselves with their new surroundings. Current students and staff are excited about it, not least because we are amongst the first colleges in the region to develop such an application that students have been asking for.”

Matt Clarke is First Options Solutions’ managing director, and is excited at the prospects. “The app market is huge and growing at an amazing rate. It’s not just about games and social media any more; with this type of app, it is very much an affordable marketing and information tool for organisations regardless of their size and sector.”

And feedback from the students at Farnborough? One reviewer says: “This is what every college student needs - helpful and easy to use.” Anna Brown and Carmen Vieira, pictured left.

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WINCHESTER TODAY JULY 2012

Think!

Sudoku

St. Cross-word N째001

Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.56) Difficulty: Medium

6 8 4 7

2

Concise crossword for a quick break

3

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Scribble space:

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Thu Jun 28 11:36:03 2012 GMT. Enjoy!

Classified section coming next issue!

Across:

1 Cricket team (4,6) 7 Story beginning (4,4,1,4) 8 Upright (5) 10 A black sun (7) 12 Film award (5) 14 Caribbean island (5) 20 Ecstasy, delight (7) 23 Laundry appliance collq. (5) 24 Confirmable action (10,3) 25 Directly (10)

Down:

1Stiff (6) 2 Triumph(7) 3 Made a humming sound (6) 4 Digital letter (1,4) 5 80s & 90s Portable notification device (6) 6 Weak (4) 9 Drink (3) 11 Hospital department (1,1,1) 13 Animal (3) 15 Pole (3) 16 90s art movement (4,3) 17 Small stone chips (6) 18 Western US State (6) 19 Tough determined attitude (6) 21 Bit, piece (4) 22 Out of shape (5)

answers in the next issue

Classifieds In Town?

Want to place a classified ad in the next issue of Winchester Today?

Easy!

Just drop in to see our friends at:

Mail Boxes Etc at 80 High Street - and fill in the form!

JULY 2012 WINCHESTER TODAY 15

Sport

Torch Relay, 11 July.

Not sure where to go for the best view?

Our maps show you exactly where the torch will be and when.

Photo: LOCOG Maps: Winchester City Council

Kings Worthy - Torch Route Map, left

Winchester - Torch Route Map, below

Afternoon Jaunt for Flame’s Journey

The torch is spanning the nation before the games begin.

Photo: Ronan_C

Continued from back page. and takes part. From my personal point of view, I hope that people will think about taking up a new sport - or pick up a lapsed one again that they used to play and get fit and healthy.”

Leaflets are out to help people make the most of their day – and top tips include arriving in plenty of time, perhaps even an hour before the event (1.14pm Kings Worthy, 1.23pm Winchester), walking to the event, and bringing plenty of water, a hat and sun screen if it’s hot.

Interested in becoming a sport contributor? Drop us a line to news@winchestertoday.co.uk

Sport

16

WINCHESTER TODAY JULY 2012

Inside: Olympic torch routes, Business, Music & More

Winchester’s Supermen Meet the 10 million metre man!

40-year-old Alex Flynn is just one of the entrants in the Pedal Paddle Pace triathlon in Winchester (8 July) – but he’s surely one of the toughest. He’s supporting everyone in Winchester ahead of preparing to run, cycle, row and swim the 3,500 miles across America in his very

own Trans USA Challenge.

He’s aiming to complete 10 million metres and raise £1 million to help find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, having himself been diagnosed in 2009.

Winchester PPP Race Director, Rob Williams, says he’s delighted to welcome Alex to the city: “We’re

Olympic Torch

Relay comes to town on 11th July

So, the Torch Relay is nearly here in Winchester and Kings Worthy after what seems to have been the longest 70 days in history. Many people have been itching for ‘our turn’ to arrive as the flame makes its way here from the moment former Peter Symonds student Ben Ainslie held the flame aloft in Land’s End to send it on its way to London. One of them is Mandy Ford, who is Head of Sport and Physical Activity at Winchester City Council and who has been excited ever since the bid for locations was made three years ago. “We’re going to have a different feel to how it looked in Winchester with the Diamond

Jubilee. We’re going to have Olympic bunting, Olympic banners, there’ll be flags outside the Cathedral and you’ll see modern Olympic colours for when the Torch comes through.”

Mandy feels the fact that we have two locations involved, in Winchester and Kings Worthy, is extremely fortunate: “I think it’s great that one of our smaller villages can host the Olympic Torch. They’re incredibly excited, they’ve got events going on all day, they’re decorating the local community, they’ve got 2 torch bearers – the school’s got an event, they’ve got a barbeque and are really going to town.

Mandy is also hopeful that the ‘legacy’ that has been discussed a lot at national level will be reflected here too: “I think it’s what Winchester is already good at. We’ve got a great community spirit here and when we have large events in Winchester everybody comes out and celebrates Continues on page 15 Ben Ainslie photo: LOCOG Flame photo: LOCOG

playing a small part in helping him achieve his goal, and in turn he is supporting us and Macmillan by racing the 27,000 metres on bike, foot and kayak. The scale of the Trans USA Challenge is very daunting, even for such a seasoned athlete as Alex. It’s equivalent to completing over 200 PPP triathlons.”

You can get more details of Winchester PPP at www.winchesterppp.co.uk – with all entry fees of £35 going to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Photo: Mark Gillet at Jungle Moon Photography.