Winchester Today 12 February 2024

Monday 12 February 2024

www.winchestertoday.co.uk

DAY OF FUN! The sights and sounds of WinQeilidh – just part of a showcase of local music and voice which is coming to The Arc this month. Sound Winchester launches with a day-long FREE event on 17 February.

Starting at 9.30 am and running to 3.30pm, there will be demos, jams, performances, and workshops.

It isn’t just about music though; Sound Winchester will also feature poetry and dance. There will be opportunities to meet and chat with the city’s music makers, writers and teachers and have a go yourself, playing instruments and writing songs. Enjoy!

Winchester DAB+ is back page 2

MBE Presented

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Encouraging female involvement in science

page 4

Trust Pearsons for a smooth move this winter.

Worried that moving home will be a rough ride? Talk to Pearsons.

Established and trusted in Hampshire for over 120 years, we’ve always offered unwavering service through calm and crisis.

Book a free, no obligation market appraisal today.

S E RV I C E | M A R K E T I N G | E X P E R I E N C E

Call 01962 853344 or visit pearsons.com

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

A RAY OF SUNSHINE BACK IN WINCHESTER

By Kevin Gover, News Editor, Winchester Today

Winchester, 4.32 pm, Thursday 8 February 2024. As I write this on a Thursday afternoon, it is hammering down outside, as it has been for much of the day. Yet there’s a ray of sunshine in my living room. The 1980s classic ‘Gangsters of the Groove’ is filling my living room. The point is, the music is coming from my i-box DAB+ radio, with the signal coming once more from a radio transmission site in Winchester. Engineers have been battling the elements this morning at the transmission site after regulator Ofcom announced their month-long consultation throughout January had passed without any problems. The Winchester DAB+ multiplex could shine again.

That in itself had followed the ‘great switch–off’ in November as the previous multiplex operator went under.

But as the Managing Director of Winchester DAB Limited, Osman Sen-Chadun points out, in radio terms that timescale is a whirlwind: “This has been an unprecedented and extremely demanding process to achieve in such a short timescale, from establishing a new multiplex operations company, to acquiring Ofcom licences and equipment, seeking a new landlord and viable transmission site… a process typically taking 18 months to complete… yet which we’ve managed in just over 2.” From one managing editor to another, a huge well done for your inspiration and leadership. Long may it continue.

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Young Winchester Steering Group encourages more girls to get involved in science ‘Why should more girls be involved with science?’ was the question asked to the members of the Wonderseekers Young Steering Group in celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science yesterday here in Winchester.

Nine-year-old Bethan and seven-year-old Tillie were at the forefront to help the Wonderseekers, the independent educational charity that runs Winchester Science Centre, continue its mission to empower all children to use science to protect and heal the planet. Though there have been improvements, children’s voices, and particularly girls’ voices, are still lacking within science.

Bethan: “I would encourage girls of the next generation to give it a try, they might be surprised at how science is a part of our everyday lives. In a relatively short period of time science has changed how we live drastically, it has given us so many new inventions like electricity, medicine and so much more. How exciting would it be to be the next scientist that discovers a life changing piece of science we haven’t yet discovered. I would encourage them to have fun and experiment with science - you never know what we might find next!”.

Tillie: “I would say that science is fun, and if they didn’t believe me then I’d show them the Science Centre and how they can learn about our world.

‘Girls can help in science as well as boys because we’re all part of the same world.’ ​​​​​​​​​​- Tillie (aged 7)

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Winchester City 2 Swindon Supermarine 2 Southern League Southern Premier Tuesday 6 February 2024 Report: Matt Richbell Winchester City came from 2-0 behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Swindon Supermarine on a wet and windy Tuesday night at the City Ground, writes Matt Richbell.

Manager,

Craig

Davis,

welcomed

Josh

McCormick

(pictured), Danny King and IK Hill back into the Starting XI. Jordan Rose, Jack Torniainen and Olly Balmer started on the subs bench.

After an even start, it was the visitors that looked most threatening, with Luke Cairney called into action to make Image: Josh Barrett

a superb save after a quarter of an hour.

Cairney went on to make a flurry of saves before the deadlock was broken by Campbell on 38 minutes for the

Playing The Music From Your Life… here’s a guide to your radio listening this week on Winchester Today:

visitors. Ollie Griggs and Pip Nolan were both booked

Monday to Friday 0900-1300 Kevin Gover, including the Golden Hour at 0900.

Davis replaced Simba Mlambo for Olly Balmer at half-

for the hosts shortly before half-time as City went in frustrated at the break.

time and then shortly after the restart, Max Smith went off injured and was replaced by Jordan Rose.

Monday 12 February 1977 Tuesday 13 February 1986 Wednesday 14 February 1980

Stuart Mott received a caution and Olly Balmer came close to an equaliser before Sims-Burgess went down the other end to make it 2-0 to the away side.

Thursday 15 February 1974 Friday 16 February 1971

City rallied, however, and Stuart Mott pulled a goal back

1300: The Lunchtime Express

on 78 minutes. As the rain came down, City applied

1400: Tony Simon 1700: Jon Gripton, including ‘The Big Book of Birthdays’.

further pressure on Supermarine and two minutes from time, IK Hill scored his first goal since returning to the first team following a stint at Hartley Wintney. Hill’s goal

1900: Jess Garner with his Mighty Fine Tunes.

earned a share of the spoils for City in a week of three

2100: The Golden Hour

home games that yielded four points.

2200: The No Sleeping Zone! While others send you to sleep, we do exactly the opposite!

Saturday 17 February includes Jon Gripton’s Party Zone at 1700 Sunday 18 February includes Chrissie Pollard at 1000, and ArtsPlus at 1700.

DAB+ between us and on

Find us on TuneIn or your smart speaker.

Tiverton Town – Winchester City Saturday 10 February 2024: Match Postponed

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Head of Prevention receives MBE Many congratulations to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention Karen Farr who attended Windsor Castle on Wednesday to receive an MBE in recognition of her work to support children and young people throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The investiture ceremony held on Wednesday 7 February was led by HRH Prince William at Windsor castle where he presented investees with awards to mark their outstanding achievements and service: “I feel incredibly honoured to have received this award. Being presented with my MBE at Windsor Castle was such a special and unforgettable experience and one I was lucky to be able to share with my family too.

To

be

Children

able, &

together Young

with

People

the

team,

to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people is a huge privilege. I am blessed with a brilliant team and for me, this award is recognition for all the staff and volunteers who are committed and passionate about the work we deliver. I am also grateful to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the Fire Authority for their unwavering commitment to improving positive outcomes for young people in our communities.”

Karen joined HIWFRS 15 years ago as a Prince’s Trust Team Leader and has played an integral role in developing the work of the Children & Young People team ever since.

CHER I TON PL AY ER S PR ESEN T

�

TERRY PRATCHETT ’S

ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY

STEPHEN BRIGGS AN AMATEUR PERFORMANCE OF THIS DISCWORLD � PL AY

23rd-27t h Apr i l 2024 www.thecheritonplayers.org.uk Tickets £13 available online from www.ticketsource.co.uk/cheritonplayers or tel 0333 666 3366 (standard rates apply).

All telephone bookings are handled through TicketSource – this is not an exclusive number for Cheriton Players.

‘TERRY PR ATCHETT’ AND ‘DISCWORLD’ ARE REGISTERED TR ADEMARKS

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

FRIEND (THE ONE WITH GUNTHER) / THEATRE ROYAL WINCHESTER 9 February 2024 Reviewed by Mark Ponsford This is, to say the least, a show for a Niche audience, and if you’ve never seen a single episode of Friends, then it’s unlikely you’d have the first clue as to what’s going on. But for fans of the much-loved and fondly remembered American TV Sitcom (numbered in their millions worldwide), it’s a 70-minute non-stop delight. Gunther, while never having been one of The Six, has nevertheless lived - at least on the sideline – through their varied and various trials and tribulations from his vantage point as Manager of the Central Perk Coffee House (which for some reason, I don’t recall being mentioned by name in this current show). He’s known his own share of frustration, rejection and heartbreak, and in a whistle-stop dash through all 10 seasons of the TV show, recreates characters, moments and revelations, while at the same time allowing us into his own little world. We learn more about Gunther in this compact little show than ever we’ve done previously, and the packed stalls of the Theatre Royal on Friday night were evidently more than keen to do so.

It helps enormously, of course, when this eager-to-please character is played as endearingly as he is by Joseph Maudsley, who more than justifies the price of a ticket on his own. The human equivalent of a Duracell Bunny on speed, he engages instantly with the audience, bursts periodically into song (during the show’s first few minutes, I wondered whether we were actually going to be treated to a one man musical comedy, in the event of which I can’t imagine anyone would have minded!), and – hopefully he won’t mind my saying this – displays some of the most delightfully eccentric dance movements I’ve seen on a stage since the great Max Wall.

And believe me, that’s high praise. In addition to all of the above, he can “riff” off the audience hilariously (and crucially, never unkindly), and be warned, if you’re sitting near the front - mastermind several moments of audience participation that manage to be gloriously funny and slightly alarming (at least for those directly involved) at the same time.

It has to be said that some of the impressions can feel slightly sketchy at moments, but nobody’s likely to mind when they’re measured against the relentless fun conjured by this winning actor, and by Brendan Murphy’s quickfire, rollicking script. There’s a gentle poignancy towards the end, when we are allowed a little closer to this appealing character, and maybe even recognize a little of ourselves in the process. At the end of the evening, with the audience applauding and cheering to a degree any performer would envy, Maudsley seemed genuinely touched by the response. It was no less than he deserved.

James Seabright, who’s produced this clever and charming romp of a show, is bringing one in similar format, Buffy Revamped, to the Theatre Royal on February 20th. If it’s as good as this current one, we’re in for a treat.

01962 853344

Happy New Year from Pearsons!

Last year was un unpredictable market, even for the usually very resilient Winchester market. We are pleased to notice much better levels of interest across the board even this early in 2024. Buyer confidence started to stabilise in November and December 2023 and has surged in the first weeks of the year. With interest rates holding, mortgage lenders being more competitive and stable with their products and vendors that have waiting now coming to market, we anticipate a fruitful ‘bounce-back’ year.

If you are considering moving over the next year or simply interested in the price of your property – please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you. In the meantime, have a lovely festive season!

Testimonials “We moved to Pearsons 6 months into attempting to sell with hopes of better success.

We were not disappointed. Sam and his team provided a genuinely insightful and professional service.”

“I have moved several times over the years and this is by far, the best experience I have had. I was kept informed throughout the selling process what was happening; where things needed to be expedited they did what was required to make things happen.

My faith in Estate Agents has been restored, I have and would recommend Pearsons to anyone wishing to sell their house.”

“Pearsons give a personal, kind, friendly service which simply can't be under-estimated when buying and selling houses. They listen and treat you as an individual. I'd really recommend them.”

Carolynn Coveney Sales Negotiator

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Fun For The Family – Young And Old! The Theatre Royal in Winchester has a whole host of family shows to enjoy… here’s an idea of what’s happening.

Buffy Revamped, Tuesday 20 February, 7.30pm Houdini’s Great Escape, Thursday 22 – Saturday 24 February, various times Zog and the Flying Doctors, Friday 08 – Sun 10 March, various times Science Museum: The Live Stage Show, Sunday 17 March, 1.30pm The Gruffalo’s Child, Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 March, various times Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, Tuesday 02 – Wednesday 03 April, various times Dear Zoo, Saturday 06 – Sunday 07 April, various times The Singing Mermaid, Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 April, various times Cillian O’Connor: My Magic World, Tuesday 30 July, 7pm

Call the Box Office on 01962 840440 or see the website at theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

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Tickets from £14.50 Box Office 01962 840 440 theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Don’t miss out!

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Remember the artwork ‘Game Changer’ that was gifted to Southampton Hospitals Charity in May 2020 during the height of the Covid pandemic? The little note that accompanied the artwork said “Thanks for what you’re doing. I hope this brightens up the place a little, even if it’s only black and white.” The picture showed a boy playing with superhero toys and choosing to be with a different kind of hero – a nurse – instead of Batman and Spiderman. Well, last Thursday Winchester Today heard from the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity that it has received a grant of £50,000 from the proceeds of the auction of the artwork. The Trust supports families who have a child with a life-threatening or

Winchester Film Festival is back! page 30

terminal illness. Game Changer indeed.

news@winchestertoday.co.uk and say and state which email address we can use. Your email

Important year ahead for Hampshire cricketer

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Image: The RainbowTrust

Film Preview: Back To Black hits the big screen

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Trust Pearsons for a smooth move this winter.

Worried that moving home will be a rough ride? Talk to Pearsons.

Established and trusted in Hampshire for over 120 years, we’ve always offered unwavering service through calm and crisis.

Book a free, no obligation market appraisal today.

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

It’s Back!

Very Soon!

SAT 17 & SUN 18 FEB

01256 844244 | anvilarts.org.uk © Tom Fletcher. Who’s in Your Book series published by Puffin Books Ltd

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Easy ways to advertise with Winchester Today!

If you would like to advertise with us, we have kept it very simple for you.

There are two ways: Online Only and Full Online Only: Only £35 / month. This gives you a 1/4 page ad in the online newspaper every Monday. No minimum spend, advertise when you like ahead of a campaign. And, like our friends at BA, now and then we’ll upgrade you to a full page!

Full: £95 / month. You get a full page ad in the online Full newspaper every week and daily coverage on the radio station, with the radio coverage exactly to your choice.

You can have traditional radio adverts across the day or choose to be associated with a show, like ‘Playmakers’ have done on Jon Gripton’s show every evening. ‘A World of Furniture’ is associated with Kevin’s show every morning.

‘Pearsons’ support our Saturday radio programmes. ‘Sarker World of Dance’ supports our Saturday Night Party.

Ring 01962 458452 and speak to Kevin

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Please Support Our Advertisers and Supporters!

Without them, we simply would not be here. All our arts supporters allow us to see their shows and report back so that YOU can make your own mind up!

Many thanks to: A World Of Furniture, Chandler’s Ford Pearsons Estate Agents, Southgate Street Mayflower, Southampton

Sarker Danceworks Theatre Royal, Winchester Chesil Theatre MAST Southampton Jane Austen’s House The Anvil, Basingstoke Cheriton Players (left)

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

The Sleeping Beauty Birmingham Royal Ballet, 8th February 2024 Mayflower Theatre, Southampton The Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of Sir Peter Wright’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ is a magnificent retelling of the well-loved fairytale with a few additions of its own.

Evil fairy Carabosse’s reaction to being missed off the invitation list for the royal christening may be a bit over the top, but then so is everything else, from the lavish costumes and resplendent wigs to the sumptuous scenery.

In fact, everything about this production is so large that even the Mayflower’s enormous stage proved a little tight, particularly in the opening scenes, where there was a certain amount of jockeying for position and the occasional uplifted leg crashing into a neighbouring dancer’s outstretched hand.

Carabosse’s fateful entrance to the christening party is a triumph. Carried onstage in some sort of chariot by spiky black-clad minions, Daria Stanciulescu soon dominates the stage and brings a terrific air of menace to the whole proceedings. In fact, characterisation is one of the major strengths of this production. I find that with ballet, unless

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

the story is a very well-known one, it is sometimes difficult to determine precisely what is going on. Here, the dancers are able to differentiate their roles clearly and the story is very easy to follow. A charming cartoon rendition of the different scenes in the programme is also helpful.

The part of Princess Aurora is an extremely demanding one, requiring the dancer to stay en pointe for much of the evening (and this is a very long show). It also calls for some breath-taking feats of balance. Unless these are performed apparently effortlessly and in perfect time with the music, you can get the impression that you are watching gymnastics rather than ballet. Aurora was played by Yu Kurihara. She brought a lovely joyous youthful vitality to the part – it was easy to see why it was love at first sight for Prince Florimund. However, in Act 1 she did appear to be struggling a little, especially at her 16th birthday party when dancing with her four suitors. Balanced on one leg and taking each of their hands in turn, it was clear that their support was needed to keep her upright, and some of the hand changes were a bit grabby. I found myself holding my breath and willing her not to fall. But as the ballet progressed, her confidence seemed to increase and, with the admirable support of the very sure-footed Lachlan Monaghan (also a stand-in) as Prince Florimund, she carried off the later dances with style and assurance.

One might think that the story would end with the princess being awoken from her hundred-year sleep and falling in love with the prince, but this production has an entire act after that first awakening kiss. Various fairytale characters come to congratulate the happy couple and dance at their wedding.

This gives an opportunity to showcase the talents of other members of the cast. Particularly enchanting is the dance performed by the White Cat and Puss-in-Boots (Isabella Howard and Gus Payne).

Throughout the show, all the soloists are extremely well supported by the corps de ballet; they do a fantastic job, though the lavish costumes with trailing gowns and capes sometimes limit their participation to sitting on the sidelines observing the action or doing a little elegant strutting around the stage.

Often it is attention to detail that makes a production special. Here, I was particularly struck by how the changes in costume and hairstyles convey the passage of one hundred years so well.

The tangled forest that grows up around the castle is also very well done, with the Lilac Fairy (confident and commanding Eilis Small) summoning it down, layer by layer.

The show is on tour and after leaving the Mayflower will go to Birmingham, Salford, Sunderland, Plymouth, Bristol and London.

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

May The Award Be With You! Top accolade awarded to Cathedral Choristers

Image: Winchester Cathedral Of all the awards given to Winchester Cathedral’s choristers over the years, there cannot be many better than a Grammy Award. Yet that’s exactly what they’ve gone and done, along with video game in tv composer Gordy Haab and former chorister and composer Stephen Barton for their part in the soundtrack of ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’ video game. It won in the ‘Award for Best Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media’ category.

Accepting the prestigious award, Stephen said, “A special moment for me on this, was we had the Choristers from The Pilgrims’ School in Winchester come and record on this and add those smooth jazz chords. It reminded me about music teachers being the most important thing, so I dedicate this to mine.”

Stephen shared on X that he was so proud of the boys and the big part they played in some of the most emotional and wonderful moments in the game!

It was back in 2022 that Stephen commissioned the Choristers for the “secret mission” recording session at Abbey Road Studios in London. The Choristers sing with the Winchester Cathedral Choir and are educated at The Pilgrims’ School.

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

PREVIEW: Manhunt Receiving its premiere on Friday 15 March on Apple TV+ is a seven-part true crime limited series which reflects one of the darkest moments in American political history. ‘Manhunt’ stars Emmy Award-winning actor Tobias Menzies and portrays one of the best-known but least understood crimes – the story of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The first two episodes will be shown on Friday 15 March 2024, culminating in the finale on 19 April 2024.

All images: Courtesy of Dean Rogers / Focus Features.

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Preview: War Horse, Mayflower Well, here’s a thing… ask them, and you’ll find there are a few shows that our reviewers here at Winchester Today will urge you to see before it’s too late. War Horse is one of them. Here’s your chance. The National Theatre’s global smash-hit production – an unforgettable theatrical event based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel – will embark on a major 18-month UK Tour visiting Mayflower Theatre from 8 – 19 October 2024. Tickets go on sale from 23 February 2024.

And yes, it is an event.

War Horse has become the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre, winning more than 25 major awards and seen by more than 8 million people worldwide.

War Horse tells the remarkable story of a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness, filled with stirring music and songs, featuring ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, Company, which brings breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage – and which has inspired a generation of theatre-makers since its premiere in 2007.

A must-see.

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Chesil Theatre Take Ten Kate’s Story Hundreds of entries from all over the UK were submitted for a ten-minute play competition, the Chesil Theatre’s 2024 New Writing Festival.

Only the administrator, Peter Bateson, knew the identity of the writers. Each entry was given a number before being read and evaluated by three or more Chesil members. The daunting logistics of this were dealt with over several weeks and, eventually, a long list of 50 was sent to the five judges, who all have extensive experience in drama and theatre. They drew up a short list of 20. After much discussion the final ten to be given four performances of a full production were chosen.

Kate Price from Winchester is one of the ten.

The theme was Snakes and Ladders and her script, A Portrait of Isabella, was one of the few which featured a snake as a key factor. It appears in a painting, which is being cleaned and restored. Most of the other writers used the idea metaphorically to show the ups and downs of life.

Photo Mike Hall

“I studied history of art in my first degree and

have always been interested in symbolism in art,” said Kate who lives in Fulflood, “I’m also interested in art restoration, and in how women artists, women in power and women in the art and museum world are often underestimated and overlooked.”

Kate has a theatrical background. Her parents were both actors, having met at the Bristol Old Vic. Her son, Felix, performed in past TakeTen Festivals before going to drama school and is now a professional actor. Her brother Matthew Ellison, who also appears with RAODS in Romsey, is in The Haunting of Hill House, the next production at the Chesil.

“I work in communications for Bird Aware Solent, helping to raise awareness of overwintering migratory birds, such as darkbellied Brent geese and godwits, that spend the colder months on our local coastline.”

She is a long-term devotee of Chesil’s TakeTen having submitted entries four times and taking part as a performer.

“In the last TakeTen competition my play, The Book Club, made the top 20 and was staged by Chesil Theatre as a rehearsed reading. I am delighted, at last, to have made it into the legendary top ten.”

Her play, together with the other nine winners will be performed on February 24 and 25.

For more details see www.chesiltheatre.org.uk

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

Chawton Spring Flowers and snowdrops will be abundant in the coming months across our beautiful county, not least within the gardens at Chawton House. Perhaps you have already had the pleasure of enjoying the National Gardens Scheme Snowdrop Sunday, which continues until next Sunday, 18 February 2024. The Chief Executive is Katie Childs: “After a long January, there is such joy in walking through drifts of these beautiful flowers on a crisp winter day. Snowdrop Season is into its third year and the display is more spectacular than ever. Then it’s Daffodils Season in March!

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Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

How High The Moon?

Wow. No wonder the Cathedral wanted to show off the latest installation as soon as it arrived last week… I mean, you just can’t take your eyes off it!

The travelling artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram has already been experienced by over 20 million people worldwide, and was described as one of the Natural History Museum’s most popular exhibits of all time, with more than 2 million people congregating there to appreciate its beauty. Pilates and silent discos anyone?

More details of events on the Cathedral website.

Image: Winchester Cathedral

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arts

Monday 5 February 2024

If you missed our special interview ahead of The Sleeping Beauty with BRB Ambassador Darcey Bussell, just go to our issue from Monday 22 January.

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Monday 5 February 2024

Restoration

For a fascinating look at how theatre costumes are restored, please take a look at our feature in the Winchester Today edition from Monday 29 January.

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Monday 5 February 2024

Part 2 of the Winchester Film Festival 2024 is almost here, with Winchester Today proud to be involved once more, as we have almost since Day 1. Festival Director John Hayes tells us more: “At Winchester Film Festival we offer a selection of award winning films from across the globe that broaden horizons, provoke debate and reflect the burning issues of our time. And for every challenging, provocative and thoughtprovoking film we seek to screen a film that tickles the senses and makes our audience laugh.

This year, we also have an unprecedented array of national and international award-winning directors, producers, scriptwriters and actors in attendance for audience Q&As after the films.

“The theme for 12th edition of the festival is The edge of Reason’, with protagonists crossing the ‘invisible line’ with a variety of consequences - some funny, some sad, some scary, some empowering and all transformative.

“To ensure that everyone can enjoy the festival, this year we have launched a new Culture for All policy, which includes concessions not only for students, under-twenty-fives and over sixty-fives, but also for anyone on low income. And for those who still can’t afford a ticket, we offer a fee waiver”.

“We believe film to be a vital tool in the battle for freedom of expression. This year we have deepened our commitment to supporting free-spirited, independent filmmakers censored in their own countries with a series of screenings entitled Whispers from Iran.”.

12th edition Book NOW! 2024

Concessions <25 >65 Students Low income

winchesterfilmfestival.com Winchesterfilm

Winchesterfilm

Winchester Film Fest

Box Office

“

Laugh | Cry | Think | Flinch

Award winning films that astonish, entertain, broaden horizons, provoke debate and reflect the burning issues of our time, selected from 5 continents and over 60 countries.

Best

Foreign Shorts

23 February

Best

British Shorts

29 February

Whispers from

Iran

1 March

winchesterfilmfestival.com

7 March

2024

34 winchestertoday.co.uk winchestertoday.co.uk

news news

Monday 12 February 2024 December 2023

DAB+ Radio Update: As you may have read elsewhere, our DAB+ radio service is back on, and we are broadcasting from our new transmitter at Flagstaff Stables, near Crabwood Farm. This follows a considerable but necessary consultation period carried out by the regulator Ofcom throughout January.

You can now enjoy us on the move if you have a DAB+ receiver in your car, or at home on TuneIn and via your smart speaker. Ask Alexa: “Alexa, play Winchester Today.”

Project:Alfie150 – supporting the training of young journalists in Winchester since 2012.

Our training days for anyone aged 16-25 and interested in a career in media will be open for applications very soon. This is provided through our training team: media professionals determined to pass on their skills to the media professionals of the future. Initially, the details will be released to schools in the Winchester District. Last time, sessions were sold out. Don’t miss out!

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Our email address is news@winchestertoday.co.uk Winchester Today, 47 Southgate Street, Winchester SO23 9EH. Managing Editor: Kevin Gover. Layout Design: Grace Pradhan. Contributors: David Cradduck, Jon Gripton, Helena Gomm, Beccy Conway, Sophia Sample, Tony Simon, Chrissie Pollard, Matt Richbell, Jan Conway, Jack Shaw, Mark Ponsford, Eleanor Marsden, Jess Garner and Rachel Gover