Find out what's going on in the City of Winchester
HALLOWEEN FEATURE
Family Halloween events in October and November RECIPE OF THE MONTH Warming Pumpkin & Lentil Curry
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Oct/Nov Events
The Autumn Hampshire Art Fair
Sat 4 to Sat 25 October
From 11am - 5pm
The Old Grain Store, Goodworth Clatford, Nr Stockbridge, SP11 7LF
An exhibition of over 40 British and Intenational artist. Bringing Art and People Together. Open Tue-Sat from 11am to 5pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. www. nadiawarterfieldfineart.com
St Paul's Church, St Paul's Hill, Winchester, SO22 5AB
Conductor Andrew Moore. Tickets £20 (students £5) at ticketsource. co.uk/winchcamerata or on the door in aid of Home-Start Winchester & Districts.
Winchester School of Art Painting Prize Private View
Thursday 16 October
From 5pm to 7pm
Winchester School of Art, Park Avenue, Winchester, SO23 8DL
WSA Painting Prize Award Exhibition 2025 celebrates outstanding painting practice created by artists in Greece, France and the UK studying at undergraduate level. For tickets visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/ winchester-school-of-art-paintingprize-2025-private-view-tickets1611066295659?aff=oddtdtcreator
Winchester Youth Counselling and Planetarium Event
Thursday 16 October
From 6pm to 8pm
Winchester Science Centre, Telegraph Way, Winchester, SO21 1HZ
Explores Mental Health and the Climate Crisis with Expert Steffi Bednarek – Winchester Youth Counselling presents “Inviting the Elephant into the Room: The Climate Crisis, Mental Health and Us”, an engaging evening at the Winchester Science Centre planetarium on 16th October, 6–8 pm. Tickets are £15–£25. Guests will enjoy free exclusive access to the Science Centre from 5pm within the ticket price. Tickets and further details are available on the Winchester Youth Counselling website. www. winchesteryouthcounselling.org/ event/planetarium-event-invitingthe-elephant-into-the-room-theclimate-crisis-mental-health-andus/
Piano Recitals at the United Church
Saturday 18 October
From midday
United Church, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8RZ
A series of piano recitals by celebrated pianists. All proceeds will go towards the funding of a newly acquired Boston Steinway grand piano. Other events include an organ recital and a concert by Southampton University Choir and pianists. http://ucw.org.uk/ Tickets: £15 Children and Students, concession £10. Contact Information: Tel 01962 849559
In flagrante delicto: Regency Scandals - guided walking tour
Saturday 18 October
From 11.30 to 1pm
Visitor Information Centre Guildhall, The Broadway Winchester, SO23 9GH
On this guided walk you will be transported to Jane Austen’s Winchester, in celebration of the author’s 250th birthday. www.winchestertouristguides.com Tickets: £12 for adults, £5 for children (under 16). Contact Information: Tel: 01962 840 500
Wild Autumn at Marwell Zoo
Saturday 25 October
From 10am to 5.30pm
Marwell Zoo, Thompsons Lane Winchester, SO21 1JH
This October half term, enjoy a week of seasonal fun and wildlife adventures at Marwell Zoo. With pumpkin carving, storytelling, animal talks, games, and more, it's the perfect autumn day out for the whole family. What’s On This Half Term: Pumpkin Carving & Painting, Haybale Maze, Pumpkin Patch Games, Face Painting, Storytelling with Esme the Witch. It's a fun and festive challenge for all ages. For more information visit: www.marwell.org.uk/plan-yourvisit/zoo-events/october-half-term/
The Great Games Trail
Tuesday 28 October
From 9.30am to 4pm
The Royal Logistic Corps Museum, Connaught Road, Worthy Down, Winchester, SO21 2RG
The Great Games Trail at the RLC Museum brings free fun and unlocks their Olympic exhibition for younger visitors. Free entrydonations welcome
Death Cafe Winchester
Thursday 30 October
From 5.45pm to 7pm
1-2 De Lunn Buildings Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SA
Tickets: Free - Death Café Winchester is a free to attend community event, enabling participants to openly discuss
or ask questions about end of life – death, dying, funerals and bereavement. There is no agenda and no speakers, discussions grow from the thoughts and issues that those who are present want to discuss on the day. Your facilitators will help to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute. For more information visit: https:// winchestercelebrant.co.uk/deathcafe-winchester/
Miserere at Winchester Cathedral
Friday 31 October
From 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS
Join Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes and St Martin's Voices, from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, for an evening of words and music for remembrance and reflection, including Allegri's Miserere and Parry's Songs of Farewell.
Naomi House & Jacksplace Comedy Night
Sunday 2 November
From 7.45pm to 10pm
Theatre Royal Winchester Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB
Winchester's very own comedy legend Paul McCaffrey is back supporting Naomi House & Jacksplace for the third year. For tickets visit: https://www. theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/ whats-on/naomi-house-jacksplacecomedy-night - Tickets from £28
Advertise your event here FREE of charge by emailing editor@ forumpublications.co.uk. Please note we are unable to guarantee publication.
Makeover Options
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Happy Kitchens are quite unique as we are able to offer top quality products, available in any size, fitted by the best professionals in the business. Change your kitchen and bedroom with a makeover or design and install a new kitchen and bedroom, whichever suits your needs or price range.
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WINCHESTER ESTATE
Romsey Road – £1,100,000 Freehold
Situated on a very private plot opposite the Peninsula Barracks, 16 Romsey Road is a handsome and grand Greek Revival Victorian Villa. Offering a wealth of largeproportion accommodation including three bedrooms, two reception rooms and three large lower-ground rooms.
EPC: E Council Tax: F
Courtney Road – £1,100,000 Freehold
Occupying one of the most spectacular positions in this exclusive neighbourhood, this impressive, detached home is a wonderful opportunity. Offering five bedrooms including master suite, social kitchen, large garden room, living room, utility room, double garage/workshop, and off-road parking for several cars.
EPC: C Council Tax: E
& LETTINGS AGENTS
Kings Worthy – £825,000 Freehold
A wonderfully presented detached home brimming with quality and personality. Situated on a generous plot, the property offers four bedrooms, three reception spaces, a double garage with a separate workshop, a beautiful garden sectioned in a range of well-tended areas and ample off-road parking. A viewing is essential to appreciate the versatility of the accommodation.
EPC: C Council Tax: F
St.Catherine's Road – £635,000 Freehold
A particularly well presented Victorian home enjoying far-reaching views. Offering three bedrooms, two reception spaces, a kitchen with space to dine and a versatile garden office.
“Tailgating. I can’t stand it. There’s an old Morris Minor right up my… and we haven’t been formally introduced.” Himself muttered indignantly as they drove home from their afternoon trip to the forest. She turned around to have a look just as the last blaze of scarlet painted the horizon. ‘Dark early’, she thought.
The long, hot days of summer so soon had passed; she’d woken up on the first of September to Autumn. Now, even September was old news - the clocks had gone back and her thoughts turned reluctantly to Christmas, helped along by the festive aisle in the supermarket, stacked high with chocolate reindeer poo. And tubs of Quality Street, so much smaller than she remembered them.
The chutney she’d made from the plums, the walnuts she’d pickled - these would make nice gifts, she mused, looking out at the gathering gloom. This year, the hedgerows had been blue with sloes, clinging like dusty musket balls to their spiny branches; bottles of sloe gin lined her pantry. The blackberries had hung in clusters like grapes, no amount of picking left a dent. And on her short commute to work she counted a dozen apple trees drooping with their branch-splitting burdens. Sadly, they fell unharvested onto the dual carriageway, carpeting the verge for the wild things only.
Made from the apples that her spaniel had not plucked and eaten from their own tree, crumbles were stacked in the freezer waiting to cheer a wet and wintry Sunday. And the chestnuts they’d just gathered would be cooked and frozen ready for the turkey stuffing.
There were, however, no runner beans languishing in the freezer to be served with Christmas dinner, adding a small blast of summer past. The heatwave-hose-pipe-ban combo meant the beans were not so much runners, more asthmatic joggers that got old and stringy if she took her eye off them. The peas up and died, the cucumber plant produced a short, fat specimen that seemed to kill it and there’d been a caterpillar farm in the nasturtiums.
Himself was still muttering about his tailgater. “I’m fed up with this Moggie on my tail. I’m going to pull over and let it pass, then I’m going to tell you something that I read. A ghost story. ‘Tis Halloween after all and t’would seem fitting.” Himself waggled his eyebrows at her as he slowed to move into a layby and waved the car on.
The Morris Minor passed by. The driver, visible in the faintly lit interior, stared straight ahead, making no sign of thanks. “You’d think,” she said
with a shiver, suddenly cold, “that someone who drives an old-fashioned car, wearing an old-fashioned hat, would have old-fashioned manners.”
They once more joined the road, but the Morris Minor just carried on at the same speed and didn’t, as expected, pull away.
“Anyway. My story.” Himself went on to regale her with a tale of ghostly Roman soldiers marching through the misty fens, terrifying a local walking home late from the pub. When he’d finished, she applauded.
“Well, that’s creepy, but the local was on the way back from the pub… Might have something to do with it?”
“Ah yes, but the man said that the Centurions looked like they were walking thigh-high through the ground.”
She said, “Why would he say that?”
Himself was gleeful. “Because the topography had changed over the millennia. It may have been built up deliberately to alleviate flooding, or maybe just layers of soil from centuries of vegetable matter had raised the ground to the level it is now. The soldiers were walking on the road as it was then. It gives the story credence.”
“This seemingly endless road,” he went on, “for example, is a Roman road, but it’s probably a lot higher than it would have been nearly two thousand years ago.”
“And not nearly as straight,” she observed. “Look down there – pretty sure that the Romans wouldn’t have put in a sharp right.”
Himself explained, “Apparently, after the war the local landowner decided he didn’t want the road going right through his estate and had it diverted. The road used to go straight on.”
The Morris Minor’s headlights faintly illuminated the tarmac ahead as it approached the right-angled bend. Himself slowed up in anticipation of the turn. For one brief moment, the empty interior of the car in front glowed brightly, before it drove straight on and out of sight.
Himself slammed on his brakes and came to a juddering halt on the bend.
They leapt out of the car, but as they ran across the verge and up to the impenetrable thicket of brambles and hazel that barred their way, there were no tyre tracks through the long grass.
And no sign of the Morris Minor.
As a footnote, I should say that whilst this is a piece of fiction, the two ghostly tales are ones I heard many years ago. Ghostly soldiers marching across land as it would have been nearly two thousand years ago, or a car driving along a road that no longer exists? Whether these sightings are “true” or not remains to be seen. Or not.
BUS SERVICES ARE A LIFELINE FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES
This past month, Stagecoach made a swathe of cuts to bus services including many serving rural communities across Hampshire. Most of these relied on subsidies from Hampshire County Council which has now withdrawn funding. Without that public sector support, Stagecoach as expected, quickly dropped the routes to maximise their profit.
I recently joined a protest in Colden Common to back the 61 bus - Despite the rain, over a hundred local people gathered to make their voices heard - proof of the strength of feeling for this vital service which has been axed entirely. Hampshire County Council and Stagecoach are making a huge mistake cutting communities like this off. People rely on buses to live independently, reach hospital appointments and to stay connected. I joined the final journey on the 61 from Winchester to Eastleigh where the bus driver told me a service had been running on that route for over 100 years. To cut it now is a disgrace.
The same is true for other services like the number 4 and 69 buses - services which took people from the surrounding towns and villages right into the heart of Winchester. Many routes like these have been cut entirely or reduced so much they lose most of the benefit they provided to the communities they served.
I couldn't disagree more with these short-sighted cuts by the County Council. Reliable and regular transport is not only a lifeline for rural people who need to get to healthcare services and stay connected with friends and family, but also a lifeline for the whole economy. I fear that these short-term cost savings will only lead to greater costs later. Without buses serving rural communities, there’ll be a knock-on impact on businesses whose customers and staff relied on those transport links; with people forced to use their cars more, congestion will increase; whole communities will decline as people are left with no choice but to move away.
The Conservative County Council has handed Stagecoach the gift of taking all the profit from the busiest most popular journeys, even putting more public money into those routes, and has given them a free pass to abandon everything else. We simply cannot have a situation where the company takes all the profit and the people pay all the costs.
The government has been of little help to alleviate the situation which is repeated across the country. Central government funding to support bus services in Hampshire is a mere £10 per person each year. It seems every year there are more cuts and so often it’s those with the least power who bear the brunt of it. We desperately need to end this cycle of degrading services the Conservatives started. Rather than perpetuating their legacy, this government needs to start bringing the change people have been waiting for by restoring local government funding to reconnect our communities with regular, reliable transport for all.
If you’ve been affected by the bus cuts, please get in touch at danny. chambers.mp@parliament.uk
CERAMICUS
- POTTERY EXHIBITION AT THE ALLEN GALLERY, ALTON
Following on from their highly acclaimed exhibition in the City Space Gallery, Winchester earlier this year, Ceramicus is pleased to announce that they will be returning to the Allen Gallery in Alton. The exhibition will run from Saturday 4th October through until Friday 31st October. Admission is free. This year the exhibition features individual ceramic works by 10 members of the group. A fascinating range of works in clay will be on display, showcasing diverse styles, skills and techniques. Works will be available to purchase and take away.
Ceramicus is a group of potters based in the Surrey and Hampshire area who have come together to exhibit their work. This talented group covers a wide range of throwing, hand building and sculpting methods with various types of clay, followed by a wide spectrum of glazing and firing techniques.
These range from the ancient art of wood burning kilns with natural ash glazes and the oriental "raku" methods to traditional gas fired processes using oxygen-starved atmospheres and modern electrically heated, electronically controlled kilns with oxidising conditions. The artists each have their own technique and show their individual expression of artistic form in their work.
For more information on Ceramicus please see their website www.ceramicus.co.uk
Theatre, Shows & Concerts
CLEARING
Chesil Street, Winchester, SO23 0HU www.chesiltheatre.org.uk Friday 17 October From 8pm
ELO members – and Eric Troyer, in ELO Part2. ELO Part2 toured the world in the next 6/7 years doing concerts. To book visit: https://www.arcwinchester.org.uk/ booking?id=1259414
amusing and inspiring. Ian's well known shows include “Science Magic...Magic Science” and “Science...The Best Bits” which appear at schools and festivals. For tickets visit:https://www. arcwinchester.org.uk/event/showspooky-science#dates
to a mesmerising soundtrack, Baby Bear is a playful, interactive puppetry adventure for babies, toddlers and their families. The perfect first theatre experience. To book visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thenutshell-arts-cic/baby-bear/e-kjlyvr
The Zoo That Comes To You
David Ward, Don Biswas & Kevin Precious
Bingo at Tiffany's with Audrey Heartburn!
Tuesday 28 October
Fri 14 Oct to Sat 22 Oct
7.30pm (Sun 28 at 2.30pm)
A witty and savage satire of Hitler's rise to power, telling the story of gangster Aruto Ui as he seizes control of the vegetable trade in 1930s Chicago. With echoes of Charlie Chaplin, Al Capone, Shakespeare and Goethe, Brecht's compelling parable continues to have relevance wherever tolatarianism appears today. Contains threat and stylised violence. To book visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ whats-on/winchester/chesil-theatre/ the-resistible-rise-of-arturo-ui/eoevdzo
Our regular comedy night at The Arc, Barnstormers Comedy presents a line-up of three top acts from the London comedy circuit and beyond: many of them Comedy Store regulars. To book visit: https:// www.arcwinchester.org.uk/event/ barnstormers-comedy-oct-2025david-ward-don-biswas-kevinprecious#dates
Fire & Rain and American Pie
Saturday 18 October
From 7.30pm
A heart-warming, musical tribute to the great U.S. singer-songwriters of the late 60s and early 70s, featuring beautiful songs from James Taylor, Carole King, Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, Don Mclean, Crosby, Stills & Nash, America, Bread, The Byrds, Carly Simon and more; Feel free to sing along! To book visit: https://www.arcwinchester.org. uk/event/fire-rain-and-americanpie#dates
The Show of Spooky Science
Wednesday 29 October
From 2 to 3pm Saturday 11 October From 8pm (Doors 7pm)
An evening of hilarious bingo games, ridiculous live songs, dancing, chaos and joy! Calling all dream makers, heart breakers and bingo lovers! Join award-winning character comedian Tracey Collins (Shell Suit Cher, Elvis Lesley) as she hosts Bingo at Tiffany’s with Audrey Heartburn.To book visit: https://www.ticketsource. co.uk/discardednut/bingo-at-tiffanys-with-audrey-heartburn/2025-1011/19:30/t-eagyrqr
The Nutshell Jazz Club: Andrea Rinciari Quartet
Thursday 16 October
From 8pm to 10pm
Andrea Rinciari is an eminent jazz guitarist whose tireless dedication to the traditions of bebop and straight-ahead has led him to master the essence of mid-20th century jazz. To book visit: https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/the-nutshell-artscic/the-nutshell-jazz-club/2025-1016/20:00/t-vvnpxll
Baby Bear
Thursday 23 October
From 10.30am to 4pm
From 11am to 3pm
Follows the impassioned attempts of two animal enthusiasts to share their love of and concern for animals with the world. They take in animals that need respite, care or a temporary home and have, accidentally, ended up with a whole sanctuary, but with no visitors! So everybody – animals and humans alike – have decided it is time to get out, see the world, and bring the zoo, to you. To book tickets visit: https://www.ticketsource. co.uk/the-nutshell-arts-cic/thezoo-that-comes-to-you/2025-1028/11:00/t-vvrmnep
Winchester Comics Fair
Saturday 1 November
From 10.30am to 4.30pm
JOE, MASTERBUILT & MORSO with up to 30% off! When they’re gone, they’re gone! Kingsworthy Foundry, London Road, Winchester, SO23 7QG Tel: 01962 883776
Phil’s connection with ELO music goes back 30 years when, in 1993, he joined Bev Bevan, Kelly Groucutt, Mik Kaminski, Lou Clark – all
For this time of year, what could be better than a science show filled with seasonal spookiness. Pumpkins and potions, sparks and spectres, of demonstrations and of the dark. The information and demonstrations Ian B Dunne presents are entertaining, engaging,
Join Baby Bear as she explores nature and wildlife in an uplifting, beautiful and comical theatre production. Combining stunning visuals, an exploration of the senses and sung
The Winchester comics fair brings together 40 independent artists, writers , and creators to showcase the diverse and inclusive UK comic book and graphic novel scene. There is something for everyone, old and young, aficionados and novices alike. Come along and meet the makers! Comics, visual narrative, call it what you will; it is more than just super heroes and Garfield. For more information contact Nick: 07947 5835minima/2025-10-03/19:30/tjzokrlj
At Town and Country, we take pride in ensuring every client receives the best customer service, from the informative and knowledgeable sales process through to the extensive after sales care.
Our boutique showroom showcases some of the finest kitchen and bathroom furniture available, with a strong emphasis on UK and European manufacturing. Bathroom manufacturers on display include Ambiance Bain, Kudos, Roper Rhodes, Tissino and Arte Form, with Porcelanosa and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom. Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, one of the largest German kitchen manufacturers, and Mackintosh, their products are made exclusively in Britain. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.
Please contact us regarding our complimentary design and quotation service, we look forward to hearing from you.
Visit Town & Country
8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA
The Green Man is a folklore symbol frequently seen in English churches from the 13th century. Carved in either wood or stone in a small niche or corner, it features a male head with vegetation sprouting from the mouth and often nose and eyes also. The image was confined to religious buildings, yet its meaning has never fully been understood.
Winchester offers at least two different examples of the green man symbol, probably from different periods. At the hospital of St Cross, the more traditional green man head, sprouting vegetation from the mouth, is carved in stone set in the ceiling inside the entrance to the church of St Cross.
Conversely the green man in Winchester Cathedral is carved in wood and shown as a full figure with both sword and shield. It is rare for a green man figure to be more than a head sprouting vegetation, so this represents a variation of the traditional image, probably due to later links between virtuous chivalry and the battle against evil in the 14th century.
Some believe the green man is a pagan symbol, usurped by the Christian church to give legitimacy to the new religion; others believe it was a deliberate Christian message of salvation when symbols played an important role for a largely illiterate congregation. Some believe the carvings simply represented a mason’s signature much as a gargoyle or other invented demon. They survived
the iconoclasm of both the Reformation and Cromwell’s Puritans so were never considered idols of worship in themselves but merely part of the fabric of the church.
Early Christian priests used simple stories with a moral message to encourage their congregation to lead a virtuous life. The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine, was a popular thirteenth century compilation of Christian religious stories, from which the subjects of church sermons were often taken. The symbol of a man with leaves bursting from his mouth was understood as a triumphant symbol of redemption.
According to the Bible, Adam brought death and suffering into the world because he had eaten from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, against God’s commandment. When Adam died his son Seth buried him with a seed from the same tree in his mouth. It is said that this seed sprouted into a tree from which grew the wood of the cross, the mechanism of redemption and salvation. This is the Christian message of the Green Man.
The symbolism of the Green Man is still often misunderstood. In April 2023 the invitation issued for the king’s coronation caused some concern as it featured an image of the Green Man (above). Some mistakenly thought Charles was endorsing paganism yet he meant the Green Man to symbolise the victory of Christ over sin and death in his role as head of the Church of England. However, his own ecological interests will also have been served by this symbolism.
The Green Man might not be a symbol of a pre-Christian deity but he has a future role as a symbol for all that we have lost, the wild and vital relationship with nature that we have lost, and that we need to regain in order to live fully. He has come to symbolise the ecological movement and the need to reconnect with the wild within ourselves and bring us back into a connected a meaningful life. He might even have a role to play in today’s Green party as it reaches out to new members.
Garry Honey is the author of a book on Saxon queens in Winchester: ‘Wessex Women of Winchester’ it is available in Winchester at P&G Wells bookshop and the Cathedral bookshop.
Image Copyright: Buckingham Palace
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is calling on local residents, veterans, families and anyone with memories of RAF Flowerdown or Sir John Moore Barracks to come forward and share their stories. Whether in the form of letters, photographs, maps or memorabilia, the DIO is looking to collate a rich tapestry of the former military site’s backstory, particularly stories which pre-date 1980, to paint a vivid picture of its varied history.
The stories and insight gathered could be brought to life as part of a planned heritage trail and could even inspire the naming of roads in the proposed new development.
RAF Flowerdown played a vital and often secret role in the 20th century, especially during the Second World War when it served as a listening station. Its staff, many of them women, worked long shifts intercepting enemy communications and feeding crucial Enigma messages to codebreakers at Bletchley Park.
In later years, the site continued its signals intelligence role under GCHQ, before it became home to the Light Division depot and the Royal Green Jackets Regiment basic training, later formed into the Army Training Regiment, at Sir John Moore Barracks.
As the site is due to close in 2026, and with plans to transform it into a sustainable new neighbourhood underway, the DIO is calling on residents to come forward to help capture and celebrate its rich military heritage.
Robert Smith, Head of Major Disposals at DIO, said: “For over a century, thousands of men and women have served their country at Flowerdown. We want to hear their stories, because we believe the best way to honour a site’s legacy is to involve the people who know it best.
“The site has a varied and often, secretive history. For example, during the Second World War, it played a critical role in the Allied codebreaking effort, with its towering aerials intercepting top-secret enemy radio signals; messages that were shared with Bletchley Park to help crack the Enigma code.
“By sharing your personal memories of Flowerdown, local people can help us to shape a development that truly reflects the heritage of this
extraordinary place. We want to create a community that celebrates that rich history, from its secret wartime service to the everyday lives of those who were stationed here.”
The planned redevelopment of the barracks includes up to 900 highquality, energy-efficient homes, with 60% of the site remaining green open space. The design will incorporate key heritage features such as the trail, repurposed historic buildings and possibly new street names inspired by notable figures from the site’s past.
The DIO is particularly eager to hear from women who served at RAF Flowerdown, or their families, to help ensure that their vital and often untold contributions are captured for posterity. Voices and stories from those stationed on or living near the base before 1980 are especially welcome.
Initial insights have been provided by the local parish council and Brian Middleton a knowledgeable local historian, whom DIO would like to thank for his valuable support. The organisation now hopes the wider public will come forward to help tell their own stories, for the future generations.
To share your family’s story and help to bring RAF Flowerdown’s past to life, please email info@sirjohnmoorewinchester.co.uk Or call: 0808 143 4781
For further information and to take part, please visit: www.sirjohnmoorewinchester.co.uk
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This is where are our depth of product knowledge is invaluable and we aim to make the whole process an enjoyable experience finding the correct flooring tailored to your exact requirements. Based in Alresford near Winchester Hampshire we are here waiting to fulfil your flooring dreams.
Garage Door Solutions
Two in one garage door conversion specialist
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Skandoor has led the way in manufacturing and installing garage doors in Hampshire and the south for many years. Our speciality is high-quality garage and front doors, on-time delivery and full ownership from start to finish.
A well respected long established family run business based in Bishop's Waltham
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Roller Doors
Roller Door
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How much retirement income might £500,000 buy?
Since the introduction of pension freedoms in April 2015, you have a lot more choice about what you can do with your pension pot. You no longer have to buy an annuity and income drawdown is available to everyone. But all this choice means making the right decision has become more difficult.
More choice, more considerations
With greater flexibility in accessing your pension comes the possibility of making the wrong decisions. Under income drawdown, there’s a risk that drawing too much income each year could see you using up all your pension fund within your lifetime, leaving you short of the income you need.
Many retirees opt to buy an annuity to get a guaranteed retirement income. Figures show someone with £500,000 in pension savings who buys an annuity at age 66 could expect annual retirement income of nearly £31,500 a year1. This is less than the £43,100 net annual income which the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association says is required to fund a ‘comfortable’ retirement for the average single person2. You may also be entitled to the full state pension, which is currently £221.20 per week (just over £11,500 per year).
Some avoid annuities to leave their pension pot as an inheritance, yet this can backfire if they live longer than expected, leaving little or even nothing behind. Note that it was announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget that the value of unused pension funds and death benefits will be included in a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from April 2027. This could significantly affect how you wish to structure your retirement income to make sure it’s withdrawn as tax efficiently as possible.
So, if you have a £500,000 pension pot, what could you do with it? First of all, you need to think about more than just your pension savings. A financial adviser will look at your personal and financial circumstances to ensure your retirement income strategy meets your needs and that all the risks are fully considered.
Best to consider all your finances
Planning your retirement income should consider all assets, not just your pension. If you have other investments, accessing them first could be more tax efficient.
Meanwhile, if your pension is your main income, relying solely on income drawdown might risk depleting your funds. Buying an annuity with at least part of your fund could still be a good option.
If we assume for the sake of income drawdown that the £500,000 pension fund grows at 5% a year after charges and that the income increases annually with inflation, then that fund could provide annual income of around £31,500 from age 66 until age 86. For those with more modest needs, the fund could provide a £25,000 annual income until age 95.
Next steps
Income drawdown suits some, while others might benefit from using other assets and leaving their pension alone. Buying an annuity with part of your pot is another option.
Taking some financial advice can help you make an informed decision. With a holistic view of your finances, an adviser can help you achieve your retirement aspirations.
We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
(1) Annuity assumptions: single life, monthly in advance, no guarantee period, 2% indexation, non-smoker, standard (healthy) rates, payable for life. Quotes obtained from Iress on 25 October 2024; (2) http://www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk/.
The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. Forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
/ ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used
Do you believe everything you read in newspapers and magazines? Do you ever question or doubt the authenticity of certain stories? Are they fact based or “facts” based on speculation? Fortunately, there are fact checking websites out there that can help you verify the facts, Fullfact.org is a great place to start.
The new iPhones are in our midst! A device that sold just under 2 million units when first introduced in 2007 now sells more than 230 million units each year.
I was not sure about upgrading this year as the standard iPhone 17 is very similar to last year’s iPhone 16. However, this year Apple introduced the iPhone 17 Air. At the time of writing it has not been delivered but I am looking forward to using this new slim iPhone. Watch this space for a full review in the next edition.
Please remain vigilant; I almost fell for an email from someone I knew, or thought I did, until I looked carefully at the email address being used. It looked so genuine. Please call me if you have any questions regarding possible scams or security. Stay safe.
Andy – Mr Mac - 07392 552 592
Specialist wealth management and financial planning
• Independent and objective advice
• Proactive investment management
• Attentive service
• Transparent fees
• Online access to portfolios
Contact us for an obligation-free meeting. www.ajbwealth.co.uk info@ajbwealth.co.uk 01428 774 070
WARNER AND RICHARDSON LLP ARE INDEPENDENT SOLICITORS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF WINCHESTER.
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FOR INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ANY OF THESE MATTERS:-
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AUTUMN COLOURGUIDED TOUR
SIR HAROLD HILLIER GARDENS
We are home to the largest collections of Champion Trees in the British Isles. With over 600 Champion Trees - the tallest, widest or oldest of their species. We will share the fascinating history of our tree collection and some of the best autumn colour on display. The tour will last approx. 1 ½ hours finishing with a slice of cake and hot drink and will take place on Saturday 18 October 2025 from 9am. Don’t forget to wear your walking boots, booking is essential! Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Members’ Price: £20.50p/p, Non-Members’ Price: £33p/p includes Gardens admission. Once purchased, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. For full T&Cs see our website. Tickets available at: https://shop.hants. gov.uk/products/sir-harold-hillier-gardensguided-tour-autumn-colour-saturday-18thoctober-2025-9-00am
BUTSER BOOK FESTIVAL 2025
An incredible two days of entertainment and inspiration with bestselling writers! Join us for our next book festival from Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 October 2025, celebrating words, worldbuilding and the wilderness that inspires us. We’ll welcome in the autumn with literary talks covering a range of writing genres, live poetry readings and folk music, local craftsfolk, storytelling, fun activities for all the family, in-depth writing workshops, and book signings, all set against the ancient backdrop of Butser Ancient Farm. Kindle your creativity, or simply bring your love of books and reading to our unique site for a fun-filled literary weekend this autumn!
For tickets visit: https://butserancientfarm. ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173649155
GO APE X SUNDOWN ADVENTURES AT GO APE SOUTHAMPTON
Looking for something fun-filled, actionpacked and adventurous this autumn? Back for 2025, Sundown Adventures makes a return to Itchen Valley Country Park, Hampshire. Experience tree top thrills in a whole new light for a limited time between 17th October and 9th November. It's the ultimate adventure with epic forest views under the night sky. Experience Go Ape Southampton after dark and tackle tree-top crossings and epic ziplines, under glowing lights. It's a truly unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers and one not to be missed. Boring ends here! The event takes place from Friday 17 October to Sunday 9 November 2025 and is a duration fo 1 to 2 hours. Monday - Sunday from 4pm to 8pm.
Twilight
Join us for an earlier session and enjoy the forest transitioning from light to dark. The perfect choice to soak in autumn as you begin your experience, completing your Sundown Adventure after dark with our course lit in a stunning array for colours.
After dark Book a later session and venture into the night. Experience your senses heighten and test your nerve as you step out onto our high wire crossings with just our stunning colourful lights to illuminate your path.
For more information and tickets visit: https://goape.co.uk/ booknow?activity=sundown-adventures
WINCHESTER BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS
The Winchester Round Table Bonfire & Fireworks event takes place in the heart of the UK's most special city, Winchester on Saturday 8th November 2025. Each year, the city centre procession, the lighting of the Bonfire and the spectacular Fireworks display is a huge success. Bringing together the city with all profits going to local organisations and charities, sparking a difference in our local community. The Bonfire, Fireworks spectacular and procession is a sight to behold as over 20,000 gather to celebrate the failed plot of Guy Fawkes.
The event is not run for profit, all profits to go to the Winchester Round Table Charitable Trust Fund to help local people who really need it. Last year the event raised over £65,000. For tickets and information visit: https://winchesterbonfire.co.uk/
Please note tickets must be purchased in advance of the event. There will be no tickets for sale on the gates. A variety of hot food, drinks and sweets will be available on-site. There will be an on-site bar for the purchase of local beers and lagers. Through out the evening there will be live music and performances.
Please use public transport due to road closures on the night. The nearest car parks to the Bonfire site are quite small – the Cattle Market, St Peter’s Car Park and the Winchester Hotel Car Park on Worthy Road. If you are planning to park and walk the route of the torchlit procession, please park in the city centre multi-story car parks.
Pumpkin & Lentil Curry
Makes 4 Servings INGREDIENTS
• 650G PUMPKIN, PEELED & CHOPPED INTO 2CM CUBES
• 300G RED LENTILS, RINSED AND DRAINED
• 2 RED CHILLIES
• 2 CLOVES GARLIC, PEELED AND ROUGHLY CHOPPED
• 3CM PIECE OF FRESH GINGER, PEELED & CHOPPED
• 2 ONIONS, FINELY CHOPPED
• 1 TSP OF MUSTARD SEEDS & CUMIN SEEDS
• PINCH ASAFOETIDA
• 1 TSP TURMERIC
• 1 TSP GROUND CUMIN
• 1 TSP GARAM MASALA
• 1 TSP SEA SALT
• 10 DRIED CURRY LEAVES
• 400 ML CAN ORGANIC COCONUT MILK
• 400 ML CAN ORGANIC CHOPPED TOMATOES
• 2 TBSP GROUNDNUT OIL
• 20G FRESH CORIANDER LEAVES
• 300G BOILED BASMATI RICE
METHOD
Chop the chillies roughly (if you prefer your curry mild, remove the seeds first). Place the chopped chilli, with the garlic and ginger, in a food processor or pestle and mortar and grind down to a rough paste. Set to one side.
Heat the groundnut oil over a high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds, by which time they will have started to brown and give off a lovely aroma. Add the asafoetida and stir, then add the onions. Reduce the heat and stir until the onions have become soft and translucent. Add the garlic, chilli and ginger paste, sea salt, cubed pumpkin, lentils, ground cumin and turmeric. Stir to combine, making sure all the pumpkin and lentils are exposed to the oil. Now add the chopped tomatoes, curry leaves and 500ml fresh water. Stir, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook for a further 20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the pumpkin is just tender. Stir in the coconut milk and bring back to simmer, then add the garam masala and half of the chopped coriander. Remove from the heat.
Serve the curry hot, sprinkled with the remaining chopped coriander and accompanied by plain basmati rice and naan breads if desired.
OCTOBER HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS
Hamble Harvest Festival - Sat 4th, Petersfield - Sun 5th, Romsey - Sun 5th, Alton - Sat 11th, Winchester - Sun 12th, Emsworth - Sat 18th, Alresford - Sun 19th, Southsea - Sun 19th, Ringwood - Sat 25th, Winchester - Sun 26th For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
Wreath making and afternoon tea
The perfect experience to fill you with festive spirit this December. Join expert florists in the beautiful 17th century Dawley Barn at Lainston House to create a wreath to take home and be proud to hang on your front door! Once you’ve worked your crafty fingertips and brought your wreath vision to life, it’s time to relax and enjoy some well-deserved indulgence with our festive afternoon tea.
Message us on Instagram casson_drinkwater www.cassondrinkwater.co.uk
Unit 1, Homestead Farm, North Houghton, Nr Stockbridge SP20 6LG Mobile: 07503 316306
Email: info@cassondrinkwater.co.uk
Laboratory Grown Diamonds
Laboratory Grown Diamonds
D. Barker & Son Ltd
D. Barker & Son Ltd
D. Barker & Son Ltd 40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
D. Barker & Son Ltd
D. Barker & Son Ltd
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
Consultation, Consultation and more Consultation!
By Yinnon Ezra MBE
Iasked a neighbour if they had responded to the publicity inviting citizens to respond through questionnaires to the proposals carving up the County of Hampshire. She replied with a quizzical expression and “what consultation are you talking about”?! Given that this issue has been around for a while and the holiday season is upon us why was I was not surprised at the response? For most people as long as the bins get emptied and the pot holes eventually get repaired (again) Local Government Reorganisation is not a matter that gets the heart racing.
This together with the fact that there are two sets of proposals before us, with some Councils also producing their new Planning Guidance requiring a response - it can all get a bit overloaded?
Starting in reverse order
“The Planning Guidance” - this is a really important document - the District Councils are the Planning Authoritybesides other things, it sets out the number of new houses that are going to be built in an area and where they should be located. This is a statutory document that has to be summitted to Government who have made clear that the building of new homes is a key commitment. This document is a bit dense and takes a little reading to get to
the bit you really want to know - how many new houses in my street/village? Town & Parish Councils are invited to respond to this document as are we all. Perhaps an “Executive Summary” with a Post Code finder informing us of the suggested extra housing number, with a timetable would have been helpful?
As for the other issue
The Local Government Re-organisation of the County of Hampshire - we have two sets of options before us. Our comments are required using a questionnaire. The local District Council also alerted us by hanging a leaflet on the Wheely bin - excellent move! But the feedback I have been getting every time I urge people to respond to this consultation - why two questionnaires? Also, they are both quite different and besides some people having issues with the IT, are quite long - taking one local over half an hour.
One wonders sometimes if those people who design these forms have asked their nearest
and dearest to try filling them in before they launch it? A shorter perhaps single opportunity with fewer questions may have done the business?
But readers it will not end after this exercise is over All the Hampshire Councils are required to submit their proposals to Government in the autumn. They will be analysed and I understand that the views of the public will figure very highly in their deliberationsparticularly the number of people who have responded. Then they will come back with their preferred choices and a further round of consultation will take place. So, all is not lost if you were unable or missed this round.
Before the new Unitary Councils come into being we have another important change. Next May we will be electing a Mayor for Hampshire and the Island. Followed a year later by the election of the shadow Unitary Councils giving them a year to sort themselves out and coming into being the year after that. It’s vital that this is done in a by-partisan and gentle way so that experienced Councillors and staff don’t ALL slip away.
Finally - what did you respond to the question about the names of the new Councils - is it time in the spirit of Alfred the Great to revive Wessex?
Wizard Weekend at the Watercress Line
Sat 25 Oct to Sun 2 Nov
From 10am to 4pm
The Watercress Line, Station Road, Alresford, SO24 9JG
This Halloween, The Watercress Line becomes a spellbinding world of magic, mischief, and spooky fun for the whole family! Join us as our historic railway is transformed into a haunted haven filled with exciting activities for young witches, wizards, and little monsters. Don your cloak and grab your wand to hop aboard the Wizard Express – ghouls and ghosts can ride the steam trains throughout the day and hop on and off as they wish to explore the four heritage stations. Enjoy a day of Halloween adventure! For tickets: watercressline.co.uk/wizard-week
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch
Fri 17 Oct to Tue 4 Nov
From 10am to 5pm
Slade Farm, Slade Lane, Rogate, GU31 5EG
Unleash your autumn spirit, and celebrate all things halloween. We invite you, your friends and family to immerse yourself in a world of pumpkin fun and spooky delights at this magical outdoor event each October. The countdown is on! We're beyond excited to welcome you back this October for another season of pumpkin-filled fun. adventure, and magical moments! Get ready for brand-new surprises, thrilling activities, and, of course, pumpkins galore! For tickets visit: www.rogatepumpkinpatch.com
Halloween for Families guided walking tour of Winchester
Fri 31 October
From 5pm to 6pm
Winchester Visitor Information Centre, Guildhall, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH
A Halloween feast of ghosts and other ghastly goings-on. Fancy dress.
FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENTS
optional to enter into the fun spirit! Join Winchester's professional guides for a 90 minute walking tour, starting at Winchester Visitor Information Centre. Encounter the history and mystery of this once Capital City of England. Discover the gruesome tales of times gone by whilst walking down the ancient alleyways and passing the great Cathedral, ending near the medieval Buttercross on the High Street. For tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/halloween-for-familiesguided-walking-tour-of-winchestertickets-1245989771949?aff=ebdsopo rgprofile There are additional times at 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm for adults only.
Halloween Potions
Half Term TrailHinton Ampner
Sat 18 to Fri 31 October
From 10am to 5pm
Hinton Ampner, Alresford, SO24 0LA
Calling all young adventurers – the gates are flung wide for two weeks of magical adventures in the Hinton Ampner gardens. Join the quest to find the missing feathers and meet mysterious beasts along the way! Tackle bean bag challenges, leap, jump and dash your way through the quest finding clues and solving puzzles to resolve the mystery this October Half Term. Magic wands and pointy hats – welcome!
it show? Free with garden entry. For more information visit: https:// gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/event/ pumpkin-trail-2/
This October half term, enjoy a week of seasonal fun and wildlife adventures at Marwell Zoo. With pumpkin carving and painting, a haybale maze, pumpkin patch games, face painting, storytelling with Esme the Witch, animal talks, games, and more, it’s the perfect autumn day out for the whole family. For more information and tickets visit: https://www.marwell. org.uk/plan-your-visit/zoo-events/ october-half-term/
Pumpkin Trail at Gilbert White’s House & Garden
Sat 25 Oct to Sun 2 Nov
From 10.30am to 4pm
Gilbert White’s House, High Street, Selborne, GU34 3JH
The pumpkin trail is back! Pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes and colours will be placed in some unusual places around our gardens this Autumn half term - collect your Pumpkin Spotters guide and see how many you can find! There will be one carved pumpkin to find - Where is it and what creature does
Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. You can enjoy some ghostly storytelling and marvel at our owls as they put on two beautiful flying displays against the backdrop of the Trust’s moonlit grounds. Before the first flying display begins, you can take part in a fiendish Halloween Trail around the Trust, and explore to see our birds in their homes. All children must be accompanied by a full paying adult. Dressing up is encouraged! Fundraising Event – Your ticket will support the charitable work of the Hawk Conservancy Trust. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://www.hawk-conservancy.org/ events/owl-o-ween/
Half Term & Halloween Events at Sky Park Farm
Mon 27 Oct to Sat 1 Nov
Various Times (See website)
Sky Park Farm, West Harting Petersfield, GU31 5PT
Sky Park Farm has a line-up of spooktacular events in Hampshire that promise fun, learning, and plenty of seasonal magic. From wildlife encounters to bubbling potions, trains to silent discos, there’s something for every child to enjoy.
Potionology - 28 October, Spooky Native Wildlife Encounter - 29 October, Boogie Oogie Silent Disco – Halloween Weekend, Woodland Mini Craft Sessions – 31 October. For more information and booking visit: https://www.skyparkfarm.com/ index.php/event/book-sky-parkfarm-tickets-spooktacular-events/
Jewellery Design
Our
Jewellery Repair
We have a full range of jewellery repair and maintenance services. From cleaning and tightening to repairing breaks and resizing, our team can help you.
Theatre, Shows & Concerts
Thursday 9 October - 8pm
Zachary Lucky
For tickets visit: https:// railwayinn.pub/shows/zacharylucky-2025-10-09
Friday 10 October - 8pm
Rachel Stamp Acoustic Special + Matthew Ablard
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/rachel-stamp-2025-10-10
Saturday 11 October - 8pm
Hayseed Dixie
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/hayseed-dixie-2025-10-11
Sunday 12 October - 7.30pm
Alex Roberts + Ian Jamieson + Jay Munday
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/alex-roberts-2025-10-12
Thursday 16 October - 8pm
Me Lost Me + Good Weather for an Airstrike
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/me-lost-me-2025-10-16
Friday 17 October - 7.30pm
Roving Crows
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/roving-crows-2025-10-17
Saturday 18 October - 8pm
The Blackheart Orchestra + Foxpalmer
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/the-blackheartorchestra-2025-10-18
Sunday 19 October - 7.30pm
Aqualine + Sunlifter + Lugnut
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/aqualine-2025-10-19
Thursday 23 October - 7.30pm Battle of the Bands – Winchester
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/battle-of-the-bands-
winchester-2025-10-23
Friday 24 October - 8pm
Tuba Libres + Skaraman
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/tuba-libres-2025-10-24
Saturday 25 October - 8pm
The Roves
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/the-roves-2025-10-25
Wednesday 29 October - 8pm
The Undercover Hippy
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/the-undercoverhippy-2025-10-29
Thursday 30 October - 8pm
Zappa Halloween! Treacherous Cretins – Frank Zappa tribute
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/zappa-halloweentreacherous-cretins-frank-zappatribute-2025-10-30
Saturday 1 November - 8pm
Funke and the Two Tone Baby
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/funke-and-the-two-tonebaby-2025-11-01
One of the most exciting duos to emerge from the UK in recent times, Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow combine heartfelt musicality, unparalleled virtuosity and vocal harmony. For tickets visit: https://wegottickets. com/event/651024
Teilhard Frost & Jock Tyldesley
A brand new duo with the best of old time music! Teilhard and Jock found a shared love of Appalachian fiddle
Friday 24 October
From 8pm (7.30pm doors)
tunes around a full table, licking plates and dancing in the kitchen. For tickets visit: https://wegottickets. com/event/670058
Donald Wg Lindsay & Alasdair Roberts - Duo Tour
Saturday 1 November
From 8pm (7.30pm doors)
Scottish musicians Donald WG Lindsay and Alasdair Roberts have been friends for thirty years, since their teenage days. For tickets visit: https://wegottickets.com/ event/666436
9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Miserere - Zeb Soanes, St Martin's Voices Directed by Andrew Earis
Friday 31 October
From 7.30pm
Join Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes and St Martin's Voices, from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, for an evening of words and music for remembrance and reflection, including Allegri's Miserere and Parry's Songs of Farewell. To book visit: https://www.winchestercathedral.org.uk/event/miserere-zebsoanes-st-martins-voices-directedby-andrew-earis/
Cranbourne Farm
Sutton Scotney, Hampshire, SO21 3QD
Autumn ConcertWinchester Chamber Music Festival
Sunday 5 October
From 3pm
Autumn Concert in the beautiful setting of the Barn at Cranbourne Farm. The programme features two of the most popular piano trios in the repertoire, Dvořák Dumky Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 90 and Shostakovich - Piano Trio No 2 in E minor, Op. 67. Welcome the return of Rosa Hartley’s beautiful, deep
violin tones, playing alongside Kate Gould on cello and pianist, Paul Janes, who has recently returned to Hampshire after many years as professor at Royal Northern College of Music and as pianist for the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic orchestras. Tickets are £25 each (plus booking fee) including a glass of wine or a soft drink after the concert. To book tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/autumn-concert-winchesterchamber-music-festival-tickets1682920122389?aff=oddtdtcreator
Hospital of St Cross
Back Street, Winchester, SO23 9SD
The Thomas Weelkes Singers
Sunday 12 October
From 7pm
A recital in aid of local homelessness charity The Winchester Beacon, given by The Thomas Weelkes Singers (conductor Christopher Tolley) with guitarist Mark Eden. Programme: Renaissance masterpieces by Palestrina, Guerrero & Hassler; Anthems by Winchester composers Raymond Humphrey & Francis Pott; Caroline Shaw and the swallow (psalm 84); John Tavener The Lamb; Arvo Part Bogoroditse Dyevo; Music for guitar by Dowland & Moreno Torroba. Free Admission: Retiring Collection in aid of The Winchester Beacon (suggested minimum donation £15.00 on the night).
North Walls Park, Hillier Way, Winchester, SO23 7SU
Winchester Uke Jam
Wednesday 22 October
From 7.30pm
The Winchester Uke Jam meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month at The Winchester Rugby Club and all are welcome, regardless of ability. You don't have to be a uke player to join in. They welcome any stringed instrument or if you fancy playing a bit of percussion, having a sing or just want to listen then go along. For more information and tickets visit: http://www.moonroller.com/ winchesterukejam.htm
3 St Paul's Hill, Winchester SO22 5AE www.railwayinn.pub
Winchester Rugby Club
St Swithun’s students celebrate a record-breaking year for A-Levels and top GCSE results
Students at St Swithun’s School in Winchester were celebrating during the summer holidays after the school equalled their best-ever year for A-level grades. 35% of all grades were A*, which is the school's highest ever amount of A*s.
70% of the grades were A*/A while 91% received A*-B. Just under two-thirds of the year (65%) earned grades AAA and above, while 17% of the year group achieved three or more A* grades.
Students have been accepted into some of the most prestigious universities in the UK including Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial College, King’s College, LSE, St Andrews, York and UCL. For a fourth year in a row 10% of students have earned places at the universities of Cambridge or Oxford, a school achievement not matched for at least 20 years.
Head of sixth form, Nick Fyfe commented, “We are incredibly proud of all of our sixth-form students, for what they have achieved today and for the skills they have built to help them thrive in the next stage of their lives and we wish them the best of luck for the future.”
Students in science were celebrating extraordinary results with 53% obtaining A* in biology and 50% in chemistry.
Over half of the year studied maths, with over a third (35%) achieving A* and 84% A*/A. There were also high performers in several subjects with 100% A*/A grades in French, German, Latin, music and the extended project qualification (EPQ), as well as history, where students achieved 88% A*/A.
Jane Gandee, headmistress at St Swithun’s said, “We are delighted that our students have achieved results that reflect their two years of consistent commitment, critical thinking and intellectual
playfulness. Their teachers have relished working with such an independent-minded cohort.”
St Swithun’s students have also surpassed previous top GCSE grades, with the exception of pandemic years. 36% of grades were Grade 9, an uplift of 6% on the previous year and 60% of grades were 9/8/A* with 77% being 7/A and above.
This year saw St Swithun’s students take an average of 9.7 GCSEs each. 56% of the cohort earned six or more 9/8/A* grades and over a quarter of the year group gained nine or more 9/8/A* grades. 11 students achieved straight 9/8/A* grades, three of whom gained all 9s.
A large number of students achieved outstanding results including boarder Julia C, who obtained 12 grade 9s including Chinese and Spanish which she took in year 9 and year 10 respectively. She plays both the cello and piano and is a key member of the String and Symphony Orchestras at school. Day students Freya W also received 12 grade 9's while Ankara P received 11 grade 9s.
Music scholar Emma P received 10 grade 9s at GCSE. An accomplished pianist, flautist and violinist, she is currently studying piano and flute in the junior department at Royal College of Music in London. Emma also received a gold award in the Junior Chemistry Challenge as well as achieving the gold/kangaroo award in the Intermediate Maths Challenge.
Boarder Ingrid L obtained straight 9 and 8 grades in the 11 GCSEs that she completed. Alongside her academic commitments Ingrid has played lead roles in a variety of drama productions and represented Hong Kong in the U20s Lacrosse World Championships as well as being in the school’s U15A National Lacrosse Championship winning team.
St Swithun’s has a reputation for academic excellence whilst seeing pupils flourish in extracurricular activities such as sport, music, drama, academic enrichment, volunteering and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Accredited as a High Performance Learning World Class School, St Swithun’s holds the belief that high achievement is an attainable target for everyone; high performers are not born, they work for it.
St Swithun’s School, Winchester, SO21 1HA T: 01962 835700 www.stswithuns.com
SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN DAY
Saturday 4 October, 9am
St Swithun’s is a world-class boarding and day independent school for girls aged 11-18. Our vision is a world where young women see possibilities not barriers. Attend our open day to discover more.
Friday 7 November, 1.30pm
“A super school for those that love to be stretched in all directions and will thrive on the bonanza of opportunities that St Swithun’s has to offer.” – Good Schools Guide
Where Science Meets Indulgence
Nestled in the heart of Alresford, Saddle House Medi Spa combines cutting-edge aesthetics with luxurious surroundings. Our expert team specialises in skin health, rejuvenation, and confidence-boosting treatments tailored to you.
Bespoke
Hydrafacial
Skin
IPL Treatments
Thread Vein Removal
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Facials
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Face and Body Packages
Clinically advanced microneedling with Purasomes to stimulate natural hair regrowth
Hair Growth Package
Treatments for Men and Women
Tired of thinning hair or receding areas?
At Saddle House Medi Spa, our advanced microneedling with Purasomes harnesses the power of regenerative science to revitalise hair follicles and encourage natural regrowth.
This minimally invasive treatment improves scalp health, stimulates dormant follicles, and delivers visible results — with no surgery, no downtime, and results you can see and feel
HydraFacial – Your Autumn Skin Reset
As the seasons change, your skin often feels the effects — dryness, dullness, and post-summer sun damage. Autumn is the perfect time to invest in your skin with our HydraFacial: a gentle yet powerful treatment that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and rehydrates.
In just one session, your skin is left glowing, refreshed, and perfectly prepped for the colder months ahead. Treat yourself now to a fresh start for your complexion.
CURTIS MUSEUM & ALLEN GALLERY
ALLEN GALLERY
Ceramicus
The Allen Gallery is delighted to welcome back Ceramicus from October 4th to 31st. This talented group of local potters is based in the Surrey and Hampshire area. They come together to exhibit their work, which covers a wide range of throwing, hand building and sculpting methods with various types of clay. Followed by a spectrum of glazing and firing techniques - wood burning kilns, "raku" methods and traditional gas and modern electronically controlled kilns. Come and browse, perhaps choose some early Christmas presents! FREE entry.
Calligraphy and Origami Creative Wellbeing Workshop
FREE but booking essential, visit: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/ event/calligraphy-and-origami-creative-wellbeing-workshop Tuesday 22nd October from 10am - 4pm - Age: 18+
Talks sponsored by the Friends of the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery
Bees by Lesley Ann Morris - 9th October from 7.30pm. Medieval Women, Caroline Stapleton - 13th November from 7.30pm. All talks are in the Allen Gallery. FREE. Donations welcome.
Half-term Fun in the Allen Gallery
Pumpkin Spotter Trail
Can you find all the hidden pumpkins round the Allen Gallery?
Clay Ghost Workshop
28th October from 11am - 3pm (drop in). Make your own spooky (or silly) ghost from air-dry clay. All ages welcome. £2 per child, 5th craft free. Spooky Film Night
Family-friendly Hallowe'en film from 6pm - 29th October. Ticketed. Details on website or at venue.
CURTIS MUSEUM
As a follow-up to our recent Anglo-Saxon theme - Saxons vs Vikings - Follow our activity trail with two routes, Saxons or Vikings? Choose a side and join its boot camp on this fun family trail.
Make a Shield to blend in with your chosen team - Only £2 per shield with craft materials provided. Until 24th October from 10am - 4.30pm. And 4th November - 29th November from 10am - 4.30pm.
Half term Fun in the Curtis Museum
The Curious Case of the Haunted Exhibits
Can you uncover the mystery of the Haunted Exhibits this October half term? Join us on this spooky self-led activity trail around the Curtis Museum. There is a mission for our younger visitors - we have clay ghosts hidden around the Museum, can you find them all?
Communal Craft
The Ghostly Gathering - you can decorate and add a ghost to our communal mural! 25th October - 1st November from 10am -4.30pm, (drop in). £2 per trail, to include a Hallowe'en prize.
The Wittering Whitehalls are bringing their unique brand of charm and wit to Winchester and, if you’re one of their dedicated DLs, you won’t want to miss this live version of their popular podcast.
PROVIDING CARE SINCE 1999
Ahead of their national tots, visit winchesterhospice.com/witteringwhitehalls
Summer can be hard on our feet
Why not treat yourself to one of our luxury foot treatments?
All your routine podiatry/chiropody care followed by a nail treatment and Swedish foot massage. Finished with nourishing foot butter and hot boot therapy. Go on, you deserve it!
Treatment £87
Tel: 07300 869560 www.alresfordpodiatry.co.uk
Make your own Ectoplasm
Slimy gooey fun with our own Museum "ectoplasm" mix. 30th October from 11am-3pm (drop in). £2 per child, 5th craft free.
Museum by Torchlight
Keeping the creepy theme, dare you come on the Hallowe'en torchlight trail? Spooky storytelling, Hallowe'en challenges. 31st October from 5.30pm - 7.30pm, (drop in). £3.75 per child, adults free.
Dotty the Dodo's Autumn Fact Hunt
A free Family Trail. Dotty has hidden some more facts from the natural world around the Curtis Museum. Can you find them all and earn your Dotty the Dodo sticker? 2nd September - 29th November.
Support the Hampshire Cultural Trust
Hampshire Cultural Trust is an independent charity which provides outstanding cultural experiences to both residents and visitors to the region. We manage and support visitor attractions, museums, art galleries and arts centres across Hampshire and provide a huge variety of workshops, classes, events and projects for all ages, in schools and in communities, with particular emphasis on reaching people who are vulnerable or disadvantaged and would not normally be able to access arts and culture.
In addition, we care for 2.5 million objects that relate to Hampshire’s rich and internationally important cultural heritage. Your support makes a real difference. Make a one-off donation or give from £5 a month to help our local museums, galleries and arts centres bring inspiring cultural experiences to our doorstep.
To dontate visit: www.hampshireculture.org.uk/support-us/donate
We’re here so your loved one can stay at home, where things are familiar and they feel at ease.
We’re here for you too, because when a loved one needs care, it can be a challenging time in your life as well.
Of course, it’s much more than that. They also get 1-to-1 support with everyday errands. Help with washing and feeding, someone to swap stories with, and a new friend who can help them see old friends. All this in a safe environment, with familiar routines, that can delay age-related illnesses such as early onset dementia.
You also get complete confidence that they are receiving premium support from a provider that’s proudly rated Outstanding by the CQC.
For outstanding-rated home care throughout Winchester, contact us today 01962 856 900 winchester@bluebirdcare.co.uk
VOLUNTEERING – SEE WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
Friends of the Family is a small Winchester charity supporting children and families who are facing tough times. Volunteers are vital to us. One local volunteer, Jane, started out feeling she was ‘just a mum’ with no formal childcare experience to offer.
She is now one of our longest-standing volunteer befrienders, supporting children aged 5-13:
“To watch a child grow in confidence whilst doing things my own children took for granted is such a privilege. It’s never a chore and the smiles on their faces are definitely worth it!”
And the impact is felt by families too. One mum describes how her daughter lights up after spending time with her befriender:
“When she’s been out, she comes back buzzing. She’s light, like she’s flying like a little fairy. It gives her an escape from being a carer and lets her just be a child for a while. The relationship they’ve formed is beautiful.”
The simple gift of time and empathy changes lives, not only for the children and families who benefit, but for the volunteers themselves. It fills the soul, not just the schedule.
Join us at our Open Morning for coffee and a chat. Explore volunteering with us and discover the difference you could make. No strings attached – just a chance to see what it’s all about.
Friday 24 October, 9-11am - Rick Stein, 8 High Street, Winchester SO23 9JX Or get in touch at: volunteer@fotfwinchester.org www.fotfwinchester.org Tel: 01962 864466
It’s good to be home
It’s not just putting Mum at ease. It’s giving you peace of mind.
Treatments to rejuvenate and enhance your natural look
We will change how you look and feel, but keeping it natural, just a fresher, brighter version of you. You’re going to love the difference!
Our skin clinic treats clients throughout south Hampshire and beyond, people seeking a warm welcome, highly personal ‘no pressure’ service, with expert treatments carried out in a discreet, calm setting.
Treatments Include:
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Nurse led Clinic of Excellence
Treatments are available for men & women
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www.lifeshouldbebeautiful.co.uk
Yes, You SHOULD Feel Good (About Your Vagina)
Those of us who have issues down there know the impact our vagina can have on our quality of life. But we should ALL feel good about our vaginas.
Ultra Femme 360 is the painless radio frequency treatment that promotes the body’s own natural collagen production to restore and tighten the vaginal area.
From puberty, childbirth, menopause, and all the fun stuff in between, our vaginas go through a lot, and we rarely give them the care they need.
Our vaginal area is just as prone to damage and ageing as the rest of our body.
Distressing problems with vaginal laxity, stress incontinence or reduced tissue quality are all experienced by most women at some point in their life.
The Ultra Femme 360 treatment provides total vaginal rejuvenation in one quick and painless treatment that lasts just eight minutes*.
What is Ultra Femme 360?
Ultra Femme 360 is a non-surgical solution for restoring the internal and external vaginal area. As the applicator is guided in and around the vagina, the radio frequency activates our own body’s natural collagen and elastin production, which tightens the vaginal canal and surrounding skin. The low levels of heat from the treatment also encourages blood flow to the area, further boosting the effects.
Feel good…
Who can benefit from Ultra Femme 360?
This is a safe and gentle treatment that is suitable for most women. If you have experienced vaginal changes since childbirth or menopause or have functional issues including stress incontinence or reduced sexual enjoyment, Ultra Femme 360 can tighten, restore, and rejuvenate your vagina for increased confidence and personal wellbeing.
Does the treatment hurt?
We understand that this kind of treatment can feel daunting. However, we aim to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment, which is entirely painless and lasts only 8 minutes. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately afterwards. *Recommended one treatment per week for three weeks for the best results.
We are one of the first clinics in the country to offer this treatment and look forward to welcoming you at The Face & Skin Clinic.
Book your treatment today. We should all feel good about our vaginas.
The Magical Christmas Countdown Has Begun!
The festive season in Winchester is set to sparkle once again and at Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) we are thrilled to share our exciting Christmas plans for 2025. Two of our most-loved seasonal events are back to kickstart the celebrations: the Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On and the return of our #IndieWinch chalet at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. We love bringing these projects to life on behalf of the businesses.
Our Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Thursday 13 November, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm in The Broadway outside the Guildhall. Kindly sponsored by Dutton Gregory Solicitors, this spectacular evening will be hosted by Jonny Meah from Heart Radio and will feature performances from The Pilgrims’ School Chamber Choir, Harestock Primary School Choir, Osborne School’s Rubik’s Cube, Winchester Rock Choir, Theatre Royal Winchester, Winchester A Capella, Integr8 Dance, Love Soul Choir, Diva Academy and Weeke Primary School Choir.
Each year we invite the community to nominate local heroes to switch on the lights which is always a wonderful way to recognise those who make a difference in our city. Alongside the entertainment, visitors can enjoy festive fun at the Giant Inflatable Snow Globe in Middle Brook Street by The Brooks Shopping Centre (12 noon–8pm) and pay a visit to Father Christmas at the Winchester Round Table’s Santa’s Sleigh nearby. Voluntary donations at the Snow Globe will go towards Spare Change
From 21 November to 22 December, our #IndieWinch Chalet will once again take pride of place at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. This special chalet will showcase more than 15 different independent Winchester businesses every few days, offering a wonderful range of unique gifts and festive treats. While you’re visiting, pick up a FREE #IndieWinch tote bag to help spread the shop-local message and support our vibrant independent business community.
Sarah Davis, Winchester BID Manager, said:
“The Christmas Lights Switch On is a highlight of our year – it brings people together, gets everyone in the festive spirit, and celebrates our community heroes. We are so grateful to Dutton Gregory Solicitors for their sponsorship and to all the businesses that support the stunning High Street Christmas tree.”
We look forward to welcoming you to the city centre to celebrate the start of Winchester’s festive season. For more district wide Christmas details, please visit christmasinwinchester.co.uk and follow #WinchLights and #FestiveWinch on social media.
for Lasting Change, supporting Trinity Winchester and The Winchester Beacon.
Sarah Davis - Winchester BID Manager
View from the stage up the High Street at the Lights Switch On Event
Opening Times Tuesday - Saturdays 11:00am - 5:00pm (Closed Sundays and Mondays)
SOUTHERN VOICES REMEMBRANCE CONCERT
Songs of Farewell – is the title of Southern Voices’ autumn concert on Saturday 8 November, 7.30pm in St Paul’s Church, Winchester. This popular, local chamber choir will present a poignant and beautiful programme on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, featuring Hubert Parry’s Songs of Farewell mixed with a selection of movements from Ian Venables’ Requiem (2018).
Parry composed the Songs of Farewell between 1908 and 1918 as a focus for his immense, personal grief from the loss of so many of his pupils in the First World War. The Songs are setting of texts, all but one from the British Isles, and are a musical treasure from this period.
HOPE is at the heart of this concert, as part of Southern Voices’ current concert season entitled HOPE, FAITH, LIFE, LOVE. The evening will also include Thomas Tomkins’ exquisite When David Heard, and Robert Ramsey How are the mighty fallen, two of our finest madrigals from the 17th century, along with a very moving anthem from David Briggs and Holy is the true light by William Harris.
The programme is intentionally contemplative and moving at this time of year, but the choir and their Musical Director: Jamal Sutton sincerely hope that the evening will also deliver HOPE and OPTIMISM. Tickets £18 are now on sale: www.southernvoices.co.uk or telephone 0333 666 3366 (booking fees apply). Registered charity 1086868
Patios • Paths • Decks • Drives • Gates
• Gardens • Gazebos • Fencing • Pergolas
• Trelliage • Water Features • Planting
• Lawns • Oak Framed Barns & Home Offices
Accessible autumn – experience one of the most magical times of the year in South Downs National Park
“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the Earth seeking the successive autumns.”
The famous writer George Eliot knew there was something very special about autumn and many would agree it’s one of the best times of the year to see the South Downs National Park.
It’s a season of morning mists and sensational sunsets, where a stroll with crunchy leaves underfoot followed by a hot chocolate can bring a warming sense of comfort and reflection that only the “fall” season can inspire.
With a quarter of the National Park covered in woodland – a bigger area than any other National Park in England – there’s plenty of leaves to change colour and eventually fall. Did you know that the phrase “fall of the leaf” was very common up until the 17th century and the French “automne” only became common in the 18th century?
Those looking to explore the wonders of autumn will find one of the most accessible protected landscapes in the UK. With over 3,600km of Rights of Way (2,200 miles…around the same distance from here to Cyprus!), the famous 100-mile long South Downs Way, and a large network of railway and bus connections across market towns and chocolate-box villages, you can experience tranquil nature while only being a stone’s throw from a pub or shop.
Andy Gattiker, who leads access in the National Park, said: “Autumn is such a wonderful time to explore the South Downs, especially the later sunrises and earlier sunsets which mean the ‘golden hour’ for photography often occurs when you’re out and about on a walk.
“The tree cover in the National Park is about the same size as the Isle of Wight, so you’re never far away from a lovely woodland walk to see all the vibrant shades of yellow, red and orange in the treescape.
“Not everyone loves mud and negotiating stiles, so autumn is a good time to try out one of our Miles Without Stiles routes. There’s seven across the National Park and they are gentle walks on solid ground that the whole family can enjoy, regardless of their fitness or mobility levels. We also have offroad mobility scooters for hire at Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Seven Sisters Country Park.
“We hope people enjoy experiencing the autumnal magic of this treasured landscape!”
Here are some of Andy’s ideas for a great day-out this autumn in the South Downs National Park:
Try a Miles Without Stiles walk Miles Without Stiles are routes that are suitable for people with limited mobility. Wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, dog walkers and less agile walkers can choose from a list of routes from across the South Downs.
Whether it’s a cosy coastal view you’re after, or an enchanting forest, there’s something for everyone:
• Bramber Routes
• Ditchling Beacon and the Chattri
• Iping and Stedham Commons
• Seaford Head routes
• Seven Sisters routes
• Mill Hill route
• West Walk, Forest of Bere
Search for some spooky surprises With humans inhabiting the South Downs for
five millennia, it’s no wonder this rolling landscape is a swirling cauldron of myths, legends, folklore and ghost stories.
There are a few spots that are particularly spooky. Chanctonbury Ring, Devil’s Dyke, Racton Ruins, the Devil’s Humps of Kingley Vale – all are wrapped up in stories of mystery and intrigue. Add a morning mist, or an evening fog, and you have the perfect recipe for spookiness!
There’s an action-packed line-up of Halloweeninspired events throughout October at various venues across the National Park, including “Fearsome Folktales” at Butser Ancient Farm and an arts session at the Weald and Downland Living Museum exploring the ancient legend of Knucker, the Sussex Water Dragon. A “Science Spooktacular”, with a monster mini disco and trick or treat trail, will be running at Winchester Science Centre from 7 to 30 October. At Seven Sisters Country Park there will be the Errie the Owl’s Creepy Trail from 21 to 29 October. People can explore the Cuckmere River while learning about the eerie history and wildlife.
Throughout October, the National Park will also be running a “Spooky South Downs” photo competition on Instagram. Whether it be a spider’s web, a gnarly tree, a fearsome fungus or a castle shrouded in mist, people are being invited to share their spooky moments on the South Downs. The winner with the best image will receive a guided bat walk with Sussex Bat Group for up to four people. Simply snap away and #SpookySouthDowns. The deadline for entries is 31 October. Find out more here: www.southdowns.gov.uk/spookysouthdownsphoto-competition/
Image: Sunken track on the side of Wolstonbury Hill in South Downs National Park by Ian Brierley
WINCHESTER POETRY FESTIVAL 2025
We’re here to be a round table for poetry where everyone is welcome. We are a poetry organisation that does all sorts of things - from hosting our much-acclaimed biennial festival in Winchester, to our popular Winchester Poetry Prize competition, to our wider work with schools and community organisations.
We are here to share, showcase, celebrate and champion great poetry - because we believe in its power to bring us all together and make a positive, enriching difference to our lives and the society we live in.
Winchester Poetry Festival was established in 2013 with the first festival taking place in September 2014. We also promote one-off events and work in partnership with Hampshire Cultural Trust to run the Hampshire Poet programme and the Hampshire Young Poet Competition.
Winchester Poetry Festival 2025 takes place this October. The in-person weekend will be held at The ARC, Winchester 10-12 October. There are fringe events around the city and online workshops from 2nd October.
Winchester Poetry Festival 2025 is a celebration of poetry performances, readings, workshops and activities for all. Curated by Clare Pollard on the theme "Revisiting The Classics"
Featured poets include Diane Seuss, Mona Arshi, Richard Scott, Roy McFarlane, Joelle Taylor, Fiona Benson, Luke Kennard and Mary Jean Chan. They will be exploring the work of Marvell, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Edward Thomas, Keats, Dante, Al-Busiri, Bing Xin, Adrienne Rich and more.
Winchester Poetry Festival is a charity run by a board of Trustees with support from a creative team. For a full line up of events and for more information visit: www. winchesterpoetryfestival.org
WINCHESTER & DISTRICT AUTUMN NEARLY NEW SALE
Our next Nearly New Sale is on Sunday 12th October 2025, 1-3pm, at King School, Winchester (12.45pm entry for NCT members).
At our NCT Nearly New Sales you will find a wide range of great quality second-hand baby, children, and maternity items, ranging from clothes and shoes to equipment, to toys and games. If you haven't been to one of our sales before, how does it work?
Items from all sellers will be sorted into categories, giving a department store-style shopping experience, which is unique to the NCT. So, buyers will find items conveniently organised by type or size, and there will be tills where they can pay for their shopping all together. Entry is £1.50 per adult charity donation on the door. Entry will be free after 2.30pm. Please note that our sale will be cashless and buggy-free (although a buggy park will be available on the day).
Our seller fee is £4 per 100 items, and all sales are subject to a charitable commission (30%, which is reduced for those helping on the day). Our fees and commission go to supporting NCT activities and services in the local area.
To join us, please sign up using our registration form at: https://www.nct.org.uk/, or email us at nns.winchester@nct.org.uk to find out more.
NCT Members As a thank you for your support, we offer early entry at our sales for NCT members. Find out more about becoming an NCT member at: https://www.nct.org.uk/
LAW WEEK FESTIVAL
Law Week Festival - Shifting Perceptions at Winchester Cathedral
This year’s Law Week Festival is a mix of services, talks, and performance with a focus on how societal perceptions of crime and criminality often lack awareness or rapidly become out dated – frequently shaped by the media and political agendas. This year's festival line up:
10th October from 5.30pm, Winchester Cathedral Homelessness Service - An Evensong service in collaboration with Trinity Winchester.
Sunday 12th October 2025 from 11.00am, Winchester Cathedral Law Sunday Service - The High Sheriff of Hampshire’s annual service honouring all those who work in Law and Order. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday 15th October from 7.30pm9.30pm, Winchester Cathedral Julie Mackay: The ‘Ideal Victim’ - The media often prioritize stories that resonate with the public to generate the most interest. This leads to a focus on certain types of crimes and victims while others are overlooked. Julie Mackay discusses how we often views victims of crime in polarised ways based upon their age, gender and lifestyle and how not everyone is the ‘ideal victim’.
Thursday 16th October from 7.30pm - 9.00pm, University of Winchester Speak Out, Listen In: Perspectives on the Criminal Justice System - BearFace Theatre returns to this year’s Law Week Festival after last year’s truly remarkable, sold out performance. Join us for an immersive and thought-provoking audio experience exploring the criminal justice system.
Friday 17th October from 7.30pm - 9.30pm, West Downs Centre, University of Winchester Holloway Film Screening and Q&A
Saturday 18th October from 10am-11.30am / 12pm-1.30pm / 2pm - 3.30pm, Winchester Cathedral
Death in the Cathedral: A hands-on forensic experience. Do you have crime solving skills? Enjoy a murder mystery?
Saturday 18th October from 7.30pm - 9.00pm, Winchester Cathedral Miss Austen Investigates - Jane Austen’s “criminal mind,” while not literally criminal, refers to her insightful understanding and portrayal of societal ills and the darker aspects of human behaviour within her novels.
For more information and to book the above events visit: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/ event/law-week-festival/
