Winchester Forum - Issue 2 - February 2024

ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2024

Winchester

FORUM Life in your City

FEATURE WRITTEN BY LUCIA FOSTER-FOUND

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

App-iness Is...

Venison Casserole with Brown Ale

ST SWITHUN'S SCHOOL Lights up to celebrate 140 years

NEWS & EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY Find out what's going on in Winchester

STYLE ˙ INTERIORS ˙ HEALTH & BEAUTY ˙ INTERVIEWS ˙ FOOD & DRINK ˙ ENTERTAINMENT ˙ EVENTS Cover Image: The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty, Winchester (read page 34)

EYES TEETH EARS? YOU’VE HAD YOUR EYES & TEETH CHECKED WHY NOT YOUR EARS AND HEARING?

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WINCHESTER FORUM FEBRUARY 2024

CONTENT S 04 Local Events 05 Home

16

Trades, services, designers, All you need for your home

06 Property Management

St Swithuns School lights up to celebrate 140 years

18

The Hospital of St. Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty

App-iness Is... written

by Lucia Foster-Found

26

From photographers to solicitors every professional service you need

14 Theatre, Shows & Concerts 16 Education

34 Feature

35 Home continued 36 Feature

Buying, selling, letting?

Find local estate agents and property management services

10 Local Events continued 11 Professional Services

32 Theatre, Shows & Concerts continued

38 Entertainment 47 Property Management continued

The Team Editor Mark Tubb editor@forumpublications.co.uk Director of Advertising Steve Walker stevewalker@forumpublications.co.uk Advertising Manager Mandy Head mandyhead@forumpublications.co.uk Accounts accounts@forumpublications.co.uk Feature Writer Lucia Foster-Found

Get in Touch Forum Publications Offices New Farm Road, Alresford, SO24 9QE

Tel: 01962 735137 www.forumpublications.co.uk

34

Retail

Our regular retail feature, Unique, Bespoke, Eclectic and Local shopping

26 Recipe of the Month

Venison Casserole with Brown Ale

27 Wellbeing 27

Looking after your health and yourself!

30 Garden

Make your garden dream come true

36

The Winchester Forum contains facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, advertisements and other content and links to external websites not owned or controlled by the magazine. The Winchester Forum takes reasonable efforts to include accurate, current information on its pages, but make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of the published items that are displayed. No liability or responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions in magazine content. The Winchester Forum magazine content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of its creators and any reliance upon its content is taken at the user’s sole risk. Adverts designed by Forum Publications remain the magazine's legal ownership. Readership figures calculated on an average national statistic of 2.5 readers per household © Forum Publications Ltd, 2024

COMMUNITY

Local Events Festival of the Moon at Winchester Cathedral

Mon 5 to Sun 18 February Cathedral Opening Hours 9 The Close, Winchester Hampshire, SO23 9LS

Pop into the cathedral to marvel at its beauty or join one of the many events and activities that will be taking place in the moonlight, from pilates to silent discos.

This is a touring artwork by talented UK artist Luke Jerram.

This large-scale installation has been circling the globe, lighting up spaces from Bilbao to Beijing, including abbeys and swimming pools, exciting and inspiring visitors along the way. Already experienced by over 20 million people worldwide, the moon will finally arrive in Winchester for the very first time in February 2024. For more information visit: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/ event/festival-of-the-moon/

RSPB - White Storks Taking Flight! Reconnecting with a Wilder Britain Wed 7 February From 7.30pm to 9.30pm Shawford Parish Hall, Pearson Lane, Shawford, SO21 2AA

Talk by Matt Phelps, the seasonal Field Assistant for the White Stork Project at Knepp.

These large birds, symbolic of rebirth, are native to the British Isles and evidence suggests that

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they were once widely distributed.

Whilst it is unclear why this spectacular and sociable bird failed to survive in Britain, it is likely that a combination of habitat loss, over-hunting and targeted persecution all contributed to their decline. A contributory factor may be that it was persecuted in the English Civil War for being associated with rebellion. The white stork is a migratory bird species, and there have been many sightings in the UK over recent years, but conservationists identified that the species would need a helping hand to re-establish a breeding population in Britain.

Please check here for the latest information including any possible cancellation/change to an online meeting. There is no charge for group members. Visitors are asked to pay a small charge of £5. For further information use the contact us form on our website: https://group.rspb.org. uk/winchester/contact-us/ or telephone: 07710 037659.

Night Sky Live at Winchester Science Centre

Thu 8 February From 6.30pm to 9.30pm Winchester Science Centre, Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ

Enjoy an evening of familyfriendly astronomy at Winchester Science Centre. The evening begins with a planetarium show where you’ll learn to identify what is in the night sky before heading outside for a guided stargazing session under the beautiful dark skies above the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve. There’s also an opportunity to explore the exhibits, drinks and snacks, and your ticket includes a stargazing

guide to take home.

Telegraph Way, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HZ

Bready, Set, Dough!

Hearth at the Arc, or the Moon at the Cathedral.

Evening Talk: From Rifleman to Secret Agent Thu 15 February From 6.30pm The Royal Green Jackets Museum, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO23 9TS

Sat 10 to Sun 18 February Various times (see website) Upper Floor, The Brooks Shopping Centre, Winchester SO23 8QY

Join us at 878Ad for the launch of our latest side quests challenge in February half term. The townsfolk need your help in preparing for a feast fit for King Alfred himself.

But with tensions increasing, and the fate of history once again in the balance, will you be able prove yourself and rise to the challenge or will you just make a meal of it?! For more information and tickets visit: https://878ad.co.uk

Glowing Galaxies Sat 10 to Sun 18 February Best viewed in the evening Middle Brook Street and Kings Walk, Winchester, SO23 8AQ

Back by popular demand, this February half term, Middle Brook Street and Kings Walk will be transformed by Glowing Galaxies. The area will be filled with twinkly lights, stars, planets, swirling galaxies and you might even see the Northern Lights!

Open each evening from 10 until 18 February, this FREE event is the perfect way to end a day out in Winchester this half term. For full effect it is best to visit after dark, but many of the installations will also be wonderful during daylight hours, adding a space theme to any day out. Winchester has plenty of opportunities to create a whole galactic day out! Naturally, any space enthusiast should visit the Winchester Science Centre, just outside the city. Once in the city, head into the Visitor Information Centre and complete a colouring in sheet or the childfriendly quiz. You could also visit

An Evening Talk in The Kincaid Gallery by Paul McCue. The Story of Major Amédee Maingard of of the Special Operations Executive.

For more information visit: https://rgjmuseum.co.uk/visiting/ whats-on/

The Mayor of Winchester presents - Big Quiz Night

Fri 16 February From 7pm Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall, Littleton, Winchester, SO22 6QL

Join the Mayor of Winchester Cllr Angela Clear and Winchester’s very own Egghead Kevin Ashman for next month’s annual fundraising Big Quiz Night. Sign up now for this popular evening of entertainment. Top teams on the night will compete against Kevin in the Ask Ashman final round for the trophy – and the year’s bragging rights! In addition to the main quiz, there will be other fundraising including a raffle. Proceeds from the evening will go towards the Mayor’s three nominated charities: SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity; Naomi House & Jacksplace; and Rowans Hospice. Tickets are priced at £12 per person and teams can have up to eight members. To book your place in the quiz, email: angela.clear@tiscali.co.uk with your team name and the names of those taking part. If you do not have a team but would still like to attend, please email your details and you will be sorted into a team on the night. Payment details will be supplied when you book.

Continued on page 10 >

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WINCHESTER ESTATE R FOALE S

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Hyde – £875,000 Freehold An immaculately presented period house in a very sought-after neighbourhood. Offering three bedrooms, two reception rooms, social kitchen, family bathroom, and a tranquil rear garden with studio/home office. Egbert Road is in the heart of a particularly sought-after neighbourhood in Hyde, just a stone’s throw away from the historical high street and railway station. The property has been immaculately maintained and improved by the current owner and has been decorated in a warm neutral & timber style. There are modern double glazed sash windows throughout, and some of the doors have been replaced with very high standard oak carpentry.

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King's Barton – £630,000 Freehold Pride of place in the King's Barton development, this handsome semi-detached property was built in 2018 and has a clean contemporary style throughout.

Offering three bedrooms, spacious sitting room, open-plan kitchen/dining room, garage, parking, and larger-than-most garden. The position is excellent and offers far reaching countryside views.

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EVENTS

Local Events Winchester Record Fair 2024 Sat 17 February Time unknown The Baptist Church, 2-4 City Road, Winchester, SO23 8SD

The Winchester Record Fair is an opportunity for visitors to experience products such as CDs, vinyl, DVDs, memorabilia, books, videos, cassettes, accessories, memorabilia and more.

A Valentine's Candlelight Experience at The Hospital of St. Cross, Winchester

is easily one of the top wedding venues in Winchester, providing a traditional and relaxed atmosphere, this 16th century hotel offers the perfect wedding venue for your special day! With the added attraction of the secret garden providing a beautiful backdrop for those all important photographs you really will fall in love with the place. On the day we will have a large range of recommended wedding suppliers for you to meet and help to plan your wedding day, from cake tasting to bridal fashion there will be something there for all.

Winchester 10K - 2024

Sun 18 February Sat 17 February From 7pm The Hospital of St Cross, Back Street, Winchester, SO23 9SD

Lumos Live brings you enchanting concert experiences paying homage to world famous artists.

We’ve partnered with spectacular locations and churches across the UK to deliver a concert experience that is nothing short of magical.

A Percentage Of Our Profits Are Donated To Charities From Every Event. Please arrive 20 mins before the concert starts. For more information and tickets visit: https://www.lumoslive.co.uk/ event/a-valentines-candlelightexperience

Wedding Fayre Winchester Royal Hotel

From 8.30am to 10.30am

Winchester Guildhall - The Winchester 10km Road Race started back in 1983 as a 10-mile distance. The race adopted the popular 10km format in the late 1980s. The race will feature a 1 lap closed road route starting outside the historic Winchester Guildhall in The Broadway. The start is in front of the impressive King Alfred Statue. The route is a mix of urban and countryside parkland. Registration: 07:15 Official Mass Start: 08:30 Course closes: 10:30 For more information and to enter visit: https://challenging.events/e/ winchester-10k-8646

The Metamorphosis at The Nutshell, Winchester

Sun 18 February From 11am to 3.30pm Winchester Royal Hotel, 21-22 St. Peter Street, Winchester, SO23 8BS

Join us at this city centre wedding venue and see why it

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The Metamorphosis is a new adaptation of Franz Kafka’s classic story of a man whose

Sun 24 to Sun 25 February 24th at 7.30pm, 25th at 10pm The Nutshell, 15 Kings Walk, Winchester, SO23 8AF

society causes him to feel so isolated and worthless that he physically transforms into a giant insect. Kafka's Prague in 1915 was full of confusing bureaucracy, indecipherable regulations and a host of reasons why Gregor should grow to consider himself utterly worthless. Today, our world bustles along with little time or energy to notice those around us and social media bombards us with images of perfect people with perfect lives.

Following his shocking metamorphosis Gregor finally begins to realise what it means to be human. But is it too late?

As his mind adapts to his new life Gregor struggles to hold on to his humanity, and his family begin to undergo their own transformations. Franz Kafka's story of a misfit trying to adapt to his busy world is as relevant now as it ever was.

This new adaptation of a classic tale of alienation explores the ways modern life conspires to isolate us, and the parts of being human which bring us closer together. For tickets visit: https:// www.thenutshellwinchester. com/shows-and-events/themetamorphosis-24th

Big MUD 2024 at Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Sun 25 February From 8.30am to 3pm Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE

Can you take on 16 Miles or a Marathon around the Meon Valley? Back for our third year, this spectacular but challenging course returns! The 2nd event in The Element Series, BigMud symbolises the element Earth.

We have 2 wild ‘n’ muddy, single lap trail runs around the scenic

Meon Valley. You’ll have a choice of Marathon or 16 mile distances, each starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire, with a 518ft climb up to the highest point in the South Downs, Butser Hill……. twice! Once at the top, you will then head out over the trails and rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, with the finish back where you started at the bottom of Butser Hill. This event will certainly challenge you but the spectacular scenery and friendly, encouraging atmosphere will leave you with an enormous feeling of accomplishment!

Bespoke medal, free parking and a fully marked and marshalled course, make this a winter run not to be missed! To book tickets visit: https://www.hants.gov.uk/ thingstodo/countryparks/qecp/ visit-us/whatson/Big-Mud

Holiday Inn Winchester Wedding Fayre

Sun 25 February From 11am to 3pm The Holiday Inn, Telegraph Way, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

Join us at The Holiday Inn Winchester's Wedding Fayre!

Discover what the venue can offer for your wedding day, chat with the team on the day. Our aim is to provide a friendly 'try before you buy' opportunity for couples planning their dream day.

All our suppliers (exhibitors) are locally sourced and come highly recommended. We pride our fayres on having a welcoming and relaxed environment where couples can talk to suppliers at ease without the pressure of a hard sales pitch. For tickets visit: https://allevents.in/winchester/ holiday-inn-winchester-weddingfayre

If you would like to add an event to this page FREE of charge please email it to editor@ forumpublications.co.uk

Trust in Godwins to deliver Based in the heart of historic Winchester, we’ve been advising our private and business Clients with trusted legal expertise for 200 years.

Discover more at www.godwins-law.co.uk

For you Wills / Probate / Trusts / Property For your business Landlord & Tenant / Farms & Estates / Property Godwins Solicitors LLP 12 St Thomas Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9HF

Tel: 01962 841484 Email: info@godwins-law.co.uk

Five ways to reduce your CGT liability Cuts to the capital gains tax (CGT) exemption mean that arranging your investments as tax efficiently as possible is more important than ever. However, CGT can be highly complex, so it’s important to seek expert advice to avoid paying it unnecessarily. Here are some ways to reduce CGT: 1. Use your CGT exemption Your annual CGT exemption enables you to make tax-free gains of up to £6,000 in the 2023/24 tax year; this is due to be cut to £3,000 in 2024/25. This can’t be carried forward into the next tax year, so making full use of it each year could reduce the risk of incurring a significant CGT liability in the future.

2. Transfer assets to your spouse or civil partner Transfers between spouses and civil partners are exempt from CGT, so assets can be transferred from one partner to the other to use each person’s annual CGT exemption. The transfer must be a genuine, outright gift.

3. Invest in an ISA / bed and ISA Gains (and losses) made on investments held in an ISA are exempt from CGT. In the 2023/24 tax year, you can invest up to £20,000 in an ISA. The tactic ‘bed and ISA’ involves selling investments to realise a capital gain and then immediately buying back the same investments inside an ISA. This enables all future gains on the investment to be CGT free.

4. Invest in an Enterprise Investment Scheme Any gains made on investments in an EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) are free from CGT if held for three or more years. In certain circumstances, you may be able to defer a capital gain by investing that gain in an EIS qualifying company.

traditional investments and can be harder to sell, so are not appropriate for all investors.

5. Contribute to a pension Making a pension contribution from relevant earnings could help you save on CGT because it effectively increases the upper limit of your income tax band. If, for example, you made a gross pension contribution of £10,000, the point at which higher-rate tax becomes payable would rise from £50,270 to £60,270 (2023/24 tax year). If your capital gain plus other taxable income fell within this extended basic-rate income tax band, CGT would be payable at 10% instead of 20%.

We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.

Adam Jarvis Head of Office – Senior Investment Manager E: adam.jarvis@brewin.co.uk

Kirsty Simpson Financial Planner Divisional Director E: kirsty.simpson@brewin.co.uk

46 Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8RY T: 01962 798000 W: www.brewin.co.uk/our-offices/winchester

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.

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.

RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of Brewin Dolphin Limited. Brewin Dolphin Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number 124444) and regulated in Jersey by the Financial Services Commission. Registered Office; 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales company number: 2135876. VAT number: GB 690 8994 69

BDM4844 1/24_0.6

The downside of EIS is that these schemes are higher risk than

PROFESSIONAL

Mr. Mac

Amazon Prime Video is changing in February when they will be introducing ads when watching TV shows or films. For £2.99 pm you can go ad-free making an annual subscription £130.88 instead of £95.00. I personally will not be paying the extra as I find the video content to be somewhat limited in appeal but will continue with my annual Prime subscription as it is as I do benefit from the free delivery.

It also includes Amazon Photos and Amazon Music. If you are a student Amazon have a special subscription price of £47.49 pa.

AI Pin is set to change the way we interact with mobile devices. It is a totally new concept that displays information on your hand! You can ask your AI Pin anything from anywhere just by using your voice. Have a look at their website https://hu.ma.ne/aipin Have you ever wished you could use your own Air Pods or wireless headphones on an aeroplane? Now you can with this handy little device, the Adam Elements Eve II Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, that you plug into the in-flight system instead of the headphones supplied by the airline. If you have difficulty finding it in the UK consider the AirFly Pro from Amazon UK. Andy – Mr Mac 07392 552 592

WARNER AND RICHARDSON LLP ARE INDEPENDENT SOLICITORS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC CITY OF WINCHESTER. WE HAVE A STRONG, LONG STANDING REPUTATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICE AND HIGH QUALITY LEGAL ADVICE. FOR INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ANY OF THESE MATTERS:• WILLS, PROBATE AND ESTATES • RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING • COMMERCIAL, AGRICULTURAL AND BUSINESS CONVEYANCING

PLEASE CONTACT US ON 01962 868366 Visit our website:- www.wandr.co.uk

If you would like to subscribe to my monthly newsletter send an email to: andy@mistermac.co.uk

• Financial planning

• Investment: discretionary & advisory management • Pension consolidation • Estate planning

07392 552 592 andy@mistermac.co.uk mistermac.co.uk 13

EVENTS

Theatre, Shows & Concerts Choral Concert by the Schola Cantorum Wed 7 February From 1pm Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, SO23 9LS

Join the Schola Cantorum of King's College, Cambridge for a selection of wonderful music. Included in your general admission ticket. Tickets from the Cathedral website: winchestercathedral.org.uk

Lunchtime Concerts at Winchester Cathedral

Thur 8 February From 7.30pm Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry St, Winchester, SO23 8SB

show that has Phil Collins fans excited. Featuring without a doubt the UK's favourite and most charismatic Phil Collins sounda-like and a superb group of musicians behind him - Seriously Collins is the serious show for serious Phil Collins fans that never fails to get audiences on their feet. Chris Hayward and his band bring you the most authentic show to Phil Collins and Genesis.

No Way Out at O'Neill's

6, 13, 20, 27 February From 1.15pm - 1.50pm

Friday 9 February

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, SO23 9LS

From 9pm

Brighten up your lunchtime with musical performances from local musicians, and pupils of schools and colleges from around the county. A Lunchtime Concert Series will take place at the Cathedral, in the Lady Chapel, from 1.15pm – 1.50pm most Tuesdays. General admission fees apply. Seats for the lunchtime concerts are limited and are allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Seriously Collins at the Theatre Royal

Phil Collins and Genesis Tribute Show now in its 6th year. The

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O.Neill's, 90-91 High Street, Winchester, SO23 9AP

Jazz Night with Cinnamon Jazz at St.James, Tavern Sat 10 February From 7.30pm 3 Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5BE

The Tavern's monthly jazz night, hosted by Cinnamon Jazz. stjamestavernwinchester.co.uk

Martin Carthy at The Hyde Tavern Sat 10 & Sun 11 February From 7.30pm 57 Hyde Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7DY

For more than 50 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music's greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it. Whether in the folk clubs (which he continues to champion), on the concert stage or making TV appearances there are few roles that Martin Carthy hasn't played. He's a ballad singer, a ground-breaking acoustic and electric-guitarist and an authoritative interpreter of newly composed material. Tickets from: www.wegottickets.com/ event/596546

Classic and modern rock covers band No Way Out always have the place on its feet with an awesome mix of the most iconic party rock tracks. They're a popular and busy bunch playing the best classic and current iconic guitar-fuelled numbers by Kings of Leon, Coldplay, Kaiser Chiefs, Nirvana, Muse, Stereophonics, Pink Floyd, Queen, The Killers, REM, The Police and Bruce Springsteen.

Roots Night at The Railway

And there's something new every time you see them. Free event: facebook.com/oneillswinch

Guys and Dolls at the Theatre Royal

Mon 12 February From 8.30pm The Railway, 3 St. Pauls Hill, Winchester, SO22 5AE

Winchester's Longest Running Open Mic Night. Free entry for all. For tickets visit: www. railwayinn.pub/shows/rootsnight/2024-02-12/

Encore Youth Theatre present

Thu 15 to Sat 17 February Show 7.30pm, Matinee 2.30pm Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry St, Winchester, SO23 8SB

Guys & Dolls - A Musical Fable of Broadway. Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. This perfect musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway brought to life by "talent personified in 'youth sized' packages of brilliance…"

Out of The Hat at The Nutshell

Tue 13 to Wed 14 February Tue 13 at 11am, Wed 14 at 2pm The Nutshell, 15 Kings Walk, Winchester

A magical children’s show brought to you by Long Nose Puppets.

When Doris and Delilah wake up to find something strange and sparkly has fallen from the sky, they are inspired to put on the world’s greatest magic show! But HOW do you make real magic happen? What ingredients do you need and who can help them?

Along the way they encounter some fabulous characters, from a transformative moth, a giant singing frog, an artistic spider, and a rather grumpy stick insect, all help to create their dream. A spectacular theatre experience for all ages, especially 2-8 year olds! Duration 40 minutes.

Recommended ages 2-8 years.

More events on page 32 >

EDUCATION

St Swithun’s lights up to celebrate 140 years St Swithun’s School in Winchester has lit up the front of the school to celebrate the start of its 140th birthday celebrations.

St Swithun’s was founded in 1884 by Anna Bramston and has been lighting sparks and inspiring girls ever since. The school develops resilient, enquiring, optimistic and collaborative women who will stand on their own two feet and pull others up to stand alongside them.

The all-girls school has a range of activities planned throughout the year to celebrate the milestone and also look towards the future.

On 17th March the school community will come together for an evensong at Winchester Cathedral and drinks reception.

Current students will celebrate with a birthday lunch and party on 3rd May before the Founders’ Day Concert that evening.

Students across both the senior and prep school will come together on 4th July to take on St Swithun’s challenges to raise vital funds for the Bramston Bursary Foundation.

Finally, pupils are researching the history of the school and its links to Winchester and the wider local community.

Jane Gandee, St Swithun’s Headmistress said, “We are proud of the positive impact the school has had on generations of girls since its inception in 1884. Anna Bramston set about forming the school because she saw a lack of appropriate education for young women. 140 years on we are passionate about ensuring that all of our students have opportunities to learn who they are and what they can aspire to be without being laden with lazy gender-based stereotypes.”

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The history of St Swithun’s

St Swithun’s was founded in 1884 by Anna Bramston. Alongside Amelie LeRoy, Anna formed a committee to raise money for the establishment of the school. Their efforts resulted in Winchester High School opening in the middle of Winchester on 5th May 1884 with seventeen pupils.

The aim of the school was to provide an education that developed the full capacity of every girl and enabled her to become a woman of independent thought. Originally located in the city centre, the school was at the forefront in the development of female education in the nineteenth century.

The school changed its name to St Swithun’s in 1927 and by 1929 it had grown to such an extent that it was decided to move to the current home on Magdalen Hill. Princess Mary the Princess Royal opened the new buildings in 1932.

The outbreak of World War II saw the school turned into a hospital and by 1942 it became an American casualty clearing station with as many as 700 patients a day after D-Day.

The prep school moved to the site in 1966.

A fire saw the original building burn down in 1974 before being rebuilt within a year.

1984 marked the school’s centenary and H.R.H the Princess Royal visited the celebrations and opened the new sports hall on 5th May 1984.

The Performing Arts Centre was officially opened by the Mayor of Winchester in 2003. The main performance space Harvey Hall was named after Dr Helen Harvey, the school's then headmistress who oversaw the creation of the centre.

Construction of a new prep school was completed in September 2015 with the additions of a performing arts hall and sports hall the following year.

St Swithun’s School Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA T: 01962 587115 www.stswithuns.com

Celebrating 20 Years in Alresford Fine Diamonds ~ The Best Coloured Gemstones ~ ality Jewellery & Silverware This St Valentine’s Day you will find the perfect gift at D. Barker & Son and at prices to suit every pocket. If you have a special proposal in mind then look no further. Experienced Gemmologist Damon Barker selects only the best diamonds and coloured gemstones for our fine jewellery collections, including some exotic varieties that you simply will not see elsewhere.

If you want to mark the day by giving your loved one something special then Liz Barker has put together carefully curated ranges of beautiful jewellery by Kit Heath, Ti Sento Milano, Coeur De Lion and Sif Jakobs.

As a family business we believe very strongly in the personal touch. In a world where increasingly people have less time for each other, you can rest assured that we will always have time for you.

If you have found us for the first time, do pay us a visit, we would love to see you.

Repairs & Restorations ~ Valuations ~ Heraldic & Hand Engraving D. Barker & Son - 40a West Street, Alresford, SO24 9AU Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk info@dbarkerandson.co.uk Facebook ~ X ~ Instagram Opening Times Monday – Saturday – 9.30am to 5.00pm

A Jewel in the heart of Alresford

RETAIL

WHO ARE BILLY GOAT?

W

e are an award-winning independent children’s shoe shop that takes pride in supporting our local community. We are qualified members of The Society of Shoe Fitters, The Children’s Foot Health Register and Start-Rite trained.

Where are we?

We are in central Alresford, with free street parking just outside the shop. Alresford has lots of independent shops and cafés, so why not make a day of it.

We do offer an appointment service, although you can also just pop-in whenever you’re in town. Some of our customers travel a long way to reach us and so prefer to make an appointment to avoid having to wait if we’re busy.

We stock a wide choice of children’s shoes, with over fifteen quality brands from around the world.

We sell tiny first shoes to teenage school shoes up to an adult size 12, and everything in between!

So why not come and visit our lovely new store in Alresford and let us find you the perfect pair of shoes for your children’s feet!

Our qualified team offer a friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere, and we even have a toy box for our little customers to explore!

You don’t have to take our word for it, here are some of the reviews our customers have left for us…

“Outstanding service at this lovely children’s shoe shop”

“Fantastic independent children's shoe shop. Knowledgeable and friendly and able to put children at ease”

“Amazing service and selection of kids shoes”

“They went above and beyond to find shoes to fit my daughter”

Laura

Jennifer

Angela

Evie

START-RITE | GEOX | RICOSTA | CAMPER | FRODDO | SUPERFIT | PETASIL | SALTWATER | HUMMEL | AIGLE

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E BL LA N E AI LI AV ON 43 WEST STREET ALRESFORD HAMPSHIRE SO24 9AB

TEL: 01962 733926 WWW.BILLYGOATSHOES.CO.UK E Q @BILLYGOATSHOES

RETAIL

One of ITV's Most Popular Local Antiques Experts

BEST CASH PRICES PAID FOR: Gold & Silver Jewellery & Antiques Including: Coins, watches, medals, bronzes, oriental ceramics, quality antiques, house clearance

Happy to arrange home calls by appointment karendalmeny@gmail.com For enquiries please call:

07712 545 700

N F I NE ART AU C T IO N E ER S & VALU E R S

The Auction Rooms, Itchen Stoke, Alresford, SO24 0QT

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SATURDAY HOMES & ANTIQUES AUCTION Saturday 10th February

Sale from 9.30am to 2.30pm - Bidding 9.30am Viewing - Fri 9th - 10 am to 7pm, Sale morning from 8.30 am

FINE ART, ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE INTERIORS AUCTION

www.andrewsmithandson.com

Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th Feb

T: 01962 735988 E: auctions@andrewsmithandson.com

Open from 8.30am - Sale from 9.30am to 5pm - Bidding 9.30am Open for Viewing: Thur 22nd - 12-5pm, Fri 23rd - 10am to 5pm, Sat 24th - 10am to 5pm & Monday 26th - 10am to 5pm

RETAIL

Jessie Keane - Dead Heat FULL - TIME CHEF Long Barn Café is on the lookout for a friendly and dedicated full-time chef to become a part of our kitchen, collaborating closely with our Head Chef. This role involves crafting delicious breakfasts, seasonal lunches, and weekend brunches.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking ideal candidates with experience or junior chefs eager to take the next step in their careers. If you're looking for more sociable hours, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualities We Value

At Long Barn Café, we prioritise a positive and enthusiastic attitude, a strong team spirit, and an approachable and energetic demeanour.

What We Offer

Your pay rate will be based on experience, and you'll enjoy additional tips. As a valued member of our team, you'll also receive benefits like a workplace pension, staff parking, staff discounts, first-class workplace training, and the pleasure of working in beautiful surroundings.

Working Hours

Expect daytime weekdays with alternate weekends, providing a balanced schedule. Some flexibility is needed to cover holidays

How to Apply

If you're interested or need more information, please reach out to us at barn@longbarn.co.uk.

Southern Voices 40th Anniversary Season

Winchester based chamber choir Southern Voices are celebrating 40 years of choral excellence in style with the launch of their 2024 programme. Established in 1984, the choir was formed to bring together talented singers from the Winchester area to perform an eclectic mix of exquisite music from across the centuries. Concerts have become widely acclaimed.

Jamal Sutton is the fifth conductor to direct the choir and he has created five, fabulous events for the year. What better way to launch a 40th Anniversary Season than with the remarkable 40 voice-part, renaissance motet Spem in alium on 23rd March, by Thomas Tallis.

This vast work requires the choir to split into eight separate minichoirs, of five voices each, and will be sung surrounding the audience – a special treat in the glorious acoustic of the Chapel of St Cross, Winchester. Tickets for all events, including a chance to Come & Sing with the choir on 4th May, are now on sale from the website where you can also sign up to the mailing list to receive updates and news. www.southernvoices.co.uk

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Jessie Keane is a Hampshire-based Sunday Times Top 10 thrillerwriting author who has 18 books to her name, including the hugely successful Annie Carter novels and the Ruby Darke series. She has sold over a massive 5 million copies of her books so far.

Jessie started writing nail-biting thrillers in 2008, when she sent out the first Annie Carter book Dirty Game to six agents. One came back to her straight away and said she had a publisher who might be interested – and within a week Jessie had a 3 book contract for a 6 figure deal. Fans of her books like Lorraine Kelly say they just can’t put Jessie’s books down; they’re page-turners and will keep you up all night, reading, waiting for the next plot twist.

Jessie is working on her 19th book now in her home and keeping very busy! She loves giving talks at libraries and crime festivals and has a tip for all aspiring writers: ‘Persist. Never, ever give up.’

Follow her on Facebook and X #realjessiekeane Jessie’s latest page-turner is out on February 1st 24, available from Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, all good bookshops including Waterstones.

Also grab your copy at Amazon and through Jessie’s website www. jessie-keane.co.uk

BigMud Event - February 2024 For those of you who like your trail running Feats to be BIG, we give to you the Classic Element Race Series. Four trail running events based on the 4 classic elements… Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Whether it’s running under never-ending sky (Air), battling over ancient rugged coastline (Water), pushing yourself on under a relentless sun (Fire) or clawing over muddy hills and rainy valleys (Earth), BigFeat Events have developed a series of races that will Challenge you, Awaken you and Inspire you. Back for our third year, these spectacular but challenging courses return!

The 2nd event in The Element Series, BigMud symbolises the element Earth. We have 2 wild ‘n’ muddy, single lap trail runs around the scenic Meon Valley. You’ll have a choice of Marathon or 16 mile distances, each starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire, with a 518ft climb up to the highest point in the South Downs, Butser Hill……. twice! Once at the top, you will then head out over the trails and rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, with the finish back where you started at the bottom of Butser Hill. This event will certainly challenge you but the spectacular scenery and friendly, encouraging atmosphere will leave you with an enormous feeling of accomplishment! Sunday 25th February 2024 - Distances – 16 Miles and Marathon - Start time – 8:30am at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, PO8 0QE. For more information: www.bigfeatevents.com/index.php/portfolioitem/bigmud/

GARDEN RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Venison Casserole with Brown Ale INGREDIENTS

METHOD

900g 2 tbsp 2

150g

1 tbsp 300ml 300ml 2tsp 2

1-2 2

1. Preheat the oven to 130C/Gas Mark 2.

Cut the venison into 3cm/1½” cubes, discarding any gristle and sinew.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a flameproof casserole dish. Fry the venison in batches for 5-6 mins until browned on all sides, adding a little extra oil as necessary.

Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.

2. Add onions to the casserole and fry for 2-3 mins, stirring occasionally until lightly browned, add the bacon and fry for a further 2 mins. Return all the meat and any accumulated juices to the pan. Add the garlic then stir in the flour. Gradually stir in the stock and ale scraping up any juices stuck to the bottom of the pan. Heat, stirring until the casserole begins to simmer.

3. Add in the sugar, bay leaves, thyme and season with freshly ground black pepper. Cover the casserole with a tight-fitting lid or foil and cook in the oven for at least 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

Boned venison shoulder * Rapeseed oil * Onions, peeled and roughly chopped * Smoked streaky bacon * or pancetta diced Plain flour Beef or venison stock Brown ale * Soft light brown sugar Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed * Bay leaves Sprigs of thyme

Serves - 4 Preparation Time - 2.5hrs

Serve with mashed potato and carrots or any other vegetable you desire. All available from your local producer at the Hampshire Farmers Market. * Items available at the Hampshire Farmers Market.

FEBRUARY HAMPSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS

Petersfield - Sun 4th, Romsey - Sun 4th, Alton - Sat 10th, Winchester - Sun 11th, Emsworth - Sat 17th, Southsea - Sun 18th, Ringwood - Sat 24th, Winchester - Sun 25th For more information visit: www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

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COMMUNITY / WELLBEING

Winchester's Poets at Sound Winchester Taster Day Hear the voices of Winchester's Poets at The ARC, as they perform vibrant and original poems exploring the theme of WORDS and MUSIC. Curated by Winchester's leading poetry open mics, Winchester Muse and Poetry Platform, you will hear a rich seam of talent showcasing diverse and unique perspectives as they riff on their chosen theme and welcome you into their world.

Sound Winchester is a new community-led project promoting wellbeing through participation in local music and aural activities within the Winchester District.

Poetry Platform is a monthly celebration of spoken word; a linguistic open mic that welcomes writers of any background and experience.

Ordinarily taking place on the first Tuesday of every month (forthcoming sessions Tues 6th Feb), Poetry Platform aims to provide you with the stage to share your words and the place to build a community. From newcomers to Poet extraordinaires there is always a warmth waiting for you at The Railway Inn's fabulous poetry night, so grab those notebooks, warm up those vocal chords and let's get poetical!

Winchester Muse meets on the second Monday of the month at 7pm at Winchester School of Art. Each session offers a pre-arranged guest poet performance from some of the U.K.’s leading poets, and a warm and welcoming open mic opportunity. WM began gathering for poetry readings in 2015 under its former name ‘Loose Muse,’ founded by the late Sue Wrinch, originally to promote women’s writing, although it has always welcomed all ages, genders and levels of experience to read in the open mic. Since meeting online during lockdown, WM has developed a strong local and international zoom following, with each meeting now accessible in-person, or via Zoom.

Winchester's Poets at Sound Winchester Taster Day, The ARC Sat 17th Feb 2024 - 11am - Tickets are FREE

Chris-Still-Healing Psychic Medium in Alresford and the Surrounding Areas available for Readings and Holistic Healings.

Energy Therapist To make contact please call or message Louise on:

07719 011854

In our curtained corner of the salon, Catherine, our new beauty therapist who trained at Champneys International College of Health & Beauty offers some beauty treatments that complement the salons ethos of the total culture of beauty using La Biosthétique hair and skin care products.

Call the salon to enquire what packages are available for your Valentine…

THE HUB IN STOCKBRIDGE For appointments BOOK ONLINE for a time suitable to you T | 01264 810139 W | thehubstockbridge.co.uk

EQ THE HUB, OLD LONDON ROAD, STOCKBRIDGE, HAMPSHIRE, SO20 6EJ

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WELLBEING

LinkedUp Counselling Are you experiencing Relationship Problems or difficulties with Intimacy?

There is a Relationship and Psychosexual Therapy Practice in Hampshire that can help…

Founder of LinkedUp Counselling, Clare Lay, opened her private practice in 2021, and having trained and worked with Relate from 2017, she is qualified and accredited to offer services not only in Relationship Therapy, but also in Psychosexual Therapy in person (in Shedfield), online or over the telephone (worldwide).

Clare is a firm believer that Relationship problems and Intimacy issues are two sides of the same coin, that can be treated together or separately, and with less than 1000 Registered Psychosexual Therapists in the whole of the UK, she is keen to help as many people as possible from her base in Hampshire.

If you haven’t heard of Psychosexual Therapy, it is a talking therapy with at home exercises to improve your intimacy and address any psychological blocks or lessen the impact of life events (such as children, illness, lack of confidence/knowledge and menopause) on physical relationships. The practice addresses issues from desire disorders and frequency discrepancies to physical symptoms such

as pain or impaired functioning, all the while working to improve the relational impact of these on a couple’s wellbeing.

Clare is a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and COSRT, the accrediting body for Sex Therapists.

Email Clare to enquire clare@linkedupcounselling.co.uk, Visit her website for further information https://www.linkedupcounselling. co.uk or call 07392 997268 for a free 15 minute telephone consultation.

Relationship Therapy Relationship counselling can help with a wide range of issues, including: Poor communication and misunderstandings | Affairs | Arguments and Conflict Management | Life stages – having children, bereavements, employment events | Illness Understanding of Self and or Partner, unhealthy attachments | Sex Therapy Clare Lay MBACP, Dip. Level 5 CPCAB Relationship Counselling (Relate), MBA

Tel: 07392 997268 clare@linkedupcounselling.co.uk www.linkedupcounselling.co.uk

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Treatments to rejuvenate and enhance your natural look Tucked away in gorgeous historic Alresford, Hampshire, Saddle House Medi-Spa will help you discover and uncover your very best you. Saddle House is a nurse-led Medi-Spa of excellence with a private car park for complete discretion.

Treatments Include: Medical Facial Aesthetics, Skin Tightening, Hydrafacial, Visia Skin Analysis, Skin Tag & Thread Vein Removal, Pigmentation Treatments, Microneedling, Chemical Peels, Skincare & Packages.

Satisfied Clients

We are proud of our 5 star reviews.

New Treatment Launch

The EMSELLA chair Say no to incontinence and yes to confidence.

Launch event 8th February Book your space today

The treatment is designed to help: Stress Incontinence Urge Incontinence Female Sexual Dysfunction Speak to the experts in pelvic health.

Goodie bags available. Bring a friend!

Book Your Bespoke Consultation Now Tel: 02380 518558

www.saddlehouse.co.uk

Western Court, Bishop's Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA

GARDEN

Why Winter Lawn Treatments are Essential

Winter lawncare is often overlooked, but it is crucial in ensuring the health and longevity of your lawn. Winter lawn treatments not only protect your grass from the harsh cold weather but also prepare it for a lush and healthy growth in the spring.

In this article, we look at the importance Avoid walking on frozen lawns of winter lawncare, the steps you can take to protect your lawn during winter weather and the best practices for maintaining a healthy lawn throughout the winter months.

Winter lawncare is essential to maintain the health and beauty of your lawn throughout the year. The harsh cold weather and frost can be detrimental to your grass if proper measures are not taken to protect it. Neglecting your lawn in the winter can lead to damage of the grass plant, discolouration of the leaf, and in extreme situations even death of the grass, leaving bare areas for moss or weeds to establish.

Winter weather can cause a variety of damage to lawns if they are not properly protected.

Cold temperatures and frost can cause grass blades to freeze and become brittle. Walking on the lawn whilst frozen can leading to bruising of the leaf and discolouration. Worst Snow mould will kill grass still, bruised leaves are more susceptible to diseases such as snow mould. Snow mould, a fungal disease, can also develop when snow or heavy frost lies on the lawn for extended periods of time. This blocks air circulation and provides ideal conditions for this fungal disease to attack the grass plants.

Prepare your lawn for winter Proper autumn maintenance will help protect your lawn from damage. One of the first things to do is to remove any fallen leaves and moss from your lawn. These can trap moisture, block out light, and lead to the development of fungal diseases that kill the grass. Fertilising in the autumn will help to strengthen the grass and make it more resilient to cold temperatures and the rigours of darker, wetter days. Aerating the soil will also help to relieve compaction, reduce waterlogging, and ensure that water and oxygen can reach the roots of the grass.

Proper winter lawn maintenance not only protects the lawn from damage caused by winter weather, but it also promotes healthy growth in the spring.

A well-cared-for lawn in the winter will be better equipped to bounce back in the spring and recover more quickly from any damage that may have occurred due to poor weather. By taking the necessary steps to protect your lawn in the winter, you can ensure that it will be lush, green, and healthy when the weather improves and you want to get outside and enjoy your

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garden. Lush, thick grass also has less issues with moss and weeds as there are fewer bare areas for these troublesome plants to establish themselves.

Aerating your lawn can also help to protect it from winter damage. Aeration involves making small holes in the soil and cracks beneath the surface, which allows water, oxygen, and fertiliser to reach the roots of the grass. This can help to prevent compaction and ensure that your lawn stays healthy during the winter. It also aids root development which promotes heathier grass plants that are more drought tolerant.

It's important to address any existing problems with your lawn before winter and again once winter has passed. If you have any bare spots or areas of thin grass, you should reseed those areas. This will help to protect your lawn from further damage and ensure that it is healthy and strong when spring arrives.

The Importance of Moss Control

Moss before and after treatment

Moss is a common problem in lawns, especially during the winter months. Moss not only makes your lawn look unsightly, but it can also choke out the grass, making it difficult for it to grow. Moss thrives in damp, shady areas of the lawn, and if left untreated, it can quickly take over.

One of the most effective ways to control moss in your lawn is by using moss control treatments. Iron is a natural moss killer, and when applied to the lawn, it will help to dehydrate the moss and prevent it from becoming dominant. Iron also helps to harden the grass, making it more resistant to disease attack. The iron treatment will penetrate the moss and cause the moss to turn brown. This moss should then be removed with a spring rake or scarifier. Moss treatments can be difficult to apply. It’s easy for the amateur gardener to get this wrong and kill areas of the lawn. It can also stain hard surfaces so extreme care should be taken. At this time of year we are also applying our lawn tonic to boost general grass plant health and help it through the challenges winter throws at it.

It’s often cheaper and easier to use a professional lawncare company than to buy and apply treatments yourself and risk getting things wrong. Read our reviews online and contact us to benefit from our exceptional customer service and great result.

Ian Kenyon sits on the committee of the UK Lawn Care Association and owns Shrekfeet Professional Lawncare. He is always happy to offer friendly, professional advice and help: T: 01962 460146 www.shrekfeet.com

GARDEN

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973 BUILT ON GREAT SERVICE & VALUE FOR MONEY

Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale and special offers in the showroom.

Treat your plants to new trellis before the spring Call Andrew or Ashley on 01962 733990 installation service available Tel: 01962 771800 steve.cann@btconnect.com www.georgecanngardenmachinery.co.uk

FENCING | GATES | PERGOLAS | TRELLIS | DECKING | PANELS

We are seeking fit, reliable and enthusiastic delivery people to deliver the Winchester Forum Magazine monthly door-to-door to residents. We pay £0.10p per home and have rounds of various sizes available reaching:

WEEKE & TEG DOWN Ideally applicants will have their own transport but this is not essential, fuel costs will be covered.

Interested?

email: editor@forumpublications.co.uk or call 01962 735137

RDEN DES I GA

GN

DELIVERY PEOPLE REQUIRED

DP

LACEYS FARM, BRAMDEAN, ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE, SO24 0JT

A garden should add real value to your home if done properly, in the same way an extension or well designed interior can do so too. It is therefore a great investment. You also want to enjoy this outside ‘room’ of your house to the maximum, otherwise it is simply wasted space.

At DP Garden Design we will take the surrounding area, style of our clients home, scale, materials and planting into consideration to design an outdoor space you will treasure large or small.

Services Include • Site Analysis • Complete bespoke design package • Planting plans & Plant Sourcing • Setting out and Construction Drawings

• Management of tender process with landscape contractors • Project Management • Maintenance Plans

Please contact us on info@dpgardendesign.co.uk, 07376 114531, and visit our website at www.dpgardendesign.co.uk

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COMMUNITY

Theatre, Shows & Concerts Acoustic Open Mic Night hosted by Jon Walsh at the March Hare

The next acoustic open mic session at The March Hare in Winchester. Players of all styles and ability are welcome as are those who just want to listen.

Europe, Africa, Australia,New Zealand even to Saudi Arabia and China and she has recorded and toured with artistes as diverse as Bono, Willie Nelson, La Bottine Souriante, Shane Mc Gowan, Nigel Kennedy, Steve Earle, Justin Adams, Johnny Depp, Linton Kwesi Johnston,The Waterboys and Dessie O Halloran, and the RTE Symphony Orchestra to mention just a few. Tickets available from: www.arcwinchester.org.uk

Jack Hutchinson at The Railway

Louis Brennan at the Hyde Tavern

Tue 13 February From 8.30pm 63 Priors Dean Road, Winchester, SO22 6JN

Thur 15 February From 7.30pm The Railway, 3 St. Pauls Hill, Winchester, SO22 5AE

Jack J Hutchinson is a London based blues rock guitarist and songwriter. Described by Classic Rock Magazine as “a real rock contender”, he has toured internationally, sharing stages with acts such as ZZ Top, Bad Company, Kris Barras Band and Blackberry Smoke. Tickets available from: www.railwayinn. pub/shows/jack-hutchinson/

The Sharon Shannon Trio

Thur 15 February From 6.30pm (show 7.30pm) The ARC, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB

Her career has seen her tour the world through America,

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Thur 15 February From 7.30pm 57 Hyde Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7DY

London-based Dubliner Louis Brennan is a singer-songwriter in the folk tradition. His folk however aren’t the field hands and travelling minstrels of yore but the repressed middle managers and ennui-ridden urbanites of latestage capitalism. They populate tales of bad sex, half-drunk commutes and interpersonal claustrophobia delivered in Brennan’s cracked baritone, at times embarrassingly intimate, at times spuriously broad, peppered with pitch-black humour.

Barnstomers Comedy at the ARC

Our regular comedy night at The Arc, Barnstormers Comedy

Fri 16 February From 8pm The ARC, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB

presents a line-up of three top acts from the London comedy circuit and beyond: many of them Comedy Store regulars.

The Take That Experience at the Theatre Royal

career-defining performance for King Edward, he finds himself framed for murder by a gang of criminals in cahoots with the chief of police. Featuring a hard-working cast of four playing multiple roles on an almost harder-working set, this show will have you laughing and gasping throughout at the magic of theatre and the 'real' magic of illusions designed by TV's Pete Firman (BBC One's The Magicians).

Sancho Panza at The Railway Fri 23 February

Wed 21 February

From 7.30pm

From 7.30pm

The Railway, 3 St. Pauls Hill, Winchester, SO22 5AE

Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry St, Winchester, SO23 8SB

As Take That celebrate over 30 years as the UK's number one boy band, The Take That Experience mark over a decade together as their most popular and recognised tribute act. With acclaimed vocal performances, stunning replica costumes and iconic dance routines, The Take That Experience recreate the magic of Take That live on stage with their Greatest Hits Tour.

Nottingham based Brit Funk five-piece. The band go on their UK tour this February in support of their new album 'The Caravan Club' with praise from Jake Bugg and Jack Saunders.

Tickets from: www.railwayinn. pub/shows/sancho-panza/

Comedy with Jessica Fostekew: Mettle at The ARC

Houdini's Great Escape at the Theatre Royal Sat 24 February From 8pm The ARC, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB Thur 22 to Sat 24 February Thu - Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry St, Winchester, SO23 8SB

New Old Friends in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre present Houdini's Greatest Escape. Harry Houdini is the world's greatest entertainer.

Just as his death-defying escapology stunts have him, and his wife Bess, on the cusp of a

A brand new stand-up show about passion, pace and purpose from the critically-acclaimed star of BBC’s QI, Live at the Apollo and C4’s Travel Man. Tickets available from: www.arcwinchester.org.uk

Additional Gigs, Theatre Shows, and Concerts are available at all venues throughout February (see relevant websites for details)

Improve Your Lawn Now...

ation

enov awn R

L

Spring is a great time for lawn improvements - As the days lengthen and warm, recovery is rapid. Spring renovation work will help your lawn become what you want it to be. We've helped hundreds of customers improve their lawns - now is the ideal time to improve yours.

Lawn Moss Control - Lawn moss can seriously impact grass health. Our moss treatment and moss removal (scarification) services will reduce lawn moss issues and help your grass through the challenges of winter.

One M

onth L

ater

FREE over-seeding with every lawn renovation FREE moss treatment with every scarification 25% off all treatment plans booked this month Limited availability so call now to avoid disappointment

Essential Plan

Upto 50m2 £5.90 a month Add £1.60 for each additional 50m2

Premier Plan

Upto 50m2 £12.60 a month Add £4.20 for each additional 50m2

Professional Plan

Upto 50m2 £22.85 a month Add £3.20 for each additional 50m2

3 visits a year

5 visits a year

6 visits a year

Winter Moss Control Six-month Lawn Fertiliser Essential Weed Control

Winter Moss Control Winter Lawn Tonic Spring Fertiliser Spring Weed Control Summer Fertiliser Summer Weed Control Autumn Fertiliser Autumn Moss Inhibitor Autumn Weed Control

Winter Moss Control Winter Lawn Tonic Spring Fertiliser Spring Weed Control Summer Fertiliser Summer Weed Control Autumn Fertiliser Autumn Moss Inhibitor Autumn Weed Control

Grub Monitoring Service Disease Detection pH Testing

Grub Monitoring Service, Disease Detection pH Testing

t mosr r u O pula po an pl

PLUS Drench, Drought, Stress Prevention (2 seasonal applications) Annual Lawn Aeration Grub Monitoring Service Disease Detection pH Testing

One-off treatments from £30 - We also provide full lawn makeovers, over-seeding, and top-dressing.

Hard surface weed control for gravel or paved drives, paths, and patios.

Call now to arrange your first treatment visit and FREE full lawn analysis survey.

Our work is fully guaranteed, check our website for more information.

www.shrekfeet.com | lawns@shrekfeet.com | 01962 460146 Independent Lawn Professionals

FEATURE

The Hospital of St.Cross

L

and Almshouse of Noble Poverty

egend has it that the Hospital’s foundation originated in a walk that Henry of Blois, a grandson of William the Conqueror, took in the Itchen Meadows. He was supposedly stopped by a young peasant girl who begged Henry to help her people, who were starving because of the civil war. The parallel with the Virgin Mary was not lost on Henry, who was so moved by the girl’s plight that when, a little further along the river, he discovered the ruins of a religious house, he resolved to use the site to establish a new community to help the poor. How much of this is fact is unclear, but we do know that Henry of Blois was young, wealthy and powerful: a monk, knight and politician in one. Appointed Bishop of Winchester in 1129 at the age of 28, he founded the Hospital of St Cross between 1132 and 1136, creating what is said to be England’s oldest charitable institution.

The Hospital was founded to support thirteen poor men, so frail that they were unable to work, and to feed one hundred men at the gates each day.

The thirteen men became the Brothers of St Cross. Then, as now, they were not monks. St Cross is not a monastery but a secular foundation. Medieval St Cross was endowed with land, mills and farms, providing food and drink for a large number of people. However the water was unfit for drinking so copious amounts of ale and beer were needed.

In the fifteenth century, Cardinal Beaufort created the Order of Noble Poverty, adding the Almshouse to the existing Hospital buildings and giving St Cross the look that it has today. His image appears on the Beaufort Tower.

Visiting Times Please note that some days there may be areas of the Hospital that are closed to the public due to private event bookings. Wherever possible notice will be given here to advise of any restrictions, but please call the Porter’s Lodge for up-to-date information (tel: 01962 851375). Please note: The hospital is closed on Good Friday but open the rest of the weekend.

Winter (1st November to 31st March) 10.30am-3.30pm (Monday to Saturday) Closed on Sunday except for church services

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Summer (1st April to 31st October) 9.30am-5.00pm (Monday to Saturday) 1pm-5pm (Sundays) Guided tours are available by prior arrangement The Hospital is also closed on the last Saturday in June during the morning in preparation for the St. Cross parish fete which is open to all from 1.30pm It is possible to hire some of the most glorious areas of the Hospital of St Cross for both company and family events. The Hospital is the home of the Brothers, so no event should intrude too much on their way of life. The purpose of events is to maintain the upkeep of the historic buildings so that the Brothers can continue to live here.

Supporting the Hospital St Cross is one of England’s oldest charitable institutions. It is still continuing to fulfil the wishes of its original founder, Bishop De Blois, and has done this – through good times and poor – for more than eight centuries. Demands on the Hospital of St Cross are possibly greater now than in any time in its history. The Trustees are deeply conscious of their duty to maintain the fabric of this beautiful complex of buildings, not only for our generation, but also for all those who will benefit in the future.

The Hospital is a private foundation which receives no funding from the Government or support from bodies such as Historic England. The Trustees are grateful to Hampshire County Council and other grant giving organisations which help fund various repairs. The Charity relies on income received from visitors, hall hires and events to conserve its buildings, comply with current health and safety regulations, and fulfill its obligations to the Brothers of St Cross. Your help is vital.

There are a few ways in which you can help: By visiting St.Cross Hopsital, making a simple donation, leave a legacy to the hospital in your will, donate from a charitable trust or join the friends of St.Cross. Details on how to support the hospital are availabel by visiting the website page: https:// hospitalofstcross.co.uk/how-you-can-help/

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FEATURE

S

App-iness Is... © Lucia Foster-Found 2024

nowflakes swirled around the solitary figure; the hard, frozen ground at his feet turning ever more white. Peering intently into his wallet, his face was pinched, his expression troubled. Then, having bravely removed his gloves, he rifled through his coat pockets and those of his trousers.

Triumphant, “Here’s another!” he raised a coin aloft. “Where am I up to now?” he muttered as he held out his hand to appraise his meagre collection of change.

The scene could have been plucked from a period drama; a Dickensian wintry tableau – bleak, frigid.

Appearing from the warmth of the public toilets (an endangered species), whence she’d scurried on arrival to the car park, she approached the parking ticket machine. Studying the tariff, she did a quick approximation of her stay duration - and a mental calculation.

“How much?!” Appalled, she turned to Himself who pulled a sympathetic face as he resumed his counting.

She sighed and, phone in hand, she scrolled. There would be no need for real, actual money. Oh no no…! For she was the proud possessor of the parking app! Not just one parking app, but several. And not just parking ones - every app for every occasion: shopping, news, travel, social media, films, restaurants, puzzles. They were so many and various, that with each new app upload she half expected her phone to tell her off and say its memory was full.

In any event, sorting the parking would be easy. Expensive. But easy.

Except.. this car park required a different app than the ones on her ‘phone.. apparently.

Faced with the prospect of standing in the cold downloading the app with intermittent signal – or worse, rifling through the fluff in her pockets and bag to scrape together the exorbitant fee, she scanned a QR code on the side of the parking machine to see what solution that might bring. Helpfully, or so it seemed, no app required; a quick credit card payment.

Although the amount extorted would, in happier, pre-pandemic, pre-cost of living crisis, have bought her a dine-in for two with wine, she paid up.

Alarmingly, the screen immediately disappeared without trace. No text message or email confirmation. There was no discernible record of her

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www.luciafosterfound.com

payment and, she later realised, no note of when her ticket would expire.

Praying she hadn’t just been scammed by a fake QR code (she’d heard of that), they hurried off to the warmth of the shops.

Later at home with the new parking app downloaded, her phone had still not complained of memory issues. Lucky old phone, she thought, it wasn’t struggling with hormonal brain fog, then.

She sighed and with slight apprehension she broached the subject of February 14th which was approaching with indecent haste.

“Let’s be honest, Valentine dinners haven’t been an unmitigated success, have they? Stressed kitchens, long waits, dishes that haven’t lived up to their price tags. There was even that bout of food poisoning, remember..”

Well, she’d had a dicky tum anyway. Old cast iron constitution Himself – not so much.

He held up a hand.

“I’ll stop you there. I’ve sorted it. Don’t give it another thought – just be ready in warm apparel at eleven on Valentine’s Day. I know you’ll approve.”

He looked smug.

Not wanting to burst his bubble, she said tentatively, “Eleven, isn’t that a bit late?”

“Aha! Eleven a.m. my little chickadee.” Himself did a passable (if somewhat random) W.C. Fields impersonation as he waggled his eyebrows and sauntered off with a slight swagger.

Sure enough at eleven in the morning on 14th February, Himself drove them to a pub, nipped in and emerged with two mysterious containers that he proceeded to put in an insulated bag. When they reached a sheltered glade with a light dusting of snow, he produced chairs and a flask of coffee.

Then he retrieved the containers – a hot breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, black pudding, hash browns and the rest.

In answer to her surprised expression, he announced proudly, “These are the leftovers from the pub. I used an app. I downloaded it. Yes, me! It’s called ‘Too Good To Go’. Aimed at preventing food waste, saving money and avoiding CO2 emissions. Win, win and.. win.”

She applauded him. “And more fun than all my parking apps put together.”

With a wink he raised his mug of coffee. “‘Appy Valentine's!”

E S T . 1 9 8 8

D E S I G N E R

B A T H R O O M S

C R E AT I N G B E A U T I F U L B AT H R O O M S S I N C E 1 9 8 8 | r i p p l e s b a t h r o o m s . c o m R I PPL E S W I N C H E S T ER , 13 - 15 S TO C K B R I D GE R OA D, W I N C H E S T ER , S O2 2 6 R N | 0196 2 8 59 2 96 S H O W R O O M S N AT I O N W I D E

ENTERTAINMENT

What's on in February Home educators - we've got your back when it comes to science!

Monday 5th Feb - Arrival from 10am. Workshop times are 11am or 1pm, Ends at 3.30pm Are you ready to explore science, engineering and space? Get hands-on with fun interactive exhibits. Play the huge 10-metre long guitar. Learn some British Sign Language. Delve into the mysteries of space flight. And so much more. For even more wow, our Home Educator Day includes a live Planetarium show for everyone to enjoy. Fly through the stars in an unforgettable space adventure! And you get to take part in an actionpacked workshop. Get hands-on with science with exciting interactive activities. When you select 'book event' you will need to choose your arrival start time, 10am or 10:30am.

The arrival time you choose determines the time of the workshop you will attend; 10am arrival for an 11am workshop or 10:30am arrival for a 1pm workshop.

Night Sky Live

Thursday 8 February 6.30pm and 7.15pm Are you ready for a family astro adventure? Head outside with us and discover the stars and planets of the night sky, live! Have you ever looked up into the sky at night and wondered what you’re seeing? Well now you don’t have to! Begin your Night Sky Live adventure in the Planetarium.

Learn the skills you’ll need to identify what’s above us before following the stargazing host outside into the South Downs National Park. It’s the perfect spot to observe the stars, constellations and planets.

Other dates are available. Head off on a new adventure each time as we explore something new together at each event.

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6:30pm arrival Night Sky Live ticket includes: 6:45pm - Planetarium show 7:15pm - Time to explore the two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and opportunity to purchase drinks and snacks 8pm - A hosted stargazing experience outside 8:45pm - Departures Stargazing guide to take home.

7:15pm arrival Night Sky Live ticket includes: 7:30pm - Planetarium show 8pm - Time to explore the two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and opportunity to purchase drinks and snacks 8:45pm - A hosted stargazing experience outside 9:30pm - Departures Stargazing guide to take home.

Don’t forget to dress for the weather.

We also recommend bringing a torch and a blanket - it's great to stargaze while laying down. There will be no outdoor seating so feel free to bring a camping chair.

Starlight Cinema: Labyrinth

Sunday 11 February Doors open 5.15pm, Movie starts at 5.45pm Are you ready for a completely unique cinema experience? Grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, Labyrinth, plays out under the stars of the Planetarium.

When the Science Centre doors close, the cinema screen will be rolling!

Why not spend the day exploring the science exhibits and live shows before grabbing some popcorn and reliving some of the best movies from the past. Treat the kids to some movie history and relive your childhood memories. Your Starlight Cinema ticket includes:

A showing of Labyrinth under the stars of the Planetarium. An opportunity to purchase popcorn, bar snacks and drinks. *Please note that the Science Centre will reopen for this evening event at 5:15pm. The movie will start at 5:45pm. Labyrinth runs for 1 hour and 41 minutes. The film is shown in The Planetarium on a curved screen therefore some seats may have obscured viewing angles. All children attending must be accompanied by an adult.

British Sign Language Day

Monday 12 February Throughout the Day Join our British Sign Language interpreter in the Planetarium and Science Theatre. Experience a spectacular live Planetarium show and explosive Science Theatre show with a British Sign Language interpreter. Talk to our Accessibility team so we can reserve a seat for you in these shows. Please be aware that our BSL days are not special events.

A general admission ticket is required and there will be other visitors at the Centre during the day. Showtimes 10:15am - The Planetarium 11:30am - Science Theatre 2:30pm - Science Theatre 4pm - The Planetarium

Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon 50 years

Saturday 17 February Show 1 Doors 6.30pm, show starts 7.15pm - Show 2 Doors 8pm, show starts 8.45pm Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic The Dark Side of the Moon album. Watch as breath-taking Planetarium visuals bring to life the sounds of the legendary Pink Floyd.

This year, our Planetarium is joining one hundred others around the world in an event like no other. Fifty years on from the release of The Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd are celebrating by recreating their famous 1973 London Planetarium press launch but on a global scale. Head off on an emotional and inspiring journey into the heart and themes of the iconic album and songs. Fly through the Solar System and zoom through the stars in a 360 degree fulldome experience. We're sure

you'll be wowed by The Great Gig in the Sky, that will Eclipse all others, leaving Us and Them wanting more!

The show will be divided between the 10 tracks of the album in chronological order. Each track will have a different theme, some futuristically looking forward and some a retro acknowledgment to Pink Floyd’s visual history.

Guides, Scouts, Brownies, Cubs, Rainbows, Beavers and Squirrels Badge Nights

Wednesday 28th February Enquire for booking Come and earn your curiosity badge at an exclusive after-hours event.

Is your group ready to explore science, engineering and space?

Get hands-on with fun interactive exhibits. Play the huge 10-metre long guitar. Learn some British Sign Language. Delve into the mysteries of space flight. And so much more.

For even more wow, there’ll be a live Planetarium show for everyone to enjoy. Fly through the stars in an unforgettable space adventure. Blast into space and discover more about our amazing solar system. Your Badge Nights ticket includes: ∙ Live Planetarium show. ∙ A fun activity sheet for every child to help them explore the Science Centre. It will challenge them to think like a scientist and an engineer. ∙ A Curiosity Badge for every child to take home. ∙ Hands-on fun across two floors of interactive exhibits that will help your group with their science, engineering and space badges. ∙ A tasty snack and a drink.

For more information on any of the above events please visit: www. winchestersciencecentre. org/whats-on Winchester Science Centre Telegraph Way Winchester, SO21 1HZ Tel: 01962 863791

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MP Building Services Hampshire Builder | Extensions | Renovations | Alterations | All building work undertaken | Painting & Decorating | Insulation | Bathrooms | Fencing No deposit required, AXA business insurance. Free estimates.

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8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA Telephone: 01489 536187 Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk

www.town-and-country.co.uk

JANUARY OFFERS AVAILABLE, PLEASE VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FOR DETAILS 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, Pelipal, Hansgrohe, Roper Rhodes and Miller of Sweden, with Porcelanosa and Ca’Pietra tiling throughout the showroom.

Our kitchens are expertly crafted by Schuller, the second largest German kitchen manufacturer, and Uform. Both have an extensive and inspiring collection ranging from the contemporary to the more traditional.

Please contact us regarding our complementary design and quotation service, we look forward to hearing from you.

Visit Town & Country 8 The High Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO3O 2EA Telephone: 01489 536187 Email: sales@town-and-country.co.uk www.town-and-country.co.uk

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SOUTH DOWNS JOINERY & GATES LTD

Manufacturers and Installers of Hardwood Gates | Gate Automation | Traditional oak framed buildings | Garages | Gazebos | Garden Rooms | Porches South Downs Joinery & Gates Ltd - Alton Lane, Four Marks, Hampshire, GU34 5AJ

Tel: 01962 435001 | www.southdownsgates.co.uk | Mark@southdownsgates.co.uk

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DON S GARAGE DOORS

Garage Door Solutions Supplying and Installing garage doors in a wide selection of styles to suit all budgets

We carry out installations from single garages to multiple openings

REPAIRS | SUPPLY ONLY | SUPPLY & INSTALLATION | MANUAL & AUTOMATED DOORS Please visit our website for more images of our doors - Over 50 years of experience between the team here at Don's Doors

Call 02380 600027 to arrange a free survey and quote sales@donsgaragedoors.co.uk - www.donsgaragedoors.co.uk Unit 6, Vicarage Farm Business Park, Winchester Road, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, SO50 7HD

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COMMUNITY

Benefact group’s movement for good awards is back

Hampshire residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive share of £1million.

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is back. Now in its sixth year, the awards are giving residents in Hampshire the opportunity to nominate a charity of their choice to receive £1,000. The Movement for Good Awards will once again see more than £1million donated to charities up and down the UK and Ireland. From today, Hampshire residents can quickly and easily nominate a good cause online at www.movementforgood.com

Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. There will also be a series of special draws where charities operating within specific sectors can be nominated to receive a grant of £5,000, the timetable of draws can be viewed at www.movementforgood.com and donations will be announced throughout the year.

The Movement for Good Awards has donated over £5million to charities in the UK and Ireland since the initiative started in 2019. Southampton Veterans' Trust, a group of Armed Forces Veterans who aim to provide help and support for the physical and mental health well-being of veterans and their families, an independent cinema, Chichester Cinema at New Park Limited and All Cats Rescue, who help unwanted cats find their forever home, are some of the Hampshire causes that have previously benefitted from the funding thanks to nominations from the public.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, says: “Benefact Group is a family of awardwinning specialist financial services companies

The National Open Garden Scheme As we head into our 2024 fundraising season I have produced a document listing all of our Hampshire gardens, which open By Arrangement. These are gardens which open exclusively for groups of people - be it an organised club (Garden Club, u3a etc.) or simply a groups of friends. These visits are arranged directly with the garden owner on a date and time which suits both parties, and the opening will be exclusively for your group, giving you a much more personal and leisurely visit, with time to chat to the garden owners.

If you would like a copy of the document, please just drop me an email and I will send you one by return. Our first gardens opening in March are all open By Arrangement as well as on some specific dates.

Bere Mill, London Road, Whitchurch, RG28 7NH

Opening: Monday 10th March from 12 noon to 5pm. Admission: £8.00 children free.

Cashless Payments available. Refreshments: Homemade teas. Also open by arrangement - February to September. Contact the owners direct on: 07703 161074 or rupertnab@gmail.

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com This garden was built around early C18 mill on idyllic isolated stretch of the River Test, east of Whitchurch. The gardens have been built incrementally over 30 yrs with extensive bulb planting; herbaceous and Mediterranean borders with magnolia, irises, and tree peonies; summer and autumn borders; a traditional orchard and two small arboretums, one specialising in Japanese shrubs and trees.

The mill buildings were the original location of Portals who first sold banknote paper to the Bank of England from the mill in 1724 and there are interesting industrial and agricultural archaeological remains, including reconstructed water meadow structures.

Beechenwood Farm, Hillside, Odiham, RG29 1JA

Opening: Wednesday 27th March from 2pm to 5pm and every Wednesday until 22nd May. Admission:£5.00 children free.

Cashless Payments available. Refreshments: Homemade teas. Also open by arrangement March to May contact the owners direct on 07944 162419 or beechenwood@gmail.com

and the third largest corporate donor to charity in the UK. Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. All of our available profits go to good causes and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.

“We are delighted to be able to donate over £1million to good causes each year through our Movement for Good Awards and are grateful to all our supporters, including the customers of the trusted insurer, Ecclesiastical, and the responsible and sustainable asset manager, EdenTree. Our Movement for Good Awards help charities change lives for the better and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.”

Benefact Group has donated over £200million to charitable causes since 2014 and last year was recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK. The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025. Movement for Good is funded

by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.Visit www. movementforgood.com to nominate a charity now.

Opening for the 40th year - this 2 acre garden has many parts. Lawn meandering through woodland with drifts of spring bulbs. Rose pergola with steps, pots with spring bulbs and later aeoniums. Fritillary and cowslip meadow.

Walled herb garden with pool and exuberant planting. Orchard including the white garden and hot border. Greenhouse and vegetable garden. Rock garden extending to grasses, ferns and bamboos. Shady walk to belvedere. 8 acre copse of native species with grassed rides.

Little Court, Crawley, Winchester, SO21 2PU

Opening: Sunday 31st March from 2pm to 4.30pm. Admission: £5.00, children free, Cash Only. Can pre-book online.

Refreshments: Homemade teas in Village Hall. also open by arrangement February to July, contact garden owner 01962 776365 or elkslc@ btinternet.com This sheltered naturalistic garden is one for all seasons, and is specially exciting in spring. It is mature and exuberant with contrasting areas, a traditional walled kitchen garden and free-range bantams. There are several seats throughout with good views, it is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Sorry, no dogs.

I hope you may be able to enjoy a visit to one of our early Spring gardens.

Best Wishes to all Pat Beagley (Head of Publicity) National Garden Scheme - Hampshire pat. beagley@icloud.com

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CITY NEWS

The Winchester Beacon

We would like to thank all our amazing supporters who donated food, gifts, money and time to ensure our residents’ Christmas was as good as it could be. We were so touched by the generosity and thoughtfulness of supporters in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Businesses, churches, schools, community groups and individuals made contact to offer their support.

Thanks to this kindness, every resident woke up to gifts to open. Current and former residents were invited to come together for Christmas lunch cooked and served by volunteers keen to help.

Michèle Price, Chief Executive, commented: “Christmas can be a particularly challenging time for our residents. Experiencing homelessness can feel isolating and this is often heightened during the festive period. Receiving gifts and messages from members of the community reminds residents that there are people who care about them. It can help them to feel less forgotten and more part of the community. Thank you to everyone who helped in some way over Christmas, your support is so appreciated.”

Who we are Over the last 33 years the charity has evolved to become more than a Nightshelter which is part of the reason for the change of name. The Winchester Beacon is located on Jewry Street

Winchester Rotary

and offers ten single bedrooms and wrap around support to people experiencing homelessness.

We open all day and all night, 365 days of the year. We accommodate, on average, between 6080 people annually and provide ongoing support to many more. As well as our bedrooms on site at The Winchester Beacon, we accommodate an additional twelve people at our three off site properties in the local area.

We come alongside our residents during their stay with us to help them plan a path forward and to find more permanent accommodation which matches their needs. There is no fixed timeline and residents can stay anything between a few weeks to a year or more, an average stay is 91 nights. As well as accessing secure and comfortable accommodation and nutritious food, during their stay at The Winchester Beacon, residents also benefit from a wide-ranging programme of practical and emotional support to help them break the cycle of homelessness and rebuild their lives.

Our core services include one-to-one advocacy; help and support with housing; budgeting and finances; assistance with benefits; practical aid with food and nutrition; guidance for anyone with substance misuse problems; counselling and psychotherapy and a wide range of training and recreational activities.

Homelessness is on the increase across England.

According to the latest figures from Homeless Link (published in 2021) rough sleeping estimates show an increase of 52% since 2010, with 2,688 people estimated to be sleeping rough on any one night. This figure doesn’t include the ‘hidden homeless’ or statutory homeless, so the real figure is probably much higher.

There is also an acute lack of housing support for those experiencing homelessness in Hampshire.

As always, teams of four from local businesses, charities, schools, colleges etc are invited to enter – as well as teams of family, friends… everyone is welcome! Trophies will be awarded for the fastest team and the team with the best fancy dress. This year the event is generously sponsored by Gentian (a Winchester-based property developer and investor).

Full details of how to enter can be found by following this link: www.winchester-rotary.org/ pancake-race Come along and join the fun! The charity benefitting this year is Winchester Hospice.

The Shrove Tuesday pancake races organised

by Winchester Rotary in partnership with Winchester Cathedral will take place on 13 February in the Cathedral Outer Close.

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Each year we are forced to turn away, on average, between 150 – 300 people due to lack of bed space.

This issue is compounded by a shortage of affordable housing locally. The average waiting time for a one-bed council property in Winchester for someone who is not in priority need is four years and four months, with the average cost of a one-bed private rental in central Winchester almost £800 (as of 2019).

Many of those who find themselves homeless are not only coping with a lack of housing but with a raft of other problems. There is no single reason why someone can end up without a home – personal circumstances and wider factors both play a role.

The most common factors cited as contributing to homelessness are often complex and interlinked. They include relationship breakdown, mental and physical ill health, financial issues, unemployment and substance misuse. However individuals can arrive at the point of homelessness after a long chain of other life events.

Tackling homelessness effectively can only be achieved by partnership working and collaboration between charities and other organisations who can together address the wide-ranging and interlinked issues that relate to homelessness.

For more information on Winchester Beacon and to find ways to volunteer or give please visit: winchesterbeacon.org.uk The Winchester Beacon, 20B Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8RZ Tel: 01962 862050 Email: admin@winchesterbeacon.org.uk

WINCHESTER’S ANNUAL SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE RACE Tuesday 13 February 2024

Photo: Stuart Martin Photography

Pancakes from 12.30pm Racing 1.00pm until 2.00pm Winchester Cathedral Outer Close To join the fun register your team here: winchester-rotary.org/pancake-race

YOUR MARKET-LEADING LETTINGS & ESTATE AGENTS The lettings and sales teams at Charters Winchester have been experiencing a significant increase in activity in the property market, which is expected to continue due to the current decrease in mortgage rates. With attractive Buy To Let options also available, now is the perfect time to consider moving home, whether you are looking to rent or buy.

In the past 12 months, the average rent for homes in Winchester was £1,415 per month, marking an 8% annual increase. Additionally, the average sales price in Winchester over the same period was £540,972, with a 15% increase in average sales price over the past five years.* Gary Brown Lettings Manager

Oliver Purvis Associate Director

Mark Dryhurst Associate Valuation Director

Amy Steele Associate Valuation Director

Despite the high demand for property in the area, the supply is not keeping up. As the leading lettings and estate agents in the region, we are seeing a daily influx of genuine renters and buyers registering with us.

At Charters, we are dedicated to serving the Winchester community with pride. We are honoured to have earned the trust and loyalty of our clients. Our Winchester branch has been open since 2009 and, in that time, we have donated over £700,000 to various charitable causes, including sports groups, schools and local organisations, through our network of offices. We are committed to giving back to the community and are excited to support events for 2024.

Our knowledgeable team of property specialists is well-versed in the local market and is committed to supporting you in your home letting or selling journey. Please feel free to contact us at our Jewry Street location to learn more about how we can assist you. (*Source: Dataloft, Land Registry, Office for National Statistics)

FIVE STAR SERVICE FROM CHARTERS Five star service from the Charters Lettings Team in Winchester. Finding a tenant was made so easy by Gary, Sarah and Ashley and I would thoroughly recommend their services.

Trustpilot.com, Kath D, 11th January 2024

Call us today for your FREE market appraisal Lettings: 01962 830881 | Sales: 01962 830880

Winchesterlettings@chartersestateagents.co.uk | Winchester@chartersestateagents.co.uk

www.chartersestateagents.co.uk SALES I LETTINGS I PROPERTY MANAGEMENT I LAND & NEW HOMES I MORTGAGES I SURVEYS I COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

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Our ethos is to tailor our service to our clients' individual needs, which is never one size fits all.

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nony@nonykerr-smiley.com

SAM KERR-SMILEY 07801 056784 sam@nonykerr-smiley.com

If you are thinking of selling your home in 2024 and want a great experience with less stress, we are here for you.

Contact either Sam or myself for a no-obligation chat, and we'll do everything we can to make sure you are well looked after!

We Are Selling... Are You? Extracts of some of the reviews we received recently include; “Nony is a superstar who has helped us through the highs, lows and speed bumps of selling our house.

A positive can do attitude mixed in with a sprinkle of realism and bags full of know-how.”

“Nony and Sam play many leagues ahead of your average high street estate agent. Their stature and wealth of experience within the industry gives them a penetrating knowledge of the Winchester housing market, and they know exactly how to push the right buttons in the right places to make your sale a success from beginning to end.”

“Nony is by far and away the best estate agent we have ever worked with, and we have moved house plenty of times.

Not only does she know the local market and the process of house-selling inside out, the personal approach and hard work she brought to our sale was at a different level to anything we have seen before.”

Selling Property with Honesty & Integrity for over 20 years If you are currently under a sole contract to another agent, you should check the terms of that contract to avoid potentially being exposed to dual fees