Winchester Rotary’s “Reverse Santa” is returning….
Until Wednesday 10 December
Office opening hours
Carter Jonas, 9A Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8RZ
Children and adults are asked to GIVE presents to Santa Claus so that he may in turn ensure they reach local needy children. Presents can be modest and even second hand if in good condition. Unwrapped presents can be left at the Carter Jonas offices at 9A Jewry Street, until 5pm on Wednesday 10th December.
Winchester Rotary’s team of elves will then collect and transport them so that they can be checked, suitably wrapped, and sent to Santa in time for Christmas.
Celebrate Saturnalia!
Until Sunday 4 January
From 10am to 5pm
Winchester City Museum, The Square, Winchester, SO23 9ES
Join the team for a Roman Christmas celebrating Saturnalia at City Museum! Follow the trail to learn about the ways Romans celebrated Saturnalia, what they ate for the festival and how they greeted each other. With a range of crafts such as Roman wreath making and Saturnalia ornament making, don’t forget to make a card for a loved one in Latin! Tickets: Included with admission to the City Museum.
Handel’s Messiah at Winchester Cathedral
Saturday 6 December
From 7.30pm
Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS
Celebrate the coming of Christmas in the awe-inspiring nave of Winchester Cathedral with Handel’s thrilling oratorio ‘Messiah’ . Winchester’s Waynflete Singers, accompanied by the baroque orchestra Florilegium and a quartet of outstanding soloists, all under under the expert direction of Andrew Lumsden.
Tickets £15.00 - £50.00
For tickets visit: Winchester Cathedral | The Waynflete SingersA Classical Christmas
Winchester Santa Fun Run
Sunday 7 December
From 8am
Winchester Guildhall, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH
Starting point: Join a flurry of Santas in a festive warm up in front of the Guildhall steps - a truly magical experience to be a part of, before embarking on a 5k route around the historic streets of Winchester city centre. There is also a shorter 2k route, perfect for those who want to enjoy the festivities without the longer distance. Registration essential to take part, to register visit: https:// register.enthuse.com/ps/event/ WinchesterSantaFunRun2025
Celebration of Christmas in aid of the Hampshire Medical Fund
Friday 12 December
From 7.30pm
Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS
The ‘Celebration of Christmas’ concert is taking place at Winchester Cathedral on Friday 12th December. It is a magical evening of readings, carols and beautiful music raising money for local charity, the Hampshire Medical Fund, which funds cutting-edge medical equipment at our local NHS hospitals. Tickets cost from £20. Visit www.hampshiremedicalfund. org/events for more information or tickets.
Christmas Concert : A Festival of Choirs
Let the wonderful choirs of Winchester Cathedral entertain you with an evening of glorious
Saturday 13 December
From 7.30 to 9pm
Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS
Christmas music, including traditional favourites, exciting new pieces and much-loved audience carols. For more information and tickets visit: https://www.winchestercathedral.org.uk/event/the-choralfoundation-christmas-concert/ Come and hear festive Christmas music sung by Winchester Cathedral’s world-famous Choral Foundation and accompanied by a Brass Band. The Winchester Cathedral Choral Foundation is comprised of nearly 100 singers across the Boy Choristers, Girl Choristers, Lay Clerks and Junior Choir. Tickets: From £22 per person.
Santa’s Grotto at the Great Hall
Until 23 December
From 10am to 5pm
The Great Hall, Winchester, SO2 8UD
This Christmas, enjoy a festive experience for the whole family. Share a magical moment with Santa and his elf in the magical setting of The Great Hall Grotto, creating memories you and your family will treasure for a lifetime. This is a very popular event. Early booking strongly encouraged. Please note: When booking online, the first page lets you select your primary time slot. On page that follows, you can add any additional party members to your booking.
Christmas - The Candlelight Concert
Sunday 28 December
From 7pm to 10pm
Winchester Guildhall, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH
The Enchantment of ‘Christmas – The Candlelight Concert’ in an Unforgettable Festive Musical Celebration presented by Xperience Live. Prepare to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as our incredible singers and live band deliver a fresh take on your favourite classic Christmas songs, all performed
live. As the familiar melody of ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’ fills the air, join us for a magical evening illuminated by Candlelight. Tickets: From £38.75
Steam Illuminations at the Watercress Line
Until Sunday 4 January
See website
The Watercress Line, The Railway Station, Alresford, SO24 9JG
Step aboard a steam train transformed into a dazzling spectacle of colour, music, and festive cheer! Steam Illuminations returns with a reimagined experience for 2025 –featuring immersive entertainment, enhanced light displays, and more onboard fun to make your journey truly unforgettable. From the moment you step into the glowing carriages, you’ll be wrapped in a vibrant light and sound display. Thousands of synchronised LED lights – both inside and out – create a dynamic, ever-changing show that surrounds you in colour and rhythm. This year, the magic goes even further. For more information and booking visit: www.watercressline. co.uk
No longer working full time? Now’s the time to make the most of life. u3a gives you the chance to develop your interests, make new friends and enjoy yourself.
Winchester u3a has over a thousand members and is part of a nationwide organisation that is run by members, so costs are low.
There is a monthly meeting open to all members and a wide range of interest groups you can join. From arts and languages, to walking and wine tasting, you will find something to enjoy. No qualifications or tests. It’s all about staying active and engaged.
For more information, check out our website: http://winchester.u3asite.uk
Bespoke Kitchens & Interiors
Bespoke sizing - Media walls, boot rooms, custom offices, installed by ex-shipwright joiners with exceptional attention to detail
Happy Kitchens have a unique approach when it comes to kitchens and custom spaces in the home. We use excellent quality materials which are fitted by exshipwright joiners, who used to fit the woodwork on Super Yachts. That in itself is unique in our industry but then add in the fact that we are bespoke, but don’t charge the inflated prices that your highend high street showrooms do, gives us the recipe for your perfect home solution. This is why we are one of the highest rated home improvement companies on HOUZZ, beating all the top names you might recognise when walking down your high street.
We have never had less than a 5 star
review and have won the HOUZZ best of service award every year since it has been running. The staff at HOUZZ reference us to other companies as to how customer service should be done. Many of our customers have used us 2 or 3 times due to moving house or tackling other projects in their existing houses.
We do not have a template for design and take a fresh approach with every customer. It is important to take all the best ideas a customer has, then bring in the experience we have to offer, and often our ideas will be completely different to any other companies as we are innovative and bespoke. We often hear that customers have had designs and quotes that all look the same, are boring and
• Change as much or as little as you'd like
• Free no obligation quotation
unexciting, yet expensive. This is because most high street ‘kitchen designers’ are just salespeople with no idea on how a kitchen works.
So whether you need an amazing Kitchen, Utility, Bedroom, Coffee Bar with custom pod storage, Office, Media Wall or Living Room storage we can help. The design visits are free of charge, and we can quote on the same day. Also Ben loves design, so often at no extra charge, he will help you choose paint colours,
One
of the top reviewed companies on Houzz, offering free home design visits
light fittings, Bar stools, artwork and can even recommend great pots and pans.
Our customers will often use us again, and recommend us to Family and Friends. The quote from the review above was from a customer who has chosen us twice, and their parents also have a
Happy Kitchens are quite unique as we are able to offer top quality products, available in any size, fitted by the best professionals in the business. Change your kitchen and bedroom with a makeover or design and install a new kitchen and bedroom, whichever suits your needs or price range.
• Change as much or as little as you'd like
• Free no obligation quotation
• Free design service for new projects
Happy Kitchen, and two of the parents' friends.
The biggest compliment we get from our customers is always around our attention to detail and often bringing something completely different to the table. If you are still unsure after reading this, go and read some of our reviews on our Happy Kitchens Houzz profile, and do a search of kitchen companies on there by review rating, we are always close to the top of the list.
Out-of-the-box thinking, bespoke design features, and friendly staff with excellent attention to detail are just a few of the reasons you should call us today. If that isn’t enough please do remember that the design visit is free of charge, so you have nothing to lose.
8 year winner of the Best of Houzz award and one of the highest reviewed kitchen companies on Houzz in the UK
Ladycroft Lakehouse, Alresford
£1,625,000 | SOLD
Itchen Abbas, Winchester
£840,000 | SSTC
St Cross, Winchester
£700,000 | SSTC
Lynford Evenue, Winchester
£825,000 | SOLD
Medstead, Alton
£725,000 | SOLD
Bar End, Winchester
£665,000 | SSTC
Alswitha Terrace, Winchester
£775,000 | SOLD
Wharf Hill, Winchester
£450,000 | SOLD
Olivers Battery, Winchester
£750,000 | SSTC
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025
Christchurch Road, Winchester
£1,200,000 | SSTC
Stockers Avenue, Winchester
£1,175,000 | SOLD
Courtenay Road, Winchester
£735,000 | SOLD
City Centre, Winchester
£535,000 | SOLD
Colden Common, Winchester
£450,000 | SSTC
Francis Gardens, Winchester
£525,000 | SOLD
Fulflood, Winchester
£700,000 | SOLD
£595,000 | SOLD
Highcliffe, Winchester
£475,000 | SOLD
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9DY | pearsons.com
Alresford
DIVERSE RANGE OF MAYORAL CHARITY EVENTS IN AID OF LOCAL GOOD CAUSES
It’s been a successful season of events so far for the 2025/6 Mayor of Winchester’s supported charities. Many events sold out, proceeds from these events benefit three local charities; Trinity Winchester; Home-Start Winchester; and Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC).
Performers at the recent Bollywood Evening in Colden Common Community Centre included Isha Kulkami, Garima Kachhawa and Pooja Rajguru, Team Naatya, Diya Das and Ashitha Satheesh, Otterbournebased Tarangini Dance Academ, Rhythm dance troupe, and Vedic Garba Group.
WINCHESTER CITY COUNCIL COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF 146 NEW
HOMES AT KINGS BARTON
Winchester City Council has completed the purchase 146 new affordable homes at Cala Homes’ Kings Barton development, marking another step forward in the council’s plans to provide 1000 new homes in the district by 2032.
The new homes will help to meet demand for affordable housing in the district, with a mixture of property types and sizes that will be available through either shared ownership or affordable rent.
The new homes make up part of the 800 affordable properties within Cala Homes’ plan for the site, which comprises a total of 2,000 new homes as well as community facilities including a nursery, community hall, food store, pub and public open space. The homes themselves are
The Mayor of Winchester's Bollywood Evening
The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Sudhakar Achwal said: “A spectacular evening of dances from various parts of India was enjoyed by the audience, many suitably costumed. I would like to extend my thanks to compere Geeta Belgi, and to Kitchencraft for the delicious Indian meal.”
At the recent jazz piano concert performed by the local musician and composer Robert Carter in St Paul’s Church, the venue was alive with music, atmosphere, and community spirit. Robert performed interpretations of works by composers including George Gershwin, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk in addition to several original pieces.
The Mayor continued: “My sincere thanks go to Robert Carter for giving Winchester a night of jazz that will be long remembered, and to everyone who attended and contributed. Your support helps make a real difference to the lives of people in our city.”
The next event in the Mayoral Charities 2025/6 calendar is a 'Ukrainian Christmas in Winchester' at the United Church, Winchester on Friday 19 December.
Coming up later in the season are the popular annual quiz, an Agatha Christie evening, a Burns Night celebration, and a Pie & Mash night. Event tickets are available, as they are released for sale, from the official TicketSource page: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/mayor-of-winchester
being built to Building Regulation energy efficiency standards which will help cut the homes’ carbon emissions, with the city council also specifying the inclusion of air source heat pumps on each of the properties.
Speaking about the purchase, Leader of Winchester City Council Cllr Martin Tod said:
“It was great to visit Kings Barton and see Cala's progress first-hand. It was particularly good to see the first of the 146 new affordable homes bought by the City Council - and the way Cala are building them using new technology to cut carbon and cut bills.
“They look great and mark a great step towards our target of providing 1,000 new homes across the district by 2032 – and I have no doubt they’ll make really nice homes for their future residents.
“We also had a good walk around the site and discussion about the infrastructure that's so vital to all new development. The development isn't just about the attractive and sustainable homes that are being built: the new facilities that are being planned will make a real difference for residents locally and across the city."
Sam Thixton, Area Land Director at Cala Southern, said:
“We are proud to have worked alongside Winchester City Council to continue providing affordable homes for residents. The team at the Council has been a pleasure to work with, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement that will deliver high-quality, sustainable, and affordable homes that meet local housing needs in Winchester.”
Visit the City Council's Home Ownership web page to find out more about the Winchester City Council shared ownership homes currently available at Kings Barton: https://www.winchester.gov.uk/housing/homeownership-with-winchester-city-council/home-ownership-opportunities
The Mayor of Winchester (second from left) at his Bollywood Evening with some guests
Making tax-efficient gifts to grandchildren
Gifting money directly to your grandchildren could give them a valuable financial headstart. It could also be a tax-efficient way of passing on wealth to the next generation while helping to manage your estate’s inheritance tax (IHT) liability.
It’s expensive being young
University tuition fees in England and Wales now top £9,500 a year1, while the average UK house price stood at £271,415 in March 2025 – that’s 53.8% higher than a decade ago2 These challenges mean that gifting money directly to grandchildren could make a bigger difference to their financial security than if they were to wait for an inheritance.
How to gift money tax efficiently
Leaving money through your will might be one of the least tax-efficient ways to pass on wealth, and could come too late to make a meaningful difference. There are several ways to pass on wealth to grandchildren while you’re alive that could also help to manage IHT.
• Junior ISAs and bare trusts
A Junior ISA (Individual Savings Account) is a good way to save for a young grandchild’s future. While only parents or legal guardians can open one, anyone can contribute. The annual tax-free limit for a Junior ISA is £9,000. Alternatively, a bare trust has no investment limits. Contributions made into bare trusts by someone who’s not the child’s parent/guardian are taxed as if they belong to the child, often resulting in minimal or no tax being due. Once your grandchild turns 18, they can use the funds from either option as they wish.
• Lifetime gifts
Annually, you can gift £3,000 IHT-free and £2,500 for a grandchild’s marriage or civil partnership. Larger gifts, called potentially exempt transfers, may be IHT exempt if you survive seven years.
There’s an exemption for ‘gifts out of surplus income’ that can be used to cover recurrent costs, such as school fees. These gifts must:
Be part of your normal expenditure
Be made from your income (not capital)
Leave you with sufficient income to maintain your standard of living.
• Buy a life assurance policy
If you have surplus income, you could also fund a wholeof-life insurance policy, which is paid out on death and can provide a means to pay some of your estate’s IHT bill.
Next steps
Securing your family’s financial security while gifting money can be challenging. That’s where a wealth manager can help. They will create a personalised financial plan to let you gift assets and build a legacy.
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. You should always check the tax implications with an accountant or tax specialist. 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 RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
LIGHT UP A LIFE RETURNS TO SUPPORT THOSE MISSING LOVED ONES THIS CHRISTMAS
The festive season can be difficult for those missing loves ones. To help, one local charity is organising an event this December to support those who wish to remember and celebrate the lives of those who won’t be with us this year.
Light up a Life, hosted by Winchester Hospice, will be returning to Christ Church on Monday 1 December and everyone is invited along, regardless of whether you know someone who has been cared for by the hospice or not.
This annual celebration, which is free to attend, combines a mix of carols, readings and performances that celebrate the lives of loved ones and offers you a space to remember and reflect. The short service, which begins at 6pm, will be followed by refreshments which everyone is welcome to enjoy.
Talking about the event, which is now in its third year, fundraising manager at the hospice Jo Westerman said: “We know important events in the calendar such as Christmas can be incredibly difficult for those missing loved ones. Light up a Life gives our community the opportunity to come together as the festive season begins, providing a space to remember all those special memories we shared. It’s a really uplifting service that allows us to cherish those who won’t be with us this year.”
The remembrance event is kindly being supported by local estate agents Sam and Nony Kerr-Smiley who said: “We’re incredibly proud to be supporting this poignant event in the calendar. We’ve been supporters of the hospice since its inception as we can see how much the team does for our local community. We’re honoured to be able to support them through Light up a Life and help provide the people of Winchester with an event where they can remember loved ones this Christmas.”
As part of the event, the Winchester community is invited to make a dedication to someone they love in the hospice’s book of remembrance which will be on display to view before and after the event.
To find out more about the service and make your dedication, visit winchesterhospice.com/lual
THE CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA AT THE GUILDHALL, WINCHESTER
The Christmas Orchestra is back! After a wonderful run of sold out shows in 2024 we are excited to bring you more shows and locations in 2025. Get ready to discover the magic of the festive season with our unique concert experience.
On 20 December our tour makes a special stop at Winchester Guildhall, bringing the festive spirit right to your doorstep. Celebrate this special time of year with us in Winchester and create memories together that will last a lifetime!
The Show
The concert is performed live by a 16 piece chamber orchestra supported with full sound production and lighting show. Experience uplifting nostalgia with compositions from your favourite Christmas films, as well as popular sing-along classics to ignite your festive spirit, including:
• Home Alone • Polar Express
• Love Actually • Elf
• Muppet Christmas Carol • Bridget Jones Diary
• The Nutcracker • Harry Potter
The Christmas Orchestra promises a magical and energising festive journey, capturing the essence of Christmas, perfect for igniting your holiday spirit.
Ticket Types
Gold Vip Tickets - Tickets give you the best views at the event with the closest view of the stage and performance, plus a complimentary VIP concert programme.
Vip Tickets - Tickets give you close views of the view of the stage and performance, plus a complimentary VIP concert programme. All VIP seats will be behind VIP Gold Seats.
Central Seats / Gallery Seats - All of these allocated seats will be unreserved seats, but you must keep to your allocated seating area due to capacity and allocations. Checks will be carried out throughout the night. All Ticket types are unreserved seating and first come first served.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit: https:// guildhallwinchester.co.uk/events/the-christmas-orchestra/
MR MAC - DECEMBER NEWS
I am often asked about mobile telephones for seniors with no tech experience. A model worth considering is made by DORO. Available from Amazon new or refurbished they have a few simple clear buttons on the main screen making it extremely simple to operate. They will work with any UK network and all you need to add is a pay as you go SIM card with a basic plan. To all my customers - new and old - thank you for another great year! Whether it was setting up your new Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows laptop, or PC, or just fixing a tricky tech problem, I appreciate your trust and business. A special thank you for reading my monthly newsletter and for all the positive feedback you send. Your engagement keeps them going, and as long as you keep reading, I'll keep writing! Wishing you all a jolly holiday season and all the very best for the next year.
Andy Mr Mac - December 2025
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All I want for Christmas is…
Himself revolved slowly in front of the full-length mirror, sucking in his tummy and tugging at the edges of his jacket, trying to make them meet. ‘Last Christmas’ was playing on the radio and it occurred to her how apt that was; last Christmas his dinner suit had fitted.
“Fast Christmas,” he warbled along with George. “Because fasting is the only way it’s going to fit for your Christmas do. It must have shrunk in the wash,” he muttered as the spaniels leaned affectionately against his trousers, lovingly leaving a thousand white hairs.
“Must have.” She winked at the dogs. “I promise I won’t ever wash it again,” she reassured him. In fact, she never had; it was dry clean only. It would probably shrink some more by the evening of the Christmas do, what with the annual onslaught of puff, shortcrust and filo.
“Fret not, the dress code is ‘elegant, smart casual’, so dinner suit not required.”
“Thank goodness,” Himself sighed, relaxed and flung off the jacket onto the chair. Even the dogs seemed relieved as they curled up on it, depositing another thousand hairs.
Himself looked down at them and sang, “It’s the season, love and understanding, Hairy Christmas, everyone,” shaking his head with a wry smile. “Anyway, you ‘do’ elegant and I’ll ‘do’ smart casual,” he suggested. “Although, some people’s idea of smart casual... Remember that guy throwing shapes on the dancefloor in the fancy trainers at your Christmas do last year?”
She did remember – and because no one ever remembered what you wore unless it was trainers, she intended to wear the dress she’d worn last year. With dress code resolved, they returned to decorating the tree. This year, in a break from tradition, he’d asked to help. She had wondered if she would have to rearrange the baubles in the dead of night. Just like she did when the children were young – happy days.
As he reached up to top it off with the fairy, he burst into song, “So here it is, ‘Fairy’ Christmas, everybody’s having ‘pun’!” and laughed like a drain.
“Please don’t tell me that’s the only reason you helped..” she shook her head and giggled. Stepping back, she ran a critical eye over the finished article.
“It’s no garden centre spectacular, but a well-deserved come-dine-with-me. And with that in mind, dinner’s ready. I’m thinking of calling it ‘Fairytale of New Pork’. Belly pork stuffed with cheap tasty faggots,” she said.
“Kirsty and Shane, both dead,” Himself said sadly. His ensuing homage excited the dogs, who danced around his legs shedding more hair, but was missing most of the lyrics. Except the rude ones.
The gifts were already wrapped and ready to be placed beneath the tree. The dogs would give them the annual inspection and find, yet again, they contained no raw meat at all. Disappointing. She’d bought all the presents back in October during a flurry of enthusiasm, upon her return from a bottomless brunch. Things had been a bit hazy, but she’d hoovered up notto-be-missed offers from her Instagram feed. And even once the hangover had subsided, some of the gifts still seemed alright. Sort of.
The December page on the calendar (Himself was old school) looked expensive. Alongside the usual vet appointments, pet insurance renewals and worming reminders, there were drinks parties, Christmas fairs, the work Christmas do and at least three Christmas lunches. In between, she was shoe-horning in the makings of Christmas. Making pastry (lots of it), making lemon curd (for the tarts), making wreaths (more than one) and making sausage rolls and mince pies (for everyone apparently). It made her tired just thinking about it. And especially tired at the thought of all those turkey dinners.
“I’ve made an executive decision,” she announced. The dogs paid attention –maybe she was going to gift wrap some steaks after all.
“I know that I usually do all these things for Christmas. But this year I don’t want to. I want to spend December without the lists in my head and just enjoy the moments.”
Himself gave her a hug. “It’s about time.”
“And,” she drew back her head and looked at him, “no turkey on the day.”
“So glad,” he sighed. “Whatever you want to cook is alright by me. But,” he smiled, before breaking into a tuneful, “make my wish come truuue, all I want for Christmas is… stew.”
Step into 2026 with style at Lainston House, set in 63 acres of Hampshire countryside. Choose your New Year’s Eve adventure: The Avenue, where MasterChef: The Professionals winner Tom Hamblet serves a six-course menu with paired wines, or The Wellhouse, where exceptional flavours are fuelled by fire. Enjoy a drinks reception, live DJ celebration, midnight fizz and an overnight stay in a luxury room or suite, followed by a New Year’s Day breakfast that’ll start your year right.
The Wellhouse Celebration Stay from £630 for two The Avenue Celebration Stay from £975 for two
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
40a West Street, Alresford, Hants Tel: 01962 732200 www.dbarkerandson.co.uk
Theatre, Shows & Concerts
Provincials + Roxy's Revenge +
The Ben Moss Trio
Friday 5 December - 8pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/provincials-2025-12-05
Provincials + Roxy's Revenge +
The Ben Moss Trio
Saturday 6 December - 8pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/john-otway-2025-12-06
Skinny Bob Album
Launch Show
Sunday 7 December - 7.30pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/skinny-bob-albumlaunch-show-2025-12-07
Ghosts of Seattle
Friday 12 December - 8pm
For tickets visit: https:// railwayinn.pub/shows/ghosts-ofseattle-2025-12-12
Glass Satellites
Marillion Tribute
Saturday 13 December - 8pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/glass-satellites-marilliontribute-2025-12-13
Christmas Acoustic Session
Sunday 14 December - 8pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/christmas-acousticsession-2025-12-14
The ONDA Before Christmas Friday 19 December - 8pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/the-onda-beforechristmas-2025-12-19
Jayetal
Saturday 20 December - 8pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/jayetal-2025-12-20
DJ Jimi Needles Wintery AV Party
Sunday 21 December - 6.23pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/dj-jimi-needles-winteryav-party-2025-12-21
WAM DJs present Crimbo
Thumping Slump
Saturday 27 December - 8pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/wam-christmasdjs-2025-12-27
Donny Brook
Sunday 28 December - 7.30pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/donny-brook-2025-12-28
The Third Annual Rootsenanny
Wednesday 31 December - 8pm
For tickets visit: https://railwayinn. pub/shows/rootsenanny-2025-1231?fbclid
special stop at Winchester Guildhall, bringing the festive spirit right to your doorstep. Take a look at some of the highlights from the 2024 shows on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ TheChristmasOrchestraTourorg. uk/event/london-concertantechristmas-at-the-movies/ For tickets visit: https://guildhallwinchester. co.uk/events/the-christmasorchestra/
9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Hampshire Medical Fund: A Celebration of Christmas
Saturday 3 January
From 7.30pm
Christmas season. Invite family and friends to wave goodbye to Christmas and welcome the New Year together. Immerse yourself in the timeless melodies of Johann Strauss with the lively “Die Fledermaus Overture” and the foottapping “Tritsch-Tratsch Polka.” For tickets visit: https://www.winchestercathedral.org.uk/event/londonconcertante-viennese-christmas/
St Pauls Church
St Paul's Hill, Winchester, SO22 5AB
Winchester City Festival
Choir: A European Christmas
The Hampshire Medical Fund are delighted to be hosting their Celebration of Christmas Concert at Winchester Cathedral. For tickets visit: https://www.winchestercathedral.org.uk/event/hampshiremedical-fund-a-celebration-ofchristmas/
Christmas Concert: A Festival of Choirs
12 December From 7.30pm Saturday 13 December
From 7.30pm
Let the wonderful choirs of Winchester Cathedral entertain you with an evening of glorious Christmas music, including traditional favourites, exciting new pieces and much-loved audience carols. For tickets visit: https://www. winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/ the-choral-foundation-christmasconcert/
Chamber Choir Concert: Advent and Christmas
Thursday 11 December
An evening of beautiful Christmas music in the heart of Winchester. Having spent the summer on the road with the London German Choir, Winchester City Festival Choir is back home but keeping its European theme alive for their Christmas concert! For tickets visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ winchester-city-festival-choir/aeuropean-christmas/2025-1211/19:30/t-kdodkdl
St. James Tavern
3 Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5BE
From 4pm to 7pm The Broadway, Winchester Hampshire, SO23
Saturday 20 December
From 6pm and 8.30pm
Experience the joy of Christmas with the Winchester Cathedral Chamber Choir. For tickets visit: https://www. winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/ chamber-choir-concert-advent-andchristmas/
London Concertante: A Viennese Christmas by Candlelight
The perfect crescendo to your
From 7.30pm Sunday 21 December
SJT Charity Blues Jam. In support of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. The final jam of the year is set for the Sunday before Christmas — and it’s going to be a festive cracker. Expect great music, good company, and a proper send-off to 2025, all while raising funds for a brilliant cause. For more information visit: stjamestavernwinchester.co.uk
The Christmas Orchestra
The Christmas Orchestra is back! On 20 December the tour makes a
3 St Paul's Hill, Winchester SO22 5AE www.railwayinn.pub
Christmas Charity Blues Jam
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COUNTRYSIDE WINS NEW SAFEGUARDS IN THE PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE BILL
Working alongside the Better Planning Coalition, CPRE has helped secure key safeguards for nature and the countryside as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill progresses through the House of Lords.
Peers have now backed a series of important amendments that reflect many of CPRE’s long-standing priorities for a fairer, more sustainable planning system. These include:
• Ensuring the government cannot ignore Parliament or select committees when changing National Policy Statements for major infrastructure projects.
• Giving Parliament a say over new regulations that decide which planning decisions are made by council officers and which go to councillors on planning committees – a crucial step for keeping decision-making transparent and open to communities.
• Strengthening protections for chalk streams in new sub-regional spatial development strategies.
• Making sure new spatial development strategies prioritise brownfield first, encourage urban densification, and reduce travel distances.
• Limiting new environmental delivery plans to four areasnutrient neutrality, water quality, water resources and air qualitywhere evidence shows the plans could work without threatening important habitats or species.
The Bill will have its Third Reading in the House of Lords on 10 November, followed shortly by Commons consideration of the Lords’ amendments. CPRE will be calling on MPs to keep these vital improvements in the final legislation.
Whatever the outcome, CPRE will continue to champion the countryside and push for planning reforms that deliver genuine environmental benefits: protecting and enhancing the places people and wildlife call home.
For more information on the work of CPRE and News visit: www.cpre.org.uk
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Top things to consider when designing a shower space
WITH BATHROOM DESIGN SPECIALIST RIPPLES.
With over 35 years experience designing bathrooms, the team at Ripples understands that the process can sometimes be daunting. Its designers are experts on all aspects of bathrooms and here, Senior Designer Kerri and Designer Caroline, from Ripples Winchester, discuss the top things to consider when designing a shower space.
Firstly, think about whether you want a shower enclosure or a more open space with a shower screen.
If you’re opting for an enclosure, consider which shape will work best to utilise the space available. If you go for shower glass, think about which style you like, whether that be Crittall-style, fluted or the emerging trend, etched.
KERRI
Secondly, think about the space. If room is tight within a shower area, concealed fi ttings are the perfect choice. By hiding the pipes within the wall cavity, the fi ttings sit fl ush to the wall, reducing the possibility of bumping into them when showering and creating a sleek fi nished look.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the ways in which you can minimise energy and water consumption.
You can create additional in-shower storage by utilising the void in a stud or false wall to build alcoves for storing shower products, in turn maximising space on the floor.
One way to reduce water usage is to choose a shower head fi tted with a fl ow restrictor. Luckily, this option doesn’t mean you end up with a substandard shower as each fl ow restrictor shower has been carefully designed to reduce water consumption but still offer a pleasurable showering experience. Alternatively, you can opt for a technology-led shower which enriches shower water with air droplets, making for an invigorating shower experience.
shower experience.
Visit Ripples Winchester at 13- 15 Stockbridge Road, Winchester, SO22 64N, head to ripplesbathrooms.com or call 01962 859296 for more information.
CAROLINE
Tomato soup with ricotta and oak-smoked tomato balsamic
SERVES 5 INGREDIENTS
• 500G ISLE OF WIGHT TOMATOES
• 1 RED PEPPER, CHOPPED
• 1 TBSP RAPESEED OIL
• 1 TBSP ISLE OF WIGHT TOMATOES OAK-SMOKED TOMATO BALSAMIC
• 2 CLOVES GARLIC, CHOPPED
• 1 ONION, CHOPPED
• 1 CARROT, CHOPPED
• 500ML VEGETABLE STOCK CUBE
• 2 TBSP PARSLEY, CHOPPED, PLUS LEAVES TO SERVE
• 100G RICOTTA
• PINCH OF SALT & PEPPER
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 200C. Toss the tomatoes and pepper with half the oil in a roasting tin. Roast for 20 minutes, then drizzle over the balsamic vinegar and cook for a further 10 minutes.
Heat the rest of the oil in a large pan and fry the garlic, onion and carrot over a low heat for 5 minutes. Add the stock, bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the carrot is tender.
Add the tomatoes and peppers to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, season, then blend using a handheld blender. In a bowl, stir the parsley into the ricotta then whisk until light and fluffy.
To serve, divide the soup into bowls and top each bowl with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture.
At the height of his career, Oscar Wilde finds himself prosecuted for 'gross indecency'. With only hours before the police arrive to arrest him, he faces a life-altering decision: flee England and avoid imprisonmentor stay and risk everything for love and principle. David Hare's powerful play explores the cost of loyalty and pride, and the tragedy of a love betrayed. For tickets visit: https:// www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ winchester/chesil-theatre/the-judaskiss/e-pvdqje
Murder At The Grange is a Christmas murder mystery created by acclaimed songwriter Robb Johnson & performed by Robb & The Xmas Irregulars in the style of a BBC radio drama, with added original festive songs. For tickets visit: https://www.arcwinchester.org. uk/booking?id=1386001
Barnstormers Christmas Comedy Special, December - Michael Akadiri, Meryl O'Rourke, Dave Fulton
Get ready to laugh your stockings off! This Christmas, Barnstormers Comedy Night is bringing you a sleigh-load of laughter with our Christmas Comedy Special. It's the perfect way to warm up those frosty winter nights with some festive chuckles and ho-ho-ho hilarity! To book visit: https:// www.arcwinchester.org.uk/ booking?id=1222601
Pinocchio
Saturday 20 December
From 2.30 & 7.30pm
The Travelling Players hot foot it to your community with suitcases full of fun and frivolity. They tell the enchanting tale of a talented clock maker, who with no child of his own, carves from wood, a puppet of a boy. Pinocchio, full of life, curiosity and mischief, desperate to fit into the world, leads his father on a merry dance. To book visit: https://www.arcwinchester.org.uk/ booking?id=1528603
Oldilocks and the 3 Bears
One winter, Oldilocks finds a teddy bear in the park and remembers a delicious bowl of porridge she tasted years ago in the woods. Something else happened but she can’t quite remember what… so she sets off for the forest. Will she find the bears house and what will happen then? To book visit:
It’s so cold in Lunavik that the moon has frozen! A greedy dragon has gobbled every fire and every light, leaving only the white glow of the frozen moon. You can’t feel your toes and the fire freezes in the hearth... but not all warmth is lost. Under the glittering stars and dazzling aurora, Amka’s family huddle together, fishing for eels and knitting plenty of hats. To book tickets visit: https:// www.ticketsource.co.uk/thenutshell-arts-cic/under-the-frozenmoon/e-yjgygv
The Nutshell Jazz Club: Ant Law & Brigitte Beraha
When Maria receives a mysterious Nutcracker as a gift, she never expects him to come to life - or to find herself caught in a daring battle against the wickedly captivating Mouse King! As she ventures into a world of talking toys, dangerous encounters and surprising friendships, Maria must trust her heart to break an ancient spell and discover that true bravery comes in all shapes and sizes. For tickets visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ the-nutshell-arts-cic/the-nutcrackerand-the-mouse-king/e-kjdvbo
Fatiha El-Ghorri: Cockney Stacking Doll (Work In Progress)
‘Ensconced’ is an exciting new collaboration initiated during the pandemic years between leading UK guitarist/composer Ant Law and Milan-born British/Turkish vocalist, composer and lyricist Brigitte Beraha. To book visit: https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/the-nutshell-artscic/the-nutshell-jazz-club/2026-0115/20:00/t-mogemne
Daniel Foxx: Work in Progress
She’s the break-out star of Channel 4’s Taskmaster and Sky’s Mr Bigstuff and she’s warming up before she hits the road. Catch Fatiha El-Ghorri, winner of Best Debut Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2023, in this work in progress show! For tickets visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ the-nutshell-arts-cic/fatiha-elghorri-cockney-stacking-doll-workin-progress/2025-11-22/20:00/tlnyxnro
Join award-winning comedian Daniel Foxx as he road-tests brand new material and has a good old natter. Described by Rolling Stone as "utterly hilarious and effortlessly charismatic”, Daniel is co-host of the hit podcast 'Welcome To Hell' and author of 'Bedtime Stories For Privileged Children'. His debut show Villain was nominated for NextUp's Biggest Award in Comedy and toured internationally, including a sell-out run at New York's iconic Soho Playhouse. For tickets visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thenutshell-arts-cic/daniel-foxx-workin-progress/2026-01-17/20:00/tvvljxme
Additional events are showing at these venues throughout December and January. We have included a selection of the main events on this page. If you would like to see the full listing of events visit the venues website.
Christmas cheer has taken over the Planetarium and Santa’s North Pole has come to Winchester. Young and old will be transported to an intergalactic wonderland as Christmas comes to life through an immersive theatrical experience like no other. A live show, magical effects and an out-of-this-world journey through space on the Planetarium dome will come together as an original Christmas tale comes alive. Children will receive a special Christmas gift and there'll even be time to meet Santa himself and snap a festive selfie.
Join Santa as he recreates the story of an epic mission to the International Space Station. Sit and listen as Santa tells the tale of his cosmic adventures. Watch as the intergalactic planetary elf, Aster, brings it all to life through a magical Planetarium space journey. Join in with some fun audience participation and be wowed by immersive special effects. And then meet Santa himself for photos.
Make memories this Christmas that will propel you to the stars and back!
Our Cosmic Christmas experience includes:
• An immersive theatrical performance filled with magical effects and a Planetarium adventure (there will be audience participation which may be loud and the show will use immersive elements)
• A meet and greet with Santa and a chance to take photos
• A Christmas gift for all children
From Saturday 6 December to Tuesday 23 December. For tickets and more information visit: https://www.winchestersciencecentre. org/whats-on/cosmic-christmas
WATERCRESS LINE STEAM ILLUMINATIONS
The Ultimate christmas celebration Step aboard a steam train transformed into a dazzling spectacle of colour, music, and festive cheer! Steam Illuminations returns with a reimagined experience for 2025 – featuring immersive entertainment, enhanced light displays, and more onboard fun to make your journey truly unforgettable.
This year, the magic goes even further… Even Better Onboard Entertainment. Enjoy a reimagined experience with live entertainers onboard, delivering festive fun, music, and magical moments throughout your journey. From interactive games to spontaneous singalongs, there’s excitement in every carriage.
Hosted by the Legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ Famous for Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor, ‘Voiceover Man’ returns as your charismatic host – guiding the journey with warmth, wit, and his signature humour. Get ready to laugh, sing, and compete in the lively FlashyOke game! Snow Cascade Returns – Bigger & More Spectacular At the summit of your journey, be mesmerised by the newly upgraded Snow Cascade – a delightful display, now extended for even more wonder.
New Onboard Trolley Service
Enjoy festive treats, snacks, and drinks from our NEW trolley service, available throughout the journey to keep the celebrations going.
Christmas Vibes Until 28 December
Before Christmas, the train is filled with holiday spirit and classic festive hits to get the whole carriage in the festive mood. The illuminations continue into January 2026. For more information visit: watercressline. co.uk/special-days/steam-illuminations/
STAUNTON FARM WINTER LIGHT TRAIL
Light up your December with a truly magical evening at Staunton Farm's Enlightened trail. From 4 to 28 December 2025, over a mile of the farm will be transformed into an enchanted wonderland filled with specially curated illuminations. Book now and prepare to be dazzled by Enlightened's biggest year yet.
Off Peak and Peak Tickets Available. Tickets available from £12.00 per adult and from £8.50 per child. Infants are free. Tickets available from enlightenedmoments.co.uk
For 2025 there are three parking options: Free parking option – Located in the Country Park car park, no pre-booking of parking is required.
Premium parking option – Located next to the entrance in the Staunton Farm car park. To book this car park, please select premium parking when booking your ticket. Availability is strictly limited. Blue Badge Parking – Located in the Staunton Farm Car Park.
First Entry is 4.30pm and then slots every 15 minutes. Pre-booking is required. Ticket types: Adult (16 and over), Child (3-15) and Infant (under 3). The event is organised by Enlightened Moments and all enquiries should be made via the contact details on the website. The event is not managed by Staunton Farm and the farm team will be unable to assist you with your enquiries.
For more information and to book tickets visit: https://www.enlightenedmoments. co.uk/events/staunton-farm-2025/
Staunton Farm, Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5HB
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CITY COUNCIL TRANSFORMATION TEAM HELP OUT ON ST GILES HILL
On a recent Autumn morning, the Friends of St Giles Hill Working Party were joined by seven members of the City Council Transformation Team, more than doubling the Working Party on the day.
The tasks accomplished, which are part of the Management Plan included the clearing of unwanted vegetation such as brambles, Old Man’s Beard and self seeded sycamore from around the 100 native trees supplied by Winchester City Council and planted by volunteers on St Giles Hill in December 2023.
Harry Mycock, Chair of the Friends of St Giles Hill Park was delighted that the Friends and the Council could continue to cement their relationship as the trees come up to their second birthday. The trees, all natives such as hawthorn, apple and buckthorn are all well established and removing the competition from around them will help them thrive.
THE FRIENDS OF ST GILES HILL PARK GET A BOOST FROM SAVILLS
The Friends of St Giles Hill Park were delighted to host five volunteers from Savills Estate Agents who gave their time to help improve St Giles Hill Park on a sunny Autumn morning recently.
Associate Director from Savills Residential Sales Rob Tottle was joined by Carmen Lever (Lettings Department), Emily Medland (Sales), Haley Prescott (Sales) and James Waddington (Rural & Farming Department) to help boost the work of the Working Parties of The Friends of St Giles Hill Park.
The team arrived and soon donned their orange, Friends of St Giles Hill Park, hi-viz jackets and got to work helping enhance the biodiversity on the Hill supporting native trees, bluebells and cowslips.
Rob commented “It was fantastic to be at St Giles Hill Park on such a beautiful morning and seeing what had been done by the teams before us, acted as motivation to really get stuck in! We can’t wait to continue the good work and see the park flourish”.
“The Friends already appreciate financial support from Savills and having the team from Savills also help practically provides icing on the cake” commented Harry Mycock, Chair of the Friends of St Giles Hill Park.
For more information on The Friends of St Giles Hill Park visit https:// www.friendsofstgileshillpark.org/
PAUL RIDDELL ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF CHESIL THEATRE, WINCHESTER
Chesil Theatre is pleased to announce the election of Paul Riddell as its new Chairman, succeeding Stephanie Danby following her impactful three-year tenure.
Paul has been a member of Chesil Theatre since 1987 performing in a wide range of productions. He has also worked as a director and contributed to the theatre’s marketing and development.
Reflecting on his new appointment, Paul shared: “I’ve always valued Chesil Theatre as a vibrant creative home. I deeply appreciate the vital role this community plays. As Chairman, I’m committed to a collaborative and transparent approach, grounded in the values that make Chesil Theatre special: artistic excellence, community engagement and inclusive opportunity, in a welcoming and friendly environment.”
Paul also paid tribute to outgoing Chairman Stephanie Danby: "On behalf of everyone at Chesil Theatre, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Stephanie for her extraordinary contribution. Her enthusiasm, skill, and talent have transformed so many aspects of our operations. Most notably, she has driven forward our plans to develop a new theatre and launched our fundraising efforts with tireless energy and vision. Stephanie’s commitment and vision have left very big boots to fill, and I am grateful for the strong and steady foundation she has provided."
As Chesil Theatre enters this exciting new chapter, the organisation continues to grow as a hub of creativity, inclusion, and artistic excellence in Winchester. Plans are underway to transform its historic home on Chesil Street — occupied since 1966 into a state-of-the-art, 21st-century community performance centre through an ambitious £2.1 million fundraising campaign.
The proposed extension will feature a modern foyer and bar, along with a flexible studio and community space, designed to be accessible to all. Support from the community is vital to preserving Chesil Theatre’s unique heritage while shaping its future as an inclusive, dynamic centre that will inspire and entertain generations to come.
Last week, the streetscape on Chesil Street took on a vibrant new look with the unveiling of decorative hoarding, featuring winning entries from an art competition held among pupils at Winnall and All Saints primary schools. Children were invited to share their vision of a “theatre of dreams,” and their imaginative artwork now brightens the site as demolition and preparation work begins. The event was generously supported by a grant from The Arts Society Winchester, and judges faced a tough challenge selecting just two winners from a wealth of creative submissions.
Chesil Theatre’s transformation is well underway, and under Paul Riddell’s leadership, the organisation is poised to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of Winchester’s cultural life.
Three of the Council Transformation Team clearing Old Man’s Beard, October 2025
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We have a resultis it a sign of things to come or not?
You may have missed this? BUT. We have a decision on the Reorganisation of Local Government.
An interesting development has occurred that could indicate what the new geographical makeup of Hampshires new Unitary Councils could be. It may also tell us a bit about the way Government may deal with the money issue?
In Hampshire the County Council and ALL the District Councils will be abolished with new larger “Unitary Councils” -which combine all the services being delivered by both bodies all coming into being in May 2028. The Governments Devolution agenda will also see an elected Mayor for the County and the Isle of Wight being created in May 2026.
The Government has recently approved the reorganisation of Surrey into two new Unitary Councils - East Surrey and West Surrey - replacing the existing county, borough, and district councils by April 2027 - a year earlier than us. The Elections: May 2026 - formal takeover: 1 April 2027.
Surrey County Council, supported by Elmbridge and Mole Valley, proposed the two-unitary model.
Alternative proposal from Woking, Spelthorne, Runnymede, and Guildford districts suggested three unitary authorities, but this was rejected.
The Governments Rationale: efficiency and simplification, financial sustainability: The two-unitary model is seen as more viable. Devolution potential: while the reorganisation lays the groundwork for
By Yinnon Ezra MBE
future devolution, no commitment has been made yet to a directly elected mayor.
Woking Borough Council, which declared effective bankruptcy in 2023, will receive a £500 million bailout to stabilise its finances before integration into West Surrey. Hence, West Surrey will inherit councils with significant debt (Woking, Spelthorne, Runnymede), while East Surrey is comparatively solvent. Dealing with the cash issue first.
Thus far the Government have been clear that there is NO additional money coming from Whitehall to assist in the reorganisation. The level of debt being carried by Woking could be as much as £2 billion - a figure being highlighted by the current Liberal Democrat Council – it was formally Conservative controlled. Steve Reed the Local Government Minister has also suggested that there could be more Government support for the new Unitary which includes Woking. This is obviously an important development as in Hampshire we have District Councils who have cash reserves and other who are also in debt.
As for the geographical proposals – the Government seem to have gone for larger Unitary Councils. The guidance had suggested that they need a population of at least half a million people. Readers may recall that there were two very different proposals put to Government – one from Hampshire County Council and East Hants and the rest from the two Cities and the majority of District Councils.
In summary HCC/East Hants: Three Unitary Authorities: Mid-NorthIncorporating Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor and Winchester. Population of around 656,000. West - Incorporating Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, and Test Valley. Population of around 707,000. South-East - Incorporating Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth. Population of around 533,000. Isle of Wight Population of around 141,000 unaffected.
The other proposal: Four Unitary Authorities: North Hampshire - Basingstoke, Hart, Rushmoor. Central Hampshire & Solent - Winchester, Eastleigh, Test Valley, New Forest. South HampshireFareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Southampton) Isle of Wight remains a standalone unitary.
If you were in charge given the Surrey decision which one would you go with – or will it be something completely different?
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Robin Hague, opened his first salon the week of his 21st birthday in Dorset. Over the next three decades he created a very successful salon group in the south west.
In 2001 he went to the USA to check out the Aveda brand with the view of using it in his salons. Back then words like organic, responsibly sourced, vegan and crueltyfree were not at all mainstream. I loved the product but needed to check out if it was for real. Robin was blown away by the vision and principles of the brand. “They were, and continue to be, leaders in the world of beauty” Inspired by what he has seen Robin started using Aveda in his salons and twenty three years on he is as committed to the brand. The performance of the products is incredible. The colour is the best in the business and gives our team of amazing hairdressers the very best tools to make sure your colour is perfect. The shampoos, treatments and styling products give you the tools you need to keep your hair looking salon fresh at home.
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Mandy Head, a member of the Forum Publications team, wanted to find out for herself and visited Urban Green to experience their professional service.
“The award winning team of Aveda professionals at Urban Green specialise in bespoke cuts, colour and styling - tailored to your needs using plant based, cruelty-free products that care for your hair and the planet.
I had a cut, colour and blow dry with James at Urban Green and I couldn’t be happier with the results. James was absolutely charming, friendly and professional and really took the time to understand what I wanted. The whole experience felt calm, relaxed, and unhurried; the salon itself had a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Urban Green achieved beautiful results and had non-stop refreshments! You can choose a drink of your choice, and if you want, a naughty biscuit on the side. I enjoyed a beautiful Aveda soothing herbal tea while I relaxed, while James undertook my hair transformation.
When he had finished my hair felt amazing, and the colour was perfect - fresh, natural and exactly what I’d hoped for. I left feeling completely refreshed, well looked after, and totally spoilt. I feel more confident, radiant and happy. It was an unforgettable experience.
How would I describe Urban Green?
A spa-inspired salon that offers an enjoyable, refreshing personal service. Where expert styling meets eco-luxury in the heart of Winchester.
Those of us who have issues down there know the impact our vagina can have on our quality of life.
But we should ALL feel good about our vaginas.
Ultra Femme 360 is the painless radio frequency treatment that promotes the body’s own natural collagen production to restore and tighten the vaginal area.
From puberty, childbirth, menopause, and all the fun stuff in between, our vaginas go through a lot, and we rarely give them the care they need. Our vaginal area is just as prone to damage and ageing as the rest of our body. Distressing problems with vaginal laxity, stress incontinence or reduced tissue quality are all experienced by most women at some point in their life.
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Feel good…
Who can benefit from Ultra Femme 360?
This is a safe and gentle treatment that is suitable for most women. If you have experienced vaginal changes since childbirth or menopause or have functional issues including stress incontinence or reduced sexual enjoyment, Ultra Femme 360 can tighten, restore, and rejuvenate your vagina for increased confidence and personal wellbeing.
Does the treatment hurt?
We understand that this kind of treatment can feel daunting. However, we aim to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment, which is entirely painless and lasts only 8 minutes. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately afterwards. *Recommended one treatment per week for three weeks for the best results.
We are one of the first clinics in the country to offer this treatment and look forward to welcoming you at The Face & Skin Clinic.
Vagina)
Those of us who have issues down there know the impact our vagina can have on our quality of life.
But we should ALL feel good about our vaginas.
Ultra Femme 360 is the painless radio frequency treatment that promotes the body’s own natural collagen production to restore and tighten the vaginal area.
From puberty, childbirth, menopause, and all the fun stuff in between, our vaginas go through a lot, and we rarely give them the care they need.
Our vaginal area is just as prone to damage and ageing as the rest of our body.
Distressing problems with vaginal laxity, stress incontinence or reduced tissue quality are all experienced by most women at some point in their life.
The Ultra Femme 360 treatment provides total vaginal rejuvenation in one quick and painless treatment that lasts just eight minutes*.
What is Ultra Femme 360?
Ultra Femme 360 is a non-surgical solution for restoring the internal and external vaginal area. As the applicator is guided in and around the vagina, the radio frequency activates our own body’s natural collagen and elastin production, which tightens the vaginal canal and surrounding skin. The low levels of heat from the treatment also encourages blood flow to the area, further boosting the effects.
Feel good…
Who can benefit from Ultra Femme 360?
This is a safe and gentle treatment that is suitable for most women. If you have experienced vaginal changes since childbirth or menopause or have functional issues including stress incontinence or reduced sexual enjoyment, Ultra Femme 360 can tighten, restore, and rejuvenate your vagina for increased confidence and personal wellbeing.
Does the treatment hurt?
We understand that this kind of treatment can feel daunting. However, we aim to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment, which is entirely painless and lasts only 8 minutes. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately afterwards. *Recommended one treatment per week for three weeks for the best results.
We are one of the first clinics in the country to offer this treatment and look forward to welcoming you at The Face & Skin Clinic.
Wildlife faces its last stand
The Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill is being billed as a way to unlock growth while restoring nature. But beneath that promise lies a serious risk to wildlife and wild places theyand we - depend on.
At the heart of the debate is Part 3 of the Bill, which would overhaul environmental protections in planning. It seeks to replace local, site-specific protections with a so-called strategic approach. Instead of requiring developers to avoid or minimise harm, Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) would allow them to pay into a central fund to compensate for the damage caused with no guarantee this would happen locally or at all.
That might sound efficient, but it risks creating a “pay-to-destroy” model. Once an ancient woodland or wildflower meadow is gone, no amount of money can bring it back. Species like bluebells and bats depend
on stable, undisturbed habitats that take centuries to evolve. The moral stakes are high too: destroying a badger sett causes real stress, injury, and death.
Working alongside The Wildlife Trusts, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has worked closely with peers, raising awareness of the Bill’s risks and advocating for stronger protections that could safeguard nature from harm. Following crucial votes in the House of Lords, the Bill now returns to the House of Commons, where MPs must ensure safeguards remain.
Two amendments in the Bill are vital for Hampshire and the Island. Amendment 94 strengthens protections for our chalk streams and rivers, which are among the county’s most precious habitats. These crystal-clear waters are home to brown trout, water voles, otters and kingfishers. Once polluted, diverted, or built over, these unique ecosystems cannot be recreated elsewhere. Amendment 130 ensures that EDPs are used only where they benefit nature - such as
tackling air or water pollution - rather than being misapplied to species and habitats that depend on local conditions. Without it, species like dormice and badgers could lose vital legal safeguards. Badgers are territorial and depend on long-established setts; they cannot just “move on” when bulldozed.
Nature is at risk but your MP can make a difference. The Bill is close to becoming law, and without these safeguards, it could be disastrous for wildlife.
Please ask your MP to back Amendments 94 and 130. These vital protections are our last chance to make sure that wildlife and habitats aren’t sacrificed for development.
Nature needs your voice now. Visit: https:// action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/180301/action/1 to submit a very easy online form to your MP.
It’s good to be home
We’re here so your loved one can stay at home, where things are familiar and they feel at ease.
We’re here for you too, because when a loved one needs care, it can be a challenging time in your life as well.
Of course, it’s much more than that. They also get 1-to-1 support with everyday errands. Help with washing and feeding, someone to swap stories with, and a new friend who can help them see old friends. All this in a safe environment, with familiar routines, that can delay age-related illnesses such as early onset dementia.
You also get complete confidence that they are receiving premium support from a provider that’s proudly rated Outstanding by the CQC.
For outstanding-rated home care throughout Winchester, contact us today 01962 856 900 winchester@bluebirdcare.co.uk
ALRESFORD PODIATRY
PROVIDING CARE SINCE 1999
It’s not just putting Mum at ease. It’s giving you peace of mind.
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Gift Vouchers Available
Contact Louise on: 07719 011854
Check out our range of services from £55
All your routine podiatry/chiropody care followed by a nail treatment and Swedish foot massage. Finished with nourishing foot butter and hot boot therapy. Go on, you deserve it!
Treatment £87
Tel. 01962 571072 Located in: Walkers, 11 East Street, Alresford, SO249EQ www.alresfordpodiatry.co.uk Try our new easy to use online booking service at: www.alresfordpodiatry.co.uk
WE ARE CHANGING THE LAW THROUGH OUR PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT
GARDENING TIPS FOR DECEMBER
BY JILL WALMSLEY, EDUCATION TRUSTEE OF HAMPSHIRE GARDENS TRUST
It’s all too easy to become disillusioned with politics when it seems like nothing ever gets done. But after big wins earlier in the year with the passing of my Animal Welfare Bill and successful local campaigns to save recycling centres and care facilities from closure by Hampshire County Council, we've continued to secure change.
It was fantastic to win important policy changes this year. For too long, our country has been in a mental health crisis, and I’ve been determined to make a difference. Serving on the committee for the Mental Health Bill, I worked with my colleagues to put forward amendments to ensure the Bill was the best it could be. It is vital that we support carers, and close blind spots in our legislation that too often let down people caring for loved ones with serious mental illness. Thanks to our amendments, for the first time ever, young carers supporting parents with a severe mental illness will get the help they desperately need.
I’ve been outraged at the lack of care shown towards our chalk streams by Southern Water, but the campaigning pressure we’ve been putting on the industry and government has started to pay off. It was announced that Ofwat will be replaced and there will be new powers to fine water firms committing environmental offences. We must now ensure that whatever replaces Ofwat is fit for purpose and actually holds the companies to account. Ultimately we need to replace the water companies themselves with organisations that serve the public and our environment, not just their shareholders.
While our campaigning pressure has yielded success in some areas, we still need to keep fighting in others. Growing up on a farm, I know all too well the challenges farmers are under. I recently spoke with farmers from across the Meon Valley who have told me about the pressures they're facing from inflation and the aftermath of the record dry summer we've just come through.
Adding to the pressure is the increasing risk from rural crime which is becoming ever more sophisticated. I visited Shavards Farm alongside Hampshire Police to learn more about the challenge and what we can do to tackle it going forward. Farmers are the backbone of our rural communities, and have been taken for granted for too long, so it’s more important than ever that we back British farms.
If there is anything I can help you with, please get in touch at danny. chambers.mp@parliament.uk
Danny
Chambers MP
December may be the quietest month in the gardening calendar, but it’s far from idle time. While the garden rests, there’s still plenty we can do to protect plants, care for wildlife, and prepare for the new year ahead. At Hampshire Gardens Trust, we celebrate the history and beauty of Hampshire’s landscapes — but that same appreciation starts in our own gardens, even in winter. So here are some key tips for December:
1. Protect from Frost and Snow
Cold weather can damage tender plants and containers. Use fleece or cloches to protect them, and move pots into sheltered corners or near the house. Raise them off the ground to prevent waterlogging, and gently brush snow off shrubs to avoid broken branches.
2. Care for Evergreens
Evergreens are the backbone of the winter garden, providing structure and colour when little else is growing. Check for wind damage and prune out any broken branches. A light mulch around their base will help protect roots from frost and retain moisture.
3. Plan for the Year Ahead
With the garden quiet, December is the perfect time to reflect and plan. Browse seed catalogues, design new planting schemes, and order bulbs and seeds ready for spring sowing. Clean and sharpen your tools, and ensure your greenhouse or shed is tidy and weatherproof.
4. Feed the Wildlife
Winter can be tough for birds and small mammals. Keep feeders topped up with high-energy foods like sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet balls. Refresh bird baths regularly to prevent freezing, and leave a small pile of leaves or logs for insects and hedgehogs to shelter in.
5. Enjoy Winter Colour
Plants such as hellebores, dogwood, and winter jasmine can bring life and brightness to your garden during the darker months. Place pots near windows or paths where you can enjoy them on crisp, cold days.
As the year draws to a close, take a moment to appreciate your garden’s quiet beauty and the promise of spring to come. To explore Hampshire’s remarkable gardens and join a community of enthusiasts, consider becoming a member of the Hampshire Gardens Trust — where a love of gardens is nurtured all year round.
Danny Chambers visits Nigel Prior's (right of frame) farm discussing rural crime alongside Hampshire & IOW Police and Hampshire & IOW Neighbourhood Watch Association.
Merry Christmas from the Kerr-Smileys
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