The Dever April 2024

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

April 2024 90p

First-Sunday-in-the-Month First Sunday in the Month - Fund Raising Walk.

Fund RaisingSunday Walk 7th April 2024

Car Share from Warren Centre Car Park at 10:00am We meet at 10:20am in the Visitors’ Car Park at Popham Airfield, Coxford Down. SO21 3BD Grid Ref: SU534 442

Beginning from the Conference room at 10:30 the walk commences ‘airside’ on the southern taxiway. We will have a short visit to No’s 2/3 hangars (bring your camera) before commencing the perimeter route which is +/- 6Km. The walk will be lead by Mike Pearson the Airfield Manager and as we progress there will be some short history presented at vantage points. This is not a long walk but hopefully an informative one.

Complimentary tea and coffee will be available in the conference room after the walk alternatively our café is open until 4pm should you require lunch.

DOGS welcome but MUST be on leads and it is essential to clear up after them. Thank you

This is a very popular walk.

Numbers are restricted for safety reasons.

BOOKING is ESSENTIAL Contact suebell0906@gmail.com to book.

The café provides an excellent selection of soft drinks, snacks and light meals. www.facebook.com/Pophamairfieldcafe Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Suggested donation £5. Children free.

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

Contents First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 News from Woodmancote & Popham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 D-Day Commemoration Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Parish Council News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1984 - 2024 Dever Singers 40th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mayor’s Community Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Swifts: Spectacular Visitors From Africa That Need Our Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Spaces Of Sanctuary - Safe spaces project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Calling All Knitters and Crocheters! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 A Fairy Tale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Wonston Community Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Micheldever Village Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Where Is This? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Cercle Français de Winchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ensuring Every Prom Princess & Prince Can Go To The Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Saturday 20th April 9.30-12.30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Church Services for The Dever Benefice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Dever Valley Church Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 From Our MP Steve Brine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Holy Dusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Don't Lose Your Way and the Right to Roam in Micheldever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Someone Has Lost Their Ball! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Come & Sing! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Design Tips for a Small Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Jackie’s County Corner for April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Citizens Advice Winchester District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 City Councillors’ News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Forthcoming Events 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Hall Booking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 April Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Regular Dates and Times – Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 The Dever - April 2024 3

Dever Valley Contacts

Rev’d Dr Robert Rees, Rector Rev’d James Whymark, Curate Benefice Co-ordinator Clare Fancourt

07590909811 (rest day Saturday) 07870266876 (rest day Friday) coordinator.upperdever@hotmail.com

Church Wardens

St. Mary the Virgin Micheldever Louise Keys 01962 774326 Holy Trinity Wonston Sarah Hobhouse 01962 760003 St Margaret's South Wonston Melinda Samms 01962 761036 Roger Keys 01962 881718 St Mary & St Michael Stoke Charity Ruth Guy 01962 760259

All Saints’ East Stratton Chris Hilling 01962 795134 Ed Beckwith 01962 774918 St James’ Hunton Caroline Edwards 01962 760230 St James’ Woodmancote Linda Albin 01256 397616

Websites

St Mary the Virgin www.stmarysmicheldever.co.uk Holy Trinity www.wonstonchurch.co.uk Editor: Peter O’Keefe 07515 339279 1 Canada Cottages, Overton Road, Micheldever Station, SO21 3AN. Email: editor@thedever.org Website: www.thedever.org Printing: James Dixon and team Micheldever Anby Dixon Micheldever Station Andy Adams East of railway line Ann Hawkins West of railway line

Annual Subscription January to December for 12 issues: £9.00; £18.00 by post.

Articles for May issue to be received by the editor before 15th April please.

Articles printed in The Dever are accepted ‘as is’ and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editorial Team.

Treasurer: James Dixon

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Dever Advertiser

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01962 774115 mob. 07500 334393 deveradvertiser@hotmail.com

The Dever - April 2024

D

id you hear about the April Fools’ Day prank when the BBC announced that Big Ben was going digital and whoever got in touch first could win the hands? Or the park which put up a sign forbidding photos of their statues because flash lights were eroding the stonework?

You may be reading this just after April 1st.

Did you manage to avoid falling for a hoax?

Nobody seems to really know when the April Fools’ tradition began, but it’s ancient and truly international. An oddity.

This year it has fallen after the three most important days in the Christian calendar. The wonders of Easter.

The religious leaders in Jerusalem had seen Jesus Christ as a fool. A fool who had got himself crucified because he had stirred up their hatred of him. A fool who said he was the Messiah, the amazing leader whom they had been waiting for for centuries.

I wonder if they would have been shocked to be told that 2000 years later, Christianity would be the world’s largest religion practised by 2.4 billion people in 2024.

Jesus’ horrific death on the cross had seemed like a huge ‘win’ for evil, but God had planned from the dawn of time to come to earth as a human to show us how to live, and then to die in our place to pay the price that we deserved to pay for our decisions to run life our own way.

The powers that be in Jerusalem had been thrilled that they had managed to kill this’ fool’, but they were a bit edgy about the fact that he had been saying before his death that he would come to life again after three days. They’d made sure that his dead body was put in a cave with a huge boulder in front of the opening with Roman soldiers to keep guard. Belt and braces.

But now he looked to have fooled THEM! They kept hearing reports that he was being seen alive all over the place and his followers were going around telling everybody!

These religious leaders were very wise men, highly educated, but God says through Paul in the Bible, ‘Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world called foolishness – teaching about Jesus Christ, to bring those who trust in him to eternal life. The message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are facing eternal death, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God.’ ! Corinthians, chapter 1 The truth is that this apparent ‘fool’ WAS the Messiah after all. God on earth.

‘Surely it couldn’t be true!’ said the ‘wise’ religious leaders then. ‘This street preacher came from Nazareth, that dead end place. Our scrolls say the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, it can’t be him.’

A pity they hadn’t done their homework.

This ‘fool’ WAS the Son of God. He’s alive today and longing to be a part of your life.

Are you willing to ‘look a fool’ for Christ and pin your colours to the Christian mast?

Ruth Guy

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News from Woodmancote & Popham On February 18th Rev. Christine Smith took our evensong Service for the first Sunday of Lent. As Jesus is pitched into the desert for forty days, we learnt some practical wisdom for surviving the times that our own lives seem like wildernesses, with the most wonderful Sermon delivered

by Christine. There are times when you sit in Church and you think “Wow that Sermon was meant for me!”, this was one of those times, although I’m happy to add things seem much brighter now.

Rev. Rob Rees and Claire Bentham led our Mothering Day Service at Woodmancote in March. It was a lovely Service, Claire spoke about the origins of Mothering Sunday and that its reference was about going back to your “Mother’ Church that you were baptised in. Traditionally the day focussed on your Church family and not your real mother as we associate it with today. Mothers come in many forms

and it may not necessarily be your “birth” mother who acts like a Mum to you. We all enjoyed many homemade goodies, made by busy Mums (I’m not sure it should have been them doing the baking that day!) and were given beautiful posies to take home, thank you Alex and Mary!

On writing this we still have our Easter Service to look forward to.

In April we have Evensong on Sunday 21st April 6pm and Woodmancote has its main Church fund-raiser in the form of a Quiz–Saturday 20th April at 7pm at East Stratton Village Hall. Please phone Penny Dixon 01256 397541 if you would like to make up a table of 6/8 or join a table.

Jane

D-Day Commemoration Event Please join us on Saturday 8th June at 6:30pm in St Mary the Virgin, Micheldever to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. We are planning a varied programme that will include readings, letters and songs and music of the time, with a focus on what was happening around the parish then. Refreshments with a wartime theme will be provided, and dressing appropriate to the period will be welcomed.

For catering purposes we’d like to 6

know approximate numbers, so if you are interested could you please contact either Olly (01962 774516 or orb@ bramleys.org) or Maurelle (01962 774395 or l.dagostino@btinternet.com) Entry will be free, with a retiring collection.

Also, if you or any of your relatives have any personal memories relating to D-Day we’d love to hear from you!

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you on the night.

The Dever - April 2024

Micheldever Parish Council

Notice of Meeting Wednesday 3rd April Northbrook Hall 7.30pm This will be an in person meeting of the Parish Council and residents are welcome to attend.

There will be an opportunity for questions from the public at around 8.00pm

www.micheldeverparish.org.uk

Parish Council Matters–Planning Applications, Meetings–Agendas, Dates & Minutes, Newsletters, Parish Assembly and more.

Parish Council News Flooding & Highways Issues There are areas in the Parish which have been affected by flooding, either of properties or the highway. Please could we urge residents to report all flooding issues. A response from Hampshire County Council will only follow a report being received. HCC are responsible for both flooding and road issues.

Flooding can be reported via: https://www. hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/ environment/flooding/reportingflooding Road issues can be reported via: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/ roadmaintenance/roadproblems In an emergency, however, always call 999.

Parish Assembly – Wednesday 17th April from 7.30pm at East Stratton Village Hall Please join us at this year’s Parish

Assembly. Our guest speaker is Stuart Mills, Project Manager for Winchester Climate Action Network (WeCan).

Stuart, who is friendly, approachable and realistic, will be talking about WeCAN and how a community like Micheldever could take practical steps to reduce its carbon impact. He will make a short presentation and be available afterwards to answer questions from residents.

The Parish Assembly is a shorter, more relaxed meeting where residents can interact with the parish councillors and discuss local matters. The meeting concludes with free refreshments and time to chat.

The Parish Council can be contacted via Jocelyn, the Clerk, micheldeverpc@hotmail.co.uk or 01794 368951

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1984 - 2024 Dever Singers 40th Anniversary

Our first performance in this anniversary year was a Service of Music on Passion Sunday, 17th March at St. Mary-the-Virgin, Micheldever where the Dever Singers began in 1984. Rev Rob Rees, who has sung with the Dever Singers in the past, had a busy role as he not only led the service and gave the short homily but also stepped into the breach, when the original organist went down with pneumonia, and played the organ for the congregational hymns and the choir’s accompanied pieces and then joined the bass section of the choir for the two unaccompanied songs! Instead of an organ voluntary at the end of the service and with a nod to it also being St. Patrick’s Day, our musical director, Ben Cooper, played Danny Boy on the keyboard before we all congregated at the back of the church for light refreshments, a glass of wine and happy chatter, greeting old and new friends and reminiscing about Dever Singers’ performances over the years. £360 was raised for church funds which will be split between St. Mary’s and St. Margaret’s in South Wonston.

Marion Richmond, an original member from 1984 who still sings with us, 8

read the New Testament lesson and Philippa Goodall, another long-standing member, read from the Old Testament.

Brian Merriman wrote and delivered the prayers and Julia Smart, our chairman, gave a vote of thanks. Although two new recruits have swelled our tenor ranks this year, the basses are still feeling the loss of several long-standing members and we would love to welcome more new voices, especially in the lower ranges.

In contrast to this service which embraced the season of Lent with some of the Christian content and community aspects of our work, we will be celebrating with more gaiety and abandon at our Summer Celebration Concerts and you are all warmly invited. Please put the dates in your diary now and look out for the posters nearer the time.

Ruth Wingfield Dever Singers 40th Anniversary Celebration Summer Concerts Saturday 15th June at 7.30pm St. Margaret's church, South Wonston Sunday 16th June at 6pm St. Mary the Virgin church, Micheldever The Dever - April 2024

MICHELDEVER LUNCH Wednesday

10th April 12.30pm

at Northbrook Hall

Two course lunch for £5 If you are a regular and unable to attend please call: Juliet Pattinson on 774399

Mayor’s Community Award I am delighted to tell you that Lunch Club has been awarded a Mayor’s Community Award in recognition of the service Micheldever Lunch Club provides to our community. On the 7th of March, Tricia, Anita and myself attended the ceremony at the Guildhall to receive the award, which was presented by the Mayor of Winchester, Angela Clear. The Lunch Club team were kindly nominated by Olly Bramley.

Thank you to every one who make such an amazing contribution to Lunch Club and for making a positive difference to people’s lives in our community. The certificate will be proudly displayed in the village hall.

Juliet The Dever - April 2024 9

Swifts: Spectacular Visitors From Africa That Need Our Help Swifts are supreme flyers, perfectly adapted to a life in the air. They sleep, feed and mate on the wing. They only land to breed.

When a Swift chick fledges, it will spend the next three to four years in constant flight. Swifts do not land on the ground or perch on buildings, trees or cables.

They have tiny feet, with sharp claws that are perfect for clinging to vertical surfaces, but unsuitable for perching.

Swifts eat flying insects. These insects are most numerous between May and August.

That determines how long Swifts can spend in the UK as they need huge numbers of these insects to feed their chicks. Unlike Swallows and House Martins who eat a wider variety of insects and can therefore have two or three broods of chicks during the summer, Swifts have a single brood.

2000 years ago, Swifts nested in holes in trees or in cliffs. Now that is rare. Swifts are entirely dependent on buildings for nest sites. They look for small gaps high up where they can access a flat space to nest, such as under tiles or eaves. The nest is invisible from outside. Modern building techniques mean that houses built in the last 30 or so years rarely have any gaps, so most Swifts nest in older buildings.

Thousands of nest sites are lost each year when buildings are demolished, or renovated, or when plastic soffits and fascias are installed. Swifts are faithful to their nest site, so once a pair find a site, they will return to it every year. If they return and find their nest site has been destroyed or is inaccessible, they may not breed that year 10

Photograph of Swift by Robert Booth

unless a new nest site is available nearby.

Swifts are in catastrophic decline.

Since 1994 their population has declined by 62% in the UK and by 70% in the South East, including Hampshire. Loss of nest sites is the major contributor.

Declines in insects may also play a part. House Sparrows and Starlings are also experiencing steep declines. They too rely on buildings for nest sites.

Preserving existing nest sites and providing new nest sites is crucial to prevent Swifts becoming extinct in the UK. Thousands of new nest sites are needed to halt the decline. Hampshire Swifts is a charity set up in 2016 with the aim of stopping the decline of this special bird and increasing their numbers. We give advice on all matters related to Swifts. We supply and install swift boxes–£40 for a single box, £75 for a double box. We provide advice on creating permanent homes for Swifts using Swift bricks. We work to persuade local councils and developers to help Swifts by installing Swift bricks in new buildings.

How can you help Swifts? Preserve existing nest sites, put up nest boxes, encourage your neighbours to put up nest boxes, record where they are nesting on the Hampshire Swifts survey website (www.hampshireswifts.co.uk/swift-survey), The Dever - April 2024

and write to your local councillors about the importance of making the installation of Swift bricks in new developments a condition of planning approval.

Swifts are amazing and beautiful birds. The sound and sight of them racing, screaming over our rooftops is exhilarating and an essential part of summer. Let’s make sure that continues.

Our web site is www.hampshireswifts.co.uk. For advice or if you’re interested in having swift boxes on your house, email us on info@hampshireswifts.co.uk.

Catharine Gale, Trustee of Hampshire Swifts

Spaces Of Sanctuary - Safe spaces project A ‘Safe Space’ is essentially a place where people can go to seek peace and guidance to address their concerns without fear or prejudice. When accessing the support at the Safe Space they will be treated equitably and with respect and their concerns listened to and taken seriously. The Safe Space is intended to be self-guided, however, if required a triage service can be provided to enable people to find any further support they may need. The attached brief provides more detail about the project and I’m happy to answer any queries you might have.

Safe Spaces can be situated in various locations and venues, such as community centres, churches, doctors’ surgeries, pubs, restaurants or even office buildings etc. The idea is to create a network of spaces that offers a variety of local options over as wide a timeframe as possible that people are able to access.

You can help by either: • offering a space within your building that might be suitable for a ‘Safe Space’.

• publicise our scheme to your various contacts and networks asking people to contact me if they are interested in the scheme or want to know more.

• promote the ‘Safe Spaces’ (once established) to help raise their profile within the local community.

In return the council can provide training for the staff and/or volunteers of any organisation signing up to the scheme.

In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact me on Tel: 01962 848518 or Email: communities@winchester.gov.uk Mark Maitland Community Engagement Officer Winchester City Council

Calling All Knitters and Crocheters!

If you would like to make some poppies to decorate St Mary the Virgin church for D-Day please contact:

Olly (01962 774516 or orb@bramleys.org) or Maurelle (01962 774395 or l.dagostino@btinternet.com) for wool, needles and patterns.

The Dever - April 2024 11

A Fairy Tale Once upon a time, just on the edge of Paradise, there was a lively thriving village.

It had many gatherings and more. But still there were mutterings of discontent. The Inn had been allowed to go to rack and ruin and the merchant had left. Many in the village thought that this was a sad situation and hoped that matters could be rectified.

The village Elders took action to enable the Inn to be saved. At the last moment, two noble men stepped forward and snatched the property from the greedy jaws of those intent on handsome profits. Such philanthropy was greeted with much enthusiasm and, despite the doomsayers’s utterances laden with gloom and despondency, a veritable horde of villagers spent three months restoring the building to some of its previous glory.

Having wielded paint brushes and hammers, the occasional input from a professional, along with much chatter and laughter, the thrill of an opening night was reached.

Just as all seemed to be going well, a pestilence covered the lands and for two years life was as it had never been before and much damage was done to many businesses across the land. Nevertheless, bruised and bloody, the Inn survived but at the expense of the publicans. Not to be daunted, the struggle continued when, out of nowhere, a cooking wizard (or should that be wizard cook?) appeared waving his magic spoon. Suddenly the fayre was exciting, events were planned and the future looked rosy once more.

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Meanwhile a merchant from far afield passed through the village and was so charmed by what he found that he decided to set up his stall in the village square. Again, despite the doomsayers, his stall blossomed into a shop in which he stocked more and more of what the villagers told him they wanted.

The villagers were wise people and they were quick to realise that to get an Inn and a shop in their village during such testing times was truly a miracle. They were also quick to realise that a miracle was unlikely to be repeated. And so it was that it became the norm for all to pop in to the Inn on a regular basis for a social drink, some light sustenance or to enjoy some gladiatorial event in the sporting world. It also became the norm to pop into the shop each week and spend some money before traipsing off to a distant town. All were aware that they each had a contribution to make if the miracle was to be sustained.

Through such wisdom, the village flourished, as did the Inn and the shop, and it was the envy of surrounding villages and towns.

A thought. Fairy tales can, with a will, become reality……..

The Dever - April 2024

Wonston Community Café Despite the rain on 21st February we still welcomed lots of visitors who enjoyed the warmth and dry of the Victoria Hall. In fact it was commented that “Not sure what we were putting in the drinks this morning but

everyone seemed to be leaving on a high!” It was a great cafe this morning with a really happy vibe–how lovely that we can fulfil a need in the community. After expenses a total of £350 was raised for the charity, with Read Easy Winchester collecting another £20 in their charity hat. Pat Stephens and the other volunteers had set up a display in the foyer explaining all about the charity, and spent some time talking to visitors.

Most visitors had never heard of

the charity before the café so we provided good publicity for a very worthwhile cause.

The next Wonston Community Café will be at the Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney, 9.30am–12 noon on Wednesday 17th April.

This month the café will be supporting Citizen’s Advice who say “We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward–whoever they

are, and whatever their problem. Our national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.”

Please do come along to support the community café, which is staffed entirely by volunteers. All the cakes are homemade, we have real coffee and plenty of free parking!

The café is cash only.

Janis Kinnell

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Micheldever Village Store A huge effort is being made to support Rajeev in getting the product offer in his store right for the village. A range of quality pies and ready meals are being sampled (with some glee, I have to say).

The sourcing of a limited range of frozen meat products is being explored. For those who enjoy milk for its own sake, local, farm fresh milk products are being researched.

A vegetable stall has been constructed (thank you, James Dixon) for display outside the store and will have a range of fresh vegetables on offer–details later.

And this is just the start of things to come.

This is all part of Rajeev’s determination to make the Village Store a valued part of the community, having learned many lessons in his first year of trading. A key element of this is helping him to source suppliers. Both Richard Vellacott and Charles Holden are doing the research to ensure that he enjoys quality suppliers who bring their product to him which will mean both better products (hopefully!) and an attractive uniqueness of what the store can provide. If you have a thought about what would be a really good

addition to his stock, please let either Richard or Charles know. Every suggestion will get a response and appropriate consideration. please email: r.d.v@btinternet.com or charlesholden1@hotmail.co.uk As this develops so more information will be promoted on the village website, email and further editions of The Dever as well, of course, on the store’s own Facebook and Instagram pages.

Where Is This?

Another old postbox somewhere in the Dever Valley Benefice. This time the cypher is for Queen Victoria and so likely to be as old as the Post Office itself.

Where do you think it is located?

You may already know, but if not, the answer will be revealed next issue.

The commemorative plaque featured in The Dever for March can be found at the entrance to Holy Trinity church in Wonston.

Another location next month. (Ed.) 14

The Dever - April 2024

Cercle Français de Winchester An opportunity to enjoy talks in French on a variety of topics with a glass of wine.

Thursdays at St Peters Pastoral Hall, Jewry Street, Winchester at 7.30 pm Program for 2024 Season 11 April Quelques personnalités marquantes de la révolution française 9 May L’homme et l’artiste derrière le masque- Edgar Degas Annual membership £30 or Non‑members evening cost £10 For more information on the group please visit www.cfwinchester.org.uk

DEANERY IDEAS FAYRE Saturday 13th April 2- 4 pm St Paul’s Church, Winchester SO22 5AB Parking at Church or in nearby roads Come and see a display of fresh ideas from many churches in the deanery.

Ideas which have helped to build up the church and attract newcomers of all ages.

Cream Teas

The Dever - April 2024 15

Ensuring Every Prom Princess & Prince Can Go To The Ball For many pupils marking the end of GCSE and A level studies, proms are an opportunity to look like royalty.

However, these leavers’ celebrations are putting parents in an impossible situation, according to research by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG): the charity emphasises that inclusion and affordability "must be a priority".

CPAG estimates the celebrations are costing families over £200, but Unit 12’s Community Pantry in Winchester knows many families are often required to pay upwards of £500–some even spending an eye-watering £1,000 per child. This is particularly the case for girls whose expensive prom outfits, hair and make-up, nails and accessories have to be added to the price of tickets and sometimes limousines.

With the worsening cost of living crisis, the school prom is posing a big challenge, therefore, for lower income parents who don’t want children to miss out but can’t afford this significant cost. This is a source of anxiety for kids, some of whom are even being bullied due to not being able to afford costly outfits, according to the BBC. Unit 12 wishes to address this need by offering prom dresses, suits and accessories to struggling families.

Three Winchester schools, plus outlying schools, all have end-of-year school proms this June and July. Unit 12’s first event was in February, with seven items loaned. There are two upcoming events for parents to put in their diary: Friday 5th April, 2pm–4pm, and

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in May–the precise date to be confirmed.

Unit 12 says there is no need to book: just turn up, borrow an item and pledge to return it. Community Pantry Manager Lara Tarrant said, “We want the kids and their parents who come to our prom events to feel at ease and enjoy their fittings, so we ensure a warm, welcoming atmosphere where we all have a lot of fun, and make the kids feel glamorous and special.”

How can you help? Unit 12 asks that families consider donating dresses, suits, shoes and accessories in good condition.

You can also volunteer at the prom fitting sessions, or by offering to take the donated dresses to the dry cleaners.

The community pantry is also hoping for sponsorship to cover the rental of a space to safely store the dresses.

Johnsons the Cleaners has already pledged to be a sponsor, offering to dry clean every item for free.

Address: Unit 12, Winnall Valley Road, Winchester, SO23 0LD Contact the Community Pantry Manager Lara Tarrant on her email: ccp@unit-12.com

The Dever - April 2024

St Mary the Virgin Churchyard Clear-up Saturday 20th April 9.30-12.30 Here we are once again.

The Snowdrops are already over, the Primroses and Daffodils are out for Easter.

Please note date for Spring Clear‑up. Bring along neighbours and village friends. It gets the churchyard ready for the Summer.

Woodmancott Quiz Evening

?

?

in aid of St James’s Church Fabric Fund

20th April 2024

7pm at East Stratton Village Hall Tickets £15.00 a head

Glass of wine on arrival - Bring your own food - Tables of 6 or 8

Nick and Kate Allen quiz masters.

Contact Penny to reserve your table or to join a table at penny.dixon53@btinternet.com or 07801787927

The Dever - April 2024 17

Church Services for The Dever Benefice April 7th 2nd Sunday of Easter 9.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.15 am

Holy Communion (said service) Rev’d Rob Rees Café Church Claire Bentham Holy Communion Rev’d James Whymark Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham

April 14th 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

4.00 pm

6.00 pm

April 21st 10.00 am

10.00 am

4.00 pm

6.00 pm

6.00 pm

18

3rd Sunday of Easter

Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees, Claire Bentham Informal Service Iain Henderson Holy Communion Rev’d James Whymark Evening Prayer Rev’d Rob Rees Evensong Rev’d Rob Rees

4th Sunday of Easter

Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees, Claire Bentham Holy Communion Rev’d Dave Mapes Evening Prayer Rev’d Rob Rees Evensong Rev’d James Whymark & Roland Guy Evensong Rev’d Rob Rees, Claire Bentham

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Margaret’s - South Wonston St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity Holy Trinity - Wonston

All Saints - East Stratton St James - Hunton Holy Trinity - Wonston St Margaret's - South Wonston St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Margaret’s - South Wonston Holy Trinity - Wonston St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity St James - Woodmancote

The Dever - April 2024

April 28th

5th Sunday of Easter

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

Cafe Church Claire Bentham Informal Service with Children's activities Ruth & Roland Guy Holy Communion Rev’d James Whymark

May 5th

6th Sunday of Easter

St Margaret’s - South Wonston St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity

10.00 am Benefice Service - Patronal Festival

Rev’d Rob Rees, Ruth Guy (Preacher) & Ministry Team

Holy Trinity - Wonston

St James - Hunton

For further information, please contact the Parish Coordinator, email: coordinator.upperdever@hotmail.com

Dever Valley Church Locations All Saints East Stratton SO21 3XA _________________ ruffling.upstarts.disposing Holy Trinity Wonston SO21 3LS ______________________ grub.dove.unpacked St James Hunton SO21 3PX ____________________ lingering.dwistract.improve St James Woodmancote SO21 3BL ____________________ scatters.helper.rating St Margaret's South Wonston SO21 3EW _________________ diver.guises.tarred St Mary the Virgin Micheldever SO21 3DA _____________ sprays.serenade.gripes St Mary and St Michael Stoke Charity SO21 3PG __________ evaded.avoid.lyricist

The Dever - April 2024 19

From Our MP Steve Brine It may not have been the wettest March on record but water has been everywhere again recently courtesy of Southern Water.

Whether it be the ongoing national concern about combined storm overflows (where the system does exactly that in heavy downpours to Steve meeting with Southern Water prevent waste material coming up your bath/toilet), water supply by disruptions to the water supply, problems–or the cyber-attack which stemming from issues at Otterbourne and saw customers personal data stolen Easton Water Supply Works. I robustly by criminal gangs–it’s been another criticised Southern Water at the time difficult period for our water company. so am now welcoming the investment Through my casework of course, I maintain which hopes to reduce chances of a repeat. extremely close contact with Southern And to that, SW have announced the Water but periodically I sit down with their ‘Southampton Link Main’ which seeks to top team to look them in the eye and put connect Otterbourne Water Supply Works many of the issues constituents bring to me. with Andover and Testwood, ensuring I met with CEO Lawrence Gosden to see water can be swiftly moved around the how the ‘Storm overflow discharge reduction network in line with demand as part of plan’, brought about by the Environment Act what’s called the ‘Hampshire Grid’. is being made real in our area. It requires I can shout and grandstand on these water companies to make their largest issue but my job is to secure openness infrastructure spend in water company and honesty from providers such as history to increase capacity and is backed Southern Water while leaving them in no by up to £56 billion capital investment. doubt we need to see significant progress The Environment Agency and Ofwat in all areas. I’ve left them with plenty of have launched the largest ever criminal homework for the coming months and will and civil investigations into waste-water be keeping extremely close tabs on it all. treatment works and they’ve dramatically Finally, as I know many of you will have increased funding for EA inspections seen, I was at the centre of a very high via the ‘Plan for Water’. See my explainer profile story recently as the Health Select stevebrine.com/factorfake-waterquality Committee I chair published a long-awaited On a connected issue, the past two report on assisted suicide / assisted dying.

Winters have seen constituents hampered Our 14-month inquiry aimed to produce 20

The Dever - April 2024

a comprehensive report to inform MPs as/ when/if we are asked to formally consider any proposals to change the law. You can read all about it at stevebrine.com/ASAD

You can find more on these subjects, and my wider work as our MP, at fb.com/stevebrinemp and stevebrine.com Steve Brine MP for Winchester & Dever Valley

Holy Dusters St Mary the Virgin

Cleaning - week beginning Monday 1st Alison and Patricia 8th Anita and Liz 15th Olive and Ener Flowers Sue Sanders Alison Vaissiere

St James

Flowers and Cleaning

Churchyard

Mary Wallis and Belinda Harvey Plus Easter clean and Flowers Jeff Wearing

Are you an enthusiastic, friendly individual with practical skills in DIY and gardening?

Are you able to manage health and safety systems?

Are you looking for a flexible role that you can fit around your current commitments?

If yes, then please read on.

Micheldever C of E Primary School are looking for a part time Caretaker to support us in maintaining the school; building and grounds. We are a small, friendly team and we are keen to work with any potential applicants to make the role fit around them hours will be set at 8 a week but when these are worked can be flexible.

We offer training as appropriate, good working conditions and a fulfilling role that makes a difference to the children at the school. Please be in touch with the school for further information, either via email (adminoffice@micheldever.hants.sch.uk) or phone (01962774213).

The Dever - April 2024 21

Don't Lose Your Way and the Right to Roam in Micheldever Locals might be interested to hear about the Ramblers major campaign, Don't Lose Your Way and the Right to Roam group.

Across England and Wales there are over 49,000 miles of paths that could be lost forever, unless we come together to save them.

The government recently announced it would be implementing a deadline of 2031 to save these paths, despite announcing in 2022 that it wanted to remove the deadline.

After that date we will no longer be able to claim rights of way based on historic evidence. This means that time is running out to save our right to access these paths.

The Ramblers need volunteers throughout England and Wales to prioritise, research and apply for the paths to be restored, protecting them for generations to come.

More info on the campaign can be found here: https://dontloseyourway.ramblers.org.uk More info on the Right to Roam, a group growing in prominence since the recent High Court action relating to camping on Dartmoor, is here:

https://www.righttoroam.org.uk If you're a member of the Ramblers, you can search the online map of 'lost paths' that the Ramblers Association is trying to restore.

For illustration, see the map inside the back page. All the dash lines are lost paths that may become open again, that are currently not rights of way.

The Pink dashes are a higher priority‑some of these paths have full applications into the County now, to restore the right of way.

The Blue dashes are normal priority, part of the Ramblers general plans to restore rights of way.

In this general election year the main political parties have points of difference on Right to Roam legislation, lost paths and the deadlines in place to re-open paths.

If you care about the right to roam or about using paths that were once open to us all, check out the Ramblers Don't Lose Your Way Campaign and the Right to Roam group.

Lynsey Sweeney lynseysweeney17@gmail.com 07791 489 710

Someone Has Lost Their Ball!

Some interesting things turn up when you look around. This solid metal ball, approximately 6cm in diameter, is heavy. Found by the roadside last August It is an intriguing object used to play a sport popular in Ireland. I'll leave you to find out what the sport is.

22

The Dever - April 2024

Come & Sing!

Southern Voices are inviting local singers to come and sing with them in a choral workshop as part of their 40th Anniversary Season on Saturday 4th May, St. Paul’s Church, Winchester, SO22 5AB Find out what it’s like to sing with the choir and their fabulous conductor, Jamal Sutton.

The programme has a 'joyful' theme, with works from the English Choral Tradition

by Finzi, Elgar and Wood with some Bob Chilcott thrown in to add even more fun.

It’s on the ambitious side, but all enjoyable music and you will have a good sing!

The accompanist will be the immensely talented George Castle and registration starts at 10am. Bring your own packed

lunch and complimentary hot drinks and biscuits will be available. The day concludes with a free concert for your friends and family at 3pm in the church.

The workshop costs £20 (£10 for those 21 and under) including music; please buy your tickets at https://www. southernvoices.co.uk/ComeAndSing Car parking is limited at the church; please use nearby Winchester car parks and allow time to walk to the church.

Don’t be shy, come and sing with us – we really look forward to seeing you there!

ST MARY’S PLANT SALE & COFFEE MORNING FRIDAY 24th MAY 9.30AM TO MIDDAY ST MARY’S CHURCHYARD MICHELDEVER REAL COFFEE, HOMEMADE CAKES & BISCUITS, BACON SANDWICHES

The Dever - April 2024 23

Design Tips for a Small Garden There are some really simple yet effective ways to create the illusion of more space in a small garden, whether you have a courtyard, a compact urban garden, or an awkward corner in a larger space. We have come up with some tips on how you can make the most of your space, making it feel as large as possible. Why not have a go?

Selecting Materials and Plants Be brave–designing with larger paths, borders, pots and plants can make a space feel bigger and less cluttered.

Less is more–a paired down selection of plants, with a long season of interest.

Evergreen sub-shrubs such as Santolina or Teucrium x lucidrys both flower for a long time and can be clipped to create either low hedges or mounds adding structure throughout winter. Repeating similar

Teucrium x lucidrys used as a low edging to a border

plants through the garden, also helps with creating rhythm, bringing a sense of calm.

Choosing plants that flower repeatedly throughout the year, such as 24

Geum 'Scarlet Tempest', which can bring colour from late April to late September, making every space work hard.

If you are new to gardening and selecting plants seems a little overwhelming, how about beginning with plants that have an RHS Award of Garden Merit. They are a great choice as they have been tried, tested, and proven to be reliable varieties.

Visit your local NGS Gardens to see plants which thrive in similar soil conditions to your own and if possible, quiz the garden owners about any plants you like the look of; remember to take a note book and a camera.

Colour Lighter colours give the illusion of more space. Using lighter coloured plants along a boundary can make it feel further away. Alternatively, if you plant warmer colours the garden may look smaller or shorter. These principles apply to both plants and paving materials alike.

Texture Plants vary in texture; some, such as grasses, have very fine leaves, tending to fade into the background. Whereas bold leaved plants, such as hostas and ferns, draw the eye. It can be fun manipulating perspective, using the finer leaves towards the back and the larger leaves towards the front, making the space feel deeper than it actually is.

Reflection Water, by way of a pool or pond, will bounce the light around the garden. The reflection of the sky can add another dimension, giving a sense of more space. Not only that, the bonus is that The Dever - April 2024

Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

it can also act as a haven for wildlife.

Mirrors are another way of creating the illusion that a space is larger than it is.

Carefully placed they can reflect light into shaded areas of the garden or, be used to reflect desirable plants and features.

Plants with glossy leaves, can also help reflect light. In a dark corner, plants

such as Bergenia 'Bach' or hart’s tongue ferns offer these reflective qualities.

Hidden Boundary If you are lucky enough to have trees beyond your garden, or a neighbouring garden has plants that spill over your boundary, why not take advantage of this.

Select complimentary plants or some more of the same for your garden. This will create the illusion of the garden extending further than it does. If space allows planting shrubs such Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' can help to address any height differential between yours and your neighbours planting; choose shrubs which are easy to prune.

All these plants and more can be found here at Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants.

You can look on our website for full details www.hardysplants.com for full details

Micheldever Community Library Northbrook Hall Community Library Assisted Support Thursdays 2.00 - 3.30pm Access to the community library is also available whenever the Northbrook Hall is open. Books can be borrowed and returned at any time.

This community library is a free village provision open to all.

I would be grateful if returned books could be left on the table for me to return to the shelves on the assisted opening day.

DONATIONS OF PAPERBACK FICTION BOOKS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. Dawn Snow: Community Library Assisted Support Volunteer.

The Dever - April 2024 25

Jackie’s County Corner for April As a County Councillor, every day is different, and visiting Micheldever on World Book Day, I saw a Dalmation, Barbie, Spiderman and several Harry Potters! I also went to say hello to Rajeev at Micheldever Village Shop.

Please pop in - he has a good range of merchandise, including milk and wine!

Like all village shops, the best and only way to make sure they thrive is to spend money there. These oranges were delicious!

Train journeys have been fraught this month with a lot of cancelled trains, delays and broken journeys, so it was a pleasure to be at the first anniversary of the Platform 1 café at Shawford Station.

The renovation was carried out by the Community Rail Partnership, using capital from several funders including South Western Railway and Winchester City Council. It’s a great place to visit, even if you aren’t catching the train. Marco sells ice cream too; it’s a lovely spot to start a walk back to Winchester, and again, good to support an independent local business.

School Crossing Patrols provide so much more than just a safe crossing point. The SCP’s watch out for children and keep an eye on the area too. They know the school environment and the families who cross there regularly and can pick up the concerns if there’s a stranger on the scene, or a child 26

is unhappy. Hampshire County Council is proposing more cuts to these patrols including at the Church Lane crossing point in Kings Worthy. I hope that HCC sees sense so the ‘Lollipop Gang’ will still be at school entrances in future years.

Good news: Perin’s School will have a new unit for five SEND children in September, growing to 15 pupils in the next three years.

But I am becoming increasingly concerned at the pressure that is mounting on parents of children with Special Needs whose needs can only be served using an Educational and Health Care Plan (EHCP). I am asked to intervene in too many cases of children who are left to learn at home, schooled online for a few hours a week, because Hampshire’s Education Authority doesn’t have a suitable place for them in a Hampshire school.

Despite being an outstanding authority, too often, social work support just doesn’t work well enough with education to get children into school, nor enough hours in the day for the social workers to work with the children frequently. HCC must challenge the schools to provide the best support they can for a The Dever - April 2024

good education. The price of this support is mammoth-and Hampshire seems to be sinking under the cost and availability of staff, putting lives of children at risk. If this affects your family, please contact me.

Flood alerts continued through February and into March: by the time you read this it should be drier. The Flood Action Group in Sutton Scotney has worked hard on their

plans to protect the village I’m sure that residents are grateful for their reassurance and others are inspired to re-establish Flood Action Groups for other communities affected in this way.. Thank you SSFAG! Cllr. Jackie Porter 01962 791054, Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk website www.jackieporter.co.uk

Has someone close to you died recently?

Would it help to talk?

Tel: 07450 649679 email:

referrals@winchesterbereavementsupport.org.uk

The Dever - April 2024 27

Citizens Advice Winchester District

Ally Chatterley, Operations Manager at Citizens Advice Winchester District gives advice on council tax reductions.

My council tax bill is coming out soon and I am dreading opening it as it always goes up. My income has stayed the same but everything else is more expensive and I have hardly anything left over–how will I cope if my payments keep going up?

Many of us are feeling overwhelmed as we see our basic bills and essential costs go up.

You’re not alone in finding things difficult and, crucially, there’s support available.

First off, council tax discounts are available to some people depending on your circumstances. For instance, if you’re the only adult in your home, you should get a 25% discount on your council tax bill.

When working out how many people live in a property, some people aren’t counted–they’re called ‘disregarded people’ and include under 18s, a student nurse or someone on an apprenticeship scheme and many more. If everyone who lives in the property is disregarded, you will still receive a council tax bill, but it will have a 50% discount. However, if everyone in your home is a student or severely mentally impaired, you won't pay any council tax.

Additionally, if someone has moved out, tell the council as this might change your eligibility. If you are entitled to a discount as a result, it will be valid from the date when the person moved out, even if you told the council after the event, and the reduction may be backdated.

You mention that your income hasn’t increased. If you are on a low income, you might also be able to get your council tax reduced. Your local council will ask you details about your income and your circumstances, so they can work out if you’re 28

entitled to a council tax reduction. They will then calculate your new bill and tell you how much council tax you need to pay.

You may also be eligible for additional support if you’ve reached State Pension age, though the ‘working age rule’ will still apply if you or your partner receive certain benefits including: • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) • Income Support Even if none of the reduction criteria applies to you, your local council can still reduce your council tax bill or cancel it altogether, this is called ‘discretionary reduction’. They’ll normally only do this if you can show that you’re suffering severe hardship and can’t afford to pay council tax.

We know that times are incredibly tough and council tax is a priority bill so it’s important to keep in contact with your council if you can’t keep up payments.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is here to help you with advice and guidance if needed. Call us on 0808 278 7861 or visit our website for other ways to contact us www.citizensadvicewinchester.org.uk

The Dever - April 2024

Join Our Outstanding Preschool Family

If you are looking for a place for your little one and yourselves, we would love you to join our Outstanding (Ofsted rated Nov 2023) preschool family. Ofsted say about Micheldever & Stratton Preschool Everyone is valued and treated with respect in this inclusive pre­-school, Children relish the varied opportunities to engage in challenging activities outside that promote critical‑thinking skills and equally support their good health.

Children are exceptionally well cared for, and their welfare is promoted outstandingly well Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the pre-school. They praise the dedication and professionalism of the approachable staff team.

Contact us on leader.micheldeverpreschool@gmaiI.com or telephone Nikie on 07934981271

City Councillors’ News Many residents have joined Winchester City Council, parish councils and the Dever Society in objecting to plans by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to allocate Popham Airfield for development of 3000 homes. Stephen raised this at a recent Council meeting, where the City Council’s position opposing the Popham development was made clear.

Consultation on this phase of Basingstoke’s revised Local Plan is now closed and we do not expect to hear anything further until towards the end of this year.

The Mayor of Winchester has recognised the outstanding work of the South Wonston Sustainability group through her Community Award scheme. The group supports the community in South Wonston to adopt a more climate friendly and sustainable way of living. Recent achievements have included the installation of a bug hotel in the recreation ground, maps and information on cycling in the area

and working with other groups in South Wonston on environmental projects. Find more details at www.swsustainability.co.uk.

Progress is now being made to finally complete the development of 6 new environmentally-friendly council homes and additional resident parking in Southbrook Cottages, Micheldever. Both schemes should be finished by May. Hampshire County Council has completed improvements to road signage in Alresford Drove, South Wonston.

These changes should improve safety along this narrow rural road, but more enforcement will be needed. Please report any concerns to one of us or to the police.

The litter that has built up over the winter along the A33 through the Ward is due to be cleared during April. The recent increase in pony and trap racing along this road is being investigated by the police. Making improvements to the safety and appearance of our ward are very important to residents.

You can contact your City Councillors at any time or you can catch us at any of the Parish Council meetings. Their next meetings are on: Micheldever PC

Wednesday 3rd April

Northbrook Hall.

Wonston PC

Wednesday 10th April

Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney.

South Wonston PC

Monday 8th April

South Wonston Pavilion.

All meetings start at 7.30pm.

Stephen

Cllr Stephen Godfrey 119 Downs Road South Wonston SO21 3EH Tel: 01962 884477 sgodfrey@winchester.gov.uk

30

Caroline

Cllr Caroline Horrill Wheatlands Woodman Lane Sparsholt SO21 3SH Tel: 01962 776844 chorrill@winchester.gov.uk

Patrick

Cllr Patrick Cunningham The Corner House North Drive Littleton SO22 6QA Tel: 07866 367897 pcunningham@winchester.gov.uk The Dever - April 2024

A thought-provoking talk - shedding light on the history of Winchester Prison by: Liz Kavanagh, Editor of Winchester Magazine and Author of Doing Time, 175 years of Winchester Prison 8 pm – Tuesday 30th April 2024 Northbrook Village Hall, Micheldever, SO21 3DF

Forthcoming Events 2024 May 1st 12.30pm 1st 7.30pm 2nd 5th 10.00am 12th-18th 17th 8.00pm 24th 9.30am June 1st 1.00pm 2nd 10.00am 4th 7.30pm 5th 12.30pm 5th 7.30pm 8th 6.30pm 15th 7.30pm 16th

East Stratton Fête - East Stratton Green First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre History Society,D Day preparations in Hampshire - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall D-Day - 80th Commemoration - St Mary the Virgin Dever Singers 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert - St Margaret’s church, South Wonston 6.00pm Dever Singers 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert - St Mary the Virgin church 8.00pm Micheldever Wine Circle, Summer Party - venue tbc

29th July 3rd 12.30pm 3rd 7.30pm 4th-6th 7.30pm 6th .tbc 7th 10.00am 20th 1.00pm 23rd 6.30pm September 1st 10.00am 4th 12.30pm 4th 7.30pm October 2nd 12.30pm 5th 7.00pm 6th 10.00am 32

Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall Local Elections First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Christian Aid Week Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall Plant Sale and coffee morning - St Mary the Virgin churchyard

Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall A Murder Is Announced, Micheldever Variety Group - Northbrook Hall Ellis Run - starts at Micheldever Station Car Park First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Church Fête - Lord Rank Playing Field Summer visit St Giles’ Hill - Pre booking only First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Safari Supper - Around the parish First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre The Dever - April 2024

11th 8.00pm 26th 9.30am November 3rd 10.00am 6th 12.30pm 6th 8.00pm 8th 7.30pm December 1st 10.00am 6th 8.00pm 11th 12.30pm

Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall Churchyard Clear-Up - St Mary the Virgin church First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall d day troups in the Dever Valley - venue tba Quiz Night - Northbrook Hall First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Wine Circle, Christmas Party - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall 6

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(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd (c) 2024.

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Daily Ltd 2022. All rights reserved.

8 5 Hall Booking

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The Dever - April 2024 33

April Diary 2nd-6th 3rd 7.30pm 7th 10.00am 10th 12.30pm 17th 9.30m 17th 7.30pm 20th 9.30am 20th 7.00pm 30th 8.00pm

Matilda, Play In A Week - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Wonston Community Café - Vitoria Hall Sutton Scotney Micheldever Parish Council, Parish Assembly - East Stratton Village Hall Churchyard Clear-Up - St Mary the Virgin church Woodmancott Quiz - East Stratton Village Hall History Society, 175 of Winchester Prison - Northbrook Hall

Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times Monday - Saturday Sunday

9.00am - 6.30pm, 10.00am - 3.00pm

Mobile Post Office

Wednesday morning 9.30 – 10.30 Lord Rank Car Park (please note: times may vary slightly)

Regular Dates and Times – Weekly SUNDAYS TUESDAYS

Church Services Details on centre pages 8.00–9.00 pm Circuit Training by Toppe from T Fit Training, Micheldever School Hall. contact Jane 07919 018877 WEDNESDAYS 8.45 - 9.45 Body Control Pilates Northbrook Hall, Micheldever contact Emily Bray emsbray@hotmail.com 9.30–10.30 am Mobile Post Office, Lord Rank Car Park, Micheldever THURSDAYS 2.00–3.30 pm Community Library, Northbrook Hall, Micheldever 8.00–10.00 pm Dever Singers Rehearsal–Micheldever or South Wonston churches. contact, ruthironton@gmail.com FRIDAYS 4.00 pm Petanque at the Warren Centre.

34

The Dever - April 2024

Map to accompany Right to Roam in Micheldever article on page 22

Dog & Show

Saturday 1st June 1 - 4pm Join us on the village green, opposite the Northbrook Arms

Magician Dog show Gourmet Barbecue Pimms bar Grand draw Sideshows Jazz band Free parking

For the sat nav - SO21 3DU