The Dever August 2024

Dever The

August 2024

The Journal of the Dever Valley

Our Rural Landscape by Sian Storey - Micheldever Station - see pages 6 & 7

90p

First Sunday in the Month - Fund Raising Walk.

First-Sunday-in-the-Month Fund RaisingSunday Walk 4th August 2024 Car Share Warren Centre CP 10:00am. to Newhouse Farm, Northington. SO24 9UB

Grid Ref: SU54603684 Park in the concreted farmyard which is on the north side of the road by barns.

This 3-4 mile walk is entirely on private farmland following agricultural tracks around fields and through ancient woodland. We cross a B Rd twice.

Andy Bason, farm manager has devised our route to include arable land where wheat/barley are grown in rotation with oats/oil seeds and peas/beans. A priority on the farm is preservation of wildlife and an Agro-forestry project involved planting 20,000 trees, including the WILD SERVICE TREE!

Our route takes us near to the east side of Micheldever Wood then east along the whole length of Lawn Copse following the Victorian track from Micheldever.

At the south east extent of our walk the land rises up slightly and affords fine views to the north overlooking: The Lawn, Micheldever Wood, Dodsley Wood and on to Micheldever station where house guests would have disembarked from their steam train before riding or taking the coach to The Grange, the seat of Lord Ashburton.

DOGS welcome but please clean up after them.

Suggested donation £5. Children free.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Refreshments after the walk will be at The Half Moon & Spread Eagle.

ETA 1.30pm

For info: suebell0906@gmail.com

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

Contents First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Why Bother To Vote? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A Week-End of Art and Excitement at Micheldever Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 News from Woodmancote & Popham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Safari Supper – Date For The Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Micheldever C of E School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Parish Council News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Micheldever Music Night – Sunday 29 September . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Micheldever Fete 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Dever Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Church Services for The Dever Benefice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Dever Valley Church Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Holy Dusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Nature Notes from a Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Could You Join Our Local Volunteer Advice Team? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Wonston Community Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 City Councillors’ News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Forthcoming Events 2024 ~ 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Hall Booking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The Sucker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 August Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Regular Dates and Times – Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The Dever - August 2024 3

Dever Valley Contacts

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

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

Church Wardens

St. Mary the Virgin Micheldever Louise Keys 07779 304121 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 September issue to be received by the editor before 15th August please.

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

Treasurer: James Dixon

Subscriptions Enquiries & Distribution

Sales: Editor:

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The Dever

07799 212586 01962 774363 01962 774956

07981 216621

East Stratton Olly Bramley 01962 774516 Woodmancote Liz Hawkesworth 07850 491889 External/Postal Hazel Nugent 07940 485882 Online https://issuu.com/thedever

Dever Advertiser

Amanda Forsey email: Roger Forsey

01962 774115 mob. 07500 334393 deveradvertiser@hotmail.com

The Dever - August 2024

Why Bother To Vote?

“Why bother to vote; it doesn’t make any difference?”

There, I’ve got your attention!

Personally, I don’t believe I have ever not voted in an election (in which I was eligible) whether it was national, local, or even the Students’ Union; it always seems too good an opportunity to make my opinions known even if only anonymously.

Churchill famously said that democracy is the worst form of government, apart from all the others … Fine in a God-fearing society, but what if a secular and godless nation votes for laws which oppress the weak and vulnerable; does the legitimacy of the ballot box still count?

Maybe democracy is the best system we can come up with; an idea borrowed from Ancient Greece, but unknown in Scripture, it relies upon the belief we do or don’t place in the ability of those we vote into power to deliver on their promises and particularly, it seems, whether their spending plans are credible.

We vote for an individual or a party in the hope that, if elected, the laws they pass will improve society.

But actually the problems in my life are less to do with the laws which govern how I live and more to do with me.

Christians believe that all authority is given by God and that those who rule are therefore answerable not so much to the electorate but to God Himself, an awesome responsibility.

Sadly though, promises made in an election are often broken or unfulfilled whilst those we voted for turn out to be only human after all and it seems that my broken life cannot easily be mended by laws passed in Westminster.

Although the Bible knows nothing of democracy, it too is full of promises, but of a rather more substantial nature than those we are used to hearing around elections. Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and loaded down and I will give you rest”. And the Gospel of John says that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life”.

Jesus does not ask for my vote on the basis of what He may do for me in the future. His promises to me are certain because they are fully costed and the price has already been paid on the cross. It cost Him everything so that I would have to pay nothing. Bothering to vote may or may not make any difference, but making Jesus King of our lives makes all the difference in the world.

James Gray

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A Week-End of Art and Excitement at Micheldever Station.

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th July 2024.

The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith unveiled what had been a bare brick wall and Sian Storey worked her magic to create “Our Rural Landscape”. Sian paused for a photograph alongside the Mayor, the Mayoress Mrs Dinah Ashcroft, Sue Bell, and Paula Aldridge, Community Rail Manager for South Western Railway.

Starting from a sketch she drew across the whole length of the wall Sian continues to pass from right to left superimposing more layers of detail so the tableau is constantly changing. Despite the downpours she continued to transform the bare wall and bring a smile to the face of everybody whose eye was caught by this brilliant, fascinating image.

Even the House Martins peered out from

House martins at Micheldever Station

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Sian, Mayor, Mayoress, Sue, Paula.

their cosy, mud-built nests beneath the railway station canopy to see themselves depicted in the colourful scene.

Two local young ladies presented the Mayoress with a bouquet of wild flowers consisting predominantly of the delicate pink/purple fronds of Malva sylvestris.

Children present a bouquet

The Dever - August 2024

Mayor admires display of childrens' art

The station waiting room on the island platform now boasts two fine Display Cabinets in which children attending Micheldever and Stratton Pre-School and also Micheldever Church of England Primary School mount exhibitions of artwork they have created during the term. Here, little rascals from Micheldever Station proudly indicated their own contributions to the displays.

Sue Bell said, ‘The railway gave their permission for us to use this wall and Sian’s mural is both life-like and hugely eye-catching. She has captured the house martins swooping overhead, the landscape through the seasons, and the very rare but delightful Cut-leafed Germander (Teucrium botrys).’

Sue Bell on behalf of the Station Adoption Group Micheldever Station.

Well done MICHELDEVER STATION community.

Such an enjoyable and relevant week-end of activities.

Thanks to everybody who did-their-bit to make the event happen.

Special thanks to families and friends who turned out so early on Sunday morning to enjoy the Veteran Vehicles and send the Ellis Journey on its way to Datchet, then stayed on to welcome the Mayor.

Station Adoption Group Micheldever Station.

If you would like to join us, we meet in The Dove.

Contact at: stationadoptiongroupmicst@gmail.com

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News from Woodmancote & Popham Woodmancote had a wonderful christening in July, always such a special occasion.

The service was taken by Rev'd Rob Rees and Amelia Rowena Oliver didn’t seem to

Flowers at the Christening

mind at all being baptised with the water.

The Church was full of family, friends and neighbours and looked so pretty filled with flowers for this special day.

In August we have just one Service on Sunday 18th - Holy Communion at 10 am.

Two more dates for your diary though.

Alex and Strone MacPherson are very kindly opening their gardens at Armsworth Park House on the evening of Saturday 14th September to raise funds for St James.

Full details are in this magazine.

Our Harvest Festival will be at 11.00 on Sunday 29th September, with a Harvest Lunch afterwards at Rownest Meadow, by kind invitation of Mary and Nick.

We hope to see you there. Jane

Safari Supper – Date For The Diary This year, the Micheldever Safari Supper will be on Saturday 5 October The event is a great opportunity to meet up and make new friends, while enjoying three delicious courses in three different homes.

This year, in a change to the format, we will be meeting up for welcome drinks at the start of the evening, rather than coffee or tea at the end.

The cost will be £25 per person for those hosting a course at their home. If you’d like

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to take part, but can’t host a course, the cost will be £30 per person. Non-hosting places will, however, be limited, due to logistics.

The event will be raising funds for the St Mary’s Church Fabric Fund.

To take part in this year’s Safari Supper, please contact Helen Symes by email (hesymes@gmail.com) or on 07712 655975 to reserve your place and receive a copy of the booking form.

The Dever - August 2024

Micheldever C of E School What a year it has been for us at Micheldever C of E Primary School. I am once again blown away by the achievements that our pupils have made individually and collectively. Our SATs scores for our Year 6 pupils were really strong, especially our reading where 88% of pupils met age related expectations and 50% of pupils were working at greater depth – both above the national averages. Our phonics data for Year 6 pupils was again very strong with 88% of pupils passing the screening.

A highlight for us this year was our Year 5/6 trip to London. Four years ago, we came within two weeks of taking our Year 1/2 class to London only for it to be called off due to the COVID outbreak. This year we have written our ‘100 things to do at Micheldever,’ in the style of the National Trust 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ and our Year 5/6 children pointed out that they never got to do their trip to London.

The only option was to take them there!

The children managed to fund-raise for the whole trip (over £1200) and we spent the day exploring the Frameless Art Gallery in Marble Arch, enjoying the sights of Hyde Park, visiting Chinatown for dinner before going to see the Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. It really was an

incredible experience for the children. The same group of children then put on the most incredible rendition of ‘The Greatest Showman’ for the school and their parents as their end of year production and I am not overstating by saying it was incredible!

Another highlight for us was the Summer Fete run by our PTA. The Fete was a huge success with children and adults alike having a fantastic time. It also coincided with the official opening of our Woodland Area by Bishop David Williams, who also prayed a prayer of blessing over our new Classroom and Climb area. It has been such a well-used area within the

school this year and has enhanced our learning across the whole curriculum.

We are currently enjoying a well earned summer break and I hope that children and adults are feeling relaxed and ready to return in September. My sincere thanks go out to the staff who always give above and beyond, our governors, parents and wider community who support the school so well but most importantly, the children who make the school the amazing place it is.

The Dever - August 2024 9

Parish Council News Bus Shelter at the Lord Rank Playing Field The bus shelter is in rather a sorry state after repeated acts of vandalism. With few buses and ever-increasing repair costs, the Parish Council are considering either fully removing the bus shelter or adapting it to eliminate the need for panes of glass.

This would be part of the project to also improve the appearance of the bin area and this end of the car park. We would welcome ideas and opinions from residents.

The Dove Inn, Micheldever Station The Parish Council had previously registered The Dove Inn as an Asset of Community Value but this has now expired and we are applying again. In the event of the owner seeking to sell a registered asset of community value, the community are granted time to allow a community bid to be put forward. If you are aware of ways in which the Dove is an asset to the community then please let Jocelyn know (details as below) as this can

be used to strengthen the application.

Affordable Housing The July newsletter contained a summary of the Chairman’s Report made to the Parish Assembly on 17th April 2024. In the update on affordable housing in the Parish it was noted that the development of further housing at Barron Close had been ‘put on hold’. This was at the request of the Parish Council, whilst a review is undertaken on the tenures available for these properties as the Parish Council wish to ensure that they remain as affordable homes for residents with a local connection and will not be able to become privately owned in the future. Winchester Housing Trust have asked us to note that they are not involved in the development of these properties or in the delay whilst tenures are reviewed.

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

Micheldever Music Night – Sunday 29 September One for the diary.

The programme is coming together for a musical medley on the evening of Sunday 29 September of harp, flute, organ and a choral quintet–keep a look out for details in next month’s Dever. The Music Night will be in St Mary’s Church, Micheldever.

The seating will be adjusted to bring the musicians into the nave to maximise on the excellent acoustics for music.

An unexpected bill for a rather large sum of money has arisen to do essential 10

repairs on the bellows of the church’s magnificent organ and this evening of music will be dedicated to funding that repair.

It is hoped that this Music Night will become a regular feature, making good use of the qualities of the nave and bringing a range of musical performances into the village.

Keep the date and come and enjoy a special evening of quality musicians in a lovely setting. CH The Dever - August 2024

Micheldever Fete 2024 As the clouds gathered and the weather forecast wavered, the fate of the fete seemed to be perilous. As it turned out the weather was ideal–not too hot, not too bright etc. –and a happy throng gathered on the Lord Rank Playing Field on the afternoon of Saturday 20 July. The stalls were buzzing, dogs and their owners were getting accolades in the arena, burgers sizzling, pints poured and a seemingly endless queue at the ice cream van. It was a lively, engaging community afternoon.

I am sure we will all have our own reflections on what we enjoyed most–the sight of my wife enjoying the amazing Charleston class wearing her yellow Marigold gloves (having just emerged from the tea kitchen) will linger long in my memory! I would also reflect on the disappointment of the absence of the all but promised Chinook. I am aware that there were a number of veterans looking forward to reacquainting themselves with their “battlefield taxi”, me amongst them from my experiences more than some three decades ago! As importantly, there were many who would have found the chance to clamber aboard a Chinook a highlight of their day. From the outset we were always

going to be subject to the wider needs of the RAF and I hope that the “promise” might be revisited at another event.

Three hours go in a flash and the afternoon seems to be an effortless occasion. However, to get there requires a great deal of preparation. I would like to thank the Fete Team (Juliet Pattinson, Phil Smith, Simon Hughes, Emily Baird and Rory Riddell) for all that they accomplished to bring the fete to fruition–planning, promoting the event, encouraging participants, chasing prizes, bending the arms of potential sponsors and so much more. I would also like to thank the amazing stall holders and arena event organisers–they do so much more than just turn up on the day. Many hours are spent in preparation, getting together all that is necessary and assembling their teams. And then there is the muscle–the willing hands that turn up to erect tents (the marquees being generously provided by David Findley) and to then take them down again at the end.

Through your generosity, your indulging in all that was there, some £7,000 was raised for the much needed church funds. We enjoyed the afternoon and very much hope that you did as well.

CH

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The Dever - August 2024 11

Church Services for The Dever Benefice August 4th 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.15 am

August 11th 10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

St Margaret's - South Wonston

St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity

12th Sunday after Trinity

13th Sunday after Trinity

Holy Communion with Baptism Rev’d Rob Rees Morning Prayer Claire Bentham

September 1st 10.00 am

Holy Trinity - Wonston

Morning Prayer Neil McSparron Morning Prayer Lay Led Holy Communion tbc Morning Prayer Melinda Samms

August 25th

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Margaret's - South Wonston

11th Sunday after Trinity

Holy Communion Rev’d Dave Mapes Morning Prayer Ruth & Roland Guy

August 18th 10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

10th Sunday after Trinity

Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham Morning Prayer Lay Led Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Margaret's - South Wonston St James - Woodmancote Holy Trinity - Wonston

All Saints - East Stratton St Margaret’s - South Wonston

14th Sunday after Trinity

Benefice Service St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever Patronal Festival of St Mary the Virgin, with the Welcome to Rev’d Jo Criscenti as Assistant Curate Rev’d Dr Robert Rees, Rev’d Theresa Ricketts, Chaplain to the Bishop of Winchester (preaching) and Ministry Team

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

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The Dever - August 2024

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

Holy Dusters St Mary the Virgin

Flowers Sue Sandars and Gail Bates Churchyard Richard Vellacott / Tony Parkes / Russell Smart

St James

Flowers and Cleaning Churchyard

Linda Albin and Kate Allen Nick Greenwood

Nature Notes from a Village Just over two years ago we moved from the chalk downland of Weston Colley and returned to the middle of Micheldever village a year later. For nearly 40 years we had enjoyed watching the hares, deer and visiting seasonal birds such as fieldfare and redwing in winter (and even nesting stone curlews in the early 90’s) So I am pleasantly surprised to have seen many rarer garden birds including nuthatch, bullfinch, mistle thrush and coal tits. In the second week of July I have been watching two young green woodpeckers being taught to suck up ants on the lawn by their parents.

But the biggest joy has been the house‑martins. They had nested by the

front door for many years and John Evans, the previous owner, had even put up a wooden shelf for them. Sadly last year the sparrows took possession and when this spring the sparrows started nesting in there again I poked the nest out. At the end of June several house martins arrived and in a few days had rebuilt a lovely nest which is now occupied by a nesting pair.

I now await for the young to hatch; how do they remember to return to the same spot each year, even if they haven’t nested there for a year or two?

We are so fortunate to live in such a vibrant and fascinating countryside. ck

The Dever - August 2024 13

Could You Join Our Local Volunteer Advice Team?

Citizens Advice Winchester District is inviting new volunteers to join their adviser training programme starting this October.

If you are looking for an interesting and rewarding volunteer role that helps local people find solutions to their problems, understand their rights and fight for social justice then this is the role for you!

No previous experience is needed to join us as an advice volunteer as you’ll undergo a comprehensive training and mentoring programme before supporting people with advice.

What we expect from our volunteers • Complete our nine-week training programme this October (two half days a week, plus self-study) • An on-going commitment to volunteer one day a week for at least 12 months • A friendly and outgoing manner • Excellent communication skills • Comfortable using computers and learning different IT platforms • Able to travel to our advice hubs in Winchester or Wickham

Once trained, our advice volunteers continue to receive ongoing support from our experienced team of supervisors and have access to plenty of tea and biscuits!

Our volunteer advisers come from a range of backgrounds including; students, retired people, people getting back into work after career breaks and people with part-time jobs.

Volunteering with us offers a great way to increase your employability, build confidence, learn new skills and make an enormous difference to the lives of local people.

To register your interest and organise an informal discussion, please get in touch with Citizens Advice Winchester District by emailing admin@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk More details can be found at www.citizensadvicewinchester.org.uk/volunteer

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a local, independent, registered charity and a member of the national Citizens Advice network of England and Wales.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a highly regarded advice agency providing free, confidential and high-quality advice to local people on their rights and responsibilities.

Most of our advice is delivered by trained local volunteers In 2023/24 Citizens Advice Winchester District helped almost 6,000 people with some 18,000 different advice issues.

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The Dever - August 2024

Wonston Community Café The June café was held on a lovely sunny morning, allowing us to use the outside space for the first time this year. Many of our visitors sat outside in the sunshine, with a fine view of the roses at the Victoria Hall. This month the café was raising much needed funds for Scots Tots, the Sutton Scotney Baby and Toddler group running every Friday in term time. This is a small, local group offering play, craft, companionship and refreshments for babies, toddlers, parents and carers.

A total of £275 was raised during the morning, made up of donations of £70 and sales of coffee and cake of £205. Although many of our regular visitors were away,

those that did come were as usual very generous.

There will be no café in August as our volunteers take a well‑deserved month off.

The next Wonston Community Café will be at the Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney, 9.30am–12 noon on Wednesday 18th September.

This month we will be fundraising for an Autism assistance dog for local boy Stefan. Some of his family will be at the café to give visitors information about the project.

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! As well having a gluten free cake option every month, we also offer cheese scones and biscotti. The café is cash only.

Janis Kinnell

The Dever - August 2024 15

City Councillors’ News The General Election interrupted normal Council business. We are now catching up on the meeting schedules. Announcements by the new Government may lead to significant impact on Winchester. Changes to planning regulations could require more housebuilding than previously planned, possibly including major development in the countryside. Expansion of the armed forces might require retention of the training facilities at Sir John Moore Barracks, putting more pressure on greenfield sites elsewhere in Winchester to meet the new housing target. Allowing onshore wind turbines again may allow their construction on the higher ground around Winchester.

While new housing and efficient energy generation are urgently needed, it should not be at the expense of the natural environment that is so highly valued.

The City Council administration have indicated that they will ignore the objections raised by residents and parish councils

to the allocation of rural land for new homes development. We expect sites to be allocated for around 50 new homes each at West Hill Road North, South Wonston and around Brightlands, Sutton Scotney.

These proposals will go out for public consultation later in the summer before being considered at a Public Inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate next year.

Completion of the 6 new council homes in Southbrook Cottages, Micheldever has been delayed by another few weeks as some snags are still to be fixed.

Plans for the new affordable homes at Waterloo Cottages, Micheldever and Sparsholt will be discussed with parish councils and residents by October.

Following a recent blitz on potholes by the County Council and the Highways Agency, roads around the ward are improving. Please report any new road defects that you find at hants.gov.uk/ transport/highways or to one of us.!

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 4th September

Northbrook Hall.

Wonston PC

Wednesday 11th September

Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney.

South Wonston PC

Monday 9th September

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

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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 - August 2024

Garden Open and Drinks in aid of St. James’ Church, Woodmancote When

Saturday 14th September 6pm to 8pm Armsworth Park House

Where Old Alresford, Hampshire

SO24 9RH Price

£15 including drinks and canapés

Please make a bank transfer to: PCC St. James Church Woodmancote Tickets Account Number: 00059385 Sort Code: 30-90-53 Reference: (your surname)Armsworth

There will be a Raffle so please bring cash to buy a ticket or two!

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 - August 2024 17

Micheldever Wine Circle We are a friendly group of villagers who like to gather together a few times a year to taste, discuss and enjoy wines from around the world whilst socialising with our neighbours. Absolutely no knowledge or experience is necessary – if you enjoy drinking wine you’ll enjoy coming to our wine circle!

Most of our events are held in the Northbrook Village Hall where an independent wine merchant brings 6 wines for us to taste. Cheese and nibbles are provided whilst sampling the wines and learning more about them. The cost is £15 per head though the Summer and Christmas parties generally cost a little bit extra.

If you’d like to know more or would like to come along to an event to test the waters then please email thewinecircle@gmail.com or text Craig on 07869 049220.

There is no membership requirement so why not give it a try?

Program of Events 2024 2nd February – A case of the Committee (yep the committee choose the wines for this one!)

22nd March – Berry Bros.

17th May – Fairview Wines 29th June – Summer Party 11th October – The Solent Cellar 6th December – Christmas Party

Next event: 11th October – The Solent Cellar The Solent Cellar is an independent wine merchant based in Lymington and serving the surrounding area.

Our guest Simon has a genuine passion for good wine and has expert knowledge built up over sixteen years of experience in the wine trade. He has travelled and worked in many of the World's leading wine regions and has a keen eye (and nose!) for searching out wines that offer great quality at affordable prices.

Forthcoming Events 2024 ~ 2025 September 1st 10.00am 4th 4th 12.30pm 4th 7.30pm 8th 2.00pm 14th 14th 6-8pm 18th 9.30am 29th .tbc October 2nd 2nd 12.30pm 2nd 7.30pm 5th 7.00pm 6th 10.00am 11th 8.00pm 16th 9.30am 26th 9.30am November 3rd 10.00am 6th 6th 12.30pm 6th 7.30pm 6th 8.00pm 8th 7.30pm 20th 9.30am December 1st 10.00am 4th 4th 7.30pm 6th 8.00pm 11th 12.30pm 18th 9.30am January 8th 7.30pm

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First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Pop-up Cafe - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall Auditions for MVG Panto, Rapunzel - Northbrook Hall Ride and Stride - all the churches Open Garden - Armsworth Park House (see page 17 for details) Wonston Community Cafe - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Music Gala - St Mary the Virgin church Pop-up Cafe - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Safari Supper - Around the Parish First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall Wonston Community Cafe - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Churchyard Clear-Up - St Mary the Virgin church First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Pop-up Cafe - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall D-Day troops in the Dever Valley - venue tba Quiz Night - Northbrook Hall Wonston Community Cafe - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Pop-up Cafe - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Micheldever Wine Circle, Christmas Party - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Wonston Community Cafe - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Parish Council - venue tba

The Dever - August 2024

February 5th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - venue tba March 5th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - venue tba April 17th 7.30pm Parish Assembly, Micheldever Parish Council - venue tba

Hall Booking 01962 774517, 07802 755132, booknorthbrookhall@gmail.com visit www.thewarrencentre.co.uk/hire

The Sucker

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Daily Sudoku: Tue 15-Mar-2022

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(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd (c) 2024.

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Daily Ltd 2022. All rights reserved.

The vicar visited an elderly lady from his congregation.

8 As 5 he sat down he 6 noticed a bowl of peanuts on the1coffee 5table.

'May I have a few?' he asked. 'You're 2 5 1 4 1 9 lady replied.

5 more than welcome,' the 6 2 7 After an7hour, 5 as 6the vicar stood up to 8 the lot. leave, he6realised he1 had scoffed 3

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Daily Sudoku: Tue 15-Mar-2022

Daily Sudoku: Sat 15-Jun-2024

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(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd Sudoku 2024. AllLtd rights reserved. (c) Daily 2022.

All rights reserved.

Daily Sudoku: Sat 15-Jun-2024

'I'm terribly sorry for eating all your peanuts,' he said. 'I only meant to have a few.'

'Oh, that's all right,' came the reply.

'Ever since I lost my teeth all I can do is suck the chocolate off them.'

With thanks to the magazine of St Peter's, Formby

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East Stratton Hall Northbrook Hall The Warren Centre

Daily Sudoku: Mon 15-Jul-2024

http://www.dailysudoku.com/ http://www.dailysudoku.com/

The Dever - August 2024 21

August Diary 4th 10.00am First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre 17th 5.00pm Summer Barbecue - 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 - 9.45am Body Control Pilates, Northbrook Hall, Micheldever contact Emily Bray emsbray@hotmail.com 9.30–10.30am Mobile Post Office, Lord Rank Car Park, Micheldever 6.15 - 7.15pm Keep Moving Pilates, Beginners/Improvers 7.30 - 8.30pm Intermediates The Warren Centre, Micheldever Station THURSDAYS 9.30 - 10.30am Keep Moving Pilates, Beginners/Improvers The Warren Centre, Micheldever Station

contact: Chloe Nicholson chloe@keepmovingpilates.co.uk 2.00 - 3.30pm Community Library, Northbrook Hall, Micheldever 8.00 - 10.00pm Dever Singers Rehearsal–Micheldever or South Wonston churches. contact, ruthironton@gmail.com FRIDAYS 4.00pm Petanque at the Warren Centre.

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The Dever - August 2024

SAFARI SUPPER Saturday 5 October 2024

Four locations, delicious food, great company www.micheldevervillages.org In aid of St Mary’s Church Fabric Fund

Summer Special at the Northbrook Hall

Come and meet friends & neighbours for a relaxing drink & food

BBQ 17 August pm 5.00 th

No need to book – £7.50 at the door to include BBQ and first drink.

All proceeds to the Northbrook Hall Funds.

Contact David Findley 01962 774445