The Dever December 2024

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

December 2024 90p

First Sunday in the Month - Fund Raising Walk.

First-Sunday-in-the-Month Fund Raising Walk Sunday 1st Dec 2024 Starts at 10.30am from

Half Moon & Spread Eagle Winchester Rd, Micheldever. SU5166 3886

Join Lynsey Sweeney, Co-Chair of the Micheldever Parish Rights of Way Volunteers (RoWVers), and Paul Howland, Hampshire Don't Lose Your Way coordinator for the Ramblers' Association. We welcome members of the Ramblers for this Micheldever walk.

Alresford Drove

Ancient Drove Road. Present Right of Way and section of The Watercress Way. Farm track of 1000 feet = 333 yards = ⅕ mile enables walking route to Winchester.

Route of official RoW from Kings Worthy which ends at a thick hedgerow onto the busy A33

A 6½ mile, DRY, off-road walk. Will there still be autumn colours in the trees and fruits in the hedgerows as well as the abundance of fungi we have enjoyed this autumn?

We will pause at the gate marked to find out about the Ramblers application to open a right of way here, creating a safe walking link between Micheldever and the neighbouring parish of Kings Worthy. We'll also hear from Paul about the Rambler's national Don't Lose Your Way campaign and their work to save the nation's 'lost paths'.

On our return, we will pause at a memorial bench dedicated to a local Rambler at the top of Bazeley Copse to admire fine views of the Hampshire downland and enjoy a mince pie. Our ETA back at the pub is 1:30 pm if you wish to book lunch there.

Dogs welcome Children welcome accompanied by a responsible adult.

Half Moon & Spread Eagle SO21 3DG 01962 774150

Please book if you are Donations from today’s walk lunching at the pub. will contribute towards the www.halfmoonandspreadeagle.co.uk valuable work of our local Rights of Way Volunteers . Further info contact: lynseysweeney17@gmail.com

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

Contents First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Dever Valley Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 View from the Vicarage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News from Woodmancote & Popham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 What Is The Future Of Our Pub? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Pop-Up Cafe At The Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Micheldever Village Store (aka The Village Shop) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 News from St Mary's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Subscription Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Impact D-Day Had On Winchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Micheldever’s Remembrance Commemorations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sutton Scotney Community Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Tea For A Cause - October 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Church Services for The Dever Benefice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Church Services for The Dever Benefice contd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Dever Valley Church Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Dever Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Autumn Is The Perfect Time For Planting .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Cercle Français de Winchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Jackie’s County Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Holy Dusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 We Need a Better Budget for Winchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Letters To The Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 City Councillors’ News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Christmas with Southern Voices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 EV Myths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Forthcoming Events 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Hall Booking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 December Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Regular Dates and Times – Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The Dever - December 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 Roland 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

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Articles for January issue to be received by the editor before 10th December 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

Amanda Forsey email: Roger Forsey

01962 774115 mob. 07500 334393 deveradvertiser@hotmail.com

The Dever - December 2024

View from the Vicarage It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… For some of us that may bring a rush of pleasant anticipation, a sense of good times to come. For some it may bring a sense of impending chaos and frantic busy-ness. For some it may bring a feeling of sadness, loneliness or loss. This time of year evokes so many different feelings: remembrances of Christmases past, an ideal of what Christmas “should” be like, a fear that we may be missing out on the best that the season has to offer.

John’s gospel in the Bible does not begin with the story of Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem, but instead starts with a description of God making the world, and Jesus – the son of God – being part of that. John describes how Jesus’ life brings light to everyone, saying “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5). Before creation there was darkness and nothingness, but God said “let there be light”, and there was light (Genesis 1:3). Now there is still darkness, both the literal darkness of long nights and the metaphorical darkness we find in ourselves, in other people and in the world around us. But God still says “let there be light”, and John in his gospel tells us that God says this most fully through Jesus.

In choosing to be born as a helpless, vulnerable baby in a stable in Bethlehem two thousand years ago, Jesus chose to come and walk alongside us. He could have stayed in heaven, in his rightful place, but instead he chose to come and be with us in the mess and darkness of a broken world. And so he brings life and light to all people, a light which shines in all the darkness of a turbulent, hurting, warring world and which cannot be put out.

So wherever you find yourself this Christmas, whether you are in the midst of light or the midst of darkness, my prayer is that you will meet with the light of the world, whose light can never be put out no matter how intense the darkness. If you want to know more about this light, and what Christians believe about who Jesus is, you would be so welcome to come to any of our churches over this Christmas time. You can find details of our services in the middle of this magazine. But you can also be a small part of this light for someone else, by checking in on someone for whom Christmas is difficult, or by offering to help someone who is struggling with all there is to do. So together let’s make the Dever valley a beacon of light this Christmas, where everyone can experience this light, a light which shines in the darkness and can never be extinguished.

Claire Bentham

The Dever - December 2024 5

What Is The Future Of Our Pub? On Friday 15 November there was a well attended gathering in the Northbrook Hall to hear how things were working out regarding the future of the pub. There was a short presentation that gave a little history, a view of the current status and how things are progressing for the future.

The key elements are as follows.

1. The owners are considering all options for exiting although the most likely option is a broader share of ownership within the current asset owning company.

2. The evolving concept is 4 or 5 investors from within the village to become significant shareholders.

3. The owners are keen that the community should also become a significant shareholder to endorse the sense of ownership within the village and a commitment to the continuance of the pub.

The community shareholding will be in the form of a company in which individuals can buy shares. This company will own a stake in the asset–the pub building and site and would then be represented as a board member in the asset holding company.

A number of key questions were asked during the meeting about the

structure of the company, these are being explored and we will report back once the facts have been established.

The two current owners are progressing with their plans. Once they have decided upon the most suitable option for the future of the pub we will be in a position to share that information with you and move forward with our community share plan.

The intention is to keep you as well informed as possible via email. If you have not received an email on this subject already please contact: HMSEMicheldever@gmail.com and we will ensure you are added to the mail list.

Pop-Up Cafe At The Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney The cafe runs from 9.30-12 noon. There is a lovely variety of sweet and savoury homemade refreshments - everything from scones with jam & cream to hot sausage rolls! We now have a card reader, 6

we do takeaways, there’s plenty of parking and there’s always a warm welcome!

The dates are December 4th for Brendoncare

The Dever - December 2024

News from Woodmancote & Popham St James’ All Souls Service in November was remembering those who have recently died in Woodmancote, East Stratton and other parishes in the Dever benefice. It was a beautiful service led by Rev'd Rob with the church all lit by candlelight. The names of those being remembered were read out and members of the congregation were able to go and light a candle in memory of those they had lost. We hope all those who attended found it comforting and peaceful. It is such a special occasion, where everyone in the congregation can remember family and neighbours who are no longer with us. Of course as always there was a glass of wine afterwards for those who wished to stay.

December sees our Carol Service at 6pm but a slightly earlier date of Friday 13th December. All are invited back to Mary Wallis’ and Nick Greenwood’s house afterwards for cheese and wine. It is always a wonderful evening. On Christmas Day we have a family Service at 9.30am taken by Rev'd Rob. May I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Jane

Micheldever Parish Council

Notice of Meeting Wednesday 4th December East Stratton Village Hall 7.45pm 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.

The Dever - December 2024 7

Micheldever Village Store (aka The Village Shop) In the early part of this year Rajeev, in the village shop, lost his van to old age. This was quite a blow and he has really only just recovered with the purchase of another and better van. The amount of produce that he was able to purchase at any one time for the shop has been seriously limited.

Finding reliable wholesalers at a reasonable cost has also been challenging. However he now has two new suppliers, who will be focussing primarily on the contents of the fridges. They will be stocking the fridges on a weekly basis. Rajeev will be doing a run to the London wholesale markets on Thursday mornings in his new van, coming back with fresh vegetables and fruit together with other produce/items. This will be in the shop on Thursday afternoons.

The shop front faces South, so on a sunny day the sun streams though the large plate glass window. This is fine for us humans but not so good for food that is in the direct sunlight. In the Summer months this has forced Rajeev not to put too many products near the window. For example chocolate items were regularly being damaged in the direct sunlight. The canopy to hold the solar panels is now in place and this is shading the plate glass window.

Consequently Rajeev can now place products on the shelves closest to the window.

The shop upgrade, including the electrical supply, is expected to be completed by

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Christmas. The solar panels, which are being installed in early December, will result in cheaper electricity for the shop with the money saved being put into a greater variety of stock. It will also be possible to control the temperature in the shop using the recently installed air-conditioning.

The majority of this capital funding has come from Winchester City Council with Councillor Jackie Porter of Hampshire County Council also contributing.

There is a suggestion box in the shop.

If you have suggestions about items/ produce that you would like to see in the shop, please make use of this box.

Rajeev is keen to hear from anyone who would be happy to volunteer to serve in the shop. Some regular voluntary help would greatly ease the pressure on his family. Barsa would also like to move into the village and is looking for somewhere to rent.

So Christmas is nearly upon us and Rajeev will, of course, be stocking items of Christmas fayre, indeed there are mince pies already in the shop.

RDV

Supported by

The Dever - December 2024

News from St Mary's By the time you receive the December version of this magazine, St Mary’s should have been spruced up in preparation for the various Advent and Christmas services laid on for the community. This is thanks to Christine Finch and her band of Holy Dusters who spent the 30th November hoovering and dusting. A big thank you to all involved! Thanks go to Sue Sandars and her fellow flower arrangers for decorating the church and producing such beautiful flower arrangements. The churchyard has now been put to bed again by Russell Smart and his team in late October. Many thanks.

A lot of thought has gone into preparing church services and concerts so please take note of the posters on the village noticeboards and the listings in The Dever.

For those of us who enjoy music, the Dever Singers will be performing their 40th Anniversary Concert on the 15th December at 6pm with an eclectic mix of music. The following Sunday, 22nd December will be our annual Carol Service.

All welcome! Our new Benefice choir, led by Ian Parker, will be performing throughout services in December so please come and enjoy listening to them and if you enjoy singing, consider joining the choir.

We have plenty lined up for children at Christmas. There is a Christingle Service at 10am on the 15th December. At this service candles are lit to create a warm, magical glow symbolising the light of Christ and bringing hope to people. This service is also a Toy Service where we bring donations of toys to be blessed and then distributed to those children who are less fortunate than ourselves. Clare Bentham will celebrate a short Festal morning service on Christmas Day so please bring along a present and be transported by the Christmas story. Wishing you a blessed and safe Christmas and New Year!

Louise Keys Church Warden, St Mary's Micheldever Louise Keys Church Warden

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The Dever - December 2024 9

The Impact D-Day Had On Winchester On November 6th The Dever Valley Local History Society was delighted to welcome again Patrick Craze to present a talk on Winchester During WW2.

On 1st September 1939 Germany invaded Poland. Two days later on 3rd September after a British ultimatum to Germany to cease military operation was ignored, Britain and France declared war on Germany. So began 5 years of hostilities and the government war machinery went into overdrive, calling up reservists, implementing Civil Defence contingencies, establishing local Home Guard units, enforcing blackout regulations and food and fuel rationing.

This year we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the allied forces landings on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 codenamed Operation Overlord. Patrick’s talk displayed his meticulous research into the impact this had on Winchester, surrounding districts and its people, beginning with information from his maternal grandmother and mother who lived in Winchester during the war whilst his father was in the Rifle Brigade stationed in Winchester. He has gleaned information from numerous other

10

residents who were eyewitnesses involved throughout the war.

The city Council provided Civil Defence and a wartime Emergency Committee was established to deal with logistics of planning for war including public Air Raid Protection (ARP) shelters, sirens, emergency water supplies (for the Fire Brigade) and communications. The public shelter in the car park of the old library in Jewry Street was rediscovered in 1998 during renovation work and is now under the café area. Villages helped with hastily constructed Anderson shelters.

Home Guard units were raised in every town and village, including Micheldever and Stratton Home Guard. Barings Bank moved their entire banking operation and staff from London to Stratton House and the relative safety of the Hampshire countryside. The Bank installed secure vaults in the cellars to safely store bonds and client documents. The staff occupied the 52 rooms in Stratton House.

For many the reality of war was immediately evident in the Luftwaffe’s ferocious bombing of Southern England in particular Southampton and Portsmouth which could be heard in Winchester and surrounding villages. This immediately led to the evacuation of families and young children. Winchester and district did not experience the level of bombing of the port cities but occasionally German aircraft would overshoot their target and jettison bombs haphazardly until 1943. One casualty of raids on Southampton in August 1940 was the Vickers Armstrong Supermarine works at Woolston which produced Spitfires for the RAF. There then began a remarkable programme The Dever - December 2024

to disperse the manufacture of Spitfires into small workshops across southern England.

At the heart of this ‘dispersal’ was Hursley Park which throughout the war developed and enhanced the aircraft that remained at the forefront of fighter design throughout the war. Two of the small workshops were located in Winchester, Short’s garage on Southgate Street and Chisnells’s Garage which was in Chesil Street is now the Kwik Fit garage.

7th December 1941 the United States entered WW2 following the attack by Japanese aircraft on the US Grand Fleet based at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii. 11th December 1941 Germany and Italy declared war on the US. 26th January 1942 the first American forces arrived in Britain landing in Northern Ireland. 5th May 1942 the first American troops arrived in Winchester.

At the outbreak of WW2 St Swithun’s School on the Alresford Road became a British Red Cross Hospital. On May 5th 1942

it became an American casualty clearing station, in the guise of 38 Station Hospital with 250 beds and remained in Winchester for the duration of the war. Patrick’s mother and Aunt Jean went to a dance at the hospital, and they were appalled at the horrific injuries sustained by so many young men. Walking home in the blackout they vowed never to return. I shall end my brief resume of this excellent talk on a lighter note. In 1942 James Cagney visited American servicemen at 38 Station Hospital based at St Swithuns School whilst on a United Services Organisation tour of Britain. He also took the opportunity to visit the Winchester Brewery in Hyde Street and have a pint at the White Swan next door. Cagney stayed at the Great Western Hotel on Bridge Street which is now the Bishop on the Bridge pub. Winchester ‘hosted’ 25,000 troops of the 9th Infantry Division, United States Army during WW2.

What does the Bible really say?

Want to read it and find out?

Come to Bible Book Club to read and explore the Bible, one book at a time. This informal and accessible club is open to everyone. We will discuss the book’s author, context, what we think it says and what it really says.

“Come, not because you must but because you want to know more.”

Next meeting:

Monday 9th December, 6:30pm @Micheldever Cottage, Rook Lane

Next book for discussion: Contact Claire for more details

Acts claire@ianbentham.org

The Dever - December 2024 11

Micheldever’s Remembrance Commemorations.

The Remembrance commemorations start long before 11 November. From late October a small cohort venture out around the locality with trays of poppies and much optimism. Despite the challenges of poppies being on sale in so many places and the paucity of coins in the increasingly cashless society, the generosity was heart-warming.

Even without being able to add donations made using the (no escape!) QR codes and the Gift Aid add-ons, £1559 was raised (so probably well over £2000). On behalf of the Royal British Legion, a huge thank you.

On Remembrance Sunday the service was enriched by the presence of a smart contingent from Worthy Down. Such a presence makes the act of remembrance so much more real, particularly as the military gets smaller and personal links diminish. The buglers from The Rifles band roused many an emotion as they played the Last Post and Reveille.

Then on Remembrance Day itself, the

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schedule was an exciting one thanks to the service personnel from RAF Odiham. The proceedings started with a short talk to the whole of the primary school by Gp Capt Matt Roberts OBE DFC, Chinook Force Commander, which was enthusiastically received. Then whilst the junior classes made their way to the LRPF car park,

years 3-6 joined the throng at the village memorial. Along with an excellent turn-out by the village, there was a presence by Hampshire police and two buglers from the Bugles and Drums of the Worthy Down musicians.

As the strains of Reveille faded, a Chinook flew past whilst wreaths were laid by Gp CaptRoberts, Cpl Thomas The Dever - December 2024

from Worthy Down and one of our watchful policemen.

The subsequent highlight was the Chinook having landed on the LRPF, in front of the wide-eyed junior pupils. The school children were beside themselves as they climbed over the aircraft whilst the crew managed their anxiety! Meanwhile Gp Capt Roberts gave a fascinating talk in Northbrook Hall to the more senior attendees at the memorial, who themselves then made their way to LRPF to share the excitement of being able to board a Chinook. Then as the down draught all but blew people off their feet the Chinook departed, leaving behind a memorable Remembrance Day.

Micheldever Village

Christmas Lunch 11th December

12.30pm at Northbrook Hall Two course lunch for £8.00 Please reserve a place before 6th December by calling

Juliet Pattinson on 01962 774399 The Dever - December 2024 13

Sutton Scotney Community Café The October café, raising funds for Blood Cancer UK, was a huge success. We filled all 17 tables, with folk from near and far; regulars, newbies, walkers, cyclists, groups, even 2 of our community police officers from Alresford joined us for coffee and cake.

We welcomed a group of walkers from the Reigate and Redhill Ramblers, in the area on holiday. The age range was from 2 to 93 and what they shared in common were big smiles, lots of chat and an enjoyment of homemade bakes and cakes. It was a wonderful convivial atmosphere, with a magnificent array of home baking, including a savoury courgette and chorizo bake which is now a regular for the café.

We took £214 in sales, £306 in donations plus a further £35 donations since the café on Wednesday, so will be sending an amazing sum of £555 to BCUK this year.

Each year at the café several people tell us about the effect of a range of blood cancers

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on their relatives or friends.

It was no different this year, sadly just different people, which brings it home to us just how worthwhile the research is for these and indeed all cancers and other terrible diseases that we collect for and donate to.

The next Sutton Scotney Community Café will be at the Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney, 9.30am–12 noon on the earlier date of Wednesday 11th December. This month we will be raising funds for GoLD. Winchester GoLD enables adults with learning disabilities to live life to the full with the choices and independence that they want. They promote self development, friendship, self confidence, creativity and learning.

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 The Dever - December 2024

free parking! As well as having a gluten free cake option every month, we also have delicious homemade biscotti and a savoury offering. All the cakes are available to eat-in or takeaway – in fact some of our regulars

bring their own takeaway containers!

This month we will also have wonderful Christmas table decorations to sell, made by some of our volunteers. The café is cash only.

Janis Kinnell

Tea For A Cause - October 24

On a lovely, dry Saturday in late October the first of the “Tea for a Cause” fundraisers organised by Louise Keys and Olly Bramley took place in the Northbrook Hall. The objective of the event was to raise money for two cancer charities – Breast Cancer Now and Prostate Cancer UK. The event was extremely well attended and over £800 was donated, and is now shared equally between the two charities. People generously

donated delicious cakes and raffle prizes and were offered copious quantities of tea and cake. A relaxed and enjoyable afternoon was spent by one and all, particularly the youngsters who enjoyed chasing and popping balloons at the end of the event.

Thank you to all who decorated the hall, produced cakes, served and washed up!

Louise

You can still donate if you missed the Tea For A Cause event by using the QR codes here to go to the Just Giving pages Breast Cancer Now

Prostate Cancer UK �

�

The Dever - December 2024 15

Church Services for The Dever Benefice December 1st 9.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.15 am

December 8th 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

6.00 pm

1st Day of Advent

BCP Holy Communion (said) Rev’d Rob Rees Café Church Clare Bentham Holy Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti Holy Communion Rev’d Rob Rees Holy Communion 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

2nd Sunday of Advent

Holy Communion All Saints - East Stratton Rev’d Dave Mapes Informal Service St James - Hunton Iain Henderson Christingle Service Holy Trinity - Wonston Clare Bentham The Dever Singers 40th Anniversary Christmas Concert St Margaret's - South Wonston

December 13th

6.00 pm Carol Service

Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham

December 14th

10.00 am Messy Christmas

Claire Bentham & Team

December 15th

St James Woodmancote

St Margaret's - South Wonston

3rd Sunday of Advent

10.00 am Christingle with Toy Service St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham 10.00 am Holy Communion St Margaret's - South Wonston

Rev’d Jo Criscenti 3.00 pm Christingle Service St Margaret's - South Wonston

Rev’d Jo Criscenti 6.00 pm The Dever Singers 40th Anniversary Christmas Concert

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

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The Dever - December 2024

December 22nd 3.00 am

4.30 am

5.00 pm

6.00 pm

6.00 pm

December 24th 3.00 pm

3.00 pm

11.15 pm

11.15 am

St Margaret's - South Wonston Holy Trinity - Wonston All Saints - East Stratton St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

Christmas Eve

Crib Service Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham Crib Service Rev’d Jo Criscenti Midnight Mass Rev’d Rob Rees Midnight Mass Rev’d Jo Criscenti & Claire Bentham

December 25th 9.30 am

9.30 am

9.30 am

10.00 am

10.45 am

11.00 am

4th Sunday of Advent

Carol Service Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham Carol Service Rev’d Jo Criscenti Carol Service Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham Carol Service Rev’d Jo Criscenti Carol Service Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham

St Margaret's - South Wonston All Saints - East Stratton Holy Trinity - Wonston

Christmas Day

Festal Morning Prayer Claire Bentham Family Service with Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti Said Festal Eucharist Rev’d Rob Rees Family Christmas Communion Service Rev’d Lis Chase Festal Eucharist Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham Family Service with Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti

December 29th

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

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

First Sunday of Christmas

10.00 am Benefice Service of Holy Communion

Rev’d Dr Robert Rees & Ministry Team

All Saints - East Stratton Holy Trinity - Wonston

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

Services for first week of January see over page The Dever - December 2024 17

Church Services for The Dever Benefice contd.

January 5th 9.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.15 am

Second Sunday of Christmas

BCP Holy Communion (said) Rev’d Robert Rees Café Church Claire Bentham Holy Communion Rev’d Jo Criscenti Morning Prayer Ruth & Roland Guy Holy Communion with Baptism 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

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 Website Visit The Dever website www.thedever.org for information on the journal, how to subscribe and to catch up on archived issues. Scan the QR code �

18

The Dever - December 2024

Autumn Is The Perfect Time For Planting ....

There are so many good reasons to get out and get planting in the autumn.

• The soil is warm–roots love warm soil.

The soil is moist–normally we have had or are expecting to have a good amount of rain, which means once planted and watered in you can just leave your plants to take care of themselves.

• The plants have time to get their roots down prior to the onset of winter and have a head start on spring planted perennials.

• You can see the gaps in your border and maybe more importantly you can still remember how the border looked at the height of summer and throughout the rest of the season…

• It's the ideal time to move and split existing perennials so if you wish to change the look of an entire border you can.

• But avoid planting slightly tender perennials such as Penstemon, some Salvia, Oenothera, … these are far better planted in the spring once the last of the frosts has passed.

This is an edited version of an article on Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants website www.hardysplants.co.uk For more tips visit us in Priory Lane, Freefolk, RG28 7NJ

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 2025 Season

6 February 13 March 10 April 15 May

Johnny Hallyday - un mythe francais L’heritage de Napoleon Une visite des gares de Paris La patisserie francaise est plus qu’une fierte national c’est un art

Annual membership £30 or Non‑members evening cost £10 For more information on the group please visit www.cfwinchester.org.uk

The Dever - December 2024 19

Jackie’s County Corner Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I know it’s a busy time, and replying to consultations is the last thing on your mind in December but please do at least this first one!

Everyone has a view about the NHS Now is the time to give that view.

To respond to the NHS 10 year plan consultation, go to https://change.nhs. uk/en-GB/ or simply type in change. nhs.uk into google or www.gov. uk . Deadline 22nd December.

What are the barriers to Cycling and Walking for you? This is a new survey on behalf of HCC and WCC to aid work on the Council’s Movement Strategy .

Deadline 22nd December. Go to www. hants.gov.uk/barriers-walking-cycling A route has been agreed for the next (southerly) section of the Worthy Down cycle path from the Harestock water treatment works to Wellhouse Lane, due to be completed Spring 2025. I have asked for some maintenance on the whole route, following heavy rainfall.

School Transport In late October, the County Council were proposing changes to the education transport, but withdrew plans at the last minute. School transport costs the Council over £85million a year, and the cost is rising, so this is one area where HCC wans to reduce the revenue budget.

I have written more detail on my website, but National Policies continue to be discriminatory against children in rural areas attending their local rural school, which may be a bus ride away from their own village. Parents also tell me they believe 20

the ‘walk to school’ ethos is impossible to achieve for working parents. What do you think? Getting it right is important for the whole community: because school traffic is a huge proportion of the morning and afternoon congestion we face. Please look out for the consultation, and I will remind you in a future ‘County Corner’.

To be useful, I have asked HCC to seek responses from parents of children ‘yet to travel’ , as well as those already travelling.

The proposed budget cuts to ‘Lollipop staff’, Buses & Alresford HWRC were not agreed.

Kings Worthy has a school crossing patrol, which was one of the services threatened in the cuts. It was agreed that these wouldn’t be removed as proposed. I am asking schools to include Parish and Town Councils when they update their school travel plans to support all additional safety measures near to the school.

The 75, 6, 64 and 67 buses will continue, and the 240 and 95 seem safe for now. The KB1 minibus is now running 6 days a week, funded for two years to October 2027.

The Alresford HWRC is saved!

Volume collected is at 24th out of 24 sites, so please use it often!

The Dever - December 2024

County Councillor Grants So far this year I have supported with small grants for nine projects. If you know of organisations who haven’t had a grant from this fund before, I am keen to support children and greening projects this year, but it is a limited pot of money so closure for applications may be before the official deadline next February. Please contact me first to check availability .

In October, we shared our usual Councillor Surgery spot on West Street, and we were pleased to meet the Trustees of Bailey House who were explaining what their role is to residents.

Bailey House in Alresford is unique with bedroom and bathroom , importantly with day to day companionship, and currently with vacancies. It’s a really friendly place and following on from my last County Corner, when I was asking you to consider volunteering I promised to thank them for their work as Trustees via this photo !

We continue to hold local Councillor surgeries: but please contact us by email or phone if you think we can help.

Cllr Jackie Porter website www.jackieporter.co.uk tel/text: 07973696085 email: Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk answerphone: 01962 791054 I keep an eye Facebook & Next Door: please tag me if you want me to see your post!

Holy Dusters St Mary the Virgin

Week beginning Monday 9th Georgie and Alex 16th Wendy and Jill 23rd Katherine and Christine 30th Jan and Jess Flowers From 29th November including Christmas Sue Sandars, Val Powis, Julia Smart

St James

Flowers and Cleaning

Christmas clean and decorating the Church

The Dever - December 2024 21

We Need a Better Budget for Winchester In advance of Rachel Reeves’ Budget I called for a boost to NHS funding. So I was pleased to see major funding commitments included.

However we can’t truly save Danny at Remembrance Commemoration the NHS without investment in social care too and we only saw small funding boosts there. with the other. We should be directing new I was also incredibly disappointed to taxes at the big banks, oil and gas industries see most new taxes being levied from and the hugely profitable tech companies small businesses. Winchester has a huge to get our public services working for us. diversity of independents; it’s a big draw I grew up on farms and as a large animal for visitors from across the whole country vet, I’ve spent a lot of time working and beyond. This month, I met with citywith farmers around Winchester and centre businesses to learn what impact the the Dever area. They work so hard and Budget will have on their livelihoods and after Conservative betrayal with dodgy their workers. The tax rises will affect GPs trade deals, many of them are really and other healthcare providers too. It seems struggling to keep their farms going. This totally counter-productive to increase health government must scrap their disastrous spending with one hand, only to take it away farm-tax immediately or risk ringing the death knell for family farms.

As the colder months set in, I have not forgotten the injustice over Winter Fuel Payments. I’ve heard from people across the Dever area worried about their loved ones this winter, so I’ll continue to do what I can to ensure the issue remains on the agenda and we stand a chance of having the decision reversed.

Finally, it was a great honour to attend Winchester’s Remembrance Sunday proceedings. It is so important to remember all those from Winchester who joined many others from across the country and the whole world to stand up in the face of Danny at Two Hands tyranny. We must also never forget all those 22

The Dever - December 2024

who fought in more recent conflicts and the veterans who live on. They did their duty, so it is our duty to ensure we take care of them and their families in every way we can.

If you have any problems or issues, please contact me at danny.chambers.mp@parliament.uk. My team and I will do our best to help.

Letters To The Editor Sir, Recent criticism from certain members of the community directed at the Parish Council, and at one of the councillors in particular, has not escaped my notice. I have read the contents of a letter sent to the Parish Council by a parishioner, and I have also seen the messages that were circulated, along with that letter, amongst members of a village WhatsApp group.

None of it makes for very pleasant reading.

The general tone and the nature of the content–all based on misinformation and a complete ignorance of the facts, with false accusations and at times quite inciteful–put me in mind, somewhat, of the exchanges that took place on social media at a national level back in the summer, following that awful event in Southport.

Although the intent and the outcome were, in each case, completely different, it is still difficult not to draw a comparison between the two. Sadly, this is not the first time in its history that the Parish Council has faced criticism, but I do feel that now, with this most recent episode, a rock bottom in behaviour has been reached.

I do not usually attend the monthly council meetings but, because of what I had read, I did make a special point of coming to the November session, primarily to see if, and how, the Council would react. As a

result of what I witnessed at that meeting there are two things that I’d like to say.

Firstly, the Chairman should be commended for the manner in which he addressed the floor at the start of the meeting. His response was unequivocal and very clear in its message, and whilst he demonstrated considerable restraint (far more than I could have done in the same situation!), the room was left in no doubt whatsoever as to where the Council stood on this matter.

Secondly, and I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this, the Council as a whole should be offered a big thanks for all the hard work that it has done, and continues to do, for our community – demonstrating at all times professionalism, fairness and impartiality, and always acting selflessly, with integrity and, most importantly, with the common good of the parish at heart.

Being a parish councillor is, I’m sure, a pretty thankless task, and having to deal with the sort of baseless, puerile and vindictive criticism that has just been experienced must make that task seem even harder, but I hope the Council can take some comfort from the fact that there are those of us out there who actually do appreciate what they all do. Thank you.

Name and address supplied

The Dever - December 2024 23

City Councillors’ News The Government is to publish the English Devolution White Paper. The proposed legislation will set out how the Government plans to change local government across the country by amalgamating councils into large unitary bodies with greater responsibilities.

It is expected that some decisions will be devolved from central government to these new authorities and there will be fewer layers of local government. The removal of district councils, such as Winchester City Council, has been suggested as one way of simplifying local government. Small unitaries, like Southampton City and West Berkshire Councils, have a wide range of powers but do not have the benefits of economies of scale, so larger unitaries are being favoured. Local government reorganisation could be implemented by 2030.

The agents for the owners of pitches at Carousel Park – the Gypsy and Traveller Site near Micheldever–have submitted

their proposed site development scheme as required by the recent planning appeal decision. This scheme sets out the number, type and location of caravans and buildings on the site. Once the details have been agreed with the City Council, the changes will be implemented within 12 months. This will allow for 93 caravans, including a maximum of 51 static mobile homes on the whole site, as well as reinstatement of the surrounding bund and efficient handling of water.

This month, we are expecting to finally welcome tenants into the new council homes at Hobbs View, Southbrook Cottages, Micheldever. Occupation of these highly energy efficient homes has been delayed for several months while sound insulation problems were resolved. There is an official opening event on 3rd December.

We hope that you can enjoy a peaceful Christmas period.

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 December

East Stratton Village Hall.

Wonston PC

Wednesday 11th December

Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney.

South Wonston PC

Monday 2nd December

South Wonston Pavilion.

All meetings start at 7.30pm. (Micheldever PC meets at 7.45pm this month)

Stephen

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

24

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 - December 2024

Join Us for a Micheldever Wine Circle Christmas Party ALL are welcome!

Celebrate the season at our annual Christmas party. Enjoy an evening filled with good food, wine, company and light-hearted fun.

We are a friendly group who enjoy wine and the company of others. Absolutely no knowledge or experience is necessary – if you enjoy drinking wine you’ll enjoy coming to our Christmas Party.

Single or it’s not your partner’s thing? Ditto for a number of us so don’t let that stop you – we will take care of you.

When and where?? Friday 6th December at 7.30pm in The Northbrook Hall Fine Wines Assured Fun Entertainment It will be very silly Food: Starter & Dessert provided – you & your table will liaise on bringing your own main

Cost is £20 per head - RSVP by 1st December to thewinecircle@gmail.com and/or text Craig on 07869 049220. Cheers!

Christmas with Southern Voices Bringing their ruby anniversary season to a close on 21 December in the Chapel of St Cross, Winchester at 7.30pm, SOUTHERN VOICES look forward to celebrating in style with their traditional, festive feast of Christmas carols.

To make it really special, this year they are thrilled to welcome former royal harpist Alis Huws who had the honour of playing at the Coronation. She will accompany them in Benjamin Britten’s iconic A Ceremony of Carols. This will be a real

treat and the perfect way to round off a superb year of music-making for the choir.

Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale.

Tickets: £19 (Age 21 & under, £10) from: southernvoices.co.uk/christmas or telephone 0333 666 3366 (booking fees apply).

There will be a retiring collection in aid of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Registered charity 1086868

The Dever - December 2024 25

EV Myths Charging an EV when electricity is made by burning gas makes no sense 80% of EVs are charged at home using renewable electricity

R

Extract from The Little Book of EV Myths available as free download from www.faircharge.co.uk/ little-book-of-ev-myths

E

EV E M N YT H S!

generated by wind, solar, biomass, hydro and nuclear.

M O

According to the National Grid, in the first quarter of 2023, British wind farms created more electricity than was created by burning gas. As we write, National Grid ESO shows that 55% of the GB generation mix into the grid was zero carbon. It’s also worth remembering that according to Zap Map 80% of EV drivers charge at night on low energy tariffs and the electricity used at night is certified by electricity suppliers to be renewable.

The majority of electric cars in the UK are charged not by coal or gas, but by electricity

The Little Book of EV Myths

EV batteries don’t last? EVs pollute more than ICE cars?

Hydrogen will displace EVs? EVs cost more to maintain?

And much more nonsense...

As part of Hampshire County Council’s commitment to improve accessibility and enable more people to walk and cycle for short journeys, you are invited to help us identify where there are barriers to walking and cycling on your local streets.

We are particularly keen to hear from people who use mobility aids (including mobility scooters), pushchairs or buggies, people who use cargo bikes and trailers, or other adapted cycles.

26

The survey is live and will close at 11:59pm on Sunday 22 December.

The Dever - December 2024

by CHRIS EGAN

Forthcoming Events 2025 January 8th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall 23rd-26th 7.15pm MVG, Rapunzel a Pantomime - Northbrook Hall February 5th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall March 5th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall April 2nd 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall 7th 10.00am Play In A Week starts - Northbrook Hall 11th 6.30pm Play In A Week Show - Northbrook Hall 16th 7.30pm Parish Assembly, Micheldever Parish Council - venue Northbrook Hall May 7th 7.45pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall June 4th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall July 2nd 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall September 3rd 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall

Hall Booking East Stratton Hall Northbrook Hall The Warren Centre

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

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)

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The Dever - December 2024

Micheldever Community Library Northbrook Hall Community Library Assisted Support Thursdays 2.00 - 3.00pm 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. 8 5 6 Dawn Snow: Community Library Assisted Support Volunteer.

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The Dever - December 2024 29

December Diary 1st 10.00am 4th 9.30am 4th 7.45pm 6th 8.00pm 11th 9.30am 11th 12.30pm 15th 6.00pm

First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Pop-up Cafe for Brendoncare - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Micheldever Wine Circle, Christmas Party - Northbrook Hall Sutton Scotney Community Cafe, GoLD - Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney Micheldever Village Christmas Lunch - Northbrook Hall Dever Singers Christmas Concert - St Mary the Virgin

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 - 3.00pm Community Library, Northbrook Hall, Micheldever 6.30 - 7.30pm Lets Do Pilates, Northbrook Hall, Micheldever

contact: lucy@letsdopilates.com 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 - December 2024

East Stratton Village Hall Wednesday 1 January 2025

10am - 12 noon Full English - £10 Continental - £5 Tea, coffee or fruit juice included Add a glass of fizz for £3

Families welcome

Booking is essential, by Friday 27th December Please phone 01962 774516

.

Dever Singers 40th Anniversary

Christmas Concerts

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