The Dever February 2023

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

Sunday 5th February 2023

Warren Centre Car Park , Micheldever Station. SO21 3AR starting at 10.30am. 5 mile stroll returning to The Dove Inn by 1.30pm

“HEDGEROWS

Hedgerows give food and protection for birds and small mammals in the bitterest weathers.

This walk passes between double hedgerows, is sheltered by single hedges, follows the shelter of the railway embankment and should give us protection from February weather.

Donations purely voluntary Suggest £5. Children free.

DOGS WELCOME

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

For more Info about First-Sunday-in-the-Month Walks contact: suebell0906@gmail.com

The Dove Inn serves traditional Sunday Roast but it is essential to book in advance if you are dining. A warm welcome awaits those just needing liquid refreshment be it alcoholic or non -alcoholic. 01962 774288 / Facebook

www.doveinn.co.uk

IN WINTER”

St. Mary the Virgin

Holy Trinity Wonston

Church Wardens

Sarah Hobhouse 01962 760003

St Margaret's South Wonston

Melinda Samms 01962 761036

The Dever

Editor:

Peter O’Keefe

07515 339279

1 Canada Cottages, Overton Road, Micheldever Station, SO21 3AN.

Email: editor@thedever.org

Printing: James Dixon and team

Micheldever

212586 Micheldever Station

Andy Adams

Ann Hawkins

West

Annual Subscription January to December for 12 issues: £8.00; £15.00 by post.

Articles for March issue to be received by the editor before 15th February please.

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

774363

774956

Dever Advertiser

Editor: Roger Forsey

Truth to Tell

It is said that truth is the daughter of time; the passing of the years wearing away at the inconsistencies of falsehoods to reveal the unvarnished actualities of events, much as water washes away muddy dirt to display the hard rock beneath. How long, it has to be wondered, will it be before some of the lies and delusions of our time are exposed for the worthless pretexts that they are? Whether it is an aggressor blaming his victims for the conflict or the ideologue blaming the innocent bystander for the failures of his beliefs, this world currently has no shortage of high profile people requiring others to accept and embrace obviously false stories for their own ends.

It is tempting to despair when even some of our senior politicians seem to have given up on, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them,” in favour of a subjective narrative which it is becoming increasingly unacceptable to question.

In the face of such an onslaught on observable facts it is tempting to give up and go with the flow. After all, the bully is never satisfied with shouting a lie, he wants you to repeat it until you believe it and it becomes part of society’s acceptable way of thinking. But there is hope for those who put their trust in Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

When we come to put our faith in Jesus, we start to see the truth including the state of ourselves as we really are. There is always a temptation for us to lie especially if it gets us out of a sticky situation, but the bible has strong words to say about liars. People who knowingly peddle untruths to further an ungodly agenda put their souls in peril, but the Church should speak out against falsehoods and pray for those who seek to perpetuate them.

In the end truth, like the gospel, will not fail. Jesus also said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Thank goodness that Jesus came as a baby into this wicked world that all those who put their trust in Him may know the truth and be saved: He is a light for the Gentiles and the glory of his people Israel. May we all walk in the light, good and truth of what He has done for us as we go through 2023.

James Gray

News from Woodmancote &

Popham

Christmas already seems a while ago but the Christmas Day service at Woodmancote was a joyful gathering under the leadership of Rev’d Rob, whose sermon provided interest and food for thought for regular churchgoers and occasional attenders alike, before the onslaught of cooking the Christmas dinner.

Now in the depths of Winter it is hard to think of Spring although the appearance of the snowdrops reminds us that it will come.

We had a huge reality check over New Year when our 7 year old Labrador ate a cork and for a horrid moment we thought he might not survive his emergency surgery. Thankfully he is recovering well, but it reminded me of the fragility of life and how things can change in an instant. As I welcomed in the New Year (not at the party I had planned to attend) I was just so thankful that our dog was still with us and reaffirmed once again in

Did You Know……

Did you know that our village shop now takes in dry cleaning? Did you know that our village shop sells stamps? Did you know that you can get fresh takeaway coffee in our village shop? Did you know that you should be able to buy alcohol in our village shop imminently? Did you know that you can order fresh meat through the shop from a butcher in Alresford?

Rajeev opened the village shop a mere 5 months ago and it grows every day as he becomes more aware of what it is that we

my mind, that every opportunity should be taken, every moment of life lived as fully as possible and even the miserable days of Winter should be welcomed.

It is the Plough Service at St James on 5th February at 3pm. This is the start of the traditional farming services held at Woodmancote blessing the tractor and plough, the fields and crops, to hopefully encourage a bountiful harvest in the Summer. We hope to see you all there.

On 19th February there is a Holy Communion service at 6pm in the evening which will be followed by a glass of wine/soft drink and nibbles. Jane.

want from the shop. There are two factors to that growth, namely hearing from you as to what it is you would like to see on the shelves/in the freezer and using the shop so that he has the funds to invest in wider ranges, more products etc.

We have developed a practice of stopping at the village shop before making our way into Winchester or Basingstoke to see how much of what we need we can get from Rajeev. It is amazing how often we can dismiss the need to go any further. CH

Wednesday 1st February 12.30pm at Northbrook Hall

Two course lunch for £5.00

If you need a lift or have not been before, please give me a call Tricia Patston on 795028

Micheldever Parish Council Notice of Meeting

Wednesday 1st February

Northbrook Hall 7.30pm

This will be an in person meeting of the Parish Council and residents will be 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

New Year’s Day Breakfast .

It was so good to be able once again to share New Year greetings with friends and family over a delicious breakfast. No one was in any hurry to leave the warm and cosy atmosphere in East Stratton hall, which

Micheldever Youth Club

Fiona Watton stepped down from her role as the Lead Youth Worker for Micheldever Youth club after 26 years at Christmas. Fiona has been a dedicated member of staff, running the club on Monday nights, first with Hampshire County Council and from 2012 as part of Winchester Street Reach. She has been an integral part of the club and without her it may not still be running. She has supported so many young people, some of whom are now parents themselves and is well known in the village. We held a leaving party for Fiona in December where young people, past and present, were able to attend to wish her well and give cards and presents.

was a reward for all the team, especially the cooks, who had worked so hard to make the morning so enjoyable. A huge thank you to all the team and also for those who came and enjoyed such wonderful food. It was a great success, hopefully to be repeated next year. Olly.

We wish Fiona well in her new adventures and enjoying more time with her family and new grandchild.

If any young people would like to join the youth club, it takes place in Northbrook Hall on Mondays nights: WHERE

Northbrook Hall

104 Duke Street

Micheldever

SO21 3DF

WHEN

Mondays 7:00 - 8:30pm (Year 7’s until 8:00pm) (Term time only)

For more information visit our website: www.winchesterstreetreach.org/ Stella Bowling

Farm Walks

Last year, Wheatsheaf Farming based at Folly Farm, North Waltham, held a very successful educational event for 180 GCSE Food & Nutrition and Business Studies students from local schools. They spent the day exploring the realities of food production and farming.

They met local food producers, and other industry experts such as banks, land agents, tech companies, chefs, nutritionists and career advisors to name but a few.

We have been asked to host again this year, but it’s all run on volunteers and fundraising. We know money is very tight for all businesses so we are all trying to help in our own ways.

We will be holding two farm walks at Folly, one on March 12th, the second on May 7th, between 10am and 12 noon with an opportunity to purchase light refreshments at the end of the walk.

Tickets are £10 per adult and £5 per school age child. All monies raised will go towards funding part of our FarmMyFood event in June for local schools.

The theme will be linking farming with nature. Come and see for yourselves how today’s farming goes hand in hand with caring for the environment and our wildlife.

There is no restriction to signing up for both walks if you are interested in seeing the seasonal differences in the farming year.

Smaller groups work best, so sign up to come on a first come, first served basis. email: kate.follyfarm@gmail.com

Thank you for your support. Kate Baylis

East Stratton Launches the USA .

A tantalising titbit gleaned at the Historical Society talk on Friday 20 January. Want to know more? Read the entry by the Historical Society or Google “Louisiana and Baring”. That aside, the evening was run on behalf of St Mary’s Church to raise funds and it did that very successfully. A princely sum of £409.43 was raised. This would not have been possible without the generosity of the Historical Society in allocating

the evening to the benefit of the church. Nor would it have been as enjoyable if it hadn’t been for those who made it happen, such as David Findlay (maestro), Maurelle D’Agostino and Anita Soar (cheese treats) and Susie Findley and Louise Keys (bar). And the funds raised were down to a really good attendance. On behalf of the church, a huge thank you from the PCC.

CH

Northbrook Hall News

December saw the final departure of Anna and James Alpe from both the village and in particular Northbrook Hall Management Committee. James and Anna have been a formidable team at the hall for a long time. James was at different, and occasionally overlapping times Treasurer, Chair, and Caretaker, not to mention lawn mower, project manager, and general goto man for all things maintenance. Anna was a stalwart committee member, who repeatedly stood up to be bookings secretary whenever the role became vacant. The committee wish them all of the best in their retirement in Devon. They will be sorely missed.

With the departure of the Alpes we have had to bring in some new blood to the committee! I am very pleased to announce that Annabelle Maclay has taken on the role of booking secretary. We are both delighted and very grateful to her. Annabelle is in the process of taking a firm grasp of the bookings and invoicing: invoices will now be much more regular–helping everyone with their budgeting. Regular Users: when Annabelle reaches out to you to confirm hours, and invoicing arrangements please be as helpful as you can.

Upon the subject of finances and bookings; it is necessary to point out that the major outgoing of the hall is energy and in particular heating. Northbrook Hall is an old building and lacking in modern insulation, this along with electric heating

means that our energy bills have rocketed over the last few months. We have tried to mitigate this by changing suppliers, but in the end the energy bill has more than doubled. This means that we have had to raise the price of hiring the hall for both regular and casual users. Without this increase we were facing the prospect of the hall finances becoming unsustainable.

As many of you know Fiona Watton has retired from being leader of Micheldever Youth Club, another stalwart who will be missed, but goes with our thanks and best wishes.

Micheldever Youth Club, however, continues every Monday evening at the Hall. The club is safely under the auspices of Winchester Street Reach, who have for the last few years been the main conduit for funding, and support staff and are fully committed to continuing in this role.

The hall committee would like to thank Micheldever Lunch Club for the donation of £300 towards the running costs of the hall. This is very generous and will help us with the energy bill. We wish Lunch club all of the best for the future; they are a fantastic village asset.

Finally, I hope you all managed to see the Panto. MVG is a key partner for Northbrook Hall and we are looking forward to their other productions this year. CE

How the West was Won

The Dever Valley Local History Society and the Church of St Mary the Virgin were delighted to welcome Charles Edward Harris to the Warren Centre at Micheldever Station on Friday 20th January for Wine and Cheese and an illustrated talk

“How The West Was Spun : The Legacy of the Louisiana Purchase”. It was supported by a satisfyingly large audience, to raise money for church funds.

When America officially declared its Independence from Britain, 4th July 1776, there were just 13 states along the west coast of the continent, the rest was controlled mainly by France and Spain or tribes of native Indians. The 13 star flag was in use from 1777 until 1916. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was the 3rd president of

The United States from 1801 and he realised the possibilities of opening up land

to the west of the Mississippi River. He explored the possibility of buying New Orleans, the only port and town of note in this area. James Monroe was sent by Jefferson to approach the French. Napoleon was involved in wars in Europe and was planning an expensive attack against England and needed money. Therefore negotiations were opened to increase the land purchase north to the boundary of Canada. Eventually it agreed to acquire 828,000 sq. miles of land for the sum of 52 million francs. To raise the finance it was logical to turn to England as both countries

would benefit from France leaving Louisiana. They looked to people they trusted, people with deep pockets. The people of Hampshire (of course!) - Micheldever and East Stratton - the home of the Barings, who they had already been dealing with for nearly 30 years. Barings started their American operations in 1774, 2 years before the American Declaration of Independence. By 1790 Barings had greatly expanded their resources, both through Francis Baring’s efforts in London and by association with the leading Amsterdam bankers, Hope & Co. In 1796, Barings helped finance the purchase of a million acres that became part of the US state of Maine. Francis Baring and Company had become the US Government’s official banking agent in London – so they were asked to handle the transaction. In one of the most historically significant trades in the history of the world, the deal would involve a mix of sovereign bonds and the assumption of considerable French debts to American citizens. Hope of Amsterdam assisted in facilitating and underwriting the purchase, issuing the sovereign bonds which carried 6% interest redeemable 16 years later. The deal also added considerably to the wealth of

Thomas Jefferson

Flag in use 1770-1917

Barings Bank as they acquired $11.25 million in bonds for just $9.44 million. The painting above by Thomas Lawrence shows Francis Baring, 1st Baronet, a British merchant and director of the East India Company with his older brother John, and his son-in-law Charles Wall, a partner in Barings Bank. The increase in American land, which cost less than 5 cents an acre would encourage the progress of pioneers who would explore and map the hitherto unknown area. The progress of the pioneers who would explore, map and record this land provided new images of trees, flowers, animals and birds hitherto unknown. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led a government sponsored expedition to explore this vast wilderness soon after the signing of the purchase, discovering 180 plants and 125 animals hitherto unknown to scientists. They were carefully recorded and sketched. Sacajawea – the Shoshone Indian bird woman led the expedition for 16 months acting as guide and interpreter showing that the scientists were not a threat. There were an estimated 10 million Indians in numerous different tribes. In 1828 President Andrew Jackson formally adopted the policy of Indian removal. As progress continued, the face of this mostly virgin landscape changed for ever.

De-forestation of thousands of square miles was needed to provide the wood for building towns, canals and railways. Steamships and trains provided opportunities for ordinary Americans to explore their new world in comfort from Lake Erie to New Orleans. Tourism for Americans in America began with a vengeance. Artists approached this opportunity in a variety of ways. Some painted with great nostalgia the loss of this land perceived as God given to America. Others embraced the new progress or recorded the new discoveries and new occupation opportunities. Manifest Destiny became a universally understood dictum referring to the Sublime landscape which had been given by God. The westward colonisation of America was thought to be not only a right, but a sacred duty. From the centre of America progress demanded more and dictated “GO WEST”.

Western businesses boomed. Logging thrived as there was a never ending demand for wood for building homesteads and also river boats for the desperately needed transport. The River boat was an American invention as steam boats were used which finally defeated the strong currents of the Mississippi River. Mining for gold and oil (for kerosene lamps) would follow and eventually the railroads at last opened up the

Francis & John Baring, Charles Wall by Thomas Lawrence

The Louisiana Purchase

East to the Pacific. The invention of firearms would eventually destroy many native Indians together with millions of buffalo. The right to bear arms would be enshrined in the American Constitution. Daniel Boone and his passage through the Cumberland Gap into the New World would transform him into a figure of folk legend. This was certainly an area where the survival of the fittest would rule and stories about survival were glorified for publicity to attract both

tourists and new settlers. The west became romanticised in literature and film. The long cattle drives, with cowboys crossing 1000’s of miles of open land for payment of a dollar a day, only lasted for about 25 years. It was terminated by the invention of barbed wire which allowed ranchers to fence off their land. We still all remember stories of Buffalo Bill and Kit Carson living the American Dream in a land of opportunity.

Hendrika Foster

Wonston Community Café

Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney

Third Wednesday of the month

9.30am - 12 noon

15th February - Goalball Winchester

5th March - BOAZ

Cash only café

All donations welcome

The café is staffed entirely by volunteers

Cakes are all homemade We serve real coffee

Plenty of free parking!

Wonston Community Café

It was very busy at the December Wonston Community Café, and we raised an amazing £433 for Myeloma UK. The money was raised from sales of cakes – especially the very popular mince pies! – and coffee, as well as sales of Christmas gifts and table decorations, made by Celia, Janis and Hilary. Aly Wright, a local fundraiser for the charity, attended the café and chatted to guests about the work that is being done.

originally devised in 1946 to help rehabilitate soldiers who had lost their sight during the war. It has been played throughout the world ever since, at the highest level, by people who are blind or partially sighted.

The next Wonston Community Café will be at the Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney, 9.30am–12 noon on Wednesday 15th February. We will be supporting Goalball Winchester. One of our local residents, Pip Varley, is a volunteer for the charity and will be at the café to chat about her involvement. Goalball UK provide and promote sporting opportunities from grassroots to GB squads for blind and partially sighted people across the UK. Goalball is an exciting Paralympic, indoor, 3-a-side team sport, of attack and defence – with a unique twist! The sport was

Please do come along to support the Wonston 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 and we welcome all donations to the nominated charity.

2023 dates/charities already confirmed are:

15th February Goalball

15th March BOAZ

Janis Kinnell

Energy Efficient Warmer Homes Invitation for a FREE Thermal Image

Discover where the heat is escaping from your home

We are inviting you to arrange for one of our community members to visit your home and use a thermal imaging camera to provide information for you as to where heat is escaping from your home. You can use this image to understand where you could put some insulation or to discover where you may want to seek professional advice on more serious matters.

We have the imaging camera volunteers available during February

You are also invited to attend a FREE on-line event where we can show you how to reduce the heat loss using affordable and sometimes free methods of home changes. This will work even if you are in rented accommodation. You will be informed of the date for this event via email.

If you would like to have a heat camera visit you for free, please fill in the form below and we will arrange a time with you. You will receive images of your home taken with our thermal camera. You will not be charged a fee.

All we ask in return is that you give us some feedback – see note below.

If you would like to speak to someone from Greening Micheldever Parish please text 07515 339279 or email peter.okeefe@micheldeverparish.org.uk

In return for the free imaging we would be really grateful if you would fill in the feedback form using this link. It will not ask for any contact details or any personal information, we just want to learn whether changes are being made to home insulation using this service.

https://greening-campaign.org/home-thermal-imaging-feedback/

Please be respectful to our volunteers – please note we cannot give professional advice.

Greening Campaign - Energy

Your name

Your address

Your email

Your phone number

Give us an idea of when may be the best time to visit so we avoid children’s tea time, or when you work, etc For examplebetween 7pm and 8pm weekday evenings .

Send completed form to: 1 Canada Cottages, Overton Road, Micheldever Station, SO21 3AN

Church Services for The Dever Benefice

February 5th Fifth Sunday of Epiphany

9.15 am Holy Communion (said) St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

10.00 am Café Church

Rev’d Rob Rees

10.00 am Morning Prayer St Margaret’s - South Wonston

John Walsh

10.00 am Holy Communion St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity

Rev’d Peter Brown

11.00 am Morning Prayer

Rev’d Rob Rees

Trinity - Wonston

3.00 pm Plough Service St James - Woodmancote

Rev’d Rob Rees

February 12th Sixth Sunday of Epiphany

10.00 am Holy Communion St Margaret's - South Wonston

Rev’d Dave Mapes

10.00 am Holy Communion with Baptism All Saints - East Stratton

Rev’d Rob Rees

10.00 am Informal Service St James - Hunton

Ruth Guy & Roland Guy

11.00 am Holy Communion Holy Trinity - Wonston

Rev’d Peter Brown

2.00 pm Holy Baptism

Rev’d Rob Rees

Trinity - Wonston

6.00 pm Evensong St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

Rev’d Rob Rees

February 19th Last Sunday Before Lent

10.00 am Holy Communion St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

Rev’d Rob Rees

10.00 am Morning Praise St Margaret’s - South Wonston

Roger Keys

11.00 am Holy Communion

Rev’d Neil Britton

Trinity - Wonston

6.00 pm Holy Communion St James - Woodmancote

Rev’d Rob Rees

February 22nd Ash Wednesday

7.00 pm Ashing Service

Rev’d Rob Rees

Trinity - Wonston

February 26th

First Sunday of Lent

10.00 am Café Church St Margaret’s - South Wonston

Melinda Samms

10.00 am Informal Service St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity

Roland Guy & James Gray

11.00 am Holy Communion Holy Trinity - Wonston

Rev’d Neil Britton

March 5th

Second Sunday of Lent

9.15 am Holy Communion (said) St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

10.00 am Café Church

Rev’d Rob Rees

10.00 am Morning Prayer St Margaret’s - South Wonston

Mary Cleal

10.00 am Morning Prayer St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity

Roland Guy & Neil McSparron

11.00 am Morning Prayer Holy Trinity - Wonston tbc

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

News from Micheldever C of E School

A belated, but a very happy new year to everyone from us here at Micheldever School. We have started the new year in an excellent way, with children across the school showing some wonderful learning and attitudes at school.

Our year R/1 children in Oak have been getting stuck into their learning as they have been learning all about fairies this term. They have had a rather exciting letter asking them to each look after a fairy and so they have built them their own home and been learning how to care for one. Oak class have continued to impress us with their hard work and their reading, writing and maths skills are developing very well.

There has been a wonderful smell wafting out of Pine Class (our Year 1/2 class) as the classroom has been transformed into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory! The children have had a secret spy mission to find out as much as they can about the mysterious man and have been writing up their findings. They have been investigating different types of chocolate and sweets, the best way to wrap a chocolate and find out about fair trade through this.

Holy Dusters

St Mary the Virgin Week beginning Monday;

Year 3/4 (Birch class) have been challenged to think if it is possible for them as a child to change the world. They have been looking at the impact of the industrial revolution and thinking about the impact this had on the world, in both a positive and a negative way. They have been thinking about what they can now do to have an impact and looking at famous children throughout history that have helped to change the world.

Year 5/6 (Willow and Hawthorn) have been transported to the Amazon rainforest as they think about how our world is changing. They have been looking at the impact of climate change on both areas in South America and on Micheldever and, similar to Year 3/4, been thinking about what we can all do to change the world.

Tom Johnston Headteacher.

January 30th Tricia and Charlotte

February 6th Sue and Gail

February 13th Jan and Christine

Parish Council News

Compound at the LRPF Ascia, the developer who won the tender for the re-development of the garage site at Southbrook Cottages in Micheldever, approached the Parish Council to request to use part of the LRPF as a compound area during construction.

It has been noted to both Ascia and Winchester City Council that it was very disappointing to be approached at this late stage, particularly as the Parish Council expressed concern over parking for all stages of this development. It was made clear to Ascia that the capacity of the Lord Rank car park could not be reduced and they then proposed using the grassed area adjacent to the car park.

The Parish Council agreed to consider the proposal subject to Ascia contacting (as a minimum) the properties closest to the proposed compound, canvassing their views and attending the January meeting to explain the proposal to the councillors.

It was noted that, if an agreement were reached, a wider range of properties should be notified and provided with a contact number on which to report any issues or concerns during the period of use of the compound and, once construction is completed, this wider

range of residents should be asked their preference on retaining the additional parking area or returning it to grass.

The majority of residents canvassed were in favour of the compound being sited on the LRPF as it would be less disruptive for residents than having large lorries delivering via Southbrook Cottages.

The representative from Ascia confirmed that deliveries would be made to the compound and materials then moved to the site (as needed) by smaller vehicles. He also confirmed that a porous surface would be used for the compound area.

The Parish Council have noted that the surface would need to extend to the road entrance and that the proposal needs to be approved by the Highways Authority but, because it will lead to the least disruption for residents, have agreed to the proposal subject to these conditions being met.

Parish Assembly – save the date!

This year’s Parish Assembly is to be held on 19th April 2023 at Northbrook Hall in Micheldever. Please note the date, your attendance would be greatly appreciated.

Jocelyn, the Clerk, can be contacted via micheldeverpc@hotmail.co.uk or on 01794 368951 (office hours if possible please).

Citizens Advice

Winchester District

Q: I’ve noticed mould and damp in our flat. It’s mainly in our bedroom, including some black mould on the carpet. I’ve been chasing our letting agency, who say they’ll speak to our landlord. I’m really worried about how this might affect our health. Our tenancy agreement isn’t up for eight months, what can I do?

It’s good that you’ve already raised the issue with your letting agency. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to work out the cause of mould or damp This can make it difficult to work out if your landlord is responsible, unless there’s an obvious cause, like a leaking roof.

There are many causes of damp that properties can get. The most common are rising, penetrating, construction and condensation damp. On our website there is information that may help you work out what type of damp you have, who is responsible and what you can do. Check your tenancy agreement too for mentions of repairs and damp, and reach out to Citizens Advice on anything you’re unsure about.

A landlord will have to act in relation to damp if it makes the property unsafe for someone to live in. This could be for example, if it is making the tenant or a member of their family ill. The landlord will also be responsible if the damp is related to repairs they should have carried out, like if heaters are broken. If the damp has damaged items that the landlord is responsible for, such as carpets and window frames, they’ll likely have to cover the cost of repairs.

One of the most common causes of damp is condensation. To prevent this, it’s important to keep homes well-heated

and wellventilated, but for a lot of people this will be trickier to do given the colder weather and higher heating costs. You may be eligible for help to insulate and heat your home, and should visit our website to find out more.

On our website we also have advice on things that can make damp worse and may impact the landlord taking responsibility for repairs. These include drying clothes on heaters or blocking air vents.

If your landlord is responsible for the damp in your property but doesn’t act, there are steps you can take, such as reporting them to the local authority. If you’re in social housing you might also be able to use the landlord’s formal complaints procedure. There is more information about this on our website. If it reaches the point where you want to get out of a fixed term tenancy agreement early, do speak to an adviser first, as there might be better ways to approach the issue.

You can contact Citizens Advice Winchester District for free on 0808 278 7861 or you can also find more information on the Citizens Advice website (www.citizensadvice.org.uk).

Lesley Rose, Advice Services Manager for Citizens Advice Winchester District gives advice on what to do if you have mould or damp in your rental property

Jackie’s County Corner

Need help with your finances?

Although the cost of living is in the news at present, there may be other reasons why you need help with your finances. Our local Citizens Advice provides an amazing service for all queries, including online, face to face and by telephone. Led locally by Dr Sue Campbell, CA has good networks with HMRC, charity including cancer care providers, energy and housing providers etc. They also currently receive additional funding to help you cope with the heavy burden of inflation of food and energy costs for families and older people. Go to the ‘get advice’ tab for details of how to contact them, face to face time for calls & visits etc. https://citizensadvicewinchester. org.uk or call 0808 278 7861to talk to an advisor Mon-Fri 10am -4pm

Vaccinations and boosters for children

Adults are usually invited for vaccination, but it’s not so easy to know what to do for children who may not be vulnerable themselves but are in regular contact with someone who is medically vulnerable. I asked Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health. His advice is to call the NHS HIOW helpline 0300 561 0018 for details of all under 18’s clinics. Unfortunately, there are no current Winchester venues for infant boosters/vaccinations, so you may have to travel further afield if the mobile unit isn’t in place soon. If you have any direct queries for Simon, please email simon. bryant@hants.gov.uk or contact me.

Constant rain is resulting in more potholes

The wet weather conditions are creating problems for the County Council as roads

are literally being washed away leaving huge holes in the tarmac surface. Please report any you see so that they can be filled as quickly as possible (although that may be with a temporary material just for safety). Please call 0300 555 1388 or go to the hants. gov.uk website and search ‘report a road problem’. You can report overgrown hedges, flooding and more from here too. Thank you. A change in arrangements for disposal of Upholstered Seating from Jan 2023. Most HWRC’s will now have a separate skip in which upholstered seating will be collected for disposal by incineration: the reason for this is they contain POP’s: persistent organic but toxic pollutants. Alresford is not one of the sites accommodating this change because it is too small to accept yet another skip, so it’s best to book a trip to Winchester or Alton. PS: Rumours abound but I have written confirmation from HCC: there is no plan to close Alresford Library.

HCC Grants continue to be offered for greener energy and recycling schemes, and community hubs. Please contact me if you have an

idea and we’ll work out which grant is the most useful for you.

The M3 Junction 9 application

Called a Development Consent Order, the DCO application has been validated by the National Planning service, due to be decided in 2024. Local County Councillors were briefed on the implications of construction diversions just before Christmas. Inevitably, although diversions do not include the A33, realistically, it will affect traffic levels as drivers get used to taking the shortest route/using satnavs from Winchester, Basingstoke & between.

Safer Roads

Finally, I must mention the Cart and Horses junction. Most local people will be pleased to hear that I will continue to campaign for a safer junction here. Thank you for all your encouragement to do so. The Exec Member, Cllr Adams-King, has agreed to meet me again with local councillors when we know more of the accident investigation, which should be this month.

Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk

telephone: 07973 696 085 My website: www.jackieporter.co.uk

Change of Management at Dever Printing

After 15 years at the helm of Dever Printing, Richard Vellacott has stepped down as the lynch pin of all printing matters in Micheldever. During his tenure he has overseen great changes in the business, introducing a bespoke computer system, upgrading and moving the printer to its new home in The Warren Centre and has generally modernised the operation of printing the Dever Magazine, the Dever Advertiser and much more besides.

Richard is owed a huge vote of thanks.

Over the time he has been there, he has devoted a great deal of time on a voluntary basis and leaves the Dever Magazine in a very fit and robust state. The Dever Magazine is a not-for-profit enterprise which ploughs back any surplus income into the community in the form of grants for various projects. He has been replaced by James Dixon. Please contact James for any Leaflets, Booklets, Brochures or Newsletters you might want printing.

deverprinting@btinternet.com

City Councillors’ News

You will need to prove your identity at polling stations at all future elections, starting with the local elections in May 2023. Voters must show photographic identification before they can vote. This Photo ID can be a passport (including an out-of-date document), photo driving licence, immigration document, PASS card, concessionary travel card (not railcards), MOD Form 90 or the new Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). Photocopies, work IDs and student IDs will not be accepted. You should be able to apply for a VAC online from www.gov.uk. Changes to voting by post will come in over the next year.

Caroline, Stephen and Patrick were part of a City Council Grants Panel that considered applications from local organisations recently. The South Wonston Sustainability group will receive £575 to purchase a thermal imaging camera. This will be used to identify homes in the village that could reduce heat loss. Sparsholt Cricket

Club will receive £1,000 for equipment to set up a new team for girls. If your group or organisation could benefit from such a grant, do contact one of us to discuss what funding might be available.

Some major projects in and around Winchester are starting up, including housing and refurbishment of the area around Winchester Station, development of the old depot site (next to the new leisure centre at Bar End) and proposals for new commercial buildings on the old Bushfield Camp.

Work on the new council homes in Southbrook Cottages should start in the middle of February. After consultation with residents, the parish council have allowed the contractors to put their site compound on part of the Northbrook car park. This will mean large vehicles will not need to go up Southbrook Cottages. The contractor is required to improve the car park on completion of the build.

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 1st February

Wonston PC Wednesday 8th February

South Wonston PC Monday 13th February

Stephen

Cllr Stephen Godfrey

119 Downs Road

South Wonston

SO21 3EH

Tel: 01962 884477

sgodfrey@winchester.gov.uk

Northbrook Hall.

Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney.

South Wonston Pavilion.

All meetings start at 7.30pm.

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

Health Hub

We are are offering walk-in sessions for:

First, second and booster doses of the COVID vaccine to anyone eligible aged 12 years+

Free blood pressure checks

General information and advice to promote a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing

24 January from 1pm to 5.30pm

31 January from 1pm to 5.30pm

21 February from 1pm to 5.30pm

28 February from 1pm to 5.30pm

21 March from 1pm to 5.30pm

10 January from 9am to 2pm

7 February from 9am to 2pm

7 March from 9am to 2pm 28 March from 9am to 2pm

Winnall Community Centre, Garbett Road, SO23 0NY

The Carroll Centre, Somers Close, Stanmore, SO22 4EJ

From Our MP Steve Brine

Constituents will not have missed the pressure our NHS is under at this time and that was especially the case over the Christmas period when the media was wall-to-wall with coverage from many parts of the UK.

As our local MP I have, of course, made the NHS my number one priority since day one but I am now able to amplify that through my national role as chair of the powerful Health & Social Care Select Committee in Parliament.

Wearing both hats I paid a New Year visit to Winchester’s Royal Hampshire County Hospital to see for myself how Winter pressures are impacting our local NHS and to thank staff for their hard work over the holiday season. I spent time meeting senior Trust managers before visiting the Emergency Department where I spoke with staff at length.

I also visited Clarke Ward–and Shawford Ward–where colleagues spent time chatting with me about the impact on specialist and general wards of the huge rise in demand this Winter for acute services.

There is no question the usual Winter impact is being compounded this year by a huge rise in demand and the ‘twin-demic’ of flu on top of Covid.

The message I received time and again was just how poorly many people being admitted are–some of them much younger–as a result of the nasty strain of flu virus circulating at this time. All of this is, of course, on top

of the usual RSV and upper respiratory infections we see at this time of year.

There is no question, and I hear this everywhere I go, until we resolve some of the long-standing problems in social care–on the domiciliary side in particular–and in access to primary care, that we will continue to see the acute sector struggle.

My Select Committee will be returning to this subject including scrutinising the recent announcement of a further £250 million to speed up hospital discharge, safely discharging thousands of patients to free up hospital capacity and reduce the Covid backlogs. My website and social media links to all our work which I know constituents will find of interest.

While at the RHCH, I also discussed recruitment and retention issues facing nursing and the strikes being pursued by the Royal College of Nursing. Nurses in Winchester are not striking but they certainly recognise many of the issues facing the profession. You can see much more on this stevebrine.com/prioritynhs

Finally it was my pleasure to pop backstage

Steve visiting the Emergency Department at Royal Hampshire County Hospital

last month at the Theatre Royal in Winchester as the famous Blue Apple Theatre put on their latest show. ‘Lashings of ginger beer’ ran in early January and was received brilliantly by the reviewers and those who managed to get a ticket. Check out the write-ups online!

Steve Brine

Sudoku (Easy)

January Solution

http://www.dailysudoku.com/

MP

Steve backstage at with Blue Apple Theatre

Micheldever Preschool

Welcome to 2023

We have had such an interesting Christmas term. We enjoyed our Christmas family meal cooked lovingly by our parents and were amazing in our Nativity on the re-adapted version of the Julia Donaldson book ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’. Our manager Nikie was great at re-adapting the story to fit in with the tale of baby Jesus and the children all played a very active role. We all enjoyed the Christmas activities and it seems such a long way ago now.

We have also been so lucky to have Kim join the preschool family. Kim impressed the children and the committee with her enthusiasm and her passion for working with the children. Kim brings a wide range of experience and enjoys supporting the children’s development through play.

We are now running a waiting list for some days, so if you would like to join the family, please do get in touch.

We are still looking to run a Stay & Play Coffee morning for parents with other children within the community. It will be once a month on a Friday morning. However, we need to gauge how many families would be interested. If this is something you would like to come along to please can you register your interest with Mrs Nicola Mann-Rae at leader.micheldeverpreschool@ghmail.com

If you feel that you would like to be a part of our preschool family and join us on our Hygge journey we do have some limited availability. So if you would like or know someone who is looking for a small family feel run community preschool, please do get in touch. Please contact myself Mrs. Nicola Mann - Rae at leader.micheldeverpreschool@gmail.com

Check out our website: -

www.micheldeverandstrattonpreschool.co.uk Facebook -

Micheldever & Stratton Pre-school | Facebook

Emailleader.micheldeverpreschool@gmail.com

Telephone - 07934981271

Sort code: 40-46-39

Account No: 52117150

Patston, Treasurer

Forthcoming Events 2023

March

1st 12 30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall

1st 7 .30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Hall

4th 7 00pm The Quiz Evening - Northbrook Hall

5th tbc Auditions for And Then there Were None, MVG - Northbrook Hall

24th 8 00pm Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall

April

3rd-7th Play In A Week, Joseph - Northbrook Hall

5th 7 .30pm Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall

12th 12 30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall (NOTE: Change of Date)

19th 7 .30pm Parish Assembly - Northbrook Hall

May

3rd 12 .30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall

3rd 7 .30pm Micheldever Parish Council - The Warren Centre

19th 8 .00pm Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall

June

7th 12 .30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall

7th 7 .30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Hall

22nd-24th7 .30pm And Then There Were None, MVG - Northbrook Hall

July

8 .00pm Micheldever Wine Circle, Summer Party - venue tbc 5th 12 .30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall

7 30pm Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall

September

12 30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall 6th 7 .30pm Micheldever Parish Council - The Warren Centre

8 00pm Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall

October

12 30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall

7 .30pm Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Hall

8 00pm Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall November

12 30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall 1st 7 .30pm Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall

February Diary

1st 12 30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall

1st 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall

3rd 8 .00pm Micheldever Wine Circle, A Case of the Committee - Northbrook Hall

Hall Booking

Mobile Post Office

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

East Stratton Hall 01962 774517, Northbrook Hall 07802 755132, booknorthbrookhall@gmail .com

The Warren Centre visit www .thewarrencentre .co .uk/hire

Regular Dates and Times – Weekly

SUNDAYS Church Services Details on centre pages

TUESDAYS 8.00–9.00 pm Circuit Training by Toppe from T Fit Training, Micheldever School Hall. contact Jane 07919 018877

WEDNESDAYS 9.30–10.30 am Mobile Post Office, Lord Rank Car Park, Micheldever 9.00–10.00 am Body Control Pilates–Micheldever Village Hall. contact Fredricka Brooks, 07979 254895

THURSDAYS 8.00–10.00 pm Dever Singers Rehearsal–Micheldever or South Wonston churches . contact, ruthironton@gmail.com

FRIDAYS 2.00–3.30 pm Community Library, Northbrook Hall

The Arts Society Winchester

Where:

Middle Brook Centre

Middle Brook Street

Winchester

When: 3rd Tuesday of the month

Time: Lectures 11am -12noon / open from 10.15am

The Arts Society is a leading arts education charity with a global network of local Societies which bring people together through

a shared curiosity for the arts. Our events provide welcoming places to hear expert lecturers share their specialist knowledge about the arts.

www.theartssocietywinchester.org.uk For general and guest enquiries, please contact info@theartssocietywinchester.org.uk