The Dever January 2024

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

January 2024 90p

Photograph Anby Dixon

East Stratton Village Hall Monday 1 January 2024

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 Thursday 28th December Please phone 01962 774516

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

Contents View from the Rectory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News from Woodmancote & Popham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 An Update From St Mary’s Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Dever Subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Wish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Micheldever CE Primary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Wonston Community Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Community Christmas Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Holy Dusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Church Services for The Dever Benefice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Dever Valley Church Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Parish Council News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Where Is This? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Climate Fresk - Monday 22nd January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 From Our MP Steve Brine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ipheion Uniflorum, The Star Flower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Jackie’s County Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Cercle Français de Winchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 City Councillors’ News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Forthcoming Events 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Hall Booking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 January Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Regular Dates and Times – Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Dever - January 2024 3

Dever Valley Contacts

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

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

Church Wardens

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

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

Websites

St Mary the Virgin www.stmarysmicheldever.co.uk Holy Trinity www.wonstonchurch.co.uk Editor: Peter O’Keefe 07515 339279 1 Canada Cottages, Overton Road, Micheldever Station, SO21 3AN. Email: editor@thedever.org

The Dever

Printing: James Dixon and team Micheldever Anby Dixon Micheldever Station Andy Adams East of railway line Ann Hawkins West of railway line

Treasurer: James Dixon

Subscriptions Enquiries & Distribution

Sales: Editor: 4

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

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

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

07799 212586 01962 774363 01962 774956

East Stratton Olly Bramley Woodmancote Liz Hawkesworth External/Postal Hazel Nugent

07981 216621 01962 774516 07850 491889 07940 485882

Dever Advertiser

Amanda Forsey email: Roger Forsey

01962 774115 mob. 07500 334393 deveradvertiser@hotmail.com

The Dever - January 2024

View from the Rectory Dear Friends and Neighbours I hope and pray that you all had a joy-filled Christmas with the hope of the season and a Happy New Year!

Unsurprisingly, I am writing this View from The Rectory early in December, such are the deadlines for the Magazines, at the beginning of another New Year – Advent.

Many of you will know that I work in the education sector. Indeed, I am one of those people who has never left education. I have attended it, studied it and now I work in it. I am sure in whatever way you have experienced education you will know that it comes with its own seasons – its beginnings and endings. And, at each transition period, from one academic year to the next, there are often reports and reviews – time in which we look back at what we have done: how well we have done it; and, how we can improve as we move forward.

Advent, is the beginning of the new church year and so it calls us to look back as well as forward. It is a time marked out for reflection and to review our response to the call that God has had on our lives over the past

year and how faithful we have been to that call. It is a time to reflect on all that we have done both in love and faithful service and to identify on all that we have failed to do in thought, word and action. And, it is a time, when we can, having searched deep within ourselves, identify what it is and how it is we might be more faithful and diligent in the love and service of others in this new year ahead.

Love and service which are so brilliantly, amazingly, generously and faithfully gifted to us by God in the birth of Jesus the Christ – Emmanuel (God with us). It will be in and through His example of love and service to all that we will seek to emulate in our families, in our church communities, in our villages and and indeed in our work places.

And so, as we begin this new year, let us rest in the assurance that the Word was made flesh and dwells amongst us and let us dedicate ourselves in faithful and loving service to the one who is always faithful, Jesus Christ.

Rev’d Dr Robert Rees Rector The Dever Benefice

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News from Woodmancote & Popham St James Woodmancote had another fabulous Carol Service with an almost record attendance–at least 85 people.

It was wonderful to see so many there, of all ages, and from most of the churches across the benefice.

Rev. Rob took the Carol Service and also conducted a 16 strong choir who sang The Coventry Carol and In the Bleak Midwinter, as well as joining the congregation in the other carols. All were accompanied beautifully on the organ by Belinda.

Lily Hooton (Penny and Colin Dixon’s granddaughter) sang a beautiful solo of the first verse of Once in Royal and we all sat quite starstruck!

The Church looked very festive, decorated with Christmas trees in all the windows and a lovely flower arrangement on the font. Thank you to all the wonderful choir, all the readers and everyone who helped decorate the church.

Afterwards almost everyone went back to Rownest Meadow for cheese and wine and somehow there was space!

On behalf of everyone who so enjoyed Mary and Nick’s hospitality, a great big thank you to them both too.

The Carol Service, followed by the party at Rownest Meadow, always marks the start of Christmas at Woodmancote and it is such an enjoyable evening.

In January we have one Service which is Evensong 6pm Sunday 21st January to be taken by Claire Bentham.

Our traditional Plough Service will be Sunday 11th February at 3pm.

We do hope you can make one or both of those Services.

Jane.

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The Dever - January 2024

Micheldever Parish Council

Notice of Meeting Wednesday 6th January East Stratton Village Hall 7.30pm This will be an in person meeting of the Parish Council and residents are welcome to attend.

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

www.micheldeverparish.org.uk

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

E me r ge nc y !

The Parish Council are in the process of finalising a new local Emergency Plan.

We need 2-3 local people across the Parish who would be willing to act as Emergency Response Coordinators in the event that support is needed for minor or major events affecting the local community. This role will require only occasional short meetings with fellow coordinators and the Emergency Team Leader.

We would also like to hear from anyone who can offer any specific services locally that may of use in the event of an emergency incident such as tree clearance etc.

If you would like to get involved please contact Councillor Andrew Adams – andrew.adams@micheldeverparish.org.uk / 01962 774363

An Update From St Mary’s Church With thanks to Juliet Pattinson It is all too easy to think that a church, just like St Mary’s, that has been in its place for hundreds of years runs itself. It is all too easy to think that the worship, services and events just happen. And, it is all too easy to think that the bricks, mortar and fabric take care of themselves. This is not so.

Over the past 13 years, Juliet Pattinson has responded in faith and fulfilled the role of Church Warden. In doing so, she has led on the internal workings of the church, ensuring its good order and its ability to undertake its role as the Parish Church for Micheldever, Micheldever Station and Weston Colley. And, whilst in normal times this would be a full enough role, Juliet has supported the church during a number of vacancies. I am personally thankful for the support that Juliet has generously offered me throughout my curacy (and indeed before that) and since I have been your Rector.

Juliet, having resigned to the Bishop, stepped down on 31 December but will continue to be a member of the Parochial Church Council (PCC). And, it was great that we could begin to acknowledge her contribution at the Service of Lessons and Carols just before Christmas.

There will be other opportunities in the Spring to fully acknowledge Juliet’s contribution as Church Warden.

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The PCC will meet again in January at its normal cycle of meetings. During that meeting, it is hoped that Louise Keys (who has put herself forward with my support) will be voted in as Church Warden. I am also thrilled that at the same meeting, we hope to be able to welcome three new members to the PCC to join Claire Bentham who has just joined the PCC. Rev’d Dr Robert Rees Rector, The Dever Benefice and Chair of St Mary’s PCC

The Dever - January 2024

The Dever Subscription Subscriptions run from January through to December, one issue a month, 12 in total.

The cost is £9.00 per annum for either the print version or the online version. If your address is outside our normal delivery area it can be posted to you for £18.00 per annum to cover the extra costs involved.

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The Dever - January 2024 9

Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Wish St Mary’s Church, Micheldever and The Dever Valley Local History Group joined forces to welcome Charles Harris who presented a talk on “Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Wish”.

Comparatively little known in this country Rockwell (1894-1978) born in New York later moved to Vermont then Stockbridge Massachusetts. After studying at Art School, aged 17, he was hired to illustrate a children’s book. In 1916 he was employed by the Saturday Evening Post as an illustrator and he immediately became famous for his images of ideal middle class families in America. In 1917 he joined the Navy – taken on as a military artist. He created several covers for Life magazine conveying Patriotism.

His large-scale magazine colour illustrations became the TV of preelectronic America, and by 1925 Rockwell was a national name known to everyone, rich/poor, black/white, illiterate or Ph.D. To most he was a master: sane – unlike Van Gogh, comprehensible – unlike Picasso and perfectly attuned to what Americans wanted in a picture not a painting. He was a skilled portraitist, most of his imagery was of people he knew, and he first made a drawing of minute verisimilitude, exaggerating every wink, scowl, grin or pout. Rockwell’s painting style never changed throughout his long career. Morality and politeness are always conveyed through his imagery passing on the family values he had been taught. He used basic images, to convey the notion that hard work was respected and admired, Mother ran the household and her word was law, his pictures never offended.

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As traditions and imagery in England owed much to Charles Dickens, so Rockwell created the American image of Santa Claus for every child in America, based on old fashioned Christian values expressed through everyday family values. Rockwell remained popular throughout the years of the Great Depression and WW2 The series of paintings “The Four Freedoms” published in the Saturday Evening Post became a pinnacle of his career.

They were inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech on The State of The Union, delivered to the 77th US Congress on January 6th 1941. The government used the theme to boost patriotism, they eventually became part of the charter for the United Nations.

1. Freedom of Speech. Published Feb. 20th 1943 2. Freedom of Worship Feb. 27th 3. Freedom from Want March 6th 4. Freedom from Fear March 13th Hendrika Foster

The Dever - January 2024

Micheldever CE Primary School Autumn terms are always busy and this year has been no exception. As a whole school we have celebrated Harvest Festival, Remembrance and Christmas, when our school family has come together to listen and take part in the wonderful and thoughtful services led by our children.

At the end of each term we hold our Class Exhibitions, where the children are very excited to be able to share their learning projects with their parents. It is wonderful to see how proud they are of everything they have learnt during the term.

Our Year 5/6 class have been considering ‘What does it mean to venture into the unknown’, especially looking at space and taking a road trip across the USA. During the term they had an exciting trip to Winchester Science Centre with a planetarium show and also a Stargazing evening with our Federated school Barton Stacey, with a camp fire and an opportunity to test out the rockets they had made.

Our Year 3/4 class considered ‘Has life always been like this?’ and have been finding out about what life was like in the Stone Age to Iron Age. The children were able to immerse themselves in what life would have been like, by a trip to Stonehenge, where they took part in a workshop in a round house as well as visiting the famous stone circle.

In our Year 1/2 class they were exploring the world with Christopher Columbus and thinking about whether Columbus was a hero or a misery maker. A replica of the Santa Maria was created in class and over the term the children voyaged with Columbus and explored new worlds, immersing themselves in what life would have been like travelling with Christopher Columbus through role play and creative projects.

Most of the pupils in our youngest class only joined us in September and it has been wonderful to see how well they have settled into school life in such a short time. The children started by finding out all about ‘Marvellous Me’ where the class found out what they had in common and also what made them special. They then went on to find out about all those special people who help us within our families and communities.

We are looking forward to the Christmas break and then the start of the Spring term when we will be excited to start our new learning projects.

The Dever - January 2024 11

Wonston Community Café The November café was supporting Winchester Talking Newspapers for the blind and partially sighted. In the lobby manning the display table were John Richards, WTN chairman, his wife Ann, and Keith Vincent (photographed). WTN treasurer, Peter Liddiard was also there for most of the morning. Amongst the café customers were active committee members Mary Davis, Jane Harding, Liz Le Grys, and of course Linda Vincent (regular baker!) and Celia Feguson, one of our café volunteers.

There were four or five other volunteers who supported the event as well. John and Ann were able to demonstrate to café customers some of the equipment used, and ways that WTN help the blind and partially sighted.

We had a good turnout in the sunshine and the hall was buzzing with chatter.

Some of the WTN volunteers had brought cake for us to sell so we had a very varied selection including spiced orange cake and a dairy free apricot and coconut traybake. We also offer a different gluten free cake every month, as well as biscotti.

We had over 60 visitors in November.

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After expenses we were able to donate £450 to WTN, half of which was made up of some very generous donations, as well as coffee and cake sales. £17 was also raised from donations in the collecting boxes in the lobby.

Our next café will be at the Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney, 9.30-12 noon, on Wednesday 17th January, with proceeds going to The Royal British Legion Women’s Section.

This charity was formed in 1921 to care for service personnel and their dependants. They are totally self-funded and do not receive any money raised by The Royal British Legion.

During the years the charity has supported children’s homes and rest homes, and recently has arranged a wardrobes scheme, with total grants of over £345,000 in 2022.

The Women’s section gave The Invictus Friends and Families £500,000 for the next 2 years so that friends and families can attend training sessions with the competitors and go to the games, which has made a huge difference to the welfare of the whole team.

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

Janis Kinnell

The Dever - January 2024

Community Christmas Lunch What a wonderful treat was given to all who came to the Community Christmas Lunch in The Northbrook Hall. Everything about it was fantastic. The meal was delicious, plenty of drink, crackers, coffee, and chocolates, finishing with carol singing, thankfully accompanied by Celia. The atmosphere was so warm and friendly, just what community is all about. Then a goodie bag to take home.

Thank you very much to all who worked so hard cooking and serving the meal, also for all the organising that goes on behind the scenes. This event made it the best start to the Christmas season.

Community lunches are in The Northbrook Hall every first Wednesday of the month.

Olly.

Holy Dusters St Mary the Virgin

Cleaning - week beginning Monday 1st Helen & Jane 8th Anita & Liz 15th Alison & Patricia

St James

Flowers and Cleaning

Liz Hawkesworth and Mary Wallis

Church Services for The Dever Benefice January 7th 9.00 am 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.15 am

January 14th 10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

6.00 pm

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St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Margaret’s - South Wonston Holy Trinity - Wonston

2nd Sunday of Epiphany

Morning Prayer Lay Led Holy Communion with Baptism Rev’d Rob Rees Informal Service Ruth and Roland Guy Holy Communion Rev’d James Whymark Evensong Rev’d Rob Rees

January 21st 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

6.00 pm

6.00 pm

1st Sunday of Epiphany

Holy Communion (said service) Café Church Rev’d Robert Rees / Claire Bentham Holy Communion Rev’d Neil Britton Holy Communion Claire Bentham & Neil McSparron

All Saints - East Stratton St James - Hunton Holy Trinity - Wonston St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

3rd Sunday of Epiphany

Holy Communion Rev’d Neil Britton Holy Communion Rev’d James Whymark Morning Prayer Claire Bentham Evensong Rev’d James Whymark Evensong Claire Bentham

St Margaret's - South Wonston

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Margaret’s - South Wonston Holy Trinity - Wonston

St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity St James - Woodmancote

The Dever - January 2024

January 28th 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

February 7th 9.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 pm

11.15 am

4th Sunday of Epiphany

Café Church Rev’d James Whymark Informal Service with Children’s activities Rev’d James Whymark Holy Communion Rev’d James Whymark

1st Sunday of Epiphany

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

St Margaret’s - South Wonston

St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity Holy Trinity - Wonston

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 - January 2024 15

Parish Council News Micheldever SID (Speed Indication Device) Update The additional ground sockets and posts have now been installed in Micheldever! This will allow SID to appear in more locations and to remind drivers that the speed limit in Micheldever is 20mph and not 30mph or even 40mph… The Parish Council would like to thank the volunteers who move SID around and download his data.

Hedges and Overhanging Trees The Parish Council regularly encourages residents to meet their obligations in respect of hedges and trees which are encroaching or overhanging pavements and roads.

However, complaints are still received and are particularly concerning when these present a hazard to pedestrians or motorists.

Legal requirements for maintenance.

The Highways Act 1980 (Section 154) empowers the Highway Authority (HCC), to protect the safety of highway users by ensuring that owners and occupiers carry out their legal duties in respect of roadside hedges and trees vertical to their boundaries and to give a minimum height clearance of 2.1m over footpaths and 5.2m over roads. Also to: • Trim roadside hedges to maintain visibility for road users, particularly at junctions and on the inside of bends • Trim any hedge that directly abuts a road, footway, cycleway or public right of way so that growth does not prevent the passage or affect the safety of the highway user, including cyclists and pedestrians • Remove dead or decaying trees and other growth that may fall across the highway • Ensure the highway (including the footway and drainage features) is left clear of debris from the cutting operations 16

Who is responsible for hedge and tree maintenance?

Many hedges and trees grow on the edge of the highway and mark its boundary with private property. In such cases it is the responsibility of the adjacent landowner or occupier to properly maintain them.

This also applies to trees that overhang the highway or those which may fall on to it.

Who undertakes the work?

It is easier for all concerned if landowners/ occupiers maintain their own trees and hedges to a good standard in accordance with the Highways Act. HCC or the Lengthsman, working on behalf of the Parish Council, may cut some hedges in advance of road treatment work, or in front of drainage features and road signs but this does not relieve owners and occupiers of their responsibilities.

What if the landowner/occupier fails to undertake the work?

Every effort is made to encourage owners and occupiers to meet their responsibilities.

Where roadside growth is becoming a problem, a reminder will usually first be sent by the Parish Council. If no action is taken following this HCC can serve a notice requiring the necessary work to be completed within a stated period. Failure to comply may result in HCC undertaking the work and claiming the cost incurred.

Please look to your own boundaries and consider if your hedge or trees are causing an obstruction to pedestrians, cyclists or motorists or are affecting the sightlines of road users or those accessing neighbouring properties.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Council.

The Dever - January 2024

The Parish Council can be contacted via Jocelyn, the Clerk, at:

micheldeverpc@hotmail.co.uk or 01794 368951 (office hours if possible please).

Climate Fresk - Monday 22nd January Starting at 6.30pm, venue to confirmed Do you believe that the climate crisis is a hoax? Are you convinced it is a natural process and not man made? Do you accept nothing can be done so why bother? Do you think science is too difficult?

Get the facts by coming to Climate Fresk. https://climatefresk.org

To register for this FREE workshop organised by Micheldever Parish Council, please contact the Clerk, Jocelyn, either by email micheldeverpc@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 01794 368951 (office hours if possible please).

Where Is This?

This photograph of a commemorative plaque is by a tree somewhere in the parish. What type of tree is it, and where do you think it is? You may already know. But if you can’t find it the answer will be revealed next issue.

The postbox featured in The Dever for December is by the crossroads at Micheldever Station where Church Street, Larkwhistle Farm Road, and Overton Road meet. It bears the cypher of King George the 6th who was UK monarch from 11th December 1936 until his death on 6th February 1952.

Another location next month. (Ed.)

The Dever - January 2024 17

From Our MP Steve Brine Happy New Year!

You will be aware of plans for a new hospital between Winchester and Basingstoke (near junction 7) and the implications thereof for the Royal Hampshire.

Those proposals, now out for consultation until March 17 2024, mean different things to different people and junction 7 is clearly a lot nearer these villages than some of those I represent to the south of Winchester. What we share is potentially a big change to the way acute hospital services are organised and delivered in mid/north Hampshire.

This was always a reality destined to dawn; from the moment Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust brought together the RHCH, Basingstoke Hospital and Andover War Memorial. The configuration of acute services – what’s done best where – has been discussed for many years but it was the advent of the New Hospitals Programme that gave it real resonance here.

On first reading, for the NHS in Hampshire to finally publish details on how it will invest between £700 million and £900 million in hospital services for my constituents is not to be sniffed at and it shows the silliness of those claiming this project is the result of Ministers cutting NHS budgets.

It is true, this investment gives us a oncein-a-generation opportunity to improve hospital facilities. The brand-new hospital – accompanied by even more upgraded hospital buildings at Winchester–will enable our NHS to meet the changing needs of our growing and ageing population.

Furthermore, it will help our local NHS to attract and retain the best staff; something 18

it has struggled with in recent years.

In all options being consulted upon, Winchester hospital would continue to provide 24/7 urgent treatment, a same day emergency care service, and midwife led maternity services. At present we have full consultant-led obstetric services on both acute sites.

But modernising services across a Trust will always come with hard choices about clinical priorities. Those choices are now right in front of us.

For more than fifteen years I’ve stuck my neck out for Winchester Hospital and the important services it provides my constituents. It’s been the place for so many life events for my family too including the birth of both our children and I have personally cut the ribbon on millions of pounds of investment.

In that time, my view hasn’t changed.

Winchester is a fast growing city and I want to see A&E services maintained as they are today plus full consultant-led maternity services on the RHCH site. If The Dever - January 2024

the clinicians, who must ultimately decide, feel things can be changed in a way that provides safe and sustainable services for my constituents it’s up to them to make the clinical case. We are listening.

You can see years of work on this issue, details of the many ASKtheNHS

public meetings I have held and links to the aforementioned consultation at stevebrine.com/prioritynhs and you can see more at facebook.com/SteveBrineMP Steve Brine MP for Winchester & Dever ValleyWinchester & Dever Valley

Ipheion Uniflorum, The Star Flower These tiny stars of Spring are small bulbous perennials related to Allium, that originated in South America and are suited to free draining soil. The leaves are short and grass like and the star shaped flowers are sweetly scented and come in white, blue and pink forms. They are quick to establish so you can lift and split the clumps every four years or so. Hardy in the UK, they add a welcome touch of colour to late Winter and early Spring.

They are easy to care for and require very little upkeep.

You only need to give a little water in times of excessive drought

and don’t cut them back.

If you need to lift and split a clump, this should be done in September.

Ideal for use in beds and borders, under planting for shrubs and trees as well as coastal, woodland, cottage, courtyard, gravel, alpine, rock gardens and containers with other Spring flowering bulbs. In fact, they will happily fit in to almost any garden as long as it doesn’t suffer from the wet.

Each plant grows to approximately 15cm tall and can produce up to ten individual flowers from each bulb. They don’t all flower at exactly the same time, so putting a few different types in your garden will lengthen the season of interest for these little beauties.

Be sure to note where you have planted your Ipheion as they are Summer deciduous and it would be a shame to dig them up by mistake.

This is an edited version of an article in Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants website. For the whole piece, including more tips on planting, go to www. hardyscottagegardenplants.com to sign up to Hardys Gardeners, or Visit us in Priory Lane, Freefolk, RG28 7NJ

The Dever - January 2024 19

Jackie’s County Corner Happy New Year!

Firstly, thank you to all of you who practised for weeks and made costumes to perform at all the local Pantomimes this Christmas!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get to them all, but particularly enjoyed the three henchmen and their password routine at Old Alresford! Brilliant!

I have mentioned the budget problems facing the County Council in previous County Corners.

Working groups are now set up for all of the possible areas for cuts, and the first meetings took place in mid December. These include cutting School Crossing Patrols, making School Transport changes, reducing the spend on books at libraries, reducing services (or maybe cutting out )the HWRC sites.

These working groups are set up according to the number of councillors in each political group on the council, so the ruling group has the overall majority on each working party.

The last Cabinet Meeting took place on the 12th December. You can watch this online from this link. https://democracy.hants.gov.uk/ ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=134&MId=10705 It included an item on the overall economy of Hampshire , including taking back the Solent and M3 Local Enterprise Partnerships into the County’s work programme. There was a second item on 20

the budgetary pressures, and a review of the Climate Change Annual Report.

Another item of interest to many in my division was related to the Superfast Broadband Project. For thiose of you now connected to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) this will feel very different to those still not enjoying fast internet speeds. Project Gigabit has followed on from the superfast broadband programme. It should reach yet more of the last 5% still waiting.

There was also advanced notice publication of the consultation with the final proposals for the Hampshire Minerals and Waste plan update, covering the National Park too. Please give me your thoughts before the consultation closes in February 2024. Frustratingly, the revised plan continues to ‘save sites’ once they have been allocated for waste or recycling, and still fails to prevent oil and gas extraction, even in the National Park. I don’t have a final date for the consultation as I write this in December, but I will publish the closing date in my February article.

Do you use a SAT NAV? Are you tempted The Dever - January 2024

to let it ‘do the thinking for you’? We have seen a rise in the incidents of drivers using the wrong lane on dual carriageways, and it is thought to be connected to blindly following SAT NAV instructions.

It is a very scary experience for anyone meeting a car coming towards them on the wrong side of the road. Reports of this happening on the A31 and the A33 have been received. The County Council has reviewed all the signage twice in the last few years and has added new signs on the A31, but if it happens to you, please let me know with the place, date and time. This information could save lives. Thank you.

The new STOP signs on the A33 at the Cart and Horses junction were installed in the Autumn, and soon a new Speed Indicator Device should be in place on the

southbound carriageway to keep vehicles to 40mph. The County Council will publish the outcome of the ‘Traffic lights or Roundabout’ consultation very soon, but we have to await the M3 junction 9 decision before any likely solution for a safer junction is drawn up.

Finally, the picture above is when Chris and I went to see the new ‘nutrient stripper’ being installed at the WCC Water Treatment site at Itchen Abbas. As a Winchester councillor as well as a county councillor, it’s good to see us making progress on reducing pollution in our chalk streams: making a good start to 2024.

Cllr Jackie Porter Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk 07973 696085 website www.jackieporter.co.uk

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

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

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

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

The Dever - January 2024 21

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 7.30 pm Program for 2024 Season 8 February Le peintre et le chanteur Toulouse Lautrec et Aristide Bruant 14 March Quelques couples iconiques français 11 April Quelques personnalités marquantes de la révolution française 9 May L’homme et l’artiste derrière le masque- Edgar Degas

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

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The Dever - January 2024

City Councillors’ News The NHS are to consult on how up to £900 million would be best invested in hospital services across the county. This would include a brand-new hospital for specialist and emergency care (perhaps at Dummer), such as strokes, heart attacks, trauma, obstetrician-led maternity services, and children’s emergency care. They would also see significant investment in the RHCH in Winchester, which would focus on planned operations and procedures, while retaining 24/7 urgent care, same day emergency care services, and midwife led maternity services.

RHCH would continue to provide inpatient beds for general medicine and care of the elderly, and midwife-led births, as well as outpatient appointments and diagnostic tests. The consultation is expected to run until at least the end of January 2024 – watch out for details in the press and on the HHFT website: www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk.

The threat of flooding in and around Sutton Scotney remains as groundwater levels have continued to rise. The Environment Agency have been out to clear their sumps in the village, but concern remains about silt in the pipes. Stephen is working with residents in the Wonston Flood Action Group to check the pipes are cleared and plans for a flood event are up to date. Check the Parish Council’s Emergency Plan for details of who to ring if there is a major problem in the village.

Now that the public inquiry on the appeal against planning enforcement action at Carousel Park has finished, officers are preparing for the next stage of action once the appeal is determined. The result should be announced in the spring. We believe further challenges are likely following the announcement of any decision.

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

Wednesday 3rd January

East Stratton Village Hall.

Wonston PC

Wednesday 10th January

Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney.

South Wonston PC

Monday 8th January

South Wonston Pavilion.

All meetings start at 7.30pm.

Stephen

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

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 - January 2024 23

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The Dever - January 2024

Forthcoming Events 2024 February 4th 10.00am 7th 12.30pm 7th 7.30pm March 3rd 10.00am 6th 12.30pm 6th 7.30pm April 2nd-6th 10.00am 3rd 7.30pm 7th 10.00am 10th 12.30pm 17th 7.30pm May 1st 12.30pm 1st 7.30pm 5th 10.00am June 2nd 10.00am 5th 12.30pm 5th 7.30pm July 3rd 12.30pm 3rd 7.30pm 4th-6th 7.30pm 7th 10.00am September 1st 10.00am 4th 12.30pm 4th 7.30pm

First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Matilda, Play In A Week - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council, Parish Assembly - East Stratton Village Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall A Murder Is Announced, Micheldever Variety Group - Northbrook Hall First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall

Hall Booking East Stratton Hall Northbrook Hall The Warren Centre

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

The Dever - January 2024 25

January Diary 1st 10.00am 6th 7.30pm 22nd 6.30pm 25th 7.15pm 26th 7.15pm 27th 2.00pm 27th 7.15pm 28th 2.00pm

New Years Day Breakfast - East Stratton Village Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Climate Fresk, see page 17 to register - venue tbc Happy Ever After, MVG pantomime - Northbrook Hall Happy Ever After, MVG pantomime - Northbrook Hall Happy Ever After, MVG pantomime - Northbrook Hall Happy Ever After, MVG pantomime - Northbrook Hall Happy Ever After, MVG pantomime - Northbrook Hall

Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times Monday - Saturday Sunday

8.30am - 6.30pm, 10.00am - 3.00pm

Mobile Post Office

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

Regular Dates and Times – Weekly SUNDAYS TUESDAYS

Church Services Details on centre pages 8.00–9.00 pm Circuit Training by Toppe from T Fit Training, Micheldever School Hall. contact Jane 07919 018877 WEDNESDAYS 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 2.00–3.30 pm Community Library, Northbrook Hall 8.00–10.00 pm Dever Singers Rehearsal–Micheldever or South Wonston churches. contact, ruthironton@gmail.com FRIDAYS 4.00 pm Petanque at the Warren Centre.

26

The Dever - January 2024

10 Hampshire pioneers who changed the world

by Erica Wheeler Hampshire has produced an amazing number of individuals, working in many different fields who have had an impact on our lives and sometimes throughout the world. Here are some “Hampshire Lives” and their incredible stories.

8 pm - Wednesday, 7th February 2024 Sutton Scotney Village Hall, SO21 3GX All welcome: £4 at the door