The Dever March 2024

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

March 2024 90p

First-Sunday-in-the-Month Walk First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising WalkSunday 3rd March 2024

Car share from Warren Centre CP 10.10am or meet at Popham Court, Popham Court Lane.

SO21 3BJ (off the A33) SU55784386.

The walk starts at 10.30am “Whatever Happened to Popham Village?”

It is not everybody’s idea of fun to visit a Cemetery but I wonder if you know this one even exists!

It isn’t everybody’s idea of a country stroll to walk alongside an ‘A’ road but this one has a pavement. We face the oncoming traffic and keep our wits about us.

Starting at Popham Court, Steven Ballard has kindly offered to show us the site of the original St Catherine’s Church and tell us the Story of Popham. The walk is not more than 4 miles (6K) in total. We see the fate of ‘communities’ when a major road cuts through the land, then back through woods and around the fields with views across part of The Hundred of Micheldever known as the Parish of Popham.

Children are very welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

For info contact: suebell0906@gmail.com Last month our walk donated £80 towards a specially trained dog to help a local lad who is diagnosed with Autism. I suggest this month we do likewise.

Dever The

The Journal of the Dever Valley

Contents First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Further Subscription Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News from Woodmancote & Popham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Micheldever Fête – 20 July 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Southern Voices Celebrate 40 In Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Do You Have A Passion For Working With Young People? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Dever Online Subscription Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Micheldever C of E Primary School News - March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Micheldever Village Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Happy Ever After - Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Cercle Français de Winchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 World-Changing Hampshire Pioneers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 St Mary the Virgin Toilet Twinned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Micheldever Variety Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Wonston Community Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Parish Council News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Church Services for The Dever Benefice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 1984 – 2024 Dever Singers 40th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Dever Valley Church Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Where Is This? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 From Our MP Steve Brine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 March Gardening Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Dever Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 RoWVers to Path 23 - the unloved stretch: Volunteers report 13th February . . . . . 26 New Year, New Plant Names 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Holy Dusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Jackie’s County Corner for March 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 City Councillors’ News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Forthcoming Events 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Hall Booking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 March Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Regular Dates and Times – Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 The Dever - March 2024 3

Dever Valley Contacts

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

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

Church Wardens

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

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

Websites

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

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

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

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

Treasurer: James Dixon

Subscriptions Enquiries & Distribution

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Dever Advertiser

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The Dever - March 2024

H

ave you seen the recently released musical movie ‘Wonka’? It’s a prequel to the Roald Dahl popular children’s book ‘Charlie and the Chocolate factory’.

In the movie a young penniless Willy Wonka, an entrepreneurial want-to-be chocolatier, arrives in the European city reputed to make the best chocolate in the world.

Without wanting to spoil the entire plot - it quickly transpires that the three world‑famous established chocolate companies, located in the city, are in an illegal ‘cartel’. When this ‘cartel’ tastes the succulent brilliance of Wonka’s chocolate and see the joy it brings to the first customers they decide that Wonka needs to be eliminated….

How is this film related to the church?

When Jesus started his mission on earth almost exactly 2000 years ago, he was perceived to be very radical. He performed miracles or signs that could not be explained. He challenged many of the norms of society at that time. Vast numbers of people wanted to hear Him and his message.

Just like in Wonka, the religious leaders of the time felt threatened by Jesus and believed that he was undermining their authority.

In the bible, in the book of John (Chapter 11), we read about a meeting of the

established religious authorities. “What do we do now?” they asked. “This man keeps on doing things, creating God-signs. If we let him go on, pretty soon everyone will be believing in him and the Romans will come and remove what little power and privilege we still have. Then one of them—it was Caiaphas, the designated Chief Priest that year—spoke up, “Don’t you know anything?

Can’t you see that it’s to our advantage that one man dies for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed?”

Jesus suffered and died at the hands of Roman occupiers. But, in an amazing turn of events Christians believe that he came back to life, via his ‘resurrection’, just three days later and so the leaders of the time, unbeknown to them, were actually carrying out God’s plan to eventually rescue the world.

If you want to find out more about this radical Jesus, and understand why the religious leaders of the time were concerned that ‘everyone will be believing in him’, then please do come along to a local church service.

Rt Rev Philip Mountstephen, the new Bishop of Winchester is leading the service at Micheldever on Palm Sunday 24th March at 11am. Jesus, and his full identity, will be a focus of that service…

Neil McSparron

Further Subscription Reminder

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News from Woodmancote & Popham On a very very blustery night 21st January, Claire Bentham took her first service at Woodmancote. It was such a thought provoking and well thought out sermon about marriage and new beginnings with Jesus and the Church. I was amazed at how many committed people came on such an awful night and we thank Claire for driving over and for her new chapter with Woodmancote.

too shiny to have come straight from the fields! Rev. Rob took the service. We prayed for farmers, food producers and the care of the land. We had a good gathering of people and sang well known hymns. It is always so lovely to see old neighbours coming back to Woodmancote, even when they moved some years ago, they are always very welcome. Afterwards we had homemade Victoria sponge cake and homemade scones with jam and cream; both were absolutely delicious!

Sunday 10th March we have a Mothering Sunday service at 4pm and afternoon tea afterwards …….again! This is getting to be a (wonderful) habit!

Blessing the plough at St James, Woodmancote The service will be taken Plough Sunday was a brighter day than

by Rev. Rob and Claire Bentham. we’d had of late and it was so nice to go We also have our Easter Service 31st March and bless the plough outside without rain!

10am. There will be hot cross buns and the I remember one year actually standing in traditional Easter Egg hunt afterwards. snow! Somebody had definitely taken the Please do come along. time to clean the plough up as it looked far Jane

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The Dever - March 2024

MICHELDEVER LUNCH Wednesday

6th March 12.30pm

at Northbrook Hall

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

Micheldever Parish Council

Notice of Meeting Wednesday 6th March 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.

Micheldever Fête – 20 July 2024 Yes, Fête not Festival! There will be a traditional fête on the Lord Rank Playing Field on Saturday 20 July, starting at 1pm. Get it in your diary.

Reflecting on last year’s Festival, questions may come to mind. Last year was a hybrid event to see if a different shape to a fête might work, incorporating the church more visibly and use of the excellent acoustics of the church nave. The outcome was a success but with caveats. A very enjoyable event was much appreciated by those who attended. The local talent performances in the nave were amazing.

A substantial sum was raised. However, it was clear that there was still a strong wish within the village for a full‑blooded fête on the Lord Rank Playing Field.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) for St Marys have listened and so it is that the fête will be as posted–on the playing field, on Saturday 20 July, starting at 1pm.

But what of the performance element of last year? That has triggered a number of thoughts which the PCC are addressing with a view to a separate event–of which more later.

PCC

Southern Voices Celebrate 40 In Style Southern Voices launch their ruby anniversary season on 23 March in the Chapel of St Cross at 7.30pm. 40 years of singing together is a big achievement and the choir’s popularity has endured throughout the years. They commence celebrations with a concert featuring a stunning 40 voice-part piece which is rarely performed.

Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis is a

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majestic work, written to impress the court of Queen Elizabeth 1, that requires eight choirs, each with 5 voice parts. The choir will be boosted in numbers to achieve this by welcoming back past members to join them.

They will stand surrounding the audience and this, together with the renowned acoustic of the chapel, will create a most amazing sound experience.

Booking is essential and tickets are now on sale.

You can find more information on the other pieces in the programme and buy tickets on the website: southernvoices.co.uk

The Dever - March 2024

Popham Airfield Perimeter Walk Sunday 7th April 2024 - First-Sunday-in-the-Month Fund-raising walk

Popham is a very busy airfield and we are most fortunate to have been given access on this occasion. Whilst we are walking the airfield will continue to be in use by light aircraft taking-off and landing. For safety purposes, numbers must be restricted to 40 walkers.

Contact me as soon as possible to BOOK for this rare opportunity. suebell0906@gmail.com Full details will be sent when you make your booking.

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

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

All donations contributed in connection with this event will be made to the Popham Airfield chosen charity, Sebastian’s Action Trust.

The Site of Popham Airfield features in the Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council Local Plan Update which is open to the public for consultation at the present time. (Consultation closes on 4th March) https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/LPU-have-your-say https://www.popham-airfield.co.uk/ https://sebastiansactiontrust.org/ SB 06.02.24

Do You Have A Passion For Working With Young People?

We are looking to recruit Volunteers to join our team for our Micheldever Youth Club project held on Monday nights in the village. Bring your skills and interests to the role and help support and empower young people to reach their full potential!

We are looking for confident candidates with strong communication skills and who can help offer support and guidance to young people as part of the Street Reach team. You do not have to have held the position of Youth Worker before, but you will be a confident communicator, have a passion for working with young people and be able to inspire them. Full training is provided. The Volunteer Youth Worker will work within the organisation’s policies and practices, and will give full regard to Child Protection issues and the rights of the individual.

Street Reach delivers a centre-based youth club on Monday evenings in Micheldever, for young people from the village and surrounding areas. The club is a muchneeded facility for young people, offering a

The Street Reach Team

wide range of activities, as well as providing targeted support to young people in need and those experiencing disadvantage.

The specific timing and schedule for this role can be determined at a later stage, based on mutual agreement and availability.

Agreed transport expenses will be reimbursed, these are subject to conditions.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

To apply, please go to our website page. https://www.winchesterstreetreach.org/ our-projects/micheldevervolunteer/ 07493 014864 Charity No. 1167148

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Visit www.issuu.com and search for The Dever or scan the QR code.

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The Dever - March 2024

Micheldever C of E Primary School News - March Another exciting and busy term has come to an end for us and we are now, after half term, looking forward to Easter! The children have really excelled during this half term and have been working incredibly hard to produce some fantastic work.

Some of the highlights that I have seen in recent weeks include the Year 1/2 drawings they have done based on the artist Steven Wiltshire, who does his drawings of cities from memory. Our children have been learning about London and have drawn their own version of these, and they are fantastic! Some of our Key Stage 2 children competed in the Winchester and Eastleigh Cross County competition, alongside 19 other schools. We had some real stand out performances including Rosie, who finished in 4th place for her category. Our youngest children in Year R have been excelling in their reading and have made huge progress, something our volunteers can testify to.

As staff, we have been looking at developing our knowledge. Staff have had two twilight training sessions recently.

We have completed training on creating a culturally inclusive community in our school and with Hampshire Outdoors

on Firelighting so that we can extend our offer for pupils in ‘Forest School.’

A focus for us in recent weeks has been internet safety and how we encourage our children and families to be safe and responsible with their online use.

We have been considering how we can all work together for a better internet and how children can develop a sense of what is right and wrong online.

Very excitingly, we have now got our strategy plan for how we can develop our outside area of the school and we have received some quotes for the work that we would like to be done. Together with our PTA, we will be going into fundraising mode in order to do as much of it as we can – if anyone has any good fundraising ideas, we would be keen to know and work with you!

Mr T. Johnston, Headteacher, Micheldever Primary School, 01962 774213

Micheldever Village Shop.

Do remember your Village Shop.

Why not consider stopping having your milk delivered and collecting it instead

from your local shop. It is probably the same milk supplier that you are presently using and it will be cheaper!

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Happy Ever After - Reviews Happy Ever After by Chris Egan is a feel-good panto from start to finish.

From the opening song ‘Dancing on the ceiling’ to the closing rousing finale and everything in between it is sheer delight.

This panto has not only Princess Aurora, Snow White and Cinderella but also younger versions of them! It’s a time travelling tale involving a stolen wand, a couple of baddies, the usual audience friend – in the guise of the narrator – Loot, a delightful junior chorus and a pantomime cow.

There were many memorable moments.

This was a panto with heart, upbeat choreography, lots of dry wit and humour on two levels (for adults and children).

There was much to love; so many favourite moments for me, not least ‘Always Look on the Bright Side’, ‘Another One Bites the Dust’, the children’s chorus, especially as the woodland animals and the appearance

and performance of Daisy! Memorable highlights for me: The ‘audience’s friend’ delightfully played by Natasha Gwilliam as Loot and the caustically dry and hugely charismatic Charles Church as Maleficent.

Michael Quicke as Officious switched easily from scheming to overtake the kingdom to sleazy creep as Maleficent took charge.

Congratulations to Vicky Rodd who drew polished performances from the hugely talented cast of all ages. This was a production where the creative and support team worked seamlessly with those on the stage. Well done to all at MVG – another winner and another occasion when the audience went home smiling.

Chris Horton District 14 Representative National Opera & Drama Association.

Regional Editor, SE NODA Today.

Happy Ever After The end of January in the Northbrook Hall is pantomime time. This year, from the dramatic opening number to the finale,was a performance that met every panto goer’s expectations and more.

Chris Egan’s script gave us a tale of three princesses travelling through time to save the land from the evil Maleficent and the treacherous Officious, whilst trying to avoid their younger selves to avoid changing history.

The sets, lighting and sound provided the perfect backdrop to the story and the costumes and makeup were in true over-the-top panto style.

Notable performances by the cast were too many to mention, we would all have our

favourites. Simply to say everyone, young and old, played their part exceptionally well.

The singing was a high point. Great voices and some memorable songs, from the opening with Dancing on the ceiling, Time Warp and Bright Side of Life (that has the audience whistling in accompanimentin tune) immediately come to mind.

Still not sure about Agadoo though!

A performance that had everything.

Great settings, heroines, villains, a comedy duo, jokes old and new, great songs, a hint of romance, audience participation and even a pantomime cow. A panto to remember and congratulations to one and all for putting on such a great show.

Sean McMorrow

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The Dever - March 2024

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

Thursdays at St Peters Pastoral Hall, Jewry Street, Winchester at 7.30 pm Program for 2024 Season 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

World-Changing Hampshire Pioneers On 7th February at Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney, the Dever Valley Local History Society were treated to a fascinating talk by Erica Wheeler, a BlueBadge Winchester tourist guide, on ten world-changing Hampshire pioneers.

We were shown images of some of the subjects but few were recognised by the audience and I wonder whether you can name any of them from their legacies.

(Answers at the bottom of the page!)

1. A tree-lover from childhood, way ahead of his time, who recognised that deforestation reduced soil fertility and allowed it to be washed away resulting in desert conditions? He founded the ‘Men of the Trees’ in the early 20th century to reforest and conserve the planet and that organisation, now the International Tree Foundation, has gone on to plant 26 billion trees across the planet.

2. The entrepreneur and ‘speed merchant’ who changed the face of world aviation: from building the fastest seaplanes winning the International Schneider trophy to pioneering commercial flights, initially from Southampton by seaplane to the Channel Islands but subsequently, by developing Imperial Airways, in coordinated ‘hops’ all the way to Australia and back. He was also the first man to break the 100mph barrier on water in a single-engined power boat.

3. The ‘father of ecology and environmental study’ was a village vicar whose method of ‘narrow observation’ and meticulous recording of nature ‘in life’ rather than using dead specimens was revolutionary.

He was interested in everything from 14

the changing of the seasons to the nestbuilding habits of house martins, all carefully described in his notebooks and letters to friends and on show to this day at his house for us to visit today.

4. Who was the first Queen Regnant, and what does that mean? She redefined the meaning of the word ‘ruler’, changed the country back to Catholicism (temporarily), introduced trade and was a role model for her more famous younger half-sister’s monarchy. After her wedding in Winchester Cathedral, determined that her foreign- prince, new husband would not take her hard-won authority from her, she ate off gold plates at their wedding breakfast whilst he ate off silver ones.

5. Who discovered the cure for scurvy was citrus fruit and saved thousands of seamen dying from that horrible disease? Although ‘germs’ had not yet been discovered or even thought of, this man was also insistent on cleanliness and isolation for infectious disease cases at Haslar Naval Hospital and he wrote the standard textbook on Tropical Diseases used for over 50 years.

6. The statue guarding the Broadway in Winchester was actually erected 1002 years after that king’s death (they had got the date of his death wrong!) but he kept the Vikings out The Dever - March 2024

of 9th century Wessex, established an English kingdom with Winchester as its capital and his descendants became kings of all England; uniting the various Anglo-Saxon territories. He was a town planner, cultural and military reformer and educator. He introduced coinage and a justice system – these later achievements far exceeding his earlier burning of the cakes!

7. A 13th century washerwoman from Winchester took her rich neighbour to court to insist on continued access to water for her business. In Winchester’s Great Hall, King Edward 1 ruled in her favour stating; ‘water has always been common’ and should be always available to all. However, he also prohibited pollution of that water and ‘Julianna’s Concord’ became the first statute law requiring governments to protect natural resources from pollution for their people and is still used today.

8. The ‘Lady of the Lamp’ professionalised and revolutionised both nursing and hospital design including our own Royal Hampshire County Hospital, although her ideas were ignored for the Royal Victoria Military Hospital at Netley.

She is not buried in Westminster Abbey but in a humble village churchyard with only her life dates and initials identifying her gravestone.

9. A key translator of the King James Bible; the first authorised English language version, was also warden of Winchester College having also studied

there as a boy. Aware that the new bible would be read out loud in churches and many of its verses memorised by believers, the translators’ method included reading each passage aloud with ‘rolling sonority’ to assess the rhythm and poetic feel of the language.

10.The useful experience of running a Lyndhurst farm with the poor soil of the New Forest, was later put to good use by this pioneer when settling British convicts in the wastelands of Australia.

He led the First Fleet of 11 convict ships in 1787, successfully navigating 15,000 miles with minimal loss of life, negotiated with the resident Aborigines and became the first Governor of New South Wales and the founder of Sydney. Australia Day, the 26th January, is still celebrated, commemorating the day he claimed Sydney Cove for Britain after that long voyage.

These stories and many more can be found within the pages of Erica Wheeler’s book: ‘The little book of Hampshire’ which she was selling at the event. They flew off the table like hotcakes as the audience, who so enjoyed her story-telling manner and the fascinating details she managed to include, were clearly eager for more!

(Further copies available from Winchester Visitor Information Centre, P&G Wells and other bookshops, or online at abebooks.co.uk or amazon) How many of the 10 pioneers have you identified?

1. Sir Richard St. Barbe Baker, 2. Hubert Scott-Paine, 3. Rev Gilbert White of Selborne, 4. Queen Mary 1 (Mary Tudor) Regnant means in ruling her own right not just as wife of a king, 5. Dr James Lind, 6. King Alfred the Great, 7. Julianna de la Floude, 8. Florence Nightingale, 9. John Harmar, 10. Admiral Arthur Philip The Dever - March 2024 15

St Mary the Virgin Toilet Twinned

St Mary's has recently twinned the church toilet with a latrine in Nepal. Twinning the toilet has helped fund a project in a community that enables families to build their own basic toilet, access clean water and learn about hygiene–a vital combination that saves lives.

Toilet Twinning funds global water, sanitation and hygiene programmes run by Tearfund.

WITH A LATRINE IN alongside Tearfund’s partners work NEPAL communities, bringing people together in workshops and action groups focused on Latitude: 27.636081, Longitude: 85.019025 issues that concern them – such as farming.

Aagra VDC, Makawanpur Lasting, whole-life transformation comes from working alongside someone,

not making decisions on their behalf. Toilet Twinning’s approach is about dignity and self-respect as much as it is about alleviating poverty and accessing safe sanitation.

If you would like to twin your toilet then please visit https://toilettwinning.org

Micheldever Variety Group Community theatre is a great way for people to express their creativity and explore their artistic talents. Whether it's writing a play, designing costumes, or performing on stage. It provides an outlet for people to express themselves and tap into their artistic potential.

Formed in 1977 and based at Northbrook Hall, the Micheldever Variety Group has continued to support the well-being of the local community with dramas, comedies, musicals, pantomimes and charitable donations. Even the pandemic did not stop panto rehearsals which moved online so that it could be performed as soon as it was safe to do so outdoors.

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The next event is this Easter when the very successful Play in a Week team will be guiding a troupe of 8 - 12 yr old youngsters in performing Matilda after only five days of rehearsals!

Then in July an Agatha Christie mystery.

The group is so fortunate that there is much creative skill in the area to draw on, but they are always looking for new talent.

If you would like to be involved in any way, either onstage, behind the scenes or would just like to find out more please email the chair, peter.okeefe@mac.com to join our membership list and keep in touch.

The Dever - March 2024

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.

Micheldever Variety Group Presents

A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED A Play by Agatha Christie

MURDER ANNOUNCED IN VILLAGE

When a murder is announced in the local newspaper of the village of Chipping Cleghorn and a body soon follows there is only one woman for the job...Miss Jane Marple. Join Miss Marple on her mission to find the killer and restore peace to the once sleepy village.

Northbrook Hall, Micheldever SO21 3DF

4th - 6th July 2024 Tickets on Sale Soon...

Wonston Community Café It was a cold morning for our café on January 17th but we still welcomed lots of visitors who enjoyed the warmth of the

raffle to boost the funds and raised £121 from our generous customers. Coffee, tea, cake and hot chocolate sales, along with extra donations, raised another £435 after expenses, for the charity. We also hosted the local community police, who were able to chat informally to those people having coffee in the hall, and answer any questions.

The next Wonston Community Café will be at the Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney, 9.30am–12 noon on Wednesday 20th March.

This month Poppy wearing volunteer Celia the café Victoria Hall. So much cake was eaten that will be One of our regular visitors during the morning we had to fetch more supporting Cicely next to the RBL flag supplies from one of our volunteer bakers! local charity We also had so many customers that more BOAZ, a therapeutic work environment. tables had The adults with learning to be set difficulties can learn new up in the skills such as working on hall. Sandra the land, looking after the and the animals, baking, making ladies from craft goods, and wood the Sutton working in the workshop in Scotney the barn on Hill Farm, just branch of outside Winchester. As well the Women’s as the usual coffee and cakes section of offered by the cafe, Barbara, the Royal our local volunteer, will also British be selling eggs, jams, and The local community police Legion came other goods made at BOAZ. with their advertising with their Please do come along to 18

The Dever - March 2024

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 extremely busy hall full of chatty customers!

Parish Council News Popham Garden Village If you have not already done so, please read the flyer delivered to all homes which details the proposal by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to build 3000 homes on Popham Airfield. The consultation closes on 4th March 2024.

Responses can be made via the Basingstoke and Deane website or directly via email to: local.plan@basingstoke.gov.uk More information is available on our website www.micheldeverparish.org.uk Hampshire Together – Consultation on hospital services and new site Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are currently consulting on proposed changes to acute hospital services in and around Basingstoke and Winchester.

Full details of the proposals, and the consultation itself, can be found at hampshiretogether.nhs.uk. The consultation closes on 17th March.

Amongst the proposals is the building of a new hospital at Junction 7 of the

M3. This would have implications for neighbouring parishes such as Micheldever and we would urge you to read and respond to the consultation.

Vandalism at the LRPF In January it was found that the post supporting the roof of the pavilion at the LRPF had been damaged to the extent that the roof was in danger of collapsing. A prompt repair to the post prevented a much larger repair bill but it is so disappointing for the Parish Council to be incurring expenditure on repairs when this money could be used towards new projects. If you see vandalism taking place please report this to the Police on 101 or 101 on-line.

We have a new Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer, PC Hayley Goodsell. There will be a more visible Police presence in the Parish and Hayley will seek to attend Parish Council meetings when on duty.

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

The Dever - March 2024 19

Church Services for The Dever Benefice March 3rd 9.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 pm

11.15 am

March 10th 10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

4.00 pm

20

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

4th Sunday of Lent

5th Sunday of Lent

Holy Communion Rev’d Neil Britton Holy Communion Rev’d James Whymark Morning Prayer James Gray Service of Music with the Dever Singers Rev’d Rob Rees Evensong Rev’d James Whymark

March 24th 10.45 am 11.00 am

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever

Mothering Sunday St Margaret's - South Wonston Rev’d James Whymark Mothering Sunday service All Saints - East Stratton Rev’d Rob Rees, Claire Bentham Mothering Sunday - Informal Service St James - Hunton Ruth & Roland Guy Holy Communion Holy Trinity - Wonston Rev’d Neil Britton Mothering Sunday service followed by Afternoon Tea St James - Woodmancote Rev’d Rob Rees & Claire Bentham

March 17th 10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

6.00 pm

6.00 pm

3rd Sunday of Lent

Holy Communion (said service) Rev’d Dave Mapes Café Church Claire Bentham Holy Communion Rev’d James Whymark Morning Prayer Melinda Samms Morning Prayer Claire Bentham & Rev’d James Whymark

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

Palm Sunday

Palm Procession followed by Holy Communion St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever Rt Rev’d Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester; Rev’d Dr Robert Rees & Ministry Team The Dever - March 2024

March 28th 6.30 pm

7.30 pm

March 29th 10.00 am

10.00 am

12 noon

Easter Sunday

Festal Eucharist Rev’d Robert Rees Festal Eucharist Rev’d James Whymark Family Service with Holy Communion Rev'd Dave Mapes Family Service with Holy Communion Rev'd Neil Britton Festal Eucharist Rev’d Rob Rees Festal Eucharist Rev’d James Whymark

April 7th 9.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.15 am

Good Friday

Service of Quiet Devotion and Reflection Rev’d Robert Rees Stations of the Cross Rev'd James Whymark & Melinda Samms Open Air Service Rev'd Dave Mapes

March 31st 9.45 am

9.45 am

10.00 am

10.00 am

11.00 am

11.00 am

Maundy Thursday

Holy Communion with stripping of the altar Rev’d Robert Rees Holy Communion with stripping of the altar Rev’d Robert Rees & Rev'd James Whymark

2nd Sunday of Easter

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

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

St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever St Margaret’s - South Wonston The Square - Sutton Scotney

All Saints - East Stratton St Margaret’s - South Wonston St James - Woodmancote St Mary & St Michael - Stoke Charity St Mary the Virgin - Micheldever 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 The Dever - March 2024 21

1984 – 2024 Dever Singers 40th Anniversary Come and celebrate with us The Dever Singers first appeared in 1984 to perform at a ‘Village Weekend’ in Micheldever as The Micheldever Singers.

They were originally put together by Colin New, son of John New, the local vicar at the time, and Colin continued to lead the choir for over 30 years, steadily extending its repertoire and reputation but maintaining our ethos as a friendly, inclusive, community choir accepting all, with no need to audition.

Over the years, the current name of The Dever Singers was chosen to better reflect its membership which had extended throughout the Dever Valley and beyond.

Karen Middleton, a fellow music teacher for Hampshire Music Service joined the choir, initially to sing and then as Colin’s assistant; rehearsing parts, accompanying or standing in to conduct or sing solo. In 2018 when Colin retired to Wales, he introduced Ben Cooper to us as a candidate for the directorship role. Despite Colin leaving ‘very big boots to fill’, Ben was welcomed wholeheartedly and he has continued to lead us with some fresh repertoire and his expert vocal teaching. He also works as a music teacher with the Hampshire Music Service and sings professionally as a Baritone soloist, and as a senior member of Winchester Cathedral Choir.

Over the years members have come and gone, but we still have at least one member from those early days singing with us. Molly Taylor, our beloved accompanist for many years, finally retired and Celia Parkes, who has sung with us over the years now accompanies us in most of our performances.

In March 2020, when the COVID pandemic restrictions stopped choirs 22

meeting and singing together, we were only a couple of weeks away from our Spring concert. Eighteen months later, we tentatively restarted rehearsals and for Christmas 2021 we supported the carol services at local churches whilst we rebuilt our numbers and confidence.

Since then, we have continued to recruit new members, and re-recruit old ones and re-establish our concert programme.

Our repertoire varies from classical choral works, sometimes performed in combination with other choirs, to more intimate and relaxed programmes of popular songs and showtunes. Ben has introduced us to some more challenging material of Chilcott and Rutter but the choir members also have a chance to request old favourites or contribute solos or small group pieces.

We are proud to celebrate our 40th Anniversary in 2024 and start the performances planned for this year with a Service of Music on Passion Sunday, 17th March, at St. Mary the Virgin, Micheldever at 6pm.

Please come along to support your local community choir, enjoy listening to the music, join in with a few congregational hymns if you want to and join us for refreshments afterwards. We do not charge for our performances as we want everyone to feel able and welcome to come but, if you think we’ve done a good job, we do have a retiring collection towards church funds.

We are always keen to welcome new people with voices in any range but we are especially in need of more Tenors and Basses, in common with many other choirs.

For more details contact: Ruth Ironton Tel: 01962 774817 / 07784967464; ruthironton@gmail.com The Dever - March 2024

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

Where Is This?

This photograph of a commemorative plaque is somewhere in the Dever Valley.

The inscription may be difficult to read in the photograph so it is reproduced here.

The bell above is from St Luke's Church, Sutton Scotney, which was found to be unsafe in 1977 and demolished in 1982. It was rehung here in 1983 in memory of the daughter church and its many faithful worshippers.

Where do you think it is located?

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

The commemorative plaque featured in The Dever for February is located at the

railway station at Micheldever Station, which is indeed where the first recorded UK car journey started. In addition, this July marks the 130th anniversary of the event.

Further information about the journey is at www.nationaltransporttrust.org.uk.

Another location next month. (Ed.)

The Dever - March 2024 23

From Our MP Steve Brine As our Member of Parliament, I regularly visited local schools. It’s the most rewarding, and often hilarious, part of the job.

I find dedicated teaching (and support) staff who love what they do but there’s not enough of them and, in particular, they tell me they just cannot Steve chatting with the Prime Minister, and Cllr Caroline Horrill in Winchester during his recent visit to the city recruit the teaching assistants they need to support an increasingly complex picture. good news on the subject I wrote about last I am therefore really pleased to see a new month in The Dever – NHS dentistry. teaching apprenticeship that will launch Earlier last month, the long-awaited this autumn revolutionising the way schools Dental Recovery Plan appeared. Its focus recruit teachers while supporting more on prevention has to be right and the roll people to earn while they study for a degree. out of the ‘Smile for Life’ programme The teacher degree apprenticeship will to reduce dental decay in children will offer a high-quality, alternative route see parents-to-be offered advice on for people to become qualified teachers. baby gums and milk teeth with babies This includes people who may not be able and toddlers in nurseries having tooth to take time out to study full-time for brushing as part of the daily routine. a degree such as teaching assistants or Measures for short-term recovery are staff already working in schools, to access also welcome; some 2.5 million additional this route to a rewarding profession.

NHS appointments as well as additional Trainees on the new teacher degree money for NHS dentists to treat adults and apprenticeship will spend around 40% children who have not seen a dentist in of their time studying for their degree over two years and incentivising dentists with an accredited teacher training to work in underserved areas with one-off provider, gain qualified teacher status and ‘golden hello’ payments of up to £20,000. all tuition fees are paid for, so trainees The idea of dental vans to help deliver care won’t be saddled with the student debt. in rural and coastal areas is interesting and I think it will be a game-changing I will be seeing if we can get a slice of that. opportunity for schools to nurture and The British Dental Association described retain talent from the ground up. my select committee’s report on NHS Secondly, because we Brits can sometimes dentistry as ‘an instruction manual’ be our worst enemy, there’s some really to save it but I am clear achieving that 24

The Dever - March 2024

will require all of this – and more.

You can find more on these subjects, and my wider work as our MP, at

fb.com/stevebrinemp and stevebrine.com Steve Brine MP for Winchester & Dever Valley

March Gardening Tips February to date has been milder and wetter than expected, so the moss is growing apace but the moles have been busy and if you are near some molehills take a container and trowel to scoop up their fine earth, its good for potting up plants.

Writing this in mid February its good to hear the birds singing again and I even spotted a brown butterfly fluttering against the glass of the sunroof, I just hope it doesn’t regret its early emergence if the expected frost and ice hit at the end of February.

Early March is a good time to buy or pot up dahlia tubers, and once the risk of frost is over they can be planted in borders amongst the tulips, wallflowers and forget-me-nots in early June when the spring bedding is over. Put your tubers in a pot just big enough for the tuber and keep them frost free, once the weather warms up they will start to shoot and you can take out some tips to create cuttings. Don’t feed them as it encourages bushy leaf rather than flowers,

and keep checking for slugs, I try to put pebbles around the base of the plant.

Winter shrubs that have finished flowering should be pruned, as should bush and climbing roses. Snowdrops can be divided and planted elsewhere, overgrown perennials can be lifted and divided (any surplus ones could be potted up for the plant sale on 24th May at St Marys).

Containers can be top dressed with fresh compost and lawns cut if dry enough.

In the vegetable garden you can plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes.

If you have a greenhouse you can start sowing beans and other vegetables – I am impatient to start my new vegetable garden but the soil is so wet that my boots are heavy with freshly dug soil so I must wait until it gets drier.

Lastly, clean out any birdboxes and feeding stations before the birds start nesting, spring is on the way! ck

The Dever Website Visit The Dever website www.thedever.org for information on the journal, subscribe and to catch up on previous issues as far back as January 2022 available for free. Scan the QR code

The Dever - March 2024 25

RoWVers to Path 23 - the unloved stretch: Volunteers report 13th February Path 23 is a great little route that starts at the back of Brunel Close and goes up along the side of a very nice field, gradually climbing 100ft from the railway station towards the A303.

The main section of Path 23 is a very popular route for walkers and dog-leg stretchers. Most people walk the field as

a square route, but Path 23 has a lovely, if unloved, extra section. Keep going from the field into a pretty little copse, leading to a narrower stretch between the HCC depot and the railway line, now high up, looking down onto the entire station complex, and across to the old sidings and oil depot by the Overton Road. At the very top of Path 23, you can look back along the railway line, now 100ft below you,

and watch for trains on the up and down line between London, Southampton and Portsmouth. Occasionally, you might even see a dedicated train spotter up here on days when the Orient Express or another rare 26

steam engine is expected along the line.

It's a great little path worth exploring but a little unloved and under-used.

Until 13th February, that is, when the RoWVers showed Path 23 some love!

With the great help of Steve O and Steve M from the Hampshire Countryside Access Service - and their chainsaws six RoWVers got stuck into Path 23 and cleared the right of way. Buddleia is the common feature on the path, and a line of this has been preserved for the butterflies in summer, with 1.5 metre cut back to allow better access along the route.

Path 23 is also known as the Buddleia path, and the RoWVers have spent many sessions cutting back this fast‑growing 'butterfly bush' as it seeks to close off the pathway entirely.

With all hands working hard for three hours, we've cleared the route for the spring and summer seasons to come. If you're a local walker, we hope you'll The Dever - March 2024

enjoy the extra stretch up the full length of Path 23 to the very top end. If the mood takes you, walk from the top, turn right along a spot of scrub, turn right again to turn back towards the station alongside the Overton Road, and come to New Road, where you can head down to the station, use the underpass and reach The Dove for a well‑earned adventurers reward - pint anyone?

Big thanks to our hard-working and cheery volunteers that day: Sue Bell, Roger Bramley,

Jo Cooper, Les Liddiard, and Jane Nash, with Lynsey Sweeney, Co-Chair, RoWVers.

Join the RoWVers mailing list by emailing: lynseysweeney17@gmail.com

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

The Dever - March 2024 27

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New Year, New Plant Names 2024 Plant varieties and cultivars come and go just like the fashions of the day, but when you are searching for a well known one or even whole genus of plants only to find it has disappeared from plant catalogues, websites and newly published books it can be really frustrating.

Sometimes though the plant or plants in question have not disappeared at all, they have just changed their name. Botanists now have the ability to classify plants far more accurately than in the past with the use of DNA and other techniques. Consequently they've been able to breakdown some of the very large plant genus into smaller groups of more closely related plants.

2024 is another year, where there are a number of changes to plant names. We've summarised the changes to the plants we grow and sell.

Anthemis punctata subsp. cupaniana is now Anthemis cupaniana Anthemis punctata subsp. cupaniana 'Nana' is now Anthemis cupaniana 'Nana' Anthemis carpatica 'Karpatenschnee' is now Anthemis cretica subsp. carpatica 'Karpatenschnee' Changes To Artemisia Artemisia 'Rosenschleier' is now Artemisia 'Rosa Schleier' Changes To Ballota Ballota pseudodictamnus 'Candia' is now Pseudodictamnus mediterraneus 'Candia' Ballota pseudodictamnus is now Pseudodictamnus mediterraneus

Photo: Pseudodictamnus mediterraneus previously Ballota pseudodictamnus Photo: Cota tinctoria 'Sauce Hollandaise' previously Anthemis tinctoria ‘Sauce Hollandaise’

Changes to Anthemis Anthemis tinctoria 'Sauce Hollandaise’ is now Cota tinctoria 'Sauce Hollandaise' Anthemis tinctoria E. C. Buxton is now Cota tinctoria E.C. Buxton 30

Changes To Lychnis Lychnis chalcedonica is now Silene chalcedonica Lychnis coronaria is now Silene coronaria Lychnis coronaria 'A lba' is now Silene coronaria 'A lba' Lychnis coronaria Gardeners' World is now Silene coronaria The Dever - March 2024

Photo: Silene coronaria Gardeners' World ('Blych') (d) previously Lychnis coronaria Gardeners' World

Gardeners' World ('Blych') (d) Lychnis flos-cuculi is now Silene flos-cuculi Available Now Lychnis flos-cuculi 'White Robin' is now Silene flos-cuculi 'White Robin' Changes to Melittis Melittis melissophyllum 'A lbum' is now Melittis melissophyllum white-flowered Changes to Pratia Pedunculata Pratia pedunculata is now Lobelia pedunculata Pratia pedunculata 'A lba' is now Lobelia pedunculata 'A lba'

Photo: Viscaria asterias previously Silene asterias

Changes to Silene Silene alpestris is now known as Heliosperma alpestre Silene asterias is now Viscaria asterias (Some of the featured plants are currently in stock, the others will be available in summer 2024) This is an article in Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants website. For more pieces, 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

Holy Dusters St Mary the Virgin

Cleaning - week beginning Monday 26th Febuary Tricia Charlotte 11th March Wendy Jill 18th Georgie Alex 25th Jan Christine

St James

Flowers and Cleaning

Penny Dixon and Mary Wallis

The Dever - March 2024 31

Jackie’s County Corner for March 2024 There are several consultations for your valuable input. The first three are on the HCC website. There are long links to all, but you might find it easier via the search box on www.hants.gov.uk 1. HCC: Future Servicesdeadline 31 March 2024: outlining around £15million cuts and savings : a tiny proportion of the projected need to save £132 million. Services included in proposed cuts are Alresford HWRC, Worthys School Crossing Patrols, all subsidised bus services including the 240, 67 and 95, and increasing to 100% the proportion of income that can contribute to care services. This could be devastating for a family with someone in long term care.

Please respond if you can: we want to see a strong representation to this consultation.

Last year there were under 3000 responses in a county of over £1.3million!

2. Last call for a response to the HCC/ SDNPA Minerals and Waste Plan- this is the final (Reg 19) version of the update covering the county including the National Parks.

You must submit online by 5th March 2024 via southdowns.gov.uk or hants.gov.uk 3. HCC: Local Nature Recovery Strategy: this is a longer programme which extends into the Autumn. Initially the call is to identify sites you think could be the subject of a 'nature recovery'. This LNRS 32

covers the whole of the County Council area including the National Parks. To find out and receive more information go to hants.gov.uk and search LNRS The Hospital Consultation is on the Hampshire Together website: there are still a lot of questions to be answered, including the funding mechanism, and how the Hospital Trust maintains high quality of care until and whilst any new hospital is built.

4. HHFT 'Hampshire Together' hospital consultation. Please consider your own needs when you respond to this - only by using your own lived experience as a patient, carer or health professional can the ICB judge the merits of the proposal. (Integrated Care Board - hosts of the consultation) www.hampshiretogether.nhs.uk

by Sunday 17th March 5. And, hopefully you’ll receive this in time to respond to the Basingstoke and Deane Reg 18 proposal to develop 3000 homes right on the northern border of our district www.basingstoke.gov.uk/LPU-have-your-say by 4th March On street parking: The County Traffic The Dever - March 2024

Wardens started operation on roadsides in October 23, and are gaining confidence that they can raise a significant sum in both Winchester and Alresford on street.

Please take care! The County employs a company to manage this and expects it to bring in revenue. They often bring several wardens into the area at one time.

January was a month of water problems: Right across the division, sewage spills, water shortages, and groundwater flooding made the beginning of this year very difficult for residents, businesses, the County drainage team and Southern Water. I’ve held a series of meetings with HCC, SW including residents at some, and there is now a plan to tackle each of the problems: rainwater and sewage leaks in Alresford and clear pipes ready for heavy rain and groundwater in Sutton Scotney. Some works (eg in Micheldever) can only be done when groundwater levels subside. If you see leaking sewage, please contact Southern Water direct or Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 A Pumping Station failure resulted in low or no water pressure in the Itchen Valley and

the Worthys. This resulted in needing water to be pumped into the water mains to keep up pressure. An emergency was declared.

I await the review of the incident and how it was dealt with in the next few weeks.

This was the focus of work last month, and ongoing until all matters are resolved.

Roads: Poor weather always brings the most damage to road surfaces and these are best reported on the hants.gov. uk website. The website has been updated so there's a REPORT IT button on the home page which is very helpful. If you take photos, please add them to your reports. There are size limits to the photos, but this has recently been upgraded.

Measles- Please check your vaccination record to see if you need a booster- it’s available to all ages, and especially to children starting school and young adults leaving home. Contact your GP if you can’t find your records! They will know!

Jackie Porter Tel/text 07973 696 085 jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk Ansaphone 01962791054 www.jackieporter.co.uk

Job Vacancy Count Staff for Winchester City Council elections on Thursday 2 May 2024

The Returning Officer for Winchester City Council has vacancies for overnight count staff and we welcome applications from members of the public to be part of the team of casual election staff on – Thursday 2 May 2024.

• From 21:00 on 2 May 2024 for approx. 5 or 6 hours • Earn extra money – £17.50 per hour • No prior experience required • Full training will be provided If you’d like to find out more and get involved follow this link https://www.winchester.gov.uk/elections/working-at-elections-staff-recruitment or email electionsstaffing@winchester.gov.uk The Dever - March 2024 33

City Councillors’ News The first version of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Local Plan Update includes a proposal for a major development of 1400-3000 homes on Popham Airfield.

We are working with our MPs, county, city and parish councils and the Dever Society to put across our opposition to this proposal. We are concerned that inclusion of this allocation of land for development will increase the risk that the Micheldever New Town might be permitted. Many residents have told us about their concerns that the development at Popham would have on the area around Micheldever Station. You have until 4th March 2024 to submit your comments to this version of the plan. Details are at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/LPU-have-your-say.

The NHS are still consulting on how up to £900 million would be best invested in hospital services across the county.

This continues until 17 March 2024.

The services that could be provided

in a new hospital, the location of that hospital and what services will still be available at the RHCH in Winchester are the key points of this consultation. Find out more and submit your comments at www.hampshiretogether.nhs.uk/.

Council budgets for the next year were set towards the end of February. We are expecting Council Tax for the City Council to rise by 3% with most other charges and fees being raised by at least that amount. The County Council is likely to raise its Council Tax by 5%.

Residents can borrow a thermal imaging camera from the South Wonston Sustainability group to easily identify where heat is escaping from the home.

While temperatures in the house remain more than 10 degrees greater than outside, the camera will help identify where to improve insulation. Find more details at www.swsustainability.co.uk.

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 7th March

East Stratton Village Hall.

Wonston PC

Wednesday 13th March

Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney.

South Wonston PC

Monday 11th March

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

34

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 - March 2024

Forthcoming Events 2024

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April 2nd-6th 10.00am Matilda, Play In A Week - Northbrook Hall 3rd 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall 7th 10.00am First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre 10th 12.30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall 17th 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council, Parish Assembly - East Stratton Village Hall May 1st 12.30pm Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall 1st 7.30pm Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall 2nd Local Elections 5th 10.00am First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre 17th 8.00pm Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall 24th 9.30am Plant Sale 6and coffee morning - St Mary the Virgin churchyard 8 5 June 1 5 1st2 5 1.00pm East Stratton Fête - East Stratton Green 1 4 5 2 First9Sunday 4 in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre 2nd 10.00am 6 2 7

Daily Sudoku: Thu 15-Feb-2024

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

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The Dever - March 2024

5th 12.30pm 5th 7.30pm 6th 15th 7.30pm 16th

Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall D-Day - 80th anniversary Dever Singers 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert - St Margaret’s church, South Wonston 6.00pm Dever Singers 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert - St Mary the Virgin church 8.00pm Micheldever Wine Circle, Summer Party - venue tbc

29th July 3rd 12.30pm 3rd 7.30pm 4th-6th 7.30pm 6th tbc 7th 10.00am 20th 1.00pm September 1st 10.00am 4th 12.30pm 4th 7.30pm October 2nd 12.30pm 5th 7.00pm 6th 10.00am 11th 8.00pm November 3rd 10.00am 6th 12.30pm 8th 7.30pm December 1st 10.00am 6th 8.00pm 11th 12.30pm

Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall A Murder Is Announced, Micheldever Variety Group - Northbrook Hall Ellis Run 130th anniversary - starts at Micheldever Station Car Park First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Church Fête - Lord Rank Playing Field First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Safari Supper - Around the parish First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Quiz Night - Northbrook Hall First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Wine Circle, Christmas Party - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall

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 - March 2024 37

March Diary 3rd 10.00am 6th 12.30pm 6th 7.30pm 17th 6.00pm 22nd 8.00pm

First Sunday in the Month Fund Raising Walk - The Warren Centre Micheldever Village Lunch - Northbrook Hall Micheldever Parish Council - East Stratton Village Hall Dever Singers Anniversary Easter service - St Mary the Virgin church Micheldever Wine Circle - Northbrook Hall

Micheldever Village Shop - Opening Times Monday - Saturday Sunday

9.00am - 6.30pm, 10.00am - 3.00pm

Mobile Post Office

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

Regular Dates and Times – Weekly SUNDAYS TUESDAYS

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

38

The Dever - March 2024

Highclere Castle, the Real Downton Abbey

Diana Mitchell’s talk will cover the history of the Carnarvon family, the house and the impact of Downton Abbey on the castle 8 pm - Wednesday, 20th March 2024 East Stratton Village Hall, SO21 3FJ All welcome: £4 at the door

Dever Singers 40th Anniversary

Service of Music on

PASSION SUNDAY

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Dever Singers

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^ƚ͘ DĂƌLJ ƚŚĞ sŝƌŐŝŶ ŚƵƌĐŚ͕ DŝĐŚĞůĚĞǀĞƌ Retiring collection for church funds