January 2018 ISSUE 035
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STUCK IN THE SIDINGS? Train operator faces fresh New Year strike action and anger over proposed timetable By KEVIN GOVER Editor FARE increases, possible strike action called by members of the RMT Union and anger over proposals for a new timetable are all stacking up against one of Winchester’s train operators. South Western Railway is facing all this into the New Year barely four months after taking over the franchise for the region. In the days leading up to the SWR timetable consultation deadline there was a flurry of protests by commuters who realised that stations near Winchester and Poole will be affected by SWR proposals from December 2018. Winchester MP Steve Brine has already told Winchester Today he’s ‘troubled’ by the consultation put out by South Western Railway on the new timetable it hopes to introduce in December 2018. He says he speaks regularly with SWR’s senior team and is meeting afresh with them and Winchester councillors in the New Year. You may well have taken part in the consultation yourselves, and here’s our take on the situation. As soon as the timetable was sent to us, this newspaper did some very basic studies and
Weren’t we promised earlier, later and faster and longer trains? immediately noticed things which didn’t quite fit. Weren’t we promised earlier, later, faster and longer trains in the new franchise? The new timetable shows the first train from Winchester will be at 0521. That’s LATER than the current service. The 0748. Remember that one? Well, it has gone. SWR has abandoned the 0748 in favour of the service at 0754 - which will not stop and which will ultimately save a whole three minutes. It’s not exactly trailblazing is it? The last train will be due in
at 0112... wow, that’s a whole 8 minutes later than currently. Again, hardly a trail blazer is it? The operator had also released plans on longer trains… just one train out of the many on the list would affect our part of the world - an evening service out of London Waterloo. Any of you who have tried to get out of Waterloo after 4pm in rammed trains will know this is just not acceptable. We contacted South Western Railway
WELCOME ABOARD! NEWLY-QUALIFIED nurses from The Open University who carried out their training at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust got the chance to celebrate their achievements at a special ceremony. The trust, which runs the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, among others, uses regular appraisals to identify potential nurses of the future from its pool of healthcare workers. They then get the chance to study for a nursing degree with The Open University, while also continuing to earn money and gain experience as a healthcare worker during the four-year programme. The Trust presented the latest graduates with a badge they will wear on their uniform for the rest of their career to show where they trained. Chief nurse, Donna Green, presented the nurses with their badges and
to question them on proposals v promises, so you can be sure that our own objections are already lodged. Here’s what SWR told Winchester Today: “We published the timetable consultation for the December 2018 services for customers to feedback their comments on what we have suggested in order to deliver on our capacity and journey time improvement plans. “All of the comments and pieces of
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certificates: “I am constantly inspired by and in awe of what our graduates achieve. Gaining a qualification whilst balancing everything else can be a real challenge, so they should be incredibly proud of themselves for gaining their qualification. “Our nurses and midwives who join us through this route offer something invaluable to the team. They bring with them a wealth of experience and skills gained from the time they have already spent working as healthcare workers. I am very proud of everything they have achieved and wish them every success as they continue their career.” One of the nurses celebrated at the ceremony was Bex Petchey: “It feels surreal to be qualified! It has been tough but definitely worth it. “The hardest part was trying to balance everything, but you just have to keep going because you know at the end it will all be worth it. Now that I am a registered nurse I don’t want to stop learning. I want to keep growing and improving.”
The man who cares for trees page 4
Local police aid disaster relief page 9
The panto season reviewed page 15
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Happy New Year to all our readers and advertisers on behalf of everyone here at Winchester Today. From our (fantastic) designer right through to those fantastic people who put the paper through your door, we hope that you have enjoyed our stories of life across Winchester and beyond. We like to bring you images of happy smiling faces and you may have even spotted yourself or a relative somewhere. We also hope you will all stay with us as we continue to grow.
Talking of happy smiling faces, you may have noticed another picture of that type on our front page this time. It’s a huge welcome to new nursing staff who have taken the brave decision to work here in Hampshire. I say that because who on earth would want to be a nurse? Nursinglink.com has this to say: “Making a difference in people’s lives and bringing them hope and cheer is not something that you can achieve in just about any career.” But of course, they don’t mention being underpaid, understaffed, clearing up our
Better Deal For Animals Proposed
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n EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Kevin Gover kevin@winchestertoday.co.uk n CONTRIBUTORS • David Cradduck • Drew White • Gavin Harris • David Cradduck • Rachel Gover • John Ellery • Chrissie Pollard • Lex Harris • Julia Kimber • Cate Hardy n LAYOUT DESIGN • Jon Heal
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mess, often verbally abused... One of our team had to spend a long weekend in an isolation room at the McGill Acute Medical Unit at RHCH recently. We would like to pass on our sincere thanks to everyone who looked after her. The nurses and doctors all smiled… and they did a great job. Yes, it was clear that we had initially arrived at a time when the unit was packed, and yes we had to wait our time. But the team there was overwhelmingly fantastic. Thanks! Kevin Gover
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feedback will then be taken into account when developing the final proposal for submission to the DfT and Network Rail in 2018.” And the longer trains?: “When we introduce the 442 trains on the Portsmouth line it will release the 444 trains to strengthen services through Winchester although most peak trains on this line are already at full length. “The 444 and 450 fleets are being refurbished (complete by December 2018) and this will include some internal reconfiguration to provide more standard seats. Steve says has was contacted by a number of constituents who are concerned at possible changes, especially their impact on Shawford and Micheldever Stations. The plans could see morning services from Shawford reduced from eight London bound trains to six while services from the capital back to Micheldever in the evening would stop more frequently adding even longer to the daily commute: “Some of the proposals bring increased rush-hour services, including to Winchester itself and they’re welcome but others trouble me particularly where they impact on smaller rural stations. Passenger data for-instance, shows that Shawford is one of the stations on the South Western franchise that has increasing numbers using it so I think more work needs to be done by SWR before they make a move which could push people away. “Micheldever is also a valuable part of the local transport infrastructure and we need to be very careful about displacing its’ part in that or the impact will be felt
More work needs to be done by SWR adversely in Winchester and Basingstoke which is simply robbing Peter to pay Paul. The parking situation at both smaller stations, especially Micheldever, is still unresolved and my fear is we are seeing some fallout here from the kneejerk reaction earlier this year to dump new parking regulations in the village that were right in themselves but should have been part of a more strategic plan. Steve also told Winchester Today that the new operator was at risk of losing public confidence after a difficult start to their operation of the South Western franchise: “They took over in the midst of the major works at Waterloo and then suffered the disruption of an unnecessary politically motivated strike. Neither were their fault or causing but, taken together with a number of issues around punctuality and now the timetable consultation, I think there’s a risk to how they are viewed by my constituents. First impressions count and those of us who regularly use the service have noticed a dip in punctuality especially during the latter part of this year.” He will also be holding an ASKSWR event with senior managers from the company in early 2018.
WINCHESTER’S MP has welcomed news that a new law will ensure animal abusers are jailed for up to 5 years and animal sentience is reflected in domestic law, under plans published by the Environment Secretary, Michael Gove. The Government has published a draft bill which would increase the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty tenfold, from six months to five years, in England and Wales. Mr Gove says that we have to enhance animal welfare standards: “Animals are sentient beings who feel pain and suffering, so we are writing that principle into law and ensuring that we protect their welfare. “Our plans will also increase sentences for those who commit the most heinous acts of animal cruelty to five years in jail.” Steve Brine says it will directly impact the Winchester area: “I had a lot of constituency interest in this, and these plans to increase maximum sentences follow a number of recent shocking cases where courts have said they would have handed down longer sentences had they been available. This includes a case last year when a man trained dogs to ruthlessly torture other animals, including trapping a fox and a terrier dog in a cage to brutally attack each other. “I know this move has been strongly welcomed by my constituents across Winchester & Chandler’s Ford, as well as animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home which led a dedicated campaign.” Their Chief Executive is Claire Horton: “Battersea is greatly encouraged by the Government’s willingness to see sentences for the most shocking cases of animal cruelty increase from six months to five years. “Battersea is very much at the front line of animal welfare and it’s heart-breaking to see truly shocking cases of animal cruelty and neglect come through our doors, where dogs and cats have clearly had to endure so much suffering.”
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Michael Gove: published plans
This move will be welcomed by my constituents Steve Brine MP
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Up and Away (on time!)
First Class Deliveries
Flybe maintains position as most punctual UK-based airline FLYBE - which operates out of Southampton - has again been recognised as the most punctual UKbased airline in the latest report on ‘Best and Worst Airlines’ issued by leading consumer watchdog Which? (Jan 2018). The carrier once again tops for on time performance all other UK-based airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2 and Thomas Cook. The study was based on an analysis of monthly punctuality statistics gathered by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on the percentage of flights that arrived in to the UK within 15 minutes of due time (Short Haul Airlines). Flybe operates more domestic flights than any other airline with over 500 flights a day from 33 UK and 48 European airports and is the largest scheduled airline measured by air traffic movements at nine UK airports. This latest Which? report reinforces Flybe’s track record for delivering consistent on- time performance with 80% of its flights recorded as being on time, ahead of British Airways (79%); Jet2 (76%); Thomas Cook (69%) and easyJet (67%). Luke Farajallah is Flybe’s Chief Operating Officer: “Flybe remains heavily focused on maintaining its above
Punctual: Flybe top the Which? poll
average track record for punctuality and there is a company-wide commitment to improve even further this very important element of our passengers’ experience. So we are naturally delighted to have been again recognised as the most punctual UKbased airline. Arriving on time is an important consideration for passengers
and is amongst the key performance areas scrutinised and monitored closely by all airlines.” Flybe was rated the best UK airline for punctuality and sixth in the world in the global airlines punctuality league table by OAG in Jan 2017 and has in previous years consistently topped its competitors in a number of similar Which? reports.
WINCHESTER’S MP Steve Brine dropped into the postal depot at Winnall ahead of Christmas to thank the team of post men and women dealing with the letters and parcels. This was the eighth year in a row that Steve has popped in before dawn to look around and chat to the team: “I really enjoy dropping in each December with a few treats to say thank you, not only for
the professionalism with which they get the job done at Christmas, but all round the year of course. “We discussed a number of issues along the way, including the new parking restrictions in Winnall which rightly solves one problem for residents but risks creating a whole other issue for those working at the depot.”
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January 2018
Root of the Problem Meet the man who loves caring for trees!
IF you have ever had a tree inspected recently in your garden in Winchester, or for a new housing development, chances are that Marco Bartolini from ArborCall in Winchester would have been to see you: “It all stems from when I was a child. It’s a standing joke that I would always count the trees on Dartmoor after school. Even if there weren’t actually that many trees on Dartmoor! “I go to various sites across Winchester, domestic or commercial, where there may be a problem. Domestically, there could be various problems; the tree could be too large, be leaning, or there might have been deadwood falling into their garden. “Some companies also call us in, like house builders; they have aspiration to build on an open site - I’m then called in to assess the trees and then make a report so that they can then design around the trees.” Marco says we all have a responsibility for trees: “There’s a whole raft of legislation. It may be statutory, like a preservation order. Or it could be the Occupiers’ Liabilities Act - this is where you have a responsibility for invited and uninvited guests! Make sure it is actually your tree. You actually have a responsibility. By producing a report, you mitigate the risk, because these reports stand up in court. You can prove that you have been responsible.” Marco comes to this job after 31 years in the Army, which he is sure helped him in his future role: “I spent time as an Officer and went around the world. As the Army shrank, the responsibilities
became more, one of them becoming an environmental officer. Towards the end in the Army I became more and more interested in the environment and did a degree in wildlife and countryside management.” Volunteering included working at Hilliers at Romsey, and people said he had a natural aptitude. More career-enhancing courses led him to become a tree expert. We’re talking on a beautiful day in Park Gate - the pictures you can see are of inspecting the trees after a resident had wood fall into their garden - the strip of land on which they stand is still owned by the housebuilder. In the absence of a map, Marco marks the tree with a small disc that has a unique number on it, so that those who will carry out any work will look at the number and the corresponding report. He says he’s really proud he’s really proud of working for the company: “They want to expand having taken on the consultancy - it’s a whole in-house product now. I was headhunted too, which is always a great feeling. They’re investing in new equipment and people, and all looks rosy.”
Marco says we all have a responsibility for trees
I became more and more interested in the environment
Cheriton Players take on a masterpiece THE Cheriton Players have a big ask to better the splendid The Game’s Afoot - but we don’t think they’ll have too much trouble with their next production, which will be Communicating Doors by Alan Ayckbourn. The production will take place between Wednesday 18 - Saturday 21 April 2018. Communicating Doors is a comedy with several twists including murder, intrigue, suspense and a time travelling portal! Set in modern day in a hotel room, a professional dominatrix arrives to service a dying man and inadvertently gets transported back in time where she meets the man’s first two wives. In order to survive herself, she must warn the wives that they are in grave danger. Complicated but easy to follow, this masterpiece from the master of dark comedy excels. Here are some dates for your diary: Tuesday 9th January, Alan Aykbourne’s dark comedy is the Players’ latest challenge general read-through; Wednesday 17th January, reading/casting/ and back-stage. He can be contacted auditions; rehearsals start Tuesday through the Contact Us page on 30th January and will be Tuesdays the website, thecheritonplayers.org. and Wednesdays for a while, then uk - all are welcome to the readings Mondays and Wednesdays from and auditions, no membership is 22nd February. required (unless you are cast or help We hear that Craig Robb is backstage in which case you must join making his directorial debut and The Cheriton Players for the princely is keen to hear from anyone who sum of £5 to cover you for insurance is interested in taking part both on purposes.
January 2018
HAMPSHIRE TOP DOG FOR EXPLORING
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HAMPSHIRE has been named one of the top “16 Favourite Destinations for 2018” in a world-wide round up, by online travel magazine loveExploring.com. Listed alongside Barcelona, La Rochelle and Moscow, Hampshire has been selected for the best place to visit ‘for planes, trains, and gin’. The review cites the Farnborough International Air Show, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke, and the high quality sparkling wine produced at Hambledon and Hattingley Valley as just some of reasons for the global traveller to stop off in Hampshire. Mel Kendal is responsible for Economic Development in the county: “Those of us who live here already know what a beautiful place Hampshire is and all it has to offer, and we look forward to welcoming new visitors. “Every year, tourism brings in over £3 billion to Hampshire and, with around 70,000 people employed in this sector in Hampshire, it plays an important role as a significant contributor to the local economy.”
Those of us who live here know what a beautiful place it is
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GET YOUR SKATES ON! www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
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January 2018
Business Focus
Extraordinary Growth For Mint Signs
The YearLong Run!
Local sign and graphic business now stronger than ever
News From Our Nominated Charity
IF you look around Winchester, you’ll see examples of their work everywhere. We’ve known Mint Signs for a number of years . Yet even we were unaware of just how well they’ve been doing until we heard the story while we were at a breakfast business meeting in Winchester. December 2017 sees Mint Signs reach its 11th year of trading - now stronger than ever with a team of 9 people with additional members on the horizon. We asked Managing Director Warren Beard to take up the story: “We have grown year on year since being founded in 2006 and even through the recession we found ourselves keeping busy and growing at an incredible pace. “We believe a lot of it comes down to the service and value - always trying to offer the best at the most cost effective price and always striving to add our creativeness to everything to help it achieve better results, which at the end of the day that’s usually what you want your signage to do. “A few years ago we underwent a massive rebrand to bring our brand in line with what we offer - a creative sign and graphic company. We rarely say say no and usually always find a way to achieve something in the most cost effective way without compromising too much on quality. “I believe it has helped us retain long term existing customers who trust us to go the extra mile to make sure they achieve the most from their signage. Word of mouth and proof from testimonials have helped with our continued growth and our rebrand has really put on show what we can do and what we are all about. The increase in demand and tighter turn around times have led to heavy investment in equipment and staff.” Warren says 2018 should be a great year with new staff and machinery acquisitions: “It helps us keep on top of the game in respect to quality controls and time scales which helps us improve our service and support. “A new General Manager will help keep the ship steady, new key account managers will look after some of our larger accounts and additional sales
IN October 2015, 11-year-old Felix Barrow was involved in a road traffic accident outside his family home in Swanmore. Felix was treated at the scene by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) and then flown to University Hospital Southampton where he was placed in a medically-induced coma. Among his many injuries, Felix had suffered a traumatic brain injury which his parents were told would be potentially life-limiting. Despite the severity of his injuries, Felix has constantly exceeded, and continues to exceed, all expectations. Fast forward - and congratulations - then to Jon Flynn who is the Deputy Head at Swanmore School, where Felix went to school. In January 2017, Jon took on the challenge of running 2,017 miles in 2017 to raise money for HIOWAA, Fit for Felix and University Hospital Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where Felix was treated. Jon has run every day of 2017, completing an average of 5.5 miles a day and has raised over £5,000 for the three charities. HIOWAA CEO Alex Lochrane welcomes the effort shown: “Jon has run every day of the year, in all weathers, undertaking a challenge that most of us would not begin to contemplate. We owe him huge thanks for his commitment to raising money for HIOWAA and for highlighting the skills of our Critical Care Teams and the pre-hospital care that they bring to those in need of urgent medical treatment, whenever and wherever.”
Heavy investment: Mint Signs rarely turn down work
A lot of it comes down to service and value staff will keep up with the increase in enquiries. We love showing off all the cool and wonderful machines and things we have to create fun and exciting signage that really works. The response we get back from people who visit is both inspiring and motivating.”
GETTING INTO CONSTRUCTION
CALA Homes has partnered with The Prince’s Trust to host an initiative at its Kings Barton development in Winchester that aims to give disadvantaged, unemployed young people an opportunity to develop new skills and get hands-on experience. A group of nine local young people have successfully taken their first steps in the construction industry by completing a four week ‘Get Into Construction’ programme run by The Prince’s Trust in partnership with CALA and Southampton City College. All of the trainees have also gone on to secure apprenticeships or employment with CALA or one of their subcontractors. Success: All of the trainees have progressed in the industry
Challenge: Jon has run every day in 2017
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January 2018
SPARE CHANGE FOR REAL CHANGE Helping the homeless ELSEWHERE in the paper we have told you about the efforts being made for people without a roof over their heads - in a mission described just a couple of weeks as “tackling a national disgrace.” Local organisations are continuing to work together to help tackle the issues
of homelessness. Spare Change for Real Change supports Trinity and Winchester Churches Night Shelter with donations shared between the two charities, which ensure that the money is used in the best possible way to work towards supporting
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homeless people. Donations can be made in the 50 red house-shaped collection boxes located in bars, pubs, shops and businesses across Winchester - these are emptied and counted by volunteers. There is an outreach team which supports the homeless including volunteers from Trinity and WCNS. The team regularly visits known areas where people may be sleeping rough to encourage them to engage with support services. The City Council’s housing advice service also provides advice and assistance to anyone in need of shelter no matter what their circumstances. Caroline Horrill deals with housing in Winchester: “Homelessness is a growing problem in cities across the UK and in Winchester we also encounter the heartbreaking sight of homeless people on the street. In these cold days it’s concerning and local people are naturally moved to do something
The donation only helps those who are in genuine need
to help others they see in a vulnerable situation. “There are a number of ways people can do their bit to ensure they are helping people in genuine need of assistance. Spare Change for Real Change offers a guarantee that the donation only helps those who are in genuine need and directs the funds to support the teams who can be out there making a real difference, directing vulnerable people to shelter. If you see someone who is rough sleeping, do use the Streetlink reporting system to ensure that the relevant agencies or outreach services are deployed to assist them. “We will continue to work towards the elimination of homelessness across the district in conjunction with our partner agencies and so help improve the quality of life for those in need.” To donate to Spare Change for Real Change text REAL17 £2/£5/£10 to 70070.
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January 2018
Squirt and Squidge
I am a ROBOT... I am a ROBOT... Freya Storey continues to share her life as a mum-of-two THE last 4 months have been FULL ON. There were times when I didn’t really know what was GOING on but I did know I had to CARRY on and ‘get on with it.’ I’ve just started to ease my foot off the gas and I feel like I’m beginning to slowly uncoil from a state of highly sprung spring. My head is beginning to feel calmer, I find myself writing less ‘To do’ lists, I am not rushing my kids through the next thing - breakfast, getting changed, lunch ... I am SLOWING DOWN! The end of a year/start of a new year is often a time for reflection and I am one of those who likes to have a quiet moment just stopping and looking back and thinking about the path ahead. On reflection for me, some big things have happened over the past 6 months mainly that we are now trying to co-ordinate not just 1 but 2 little people, but also the fact that I have returned to work part time. On the days that I do work ... things have to run like a well oiled machine or else we have problems! Like the day we lost ‘Ducky’, on the morning of mummy’s first ‘Welcome back to work lesson observation!’ obviously feeling pretty wired, I quickly ran through the daily bag pack checklist for the childminders ‘Nappies - check, wipes - check, change of clothes - check, musical accompaniment to fall asleep to -check, warm clothes/cool
I will definitely be finding time to dip my toes in the sea
clothes - check, Ducky - NO! Where the heck is Ducky? “Reu - where’s Ducky?”, “I don’t know last time I saw him was at the breakfast table.”
“Great, well done.” Get to breakfast table ... NO DUCKY! I check my watch 7:40! How can it be 7:40!! I got up 15 mins earlier this morning to ensure I felt calm and orderly,
ready for my big morning! I scour the lounge ... “where the hell is Ducky!!” By now, I’m already running 10 mins late for leaving the house but I can’t do it ... I couldn’t spend the whole day imagining the pain the poor childminder would have to go through trying to make up for the lack of Ducky, or the sense of loss and bewilderment my darling dot would feel if she didn’t have her massive home comfort with her. I was at breaking point ... about to burst into tears when I suddenly checked the wash basket - there he was! the scruffy, nuzzled, smelly Ducky, ironically exactly where he should have been! He had got himself scooped up in last nights pj’s.
A quick dash, hasty handover to the childminder, guilt/panic ridden journey to work and I arrived in my classroom with a big blank whiteboard in front of me awaiting my scrawl. Thankfully my TA made me a cuppa and my lesson observation went well. But I learnt a very valuable lesson from that morning - BUY MORE DUCKYS!! I guess what I’m finding, is that the so called ‘juggling act’ has become a lot tougher now we are a family of 4, there’s one more person to please, one more person to spread ourselves between, one more person to ensure is the happiest they can be! It’s tough trying to please so many people at home and at work and I guess that’s why these quiet moments of pause are so important ... they scale it back - allowing time to think about ‘us’ before children, ‘us’ as a couple and ‘us’ as individuals. For me ... it comes back to trying to maintain a balance, that’s what I’ll be trying to crack as I start my journey into 2018. Not letting work dominate, not over scheduling, but keeping things on an even keel, keeping doing the things I love with the people I love, not getting swept up in the busyness but making a conscious effort to slow down and remember what in fact is most important. I will definitely be finding time to dip my toes in the sea in 2018!
And Relax…
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“WE are having to relearn how to relax…” The opening line from my first Yoga nidra class. I had been told about the practice by my best friend, who finds herself travelling more and more to India for yoga, meditation and health retreats. We were chatting during summer, when I raised the point about the importance of sleep… having a 5 month old baby and a toddler coming to terms with the new addition, sleep was something we as a family were struggling with. We talked about how sleep plays such a huge impact on everything, your mental state, appearance, ability to make decisions… sometimes ability to even function! Luckily for me, on return from a recent trip to India my friend had discovered a new type of yoga, ‘Yoga nidra’. She grabbed my phone, instantly installed an app and told me I had to give it a go. She also told me how each session is meant to be the equivalent of around 4 hours sleep… I wanted to
You are totally relaxed as if you are going to sleep, but you are not meant to actually drift off
grab the headphones there and then and LISTEN!! Having done yoga before, yoga nidra or ‘Sanskrit’ as it is also known, was a very different type to that which I was used to. The aim of each session is to gain a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping - you are totally relaxed as if you are going to sleep, but you are not meant to actually drift off. Your consciousness follows a set of verbal instructions – which you merely hear and then practice internally. As well as helping by offering restorative relaxation, this type of yoga has been said to benefit sufferers of anxiety and stress. I look forward to my weekly ‘unplug.’ For me it’s that all important ‘scheduled’ downtime, with the added bonus that I do feel totally relaxed and at ease after each session. Still very new to the practice I can see how I will begin to use the fundamentals more in my everyday life as I become a more experienced student.
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January 2018
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Fearless In The Face of Danger Hampshire officers honoured post Hurricane Irma SINCE our last issue, a team of officers deployed to help those whose lives were devastated by Hurricane Irma have been honoured at a special ceremony. The team of ten from Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police dropped everything to fly out to the British Virgin Islands when disaster struck. With little notice, five officers from Hampshire and five from Thames Valley headed out to a scene that has been described as something from a disaster movie. With no running water or mains electricity, no roof on their accommodation and dangerous criminals out on the run after the prison was severely damaged, this team showed great determination and bravery to help those in need. During their three week deployment they helped to secure the prisoners, assisted the military with establishing water and electricity supplies and cleared dangerous debris from neighbourhoods. Most days saw the team working at least 16 hours a day and any ‘downtime’ saw officers back out in the community, helping residents to rebuild their homes. This was all done in searing 40 degree heat while wearing their uniforms, which are designed for British weather, not the Caribbean. Food was also in short supply and the team relied on basic rations to get them through. They even refused to leave when a second category five hurricane hit the island, insisting that they wanted to be there for those who needed them most. Hampshire’s Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney and Thames Valley’s Chief Constable Francis Habgood had the honour of presenting the awards on behalf of both forces. Chief Constable Pinkney has this to say: “It was a tremendous honour to present these awards to officers from Hampshire. These officers are a true credit to the policing family and the communities they serve. “They have dealt with some of the most challenging situations that any Right: PC Terry Cooke with officers from the Royal Bermuda Police Below: Hampshire PCs Terry Cooke & PC Dave Tester meeting locals
I am so proud of them all
officer can face and they have shown nothing but great professionalism and compassion. “I am so proud of them all and residents living in Hampshire should take great comfort in knowing that such dedicated officers are working hard every day to make our communities safer.”
Below: Some of the group accepting their award Right: General scenes of damage to boats and the secondary school
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news
10 winchestertoday.co.uk
January 2018
Pre-season Hampshire Special ALL THAT GLITTERS… HAMPSHIRE Police have released images of jewellery recovered as part of an investigation into burglaries across the county in recent months. These images are of items thought to have come from raids in the Chandler’s Ford/Romsey areas. Some items have been identified by victims, but there’s still a large amount that needs to be returned to the rightful owners. If you recognise any of this jewellery, please call 101 and ask for Police Staff Investigator Helen Mills or Detective Constable Jo Boyd. Proof of ownership will be required!
HAMPSHIRE Cricket say they are pleased to confirm the Club’s participation in the 2018 West Indies Regional Super50 competition, a domestic limited-overs tournament to be held early next year. The 44th edition of the 50-over tournament will see fixtures played in Barbados (Group A) and Antigua (Group B), and an eighth consecutive pre-season return to Barbados. In partnership with long term travel partner, Smile Group Travel, the Club’s first-team players and coaching staff will head to the island as part of Group A, with the tournament due to get underway in late January. Hampshire will also be joined in the West Indies by Kent who will participate in the Super50 for a second successive year, although the Spitfires will feature in Antigua as part of Group B. Hampshire Director of Cricket, Giles
White is delighted to be involved in the upcoming Super50 competition: “It’s a slightly different look to our pre-season but one that we are very happy with and we’re looking forward to be heading back to Barbados once again. “We’re got a strong history with Barbados and West Indies Cricket and what excites me about this particular trip is, the experience our young players have gained at similar tournaments previously has allowed them to show what they’re able to do at that level, and I think they’ve got an awful lot out of it in the years that have followed. “I’d see this as an opportunity for a lot of the younger players to put their hand up and say they’re ready to play. It’ll also be a great period of cricket in February where otherwise we’d be indoors in England - so it’s a real positive and certainly a useful development tool for some of our younger players.”
Delighted to be part of the West Indies Tournament. Image: Dave Vokes Photography
NATURE’S LAW
Our seasons will affect what happens around us in ways we would not believe - until we see it - How about this little display after an overnight visit from Jack Frost? December’s freezing temperatures created some extraordinary visual changes to these leaves in Winchester, as Dilyara Gover discovered. Brittle, beautiful.
Could any of these items of jewellery be your stolen treasures?
The Big Quiz is Back TICKETS are now on sale at Winchester Tourist information Centre for the Mayor of Winchester’s Big Quiz 2018. It takes place at the Guildhall on Saturday 3rd February 2018 at 7pm prompt. We took part last year and it was great fun! Kevin Ashman from the Egg Heads will be the Quiz Master. Teams are welcome to apply - no more than 8 people are permitted in a team. Entrance is £12 a ticket which includes nibbles and a hot snack in the interval. No personal food or drink is permitted. The last date to purchase a ticket is 27th January. The Mayor Cllr David Mclean is looking forward to seeing you and supporting his charities.
Celebrity Quizmaster Kevin Ashman
news
January 2018
winchestertoday.co.uk 11
winchestertoday
Radio Listening Guide Winchester Today Radio News from Winchester and amazing songs - ‘The Music From Your Life’ brought to you by radio professionals right here in Winchester. Find us online via the TuneIn app, or through the ‘Listen Now’ button on our website at winchestertoday.co.uk
MONDAY - FRIDAY 06:00 Breakfast In Winchester. Upbeat songs to get you in the right mood for the day. Local news bulletins on the hour. 09:00 Kevin Gover continues with ‘The Music From Your Life.’ 14:00 John Ellery 22:00 The ‘No Sleeping’ Zone. Other stations want to send you to sleep at this time. Not us!
SATURDAY 06:00 Breakfast in Winchester 10:00 Kevin Gover 13:00 The Great Destinations Radio Show. Keri Jones brings you the atmosphere of countries and places around the world. He’s not just talking about it either. He’s actually there!
SUNDAY 10:00 Chrissie Pollard She loves the music. We love her! 13:00 Kevin Gover with the best of the 60s and 70s 15:00 John Ellery
Kevin Gover
15:00 John Ellery
John Ellery
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news
January 2018
winchestertoday.co.uk 13
New Look for ‘Streets’ Homeless to benefit from fresh recording OVER the last couple of weeks you may have heard and seen much talk of the homeless across Hampshire. The number is said to have doubled in places, with official figures across EnglandLegendary singer-songwriter, Ralph McTell, has re-recorded his timeless song, ‘Streets of London’, with a choir made up of clients from Crisis – the national charity for homeless people – and guest vocalist Annie Lennox, to raise money for the cause in the run up to Christmas. First penned 50 years ago, the classic single shares its birthday with Crisis, whose 50th anniversary also falls this December. To mark the occasion, Crisis’ homeless clients and staff from across the country came together to form an 88-strong choir to sing alongside McTell and guest vocalist Lennox. The choir was conducted by Only Men Aloud’s Tim Rhys-Evans, while the recording also features Fairport Convention’s Richard Thompson on guitar. One of the most recorded songs of all time, ‘Streets of London’ has been covered by over 200 artists including Cat Stevens and Glen Campbell. The song has long been associated with homelessness, with its lyrics speaking of lonely figures walking through Surrey Street Market in Croydon, where Crisis now has a centre. The latest version is an emotional gem, featuring lush orchestration and soaring choral harmonies alongside McTell’s trademark baritone. The single is being released to raise money for Crisis and help support some of the thousands of people facing homelessness this Christmas, many of whom will have nowhere to turn as the winter months close in. As well
as opening 13 centres for over 4,000 homeless guests over Christmas, the charity works year-round to help people out of homelessness, as well as campaigning for changes that will end homelessness once and for all. Ralph McTell said this of his own song: “It’s 50 years since I wrote Streets of London and it saddens me that the issues raised in the song are still so relevant today. When the idea of a single to support Crisis was mooted, I was very pleased that it might help raise awareness of the charity’s work and the
It saddens me that the issues in the song are still so relevant
wider issue of homelessness. I have been performing a Christmas concert in aid of Crisis for a few years now; inspired by its commitment to improving the circumstances of so many. “I was also thrilled that the wonderful Annie Lennox was prepared to lend her voice to a new recording, and when I discovered that Crisis had its own choir, it offered the perfect opportunity to create a new and exciting version of a song so many people know.” Jon Sparkes is Chief Executive of Crisis: “Our heartfelt thanks go to
Ralph McTell, Annie Lennox and all Crisis clients and staff who lent their voices to this record. The vital funds and awareness it will raise will help us support even more people facing homelessness. “It’s 50 years since Crisis was founded as an urgent response to an unacceptable situation – and it’s nothing less than a tragedy that we are still here today when homelessness should be a thing of the past.” You can download the new song from various places for 99p.
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reviews
14 winchestertoday.co.uk
January 2018
DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS FESTIVE FAVOURITE access to a theatre such as the Mayflower, whose stage is large enough to do justice to these kinds of productions; Nutcracker ensemble scenes comprise up to twenty leaping and twirling artists, and the invasion of the Mouse King and his rodent subjects is performed with such intensity that a smaller stage surely could not accommodate it. The principal leads’ synchronicity is sublime. Rina Kanehara and Aitor Arrieta, jointly awarded the Emerging Dancer Award 2017, hold our captivated attention with apparent ease during their enchanting pas de deux as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince. Perhaps even more recognisable than the Nutcracker character is the score by Tchaikovsky, performed for us by the esteemed English National Ballet Philharmonic under the Musical Direction of Gavin Sutherland. Initially scorned by Tchaikovsky’s critics, the piece has since grown to be one of the most popular ballet scores ever devised. The English National Ballet present a production of Nutcracker every holiday season, as has been the company’s tradition since its formation in 1950, and long may it continue. Missed out? The production is now at The Coliseum in London until 6 January. You’ll need to be quick though!
NUTCRACKER English national Ballet Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
By Beccy Conway SYNONYMOUS with Christmas festivity, Nutcracker has been a staple of yuletide tradition for decades. Having been recreated countless times both in the traditional ballet style and in more modern incarnations, there is little doubt that Nutcracker is one of the most beloved ballets worldwide. This latest production for the 2017 festive season was first premiered in 2010, appearing at the Mayflower in 2012, the first time this Nutcracker was to be performed outside of London. Choreographed by Wayne Eagling, his Nutcracker has since been produced in Amsterdam, Warsaw and Helsinki, and the Mayflower appear thrilled to be hosting the production again this week, prior to the ballet moving to the London Coliseum for the remainder of the season. Under the Artist Direction of Tamara Rojo CBE, who combines this role with her work as Lead Principal for the ENB, Eagling’s Nutcracker is certainly in safe hands, Rojo herself having danced the role of Clara at the Coliseum to vast critical acclaim. Designed by the late Peter Farmer, visually Nutcracker is everything one could want of this celebrated ballet. Clara’s grand London home is the picture of Christmas tradition, and is then transformed before our eyes to the sparkling Land of Snow, before Clara, the Nutcracker and Dr Drosselmeyer attempt to escape the clutches of the dastardly Mouse King in a hot air balloon, to delighted applause. Superbly intricate costumes complete the look of the ballet, with the Sugar Plum Fairy top skirts alone reportedly taking a day to create. A particular favourite moment of mine is the scene in which ice skaters skate across the frozen Thames outside of Clara’s home, the dancer’s shoes cleverly designed to create a convincing illusion of an icy stage. During the Christmas party scene, in which young Clara and her brother Freddie play with their friends amongst their parents many guests, the stage
Images by ASH, Arnaud Stephenson, Laurent Liotardo
The principal leads’ synchronicity is sublime is brimming with convincing festive merriment, facilitated by the fantastic cast of children from the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. It’s wonderful to see the pleasure of children in the audience as they watch the young dancers on stage, perhaps inspired to follow in their footsteps. We are lucky in Southampton to have
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reviews
January 2018
winchestertoday.co.uk 15
BEHIND YOU! JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Salisbury Playhouse.
By Kevin Gover I’M sitting in the auditorium of the Salisbury Playhouse and my face is hurting. Aching. Tears are running down my face. And it’s just the interval. What on earth is going on? I have never laughed out loud so much during a pantomime before – and the moments just before the interval are some of the best you will ever see… a version of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ that will have you crying with delight and which alone is worth the price of the ticket. And I think therein lies part of the success. Bohemian Rhapsody? Yes, and there are lots of other very-well known songs too, right from the beginning that will have you singing along. And boy, can this lot sing. All of them. Not a duff note anywhere. Moreover, there are no big names, and it’s absolutely not necessary. These guys could knock spots off others who are far more well known. It’s very difficult to pick out people because they are ALL good. But I loved the baddie Nightshade (Night Fever, Night Owl… the jokes go on). Steven Serlin has more than a touch of Dr Evil in the delivery and he’s spot on. Everyone is bashed, even the over-50s. The audience are totally in love with Pat The Cow (Laura Crowhurst) and her
Tears are running down my face ... astonishingly good
performance is so engaging that the response is amazing too, and justifiably so. Moments after the interval will have you gasping. There’s an actual giant! On stage! Maybe this is easy to do in this day and age, but I was blown away. Audience interaction seemed effortless – especially with Richard Ede in total control as Dame Trott. As with all clever pantomimes, the jokes and interaction are at two levels
– both with the children shouting out (because they know everything!) and with the adults (well done Robin – can I have an invite to the wedding?!) The jokes are old, very old, even older and mega old but with a twist. Even Southampton gets a bashing (yes!) Congratulations also to the young people who are involved – the crew on duty during my show were the six-strong ‘Blue Beans’, and I’m sure the Red Beans are great too.
This is big, loud, bold and creative. The costumes sparkle, as does the set. The band are just three, but they sound like ten. This is on another level – a triumph – and quite easily the best pantomime I have seen in years, (repeat THE best, not one of…). It’s well worth a trip down the Stockbridge Road. Astonishingly good. The show continues until 7 January – but be warned that some performances have already sold out.
They were totally captivated
Captain Hook (Jonathan Hansler) was quite breathless – as the Captain’s moustache seemed to have a mind of its own. Well done too to all the younger members of the cast who probably should have been at school in the daytime performance that I saw. The draw of Neverland was probably a little better than double maths I think! Great stuff.
Oh Yes They Did! PETER PAN Theatre Royal Winchester
By Kevin Gover IT’S a well-known fact that children are often introduced to live theatre through pantomime. Give them a good experience here and you’ve got them for life. Well, so it was that as I looked around the auditorium at moments through the performance at the children sitting behind me, I could feel every angst of pain they were feeling as Tinkerbell ‘drifted away’ – or when one of our heroes was being poisoned. They were totally captivated. Most of those ‘wow’ moments came in the flying sequences involving Peter Pan (Nichole Bird) and Wendy (Eleanor Bennett) which were quite amazing – and they used the entire stage as they flew off to Neverland behind a screen onto which various landmarks were projected (and a great joke on Big Ben). For me, the man that held it all together for fun, excitement and audience participation is Ed Thorpe who plays Smee (pictured alongside Julian Eardley, Mrs Smee). It’s a difficult job to keep the excitement level going for two hours, and he did a grand job. He only graduated four years ago, but seems to dominate the stage when he’s on with his near-football stadium chanting to get the children in the audience in the mood and on his side. Yes, there’s water involved – and yes, most of us got wet amid squeals of laughter and delight – and that was just the adults. The ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ routine was amazing throughout and a joy to watch. I was amazed at the tricks that Smee got up to with the toilet rolls! The frenetic rushing about alongside
16 winchestertoday.co.uk
the final word
December 2017
✁
★ ★★WINCHESTER TODAY ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ COMMUNITY AWARDS ★ ★ We’re very proud to announce the Winchester Today Community Awards, designed to recognise the most talented and caring people in Winchester and beyond. We invite your nominations for the awards that you can vote for in the following categories:
EDUCATION Best Pre-School Teacher (Winchester District)......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Best Primary School Teacher (Winchester District)............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Best Senior School Teacher (Winchester District). ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Best College Teacher (Hampshire). ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Best University Lecturer (Hampshire). ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
CUSTOMER SUPPORT Best Independent Shop Winchester District............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Best Chain Store Winchester District..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
BUSINESS Best Local Business - Winchester District.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
ATTRACTIONS Best Attraction in Winchester................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Best Attraction in Hampshire..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
CHARITY Best Charity in Hampshire..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Your Name and Email Address. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... (This will not be used for any purpose other than this project)
Rules: All nominations must be for people who live or work in Winchester District Area - except where indicated in the College/University/Attraction/Charity categories. The awards cover the timescale 1 Jan - 31 December 2017. Nominations can be submitted by post to Winchester Today, Suite 123, 80 High Street, Winchester SO23 9AT - or by email to news@winchestertoday.co.uk - the closing date is Friday 23 March 2018. You cannot vote for yourself. One entry per person/education establishment/business. Good Luck!
✁
Please cut out this entry form and send it to Winchester Today, Suite 123, 80 High Street, Winchester SO23 9AT or email it to news@winchestertoday.co.uk by Friday 23 March 2018.