Monday 22 January 2024
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“Please don’t send the new A&E to Basingstoke” Talk about getting your question in to someone at the highest level. Whatever you made of this video shown by Sky News of the moment the Prime Minister went on walkabout in Winchester’s High Street last Friday, there was one moment that tallied with other points incoming to Winchester Today… why does this growing city have to give up its facilities? Yes, we all know the RHCH building is not modern, but there’s an A&E right here, right now in Romsey Road. With this in mind, we posed three direct questions over safety and the Basingstoke mindset to HHFT. Go to Page 32
HHFT answer our questions over A&E page 32
A Dame of the ballet on the magic of Sleeping Beauty page 20 - 22
It STILL isn’t payday!
page 19
Trust Pearsons for a smooth move this winter. Worried that moving home will be a rough ride? Talk to Pearsons. Established and trusted in Hampshire for over 120 years, we’ve always offered unwavering service through calm and crisis.
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
The Longest Week A third of us are broke because of the pressure of Christmas and will be so until the end of the month according to new figures… meaning another ten days for those who are paid on the last day of the month. The study from the personal finance company Credit Karma suggests that for those who’ve run out, all funds available for January went by Saturday (20th). More on page 3
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Credit Karma’s study interviewed 2,000 adults in the UK between 6th and 9th January. Those people are now looking to alternative sources of funds… credit cards, buy now pay later or personal loans. Perhaps more worryingly is that on top of the number who had already used or plan to apply for credit in January to help manage Christmas expenses (31%) is that 29% plan to get credit to cover essential bills and necessities. The company says that a quarter of those surveyed now plan to avoid socialising, and almost half will not make any new technology purchases. These could be seen though as just knee-jerk reactions. How about looking at practical ways to do something over the next year, so that come January 2025 we’re not in the same situation. HSBC has lots of money saving tips on their website, and it all needs willpower. We’re sure though that once you get over that block you may even forget the money is there in the first place. Using the piggy bank or savings account, you will be in control. The main thing though is discipline and a willingness to keep it going. Put aside £1 every day for a whole year says HSBC… that’s £365 by next January. Or how about £10 a week… that’s £520. Add your own interest rate to make up for things perhaps at an extra £1 per week instead of paying it in loan fees… bingo you have nearly £600. You may be thinking of course that it’s all very well for us to be saying this; that we run a newspaper and radio station, what kind of problems could we possibly be facing? Well, we are all volunteers here and we’ve had to rely on ‘proper jobs’ to get by. In the last seven months, some volunteers in our team have gone through compulsory redundancy, JSA, endless job rejections, final demands, beyond final demands and all the anger, frustration and depression associated with it, so believe us that we’re speaking here with honesty, through experience and on the same level. What those volunteers chose to do – above all – is seek help.
Notice of Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence - Licensing Act 2003 I, Vanessa Garcia Perez hereby give notice that I have applied on 19/01/1024 to Winchester City Council as the licensing Authority for the Grant of a Premises Licence for the premises Known as: Ross Garcia, 6 Southgate Street, Winchester, S023 9EF. The application is for : Sale of Alcohol
Any person who wishes to submit representation in connection with this application should send their representation in writing to: Licensing Manager, Winchester City Council, City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester S023 9LJ, to arrive by 16/02/2024; details of representaions received will be forwarded to the applicants’ to enable them to comment. The representations received and the applications’ comments will be taken into account in determining the application. Relevant representatios will be forwarded to the applicant and published on the Council’s website. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and that person is liable on conviction to a file not exceeding Level 5 on the Standaed scale. A Register of Application can be inspected at the City Offices and details are avaliable at www.winchester.gov.uk/licensing.
Enquiries: 01962 848 188. or Email: licensing @winchester.gov.uk
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Incubators to Ukraine Staff at Bishop’s Waltham Rotary Club have told Winchester Today that sometimes things just fall into place and make their job of helping people so much easier. They say this happened just before Christmas when due to a series of events and contacts they were able to secure several incubators to send out to hospitals in Ukraine, who are desperate for this type of equipment. Just before Christmas they sent a 4x4 vehicle laden with warm clothing, sleeping bags and medical supplies to Ukraine and through this we were put in contact with a team who supply medical equipment to Ukraine via UMAUK (Ukraine Medical Association in the UK) and BUA (British Ukrainian Aid). They also have contact with and have supported the Hampshire Medical Fund who provide cutting edge medical equipment to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust in Winchester, Basingstoke and Andover. When a representative from Hampshire Medical Fund heard about their support to Ukraine whilst giving a presentation to one of our weekly meetings, they informed Rotary that they were in the process of supplying some new incubators to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust. They quickly started the ball rolling to try and secure the outgoing incubators, which were still fully serviceable, so that they could, if successful, send them to Ukraine. “So far, we have secured 5 desperately needed incubators which will be shipped to Ukraine over the next couple of months along with other much needed medical equipment.”
Image: Ian Treveil
01962 853344
Happy New Year from Pearsons!
Last year was un unpredictable market, even for the usually very resilient Winchester market. We are pleased to notice much better levels of interest across the board even this early in 2024. Buyer confidence started to stabilise in November and December 2023 and has surged in the first weeks of the year. With interest rates holding, mortgage lenders being more competitive and stable with their products and vendors that have waiting now coming to market, we anticipate a fruitful ‘bounce-back’ year. If you are considering moving over the next year or simply interested in the price of your property – please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you. In the meantime, have a lovely festive season!
Testimonials “We moved to Pearsons 6 months into attempting to sell with hopes of better success. We were not disappointed. Sam and his team provided a genuinely insightful and professional service.” “I have moved several times over the years and this is by far, the best experience I have had. I was kept informed throughout the selling process what was happening; where things needed to be expedited they did what was required to make things happen. My faith in Estate Agents has been restored, I have and would recommend Pearsons to anyone wishing to sell their house.” “Pearsons give a personal, kind, friendly service which simply can't be under-estimated when buying and selling houses. They listen and treat you as an individual. I'd really recommend them.”
Carolynn Coveney Sales Negotiator
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Fun For The Family – Young And Old! The Theatre Royal in Winchester has a whole host of family shows to enjoy… here’s an idea of what’s happening. Viggo Venn: British Comedian, Wednesday 24 January, 7.30pm The Circus of Horrors Cabaret of Curiosities, Tuesday 06 February, 7.30pm Friend (The One with Gunther), Friday 09 February, 7.30pm The Amazing Bubble Man, Sunday 11 February, 2pm Buffy Revamped, Tuesday 20 February, 7.30pm Houdini’s Great Escape, Thursday 22 – Saturday 24 February, various times Zog and the Flying Doctors, Friday 08 – Sun 10 March, various times Science Museum: The Live Stage Show, Sunday 17 March, 1.30pm The Gruffalo’s Child, Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 March, various times Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, Tuesday 02 – Wednesday 03 April, various times Dear Zoo, Saturday 06 – Sunday 07 April, various times The Singing Mermaid, Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 April, various times Cillian O’Connor: My Magic World, Tuesday 30 July, 7pm
Call the Box Office on 01962 840440 or see the website at theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Don’t miss out! You can receive an email reminder through Mail Chimp every week of when the latest edition of the newspaper is ready, and the link for where you can find it. But the only way you can do this is to opt in and tell us.
Monday 15 January 2024
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CHARITY BRACED FOR INCREASED DEMAND IN JANUARY Staff at the bereavement charity Sue Ryder say they expect to be overwhelmed this January. The charity’s told Winchester Today that demand for their services has soared by 36% in the last 12 months. Two-thirds of those who’ve experienced bereavement say January is one of the hardest months in which to grieve. More.. see page 2
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All part of an ArtPlus special on Sunday 4 February 2024
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T T I S I E I B B D B Y DE R E AT E
Tue 23 – Sat 27 Jan
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Boatmen Sink City Three goals in seven second-half minutes wrapped up a 3-1 win for Walton & Hersham at home to Winchester City on Saturday afternoon, writes Matt Richbell. An evenly contested first hour left the game finely poised before Walton and Hersham blew away the visitors and despite a late goal from a penalty from Pip Nolan (pictured), the hosts ran out victorious. Harry Nevins was on the bench for City after an impressive display for City’s Under-23s recently, whilst Stuart Mott started in defence. Dan Jones came close for City in the first-half, as did Olly Balmer, Devon Arnold and Trevor Caborn, with the Image: Gary Marsh
hosts offering very little. The second-half began in a similar manner with Simba
Playing The Music From Your Life… here’s a guide to your radio listening this week on Winchester Today:
Mlambo, Olly Balmer and Dan Jones all coming close before Nana Owusu, the former Bracknell forward, lobbed Luke Cairney to put The Swans ahead. Flaherty made it 2-0 on 70 minutes and then a third goal followed just two minutes later.
Monday to Friday 0900-1300 Kevin Gover, including the Golden Hour at 0900.
Jordan Rose came on as a makeshift striker as City
Monday 22 January 1976
running out, Trevor Caborn was tripped in the box. Pip
Tuesday 23: January 1972
Nolan converted the penalty to offer a consolation goal
Wednesday 24: January 1986
for City.
Thursday 25: January 1980 Friday 26: January 1974 1300: The Lunchtime Express 1400: Tony Simon 1700: Jon Gripton, including ‘The Big Book of Birthdays’. 1900: Jess Garner with his Mighty Fine Tunes. 2100: The Golden Hour 2200: The No Sleeping Zone! While others send you to sleep, we do exactly the opposite! Saturday 27 includes Jon Gripton’s Party Zone at 1700 Sunday 28 includes Chrissie Pollard at 1000, and ArtsPlus at 1700.
Find us on TuneIn or your smart speaker.
looked for a route back into the game and as time was
Didcot Town visit the City Ground on Tuesday night as City look to bounce back from successive defeats.
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
It’s Back! Very Soon!
SAT 17 & SUN 18 FEB
01256 844244 | anvilarts.org.uk © Tom Fletcher. Who’s in Your Book series published by Puffin Books Ltd
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Easy ways to advertise with Winchester Today! If you would like to advertise with us, we have kept it very simple for you. There are two ways: Online Only and Full Online Only: Only £35 / month. This gives you a 1/4 page ad in the online newspaper every Monday. No minimum spend, advertise when you like ahead of a campaign. And, like our friends at BA, now and then we’ll upgrade you to a full page! Full: £95 / month. You get a full page ad in the online Full newspaper every week and daily coverage on the radio station, with the radio coverage exactly to your choice. You can have traditional radio adverts across the day or choose to be associated with a show, like ‘Playmakers’ have done on Jon Gripton’s show every evening. ‘A World of Furniture’ is associated with Kevin’s show every morning. ‘Pearsons’ support our Saturday radio programmes. ‘Sarker World of Dance’ supports our Saturday Night Party.
Ring 01962 458452 and speak to Kevin
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Please Support Our Advertisers and Supporters! Without them, we simply would not be here. All our arts supporters allow us to see their shows and report back so that YOU can make your own mind up! Many thanks to: A World Of Furniture, Chandler’s Ford Pearsons Estate Agents, Southgate Street Mayflower, Southampton
Sarker Danceworks Theatre Royal, Winchester Chesil Theatre MAST Southampton Jane Austen’s House The Anvil, Basingstoke Cheriton Players (left)
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Sleeping Beauty Preview Mayflower, Southampton 8-10 February, 2024 Birmingham Royal Ballet By Diane Parkes for Winchester Today
Ballet superstar Dame Darcey Bussell DBE has danced in four different productions of the Tchaikovsky classic Sleeping Beauty – and there is one performance she will never forget. In 1994 she took the lead role of Princess Aurora in the world premiere of Sir Anthony Dowell’s production in Washington DC – in front of United States President Bill Clinton and Britain’s Princess Margaret. But for one heart-stopping moment, it looked like the show might not go on.
Image: Charlotte MacMillan
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
“The security on the stage was extraordinary - we had to go through a metal detector to go on stage and we also had to have a pass,” Darcey recalls. “I remember coming to the stage with just the right amount of time before my entrance and this security guy said ‘you haven’t got your pass’. I said ‘I left it in my dressing room but my dressing room is miles away and I can’t go back there because my entrance is very soon.’ “He replied ‘I don’t know if I can let you on’ and I said ‘you have to - because I’m Aurora and the ballet doesn’t really go on without me!’” Fortunately for everyone in the audience, Darcey was allowed on stage – and this was just one performance over more than two decades in which she danced in numerous Sleeping Beauties across the globe. This spring Darcey, who was a principal with Royal Ballet for nearly 20 years before retiring from the company in 2007, is sharing some of her knowledge with Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers as they prepare to tour Sir Peter Wright’s Sleeping Beauty. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Sir Peter’s production is a classic of ballet, hugely popular with dancers and audiences, but it asks a lot of its performers. “Sleeping Beauty is the ballet in which everything comes together,” Darcey says. “It’s the most extraordinary score and the choreography really challenges every generation that comes to it. It also uses the skills of the entire company so for any big classical company it really highlights their talents. “And with Sir Peter Wright’s Sleeping Beauty, the sets and the design are so beautiful it really is spectacular from the moment the curtain goes up. It has such energy that there’s never a dull moment. All the characters are incredibly strong and they all have a part to play and I think Sir Peter keeps thatstory thread from the beginning to the very end.” Darcey began her professional dancing career in 1987 under the directorship of Sir Peter at Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, which became Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1990. By the time SWRB and Sir Peter moved to Birmingham, Darcey had moved to the Royal Ballet based at Covent Garden, but she has fond memories of working with Sir Peter. “He has this extraordinary energy still and his enthusiasm for the art flows through him. I was lucky to have him as a director. It was just for one year but it was a very informative year as I had just left school and was in my first year with the company. “It’s an incredibly busy life as a director but he was always present in every performance, always had plenty of corrections to give you, lots of insight and knowledge that he wanted to pass over constantly. He was tough but very encouraging so you wanted to get better every time for him.” Darcey, who was made a Royal Ballet principal at the age of 20, danced her first Sleeping Beauty as the Lilac Fairy at just 18. Sleeping Beauty Production Images: Bill Cooper and Dasa Wharton
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
and how comfortable they feel in the role. But I always say ‘if you feel too relaxed doing this bit then you’re doing it wrong!’ You’ve got to feel like you’re always pushing a little bit further, you’ve always got to be finding something new, not just in yourself but in the ballet itself.” Last spring Darcey was appointed chair of the board at Theatre Royal Plymouth which hosts BRB’s Sleeping Beauty on March 20-23. “I performed at the theatre a lot when I was with Sadler’s Wells and Royal Ballet,” she says. “Also Rambert and Birmingham Royal Ballet and lots of other big dance companies come through the theatre so they have a big presence for dance, which was obviously part of the attraction for me. “But also they have this wonderful production space where Image of Darcey Bussell by Steve Haywood, used with kind
they produce a lot of the big shows that go into the West End
permission of Plymouth Theatre Royal.
and have this amazing life. Plymouth is a city of makers, with
“It was one of my first solo roles and I literally shook,” she recalls. “I remember the nerves through my whole body
incredible skills such as carpentry and ironmongery, and that is a very important part of the theatre world.
because that role is so demanding. You have to sustain all
“Regional theatres have an incredible power of inviting new
the turns and the balances and the demand on you physically
audiences and keeping the art alive and what we do incredibly
is tough, and also mentally because you have to really listen
well in Britain is produce great shows. We have an amazing
to the music.
ability, with our imagination, our creativity and our skills,
“But it was a very exciting part to play. The Lilac Fairy is
we do produce great shows and it’s very exciting to be part
important because the story is on her shoulders as well
of that knowing that in Plymouth, in that production space,
as Aurora’s. You are aware of that and how powerful your
they are producing great lighting, costumes, sets and having
presence is on that stage because the rest of the company
a rehearsal space to work on those shows.”
are reading it off you - you are leading that story and I think that is always in the dancer’s mind. “And with a part like Aurora, I think that’s when you understand your ability and it’s exciting to know what you are capable of. Then there is the reaction of the audience as well as the relationship you have with the conductor, with your partner
Whether audiences are returning to a ballet favourite in Sleeping Beauty or experiencing it for the first time, Darcey, whose dancing knowledge was also shared with the public during her time as a Strictly Come Dancing judge, says she hopes they all feel its magic.
and with all the whole company on that stage, it’s wonderful
“I think going to see a ballet like Sleeping Beauty is an
to get that energy because they want you to do well. You do
inspiration, it makes you think differently and it makes you
feel incredibly privileged to be part of a team that have all
awaken your senses to something totally brand new,” she says.
got that same goal to produce something very different and
“Even for me, being in this world for so long, I’m always taken
unique for the public.”
back by the extraordinary magic it gives, from the music to
While both roles are technically challenging, Darcey’s coaching of the BRB dancers will be looking at much more than precision. “It’s really important that we don’t get preoccupied just with the technique because each move has a purpose to telling the story,” she says. “You’ve got to remember you’re telling this beautiful fairy tale and that your purpose as an artist is bringing something new to a part. “So as a coach you never want anyone to do it like you did it - it’s really important that you’re getting their interpretation
the design, to the artist on the stage giving a hundred per cent. It is so uplifting, so motivating and so unique. We’ve got to keep opening our eyes to new things and dance really does inspire that.”
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Lunchtime! Review: Shoal, The Broadway, Winchester. This was the deal… be hungry, try something comforting for winter, go somewhere for lunch and go somewhere we had never been before. Oh, and make it unannounced. All that came true last Tuesday on one of the coldest days of the year so far. Earlier in the day temperatures in Winchester had dropped as low as minus 6, and it wasn’t that much higher in the daytime. “Fish and Chips please”, I muttered to myself for this first adventure. And so it was that I ended up at Shoal in The Broadway which I had noticed a couple of weeks ago, but had never visited. Initially, as I went through the front door, I thought I wasn’t going to get in; the main eating area was packed (it was still packed when I left near 2pm). “Don’t worry, we can seat you in the bar area”, said the very friendly server, one of three that attended to me! In fact, this was a much better area to be in; not only was it relaxed, but you can also see the chefs hard at work and watch the food being prepared. I opted for the lunchtime special, which has different variations, depending on what you like. I went for the cod and chips despite all the tempting pies on offer. An indication of what was to come pitched up in the form of an enormous teapot with enough tea for a small army. The fish was quite simply, the best I’ve ever tasted – and I’ve been to some of the best award-winning fish bars in the country from Lyme Regis to Ullapool. Hats off for the ‘extras’ you get, including warm bread and water. You don’t even need to like mushy peas… garden peas are also available! Cost: £17 for the lunchtime special (served until 2pm), plus a generous tip was added for the friendly staff. Tip: try to go hungry, you will not need anything else for the rest of the day! Food: Ambience: Cleanliness: Staff: Value For Money:
Note: Winchester Today has not received a penny from Shoal for this editorial review. Staff at Shoal were not even aware we were coming.
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Reading Call for Cheriton Players! Cheriton Players’ Spring 2024 production is Stephen Brigg’s stage adaptation of Terry Pratchett ® ’s Wyrd Sisters and is to be directed by Jane Wild, who has extensive experience in teaching English and Drama and who made her Cheriton debut last year in The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary. Other dates for your diary: First reading (all welcome, membership not essential at this stage) This Wednesday 24th January 2024 at 7.30pm Auditions (ditto) Next Monday 29th January 2024 at 7.30pm Rehearsals commence Monday 5th February 2024 The cast is large – but with some doubling, cross dressing/gender flexible roles Jane is aiming for a cast of about ten. There are numerous parts available, so please come along and read for a part:
Granny Weatherwax
Older witch
Nanny Ogg
Older witch
Magrat Garlick
Younger witch
Verence
Late King of Lancre
Leonal Felmet
Duke of Lancre
Lady Felmet
(his wife)
Vitoller:
An actor-manager
Mrs Vitoller
(his wife)
Fool:
A fool
Tomjon
(Young) son of Verence
Sergeant Hwel Demon
A playwright
Chamberlain Peasants (numerous) Guards (numerous) Robbers (numerous) Actors (numerous)
As always, there is a lot to do behind the scenes, so Cheriton Players welcome people who would be happy to help with the production in that way – lighting, sound, stage design / management / construction, decor, costumes, props, prompt, publicity – all the jobs need filling so please do come and join the happy band if you feel you can contribute something!
Cheriton Players Present
Terry Pratchett ’s ®
WYrd Sisters
The play
Adapted for the stage by
STEPHEN BRIGGS 23rd - 27th April 2024 ‘Terry Pratchett’ is a registered trademark
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Review: The Wizard of Oz, Mayflower Review by Mark Ponsford
When I saw this production at the London Palladium last year, my slightly-cynical side couldn’t shift the notion that, for all its extravagance, it was very much designed to tour. Heavy on projection, devoid of flying, and with the oddest depiction of the Yellow Brick Road I’ve ever seen, it’s certainly on a different scale to the previous, certainly more sumptuous incarnation of this adaptation, first seen (also at the Palladium) in 2011. Here we are, in a grimier Kansas and a somewhat more sinister Oz than we’ve seen before, with full-sized Munchkins (thankfully nowhere near as sinister as the full-sized Oompa-Loompas in last year’s tour of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, just one of that production’s interesting choices), more contemporary musical arrangements, and the (very) occasional lyric tweak for reasons one can only guess at. But as soon as Aviva Tulley’s Dorothy sings ‘Over The Rainbow’, the metaphorical clouds disappear as we warm to her captivating performance. (The huge ovation which greeted her at the curtain call on Wednesday evening was no less than she deserved.) The production is graced with highly appealing performances all round, not least from Alex Bourne (a superb Oliver Warbucks in last year’s tour of Annie) as Professor Marvel and the titular Wizard, with a beautiful singing voice, and a delightful comic delivery reminiscent of the great Paul Lynde. Benjamin Yates, Marley Fenton and Nic Greenshields, as Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion respectively, bring a collective and individual charm and appeal to those well-loved
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
characters; while Emily Bull’s warm, no-nonsense Glinda is a constantly welcome presence, not least for her enchanting performance of the aforementioned “Already Home’. The casting masterstroke of the production is that of The Vivienne, a clear and deserved audience favourite. When she appears as the Wicked Witch of the West, statuesque, beautiful and firing on all cylinders, her pitch-perfect performance is a knockout. You can’t take your eyes off her, and as the delicious baddie you “love to hate”, her work throughout is such that, rather than being greeted with the traditional boos at the curtain call, her appearance ignited roof-raising cheers from the audience. (She can also, as was evident in the company curtain routine, shake a mean leg!) Overall, it’s an evening of delights and surprises. The source material remains as indestructible as ever, the lessons learned continue to resonate, and the Harold Arlen / E.Y. Harburg score, as always, warms our hearts. (Full review on winchestertoday.co.uk)
FRI 02 FEB
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arts
Monday 22 January 2024
REVIEW ALADDIN – MOUNTBATTEN PLAYERS. THE POINT, Eastleigh 13 January 2024 REVIEW: Mark Ponsford COSTUMES: Molly Limpe
I’m very much a Panto-phile, and by the end of the current “Silly Season” I’ll have seen 11 of ‘em (3 more to go), mostly excellent, one “interesting”, and one featuring a well-known name who hopefully will never be allowed near the genre ever again. By this stage in the proceedings there’s always an omnipresent risk of being “pantomimed-out”, and I couldn’t help but wonder, as I set off for The Point whether I might have reached that state. Had I? The answer: a resounding “Oh no I hadn’t!” Mountbatten Players’ Aladdin (my first and only Aladdin this time around) turned out to be a full-on crowd pleaser, full of charm and fun. Prior commitments meant that I wasn’t able to attend until the Saturday matinee, although on reflection that proved an ideal time to go, because when Panto occupies the stage, there’s nothing can quite compare with a full and responsive audience, children and adults alike having a great time at a production that’s hit its stride splendidly, with energetic direction, effective choreography, and a hard-working and appealing ensemble. Colourful sets, a seemingly unstoppable array of gorgeous costumes, and a punchy Show Band under the Musical Direction of Adam Blosse, all combined to whisk us magically into the “Land of 1001 Nights”, with lavish lighting effects and a well balanced sound system (marred only by the Genie’s mic cutting out occasionally, even in the second half), further enhancing the overall effect. This was a great value-for-money show, and having bought my own ticket long before being invited to review the production, I think I’m allowed to say that! More on pg 30
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Monday 22 January 2024
Were I to voice one small quibble (and let’s not forget, this is only one person’s opinion), I might have suggested some judicious trimming of the overall running time – although this was still nowhere near as alarming as a pantomime I attended elsewhere, some years ago, whose first act alone came in at a bum-numbing 1 hour 40!! At this afternoon’s performance, the show’s choreographer and co-director, Elle Watson, was required to step into the title role, at what I understand was very short notice, and what a joy she was. With a megawatt smile, great vocals, and that essential audience-friendly warmth so crucial for a Principal Boy, she had us all on her side from the outset, and her rapport with Molly Lancaster’s delightful (and delightfully funny) Princess Jasmine was one of the show’s most charming aspects. Comic charm, in fact, was prevalent throughout the principal casting, with Cat Woolridge’s Genie, Mary-Rose Finden’s Empress, and Felicity Farrell’s Dalia, all seizing the opportunities given them by the show’s author, Adam Feltham (of whom, more in a moment!). Martin Anderson’s Abanazar elicited exactly the right kind of boos and hisses from the crowd, making him the type of villain a Panto audience loves to hate – and rightly so. And then, Stephen Fenerty’s gorgeous traditional Dame, with more costumes (continually topping each other) than you could shake a stick at, along with great humour and bonhomie. Widow Twankey’s “other son”, Wishee, was played with an appealing sweetness by Helen Wood. There was a fine, menacing Spirit of the Cave from Paul Jones; and two hugely enjoyable Policemen, Chas and Dave (don’t ask!), from Josh Stockton and Owen Hawes. Stockton displayed a particularly accomplished comic touch, not to mention a pair of expressive eyebrows that deserve their own programme credit! Adam Feltham, who does triple-duty for the show, as scriptwriter, co-director, and the obliviously deluded Vincent the Vain (with a string of chat-up lines so hilariously excruciating that he deserves to be publicly punished!), has produced a funfilled script., in which said fun is wisely (and generously – always a major plus for me) distributed evenly among the players. There are a number of nods to Disney (and a brief, pertinent reference to the Disney Legal Team!), plus a fine quota of good/ bad jokes. One of the many touches I enjoyed was the use of the traditional “Ghost” scene (throughout which the younger members of the audience were clearly keen to participate in as deafeningly as possible!) to actually advance the plot. I’ve only ever seen this happen in one other Panto (not Aladdin). It’s a small point, but a clever one. One more point, and I hope a relevant one. No production of Aladdin should really be without a Flying Carpet, and the representation in this production might well have gone beyond the initial “wow” effect. When Aladdin and Jasmine were borne into the air, beautifully lit against a starry background, the younger members of the audience were suddenly and silently spellbound. Pantomime, more often than not, is a child’s first experience of Live Theatre., and in among all the laughter and rowdiness, when a moment of stage magic suddenly occurs, it can hook them for life. That kind of long-term effect is surely justification for the ongoing tradition of Pantomime. Did Mountbatten Players achieve this? Oh Yes They Did.
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Monday 22 January 2024
Film Preview
Based on Donald L. Miller’s book of the same name, and scripted by John Orloff, “Masters of the Air” follows the men of the 100th Bomb Group (the “Bloody Hundredth”) as they conduct perilous bombing raids over Nazi Germany and grapple with the frigid conditions, lack of oxygen and sheer terror of combat conducted at 25,000 feet in the air. Portraying the psychological and emotional price paid by these young men as they helped destroy the horror of Hitler’s Third Reich, is at the heart of “Masters of the Air.” Some were shot down and captured; some were wounded or killed. And some were lucky enough to make it home. This has Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman as executive producers and is out on Friday (26th January) on Apple TV+. Image: Steven Spielberg at the premier in Los Angeles.
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Apple TV+)
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
Hospital Consultation Extra Q2: Can you understand the total cynicism of people in Winchester who think “it’ll be alright for HHFT, just as long as people in Basingstoke are happy.” A: The new hospital would accompany significant investment in Winchester hospital which would focus on planned operations and procedures, and provide a 24/7 doctor-led urgent treatment centre, same day emergency care services, dedicated planned surgery centre, inpatient beds, midwife-led birthing unit, and step up and step down beds for people who do not need a specialist hospital environment but who need medical or nursing support overnight. The changes we are proposing mean we would be able to provide higher standards of care more consistently, and reduce waiting times Whatever was said in the High Street about what to whom and how,
for emergency, urgent and planned care, because bringing specialist
it seems clear to us that – new hospital or no new hospital – there
services together would speed up diagnosis and treatment.
are people in Winchester who are just not very happy at apparently having to play second fiddle to Basingstoke over health plans for the future. People have told us they are worried about safety and
Q3: How can you justify a minimum extra travel time of 22 minutes for an ambulance to get to J7 of the M3 from Winchester?
distance. They are also pretty fed up that consultation meetings
A: Many of the most time-critical services such as for strokes, heart
are being arranged in the daytime when people are at work… in
attacks and major accidents are already only provided from one of
other words, that we don’t really matter and we have to fit in with
our hospital sites and travel times for these services would stay the
everyone else.
same or only increase by a few minutes.
So, bearing this in mind, we posed three simple questions to the
Our clinicians believe that where there are longer journey times, these
bosses at HHFT over concerns that have been made to us and that
would be more than offset by shorter waits to see a senior doctor and
we have seen. Here are their responses, see what you think:
for diagnostics on arrival at hospital, more consistent high-quality
Q1: What is the point of this completely empty exercise when you clearly already have a preferred option and that you have already made your mind up? A: These are still only our proposals, and we are consulting widely on all three options to fully understand their advantages and
care, improved outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and services that are sustainable for the long term. Our proposals would also give access to some services that are not currently provided locally, for example a dedicated children’s emergency department.
disadvantages from a range of perspectives, or indeed to hear
Ambulances would take people to the closest place that safely can
about any alternative evidence or solutions that would help us
meet their needs.
address the challenges we face in terms of how we can best deliver care to meet people’s future needs. Whilst we do have a preferred option, consultation is not a vote, it
Separately, Winchester Today also had a separate statement given to the newspaper by Dr Nick Ward, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust:
is a really important process of listening to the views of people to understand the upside and downside of the options including the
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve hospital
preferred option. If these are fully understood by decision makers
facilities and hospital services across north and mid Hampshire for
every effort can be made to maximise benefits and minimise
decades to come.
negative impacts of whichever option is chosen. “The proposals would see significant investment in refurbishing We want to hear people’s views and feedback before we take any
Winchester hospital which would have a new dedicated planned
decisions either on the location of the new hospital, or how we
surgery centre, a doctor-led 24/7 urgent treatment centre, same
might organise services in the future.
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
day emergency care services, inpatient beds, and a midwife-led birthing unit. “They would also see a brand-new hospital for specialist and emergency care, such as strokes, heart attacks, life and limb threatening injuries, and a separate children’s emergency department. “The proposals we are consulting on have been designed by clinicians, with patients and the public, and are based on clinical evidence and best practice. At their heart is the need to deliver safe, sustainable, high-quality services for the future, with sufficient specialist staff to run services well. “We are encouraging people to tell us what they think about the proposals - this is your NHS, please get involved and help shape it for the future.”
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Monday 22 January 2024 December 2023
DAB+ Radio Update: As you will know, DAB+ broadcasts in Winchester on the small-scale multiplex have been halted temporarily while the licence was transferred to new owners and a new transmitter was built at Flagstaff Stables just a few hundred yards from the old one at Crabwood Farm. Details of the new Winchester coverage, where that transmitter will be, audience and power required have now been put out for consultation by the regulator, OFCOM. The consultation is running throughout January 2024. Hopefully, all services will then be back on once the consultation has finished. Please have a look at the details published on the OFCOM website. In the meantime, Winchester Today’s fantastic programmes continue at TuneIn and via your smart speaker. Ask Alexa: “Alexa, play Winchester Today.”
Project:Alfie150 – supporting the training of young journalists in Winchester since 2012. Our training days for anyone aged 16-25 and interested in a career in media will be open for applications very soon. This is provided through our training team: media professionals determined to pass on their skills to the media professionals of the future. Initially, the details will be released to schools in the Winchester District. Last time, sessions were sold out. Don’t miss out! Contact: Thank you for reading the online version of the Winchester Today newspaper. We publish every Monday morning. If you would like to get in contact with us either for editorial or advertising purposes, please ring 01962 458452. Our email address is news@winchestertoday.co.uk Winchester Today, 47 Southgate Street, Winchester SO23 9EH. Managing Editor: Kevin Gover. Layout Design: Grace Pradhan. Contributors: David Cradduck, Jon Gripton, Helena Gomm, Beccy Conway, Sophia Sample, Tony Simon, Chrissie Pollard, Matt Richbell, Jan Conway, Jack Shaw, Mark Ponsford, Eleanor Marsden, Jess Garner and Rachel Gover