Monday 5 February 2024
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BANKSY KEEPS GIVING Remember the artwork ‘Game Changer’ that was gifted to Southampton Hospitals Charity in May 2020 during the height of the Covid pandemic? The little note that accompanied the artwork said “Thanks for what you’re doing. I hope this brightens up the place a little, even if it’s only black and white.” The picture showed a boy playing with superhero toys and choosing to be with a different kind of hero – a nurse – instead of Batman and Spiderman. Well, last Thursday Winchester Today heard from the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity that it has received a grant of £50,000 from the proceeds of the auction of the artwork. The Trust supports families who have a child with a life-threatening or
Winchester Film Festival is back! page 30
terminal illness. Game Changer indeed.
Important year ahead for Hampshire cricketer
page 25
Image: The RainbowTrust
Film Preview: Back To Black hits the big screen
page 24
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.
Book a free, no obligation market appraisal today. S E RV I C E | M A R K E T I N G | E X P E R I E N C E
Call 01962 853344 or visit pearsons.com
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Monday 5 February 2024 December 2023
HEALTH TWISTS AND TURNS By Kevin Gover, News Editor
It’s been a strange week health wise here in Winchester. A critical incident was declared at the RHCH in a situation “not taken lightly” where we were told that attending emergency departments for non-life-threatening conditions would mean an extremely long wait. Anyone needing medical assistance was asked to call 111, speak to their GP, visit their local pharmacy or an urgent treatment centre. And so it was on Wednesday of last week that – quite by accident, if you’ll excuse the pun – one of our team members was able to take advantage of a new system rolled out across the country including here in Winchester. Pharmacies taking part in the new ‘Pharmacy First’ system from 31 January could now not
only
offer
practical
advice on seven different issues, but also prescribe treatment for those seven issues on the spot. No need for a GP visit. Our problem wasn’t big enough to warrant a visit to A&E, but was serious enough to need on-the-spot diagnosis
and
immediate
treatment. Our team member was seen by the very friendly pharmacist after little more than four minutes in the waiting area. Face to face. And the problem was on the list of seven! Prescription
dispensed
within fifteen minutes after that. Happy smiling faces all round. A seriously stunning development
that
we
witnessed first hand, here in Winchester, on launch day. Thumbs up from us...: This information has been brought to you to illustrate our
article.
Winchester
Today has not received any payment for this feature.
Guidance issued by the NHS this week promoting the seven conditions where treatment is now available under the new ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme
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Monday 5 February 2024 December 2023
Covers raises £33k during annual fundraiser for hospices. Following its annual Help for Hospices fundraising week in December, Covers Timber & Builders Merchants, located on Prospect Road, Alresford, is donating £33,000 to 12 hospices across the South East, including Naomi House & Jacksplace. The Help for Hospices campaign has become a significant annual event for Covers. Since its launch in 2015, £249,000 has been given, supporting hospices that play a crucial role in providing care to those in need. Between 11th and 15th December, all Covers branches actively participated in fundraising efforts for their respective local hospices. As part of the commitment to giving back, the company pledged to contribute £1 for every metre of 4x2 timber sold during the week. Back in December, each depot hosted a special fundraising day, with teams donning Christmas jumpers or fancy dress to add a festive touch to the occasion. The fundraising efforts included the sale of a variety of homemade treats, with all proceeds going to the hospices. Rupert Green is Chairman at Covers Timber & Builders Merchants: “We are thrilled to support our 12 amazing charities with £33,000 through our Help for Hospices fundraising week. “The generosity of our staff and support of our customers has made a significant impact on the lives of those in our communities who rely on the services provided by the hospices. “We extend our thanks to every customer and member of our team who contributed to the fundraising total.”
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Monday 5 February 2024 December 2023
Nolan To The Rescue Winchester City 2 Tiverton Town 1 Southern League Premier South Tuesday 30 January 2024 Pip Nolan turned from villain to hero as he made amends for missing a penalty by scoring the winner as Winchester City came from behind to beat Tiverton Town, writes Matt Richbell. Craig Davis replaced Josh McCormick after Saturday’s win at Basingstoke, starting Nolan, Mott and Rose at the back alongside Danny King and Ollie Griggs. IK Hill was named among the substitutes, having recently had a successful spell dual-registered with Hartley Wintney. Tommy Wright had the chance to score in the opening Image: Josh Barrett
sixty seconds, but the forward shot wide from a Pip Nolan throw in. It was Tiverton who took the lead on 13 minutes, however,
Playing The Music From Your Life… here’s a guide to your radio listening this week on Winchester Today:
when Parker scored.
Monday to Friday 0900-1300 Kevin Gover, including the Golden Hour at 0900.
but his spot kick was saved.
Monday 5 February 1976
Barron whipped in a corner that Stuart Mott headed just
Tuesday 6 February 1985
wide. Jamie Barron also came close with the skipper
Wednesday 7 February 1989
On 32 minutes, City had the chance to equalise after Olly Balmer was fouled in the box. Pip Nolan stepped up,
After half-time, City pushed for an equaliser. Jamie
shooting just wide after a Trevor Caborn cut back.
Thursday 8 February 1973
The hosts did eventually level on 67 minutes when Tommy
Friday 9 February 1970
Wright (pictured) scored. The experienced forward took
1300: The Lunchtime Express
aim from 20-yards and fired past the keeper with the
1400: Tony Simon 1700: Jon Gripton, including ‘The Big Book of Birthdays’.
help of a deflection. The momentum shifted towards the home side, with IK
1900: Jess Garner with his Mighty Fine Tunes.
Hill coming on for City and causing problems for the
2100: The Golden Hour
visitors.
2200: The No Sleeping Zone! While others send you to sleep, we do exactly the opposite!
With ten minutes remaining, Pip Nolan put City ahead.
Saturday 10 February includes Jon Gripton’s Party Zone at 1700 Sunday 11 February includes Chrissie Pollard at 1000, and ArtsPlus at 1700.
Find us on TuneIn or your smart speaker.
Olly Balmer delivered a dangerous set piece into the box and Nolan glanced his header into the bottom corner. Despite five minutes added time, City held on for three points which sees them move to just seven points away from a play-off spot.
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Monday 5 February 2024 December 2023
HMP Winchester inmate runs a million metres for Spurgeons – from inside the prison! An inmate at HMP Winchester has raised £1636 for Spurgeons’ charity after seeing how it helps families. Dale Somerset* (*name changed) has completed a ‘Million Metre Challenge’ – that’s 140km per week on the prison rowing machine and treadmill over several weeks in a bid to fund support for the families of other prisoners. Dale’s family worker also joined him in his running challenge for the last week. She’s helped support Dale’s partner and children while he is in prison. Dale explains his reasoning: “Spurgeons have really helped me over the last few weeks and I thought what better place to raise money for than them. A lot of the lads here love what Spurgeons do – it’s like the link that’s missing in here. I’ve had facilitated phone calls to deal with issues regarding my daughter - I wouldn’t have had that without Spurgeons. That would never have happened otherwise.” On completing the challenge Dale said he felt both “happy and exhausted”
M3 Closure – Advance Warning Drivers are being advised to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journeys as a full weekend closure is planned to begin this coming Friday, 9 February on the M3 London-bound carriageway between junctions 4a and 3. Following inspections earlier in the year, National Highways identified a series of maintenance issues on this section of the M3. From Friday 9 February until Monday 12 February, the M3 London-bound carriageway will be fully closed 9pm – 6am between junctions 4a (Farnborough / Fleet and 3 (Bracknell / Woking). Road users should allow extra time to complete their journeys and follow the official diversion route, which will be fully signposted.
Preview George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain makes a welcome return to The Anvil on Friday 1 March. A celebrated musical juggernaut for four decades, as soon as they walk on stage, you know you are in safe hands. Thrilling audiences from Tasmania in the South Pacific to Svalbard in the arctic circle, Windsor Castle to Carnegie Hall, the all-singing, all-plucking Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britian continues to break the mould with a programme of new tunes as well as old classics.
CHER I TON PL AY ER S PR ESEN T
�
TERRY PRATCHETT ’S
ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY
STEPHEN BRIGGS AN AMATEUR PERFORMANCE OF THIS DISCWORLD � PL AY
23rd-27t h Apr i l 2024 www.thecheritonplayers.org.uk Tickets £13 available online from www.ticketsource.co.uk/cheritonplayers or tel 0333 666 3366 (standard rates apply). All telephone bookings are handled through TicketSource – this is not an exclusive number for Cheriton Players.
‘TERRY PR ATCHETT’ AND ‘DISCWORLD’ ARE REGISTERED TR ADEMARKS
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Monday 5 February 2024 December 2023
Chesham Sink City Winchester City 0 Chesham United 3 Saturday 3 February 2024 League leaders, Chesham United, won 3-0 away at injury-hit Winchester City in the Premier Division on Saturday afternoon, writes Matt Richbell. Josh McCormick, Danny King, Trevor Caborn and Harry Nevins were all missing. Pip Nolan filled in at right-back, whilst Jack Torniainen returned to the starting XI from his spell at Horndean, and Simba Mlambo (pictured) returned to the starting line-up, with IK Hill on the bench. Chesham started brightly, with Luke Cairney called into action inside the first minute. The visitors had several early opportunities before Antonio German put them ahead after just ten minutes. Tommy Wright, Jamie Barron and Simba Mlambo all pushed for an equaliser in the first-half, but all were denied. After half-time, the game remained end-to-end but City’s big chance came when Barron supplied Simba Mlambo, and his effort rattled the crossbar. Chesham then went down the other end and doubled their advantage moments later through Clayton. City grew frustrated and Ollie Griggs and Jordan Rose both picked up cautions for the hosts. As City threw caution to the wind to look for a route back into the game, Chesham grabbed a third goal to seal the points. Up next City welcome Swindon Supermarine to the City Ground on Tuesday night.
Image: Josh Barrett
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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01962 853344
Claire O’Leary Property Manager
winchester@pearsons.com
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SOLD SOLD SOLD
SOLD SOLD SOLD winchester@pearsons.com pearsons.com winchester@pearsons.com winchester@pearsons.com
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Monday 5 February 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. 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
DANCE CLASSES WINCHESTER, HAMPSHIRE FUN, FUNKY, FRESH MOVE YOUR BODY, FEED YOUR SOUL
WW FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS W. SA JOIN SARKER DANCEWORKS, RK ERD WHERE BEING YOURSELF IS AN YOUR SUPERPOWER. CEW O O R W K E S C N R A D R CONTACT US E KS. K R E : F R F O A S E @ C W VICTORIA SARKER - PRINCIPAL O M TAP 07756402748 VIKI@SARKERDANCEWORKS.COM @SARKERDANCEWORKS WWW.SARKERDANCEWORKS.COM COME AND FIND YOUR GROOVE WITH US. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE
MODERN BALLET DANCE SSTREET T COMMERCIAL CONTEMPORARY FITNESS 07756402748
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Monday 5 February 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.
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“I SUSPECT OUR CONCERNS VANISH INTO A HUGE SPREADSHEET.”
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The row over A&E continues… a special report begins on page 2 >>>
When political differences are united page 30
and say and state which email address we can use. Your email address will not be used for
Our Ballet specials continue with costume restoration page 26-27
Film Preview: One Love!
page 18
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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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 5 February 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 5 February 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 5 February 2024 December 2023
Six: Teen Edition
Spot On Productions The Point, Eastleigh, Saturday 3 February 2024 Review: Helena Gomm This powerful and empowering comedy musical perfectly showcases the many talents of the Spot On company. It is hard to believe that these are amateurs or that the performers and musicians are still in their teens. ‘Six: Teen Edition’ is a slight reworking of the original musical ‘Six’ to make it more suitable for teenage performers and family audiences. From the opening number, a high-octane rendition of ‘Ex-Wives’ – with elements of ‘Greensleeves’, but like you’ve never heard it before – the wives of Henry VIII, who have formed themselves into the girl band ‘Six’, introduce themselves. They also propose a musical competition to determine who should be crowned the ultimate queen. The criterion on which this is to be determined is who suffered the most as Henry’s wife. Each queen then goes on to tell her story in song, with the others acting as backing group and dance troupe. The energetic and gifted performers bring out well the different characters of the women and the variety of their experiences at Henry’s
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hands. From loyal but feisty Katherine of Aragon (Bella Hutley), through shameless minx Anne Boleyn (Amelie Morris) to Jane Seymour (Immy Perrin), the one who truly loved him, Anna of Cleves (Paris Hall), whose marriage never really got off the ground, Katherine Howard (Jasmine Mabey) who tells of pestering and abuse at the hands of her suitors and finally Catherine Parr (Hattie Funnell), the one who survived Henry, we hear their stories in their own words, based on historical fact, but far from dry or dusty. It would be invidious to pick a favourite, and, in fact, the wives eventually abandon their competition in favour of a celebration of togetherness and an understanding that they all deserve recognition in their own right, not just as the wives of a famous man – who is, anyway, best known for marrying them, rather than for his other achievements. However, a particular treat is Anna of Cleve’s joyous relish in having been divorced almost immediately (because her face didn’t match her portrait, her ‘profile picture’) and being able to enjoy her own palace at Richmond, fabulous riches and the freedom to do what she wants without the burden of having to be married to Henry. Tirelessly providing the musical backing to this extravaganza are the musicians: Jo Pawlowska, Avigayil Yacobi Padan, Leila Thompson and Lucy Uttley. This is a production lasting well over an hour with no interval, so the stamina of both musicians and singers is remarkable and impressive. The show is also visually superb, with stylish costumes that manage to be bang up to date, yet still give a nod to Tudor fashions: a slashed sleeve here, a shortened kirtle and pearl headdress there. Director Alick Leech, Musical Director Martin Bennetts and Choreographer Jemma Conner are to be congratulated for pulling all this together and producing such a spectacular production. I saw the show on Saturday afternoon, when the six queens were played by the ‘Amethyst Team’. There is another team, the ‘Gold Team’ in other performances and I am sure they are equally worth watching. In fact, as I left the theatre, I heard at least three people telling their friends that they would like to see it again.
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Monday 5 February 2024 December 2023
The Who’s Tommy – The Point, Eastleigh 1 February 2024
REVIEW: David Cradduck The Who’s Tommy, the stage musical – not to be confused with the original 1969 rock opera concept album Tommy or Ken Russell’s over-the-top film from 1975, is playing at The Point, Eastleigh, by that talented group, Spot On Productions. Spot On, and its chairperson Alick Leech, don’t like to do things by halves: no sooner had the curtain come down on their colourful production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in November than they were straight into rehearsals for Tommy and, if that wasn’t enough, a youth production running alongside it, Six. And when I say alongside, I mean intertwined: for instance, Six has two performances on Saturday at 2pm and 5pm, then Tommy is back on stage at 7.30pm. That means a change of set on Saturday morning, another between the evening shows and again after the last show to be ready for Six again for two more shows on Sunday. At least one band member is playing in both and one of the cast members for Tommy, dancer Jemma Conner, is also the choreographer for Six! The two productions even share a programme, half of which is for Tommy starting at one end and the other half for Six, starting at the other end,
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turned upside down. It starts to make old school rep theatre look tame, doesn’t it? Back to Tommy, the stage musical – based on the original rock opera and the film, it wasn’t until 1992 that it made its first appearance on Broadway since when it has had several revivals, additions and modifications but is basically the same story, created by Pete Townshend of The Who, the cult rock group of the 60s which many of us will remember first time around. Tommy, at the age of four, witnesses in a mirror his RAF pilot dad, Captain Walker, shoot dead Tommy’s mum’s lover (Dad is missing in action during WW2 but returns unexpectedly at the end of the war). Traumatised by this event, Tommy becomes a deaf, dumb and blind, locked-in creature who only responds to his own reflection in the mirror, despite attempts to cure him as he grows up. His childhood through the 40s and 50s is a lonely one, made worse by an abusive uncle and cousin and some unfriendly kids. By accident one day in a youth club Tommy is introduced to a pinball machine at which he miraculously becomes an instant genius and thus earns a reputation as being the Pinball Wizard. That is basically Act 1. Act 2 sees him as a young adult, set free from the curse by the (probably metaphorical) smashing of the mirror; he becomes a celebrity which brings a whole new set of problems whilst he must adjust to a new normality. It all comes right in the end, but it’s pretty dark in parts along the way. But not as dark as the original rock opera and certainly not as dark as the film. It still retains a surreal quality from the original which Spot On have exploited in terms of a minimalist set, relying instead on mood lighting, a good dollop of stage smoke, a handful of props, skeletal scenery and, last but not least, that infectious, raucous, often loud but melodic musical score which underpins the whole show. Tommy is most definitely a musical – the story is told through a series of musical numbers with the minimum of spoken dialogue. Many of us grew up with that score, along with other songs by The Who (including their other, 1969, concept album/film, Quadrophenia). Having said that, and I was a great fan of the 1972 LSO backed semi-classical version of the album, many of the numbers are largely unknown, complex and must have provided a challenge for choreographer Abbie Jennings and director Adam Rush to blend non-stop, dance-based action with the music and storytelling and still make it relevant. There are times when most of the 20-odd cast fill the stage – actually, most of the time – and apart from providing a full chorus to fill the auditorium with sound it sometimes seems a bit of overkill and unnecessarily complicated. Having over a dozen white coated doctors to investigate Tommy’s affliction is perhaps a bit over the top? But the stage is never still from start to finish which makes this such a sensorial show – Tommy might not be able to see and hear but the audience certainly can and are swept along on the fast-paced feast of movement and sound. Harry James Taylor as adult Tommy is sensational, with a clear tenor voice that could be Roger Daltrey’s if you close your eyes. He commands the stage and narrates the show in the first half whilst his younger versions provide the action; the reverse happens in the second half. Young Amira Davies (playing Tommy aged four) and Jacob Calder (Tommy aged 10), fresh from his role as young Jeremy Potts in Chitty, provide muted but terribly effective performances as they are pushed, pulled and manhandled around the stage in the first half, then play the ghostly memories of young Tommy in the second, often underlit with spooky effect from the other side of the ‘mirror’. Neither have much to say, but these are vitally important roles involving some complex and physical choreography. The remainder of the cast is a tight-knit ensemble including a troupe of balletic ‘featured’ dancers and a chorus of well-drilled lads and lasses who double and double again to provide doctors, nurses, judges, police, schoolkids, unruly youths, RAF pilots, ministers and other characters. Featured supporting principals include some formidable performances from such capable performers as Mark Ponsford as evil Uncle Ernie (absolutely in his boater-and-blazer-comedic element in the ‘Tommy’s Holiday Camp’ scene); Holly Ind is frighteningly scary as The Gypsy (Acid Queen); and Toby Walker excels as nasty schoolboy bully, Cousin Kevin.
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Teddy Clements and Hayley Joy put in solid performances as Tommy’s beleaguered parents and Emily McSpirit makes a suitably threatening hawker. A quick mention also for Jack Oliver’s amazing voice when playing the teddy boy at the end of Act 1 and singing ‘Pinball Wizard’: clear, upfront and confident. In fact, all the voices work well – there are some tricky harmonies and cross-singing in many numbers which need a lot of puff to deliver well (tricky when you’re dancing too). Of course, they do have the most incredible nine-piece band, under the musical direction of Liam Baker, to provide what would usually be termed as accompaniment but in this case is very much an integral part of the show and ever-present in the shadows upstage – after all, the whole thing is based on a concept musical score so the music is probably the star of the show. Some heavy rock numbers like ‘We’re not gonna take it’ and ‘Acid Queen’ are intertwined with simple melodic repetitions such as the many reprises of the lyrics “See me, Feel me, Touch me, Heal me”. The light and shade of the music, albeit a bit Townshend-indulgent, is as mesmerising as the visual onslaught that runs in parallel with it. What is surprising that this is not a sell-out, despite being only on for three nights – but it really should be. Is it that as a 50-year-old rock group and their music is no longer recognised or popular? Or is that people don’t know what to expect if they are too young to remember the cult film? Whatever, it was a crying shame to see empty seats on opening night when it so deserved a full house. But it certainly didn’t stop a deserved standing ovation for the finale and line-up, though – followed by a stunning five minute full-on bonus rock concert reprise by the fantastic band once the cast had left the stage.
At The End Of The Day… Good luck and break a leg (or should that be jambe?) to members of the Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre who are gearing up for their production of Les Miserables Schools Edition at The Point Theatre in Eastleigh from 14-17 February. We’re told the production features 101 young people aged 18 and under together with a full revolving stage and barricade units. Performances are at 7.30pm nightly and 2.30pm on Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 February. Rather like the production itself though, you may well have to fight for a seat, with at least one of the performances having only one seat remaining! Thank you to chairman Mike Mullen for the information and for providing the images.
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PREVIEW: Back To Black Yes, we can imagine you’ve probably done a double take here, but this is NOT Amy Winehouse. Instead, it’s actor Marisa Abela. She’s pictured as Amy on the set of ‘Back To Black’ alongside director Sam Taylor-Johnson in the new Focus Features film about the singer. The film is being trailed as ‘Her Music, Her Life, Her Terms’. Marisa did all the singing herself after extensive training. The film is due for release on 12th April 2024. Can’t wait!
All images: Courtesy of Dean Rogers / Focus Features.
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PINK FLOYD Just when you thought you had every single version possible of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ (8-Track cartridge anyone?) comes news from Pink Floyd of one you haven’t. This 2-LP version allows you to see the prism spectrum through clear 180-g vinyl. Reaction from fans over the weekend on instagram has not exactly been favourable, with some positive feedback a tad overwhelmed by other comments ranging from “just what I needed, another version”, to “stop milking this classic” to references to one of the tracks on it (Money). You catch our drift. We just thought we would tell you that it’s coming out. 14th April.
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Monday 5 February 2024 December 2023
Pancake Day! Shrove Tuesday is almost upon us (next Tuesday 13 February)… and that means pancakes! Not everyone is a home baking expert, so here’s an idea from Ta-Da! who ARE home baking experts. They have a new range of easy-to-use icings for drizzling over pancakes, including Ganache Style and Millionaire’s Caramel. They’re available in 370g recyclable pots at Tesco Extra stores. Why do we mark Shrove Tuesday? English Heritage reminds us that the 40 days before Easter (Lent) is spent by Christians fasting to mark the actions of Jesus in the desert. Traditionally, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday was therefore an opportunity to use up things like eggs to be sure that the fast could still be observed. Winchester Today has not received any payment for this feature.
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Monday 5 February 2024 December 2023
Chris Wood Awarded Testimonial Year Hampshire Cricket have awarded Chris Wood with a testimonial year in 2024, as he enters his 15th season with the Club. The left-arm bowler made his professional debut in 2010, and since then has become an instrumental part of the Hampshire squad, particularly in white-ball cricket. He has been a part of five trophy winning sides, helping the Club to two List A titles (2012 & 2018) and three in the T20 format (2010, 2012 & 2022). He has also become the Club’s all-time leading T20 wicket taker and currently has 186 scalps to his name: “I am truly honoured to receive a testimonial from my beloved boyhood club; a place that has evolved into a second home over the years. “In 2000, at 10 years old, I stepped into the ground for the first time and I immediately felt a connection. When I first had the privilege to wear the Hampshire jersey professionally in 2010, my childhood dream became a reality. Now, as I plan for a testimonial year, it surpasses any expectation I had. “I am grateful for the upcoming opportunities and I’m excited to start this journey with my dedicated committee. I’m looking forward to connecting with all of you throughout the year.” Tom Mundy is Chair of the Testimonial Committee: “Woody’s unwavering commitment to the county is all too rare to see, and as such, Chris’ testimonial year is fully deserved.
Image: Dave Voakes Photography
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arts
Monday 5 February 2024
If you missed our special interview ahead of The Sleeping Beauty with BRB Ambassador Darcey Bussell, just go to our issue from Monday 22 January.
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Monday 5 February 2024
Restoration
For a fascinating look at how theatre costumes are restored, please take a look at our feature in the Winchester Today edition from Monday 29 January.
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Monday 5 February 2024
Part 2 of the Winchester Film Festival 2024 will be here soon, running from 23 February through until 9 March 2024, and supported by Winchester Today. This is the 12th Edition of the festival, and Winchester Today has been involved almost from Day 1. The
award-winning
films
are
designed
to
astonish and entertain, provoke, debate and reflect the burning issues of our time. The films have been selected from 60 countries across five continents. Some filmmakers have been censored in their own countries, and we feel privileged that their work can be seen. Venues include the Hampshire Records Office, The Stripe at UoW, and West Downs Auditorium. More
details
on
winchesterfilmfestival.com,
where you will also find the 2024 Box Office. Concessions are available for the over 65s, the under 25s, students and those on a low income.
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Monday 5 February 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