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ITCHEN VALLEY & WINCHESTER NEWS & NOTICES

Plaque for Alfred Curtis: A plaque has been unveiled in memory of renowned astronomer Alfred Curtis in his Stoney Lane, Weeke back garden where he had his own observatory. His friend and famous stargazer, Sir Patrick Moore, was a regular visitor.

Sponsor a Roof Tile: Thousands of slates need to be replaced at Whitchurch Silk Mill – Britain’s oldest working silk mill. A large amount has been raised through National Lottery Heritage Fund but another £6,000 is needed. Visit https://whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk

Boomtown Festival: This year the festival attracted 66,000 partygoers at Matterley Bowl in South Downs National Park, but Winchester City Council reported a significant drop in noise complaints.

Trailblazers Exhibition: Trailblazers, the new exhibition at Chawton House, near Winchester, explores the fascinating stories of women who travelled the globe in the 18th and early 19th centuries. It runs until February 26.

Beetle Survey: Volunteers have been surveying glow worms around Whiteshute Ridge. These beetles live in meadows, grassland and hedgerows and the wingless females are famous for emitting a greeny-orange light to attract a mate.

Bag It Up Campaign: More than a tonne of clothing, bedding, kitchen and homewares and store cupboard essentials have been donated by Winchester University students to help people in need in the city.

Charity Golf Day: Former footballers and celebrities teed up £22,790 for Winchester Hospice after a charity golf day at the Remedy Oak Golf Club, Ringwood.

Stratton Bates Rec: A playground is in full swing at Stratton Bates Recreation Ground, Alresford, with a wild adventure play equipment theme based on ideas from local schoolchildren.

Winchester City Break: Winchester has been named one of the best – beating the likes of Oxford, Harrogate and Chester. It came joint second with Kent’s Canterbury, in new research completed by Which?

New Podcast: Senior lecturer at University of Winchester, Dr Eric Lacey, has a new podcast taking a deep dive into the fascinating imaginary world which guided the Vikings of the past.

Top Marks for The Dove Inn: A spotless country pub near Winchester has scooped top marks for its food hygiene for the sixth time in its history. The Dove Inn, Micheldever Station, notched up a maximum five-out-of-five score.

Swifts Flock to the Tower Hampshire Swifts Charity have installed nest boxes in Winchester Cathedral tower. During one evening about 30 to 40 Swifts were monitored flying close to the nest box entrances with many looking to nest there next year.