NEWS AND NOTICES
Chandler’s Ford & Eastleigh
Lucky Shoe Find
Local Jamie Cowcher had a lucky find when he stepped into the Naomi House and Jacksplace charity shop in Winchester. The 7 ft 4in tall customer found the perfect footwear for his size 16 feet.
Ukrainian Speakers Wanted
As Eastleigh welcomes refugees fleeing from Ukraine, the council is appealing for local residents who can speak the language. Contact One Community if you can help: 023 8090 2400 or email info@1community.org.uk
A More Welcoming Sign
The faded signs for Eastleigh’s Lakeside Country Park in Wide Lane have been removed and replaced with up-to-date branding, making the park more appealing to potential visitors.
Blueprint for Eastleigh Borough
A blueprint for the development of Eastleigh borough has been cast in stone by councillors in the Local Plan, earmarking areas for protection and housing needs until 2036. www.eastleigh.gov.uk
Electric Car Point at Places Leisure
The first electric vehicle charging point has been installed at Places Leisure car park with an ultra-rapid (150kw) charger. It is part of a rollout of 8 including Romsey Rd Car Park, Channon Retail Park & Chestnut Ave Retail Park.
Leigh Road Bandstand
Eastleigh’s popular bandstand in the Leigh Road Recreation Ground has had a wash and brush-up including cleaning the roof, the timber and metal structure and repairing the inside ceiling and lighting.
Donations by Russell & Bromley
Hampshire families in the cost-of-living crisis are being given help by Russell and Bromley who have donated more 41,000 pairs of shoes to national family charity Home-Start.
Further Improvements
An extra £110,000 is being spent on improvements to the Hiltingbury Lakes and Flexford Nature Reserve including further drainage and surfacing work to improve footpaths plus new information panels.
Barton Peveril College’s Women’s Hockey Team are the Association of Colleges’ National Hockey Champions after clinching the title in Birmingham after an unbeaten run.
Tiny Forest Planted
A tiny forest, spanning across the size of a tennis court, has been planted by children and members of the community at Eastleigh’s Fleming Park. It includes a mix of 600 native trees.
Replacement of Map Boards
Bishopstoke’s ageing map boards are on route to being replaced and updated to reflect recent developments around the area. The parish council also hopes to install up to four defibrillators at different locations.
Wildlife is Blossoming
Wildflower meadows have been planted at Hiltingbury and Fryern Recreation Grounds. Photos of the wildflowers in their changing colours have been shared on social media.
Local Artists Needed
The Point Eastleigh and Hedge End’s Berry Theatre are searching for emerging local artists and companies as part of their Associate Scheme which has a fantastic track record of propelling creative careers. www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk
Locks Heath & Fareham
Increase in Councillors
Local Government Boundary Commission has ruled that the number of councillors in Fareham should be 32, instead of the current council of 31.
Fareham Marks Falklands 40th Aniversary
Fareham marked a new memorial plaque at its Falklands Arch along with 40 pale maiden flowers fixed to the arch. There was a Freedom March with veterans and Royal Marines band.
Daedalus Waterfront
Major development is ready for take-off at the disused military airfield and Daedalus Waterfront, including the restoration of historic buildings, new employment bases and community spaces such as a public plaque in Seaplane Square.
The Warsash Flower Club
They share a love of flowers and enjoy regular demonstrations as well as workshops and days out. They meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month in the Victory Hall, Warsash at 1:45 pm Contact Louise Bullivant on 01329 847943.
Looking for a daytime WI?
Fareham Flyers WI meet on the 2nd Wed of the month at Fareham Methodist Church Hall, Kings St, PO16 0NU at 10am. There are speakers, demos, outings, crafts and theatre visits. For more info, call Jayne on 07779 373615.
Holly Hill Play Area
A new wheelchair swing has been installed. It can be accessed using a RADAR key, which can be requested from Fareham Council on 01329 236100, or email customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk
TripAdvisor Recommendation
TripAdvisor has named Fareham’s historic Holly Hill Woodland Park, spread over 70 acres of woodland with more than five acres of lakes, as the number one nature and wildlife area in Hampshire.
Donations by Russell & Bromley
Hampshire families in the cost-of-living crisis are being given help by Russell and Bromley who have donated more 41,000 pairs of shoes to national family charity Home-Start.
Dream of being a Spitfire Pilot?
You can do it for real at Fareham Council-owned Solent Airport which is offering a golden opportunity to get behind the controls of the iconic war plane. Visit spitfires.com
Running Challenge
Fareham’s Wallisdean Junior School have marked the 10th anniversary of its mile a day running challenge. The number of children running for a full 15 minutes has leapt from 30 per cent to around 75 per cent.
Fred Dineage
The TV legend was back in the spotlight when he planted a Whitebeam sapling at Fareham’s Beck Lodge retirement homes as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.
Fundraisers of the Year
Warsash’s Vicky Knight and fellow swimmer Peter Burns have been named as fundraisers of the year after taking part and organising a sponsored swim across the Solent which raised more than £40,000 for Parkinson’s research.
Warsash Clock Tower
Extension work is to be carried out on the listed Warsash clock tower which dates back to the late 19th century.
Planning News
Hampshire County Council has received £41.25 million from Homes England towards upgrading Junction 10 of the M27 which will pave the way for creating Welborne Garden Village with 6,000 homes near Fareham.
Meon Valley
Best Pub in Hampshire
Raise your glass to The Cricketers Inn, Curdridge, for being crowned best pub in Hampshire in the National Pub and Bar Awards, just months after receiving Pub of the Year in the South Prestige Awards.
Community Stalwart
Prince Charles distributed Maundy money to community stalwarts, including Alresford centenarian, William Sanderson. The 101 year-old has spent more than 70 years distributing Bibles and Christian books around the globe.
Alresford History Book
A new book documenting changes of Alresford from 1200 to the present has been published by the local Historical and Literary Society called ‘Taking a Fresh Look at Alresford’s History.’ Available from local booksellers, Laurence Oxley and the Long Barn.
Photo Competition
Meon Valley’s photography competition “Near and Far” returns for another year. Entries to be in by midnight on 31 October. Visit southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photocompetition2022.
New Cinema at Liphook
The 60 plus seater cinema screens blockbuster and kids movies and there is all day cafe. Visit www.the livingcinema.co.uk
The Giving Box
3 Hampshire charities are getting a financial boost from The Giving Box at Whiteley Shopping Centre to include The Rose Road Assocation, The Cat Welfare Group and Maggies.
The Saw Doctors
The Irish rockers will mark 30 years of touring the UK by headlining Wickham Festival. The 4-day festival kicks off on 3 Aug with the line-up including 10CC, Los Pacaminos with Paul Young, Chris Difford from Squeeze, Oyster Band, Grace Petrie and Gilbert O’Sullivan.
Donations by Russell & Bromley
Russell and Bromley has donated more 41,000 pairs of shoes to national family charity Home-Start.
Fire Station Ceremony
The ceremony has taken place on the site of the new Bishop’s Waltham Fire Station which will provide better working and training facilities for firefighters alongside space for community involvement.
New Houses in Wickham
Winchester City Council is planning to build between 90 and 100 houses in Wickham up to 2039 through its next Local Plan. 40 per cent of new housing will be affordable, benefitting local people.
Pump Track in Swanmore
A BMX track has been converted into a Pump Track at New Road playing field in Swanmore and can be used by bike, scooter and skateboard fans of all ages.
Memorial Dedication
A memorial stone has been dedicated to 33 servicemen who died after their plane crashed into a tree at Warnford in the Meon Valley. They lost their lives during a Second World War exercise to prepare for D-Day.
New Forest & Waterside
Salute to New Forest NHS Worker
Julie Kemp, medical secretary at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, received the Skills for Health Bronze award for Exceptional NHS Operational Support Worker of the Year.
New Forest Show
The Duchess of Cornwall is the new president of the show which returns after Covid knocked it off the social calendar. Boasting an average attendance of 85,000, the 3-day spectacular will be staged at New Park on July 26-28.
Furzey Gardens Marked Centenary
A giant fairy door, believed to be the largest in the world, has been unveiled. The gardens, run by the Minstead Trust, help people with learning disabilities learn new skills and has launched a £500,000 appeal.
A Sparrow in the Works
Motorists were in a flap after a bird’s nest delayed the completion of the multi-million-pound A35 Holmesley Bridge Project as by law the nest could not be disturbed.
Lymington Ranked High
The town has been ranked top Hampshire destination in the best seaside destinations by consumer watchdog Which? Overall, it was 16th for UK destinations with a score of 78 percent.
Donations by Russell & Bromley
As the cost-of-living crisis pinches, shoe retailer Russell and Bromley has donated more 41,000 pairs of shoes to national family charity Home-Start.
Transforming Totton
Civic chiefs are drawing up plans to transform Totton town centre by making it the gateway to the Waterside. They say improvements are needed to help the town fulfil its role as a key urban centre.
The Queen’s Ancient Canopy
Bolderwood has been dedicated to the Queen as part of a nationwide project to mark her Platinum Jubilee. It is one of 70 UK woodlands for the newly designated Ancient Canopy celebrating her 7 decades on the throne.
Forest Fly Over
A USAF Doomsday Plane, also known as the Flying Pentagon, passed over a large part of the New Forest as part of the convoy which took American Joe Biden to a G7 summit in Brussels.
More than one Species of Deer
The New Forest is home to five species of deer – Fallow, Muntjac, Red, Roe and Sika. The Fallow, numbering about 1,300 is the most common.
New Postmaster
Former leader of New Forest District Council Councillor, Barry Rickman, is the new postmaster at Sway after launching a community centred shop with his wife Sue.
Strictly’s Kai is Back
Southampton’s 26-year-old Kai Widdrington is back for another series of Strictly after reaching the final last year and receiving a perfect 40 for his classic quickstep with AJ Odudu.
Test Valley
Test Valley Great Place to Live
Named as one of the best places to live in Hampshire by the latest Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, areas inc. Romsey and Chilworth were considered perfect locations for commuting to Southampton.
A Real High Flyer
A young male falcon which made its record breaking maiden flight from Salisbury Cathedral Tower in 2020 has been spotted on the coast of Guernsey, 100 miles from its birth city.
Free Apps for Romsey Abbey
These will give residents and visitors insights into its history, architecture and treasures. Audio tours are free to download using QR codes available from the abbey stewards or searching for ‘Romsey’ on youraudiotour.com/search
New Research from Soton Uni
Red deer, elk and wild boar would have roamed open woodland and meadow-like clearings in the area of Stonehenge 4,000 years before the iconic stones were constructed.
Donations by Russell & Bromley
Russell and Bromley has donated more 41,000 pairs of shoes to Hampshire family charity Home-Start.
Local Award
Romsey’s Michael Sutton has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to emergency response in Hampshire, particularly during Covid.
Florence Nightingale
A stained-glass window of Florence Nightingale has been officially unveiled at Romsey Abbey. It depicts the nursing icon under the cedar tree at her Embley Park home, near Romsey, receiving her calling from God.
School Children Report the News
Pupils at Romsey Abbey Church of England Primary School turned cub reporters when they interviewed Tokyo 2020 Wheelchair Gold medallist Aaron Phipps.
Pothole Blitz in North Baddesley
They have been blitzing potholes at North Baddesley with a state-of-the-art Dragon patcher which uses flames to de-ice or dry them out in cold or wet weather before they are sealed.
Companion of the Bath
Professor Guy Poppy from Romsey, a leading expert on food systems and food security, was appointed Companion of the Bath at a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Romsey Relay Marathon
The Romsey Relay Marathon clocked up more than £100,000 for local charities. More than 1,000 runners in 100 teams took part with Barratt Homes being the main sponsor.
Southampton East
Summer Cricket at The Ageas
There are 4 Southern Brave home match days, plus The Hundred Eliminator on Friday 2 Sep. Action packed events include DJs, live music artists and family-friendly activities.
Ship ahoy!
Hamble Boat Club has added 3 new yachts to its growing fleet of sailing and motorboats in time for the start of the new season, adding extra capacity to the 20 craft in the club’s flotilla.
New Play Area at Kestrel Park
Aimed at children aged up to 14, the park includes an adventure play area with a climbing forest, rocker beam, climbing station and a large nest swing.
Reflections and Connections
Work has begun at River Hamble Country Park. Staff and volunteers from the Hampshire Countryside Service have joined forces to plant 7,000 new trees by the end of the year.
Bursledon Brickworks
It is marking its 125th anniversary with a wide range of events during the year, sharing objects from the museum’s collection for every decade of its history. Visit thebrickworksmuseum.org
New Toilets at the Parks
Eastleigh Council has won £90k from the Government for Changing Places toilet facilities at Itchen Valley Country Park and Manor Farm.
Southampton Comic Con
A weekend celebrating a time traveling trilogy lands at The Ageas Bowl, West End on 16 & 17 July. Visit southampton-comiccon.co.uk
Southampton’s Blue Cross
Calling all Hampshire pet owners to take part in a nationwide census to help the charity better understand the UK’s 34 million strong pet population and the role they play in their owners’ life. Visit bluecross.org.uk
Villagers of Hound
Those who have shown outstanding commitment to the wellbeing of Hound are to be saluted with a special new medal designed by a local 11 year-old school pupil. Visit houndparish.gov.uk
Pub of the Year
Raise your glasses to the Olaf’s Tun Craft Ale Bar at Woolston, Southampton which has been named pub of the year by Campaign for Real Ale.
Anya Shrubsole
One of England’s best all-time bowlers, Anya Shrubsole, has joined Southern Vipers – based at Ageas Bowl- as a hybrid player/coach. She has been the backbone of the England Women’s cricket bowling attack for over 14 years.
Western Shore
Six mosaics have been unveiled near the landmark Copenhagen Towers and four of the circular artworks depict different species of birds which can be spotted at Weston Shore.
Donations by Russell & Bromley
Hampshire families in the cost-of-living crisis are being given help by Russell and Bromley who have donated more 41,000 pairs of shoes to national family charity Home-Start.
Southampton West
Strictly’s Kai is Back
Southampton’s 26-year-old Kai Widdrington is back for another series of Strictly after reaching the final last year and receiving a perfect 40 for his classic quickstep with AJ Odudu.
God’s House Tower Award
The 700-year-old monument has been nominated for a Royal Institute of British Architects award. It was previously converted into a new arts and heritage venue in a £3.1 million makeover.
Gym Obsessed
When it comes to working out, Southampton can’t get enough. Data has revealed in a study by fitness experts BarBend, that it was the 6th best city in the UK for gym lovers.
Titanic Anniversary
This year marks 110th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic that claimed 1,500 lives on its maiden voyage from Southampton after hitting a iceberg.
New Homes
One time city office buildings between the High Street and Castle Way, Southampton are to be bulldozed to make way for nearly 100 homes.
Eating Disorder Help
Southampton’s Option Wellbeing Trust, based in Shirley Road, has been awarded £13,520 to launch a peer support network to help people with eating disorders.
Flat Walks
Southampton is one of the best cities for walks. Lack of slopes on walking trails made walking a breeze for older citizens.
Southampton Cruise Ship Debut
Celebrity Beyond is the latest vessel in Celebrity Cruises’ fleet and its longest and tallest, featuring a rooftop garden, theatre and casino.
Football Club Result
Southampton Football Club scored a big fundraising result by auctioning limited edition shirts and raising £37,000 for its Saints Foundation charity as it celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Sainsbury’s Limited Parking
Cameras are rolling at Sainsbury’s in Lordshill, Southampton with parking limited to three hours during opening times and 10 minutes when the store is closed. Automatic cameras are in place.
Donations by Russell & Bromley
Hampshire families in the cost-of-living crisis are being given help by Russell and Bromley who have donated more 41,000 pairs of shoes to national family charity Home-Start.
We are the champions!
Barton Peveril College’s Women’s Hockey Team are the Association of Colleges’ National Hockey Champions after clinching the title in Birmingham after an unbeaten run.
Transforming Totton
Civic chiefs are drawing up plans to transform Totton town centre by making it the gateway to the Waterside. They say improvements are needed to help the town fulfil its role as a key urban centre.
Itchen Valley
Save a Life
A public access defibrillator has been installed for use by anyone in an emergency, on Greenhill Road in Winchester. A wall-mounted, green and yellow cabinet, available 24 hours a day.
The Wizard of Oz
The traditional family pantomime at Theatre Royal runs from 3 Dec until 2 January 2023. Tickets are available from theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
It’s a No for Solar Farm
Garden guru Alan Titchmarsh was among locals celebrating after developers scrapped plans for a solar farm just a stone’s throw Chawton House. The proposal for 22,000 solar panels would have covered 54 acres of countryside.
Youngest Head Verger
Adam Wilson, who joined Winchester Cathedral as Verger in 2016, has become the youngest Head Verger in the country at the age of 26 by joining the staff of Lichfield Cathedral.
Donations by Russell & Bromley
Russell and Bromley has donated more 41,000 pairs of shoes to Hampshire family charity Home-Start.
Whitchurch Silk Mill
The oldest working silk mill in the UK has named its latest silk, The Elizabeth. The limited edition scarf marks the Queen’s Platinum milestone.
Tour Opportunity
You can go behind the scenes at the Hampshire Record Office, Winchester, with a guided tour by a professional archivist on 11 July between 2 – 3pm. Go to www.hants.gov.uk>librariesandarchives
Chris Packham
TV naturalist and presenter Chris Packham has become the patron of Winchester Youth Counselling, the charity providing mental health counselling and support for young people.
Save the Mill
National Trust have launched an appeal to safeguard the future of the Winchester City Mill, Britain’s oldest working flour watermill, when heavy floods over the winter of 2013 and 2014 revealed many ancient beams were in a bad state of decay.
Public Space Makeover
An historic public space is getting a makeover. Benches and a water fountain are part of the new look for St Maurice Covert, between High St and Market Ln, dating back to the 15th century.
Young Carers Alliance
Winchester University has joined a coalition of more than 30 organisations and individuals to launch the Young Carers Alliance, a network voice for young carers and those who support them.
Farewell
Villagers at Old Alresford have bid farewell to a pillar of the community, Bernard Tucker who has retired from the parish council after 28 years’ service, 26 of which were as chairman.
A Heinous Act in Alresford
Two swans and several pigeons were shot and killed by the River Arle, Alresford, in what has been described as a heinous act. They were discovered by Hart Wildlife Rescue.