Winchester News Online
‘Delivering Joy’ returns nationwide
Dunelm’s ‘Delivering Joy’ campaign has returned nationwide and is making a difference for those who may have been facing a tougher Christmas.
In Dunelm stores, Christmas trees are filled with handwritten tags from someone in need with what they would like for Christmas. Customers are then able to select a tag and donate a gift to someone in their local community.
Each note includes a requested item ranging from children’s toys to winter clothing, and are submitted by local schools, care homes, charities, and support services.
This year, a local women’s domestic abuse refuge is among the organisations receiving support. Refuge manager, Lizzy, says the response from the local community has been overwhelming.
“We’ve collected over 250 gifts this year alone, we’ve been going in every week since November to collect donations. We’re so overwhelmed by the generosity of Dunelm and their customers”
The initiative aims to ensure that vulnerable members of the community are not left behind during the festive season, particularly amid the rising cost of living and increased pressure on local support services.
For families and individuals experiencing hardship, the campaign offers more than just material support, the gesture can provide emotional reassurance and a sense of inclusion at a time when many feel isolated.
Lizzy says for her refuge “It’s so empowering for women who have fled domestic abuse, who might have fled with just the clothes on their back, to be able to pick gifts from the donations for their children for Christmas and make Christmas special.”
As donations continue to rise, companies benefitting from the campaign hope it will continue to help ease pressure on services and bring some comfort to those facing a challenging Christmas.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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