Winchester News Online
The secrets behind Winchester’s Christmas market
Winchester is consistently named one of the best cities in the UK for Christmastime activities – from the Christmas market, to the bright lights which illuminate the streets in winter, it certainly has its share of the holiday spirit.
Winchester BID manager Sarah Davis says that organising the city’s Christmas market can start two years in advance.
One of the biggest decisions, however, is who switches the lights on.
Ms Davis explains that choosing a local hero is one of the most interesting parts of preparing for the holiday season.
She says that, even if it is officially a city, Winchester to her feels much more like a village.
Last November, George Hatt, was one of Santa’s helpers to light up the city.
He had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, and sadly passed away earlier this year.
But his legacy lives on – HATTs off to George, led by his sister Jess, still campaign for multiple local charities.
Jess told WINOL that turning the lights on showcased the “astonishing” amount of support from the community and reflected the spirit of Christmas.
“It also helped raise a lot of awareness for George and our campaign,” she said, “We were so well supported by Winchester BID and Johnny [Meah] from Heart Radio.”
Every year, the local hero who switches on the lights is nominated by the residents of Winchester, and is often someone who has done great charity work, or, like George, have a “wish to make people happy”.
This year, Johnny Meah is back again to host the event, with Terry Young (a popular high street poppy seller) and Pat Bloor (a fundraiser for Winchester Hospice) switching on the lights.
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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