March2016

March 2016 FREE… and not forgetting Cheriton, Romsey, Stockbridge, Hursley, Kings Worthy, Littleton,

Alresford, Chandler’s Ford, Micheldever, Bishop’s Waltham, and everywhere in between!Issue 021 winchestertoday.co.uk @winchestertoday

Inside

Pop Song Gets Remake Shoes Anyone?

Cathedral Boy Choristers raise funds with reworded classic

Rachel Gover shares her experiences of a country that will steal your heart

Saving A LifeShoppers raise £300 for new defibrillators...Page 4

Chitty Chitty Bang BangStar studded kids classic dazzles at the Mayflower...Page 6

Every Little Helps Supermarket giant gives back...Page 9

Page 5 Page 12

Winchester and Chandler’s Ford MP Steve Brine has told Winchester Today that he intends to vote to Remain in the EU in the forthcoming referendum on 23 June 2016. His comments come after the Prime Minister secured what he describes as a ‘Deal’ in Brussels with other EU leaders after marathon talks, based largely around immigration, British sovereignty and the Eurozone.

In a blog post which we are publishing in full on page 8, he says that David Cameron is right to try to secure a deal that also ensures our safety: “I agree with the Prime Minister’s

recommendation to Remain because I believe we will be safer in a reformed Europe working with our European partners to fight cross border crime and terrorism.

“We can play a leading role in one of the world’s largest organisations from within, helping to make the big decisions on trade and security that determine our future.”

In the post he also says that whether we stay or go, the European Union will always still be there: “It is naïve to believe we could ignore Europe just because we voted to leave. Whether we stay or go the European Union will

still exist, right on our doorstep, and it’s in our national interest that it thrives whether we like it or not. We cannot turn the clock back and we cannot stop the world because we want to get off.

“For me, this deal and this referendum is not the end of Britain’s leading role in reforming the EU, it is the start. While I realise this may cause more than a few groans among our European partners, we cannot pretend there are not many more ways in which Europe needs to improve.”

(...turn to page to 2)

“I’m Voting To Remain” City’s MP Steve Brine Sets Out Position On EU ReferendumBy Kevin Gover, [email protected]

“We’ll Do Our Best!”Cubs in Winchester celebrate 100 years of Scouting.

>>> see page 3

2 WINCHESTER TODAY MARCH 2016

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Welcome

Letter From The Editor [email protected]

Winchester Today is a publication printed on newsprint, so after you have finished with it please pass it on so others can read it or take care to recycle or re-use it. Be kinder to the environment, thankyou!

February may have been a short month, but it has been incredibly busy for us here at Winchester Today. We were extremely proud to have been present at events including the handover of money to St John Ambulance to help buy a defibrillator - and also a tea party at the Discovery Centre for 40 people, organised by Winchester GOLD and Mencap.

We were disturbed to hear about just how many people stay at home on a Saturday because they are scared to go out. The tea party was an opportunity for people with a learning disability to meet people who can help them stay safe when they visit the city centre. Councillor and Deputy Mayor Jane Rutter attended along with representatives from the Winchester Neighbourhood Team, the Safer Places scheme, Street Pastors and Victim Support. Over sandwiches and cake, people with a learning disability were able to get to know people who can support them if they experience problems while they are out and were able to ask them questions. We’re glad to have been there to see so many happy, smiling faces.

Tesco has come in for a lot of stick recently, and so we were glad to have been on hand to witness the sprucing up of Cheriton Primary School. While we must all be wondering about why it is we have to rely on kind-hearted people to come and work and embarrass those in education who should really have been there doing the work instead, at least we can be glad that they did.

I welcomed the letter that I received this month reminding me just how much fun it is / was to be in the Cubs. I can’t quite remember going along on a river on a raft like the picture shows. Adventure is alive!

People of a certain age will remember just how bad this country was back in 1981 with unemployment and rioting,

and seemingly no end in sight. I upped sticks and moved to Brussels where I started my media career. Freedom of movement meant I could go and do what I liked with no red tape. As you will see from our front cover, our MP is voting to Remain. Here we print Steve Brine’s reasoning, as posted on his blog at stevebrine.com:

My constituents will know that one of the key campaigns I ran throughout the last Parliament was my Name the Date campaign for our promised EU referendum, and we now know this national poll will take place on Thursday 23rd June. As a proud democrat, I have always said that our relationship with the European Union is not a decision purely for MPs, and governments, and that everyone in the country should be able to have a say with a vote that is equal to their local MP, let alone the Prime Minister. We are now reaching this historic moment, and I wanted to share my personal thoughts.

There are many founding myths in our country, even more in our politics and more than you can shake a stick at when it comes to the Conservative Party.

Many of those that suit us a nation (eg; Britannia rules – or ruled - the waves) happen to be true but when it comes to the Conservative Party, they usually suit our political opponents and the lazy media more than be grounded in modern reality.

In my experience, there is no greater myth than that which says the Tory Party is “obsessed” with Europe. It used to be for sure and it turned me off as much as (so it turned out) the rest of the country. That’s why David Cameron was spot-on when he said, while running for the leadership of our party, it was time to stop “banging on about Europe”.

Many of the new generation of Conservative MPs, including me,

(...continues on page 8)

MARCH 2016 WINCHESTER TODAY 3

As you can see from our front cover, 2016 is a huge year for cub scouting in the city. Winchester Today is proud to publish a letter from the Lead Volunteer of Hampshire Scouts, Adam Jollans:

“Are you one of 500,000 former Cub Scouts in Hampshire? Maybe you’re one of more than 6,000 young people who are today’s Cub Scouts in our County? Or perhaps your son or daughter, brother or sister, friend or neighbour is a Cub Scout?

“For all of us who have been involved with Cub Scouting, 2016 is a big year. Because this is the 100th anniversary of Cub Scouting. It all started with Wolf Cubs in the middle of the First World War, offering “legalised mischief” to boys aged 8-10. Today it offers amazing outdoor and indoor adventures to girls and boys around the world, an escape from computers and cotton wool, and a whole lot of fun.

“But let’s start with the basics. What is Cub Scouting? If you’ve ever watched the wildlife programmes and seen the lion cubs in the pride or the wolf cubs in the pack, you’ll know already. It offers many young people their first taste of adventure – cooking sausages on a fire, sleeping out in a tent away from home, ascending a climbing wall. It teaches the life skills you need to grow up – independence, teamwork and leadership. And it provides the chance to escape from normal life and run around having fun with friends, in a safe environment.

“I was a Cub Scout once. I can still remember working hard to gain my gold arrow, the itchy wool jumper, and joining a camp fire as the sun set across the countryside. Many of the activities of Cub

Scouting are timeless, but many more are new. Cub Scouting is open to all young people between 8 and 10, girls and boys, of every background, and from city streets to hospital wards. Today there are hundreds of activities which Cub Scouts can take part in, from archery to zorbing, and from bivouacking to raising money for Children in Need. Plus the uniform is a lot more informal and comfortable these days!

“Hampshire has more Cub Scouts than any other

County in the UK, and so we are going to have the wildest party and do a lot of celebrating in 2016. Cub Scouts will be trying to achieve 100 challenges this year, from spending 100 minutes on a community project, to toasting 100 marshmallows on a campfire. Cub Packs around Hampshire are joining together to run special Cubs100 weekend adventure camps, including one on Brownsea Island where the first ever Scout camp was held. We’ll be bringing thousands of Cubs from across Hampshire together at Winchester Cathedral in the spring, and at a secret countryside location in the summer. And at 20:16 on December 16, each Cub Pack will come together to renew their

Promise to “help other people”.“Scouting is growing in Hampshire and across the

UK and has been for the past ten years - and that’s because it offers young people the opportunity for adventure with friends, and adults the chance to make a difference for future generations.

“If you want to get involved in the Centenary of Cub Scouting, join Cub Scouts, or become one of 5,000 volunteers in Hampshire Scouting, visit www.hampshirescouting.org.uk, follow us on Twitter at @HampshireScouts or #Cubs100, and listen out for the noise from your local Scout HQ of young people (and adults) enjoying themselves.

“One hundred years ago the Cub Scouting adventure began, and it’s still going on. Come and join the fun.”

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One Hundred Years of Cub Scout AdventuresMemories of The Promise, friendship, camp fires, the lingering smell of woodsmoke and a pile of dirty washing!

It offers many young people their first taste of adventure


Gardening March 2016 With The Veg Man.One of the busiest months in the year in the vegetable garden - there is so much to do, but until conditions are right, patience is needed.

We have had much wet weather during the winter and the soil can be waterlogged, so delay final ground preparation until the ground begins to dry out. Ground dug the previous Autumn/Winter period will have settled down, worms have done their work and all that remains is to firm the soil and break down the top few inches to create a good seed bed. At the same time, sprinkling of general fertiliser such as Growmore will replenish some of the goodness leached away by the rain.

These days many garden

centres sell small trays of small vegetable seedings, but often far too early. It is much better to plant your own seeds instead but take care to protect them from bird damage and hungry slugs, which can devastate newly emerged seedlings.Fleece is ideal for this, it helps warm the soil and prevents drying out.

In the February article I stressed how important it is to make small repeat sowings and to sprinkle seeds very thinly, to cut down the need to thin out excess seedlings.

If you pre-germinated seeds, like broad beans, these need to be planted out as soon as they shoot. I soak mine for a few hours first, wrap them in damp kitchen paper and put in

a plastic bag, in a warm place and inspect every day. As soon as two shoots appear, I plant them in double rows about nine inches apart, taking care not to compress wet soil by standing on a board. Broad beans repay an early start as black fly love them.

Brassica seeds like sprouts and early cabbages are really best brought on in seed trays under glass and planted out later when they have formed several leaves. Follow the instructions on the seed packets about planting times because some seeds, such as overwintering cauliflowers and sprouting broccoli can be left until May. When planting out brassica seedlings, the ground should be very firm. Cut down

on pests such as cabbage root fly, by rotating crops.

Unfortunately these days many of the good old traditional pesticides have been banned. Readers of this column will have realised by now that I do not garden organically and if a pest needs zapping, I zap it. However I never spray crops directly in the last month before harvesting.

I am a great lover of decent

cultivating tools to get a good tilth and follow up with regular hoeing to cut down on weeds.

Some seeds such as parsnips take a long time to germinate and I usually plant two or three seeds every four to six inches and mark the rows by planting a few radish seeds between the parsnips. You can then hoe the rows easily and when the parsnips emerge remove any surplus seedlings.

Things To Do This MonthOutside, sow small quantities of salads, spring onions, carrots, beetroot, spinach, leeks, peas. Plant outside, onion sets, shallots, garlic, early potatoes late in month or use fleece. Autumn sown parsley.

Sow inside, French beans, bullotti, tomatoes, peppers and chillies, and brassicas, tender herb seeds. Check overwintering cauliflowers, some heart earlier than expected. Harvest leeks and break up the top couple of inches of soil in asparagus beds.

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Winchester Shoppers Raise Cash For DefibsSt John Ambulance volunteers in Winchester have raised over £300 towards buying a new Automatic External Defibrillator – equipment that could help save lives – thanks to shoppers at the town’s Waitrose store.

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival falls by 10 per cent every minute without first aid. But, with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the use of a defibrillator within three minutes, their chance of survival could be as high as 70 per cent.

That’s why St John Ambulance wants to make sure its volunteers have defibrillators

available when they’re needed most. Winchester Today was present when Christine Atkinson, St John Ambulance County President for Hampshire was presented with a cheque alongside St John Ambulance President for Winchester, Iain Steel, who is the third generation of his family to hold this post. Christine told us she’s really pleased: “We’re extremely grateful to Waitrose and to all those shoppers who chose to support St John Ambulance – donations such as this really do make a difference.

“Our Donate for Defibs fundraising appeal is about

asking people to help raise money for defibrillators which our volunteers will use to treat people who suffer a cardiac arrest.”

Each defibrillator costs around £1,000, so the charity is hoping more people will donate to the appeal and hold their own fundraising events.

Amber Woodward is Regional Fundraising Coordinator for St John Ambulance: “All the money raised through the appeal will fund St John Ambulance defibrillators in the South East and I’m delighted that Waitrose customers in Winchester have donated £332 towards the

cost of one through the store’s Community Matters scheme – every penny counts.

“Every donation will help us to make sure we have a defibrillator available when it’s needed most, to give more people the chance to survive a cardiac arrest. The

more defibrillators we have, the better equipped we are to save lives.”

Pictured: Tom Jardine-Smith from Waitrose in Winchester hands a cheque over to Christine Atkinson and Iain Steel

Picture by Rachel Gover


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50 years after the huge success of the pop song ‘Winchester Cathedral’ by the New Vaudeville Band, the reworded song is to be released at a concert to help raise funds in aid of the Cathedral Appeal. It will be performed live in Winchester Cathedral itself by the Cathedral Boy Choristers on 12th March at the Waynflete Singers’ Gala Concert.

Many people will remember the catchy tune and whistling introduction prior to the words: ‘Winchester Cathedral – you’re bringing me down…’ well, since its original release, which peaked at No. 1 in the charts in November 1966, and sold 3 million copies on both sides of the Atlantic, the song has been covered by numerous artists including Petula Clark, Dizzy Gillespie, and Frank Sinatra. It won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Song in 1967.

The idea for the 50th anniversary celebration of the song was initiated as a result

of a conversation between the Waynflete Singers’ deputy chairman Paul Wing and the Dean, the Very Rev’d James Atwell. The Dean approached the original songwriter, Geoff Stephens, to suggest a 50th anniversary re-launch with a reworking of the words. Geoff Stephens comments:

‘It was an honour to receive a letter from The Very Rev’d James Atwell, Dean of Winchester Cathedral, seeking permission to use my 50-year-old song for a new recording by The Cathedral Choristers. The Dean also sought to “tweak” the lyrics to make the song more in keeping with its new usage – i.e. to celebrate the forthcoming 50th Anniversary of the original recording and to present the Cathedral as “a beacon of light” in the dark days through which we live. I replied to both requests with unalloyed pleasure – furthermore deciding that a complete re-write of the lyrics would be in everyone’s best interests’

The reworded song has now been recorded by the Cathedral Boy Choristers under the

Signum Classics label and will be launched at a Gala Fundraising Concert in aid of the Cathedral Appeal on 12th March 2016, in the presence of the songwriter. The CD will be on sale at the concert and afterwards through the Cathedral shop, with 50% of the sale price going directly to the Cathedral Appeal.

The Gala Concert will also include The Waynflete Singers performing an uplifting programme that includes the beautiful Fauré Requiem in the original orchestrated version, and ‘I Was Glad’ by Parry. A further Winchester

connection will be provided by a performance of the ‘Winchester Te Deum’ composed by John Rutter ten years ago for the Dean’s installation.

On this occasion the choirs will be joined in the first half of the programme by The English Chamber Orchestra, the most recorded Chamber Orchestra in the world, and who will also perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no 6.

Tickets for the Gala Concert can be booked through the Cathedral box office: 01962 857275

Images: Damien Carpenini

A complete re-write of the lyrics would be in everyone’s best interests

Winchester Cathedral - No Longer “Bringing Me Down”Pop Song Gets Remake

Recording of the new version of Winchester Cathedral


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The brimming theatre certainly loved Chitty as she zoomed onto the Mayflower stage.Starring a host of British TV

icons, actor and comedian Jason Manford leads the show as the lonely inventor Caractacus Potts. Manford’s comic flare and, admittedly, unexpected singing skills are a joy to watch, as are the scenes with his talented on-stage children Jemima (Lucy Sherman) and Jeremy (Henry Kent).Amy Griffiths’ Julie

Andrews’-esque voice is perfect for her role as Truly Scrumptious, which she demonstrates particularly well during her performance

of Doll on a Music Box. Andy Hockley is funny and endearing as Grandpa Potts, getting the audience chuckling at his regular trips to ‘India’ and his reprise of, “Did I ever tell you about the time I-?” “Yes, Grandpa!”Fellow comedian Phil

Jupitus plays the spoiled ‘Vulagrian’ Baron Bomburst, the overgrown man-child who loves toys above all else, to the frustration of the Baroness Bomburst (Michelle Collins). The pair’s over the top mushiness rings true with the 1968 film version. Martin Kemp completes

the celebrity line-up as the dastardly Childcatcher,

whose chilling appearance near the end of the first Act is, sadly, not fully realised in Act 2. Nonetheless, his panto-villain style performance has the children in the audience booing delightfully, and it’s pleasant to see a large scale musical production which seemingly has a young audience in mind.Laugh-out-loud moments

are provided throughout the performance, courtesy of the hilarious one-liners and slapstick humour from spy duo Boris and Goran (Sam Harrison and Scott Paige).The ensemble is slick

and their energy electric, the dancers wonderfully adaptable as they’re

put through their paces performing a tap dancing number (Me Ol’ Bamboo), a fast-paced samba, as well as more traditional musical theatre arrangements.Chitty’s infectious songs

are made complete by Musical Director Andrew Hilton’s energetic live band, the music fitting perfectly alongside clever video graphics that project across the set, helping the audience to feel like we’re all winding along country lanes in Chitty’s red leather seats. The car itself is perfect, her shiny metal bonnet glinting under the lights as she soars off the cliffs at Beachy Head.This brand new production

of Ian Fleming’s classic children’s story has something for everyone. But remember, you must say please…Star rating: ****Beccy Conway

Review: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Mayflower.Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we love you!

The dancers are slick, electric, wonderfully adaptable.


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(...continued from page 2) elected since 2010 were not driven into politics by the tyranny of Brussels pledging to regain British sovereignty.

Of course we care deeply how our country is governed – as a member of the Government in a big department myself, I see every day how it is - but we have many different interests and reasons for wanting to be in public life.

For me it is the health service (especially how we fight cancer), radical reform of the justice system and a desire to save our threatened planet from ourselves; but I digress ...

At the age of forty-two, I am clearly one of Thatcher’s children. I am a signed-up euro-sceptic and have said on the national media many times, I would vote to leave this European Union as long as Britain has its current membership. It doesn’t work for me right now.

Shortly after being elected, in November 2011, I voted against a three-line whip in the House of Commons – against the ‘advice’ of the new Prime Minister – to say this country should have an in/out referendum on our membership of the EU. Why did I do that? Well, I can confirm it wasn’t a great career move for a new MP.

Truth is, I was just 16-months old in 1975 when Harold Wilson last put this question to the British people and have always felt the democratic deficit around our EU membership, not least because of the way our relationship has been changed through Treaty after Treaty under successive Governments, has to be addressed. As I said at the time to my constituents, and my Prime Minister, it’s in the interests of this country and the European Union that we have the debate and – one way or another – achieve a re-set in the relationship we have with our nearest neighbours.

We lost the vote that day but, eventually, the policy of my party changed and a promise to deliver that in/out plebiscite was included in the PM’s landmark ‘Bloomberg’ speech and, in-turn, in the Conservative manifesto of 2015. Obviously, we won that election last year and we intend to deliver on every line of that manifesto including the EU referendum so long denied by Mr Cameron’s predecessors. It was, dare I say it, a cast iron guarantee.

I have been fortunate enough to discuss this renegotiation with the Prime Minister on a number of occasions since being re-elected and, while I always felt his requests were certainly not overly ambitious, I know this is a man who’s attended dozens of EU summits and is a now an experienced leader on the world-stage.

I think David Cameron was smart to set out a stall he felt, using that experience and knowing the negotiation that would come from his fellow leaders, he could deliver. The ‘Deal’ he has secured is, in my opinion, more significant than many felt (or maybe hoped) he’d be able to deliver and I think it’s interesting how newspaper editorials in other European capitals, view it as much thicker ‘gruel’ than our own Fleet Street.

Furthermore, the details of that

deal were not dreamt up by David Cameron on the Downing Street sofa. In our Manifesto last year, we made a number of commitments to fix the four key problems with the EU that we believe frustrate people in Britain. It’s worth re-stating them here;

We said we would get Britain out of ‘ever closer union’ and give national parliaments the power to work together to block unwanted EU laws. We have delivered that in this deal which explicitly says we will never become part of a European Superstate.

In our Manifesto, we said that we would make Europe more competitive. We have delivered that in this deal with commitments to cut red tape, in particular for small business – that means we can create more jobs and security for working people in Britain.

In our Manifesto, we said that we would protect Britain as the Eurozone continues to integrate. We have delivered that in this deal – that means British taxpayers will never be required to bail out the Eurozone, and that British businesses can never be discriminated against because we are not part of the Euro. For the first time, the EU formally recognises that there is more than one currency in the Union.

In our Manifesto, we said that we would put an end to the something for nothing welfare culture for EU migrants so that we can better control immigration from Europe. We have delivered that in this deal in so much as;* EU migrants can no longer claim full in-work benefits for four years

* Child Benefit will no longer be sent overseas to Europe at UK rates;

And we have already delivered our commitments to;Require EU migrants to leave Britain after six months if they haven’t found work and have no genuine prospect of finding a job.Stop EU migrants from being able to claim Universal Credit while looking for work.This agreement is legally binding and irreversible without full agreement of all EU states including the UK.

And this deal also means we will never join the Euro, never join a European Army, and never be part of the Schengen borderless zone.But, as the argument goes, this referendum is about much more than the ‘Deal’ which some argue is fundamental change while others mock it as small change - or ‘thin gruel’ in the words of my friend and colleague Jacob Rees-Mogg MP.

They say this referendum is about the bigger picture and the whole idea of the European project. I think that’s right. I most definitely do not love Brussels. I want less Europe not more.

But the question I have asked myself time and again in recent months is does that mean I want NO Europe? Looking at the evidence available and the ‘Deal’ on the table, what is my on-balance view?

I have concluded, after huge thought and careful consideration that Britain’s national interest is best served by us remaining a member of a reformed European Union. I will therefore, vote to Remain in the referendum to be held on Thursday June 23rd 2016.I have never said this country could not survive outside the European Union. We are the 5th largest economy on earth and Great Britain will always do great things.

So it is as silly to suggest staying in is a golden goose for the British people as it is to say leaving will lead us to a land of milk and honey.

What I will do in this referendum campaign is try to step back from these polarising positions and take a sober view whether the bad bits of our membership (and we know they’re in plentiful supply) are worth quitting over – and, crucially, worth doing so at this particular time. In the end, for me, it will be a head and a heart decision.

At first principle, and the thing we did vote for in 1975, is the Single Market.

Those who want to leave Europe cannot tell me if British businesses would be able to access Europe’s free trade single market, or critically, when. They cannot tell me that jobs in my constituency and across the south are safe and how much prices would rise. At a time of uncertainty, to leave would seem to me a leap in the dark.So are we better off working together in a reformed Europe or being out on our own?

My view is that to leave the EU and then immediately set about trying to negotiate trade deals to opt back into those markets, applicable as those deals would be to certain industries only, is against the British national interest.

Secondly, I agree with the Prime Minister’s recommendation to Remain because I believe we will be safer in a reformed Europe working with our European partners to fight cross border crime and terrorism.

We can play a leading role in one of the world’s largest organisations from within, helping to make the big decisions on trade and security that determine our future.

As Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, one of the most impressive Ministers I have worked with, says; “our first duty is to protect the nation’s security and now is no time to hide under our duvets”.However irritating the Eurocrats are in Brussels, I agree now is not the time to withdraw from the western alliance when Britain faces multiple threats from Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, crime and international terrorism. President Putin would, in my opinion, be happiest if Britain withdrew from the EU. It is not scaremongering to ask which result Putin would favour. If we left, the European Union for the first time in its history would

be smaller and weaker. That’s obviously in Russia’s interests.

The challenges of Russian aggression and international terrorism are global and transnational and the EU helps us stand together in the face of that.So are we safer working together in a strong Europe of nation states, part of the NATO Alliance? I conclude we are.

Thirdly, I believe we are stronger working together so long as that

does not mean a political union where ‘ever closer union’ sucks the life out of our country. As a general rule, I think it’s a good thing that nations can sit down and talk (even if does take two days and two nights!) to work through their differences. That does not have to mean the end of the nation state – and we have through this Deal important new protections in that regard – but it does mean we will give something away in order to achieve that collectivism at the end of the day.The European continent has, right now, a multitude of problems from the migrant crisis on its southern shores to the incomplete single market and the weakness of its economies. Many believe these three things are the most potent examples of why the EU has failed and why Britain should walk away. I disagree.

It is naïve to believe we could ignore Europe just because we voted to leave. Whether we stay or go the European Union will still exist, right on our doorstep, and it’s in our national interest that it thrives whether we like it or not. We cannot turn the clock back and we cannot stop the world because we want to get off.

For me, this deal and this referendum is not the end of Britain’s leading role in reforming the EU, it is the start. While I realise this may cause more than a few groans among our European partners, we cannot pretend there are not many more ways in which Europe needs to improve.

One of the words of the moment around this EU summit was, I am told, “contagion”. Will

other EU leaders get ideas from David Cameron that maybe the European project needs updating and modernising? I was struck by the comments of those other leaders this weekend, and the Italian Prime Minister is a good example, who said Europe was “a great idea and a great dream but, if we believe in unity, it has to change.” He’s right. Contagion is something we should encourage and lead because David Cameron really has set a thousand hares running with this Deal and I believe there’s now a hearing to be had for the notion that a one-size fits all European Union is something that belongs to the 1970’s not the future.

I believe the EU actually needs us more than we need it right now. I believe we make a positive choice to stay, recognising that there are compromises to being part of any club, and work inside the tent to make it work better for us and everyone else at the same time. So, on the deal David Cameron has brought home and the fundamental project we are part of that’s called the European Union, I believe we do have special status at the end of this renegotiation and can have the best of both worlds.

We could leave and we may be fine but I’m not sure we want to – or would be wise to – so my considered view is we should remain.

Finally, I began with mention of founding myths and there is one more about the Conservative Party currently doing the rounds. It is said this referendum will tear the party apart as we all fall out horribly. Indeed I have spoken to many Labour politicians recently, aware as they are that they have one or two problems of their own, who tell me they are counting on it!

Sure, there will be heated exchanges and strongly held views expressed on both sides of the debate and people will disagree, even members of the same Cabinet. But I know this, every single colleague of mine in the parliamentary party, is determined we will be professional and courteous at every turn.

That’s because we know there’s far more that unites us than divides us. We were elected on a manifesto less than a year ago and have a mandate from the British people to deliver it in full. That work goes on, we will have our campaign and our vote in June then we come back together as one Government to continue the work of turning our country around.

Steve Brine, February 2016

This referendum is about much more than the ‘Deal’

Whether we stay or go the European Union will still exist

MP Steve Brine makes a case for Europe


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With all the bad publicity that Tesco received over deliberately delaying payments to suppliers to boost profits, it’s good to be able to report on a side to this retail giant that people seldom hear about.

A few months back a group of Year 4 schoolchildren who attend Cheriton Primary School near Alresford wrote to several large stores in the area to ask if they could help with the much-needed redecoration of their school that has sadly not had a fresh lick of paint for several years because of cut-backs.

The sad news is that the response to the letters was not as forthcoming as was hoped. But the great news is that Ruth Kirby, Community Champion at Winchester’s Tesco Extra store at Winnall was more than happy to help and turned up at Cheriton armed with boxes full of rolls, crisps and other tasty offerings to feed the army of parents, governors and friends who came along to tackle the project over the summer holidays. Readers may recall that we covered this story last year.

That was Phase 1 but there was still much work to be done and, not content with feeding the masses, Ruth and her colleagues at Tescos offered their help on a grand scale with Phase 2 which took place on a weekend recently at the school (the weather was awful outside so nobody seemed to mind): “I got a letter from two lovely boys at the school who told me that they had a lovely school but it was a Victorian building and a bit tatty – could we please help?”

Never has the school seen such a concentrated effort over two days to transform a very tired classroom and other communal areas in much need of a lick of paint.

Volunteers from Tesco Winchester – and numerous other stores in the area – pitched up, rolled up their

sleeves, donned masks and overalls and set to sanding, scraping, filling and painting. Over one weekend no less than thirty Tesco volunteers from all departments, including several senior managers turned up and got stuck in.

Among them was Stores Director Andy Cruttenden who has direct responsibility for Tesco Extra stores along the south coast and was the one who gave the green light to the project: “For us, it’s a day out of our business but to a small school it means an awful lot and we’re delighted to do it”. Les Young, line manager at Tesco Winchester and no stranger to community projects (having helped build an orphanage in Poland) was the ‘foreman of works’ and worked his socks off.

Local store Wickes also donated nearly £200 worth of paint and materials to the project.

Andrew Goldsworthy is the headteacher at Cheriton Primary School, and says the help came as a much-needed boost: “Due to budget constraints, without the hard

work of community-minded people like the army of Tesco volunteers who gave up their weekend to help us, projects like this could end up forever on the back burner. We owe them a huge thank-you for their time and dedication”.

Every little really does help, it seems. And the children’s reaction to their new classroom? “Really bright and smart! Thank-you!”.

Reporting by David CradduckMain Image: Les Young

‘Proud To Be Supporting’

It means an awful lot and we were delighted to do it

Every Little HelpsSupermarket Giant Puts Man Hours Back Into Community


a month of sundays

by bob larbey16-19 mar

2016

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Wednesday 16th – Saturday 19th March 2016 7.30pm (doors open 7pm) at Cheriton Village Hall SO24 0PZ

NEWDATES



Stepping off the plane onto new soil, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a dry heat, the sun scorching. There were unfamiliar noises all around, hustle and bustle I’d not encountered before. Through it all, I remember feeling blinded by the sea of colour. Both men and women wore traditional cloth, an array of vibrant colours for miles. It wasn’t daunting; it felt like this could be home.Suitcases thrown and tied

down on top of a van, it was time to explore. Looking back on it now, I remember feeling a pang of desperation to get here. It was our final year of University and there was an opportunity to travel to India for three weeks. Being a textile student, it was a

given that India was home to the most beautiful textile pieces in the world. I didn’t want to hear the rumours anymore; I had to experience

it for myself. Being a keen photographer, I knew that in the midst of chaos, colour, and smells with an everyday way of life, I’d find heaven.We were fortunate to be

staying within The Golden Triangle in the North. Local stalls and markets lace the

streets with spices, jewels and incense. There is street food to enjoy on every other stall, the steam creates a stir. The local cuisine is sublime and like no other. India is famous for vegetarian specialities with a beautiful mix of spices, coconut and herbs. There are even opportunities to have lunch on real life banana leaves. There is inspiration everywhere you turn. Drawing this from lives that are unexplored, which will often disappear in a split second, is India’s secret gem and charm. Locals move around in frenzy; motorbikes and tuk tuks will honk and swerve, narrowly missing you. In India, everyone will share the road. The cows, a sacred animal in India, will blissfully

walk into the street, unaware of locals veering out of the way. Personal space is not a given here, but in the midst of the excitement, it doesn’t matter. It was apparent that in India, we must relax and go with the flow.No two days are ever the

same in India. When in Agra, it is a must to see the Taj Mahal. Known as a Wonder of the World, the monument is everything I hoped it to be. The Taj Mahal took over 20 years to build and is known as the symbol of love. The monument was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory for his favourite wife. The marble is so pure, that it seems untouched. It is as almost if it’s not real. For sure, you know it is; the bustling crowds of tourism will say otherwise. But it is as if it were a painting, hazy in the distance. Just in front of the monument lies the bench that Diana, Princess of Wales once sat upon.India is home to Hinduism,

Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. There are numerous palaces and temples to visit, with over 2 million places of worship. These can include the Lotus Temple in the North, New Dehli. In the South, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai is a must. An ashram meditation centre can offer spiritual safety and time of rest. Fellow traveller Josh Quayle, from Vancouver in Canada, speaks fondly about how religion is regarded in South East Asia: “Religion becomes an ultimate way of life; their faith is everything to them. It is a humbling, grounding experience.”Whilst staying within The

Golden Triangle, my fellow students and I were fortunate to work within certain textile houses. As I would sit on the floor with my work, women would smile and talk to their

friends about me; their faces warm and welcoming. Bells would ring. Unsure of what it was, I was told it was time for traditional tea. I was nervous to interact with them and so stuck to my sketchbook and continued to draw them. A woman came over and was crying, not much older than 30. The women gathered around her and began to speak in their native tongue. I didn’t want to interrupt and so kept myself to my drawings. As the women sipped tea, another sat next to me and translated what was happening; the woman’s son had gone missing but had safely returned home the night before.I cannot explain this feeling.

I was a complete stranger to them; they didn’t have to include me but took the time to tell me what was happening. And for this, I am thankful. When in a situation where it would normally deem to be personal and private, it is in their nature to invite others in with kindness and love. Their cultures are rich with gratitude and thankfulness.Last October, I took the

opportunity to travel with a small tour group to the South of India. Within those two weeks, religious festivals were happening all around. With a visit to Mysore Palace and to Chamundi Temple, there were colours, ecstatic noise and excited mayhem all around. With waiting, Indian timing can be very slow, and so half an hour can really translate to two. Both men and women would chant ‘God is coming, God is coming!’Incense and smoke were

in the air as children danced and banged sticks together, everyone would join in the celebrations. Everyone would bring gifts to the temple and

India: My Second Home.Rachel Gover shares her experiences of a country that will steal your heart, time and time again.

Relax and go with the flow


menwould throw and smash coconuts on the floor all around. Their symbols would clang together creating an echo through my bones. We were welcomed into their world, and not just for a split second. Under the 93,000 lights laced around Mysore Palace, it was a moment where we were all equal – race, religion, skin colour, age all didn’t matter as we came together. You are not treated like a tourist, but like a friend. As a traveller, you’re invited in, sure to some it is a novelty but it’s exciting, especially for the children.There is a vibe within

the South. The beaches are breathtaking. My first night spent in Kochi was a beautiful scene. Reds, blues, greens, oranges and yellows flooded the beach. Women chatted, children danced whilst men paced the shores. For festivals, kites darted across the sky, we had to move quickly out of the way to avoid getting hit! This was the place to be at the weekends, it was peaceful. The sun burnt my skin as I forgot how long I stood there for. However dark the sky became, the beach was still alive with colour. Nearby the fishing market, the nets hung at great heights. Men would pull on them regularly, the boats sit for miles in the lapping waves. Men are in the water, pushing the boats in and carefully selecting the fish from the nets. This was their trade and there were little women around. The men didn’t speak to each other and the work is meticulous; it was the crows around making all the fuss. It was late at night, but the market stalls would stay open into the early hours.The shops in the South,

Kochi/Cochin, are the places to find beautifully handcrafted silks. Quite often, the heavens opened and so we sought hospitality in the local markets. There are hundreds of fruit and vegetable stalls, pots and pans, materials and jewels too. Men and women sit on the floor making flower garlands, whilst frantically chopping up coconuts. It is inevitable that customers are invited to look at the stalls closer. One thing that is important to remember, often nothing is ever free. Bargaining is a must, and can sometimes become humorous between the two of you. It is essential to recognise sales techniques; some will show books and reviews from previous customers. Some will say that you are now friends and some will offer a gift to draw you in more. This is obviously okay and an exciting experience all the same, however it is wise to be aware of these techniques.

There are many ways to travel across India. When travelling by tuk tuk, I always carried a business card with me. This was to show the address of the hotel safely. Within the trains, there are different classes to the carriages. These are 1st, 2nd and 3rd – with or without air con. To travel by train allowed me to see the back streets that look onto the rail. I found myself hanging out of the carriage door to get a better insight, there are no rules here! Around the city of Bangalore, there were lines and lines of washing hanging in the warm evening sun. The houses are painted the brightest colours I’ve seen – turquoise, reds, blues and greens. Like a true postcard of India. Children are able to run freely without fences holding them back. Families would wander the tracks; women’s saris complement the buildings and the city is lit up. It is evident that there are rubbish piles around besides the tracks. It has been reported in remote parts of India, there are over 8 million people in the population and more than 4 million people live in the slums. The smell is a little pungent and seeps into the train, but no one lifts a head. It’s normal here. Tuk tuks line the streets and continue into the night. The city never sleeps.Another way to travel is

by boat. For a short trip,

a boat ride would have cost me no more than 7p. Using different modes of transport was a great way to meet new people. I recall a young woman sitting next to me. She offered me some watermelon bubble gum. Five minutes ago, we didn’t know each other and now here we are swapping tips on nail polish colour. It was clear that there was a language barrier between us, but that didn’t matter as hand gestures were a good substitute. Her hands were beautifully painted, delicate with henna. I knew that we wouldn’t meet again, so I asked to take a photograph of her hands. She was flattered and said no one had asked that before. Another woman lent across me and takes my book to read for the journey. This was done with the intention of total curiosity. There is a certain

‘What’s mine is yours’ vibe and to get my head around!Deep in the jungle reserve,

located in Kalpetta/Mudumalai, there are opportunities to search for tigers, elephants, deer and bears in the wondrous landscape. These animals are roaming free within the reserve and so this is not always guaranteed, but the adventure driving around in the 4x4 jeep is certainly worth the trip. India offers such an extraordinary amount of activities to do each day. These can include the Ghandi Museum, textile festivals, 5am orientation cycle rides, Tollywood films (Tamil language) and even home stay cookery classes.The adventures continued

with the small tour group. On our final few days, we were fortunate to stay in the backwaters of Kerala. Means of transport are slim and so the only way is by canoe across the river. It is an island full of community and everyone will know your name by the end. This is the place to experience portable boat grocery stores, and the mail delivered by canoe. Children ran along the banks to wave, whilst their mothers would wash clothes in the river. The family would also shower in the river too. On our final morning, men would

sing local traditional folk songs; a calming remedy. There was a mutual feeling in the air that we all knew our time in India had come to an end. We were not strangers, we were not tourists, but the families took us in as if we were their own. I feel at home here, alive and full of life. Even if we are without anything, we are reminded that there is a richness and quality to life.Come March, I will be visiting

the North of India again. This time I will visit Rajasthan, Jodhpur; known as the Blue City. I have booked a hostel for a mere £2 a night, a perfect way for backpackers and travellers to meet others and explore together. People often ask why I travel on my

own. I simply reply – but I am never on my own. And India proves this.How to get there:I booked the Best of

Southern India tour group with STA Travel, G Adventures. Perfect for first timers in India and all ages welcome. This is from £799 for 14 days. I flew with Emirates from Gatwick Airport. For my trip to Rajasthan, I booked the flight on www.skyscanner.net, costing £464. I am flying with Jet Airways from Heathrow Airport. To find unique hostels full of character and bargain prices, I recommend www.hostelworld.com . This is also available through App store. Words and Images by

Rachel Gover.

10 Tips for first timers in India

1. Head South – this is where the beaches are2. Flip flops are a must – easy to take off when visiting temples and hot weather3. Cover shoulders – out of respect and also for protection from the sun4. Malaria tablets are advised – do check for which area you are visiting5. Drink lots of water – but never tap water, always bottled6. Take toilet paper in your bag

– you do not want to get caught out! Embrace the squat toilet7. Ride the train – this is a must!8. Always barter – but keep your wits about you. A deal that seems too good to be true, probably is9. Best food is street food – go veggie! Eat with your right hand, never left as this is for using the bathroom10. Hug friends but public affection with partners can be disrespectfulOne for luck –11. Always try to remain calm – expect the unexpected!

We were welcomed into their world, and not just for a split second


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Just before half term, Perins students had the opportunity to take part in a huge range of arts events. From dance, music, drama and martial arts to art, photography, movie making and public speaking, the school was buzzing with students trying out new skills.

The workshops on offer were varied and included a chance to learn more about drama improvisation techniques and comedy with performer Emma Stroud as well as a session about working with text by international playwright Mark Wheeller.

Budding singers had a chance to do a musical theatre workshop with Daisy Wheeller who has just finished a panto season playing Cinderella. There was also a stomp workshop - STOMP are a percussion group who perform in theatres all over the world. They use everyday items from

dustbins to plungers to create physical theatre productions.

In the art rooms there was a variety of themes for the competition to have paintings displayed on the school walls; the maths department provided a Rangoli tile making workshop and year 7s were treated to a visit by the author GP Taylor. His presentation had everyone laughing out loud and was a huge success.

Integr8 Dance Company taught an array of dance styles including hip hop, breaking, locking, popping and house. The drama studio was filled with all kinds of music from classical instrumental and solos to rock and pop music and classical singing. The drama was thought provoking in some cases and hilarious in others. The public speaking competition was judged by members of the Alresford Rotary Club and students

spent a morning researching their topic before giving their speeches. There were delicious aromas in the food tech classrooms as students entered a cooking competition to produce a healthy 2 course meal for 2 people.

While all this was going on, Nspire, a team of student reporters were busy following the events, taking photographs and interviewing participants. At the end of the week they produced a newsletter about the Arts Festival which was

sold as a souvenir of a fantastic week.

The finals evening was a culmination of the week. A full house of students, proud parents and staff turned up to watch the showcase of drama, music and dance.

Festival Huge Success At Perins


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March2016

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