An invitation from the Lord-Lieutenant to a preview evening of an exhibition drawings by Leonardo da Vinci from the Royal Collection was held at Southampton Art Gallery on the 31 January 2019.  The evening began with a private tour of the exhibition followed by the main launch and speakers; some truly beautiful works of art.

Civic Prayer Breakfast held at King’s Community Church, Hedge End.  Thought provoking content and speakers included Cllr. Bruce Tennent – the Mayor of Eastleigh, Don Spalinger  – Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the University of Southampton, Nick Tustian – Chief Executive Officer, Eastleigh Borough Council and Andy Johnston – Senior Pastor, King’s Community Church.  Andy also gave a brief tour of the building which has one of the largest auditoria on the South Coast.

A moving and poignant service an laying of wreaths at the Basingstoke and Deane War Memorial.  The theme “Torn from Home” does indeed encourage us to reflect on how the enforced loss of a safe place to call home is part of the trauma faced by anyone experiencing persecution and genocide.  With so much going on all around, it is important that we have these “moments” when we can reflect on both how lucky we all are, and also how easy it is to look the other way at key moments.

Paul Campbell QPM gave a fascinating and very informative presentation and tour of the National Maritime Operations Centre at Fareham.  90+ Coastguards based at the Operations Centre at Fareham serve Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset East Devon and part of Sussex.  The start of the art operations centre means the NMO can put their knowledge and skills to good use in co-ordinating search and rescue missions.

A very uplifting occasion showcasing the great facilities and services on offer at Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill  The services on offer are in such great demand and there are so few places  that can match what Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill offer. There is no doubt , whilst the facilities are second to none, that it is the staff – the carers and nurses on a day to day basis that make it so valued by the residents and their families. The smiles and positive vibes sent out by all staff suggest they have a great formula. www.brendoncare.org.uk/care/our-care-homes/otterbourne-hill

Celebrations for 110 years of Hampshire Scouts kicked off in style with a successful event at the Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.   Special guests including Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Hampshire (and President of Hampshire Scouts), Nigel Atkinson Esq, Hampshire’s High Sheriff, Mark Thistlethwayte, the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and other Civic Heads, joined young people at the Emirate’s Spinnaker Tower to celebrate 110 years of adventure.  Guests were able to talk to Hampshire’s young Scouts and their leaders and gain a real insight into what Hampshire Scouting achieves in preparing young people with skills for life.  The event didn’t just […]

A stimulating tour given by Captain David George and his team.  The scale of the naval base needs to be experienced to fully understand the challenges faced in juggling the historic dockyards and the 21st century operations of the navy…all in close proximity to commercial and pleasure traffic.   It was particularly interesting seeing some of the accommodation for sailors and gaining an understanding of how they need to live their lives.

The Rev’d Sweet, Brother John and Martin Pringle gave a fascinating and uplifting tour followed by the Epiphany Gaudy lunch at the historic and beautiful Hospital of St Cross, Winchester.  It truly is amazing how the buildings and gardens are maintained to such a high condition. www.hospitalofstcross.co.uk  

The Youth Commission held a conference to give the Police and Crime Commission their recommendations based on the findings from consulting more than 4,000 of their peers across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton to identify the most important crime and policing issues for young people and local actions they eel can be taken to make improvements. Mental health came out as the issue of most concern to young people with 55% of those taking part in the consultation selecting it as their top priority.  Staying safe online came second, hate crime third and unhealthy relationships fourth. At […]

The HS visited the Family Court in Portsmouth to gain an insight and feel for some of the challenges faced by the judiciary. One point of note that is very clear is the effort that goes into each case to ensure the optimum outcome for the participants.

A memorial service was held at Christ Church in Christchurch Road, Winchester hosted by the Joint Operations Policing Unit to mark the United Nations Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.  Local dignitaries, police officers and colleagues from the ambulance and fire services joined members of the public in a poignant act of commemoration.

The Countess of Wessex visited the newly renovated Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park to mark its formal opening.  Her visit follows a sensitive £35m project to conserve the chapel for future generations funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Hampshire County Council. The Countess took a tour of the chapel before signing a scroll which was placed in a time capsule containing recovered and conserved plans to be buried under the original foundation stones of the hospital.   The Countess unveiled a plaque which was placed on the original hospital foundation stone.

The city of Portsmouth united to remember the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.  The events began at 6am with a lone piper playing in the Guildhall Square marking the moment the Armistice agreement was signed 100 years ago.  A parade attended by military units, cadet groups, veterans and community organisations preceded a moving Remembrance Service, following which wreaths were laid at the First and Second World War memorials.

The heavens smiled upon us, provided a wonderful break in the clouds and the opportunity for us all to make a successful and exhilarating jump. The professionalism and organisation of all concerned was very clear to see, especially in getting so many of us into the air at the same time. We were all delighted to be raising money for such a worthwhile cause, made all the more poignant by doing it so close to Remembrance Sunday; such an important weekend. Alabaré provides a range of homes and services including supported accommodation, drop-in centres, activities, advice and training services, supporting […]

The annual service of celebration of all those who work tirelessly in Law and Order in our county was held at Winchester Cathedral at 11am on Sunday 14th October.  Not even the terrible rain and windy conditions could deter the impressive numbers including High Sheriffs from around the South and surrounding areas including the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey, West Sussex, Gloucester and Berkshire from attending. The sermon was read by The Hon. Mrs Justice Heather Hallett who talked about the importance of forgiveness and the Service was led by the Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev’d Catherine Ogle. […]

The Andover foodbank was set up in 2006 to provide emergency food to local people who find themselves in short term crisis and are without means to buy food. During the last financial year, the foodbank distributed over 30 tonnes of food to feed 5,000 people, giving families and individuals valuable breathing space to address longer term issues without the worry of feeding their families or themselves. Good quality, secure and long term storage is essential to the project.

The courts were thrown open to the public in a great example of showing justice in action in our community. From mock trials, reviewing sentencing to tours of the whole combined court site (which was in action for real the day provided an insight into the criminal justice system and the opportunity to gain an overview on what happens. A great turn out by all the involved parties ensured a stimulating day for the hundreds that attended.

Motiv8 works in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner to provide DIVERT, a highly successful 10-week programme which aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and offending in local communities. Meeting with Clare Ansell joint CEO where we visited the Steps Educational Programme and chatted with young people who are building their self-esteem and qualifications. The visit also  included a chance to visit Motiv8’s Community Based Team offering a range of invaluable support services for young people and families alongside talking to young people who have achieved qualifications and employment through Motiv8’s bicycle recycling project; based […]

Meeting with Alex Lochrane and Rebecca Leaman at the Thruxton HQ with a full tour of the airbase and details of how the HIOWAA has developed.  The Charity operates an Airbus H135 which is specially equipped and optimised for night operations as well as a Critical Care Team Vehicle. The vehicle has parallel capability to the Air Ambulance and both are crewed by a team of HIOWAA doctors and paramedics. Truly exceptional project.

Another visit to HM Prison Winchester seeing the efforts the staff are making to try and improve all aspects of the prison. Many challenges remain.