News Roundup

Has it really been two months? Sorry, life simply got on top of me and despite my best intentions I never managed to write an update. But here we are now, I'll keep it short - and I have some great news for you:

Abbotts Barton Gets Active! Watch this space... Abbotts Barton Community Group have been awarded funding from Winchester City Council's Small Grants Fund for a series of free fitness sessions in the park at Abbotts Barton! Details to follow, hoping to start the 1st week of September. No excuses - the sessions will be for all ages (over 16) and all abilities! All you have to do is dust down your trainers and turn up. (Big thanks to Jane, our treasurer, for all of her hard work on this!)

There will be another Picnic in the Park on 7 September (as always from noon to 3pm)! We are also planning one for 5 October. Please come along (to either or both!) if you are around.

In early August there was a public meeting with Council officers for those who had shown an interest regarding the Abbotts Barton Open Space Consultation. This first of all resulted in some urgent cutting of overgrowth down Hillier Road that had been blocking the sight lines for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Apart from that three sites were located for picnic tables, two by the children's play area and one close to where the single goal post is now. We will be getting a second goalpost and the existing one will be relocated to maximise the flat space.

Reminder: don't forget that almost one year ago the new parking permits for zone 3A ('lower' Abbotts Barton) were introduced, so everybody who got a permit then will need one soon again! I went down on Wednesday, was sent to a very friendly lady and got everything done in no time at all.

Council news

The most debated item recently seems to be the Silver Hill project. If you haven't seen the latest articles in the Hampshire Chronicle, here they are:
17 July: Winchester civic chiefs to look again at affordable housing at Silver Hill
7 August: Winchester Cabinet approves the dropping of affordable housing from Silver Hill scheme
14 August: £15m profit predicted for Silver Hill, says confidential council report

Health

MP to host second Ask the NHS meeting in Winchester - this one is aimed at "constituents who are at my age and stage in life, with young kids, to come along" (Steve Brine).

Something to think about: NHS Organ Donor Register - it's really fast and easy to sign up.

Events

This Sunday: Winchester CycleFest! On the Broadway from 10am to 2pm!

Bank Holiday Sunday 24 August there will be the City Behaviour Festival at the Winchester Football Club with live music from Winchester bands.

Winchester Football Club are holding a FREE one hour taster coaching session for all children over the age of 5 on Wednesday 27 August, 11-12. Please email prolineacademy@btinternet.com if you are coming along so they have an idea of numbers! If this event is popular, they will hopefully run regular sessions on Saturday mornings from September.