Hampshire Chronicle

What a night for Winchester! From transforming community health to inspiring the next generation through science, this year’s Winchester Business Excellence Awards showcased the organisations making a real, lasting impact. Huge congratulations to REMEDI Health, named Business of the Year, with Deborah Evans also recognised as Business Leader - a testament to a team driven by purpose and care. And to Wonderseekers, winners of the Millennium Egg, celebrating 40 years of opening up science and opportunity to young people across the region. A brilliant showcase of what makes Winchester’s business community so strong. Full list of winners - https://lnkd.in/e4bAd4NA

So great to see a new business open in Winchester today. Helch Market has transformed the former Vodka Nightclub into a vibrant new food and social hotspot. After more than a year of renovation, the doors are opening to a feast of street food favourites – from juicy burgers and tacos to fried chicken, steak and brunch treats. More here 👉 https://lnkd.in/erruZ4kU ✍️ Eve Thompson

The search for our Hairdresser of the Year is well under way, and reader participation is essential. To cast your vote, pick up a copy of the Hampshire Chronicle or Romsey Advertiser this week, where you’ll find the voting coupon inside. It’s an opportunity to recognise and support the talented local salons and stylists who play a vital role in our community and local economy. Your vote helps celebrate excellence across the industry and shine a spotlight on the businesses making a real difference every day. https://lnkd.in/gr7YaZC4

Winchester’s own Rafferty Coope, 16, is heading to the Britain’s Got Talent semi‑finals after earning a Golden Buzzer on Saturday! 😲 The Peter Symonds student was left absolutely speechless as golden confetti fell around him - a moment his family told Ant and Dec he’s dreamed of since he was just five years old. Speaking to the Chronicle, Rafferty said: “It didn’t feel real. It was like an out‑of‑body experience, but at the same time I felt so grounded. I’m really proud of the performance I gave. I was more nervous than I expected, which I think shows how much it meant to me.” Full story - https://lnkd.in/eD7zH4AC

Nominations are now open for the Winchester Business Excellence Awards 2026, officially launched at a networking breakfast at Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday. The awards celebrate the achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs across the district – from start‑ups and independents to larger employers and social enterprises. Will you be putting your business – or one you admire – forward for the 2026 awards? Full story - https://lnkd.in/eErj-ATN ✍️ Eve Thompson

Plans are coming forward for up to 1,200 new homes on South Winchester Golf Course, with Bloor Homes preparing a public consultation on proposals for a new “Manor Parks” community. Early information suggests the scheme could include a mix of housing alongside community facilities and green space, forming part of the debate about how and where Winchester should grow in the years ahead. Will you be responding to the consultation? What should be top of the list: affordable homes, infrastructure, or protecting the landscape setting? Full story - https://lnkd.in/ej8Z52jY ✍️ Chris Atkinson

Before and after — 70 years apart! Both of these photos were taken from the playing fields at Bar End. The black‑and‑white shot dates back to the 1950s and shows the aftermath of heavy rainfall, looking towards Bar End Road. It really highlights how waterlogged the Bar End field can get - and maybe explains why the land wasn’t developed in the 19th or early 20th centuries Full story - https://lnkd.in/exdYvfPE

Winchester’s new EV charging superhub is looking to make more of a statement – with a planning application in for a turbine‑style landmark sign that will be taller than the central tower of Winchester Cathedral. Would it be an eye‑catching landmark or too much? Full story 👉 https://lnkd.in/eMqNMhtu ✍️ Chris Atkinson

Plans for a new hospital in Hampshire, which would serve Winchester, have been hit by further delays and local politicians are reacting sharply to the news. In our latest article, Winchester councillors and the MP set out their views on what the setback means for patients, staff and future services, and on what needs to happen next to move the project forward. Do you think the current plans still make sense for Winchester, or is it time to rethink the whole approach? ✍️ Chris Atkinson

Really looking forward to this year’s Winchester Business Excellence Awards. We will be covering the awards and the stories behind the businesses involved. If you’re a Winchester business planning to attend or enter, we’d love to hear what you’re most excited about