Our headline news is that, after 10 years at the helm, our own Jan Dawkins has stepped down from her role as the Editor. The hard work will now be done by our new editor, Berenice Kenny, who takes the opportunity to introduce herself. Read more in our Spring 2017 Community News.

Highlights of our other news

Read about the many clubs and activities that take place at the Community Centre. This quarter, among others, there are reports from the Women’s Institute and the Oliver’s Battery Countryside Group. Find upcoming events by Winchester Horticultural Society and our local Wildlife Trust.

In news from our local schools, Oliver’s Battery Primary School embrace the ethos of Forest Schools, enabling the children to make the most of their wonderful outdoor space. At Oliver’s Battery Pre-School the children are enjoying their new Spring topic of Growth. Their newly themed Gruffalo corner is a big hit! The children at Stanmore Primary School had a brilliant time celebrating Maths day by dressing up as dominoes, clocks, calculators, shapes, sums and numbers. Dancers from Years 3-6 prepare for their performance in the Junior Rock Challenge.

Winchester Action on Climate Change shares the dates of some upcoming open meetings. Following on from last year’s initiative with the City Council to improve walking routes in the city centre, at Easter they will be working to improve walking routes through Stanmore. They welcome any local residents who would like to take part.

In January, Badger Farm Parish Council invited local residents to a meeting to get ideas on what new play equipment would be appealing at the Central Play Area. They now report that they have been able to put out tenders for the work needed. Oliver’s Battery Parish Council are also improving the play equipment at the recreation ground with their “Vikings and the Saxon Noble King” project. They also report that the Oliver’s Battery Film Group’s first meeting was a very successful showing of “Far from the madding crowd”. Any residents who are interested in serving on the Parish Council should contact the Clerk.

Our local councillors continue to work on the future management of the Whiteshute Ridge. They have commissioned extended ecological surveys to take place in June. A Cattle “Meet and Greet” will take place in March. Among other planning issues mentioned, they share that details of the Deloitte’s December presentation on the future of Bushfield Camp are now available.

St Mark’s church is hosting the new Oliver’s Battery Book Case where you can borrow, read and return any of the donated books whenever St Mark’s is open. Everyone is invited to the Easter Challenge Party on Saturday 22 April at St Luke’s.

Steve Brine, MP, discusses his ongoing commitment to the NHS and shares the discussions at his third ASKtheNHS meeting. He welcomes the Government’s new measures to transform the way we approach and deal with mental health. In February he met with Winchester’s business community, giving them a detailed report on the labour market and an update on the Government’s approach to Brexit as well as addressing many local issues.

Ann’s Computer Corner discusses the prevalence of misinformation on the internet today. The good news is that there are websites that can help you determine the truth for yourself.

Nature Notes paints a picture of the many birds that visited our parishes during recent months. The rare redwing was seen eating berries in gardens in Badger Farm! There are reports of “a barn owl quartering our fields, a red kite over Millers Lane and a mistle thrush enjoying the fruits of a local garden”. Norma recommends Graham Hoyland’s book “Walking Though Spring”.

With Best Wishes to you for the new Spring Season, from everyone here at Badger Farm Community Centre.

And the Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

Percy Bysshe Shelley