Winchester Railway Station - New Move On Safety?

There could soon be a positive outcome on safety to and from Winchester's railway station, as outlined in the current issue of Winchester Today. 

MP Steve Brine hosted Rail Minister, Stephen Hammond, this morning (Monday 9 December) to view the various works taking place at Winchester railway station and follow up on some key issues raised at a recent public meeting in the city.

Mr Hammond, who grew up in Chandler’s Ford, was able to see for himself the work being done to introduce a new decked car park at the station and the footbridge being constructed as part of the ‘Access for All’ scheme. 

He was also able to join discussions Mr Brine is having with South West Trains around late night safety for travellers, including the access road leading to Andover Road, which was highlighted as a key safety concern at the local MP's recent Ask SWT session.

Steve says he welcomes the visit: "There is significant investment taking place in Winchester right now so it was important to have the Minister visit and check on progress. 

"It was really useful also to brief him on my recent meeting with South West Trains and local rail users and for him to hear what looks like good news on our work to improve late night safety, especially for women, in and around the station."

The Minister heard how South West Trains and Network Rail are working with Hunts Foodstuffs, who own the land, to create a safe pedestrian walkway from the car park out onto Andover Road.  Constituents have told the MP they feel unsafe using the route which is pitch black after dark.

Steve says the discussions will continue: "A further meeting is planned between South West Trains, its contractors and Winchester City Council in January to agree the details and we're very hopeful the work can be completed before the new decked car park opens in March.  I will be staying very close to this one."

The group also discussed the possibility of Winchester Station being staffed beyond midnight in future. At present all shifts end at 10pm.

Me Hammond says the year-on-year increases in demand makes it important that investment keeps coming forward: "These seem like much-needed schemes.  I was really impressed with the benefits these projects will bring for Winchester.  

"Steve has already briefed me on his ASK SWT event and I know he’s working hard on various issues... such as addressing the valid concerns local travellers have around their safety.” 

Picture: Steve Brine MP, Stephen Hammond MP with Andy Mundy (SWT Project Manager) and Winchester Station Manager, Danny Maile.

Another Triumph for The Cheriton Players

'An Inspector Calls' - The Cheriton Players, Cheriton Village Hall, Thursday 5th December 2013.

The fact that the Cheriton Players' production of 'An Inspector Calls' sold out more than 3 weeks in advance of curtain up is testament to the hard work that the society puts in to every production.

The Players themselves describe it as: "A fantastic situation to be in... showing they have a growing, loyal audience."

Because of its moral content, the play is well-known to many people who have studied it at school. In simple terms, an entire family is involved in the mysterious demise of someone else through various means. It's very cleverly written. Yes, if you haven't seen it, you can probably guess the ending well before the actual ending.

But, as the Inspector - David Cradduck - told me, because of the play being so well-known, they simply have to be word perfect. He is, of course - you would expect nothing less!

Yes, the play is a 'classic' and many people want to see it - but you still have to deliver. And boy, did the Players deliver!

Mike Cornter (Arthur Birling) shows yet again that these kind of parts were written especially for him many years ago!

I simply cannot believe that Jules Anderson has only been acting since 2007 (and then after being press ganged into taking a small part) - as this is the finest I have seen him. As Gerald Croft, he has the chance to reflect on his own errors. He was dominant near the front of the stage for a significant amount of time; he gazes into the distance, trying to explain away his actions. Such was the attention on him, I swear you could have heard a pin drop in Alresford.

On the night I attended, I was aware that Tracey Anderson (Sheila Birling) was not well. Had I not known, I would not have realised; she showed her usual bright personality which always seems to shine through.

However, by the Friday, Tracey had to pull out altogether. Step forward Rebecca Leadley - who's only just joined the Players! By all accounts, she proved that in a crisis, the show goes on. With 45 minutes' notice!

Credit too to Charlie Hellard and Helena Gomm who make up the rest of the family as Eric and Sybil - Eric who seems to love the bottle, and Sybil who ends up in complete despair and disbelief at what's going on around her.

There aren't any set changes; we are all transported just to the dining room of a house in the North Midlands in 1912. The backstage crew could therefore take their time in creating something that looked beautiful. The set is a credit to the design and construction team. As are the costumes - simply beautiful, accompanied by plenty of sparkling jewellery!

Pauline Cornter's direction is well-paced, and brings the best out of everyone.

A triumph then, in more ways than one. I loved it. Congratulations and 5 stars. KG