Two new plant launches at the Chelsea Flower Show 2015 from Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants

There is always something new to marvel at on the Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and in 2015 this remains true. In addition to Rosy’s mesmerising display of faithful herbaceous perennials, visitors also come to see newer introductions and of course the brand new plants getting their 1st outings […]



Shieldhall announces cruise programme for 60th anniversary year

The SS Shieldhall – the oldest passenger cargo steamship still active in Europe – has announced her cruise programme for 2015. The ship will be celebrating her 60th birthday with a special cruise in conjunction with her previous owners Southern Water on Sat 5 July, revisiting part of the route she followed whilst in her […]



Tree planting remembers Exbury stalwart Ian Holloway

A Prunus ‘Chocolate Ice’ (Matsumae-fuki) has been planted at Exbury Gardens in memory of Gardens and village stalwart Ian Holloway, who died suddenly earlier this year aged 57. Ian, affectionately known as ‘Olly’, lived and worked at the New Forest village for over 40 years, performing many community duties alongside his role in the Gardens. […]



Upham parish plan published

Residents of Upham near Bishop’s Waltham have published a parish plan that sets out how they would like to see the parish improve in the coming years. The Plan took two and a half years to complete, with assistance and funding from Winchester City Council. The plan is titled Our Village, Our Voice, emphasising the […]



Formula 1 Legends inspire Sparsholt College students

Students and staff at Sparsholt College were inspired as Formula 1 legends Jody Scheckter, and Ross Brawn OBE officially opened the new multi-million pound Motor Vehicle and Engineering complex on the campus today. The guests of honour brought their exceptional experiences to life in their keynote speeches, while students demonstrated their own skills and talents […]



Legendary British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston departs UK for highly anticipated return to solo ocean racing

45 years after becoming the first man to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968/69, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, now aged 75, is the oldest skipper competing in the 3,500 mile transatlantic solo classic Route du Rhum race, starting from St Malo, France, in early November. On Wednesday 22nd October the famous Clipper Round the […]



Photos of scenic Hampshire



Tourism in Winchester hits record high and defies national trends

Winchester City Council and Tourism South East, founding members of the local Destination Management Partnership, have released the latest figures relating to tourism performance in Winchester and the results show that the value of tourism has risen by 42% in five years, adding £100m to the local economy. Over the last five years Winchester’s performance […]



Special festive guest joins artists at Winter Open Studios

A very special guest will be in residency at The Sorting Office when it throws open its doors for its annual Winter Open Studios. Father Christmas and his little helpers will visit the bustling studios where a traditional Winter Wonderland grotto, created by The Sorting Office’s designer-makers and artists, will magically appear. The Sorting Office […]



Flying birds and falconry fun at October Half Term

Children can come within a mouse’s whisker of a Long-eared Owl, duck as Snowy Owl swoops overhead and don a falconer’s gauntlet to hold a beautiful Barn Owl in the Half Term holidays at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. There are more than 150 birds of prey to be seen at the Trust, from Little Owls […]