Megan Stanley

Rain fell in Romsey on August 19 after more than two months of hot, dry weather and multiple heatwaves. Southern Water said the last significant rainfall had occurred on June 11, while July was among the driest months on record. A hosepipe ban had been introduced to protect water supplies and the River Test and River Itchen, with further showers forecast for August 20 and 21.

An air ambulance landed beside Winchester Cathedral after a suspected medical episode in the city centre. Two ambulances and a police vehicle also attended, while paramedics treated a man on Loverose Way. After receiving treatment at the scene, he was taken to hospital by land ambulance, and the air ambulance team returned to base after about 30 minutes.

Redbrook Clinic in Salisbury has been shortlisted as one of eight finalists for the Salisbury Journal’s Beauty Salon of the Year 2026 award. Owner Louise Oatley said the nomination reflects patient loyalty, community support and the clinic’s commitment to safe, ethical, evidence-based aesthetic treatments. The winner will be chosen through public votes submitted via coupons in the August 6 and August 13 editions of the Salisbury Journal, with entries due by August 21.

Beauty Dolls, a salon run by Chloe Neller in Sherborne St John, has been named a finalist for the Basingstoke Gazette’s Beauty Salon of the Year 2026 award for the second consecutive year. Neller described the nomination as a major honour and highlighted the salon’s growth, client loyalty and range of makeup, aesthetics, nails and beauty treatments. Readers can vote using coupons published in the Basingstoke Gazette on August 6 and 13, with entries due by August 21.

Families and friends gathered at Ganger Farm in Romsey to watch a major solar eclipse, during which more than 90% of the Sun was obscured by the Moon. Clear skies allowed residents, including several multigenerational families, to enjoy the spectacle, with some recalling the 1999 eclipse and others experiencing their first eclipse.

Michelle Roberts, owner of The Nail Garden Romsey, has been shortlisted for Hampshire’s Beauty Salon of the Year 2026 award. After retraining and entering the beauty industry 12 years ago, Roberts built the salon from scratch, offering skincare, facials, eyelash treatments, sugaring and nail care. Public voting is open until August 21, with votes submitted through the Hampshire Chronicle or Romsey Advertiser.

Inner Bliss Massage & Beauty in Hogarth Close has been nominated for the 2026 Basingstoke Beauty Salon of the Year award. Owner Laura says the salon’s holistic approach, aromatherapy, massage and bespoke lash treatments aim to support clients’ physical and emotional wellbeing. She expressed gratitude for the nomination and highlighted the salon’s long-standing client relationships. Public voting will take place through coupons published in the Basingstoke Gazette.

Romsey Fire Station cancelled its August 15 open day because Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service crews and resources were needed to tackle a major New Forest wildfire. The blaze began when a van caught fire on the A31 and spread across more than 100 hectares of heathland, while the A31 remained closed between Ower and Ringwood, causing congestion on nearby diversion routes. The station said it hoped to rearrange the event and would retain donated raffle prizes for a future open day.

Natural Beauty, an independent salon at Viables Craft Centre in Basingstoke, has been shortlisted as a finalist for Beauty Salon of the Year 2026. The salon credits its team’s training, customer care and longstanding client relationships for its recognition. It is one of eight finalists, and members of the public can vote using coupons published in the Basingstoke Gazette on August 6 and 13, with votes due by August 21.

Vivi Beauty House in Oliver's Battery has been shortlisted for Hampshire Beauty Salon of the Year 2026. Owner Zoe says the luxury home studio offers eyelash extensions, nails and brows while also providing clients with conversation, comfort and community. She describes the nomination as recognition of seven years of work and dedication. Readers can vote for one of nine shortlisted Hampshire salons by submitting a coupon from the Hampshire Chronicle or Romsey Advertiser by August 21.

Arched by Megan, a beauty studio opened by Megan Stanley at Picket Piece Commercial Centre in January 2026, has been shortlisted for the Andover Advertiser’s Beauty Salon of the Year 2026 award. The studio offers brow, lash, facial and massage treatments, alongside nail and waxing services. The winner will be decided by public vote, with voting coupons appearing in the Andover Advertiser on August 7 and 14 and entries due by August 21.

Beauty by Justyna in Salisbury has been shortlisted as one of eight finalists for the Beauty Salon of the Year 2026 award. Owner Justyna describes the salon as a personalised, client-focused space built over 17 years of dedication. Public voting will take place through coupons printed in the Salisbury Journal, with completed votes due by August 21.

Mayaju Nails and Beauty on Church Street in Romsey has been shortlisted for the 2026 Beauty Salon of the Year award run by the Hampshire Chronicle and Romsey Advertiser. Owner Reena credited her team, clients and personal journey from Nepal for the salon’s recognition. The business offers skincare, eyelash, hair-removal, nail and makeup services. The public can vote by submitting a coupon from either newspaper, with entries due by August 21; other shortlisted salons include Beauty Studio at Bradbeers, Mooeys Beauty Salon and Elysium Beauty.

North Baddesley Surgery has defended its performance after councillor Amanda Ford raised concerns about residents’ difficulty accessing GP care and called for greater investment alongside local population growth. NHS England survey results show overall patient experience rose six percentage points to 82%, while telephone access improved substantially, with 68% finding it easy to get through compared with 40% previously. Online access also improved and exceeded the national average. However, around one-third of patients considered appointment waits too long, with nearly one-fifth waiting more than two weeks. Practice leaders said they are working with commissioners and using additional same-day appointments and digital access to manage demand.

The Hampshire Chronicle and Romsey Advertiser have revealed the shortlisted businesses for the 2026 Beauty Salon of the Year competition, following reader nominations from Romsey, Winchester and surrounding areas. The shortlist recognizes salons and beauty specialists for customer service, treatments and local support. Call of Beauty in Romsey, owned by Lydia Dalton, won in 2025 and previously in 2023. Readers will select the winner using voting coupons published in the two newspapers, with completed ballots due by August 21.

Residents say M3 Junction 9 improvement works have diverted constant HGV and other traffic through Harestock Road in Winchester, creating a dangerous rat run with speeding vehicles, difficult narrow junctions and several near-misses. The diversion routes traffic from the A34 via Three Maids Hill and Andover Road because of congestion and planned closures. Resident Ellie Dadkhah criticized the absence of promised warning signage and a reduction in the road’s speed limit from 40mph to 30mph. Councillor Steve Forster said Hampshire County Council is reviewing speed limits as part of an ongoing programme.

Year 6 pupils across Hampshire have finished primary school and are preparing to begin secondary education in September. The Hampshire Chronicle and Romsey Advertiser compiled a picture supplement featuring leavers from seven participating primary schools, with the photographs scheduled for publication in the Hampshire Chronicle on July 23 and the Romsey Advertiser on July 24.

Parents in Winchester report feeling compelled to drive their children to school due to unsafe road conditions, citing fast traffic, limited safe crossings, and narrow pavements. Community group Safer Limits on Winchester’s Roads urges Hampshire County Council to adopt proactive speed‑reduction measures, including a city‑wide 20 mph limit and the removal of 40 mph zones on urban roads. Councillor Steve Forster says speed limits are under review but changes require legal processes and supporting evidence.

New and emerging food and drink businesses showcased their products at the Winchester Foodies Festival, drawing strong interest from attendees. Startups including wine brand Mischief, TLC Bakery, Pure Yojo and supplement company Puurfection highlighted their growth stories and ambitions as they engaged with festival-goers. Visitors enjoyed food, drinks and entertainment in unusually good weather, with performances scheduled from Gareth Gates and Boyzlife across the weekend.

A water failure that left Winchester Crown Court without working toilets forced the building to close for the day, postponing all scheduled hearings and affecting court users. HM Courts & Tribunals Service said faulty water pipes were repaired and the court is expected to reopen the following Monday.

Winchester City Council is considering leasing the refurbished Guildhall and Abbey House to a specialist events operator under a long‑term agreement to reduce costs and generate income. The plan follows a £5 million refurbishment commitment and aims to enhance the city’s cultural and events offerings while easing financial pressures on taxpayers. Projections estimate more than £500,000 in net income and around £3.7 million in savings over a decade. Formal marketing is expected to begin soon, with a preferred operator chosen by the end of the year and reopening scheduled for July 2028.

Romsey prepares for the 2026 Beggars Fair, a long-standing community-run festival returning on July 11 with around 150 musical and performance acts across more than 25 venues. Organisers expect roughly 7,000 visitors and have produced a 68‑page programme sold locally to support the event. Road closures will be in place across the town centre from the morning into the evening to ensure safety, with additional parking available at several sites. The event will feature a broad range of musical genres and performances by multiple choirs, with further information available on the festival’s website.

Southern Water will resume work on an abandoned water‑main replacement project on Dunbridge Lane with a new team, revised plan and additional resources to reduce disruption. Rolling road closures will run from August to October 2026, with access maintained for residents. Local officials criticised past failures, while the company apologised and pledged improved communication, including fortnightly updates and a public drop‑in session.

A Grade II-listed primary school in Romsey has submitted plans for major repairs to windows, doors and cladding to address dampness, draughts and inefficiency while preserving its Victorian character. The proposal includes retaining stone mullioned windows and fitting specialised double glazing, replacing later modern windows and upgrading doors and cladding. The planned work aims to improve safety, insulation and energy efficiency without altering the historic appearance. A bat survey reported no roosts, and the project is not expected to impact wildlife.

Large crowds gathered at The March Hare pub in Harestock to watch an England World Cup match, filling both the venue and its garden. Fans arrived early with chairs and blankets to secure seats, praising the atmosphere and improvements under current management. The pub boosted capacity with an outdoor bar and additional benches after unexpectedly high attendance at earlier games, with staff credited for handling the busy events.

A proposal to dissolve New Alresford’s Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Committee has raised concerns from Councillor Andy Sprott, who warns the change could reduce transparency by shifting work to a small group of councillors and the town clerk. The council will consider the recommendation at a meeting focused on progressing the neighbourhood plan into its next consultation phase. Supporters say the plan will be debated publicly before any decision is made, while residents are urged to attend and express their views.

Residents in Winchester have raised concerns about speeding and traffic congestion, urging stronger action from the city and county councils following incidents on narrow streets such as Hyde Street. The community group SLOWER pressed for progress on installing speed indicator devices, supported by a petition of more than 650 signatures. Winchester City Council stated that while highways responsibilities lie with Hampshire County Council, it supports lower speed limits and feasibility work on speed devices. Hampshire County Council said it is reviewing signage, road markings and licensing for the devices, and is monitoring collision data to target safety improvements, while adjusting traffic management in anticipation of increased congestion from the M3 Junction 9 scheme.

New Alresford Town Council will consider dissolving its Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Committee as the project moves into the Regulation 14 consultation stage. The plan is 18 months behind schedule, but the council says key early phases have been completed and that the plan should proceed to independent examination and a referendum. If the committee is scrapped, the Town Clerk and several councillors would oversee the consultation process. The meeting agenda also includes a grant request from the Watercress Way charity and updates on projects in Arlebury Park.

Extreme heat triggered a red heat-health alert in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, prompting NHS trusts and ambulance services to declare a critical incident due to surging demand and heat-related strain on services. Hospitals reported rising 999 calls and increased illness from dehydration and overheating, particularly among vulnerable groups. Authorities issued advice to stay hydrated, avoid peak heat and use health services appropriately, while urging the public to help free hospital beds by promptly collecting discharged patients.

Fridges and freezers failed at two Tesco stores in Winchester during an extended red extreme heat warning, leaving shelves without chilled food and drink. The Met Office forecast ongoing hot and humid conditions with significant public impacts, followed by an amber warning into the weekend. Other local services and organisations reported heat‑related disruption, and Tesco was approached for comment.

A large swarm of bees gathered on a post near the Barfield Park & Ride entrance in Winchester on June 23, prompting the city council to cordon off the area while the bees searched for a new permanent home. Officials monitored the site until the swarm naturally dispersed, leaving only a few bees by June 24.