Sophie Day

A three-bedroom semi-detached house on Windsor Road in Andover is being offered for £359,950 by Graham & Co. Located in a sought-after cul-de-sac near the train station, the property includes an open-plan kitchen and dining room, sitting room, en-suite principal bedroom, family bathroom, driveway parking and a low-maintenance rear garden.

The Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover will host a two-day Art Weekend featuring nature-inspired artwork, local artists, wildlife displays and outdoor experiences. Artist in residence Alex McGarry will create a bird-themed painting live and discuss his professional practice. Entry is included with standard admission, while trust members attend free, and advance booking is recommended.

Residents of Rothsay Grange Care Home visited Rooksbury Mill near Andover for a nature-focused outing organized by the home’s activities team. They explored the area, enjoyed the fresh air and wildlife, and revisited memories of spending time there with family and friends. The care home, operated by Barchester Healthcare, provides residential, nursing and dementia care for 66 residents.

Girls’ Brigade England and Wales plans to establish a new group in Andover for girls and young women aged four to 17, particularly serving communities with a strong military presence. The group would offer friendship, confidence-building, resilience and spiritual development, with space for up to 30 participants. Local volunteers are being sought to help launch and lead the group in partnership with the Methodist Church.

The Macular Society will host its seventh annual Hope for the Future online conference on September 12, featuring experts discussing advances in macular disease research, including AI-powered smart glasses and cell replacement therapy. The free event is open to people affected by macular disease, their families and anyone interested, and will include question-and-answer sessions and information about the society’s counselling and other support services. Nearly 1.5 million people in the UK are affected by macular disease.

Suzanne School of Dancing in Andover raised £12,790 for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance through six performances of its original production, Life Before Google. More than 200 pupils aged four to 25 took part, with proceeds coming from show profits, donations and a raffle. The school presented an £11,500 cheque to the charity and also announced the retirement of Carol Johnson after more than 50 years of teaching. Founded around 1947, the school continues to operate under the leadership of three former pupils who are now qualified teachers and co-owners.

Hampshire County Council has proposed extending the 30mph speed limit on Walworth Road in Andover by 39 metres, moving the transition to the 40mph zone farther west of the Ox Drove junction. Residents can inspect the order at local council offices and Andover Library and submit written objections or comments by September 4.

Tink & Brellie Pottery Painting in Ludgershall is celebrating its third anniversary after growing from a small studio in Hurstbourne Tarrant into a larger creative hub. Co-owner Debbie Bench credited customers for the business’s continued success despite economic pressures. The studio offers pottery painting without studio fees or time limits, with accessibility features, items priced from £10 to £45, events, parties, community partnerships and takeaway painting boxes.

Andover resident Jon Joy is preparing to run the Berlin Marathon to raise at least £1,000 for the British Hen Welfare Trust, having already raised more than £4,000 through major running events. Joy and his wife volunteer at hen-rehoming events after adopting hens themselves, and he raises awareness by competing in a chicken hat. Since 2021, they have helped several thousand hens settle into new homes across Berkshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire.

Spice Route, an Indian restaurant on Andover High Street, won Restaurant of the Year – South East at the English Curry Awards 2026 in Wolverhampton. It is the restaurant’s second consecutive regional title, following its 2025 win. The restaurant credited its team and the support of the Andover community, and was also recognized in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Ragged Appleshaw will be closed between its junction with Back Lane and a point approximately 300 metres north-west from Monday, August 24, to allow McAllister to carry out sewer works. The closure will operate Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and is expected to last no more than 45 days, although the order permits up to six months. A diversion will run via Back Lane, New House Lane and Biddesden Bottom Road, while access to adjacent premises will be maintained where reasonably possible.

Residents of Arbory Residential Home in Andover visited Charlton Lakes on a summer outing funded by money raised at the home’s summer fair. They enjoyed the sunny afternoon with cold drinks and ice cream, while an accessible Unity Online minibus transported them to and from the lakes. The home said the trip helped residents spend time together and make the most of the good weather.

Nominations for the 2026 Test Valley Business Awards have closed, and sponsors are now reviewing entries to choose finalists. Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton is returning as gold sponsor of the Business in the Community Award, which recognizes organizations making a meaningful local impact through community involvement and social responsibility. The winners will be celebrated at a gala dinner on October 17.

A two-bedroom chalet-style home in Sheep Fair, within walking distance of Andover town centre, is on the market for £325,000 through Graham & Co. The property includes a living room with a recently installed log burner, a kitchen/dining room, two double bedrooms, a landscaped rear garden and a 17-foot garden studio suitable for working from home or hobbies.

A three-bedroom family home in the Anna Fields development on Celtic Drive, Andover, is being marketed by Graham & Co for £339,950. The property includes a living room, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, shower room, enclosed rear garden, and garage. The estate agent recommends early viewing and can be contacted to arrange an appointment.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones is urging the UK Government to take stronger action against loud, illegally modified vehicle exhausts. She says unclear national rules and the absence of an enforceable roadside decibel limit make policing inconsistent. Jones is calling for standardized noise-measurement equipment, legally enforceable noise cameras and penalties, while asking residents to share their experiences through a public survey.

Former Portsmouth footballer Jack Plummer will host a gala dinner at Southampton’s Utilita Bowl on September 26 to raise funds for Naomi and Jack’s, a charity providing hospice care for children and young adults across central Southern England. The event will include a three-course meal, drinks, auctions, a DJ and guest speakers, with tickets priced at £90 per person. The charity says proceeds will help fund care and support for local families.

A three-bedroom link-detached house in Brackenbury, Andover, is being marketed by Graham & Co for £400,000. The property includes a kitchen/dining room, sitting room, conservatory, three bedrooms, an ensuite, garage, driveway parking and an enclosed rear garden. It is described as being close to amenities, schools and transport links, with viewings available through the estate agent.

Hampshire County Council has congratulated students across the county receiving A-level, T-level and other vocational results. Education executive Juliet Henderson praised students, families and educators, while highlighting a free Hampshire Futures helpline offering advice on university, apprenticeships, training and employment until August 28.

Andover-based entrepreneur Lauren McManus has been shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year at the CRN Women & Diversity Awards, while her marketing and PR agency, Electric Bloom, is a finalist for Best Channel Support Service at the Channel National Awards. McManus launched the telecoms and IT-focused business two years ago to support smaller companies with limited marketing budgets. The awards ceremonies are scheduled for September and October.

Stagecoach South has introduced a Customer Service Bus that will travel across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey, visiting town centres, transport hubs and community events. The bus will provide face-to-face journey planning, route and timetable information, ticket guidance, promotional support, and help with the company’s digital tools and contactless payments. Managing director Marc Reddy said the service is intended to support customers who prefer personal assistance or need help using digital services.

World of Swimming has partnered with bus and coach operator XelaGroup to provide dedicated transport for schools taking children to swimming lessons. The initiative aims to overcome cost and logistics barriers and deliver National Curriculum swimming lessons to more than 900 children annually for three years across southern England. A branded coach has also toured family events to promote water safety ahead of strengthened personal-safety education plans from September 2026.

Places Leisure, which operates Andover Leisure Centre, has become the first public leisure operator in the UK to partner with EMD UK to secure professional recognition for all of its group exercise instructors. The recognition provides instructors with access to qualifications, training, resources and ongoing support. Places Leisure runs about 20,000 group exercise classes each month with more than 1,200 instructors, and says the initiative will improve consistency, staff development and customer experience.

Chilbolton Village Shop and Tearoom has been substantially refurbished after receiving £13,400 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and £8,300 from the Rural Enterprise Grant, both awarded through Test Valley Borough Council. The funding paid for shop reconfiguration, upgraded equipment, a relocated post office counter and a new offsite kitchen at Stonefield Park, enabling greater production of food-to-go items and ready meals and supporting expanded catering services. Owners Nicky and Andy Bond, who have run the shop for 10 years, said the grants made the investment possible, while councillor David Drew described the business as an important community asset. The project forms part of wider rural economic development supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Naomi and Jack’s hosted a summer holiday party for seriously ill children, young adults and their families at its Sutton Scotney facility. The accessible event featured music, games, water play, face painting, crafts, a barbecue and an animal experience donated by local group Feathers, Fangs and Furries. Staff said the gathering helped families combat isolation, build community and enjoy a safe day together, while Fairy Bricks donated LEGO for a lucky dip.

Haydown Farm, a period property dating to the early 16th century in Nether Wallop, has been listed for £1.35 million by Carter Jonas. The four-bedroom farmhouse includes original architectural features, gardens, a swimming pool, approximately three acres of grounds and access to the Wallop Brook. The property also includes agricultural barns, workshops and stores covering more than 3,500 square feet, with planning consent to convert the barns into a residential dwelling. An attached former barn may also offer additional living space subject to planning approval.

Musician Lewis Scott will perform an electronic keyboard concert at Picket Twenty Community Centre on Friday, September 18. The show will feature orchestral music, film themes, show tunes, big-band numbers and popular hits, with tickets priced at £10 including interval refreshments. Scott won the Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition in 2016 and has since performed across the UK.

Stagecoach South will host a Women's Open Day at its Portsmouth depot on September 6 for women from its eight Hampshire-area depots. Attendees can meet employees, learn about career paths and work-life balance, and try driving a bus with instructor support. Operations director Carol Sim, who began as a bus driver, says the event is intended to demonstrate the range of roles available in the bus industry and provide an honest view of balancing work and family commitments.

Paralympic gold medallist Monica Vaughan OBE has been appointed patron of Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW. Drawing on her experience caring for her partner Lynn, Vaughan will help raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage community engagement across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Chief executive Helen Hamblen said Vaughan's sporting achievements and personal experience would strengthen the charity's efforts to support people with dementia and their carers and develop dementia-friendly communities.

Residents with minor eye problems such as dry or sore eyes, eyelid irritation, infections and allergies are encouraged to seek advice and treatment from local pharmacies without first booking a GP appointment. Pharmacists can assess symptoms, recommend appropriate treatment or refer patients for specialist care. Contact lens wearers should consult the optician managing their lenses, while people experiencing vision loss, sudden sight changes or eye injuries should seek urgent help through NHS 111 or emergency services. The awareness campaign supports the NHS’s broader move toward preventive, community-based care and aims to reduce pressure on GP practices and emergency services.

Fulling Mill Charcuterie, based in Whitchurch on the River Test, has received two stars at the Great Taste Awards for its artisan Coppa. Judges praised the product’s marbling, aroma, seasoning and meaty flavour. The Hampshire Fare member is preparing to expand production through new curing facilities at the Old Bunching Shed while maintaining its focus on Hampshire farm provenance.

A historical roundup revisits events reported in Andover newspapers between 1862 and 1979. It recalls the death and public service of Hugh Mundy, an accident at Andover Junction, the prosecution of a former Anzac for trespassing on military land, a warning about an impostor selling municipal plants, preparations for the 1951 Andover Festival Carnival, and concerns in 1979 about substandard Winchester Street housing being used to accommodate homeless people.

Fullerton Road in Wherwell will close for two days from Monday, August 17, to allow Traffic Control 123 to carry out telecommunications works. The closure will run between Testside and Kingfishers, with a diversion via Fullerton Road, Romsey Road, Coley Lane, Village Street, Winchester Road and Longparish Road. Access to adjacent premises will be maintained where reasonably possible.

Steven Fox’s photograph of a sidecar motocross race has been selected as the Andover Advertiser Camera Club’s Picture of the Week. The image captures riders and passengers navigating a muddy corner at speed, with spectators watching in the background. Readers are invited to join the free camera club on Facebook and view images related to the month’s “Hidden Gems” theme.

The Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop has introduced free summer-holiday activities including craft sessions, code-breaking trails, dress-up stations, jigsaws, interactive exhibits and helicopter experiences. Its Summer of Flight programme focuses on gliders, with a Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club simulator visit, a golden-glider competition, a Models for Heroes model-making session and a small-scale helicopter display. Visitors receive a free annual pass after paying admission, allowing them to return throughout the year.

Andover Swimming & Water Polo Club is seeking sponsorship, volunteers, fundraising help and broader community backing to keep swimming and water polo accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Support would fund coaching, equipment and long-term development, while helping promote fitness, mental wellbeing, confidence and teamwork. The club says continued local involvement is vital to sustaining opportunities for current and future swimmers.

Unity is running a free six-week summer programme at Knights Enham School in Andover for families seeking activities and support during the school holidays. Sessions include sports, games, cookery and family activities, with each participating family receiving a weekly recipe and meal kit. The programme was developed following requests from school family support workers and funded by a £650 Councillor Community Grant. Twenty-five families have already signed up, with bookings available through Unity.

Studio 106 Hair Boutique will sponsor the Inspiring Others category at the 2026 Pride of Andover Awards, marking the business’s first sponsorship of an awards category. The award honors people who motivate others through their actions, determination or positive attitude. Nominations are open for the 11-category awards, which celebrate Andover residents making a difference in their community.

Test Valley Borough Council’s Four Fun Fridays programme will return to Andover town centre in August for its 10th anniversary. The free, family-oriented event will feature four themed Fridays focused on waste reduction, insects, ocean conservation and freshwater ecosystems. Activities include theatre, storytelling, crafts, workshops, face painting, bug handling, skateboarding and puppet performances. The programme runs on August 7, 14, 21 and 28 and is open to the public.

Wildflower Co., based in Overton, has launched the Wild Gardens initiative to encourage homeowners to adopt more natural, wildlife-friendly gardening practices. Its central product, Meadow in a Bag, is an all-in-one wildflower meadow kit intended to simplify home meadow creation and support pollinators. The initiative draws on more than 20 years of ecological research and provides seasonal inspiration, growing advice and guidance for wildlife gardening.

Southern Water has relaunched its You Save, We’ll Pay scheme for businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Businesses that reduce water consumption by 10% between August and December compared with the same period last year will receive a 10% discount on wholesale water charges. The initiative follows the driest July in 190 years, drought conditions in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and low river levels. Southern Water says the scheme helped businesses save around 41 billion litres of water last year and could reduce the need for further restrictions.

Hampshire Hospitals Charity’s third Colour Run at Harewood Forest and the accompanying Party at the Pavilion at Wherwell Cricket Club raised more than £10,000 for local hospitals. The event marked 100 years of care at Andover War Memorial Hospital and included music, refreshments, stalls and family activities. Funds from the event will be allocated after donations and sponsorships are finalised, while the charity continues to raise at least £1 million annually for improvements, equipment and wellbeing services at hospitals in Andover, Winchester and Basingstoke.

Children aged five to 15 can travel free on participating bus services across Hampshire throughout August. Stagecoach, Go South Coast and First Bus are among the major operators taking part. Hampshire County Council says the scheme will help families afford summer outings, including visits to countryside attractions, museums and other family destinations, while encouraging greater use of public transport alongside the £3 adult fare cap.

Andover Chamber Choir’s sold-out summer concert, Rhymes and Recollections, was held at Farleigh School and explored childhood memories through choral arrangements, readings from children’s literature and works including The Seal Lullaby, The Fly and the Humble Bee and Only in Sleep. Musical director Lucy Hole and pianist Sophie Aynsley were highlighted for their contributions. The performance supported Andover Young Carers, while the choir also announced that it is recruiting new members, particularly tenors and basses.

Marston’s is introducing a limited-edition Hawkstone IPA and beef pie at nearly 500 pubs across the UK, including the Chalkhill Blue and White Hart in Andover. The pie combines British beef and pulled beef cheek with gravy made from Hawkstone IPA, seasonal vegetables and Barber’s Cheddar. Hawkstone, founded by Jeremy Clarkson, and Marston’s say the launch promotes British farming and gives customers another reason to visit local pubs; the dish and accompanying IPA bottles will be available while stocks last.

Appleshaw St Peter’s CofE Primary School marked its 60th anniversary with music, country dancing, a family picnic, a time capsule, an apple tree planting and a commemorative teddy bear for every child. Former pupils, staff and governors joined current students, while an artefact box offered a glimpse into the school’s history. The school’s educational roots date to 1761, although its current building opened in 1966; it joined the Skylark Federation in 2020 and has since developed international education projects and community-focused activities.

Ashbourne Court Care Home in Andover has completed a major refurbishment of its communal lounges, dining areas, bedrooms and gardens. The upgraded outdoor space includes decking, seating and shaded areas designed to improve accessibility and year-round use. The completion was marked by an open day attended by residents, families, community members, Mayor of Test Valley Linda Lashbrook and councillor Phillip Lashbrook. The home provides residential, nursing, respite and palliative care for up to 64 residents.

Andover wildlife artist Alex McGarry sold all 46 original oil paintings displayed during a July exhibition aboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia, generating £90,000 in sales. She also gave live painting demonstrations for passengers. McGarry, who became a professional artist 14 years ago, has won industry recognition and serves as artist in residence at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, where part of the proceeds from her work supports conservation efforts.

Prad Bains, a former on-call firefighter with eight years of public-service experience, has been appointed chair of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Authority. He will lead meetings, provide strategic oversight and support the fire service’s priorities. Karen Lucioni was appointed vice-chair, while Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton welcomed both appointments. The authority includes 11 elected members representing Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Stannah is sponsoring 15 UK schools to participate in The Learning Partnership’s STEM Challenge Programme through funding from the Joseph Stannah Foundation. Students work on practical projects involving model rocket cars, autonomous vehicles, robotics and drones, with the programme designed to build creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and awareness of engineering careers. The initiative focuses particularly on schools near Stannah branches and depots and aims to help address the engineering skills gap by making STEM education more accessible and relevant.

The Boaz Project, a farm-based charity in Sutton Scotney supporting adults with learning disabilities, has received a £1,500 donation from Waitrose’s Community Matters programme. The funding will help sustain activities including growing produce, caring for animals, cooking, woodwork and crafts, which provide members with skills, confidence and social connections. The donation was selected by the Winchester branch representative and presented outside the Stockbridge Road store.

Kingfisher House, a four-bedroom detached home in Church Street, St Mary Bourne, has been listed by Austin Hawk Estate Agents for £1.25 million. The property includes an open-plan kitchen and dining room, sitting room, study, gym, utility room, en-suite principal bedroom and family bathroom. Its grounds feature landscaped gardens, mature trees, a terrace, a natural river and a lake, with views across the Bourne Valley and surrounding countryside. The village offers local amenities including a shop, pub, church and primary school.

Health & Independent Living Support is providing meals, hydration assistance and wellbeing checks to 2,936 people across Hampshire, Hertfordshire and West Sussex during the heatwave. Staff are helping clients access drinks, monitoring their health and encouraging families, friends and neighbours to check on vulnerable people. The organisation also offers nutrition advice and post-hospital-discharge support to help older people remain independent at home.

Pete Taylor’s photograph of a little owl fledgling stretching its wings beneath leafy branches has been selected as the Andover Advertiser Camera Club’s Picture of the Week. The feature highlights the Camera Club’s outdoor photography theme and invites readers to join the group on Facebook.

Dobbies Andover has announced an autumn events programme featuring a mosaic-making Crafternoon Tea, Little Scare-lings Halloween activities for children, the dog-friendly Pup-kin Patch, and an Autumn Terrarium Workshop. The events are aimed at families, pet owners, couples and craft enthusiasts, with activities including afternoon tea, potion making, slime, games, dog treats, photo opportunities and seasonal crafting.

St Mary’s Surgery in Andover received a 94% overall patient satisfaction rating in the 2026 NHS England GP Patient Survey, compared with a national average of 77%. The surgery attributed the result to staff commitment and targeted improvements following the previous survey, particularly in telephone access and continuity of care. The proportion of patients finding it easy to reach reception by phone rose to 89%, a five-percentage-point increase.

Input Joinery, a Weyhill-based family business, has been announced as the sponsor of the Sports Award at the 2026 Pride of Andover Awards. The award recognises an individual or team for outstanding sporting achievement, dedication, coaching, volunteering or community participation. Nominations are open until midnight on August 28, 2026, with 11 award categories celebrating local people and organisations that make a positive contribution to the Andover community.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is inviting members of the public, patients, staff and partners to attend its annual general meeting on Wednesday, September 23, at 5pm. The meeting will be livestreamed, allowing attendees to hear from the board, submit questions and learn about the trust’s work and future priorities. Registration is free, and questions may also be submitted in advance.

Longparish Little School received the 2026 Eco-Schools Distinction Award for its strong commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Children participated in activities such as recycling, waste management, sustainable food production, and creating wildlife-friendly habitats. Representatives from Raymond Brown Ltd unveiled the school’s award plaque, and each pupil received a certificate and badge. The school highlighted the efforts of its Eco Warriors and community as it plans to continue its environmental work.

BRIKT CIC has been announced as the sponsor of the 2026 Pride of Andover Young Person of the Year Award, which recognises exceptional youth achievement and community contribution. The award is one of 11 categories celebrating local contributions, and nominations are open until August 28 via the awards’ website.

A young cancer survivor’s experience highlights ongoing gaps in support for children and young people with cancer as Young Lives vs Cancer urges the swift implementation of England’s National Cancer Plan. Survey findings reveal rising anxiety and declining life satisfaction among affected families, underscoring the charity’s call for improved mental, financial and emotional support. The organisation insists that the incoming government prioritise the plan to address persistent shortcomings in care.

A crime‑reporting app trialled in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has become the UK’s leading business crime reduction platform, identifying hundreds of offences and contributing to numerous charges and custodial sentences. Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones and senior officers highlight its impact in tackling shoplifting, increasing formal action rates, and saving police time through quick reporting and CCTV uploads. Ten police forces now use the system, with thousands of businesses and users engaged.

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities were honoured at the Hampshire and Southampton Supported Internship Awards, which recognised progress in internships designed to build confidence, workplace skills and independence. Councillors praised the partnership between education providers and employers, and awards were given to standout interns along with supportive staff, providers and employers who contributed to the programme’s success.

A new Local Skills Improvement Plan for Hampshire and the Solent sets out a three‑year employer‑focused strategy to address regional skills shortages, improve workforce participation and support young people at risk of becoming NEET. Developed by the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce with input from employers, educators and researchers, the plan prioritizes building an inclusive skills ecosystem, supporting career progression, improving access to training and increasing employer engagement. Research highlights rising economic inactivity, sector‑specific skills gaps and demographic challenges, despite overall job growth in Portsmouth and Southampton.

An annual contemporary art exhibition featuring works by 39 artists is being held at Chapel Arts Studios in Andover, showcasing pieces exploring hope, vulnerability and the human spirit. Director Russ Tunney highlights the theme’s focus, while Melissa Mahon receives the Selector’s Prize for her piece Glimpsing Limelight, earning her a future solo exhibition. The event offers visitors a range of artistic styles in a historic gallery setting.

Sparsholt College Group, which includes Andover College, received the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for its support of reservists, veterans, military families and service-connected students. Leaders highlighted the college’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for the Armed Forces community and emphasised ongoing efforts to strengthen support for staff and students with military ties.

Police in Hampshire have increased patrols along local rivers to address rising anti-social behaviour and illegal fishing during the summer months. Officers reported incidents involving intimidation, vandalism and wildlife harm, and issued warnings and resolutions to teenagers caught at private fisheries. Working with the Rural Crime Task Force, the Environment Agency and the Angling Trust, police conducted joint patrols along the River Test and River Itchen, with plans to continue enforcement throughout the season and encourage the public to report related offences.

Andover boxer Martez Cope has been selected to represent Jamaica in boxing at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, following strong endorsement by the Jamaican Boxing Federation. Coach Ricki Gayati pursued the opportunity after recognizing Cope’s eligibility and impressed officials with his performance footage. Cope, who has lived in Andover most of his life, aims to carry the town’s support as he competes and positions himself as a contender for Jamaica’s 2028 Olympic team.

A three‑day Circle Festival will be held from July 17 to 19 in Honeystreet and Alton Barnes to celebrate Wiltshire’s longstanding connection to crop circles. The event marks 25 years since notable formations appeared at Milk Hill and Chilbolton and will include talks, workshops and guided tours. Organiser Monique Klinkenbergh aims to bring together farmers, researchers and visitors to promote mutual understanding surrounding the crop circle phenomenon. Tickets are available for the talks, while entry to the festival fair is free.