Hampshire History Trust are delighted to have been nominated as one of four charities selected by Winchester City Council Mayor, Councillor Russell Gordon-Smith, as his ‘Charities of the Year’ for 2024/2025. The charities he has chosen alongside us are St John’s Winchester, Winchester Radio and the Sea Cadets.

With a vision to foster community engagement, learning, fun, social experiences, and family time, the Mayor, along with the chosen charities, has developed an exciting programme of events and activities throughout hist mayoral year. These initiatives aim to bring together residents of all ages, promote a vibrant local economy, and contribute to the overall well-being of the Winchester community.

Please see the details below of the paid fundraising events supporting the Mayor’s Charities:

Greeting Cards and Postcard gift sets available at Abbey House on Saturday 7 September 2024

Local photographer Mike Hall has created a range of Greeting Cards and Postcard gift sets which will be on sale over the coming weeks and months.

We’ll be selling them at a number of events coming up including the Abbey House Open Day on Saturday 7th September, and you’ll also find them on sale when the Mayor’s Charities take over the Charity Stall at the Winchester Christmas Market later in December.

Make sure to get your hands on these limited edition gift sets.


800+ Years of Winchester Mayors - A Guided Walk running from Saturday 31st August 2024 to Friday 4th April 2025

Join the Winchester Tourist Guides on a guided walk around Winchester to celebrate 800 years of Winchester’s mayors, followed by tea and a meet-and-greet with the current mayor, Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith.

These walking tours will focus on the rich history of Winchester’s mayors, including tales of a deadly banquet and the story behind King Alfred’s statue.


Gandhi Lunch on Sunday 22nd September 2025

Enjoy a traditional and innovative meal at Gandhi Restaurant. Gandhi Restaurant has been proudly serving Winchester since 1987, providing a fun and enjoyable ambiance with skillful cooking into an extraordinary dining experience.


Trafalgar Celebration Sea Shanty on Saturday 12 October 2024

Ahoy, mateys! Prepare to embark on a nautical journey like no other at the Trafalgar Celebration Sea Shanty evening. Immerse yourself in the maritime spirit with the soul-stirring melodies of traditional sea songs performed by the talented Southampton Salty Sea Dogs Choir. From rousing sea shanties to haunting ballads, let the music transport you to the high seas of yesteryear.

In the interval, guests will have the privilege of hearing from a distinguished guest speaker, Rear Admiral John Lang, a senior Royal Navy officer. His lecture promises to shed light on the significance of Trafalgar and its enduring impact on naval history, offering insights that will captivate and educate in equal measure.

Throughout the evening, guests can expect a fusion of entertainment and enlightenment, as laughter and camaraderie mingle with tales of heroism and valor. It’s a celebration of Trafalgar Night like no other, where the past comes alive through music, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a landlubber with a thirst for adventure, this event promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, fun, and historicism. So don your sailor’s cap, join in the chorus, and be part of this maritime extravaganza brought to you by the Mayor of Winchester’s Charity events.