Winklebury

Winklebury is a large suburb located two miles north-west of central Basingstoke in the UK. Up until the late 1960s Winklebury was a collection of small holdings but Basingstoke's growth as a 'new town' saw the area developed for housing. Historically the area has some of the oldest landmarks in Basingstoke. It contains the remains of an iron age hill fort, now the site of Fort Hill Community School which was built in 1977. A Roman road from Winchester to Silchester runs along the western boundary and is still in use.

To the North of Winklebury is the site of Park Prewett Hospital (1912-1997). It was served by its own railway line until 1956. During the second world war, pioneering plastic surgery was carried out there by Sir Harold Gillies. The site is currently being developed for housing, but the clock tower, water tower and entertainment hall will be retained as they are listed buildings.

Winklebury has three shopping areas: Winklebury Centre, Elmwood Parade and Watson Way. Winklebury Centre is the main precinct as it houses a handful of shops including John Burton's butchers, a chemist, and a newsagents. The centre also houses doctors surgeries and a church (the Church of the Good Shepherd) and a public house (The Three Barrels). Elmwood Parade houses a laundrette, a tanning salon, a hairdressers, a charity shop, a convenience store, a computer shop, and a nail salon. Winklebury also has a Somerfield supermarket and a large playing field. The playing field is currently under re-development because new football pitches and a new football stand are being built. Part of this development will house new offices for the Hampshire FA.

Winklebury has a frequent bus service, operated by Stagecoach, to Basingstoke town centre via Houndmills. Stagecoach also operates a less frequent (Monday to Saturday only) bus service from Winklebury to South Ham, the North Hampshire Hospital, Popley and Chineham Centre.

Winklebury hosts a carnival procession known as the Winklebury Carnival every July. This consists of a number of floats and walking processions from various schools, clubs and churches associated with the estate. The Carnival also has an arena and fun fair which are hosted on the Winklebury playing fields.(Winklebury has 2 infant schools in the area,2 junior schools and 2 secondry schools!!!)

The local schools are:
*Winklebury Junior school
*Winklebury Infant School
*Castle Hill Junior and Infant school
*Fort Hill Community School

External links

* [http://www.winklebury-inf.ik.org/ The Winklebury Infant School Website]