2008 was a great year for Hampshire

Above: Claire Pitcher

IT WAS this time last year when I wrote my first editor’s letter. I can’t believe it’s been a year already. So much has happened: I moved to north Hampshire, America has a new president, Hampshire Fare’s Susie Carter won TV’s Britain’s Best Dish, the county’s Olympic sailors came home from Beijing with Gold medals, the Queen Elizabeth 2 luxury liner left Southampton for the last time, Raymond Blanc opened a restaurant in Winchester, the sun shone (briefly) on the New Forest and Hampshire County Show and the county’s food producers, retailers and restaurants were recognised in both national awards and our very own food and drink awards. And that’s just to name a few.

2008 has been an eventful year and, being December, I thought it would be interesting to look back at my first ever issue and read my letter: ‘....bad weather could never
dampen my spirit for Christmas’. I could say the same thing this year – I’ve loved putting this issue together as much as last December’s.

It feels like Christmas has come early and Hampshire’s got plenty of festive spirit this month with events for the whole family, see our Christmas what’s on guide on page 113. If you’re planning a family Christmas at home, help is at hand as we’ve asked Hampshire’s top chefs, food producers and restuaranteurs for their top tips on creating the perfect Christmas Dinner
on page 103.

2009 may look like it’s going to be a tough year economically, but where there is bad news there is also good. With people staying in the UK for the holidays, Hampshire’s tourism industry has been booming – don’t just take my word for it, on page 45 we asked the people in the know at some of the county’s top attractions.

For me, next year is going to be even more prosperous than 2008 as I discover more and more about Hampshire and tell you all about it! Until then, have a very merry Christmas and happy New Year from all of us at Hampshire Life.

Claire Pitcher
Editor
Hampshire Life