Are you a potential Poirot or a clueless Clouseau?
You can test your detection skills at a special event run by the University of Winchester in which the departments of Policing, Criminology, Forensics and Law have teamed up to create a murder mystery.
‘Winchester Whodunnit: The Body on the Podium’ on Saturday, 7 October will be part of a week of justice-themed events in the city in aid of Winchester Cathedral, entitled Justice for All? (2-8 October) which the University is sponsoring.
It’s an Agatha Christie-style whodunnit with a dash of CSI.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice, Professor Bill Davies (or a forensic mannequin looking very much like him) has been found dead in a lecture theatre. Foul play is evident. Who committed the murder and why?
The action then moves to the University’s special Crime Scene House which will be set up as Bill’s office. Clues found there are then examined in the Forensics Lab. The case comes to a climax in a special court room where the murder suspect will be in the dock.
Bill Davies said: “Everyone loves a whodunnit and we are looking forward to staging this event. It will not only give the public a chance to exercise their little grey cells but will also show how the four areas of the faculty help prepare students for real-life careers in the areas of law, crime and justice.”
There are limited places on three investigation teams which begin enquiries, which will take around 90 minutes, at 10am, 11am and midday.
Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for all other concessions with all proceeds going to Winchester Cathedral. The event is open to anyone aged 12 or above but under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note the event takes place across the King Alfred and Medecroft Quarters of the campus where some flights of steps and steep paths may cause difficulty for people with mobility issues.
To book tickets call 01962 857275, visit the cathedral box office, or go to Winchester Cathedral | Justice for all? (winchester-cathedral.org.uk). More details about other events during the week – including prices, times and booking info can be found here too.
Other events running during Justice for All? week are:
You, the Jury with Diane Janes, 2-6 October, Wessex Learning Centre
Join crime writer, Diane Janes, across five days (morning or afternoon sessions, you choose) where you'll form a 12-strong jury. Discuss the evidence, reach a verdict then find out what really happened in five separate real-life 20th century murder cases.
Unspoken Stories: Tales from the Street with Donna Jones, 4 October 7.30pm, Winchester Cathedral Quire
Winchester and Southampton Street Pastors join Donna Jones, Police & Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Hear first-hand the pastors’ stories and experiences and learn about their crucial role in protecting vulnerable people. This talk is free but booking is essential. Donations can be made on the night to the Street Pastors charity.
Behind these Doors: Stories of Strength, Suffering and Survival, Saturday 7 October, 7.30pm, Winchester Cathedral Nave
Alex South in conversation with Amelia Riviere, High Sheriff of Hampshire. Former prison officer, Alex is the author of the best-seller Behind these Doors: Stories of Strength, Suffering and Survival in Prison, soon to be Book of the Week on Radio 4. Alex presents a no-holds barred depiction of prison life. Join in person or on line. Tickets £15.
Law Sunday, 8 October, 11am
An annual service of celebration of all those who work in Law and Order. The service is preceded by a parade down High Street from Law Court, with judges and barristers in full robes. All welcome.
Pictured above: The University's Crime Scene Room
Back to media centre