Informer december 2014 by Solent Life

Flashmob strikes again in Whiteley

ollowing the success of their first performance last June, the “Whiteley Village People” returned once again to Whiteley Village Shopping Centre in aid of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Following nine weeks of gruelling rehearsals, on Saturday 25th October, the thirty members of the Flashmob entertained surprised shoppers with a performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Their dedication paid off as the show had a huge positive response from the public. Every move was captured by photographer Ian Walker who has now put pictures and a video on social media (Visit YouTube/thriller/ flashmob/whitetely). Organiser, Julia said, “By doing our two flashmobs this year we have raised £1,260 for Make-A-Wish Foundation, so a big “thank you” to everyone for your time, hard work, support and donations.”

December 2014

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Inspiring and enriching young people through the performing arts

informergroup.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

Fabulous fundraising!

he Rainbow Centre in Fareham would like to say a massive thank you to all the Great South Runners, particularly the 42 people that chose to run for the Rainbow Centre.

Climbing Kilimanjaro to keep Air Ambulance in flight

Runners have raised a fantastic £7000 to support children and adults with cerebral palsy and adults with MS, Parkinson’s and those recovering from stroke or head injury. Lara Bull, Centre Director says: “We were absolutely delighted to have so many people running for us this year; it was fantastic to see so many Rainbow tops within the crowds of runners, what a brilliant event the Great South Run is for all local charities”. Following the appeal back in the Spring the Rainbow Centre have noticed a huge increase in the level of support being shown by local individuals and companies which have included football and golf tournaments, skydives, sponsored slims and silences, a Russian balalaika music evening and an Indian Summer Ball and having 42 runners in the Great South Run was a record for them. In 2015 the Rainbow Centre launches its 25th Anniversary celebrations and they are planning a huge array of events all linked to 25 and they hope the public will once again get behind the centre to make it the biggest fundraising year in the history of the centre.

Brand new Ballroom beginners class starting in January

.J. Dancing are delighted to announce they are launching a new Beginners Ballroom Dance Class on Wednesday evenings at The Victory Hall in Warsash at 7.45pm.

This popular dance school already run 10 dance classes, but wanted to introduce a brand new Beginners Ballroom Class to their schedule at The Victory Hall in Warsash. This new 45 minute class covers all the basic Ballroom and Latin dances that you would see on Strictly Come Dancing. So if strictly has got you hooked this class is for you. This new class will be run every Wednesday apart from the last Wednesday of every month. If you would like more information please contact them on 01489 584502 or 07786 175188. Ballroom Dance Stars at Dance School Christmas party C.J. Dancing will be holding their Christmas dance party on Wednesday 17th December at the Victory Hall in Warsash, and they are delighted to announce they have one of England¹s top Amateur Latin Couples Ben Milan Vega and Kerry Dennehy in cabaret. If you are interested in tickets please contact Claire or James on 07786 175188.

ocal office worker, Mia Habens, is gearing up to swap her desktop for her walking boots to take part in a gruelling 10-day climb for charity. Ascending to a lung-bursting 5,895 metres above sea level, Mia, who works for business-investment company, Just Develop It, in Segensworth, will be joining a team of climbers to take on the world’s highest freestanding mountain - Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania – in the hope of raising thousands of pounds for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Taking place on 7th February 2015, but with training already underway, Mia is looking forward to the challenge: “I love a nice walk as much as the next person, but this will easily be the biggest physical challenge of my life! I’m an asthmatic with dodgy knees and I have no mountaineering experience, but this is such a worthwhile local charity and the more money we raise the longer we can keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives.” Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance receive no government, statutory or national lottery funding for operational purposes, and the charity is entirely dependent on gifts received from members of the public, companies and grant-making bodies to fund their work. Each climber has an individual fundraising target of £3,500, but the team is hoping to achieve many times this amount and will be putting their fundraising knowledge to the test, with company branded t-shirts for the climb, sweepstakes, cake sales and much more. John Perry Chief Executive for the charity said: “As we improve our life saving service, extending our current flying hours, delivering a more comprehensive night-flying service and meeting our target of having a doctor on board for every mission, our costs are set to escalate. We couldn’t do it without the help of our supporters and fundraisers who are taking on huge challenges to raise these vital funds. We thank them all most sincerely for their wonderful efforts and wish then a safe and exciting challenge.” Mia added: “I’ve taken part in many fundraising events before, both at work and personally, but this feels like the ultimate challenge. Once I’ve reached my fundraising target I can actually get my head around climbing the mountain!” If you would like to sponsor Mia and the Air Ambulance, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MiaKilimanjaro

December 2014

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Interior Window Shutters

huttercraft Southampton are one of Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading interior window shutter retailers and offer a local service supplying and fitting the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier range of S:CRAFT window shutters.

They offer a made-to-measure service, so can supply shutters to fit all windows and doors no matter the size, shape or configuration from standard rectangles and patio doors to complex bay windows and gable ends. Shuttercraft Southampton offer the widest range of shutter styles, louvre sizes and colours and will provide you with their expert advice and recommendations to make purchasing your window shutters simple and worry free. They also offer a free consultation and survey to determine your needs and provide you with an honest price and will bring along a range of shutter samples and colour swatches to show you. Contact Steve Brennan today on 023 8124 2090 or visit www.shuttercraft-southampton.co.uk

informergroup.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

Band of the Hampshire Constabulary in Flanders’ Fields and the Fields of France for Remembrance

888,246

That is the number of British Service personnel killed in action during the First World War; some of whoms’ bodies have never been found.

n 9th November the Band of the Hampshire Constabulary travelled to Belgium to participate in the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

The Menin Gate contains some 55,000 names of British and Commonwealth soldiers for whom there is no known grave. The Ceremony was attended by thousands. Many of those attending found it an emotional experience. On 10th November Band members attended both German and Commonwealth cemeteries to find relatives of people on the tour for whom there is no known grave. Band members showed equal respect for each lost relative. On 11th November, Armistice Day, the Band contributed to the Armistice Day ceremony at Thiepval Gate in France. Thiepval Gate holds names of some 72,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers for whom there is no known grave.A further parade to Mailly Wood cemetery where a former Chief Constable of Norfolk is buried ended the day. The Band returned to the UK for work on Wednesday.

Christmas Gift Boxes for the Philippines

or the past 14 years Rotary Fareham Meon have been sending decorated shoe boxes packed with small fun and practical Christmas presents to children in the third world. This year over 1300 boxes are on their way to the Philippines for children who have been affected by the destruction of their homes by Typhoon Haiyan. Rotarian John Tonkin and his wife Pam have always headed the organising team and are delighted by the donations from 22 schools in Fareham and many other kind folk including members who have helped swell the total to a record number this year. All who donate boxes are asked to contribute £1 towards the cost of transport of the boxes. The Rotary District of Wessex which has 76 clubs of which Fareham Meon Club are a part last year sent over 25,000 boxes to four third world countries The items included are toiletries, small items of clothing such as socks, hats, gloves and scarves. Writing materials puzzles, games and small toys are very popular and schools children often enclose a Christmas card or letter with their photograph. Quite often the grateful recipients send back a note of thanks. If you would like to take part next year contact the club via.org.uk farehammeon@rotary1110org

Priory Work

TO LET OR LEASE - TITCHFIELD Warehouse/Unit 2840 sq ft - Immediate Occupation NO VAT - £850 per month Expo Saps Clocktower Works Shore Road, Warsash

Please contact Richard Windebank on 07799881461 or John Pollen 01489 885166 or email Premier1947@yahoo.com

December 2014

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ver ready to lend a hand, the cadets of Warsash unit on the south coast, teamed up with London’s Chiswick unit to help complete the poignant artwork of poppies filling the moat of the Tower of London, commemorating the hundred-year anniversary of the First World War. The cadets and staff donned gloves, rolled up their sleeves and set to work assembling the major components, planting stems and mounting the ceramic poppy flower on top.

The installation was commissioned by the Royal Palaces to mark the anniversary of the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War; with 888,246 ceramic poppies, each representing a British military fatality, gradually filling the Tower’s moat over the summer. After Remembrance Day, the poppies will be removed and many have already been sold, helping to raise much-needed extra funds for six service charities in the process. This was a chance for some of the cadets to also connect with their own link to the First World War. Warsash cadet Alfie Ford who’s Great Grandfather went over the top during the Battle of the Somme said afterwards, “It was quite an emotional sight, seeing so many poppies already, especially when each one represented someone killed in action.” Chiswick cadet AC Baker whose ancestor was killed during the Gallipoli campaign thought “planting the poppies, is our way of making sure their sacrifice is never forgotten” The trip was organised by the unit’s commanding Officer Lt Tony Thurgood (his ancestor joined up, was invalided home from France, then re-joined under an assumed name to return to the front). “I am humbled by both the sight of so many poppies and the way the cadets have taken to this project. Anyone who despairs at today’s youth should have been with us today, how the cadets conducted themselves drew many complementary comments from members of the public visiting the Tower.”

informergroup.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

Education

Is your child musically gifted? A talented artist? A potential Olympian?

The Gregg School in Southampton is currently offering Scholarships in Music, Art and Sports for entry into Year 7 in September 2015. The independent school, which has 320 students on roll aged between 11 and 16, prides itself on its holistic approach to education. Academic success is a high priority, alongside the development of “soft skills” (including communication, self-esteem, confidence-building, decision-making and leadership skills) which enhance students’ ability to work both independently and inter-dependently at college, university and beyond. For further information about the range of scholarships offered and the fee discounts these attract, please contact Mrs T. Mitchell, Registrar on 02380 472133 or email: tm@gregg.southampton.sch.uk (Closing date for scholarship applications: 19 January 2015.)

informergroup.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

Your essential guide to all the local news and events in your community Fareham Philharmonic Choir

Saturday 13 December 2014 7.30pm, Holy Trinity Church, Fareham Fareham Philharmonic Choir is performing a ‘Twelve days til Christmas’ concert, a selection of carols both old and new, for choir and audience, including Bob Chilcott’s arrangement of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Tickets £9.00 £7.00 (conc) and £2 (under 16 and students) from the FPC box office 01329-664948, Community Action Fareham 01329-213899, choir members, or on the door on the night.

Charity Car Boot and Arts and Crafts Table Sales

Bitterne Manor Community Centre, Vespassion Rd, Southampton SO31 6NP (inside if weather is bad) Every Tuesday from 10am (sellers 8.30am) until 2pm throughout the year Sellers £3 per table, Buyers 20p pp (kids free). The PSL kitchen will be offering delicious homemade fresh food, hot and cold drinks. All proceeds to Parent Support Link who provide support and understanding to families and friends of drug and alcohol users. Contact Gill on 07980 438757 to book space or for more information.

Their next meeting on Monday December 8th will be their Christmas Lunch, the last one in December. They return in the New Year on Monday January 5th with a tea party, and a time to ask “What did you get from Father Christmas”? They wish you all a very good Christmas and a Happy New Year. New members and visitors are always welcome. For further information please ring Mary Ford on 01489 584923.”

In The Attic Events (previously sjbooty)

Locks Heath Indoor Car Boot Sale 6th December 9.30am-12noon Main Hall, Lockswood Centre SO31 6DX Admission 50p per adult, children free Pre book a table: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook Locks Heath Christmas Market & Boot Sale 20th December 9.30am-12noon Main Hall, Lockswood Centre SO31 6DX Admission 50p per adult, children free Pre book a table: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook Locks Heath Indoor Market and Boot Sale

West End Singers

and Musical Director Alex Silverman present a Christmas Concert 2.30pm Sunday December 14th Including hits from Frozen and Coldplay and a selection of modern and traditional carols. Sing along with your festive favourites. Thornden Hall, SO53 2DW. Tickets: Adults £10, Concessions £9, Children Free. Follow @westendsingers for a sneak preview! Book online at westendsingers.co.uk Phone 023 8040 4881.

The Warsash Over 60’s Fellowship Club

meets fortnightly on Monday afternoons at 2.00pm in The Victory Hall. They have a raffle, speakers/entertainers and refreshments at every meeting, and also occasional outings and pub lunches.

Every Tuesday from 25th November NEW VENUE: Genesis Centre, Locks Heath Centre SO31 6DX Admission 50p per adult, children free Refreshments and toilets available Book a table: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook Locks Heath Antiques and Collectables Fair 13th December 10am-2pm NEW VENUE: Genesis Centre, Locks Heath Centre SO31 6DX Admission 50p Book a table: 07901 501509 info@intheatticevents.co.uk Find them on facebook

An evening of Christmas Carols

Get into the festive spirit and enjoy Christmas Carols and traditional music performed by HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band, in the Performance Podium, West Street, Fareham on Thursday 18 December, 5.30- 7pm Free. Song sheets will be provided. Limited seating around the Podium. Mulled wine and hot chocolate available from The Slug and Lettuce.

Christmas services St Mary’s Parish Church, Church Road, Warsash Sunday 21 December:

10.00 am Carol Praise & Nativity 6.30 pm Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve: 4.30 pm & 6.00 pm Crib Service 11.30 pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day: 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.00 am Family Communion Sunday 28 December: 10.00 am Holy Communion 6.30 pm Christmas Praise & Poetry

Sarisbury Choral Society

presents their annual Christmas Concert: “A Christmas Celebration” featuring the Christmas sequence from Handel’s “Messiah” and traditional carols. Saturday 6th of December 2014 St Paul’s Church, Sarisbury Green, 7.00pm. Tickets £ 6.00, available from Nadine Hockin Tel. 01489572708 or at the door.

Warsash Residents Association

The next meeting will be held at the Bartholomew Room at the Victory Hall Warsash and will commence at 7.15 pm on Wednesday the 17th of December.

If you have an upcoming local event you would like to advertise let us know at miles@informergroup.co.uk informergroup.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

December 2014

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What’s on

Buddy Holly – a legend reborn

The Brook, Southampton Friday 19 December, 2014 ~ 9.00pm

uddy Holly – a Legend Reborn is coming to town starring the UK’s number one Buddy Holly.

Marc Robinson, a winner from ITV’s legendary Stars in Their Eyes show, headlines the spectacular live production, bringing to life classic hits such as Peggy Sue, That’ll be the Day and Oh Boy. Backed by a band reminiscent of the Crickets in their Fifties heyday, Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn is an authentic slice of rock ’n’ roll nostalgia that ensures Buddy’s incredible legacy of unforgettable hit songs lives on. Show producer Michael Taylor says Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn features Marc Robinson, clutching a Fender Stratocaster, sporting a pair of heavy-rimmed glasses and sounding exactly like Buddy in his heyday. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the day that Buddy Holly was lost to the world in an airplane crash along with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Buddy Holly – a Legend Reborn takes an all-new show on the road commemorating the “the day the music died”. Boasting a repertoire of more than 30 of Buddy’s greatest hits, Buddy Holly – a Legend Reborn includes some hidden gems especially for the 55th anniversary tour. “Altogether Buddy recorded 109 songs,” says Marc. “Obviously, the best-known songs like Heartbeat, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy and That ll Be

The Day enjoy a warm reception, but we’ve been surprised by the depth of knowledge of our audiences.” Indeed, Marc says that the cast was spurred to learn the song Valley of Tears following repeated requests for its inclusion when the show first hit the road. Show producer Michael Taylor says the show is a theatrical treat whether you are fanatical about Buddy Holly or simply want to enjoy a night of hit-packed music performed by superbly-talented musicians. “Book your seats for the only local date on the show’s nationwide tour,” he says, “that’ll be a very special day, guaranteed!” The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton, SO17 3SD Tickets: £17, Conc: £15 Box office: 023 8055 5366 www.the-brook.com easytheatres.com facebook.com/BuddyHollyReborn twitter.com/BuddyHollyShow

December 2014

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What’s on

The hidden arts of theatre Don’t miss the Longdown

Farm Christmas barn –

A festive farmyard under one roof!

Open daily: Sat 6th until Wed 24th December 2014. 10.30am – 4pm

any have experienced outstanding performances by the Titchfield Festival Theatre (TFT) and Titchfield Youth Theatre (TYT) both at their theatre site at St Margarets Road and at their sister venue, the stunning 15th century Great Barn at Titchfield Abbey. Whilst appreciating the rare talents of award winning TFT and TYT performers and directors how many have given a thought to the contribution of a hidden army of equally gifted and dedicated individuals on which theatre depends. These encompass a bewildering range of skills and experience including administrators, wardrobe, backstage, front of house, set designers and builders, maintenance, those who ‘pop in’ periodically to help out when needed as well as, and here we reach the crux, the electrical department. The electrical department controls all electrical processes within the theatre including the design and delivery of stage lighting, sound, pyrotechnics, effects and projection. As a consequence it is directly integrated into all stages of the production process. Do you have an interest in theatre? Would you like to become involved in an area of theatre which directly affects the quality and impact of a production on a minute by minute basis? Would you like to learn new skills and be a valued member of a specialised team? Technical theatre is artistic, exciting, stimulating and rewarding though, as with all worthwhile pursuits, it is at times hard work. Why not give it a try? Anyone within an age range of 18 to 147 years old will be made welcome (under 18s will be equally welcome but will be subject to some restrictions – elements of working theatre can dangerous for the inexperienced). No prior knowledge is needed. All training will be overseen by current and former professionals. A well developed sense of humour is obligatory.

armer Bryan and Father Christmas will once again be opening the barn doors of the popular Longdown Farm Christmas Barn this year to welcome visitors, and offer an ‘animal magical’ Christmas experience for children and adults alike. Set among the twinkling lights and Christmas trees, a festive mini farmyard awaits. Excited chicks will be waiting to meet the children, and lots of other favourite farm animals will be making an appearance too. See the peaceful Nativity scene, which will be watched over by donkeys, and look out for Father Christmas’s tractor sleigh parked outside the Farmhouse Grotto. Father Christmas himself will be waiting inside the Farmhouse Grotto to greet the children and give them a gift. Admission: Under 3s/child season ticket holders/Special Needs (all ages): £4.50 Children: 3 – 14: £6.50 – (prices held from last year) Adults: £2.00 Open daily: 6th to 24th December: 10.30am – 4pm. Please note: The rest of Longdown Activity Farm will be closed. No need to book, just turn up on the day. www.longdownfarm.co.uk

Go down to TFT and have a look around. You have nothing to lose. Contact Arthur Mills at mills1189@aol.com or 01489577152

Warsash Band Christmas Concert

he Christmas concerts this year will be on 19th and 20th December in the Victory Hall, Warsash.

The band’s first Christmas Concerts under Director of Music, Jon Audain, the concerts will showcase the range of the band’s talents, with a varied programme filled with festive fun. they can promise an entertaining evening, so come along and let us fill you with Christmas spirit! Tickets are available from The Victory Hall or from tickets@warsashband.co.uk. £7.00 Adults, £5.50 Concessions. They are offering a discount on all tickets bought before 19th December, so order your tickets now! Look out for us in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when we ll be playing carols around the area.

informergroup.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

Property, finance & law

It’s a Japanese Jamboree for Adam with a little help from Glanvilles

ext July, Adam Long will be on his way to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan. Thanks to local legal firm Glanvilles matching the funds he’s raised himself from a sponsored swim, a target of £3,500 has nearly been met.

Adam is a member of the 12th Chichester and has been involved with the Scout Group since joining the Cubs aged 7. To be selected to represent the Chichester Section of the West Sussex Scouts Group at the Jamboree is a great honour for Adam. In Japan, Adam will join 30,000 scouts and guides from all over the world. He’ll then spend 10 days at the Jamboree taking part in a programme that includes a visit to Hiroshima. Mark Harman, Head of Marketing & Communications at Glanvilles said “All of us at Glanvilles are looking forward to seeing him on his return and hearing about the events he’s attended and the fantastic experience he’s had.”

river Belcher’s family law department provides an individual service suited to your needs and individual situation. They understand that family issues involve complex emotions, even in amicable circumstances, and that relationship breakdown can be traumatic. They are committed to resolving disputes in a sensitive way, preserving the dignity of all those involved but with an acceptable outcome. Their Family Law department can advise you on many areas of family law including: • Divorce • Resolution of finances • Separation • Cohabitation • Children matters • Pre-nuptial agreements • Post-nuptial agreements • Pre-civil partnership agreements • Civil partnership dissolution Their family solicitors are members of Resolution the national organisation of family lawyers who are committed to resolving disputes in a non-confrontational way. They firmly believe that family law disputes should be dealt with in a constructive way designed to encourage agreements and thereby minimise legal costs. They recognise the importance to many clients of avoiding the stress and costs of court proceedings in family law cases. As a team they have years of experience in litigation which allows them to recognise the careful balance to be maintained between negotiation on the one hand and the use of the court on the other, to achieve successful outcomes They will discuss these options in detail with you at the outset so that you can make an informed decision as to which process is right for you and your circumstances. The team has developed a particular expertise in advising on financial resolution, both upon relationship breakdown and in anticipation of marriage or civil partnership. They regularly work with other professionals, including accountants, financial/tax advisors and chartered surveyors, to offer you a full service and tailored advice specific to your financial circumstances and needs. Please contact Victoria Baker on 01489 785737 for an initial consultation.

December 2014

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Local faces in The Informer area Remembering, 100 years on 1914-2014

informergroup.co.uk DECEMBER 2014

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Local faces in The Informer area

Locks Heath Free Church Christmas Fayre. An amazing array of gifts

December 2014

informergroup.co.uk