April 2016 | Issue 125| £1.50 where bought
Support the show
The Gosport Gang is back!
CAR REVIEW Mini Clubman
Image © Michael Branicki
THIS MONTH...
COMMUNITY
MOTORING & TRAVEL
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St Mary’s
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Spithead Fine Arts and Antiques
Prepare to be transformed this Easter!
Find out about this fabulous local group.
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Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Find out about the AGM and their special visitor, Bruce Fogle.
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Gosport Neighbourhood Watch
There’s a new initiative going on—find out about it here.
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Auto Biographies
Test driven in Barcelona, Tim Barnes-Clay shot about in the new Mini Clubman S. Find out his verdict here.
FOOD & DRINK 27
Leek and potato soup
Yummy, scrummy in our tummies!
COMPETITIONS 21
Win a kindle!
Gosport Discovery Centre
Check out this huge range of activities for young and old alike this April.
april issue 2016
Smalalltalk Sm ltalk
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COMPETITIONS
Pearl Publications 01329 630630
Joint Editors Coralie Todd & Sean Middleton editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk
Advertising Sales sales@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk
Distribution This Big Voice Bigazine is delivered to residents and businesses in Alverstoke. For distribution enquiries please give us a call and speak to Sean. Six other editions are also published in Whiteley, Stubbington & Hill Head, Lee on Solent, Locks Heath, Warsash & Sarisbury Green and Gosport. Whilst Big Voice Directories aim to provide a quality publication for local reference, it cannot be held responsible for the services, reputation or cost of any of the advertisers, and content of adverts or editorial herein. Readers must make their own enquiries to establish the credentials of each entry. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the Publishers. The magazines are produced on paper sourced from FSC approved paper mills and printed using vegetable based inks. They love being recycled but please pass to a friend first! Magazine, adverts, design, layout and content © Copyright Pearl Publications Ltd.
hen you wake up every day, you have two choices. You can either be positive or negative; an optimist or a pessimist. I choose to be an optimist. It's all a matter of perspective, said
American businessman Harvey Mackay.
Now you can sit back and think “‘pah’, I can’t help what happens to me during the day. I live with a really grumpy person who just constantly moans”; or “my job is killing me – I’m just so unappreciated” etc. And that’s understandable – things like that can bring you down. But what if, every time you wake up in the morning, you make an active choice about how happy you are going to be for the whole day? It might sound nuts but if you jump out of the bed in the morning, envisage a number above the top of your head between one and ten and mentally hold it there, you’ll find it’s much harder for your day to be unpleasant. Think of it like an invisible ‘rubbish deflector’. You can ‘arm’ yourself with your Happy Number for the day and make a positive choice that your day is going to be incredibly good. Take a look at the things that might get you down and imagine bombarding those things with the happy number of your choice. Treat them like your invisible light saber – you can wield it at any point to deflect anything that might affect your happiness. Now before you think we’ve gone a bit potty I promise that we’re only sharing this with you after quite a while of testing this theory. Our lovely business coach, Ian Dickson, spreads his Happy Numbers love with all his clients and now, whenever you come into our offices, you’ll see our numbers displayed proudly on our desks. Just don’t go near anyone who is less than a six as you never know what you might find! PS - Clocks forward on Sunday 27th March which means the beginning of summer. We can all be a TEN that day! Much love
Coralie and Sean x
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Life Matters at St Mary’s
PREPARE TO BE TRANSFORMED
I’m not really thinking of the Hollywood blockbuster sense of ‘Transformers’ saving the world, or even “Beam me up Scotty” as the StarTrek Crew are deconstructed into atoms to be transported.
Easter is the time for our transformation. To be transformed by love bringing new life with hope, purpose and healing. The power of God’s love in us, transforming our fears and leading us to fulness of life now and for all time.
We’d love it if you would like to join us in celebrating this Easter hope in Alverstoke parish at one of our churches - a warm welcome awaits you. It all starts on 20th March with traditional Palm Sunday Choral Evensong at 6.30pm in St.Mary’s with music by Schubert and Handel.
I am rather thinking about Lent being a Then you’re very invited on… season of 40 days to prepare to be transformed by hope and love. Maundy Thursday 24th March
The Bishop of Portsmouth has appointed a new ‘Pioneer Vicar’ to serve Leesland within Alverstoke parish. This is fantastic news for Leesland to have a dedicated minister whose first task will be to ‘listen’ to the community. That task starts when The Revd Tim Watson is licensed to the post at Leesland CofE Junior School on Sunday 17th April, starting with a procession from St.Faith’s Church to the school at 11.00am. But at the moment Tim and his family are busy busy preparing to move to what will be their vicarage - getting it ready to be transformed into a new home. There is always more preparation required in filling, sanding and undercoating before the final emulsion is applied and, all of a sudden, a room is transformed. Life is like this, it’s always about preparing for transformation. If Lent is the time for preparation then 6
10.00am St.Faith’s Communion 6.30pm St.Faith’s ‘Upper Room’ Last Supper Service 7.00pm St.Francis’ ‘Upper Room’ Last Supper Service 8.00-11.00pm St.Mary’s ‘Watch & Pray’ silent vigil of prayer Good Friday 25th March 10.30am St.Mary’s Messy Church for Easter ending with lunch 1.45pm St.Mary’s Traditional Good Friday Devotions 3.00pm St.Faith’s ‘Jerusalem Joy’ musical reflection Sunday 27th March Easter Day 8.00am St.Mary's Said Communion 9.30am St.Faith’s Easter Communion 10.00am
St.Mary’s Family Easter
Communion
11.00am St.Luke’s, Haslar, Communion 11.15am
St.Francis’ Communion
6.30pm St.Mary's Easter iNViTe Contemporary Praise Celebration Praying with hope for joy and peace for our community and for you this Easter.
Revd Andrew Norris
Rector for Alverstoke Parish
(St.Mary’s, Alverstoke; St.Faith’s, Leesland; St.Francis’, Clayhall; St.Luke’s, Haslar) Church Office: 02392 580551 Rectory: 02392 503308 rector@alverstokeparish.org www.stmarysalverstoke.org.uk
Gosport Open Art, 5 March to 23 April 2016 Gosport’s bi-annual Open Art exhibition returns, displaying the best submissions from Hampshire’s artists. With a broad range of styles and media, this exhibition is a chance to showcase the talents of our local artists and craftspeople both professional and amateur. Gallery @ Gosport Discovery Centre, Walpole Road, Gosport. PO12 1NS.Open 10am to 5pm – Monday to Saturday, (please note closed on Sunday and bank holidays). Free Admission.
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SPITHEAD ANTIQUES AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY
Spithead Antiques and Fine Arts Society meet at 6.55pm in Bay House School Hall, Gomer Lane, Alverstoke Gosport PO12 2QP every 4th Tuesday evening of the month (except August and December). We have ten illustrated lectures each year. The next one is on Tuesday, 22nd March entitled ‘The City of Heart’s Desire: Ottoman Istanbul’ to be given by Jane Angelini . Full membership is currently only £27.50 for all ten talks. We welcome visitors at a nominal fee of £5 per person to come and try out a SAFAS evening.
I look forward to seeing you! Yours, Nell Rimington (Chairman of SAFAS) 023 92580793
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P lanning Matters A monthly round up of planning applications submitted since 2 February 2016 REF
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LOCATION
GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL PROPOSAL
STATUS
16/00094/ FULL
10 Palmerston Way Gosport Hampshire PO12 2LZ
Erection of outbuilding to be used as cattery (amended Registered application to 15/00690/full)
16/00090/ FULL
31 Privett Place Gosport Hampshire
Erection of single storey rear extension
16/00086/ FULL
77 Jellicoe Avenue Gosport Hampshire
Erection of two storey rear extension, insertion of 2 no. Registered First floor windows to southern elevation, alterations
16/00085/ FULL
13 The Avenue Gosport Hampshire
Erection of replacement garage
Registered
16/00084/ FULL
32 Western Way Gosport Hampshire
Erection of boundary fence
Registered
16/00075/ FULL
98 Jellicoe Avenue Gosport Hampshire
Erection of two storey side extension, single storey rear Registered extension and rear dormer window
Registered
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PLEASENOTE OURNEWADDRESS: 133bStokeRoad,Gosport,Hants,PO121SD
AS CHEAP AS CHIPS Microchipping becomes compulsory on 6th April 2016 for all dogs in England. A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted between a dogs shoulder blades via a needle. This can be done by a vet, nurse or other authorised people.
The dog must, however, still wear a collar or tag engraved with your name and address.
All puppies must be microchipped and registered on a database by 8 weeks of age. Your breeder should do this. You need to make sure the details on the database are updated once you get the puppy. Your vet will gladly scan the chip when the puppy has its first vet check.
Cats should also be microchipped, even though it’s not a legal requirement. Cats are more likely to wander and be brought into charities or vets as strays, or after being injured. We have also microchipped rabbits, tortoises and even a few snakes!
Barbara Healy, MRCVS, Alver Vets
You should receive confirmation of registration in the post within a few weeks. Be sure to keep your details up to Every year over 100,000 stray dogs are date if you move or your phone numbers handled by local authorities, of these only change – a number of strays every year approximately half are reunited with their cannot be reunited with their worried owners. A simple microchip can bring families for this reason. your beloved pet back to you if it is lost or stolen. Useful though microchips are, they Most animals tolerate microchipping well, can’t (yet) track animals using GPS! and it is over in seconds. It is very rare to However all strays brought in to vets or have a problem afterwards; very dog wardens are scanned to check if they occasionally the chip can stop working or have a microchip, and thus many come migrate from between the shoulder home safely. blades.
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171 - 173 High Street Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 9BX
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a
A kindle!
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Local Charities AGM Report 20th February 2016
the AGM and our guest speaker, Dr Bruce Fogle MBE was invited up to give a talk.
Bruce was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1944 where he was raised Our AGM was held on Saturday 20 and educated, graduating in 1970 with February at The Botley Centre and a DVM in veterinary medicine. He was attended by 71 members, from moved to London on a travel our and other branches. fellowship and started working at Regents Park Zoo, a year later he Special guest: - Dr Bruce Fogle MBE, joined a veterinary practice in DVM, MRCVS Knightsbridge and in1973 set up his own practice the London Veterinary The meeting began with a brief outline Clinic, in which he remains the of the achievements of 2015 by the Director and a working vet. Branch Organiser, Richard Herrington, The same year he married actress followed by a financial report from Julie Foster (appearing in the 2016 Treasurer/Event Coordinator, Kim film release of “Dad’s Army”) and went Harbut. The total raised by the branch on to have three children, Emily an Art in 2015 was £43,196.64, an amazing Director now living in Dubai, Ben amount and a credit to all the (famous TV personality) and Tamara a volunteers who give up their time fashion designer. freely, to attend fundraising events Following a synopsis in America in throughout South Hampshire. 1979 on animal behaviour, he went on to co-found Hearing Dogs for Deaf Mark Pegg, our co-opted Media People with Lady Beatrice Wright, Officer, then gave a report on the CEO of the RNID. setting up of our new website and a The Charity was launched in 1982 with report on how we are being followed 6 dogs being trained in their first year on Twitter and Facebook. and the Charity continues to go from strength to strength, with Bruce as A vote was then taken on whether the Trustee and Vice-Chair. existing committee would serve for He received an MBE in 2004 for his another year and there was a services to deaf people. unanimous show of hands, so the Bruce is the Bestselling author of over committee of Richard Herrington 100 books (which paid for his (Branch Organiser) and Kim Harbut children’s private education!!) and he (Treasurer/Events Coordinator) were showed slides of his books “Travels duly elected to serve for 2016, our with Macy”, a record of his travels fourth year in office. Mark Pegg through Europe in a campervan with (Media), Jeanette Collett and Sally Golden Retriever “Macy” and “Barefoot Pantridge were also co-opted on to the at the Lake” a new release due out in committee. 2016, which records growing up as a 10 year old in Ontario and his Each year the Branch Committee introduction to and lifelong love of chooses volunteers, who they feel nature by his grandfather. have made outstanding contributions to the Charity and awards certificates Everyone found his talk extremely in recognition of this. Award winners interesting and entertaining and his 2016:- Julie Yemm (newcomer), inspirational life and list of Sheena Lewry & Sara Yaxley (most achievements is mind boggling. Gifts attendances at events), Diana & of flowers and wine were handed out Bernard Rogers (speakers), Diana and thanks given to all helpers. Rogers (volunteer of the year 2016). Bruce concluded our AGM by signing These certificates were awarded by books and having “selfies” with our Debbie Blyth, Fundraising Support members, whilst enjoying tea and Manager from Headquarters “The cakes. Grange”. th
APRIL EVEN VENTS TS Sunday 10th April Great British Dog Walk at West Wittering from 11.30am Haskins garden Centre store collection on Saturday and Sunday 23rd and 24th April from 10am to 4pm.
This ended the formal proceedings of
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Auto biographies
Tim Barnes-Clay
But the Germans have seen the light and the previous rear-hinged ‘clubdoor’, has been kicked to the kerb in favour of two ‘normal’ back doors. They make it far easier for passengers to get in and out of the car. Then there’s the barn-door boot. You’ll remember that from FAST FACTS PROS ‘N’ CONS the last model. Well, that stays put, but now the Max speed: 142 mph doors can be released Pleasurable √ manually, or if you ticked 0-62 mph: 7.1 secs Eye-catching √ the hands-free tailgate Combined mpg: 48.7 Roomy √ option, a sassy little kick Engine layout: 1998 cc, 4 cylinder, 16 valve turbo petrol Real-world √ under the rear bumper will Max. power (bhp): 189 Some body-roll X open them up.
@carwriteups
the roads surrounding San Sebastian in northern Spain, the most powerful petrol drove gokart-like on the straights - just as a Mini should. It’s a shame the slightly pulpy suspension can drizzle on your chips in the corners, with body roll kicking in if you enter the twisty bits too hard. But that can be forgiven, because the Cooper S generates more than enough pull to keep you cheery.
189bhp can be squeezed from the S’ 2.0 litre turbocharged fourcylinder lump, and with the eight speed auto box, a zero to 62mph Max. torque (lb.ft): 221 sprint in 7.1 seconds is easily CO2: 134 g/km Inside, the comfortable achievable, finishing up with a top Price: £24,455 on the road seats are kind to your speed of 142mph. Even though backside and feel these figures might make the car The old Mini Clubman was no oil- supportive, especially during long sound insatiable for fuel – it’s not. painting, but this one could easily periods on the road. The car’s earn its place on the podium at uncluttered dashboard is dwarfed With the superb automatic Legs 11. It’s a looker alright. by a massive screen that sits gearbox you can officially get an where the speedometer on older average of 48.7mpg out of the The brand new Mini Clubman Minis used to be. The controller Clubman - and the CO2 emissions must have been breast fed at on the central console manages are 134g/km, meaning road tax is birth, because it’s far bigger than most of the Clubman’s systems, a trifling £130 per annum. its siblings. That doesn’t mean it’s so there are fewer buttons on the fat – no way. This car is well dash to confuse or divert you. The state-of-the-art 2015 Mini is formed and its proportions are a gargantuan step-up from its just right. And because it’s not As the Clubman is the largest of forerunner, and it puts right exactly a shrinking violet, the the current Mini litter, it has, pretty much everything that was Clubman is likely to win over predictably, the most capacious awry. The Clubman now has more quirkier types who might cabin. To be frank, with a big load doors, better space, good looks, otherwise have gone for mid-size area too, the word ‘mini’ seems and it really is exciting to drive. family car choices, such as the rather outmoded. The whole The Cooper S version is especially Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. motor is 270mm longer than the guaranteed to bring a grin to the five-door Hatchback, allowing for face of anyone who slips behind The story hasn’t always been oodles of room in the front and its wheel. good for the Clubman, though. respectable space for two adults The first generation had a useless, in the rear. The boot is about the single rear door that meant UK same as a VW Golf’s, so you’ll get passengers were forced to step the family shopping in – and a into the road. This didn’t help toddler’s buggy. sales and the Clubman therefore wasn’t exactly the rock star that The Cooper S Clubman Auto is BMW, Mini’s owner, was easily the most gratifying to drive. expecting. Out at the Mini’s media launch on 24
MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN AUTO
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Food and Drink
An easy recipe that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. It is a perfect meal for either lunch or dinner and can be served with bread or without. Enjoy as a starter or a main course and add pepper if you choose. Ingredients for 4- 6 servings
Equipment: 2 large pans, hand blender or blender
225g of potatoes (cut into cubes) 2 medium leaks (sliced) 1 onion (sliced) 1 tbsp of vegetable oil 1.2 litres of vegetable stock Salt and freshly ground black pepper 150ml double cream or crème fraiche
Stove: High enough to boil Method: Take a large pan and pour in the oil. Then add the onions, leeks and potatoes and cook until they have soften. Do this for 3-4 minutes. Proceed to add the vegetable stock and bring it all to the boil. Then add the seasoning and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Once you have done this whizz all of it together (you can do this either with a hand blender or a blender). Reheat all the mixture in a clean pan. You can then stir in some cream or crème fraiche. Serve with bread and butter if you choose.
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NEW INITIATIVE! Paws Watch featuring our mascot Eddy Neighbourhood Watch for Dog Walkers Dog walkers are out and about in our community from the very early morning until late at night and are often the first to see the effects of crime and antisocial behaviour. Gosport Neighbourhood Watch has set up Paws Watch to encourage dog walkers to report incidents of crime, anti-social behaviour and suspicious activity. 101 makes it quicker and easier to contact the police when you don’t need an emergency response. For crime in progress call 999. For Street Cleansing, Fly Tipping, Litter, Dog Fouling, and Graffiti call Gosport Streetscene: dial 08000 198 598
Keep up to date with crime news, scams and Paws Watch www.facebook.com/ GOSPORTNHW www.gosportnhw.co.uk
W ha hat’s t’s On O n . .at Gosport Gosport Disc Discover overyy Cen Centre tre Ugly Duckling Storytime Special Saturday 2 April 11am to 12 noon “Once upon a time there was a mother duck who had seven little ducklings. Six of them were soft and fluffy and yellow. The seventh duckling was different . . .” Hans Christian Andersen would be 210 years old today so help us mark his birthday and his most famous fairy tale by making your own duck mask. Suitable for children aged 3-10 and must be accompanied by an adult. FREE No need to book but places are limited. SEARCHing for Spring SEARCH, Local & Naval Studies Centre @ Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1NS Tuesday 5 April 10am to 1pm An Easter holiday drop-in workshop at SEARCH Museum; hands-on natural history activities with real museum specimens on a Spring theme. Who’s arriving? Who’s waking up? Whose baby and whose egg? Plus a make and take art activity. Just drop in, no need to book. £2 per participating child, accompanying adults free. Telephone booking line 023 9252 3463
Ashley Morgan, Archivist of the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Film Archive presents: Test Pilots Tuesday 5 April 7.30pm Britain has played a major role in the development of both civil and military aviation. Working alongside the scientists and engineers from the RAE at Farnborough, were the test pilots who often risked their lives pushing aircraft to the limit. This presentation, illustrated with film clips from the FAST Film Archive, looks at the remarkable work of some of our most famous test pilots and the aircraft they flew including John Cunningham, Peter Twiss, Bill Bedford, John Derry, Geoffrey DeHavilland, Brian Trubshaw, and Eric `Winkle` Brown. Also features some `famous firsts`. Tickets £3 Telephone booking line 023 9252 3463 Right Royal Drop-in Local & Naval Studies Centre @ Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport. PO12 1NS Thursday 21 April 10.30am to 12.30pm and 3.30 to 5.30pm Mark the Queen’s 90th Birthday by exploring royal memorabilia and museum objects from each decade of the Queen’s life and reign. Many artefacts can be handled and our friendly volunteers will be there to talk to. Plus Dressing up and a make and take art activity. Just drop in, no need to book Free, donations appreciated The 100-year refit of Steam Pinnace 199 Thursday 28 April 7.30pm Steam Pinnace 199, a 50 ft. naval gunboat, was built in 1911, but a hull survey in 2010 indicated the need for some urgent restoration. Group 199 at The National Museum of the Royal Navy operate and maintain her for her owners.
Gosport Discovery Centre High Street Gosport
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£245,000
3/4 bed semi with drive and garage, lounge/dining room and spacious kitchen, utility area, DG, GCH, cul-de-sac location, no forward chain. EPC D
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PRIDDY’S HARD
4 bed semi detached town house, bathroom, en-suite and 2 cloakrooms, lounge, separate kitchen, DG, GCH, garage and parking. EPC C
£269,950
3/4 bed EOT town house located near to Alverstoke Village, 1-2 reception rooms, FF shower room, GF cloakroom, parking space, garage. EPC E
ALVERSTOKE
£299,995
3 bed semi, 2 receptions, 13’5 long kitchen, conservatory, views of Portsmouth Harbour, GF, WC, FF bathroom, DG, GCH, parking. EPC D
HARDWAY
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ALVERSTOKE
Ext 4 bed semi, 2 receptions, FF bathroom, en-suite, refitted kitchen, conservatory, DG, GCH, well presented home, Bay House School catchment. EPC C
This is a selection of Semi Detached and End of Terraced Houses we have available. For further information on alternative locations and styles please contact our office.
£234,995
Ext 2 bed semi, 2 reception rooms, 18’9 long kitchen, FF bathroom, PVCu double glazing, gas central heating, off road parking, well presented home. EPC D