April 2016 | Issue 16 | ÂŁ1.50 where bought
Support the show
The Gosport Gang is back!
CAR REVIEW Mini Clubman
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THIS MONTH..
COMMUNITY
MOTORING & TRAVEL
Be one of the Easter People with Reverend Andy
Test driven in Barcelona, Tim Barnes-Clay shot about in the new Mini Clubman S. Find out his verdict here.
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Holy Trinity
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What’s on
Local clubs and groups in and around Gosport.
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Gosport Discovery Centre
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Neighbourhood Watch
Check out this huge range of activities for April
Find out about a new initiative just launched
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Auto Biographies
FOOD & DRINK 24
Leek and potato soup
Yummy, scrummy in our tummies!
COMPETITION 27
Win a kindle!
Gosport Bowling Club
Step up to the challenge for 2016 and try out bowling - fresh air and healthy fun!
april issue 2016
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 Gosport, Elson and surrounding areas. For distribution enquiries please give us a call and speak to Sean. Six other editions are also published in Alverstoke, Stubbington & Hill Head, Lee on Solent , Locks Heath, Warsash & Sarisbury Green, Whiteley, Titchfield Park and Burridge. 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
Smalalltalk Sm ltalk
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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
Advertise with us! Reliably delivered by our local teams, reaching over 35000 homes each issue, SEVEN editions of Big Voice provide exceptional monthly coverage of our area every single month. Call our friendly team now on 01329 630630, jump on our website and have a chat or link up with us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @BVDirectories
Visit our Facebook page Big Voice Directories
Visit our website www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk
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ABSOLUTE SCRUTINY: ADIDAS ULTRA ST Well, following on from the successful launch of Adidas Ultra Boost running shoe, the German manufacturers have now come up with an answer for those fans who found anything further that 10 miles a problem. They've gone and put stability into the shoe proclaiming that this shoe is the answer to national debt, global warming and Boris Johnson's flyaway hair. Keen to put these claims to the test and as a mild over pronator myself (feet want to roll inwards) I took mine to the Greek island of PAPHOS for the local marathon. Although yet to take place, I have run up and down many a Greek hill since our arrival and have to say that I'm impressed. Cushioning in abundance and just enough support that I think that it's there doing its stuff, but can't feel it digging into my arches. It genuinely feels as though someone switched my legs whilst I was asleep
on the flight over. The final test will be this coming Sunday 6th March but I'm already convinced that if you can afford a pricey addition to your running wardrobe and at ÂŁ130 it is pushing the envelope, this is worth a go if Adidas generally work for you. The sock fit upper is more like one expects from a casual fashion shoe but do not be deceived. Lightweight and breathable, responsive and supportive, I'm so pleased that I brought these with me and look forward to using them in anger in a few day's time...and we're pleased to say that if you Follow the shoe...we've an Adidas Ultra ST for you.
REMEMBER! At Absolute Running we are all about community, so pop in for a chat
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PLEASENOTE OURNEWADDRESS: 133bStokeRoad,Gosport,Hants,PO121SD
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AS CHEAP AS CHIPS th
Microchipping becomes compulsory on 6 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.
Every year over 100,000 stray dogs are handled by local authorities, of these only approximately half are reunited with their owners. A simple microchip can bring your beloved pet back to you if it is lost or stolen. Useful though microchips are, they can’t (yet) track animals using GPS! However all strays brought in to vets or dog wardens are scanned to check if they have a microchip, and thus many come home safely. 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.
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The dog must, however, still wear a collar or tag engraved with your name and address.
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 date if you move or your phone numbers change – a number of strays every year cannot be reunited with their worried families for this reason. Most animals tolerate microchipping well, and it is over in seconds. It is very rare to have a problem afterwards; very occasionally the chip can stop working or migrate from between the shoulder blades. 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!
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Nave Contemplation BE ONE OF THE EASTER PEOPLE... Mark Twain is famous – among many other things – for saying, “There are lies, damn lies and statistics”. If you were to say that one of these statistics is good news, and the other is bad news, which way round would it be? One in three marriages ends in divorce. 65% of the British population believe that Jesus rose from the dead. I suspect that quite a number would say that the first is ‘bad’ news and the second is ‘good’ (what a healthy majority 65% is!) Well, it could be argued that the first is actually a very good statistic, because despite the huge pressures on marriage these days, it is still the case that two out of every three survive. The second is a very bad statistic because even though 65% say that they believe Jesus rose from the dead, that “belief” has little or no impact on the way they lead their lives, otherwise there would be huge Christian churches and communities needed to accommodate the 40 million or so fired up Christians around the place. As Easter has just been celebrated again, it is worth reminding Christians in particular that simply BELIEVING that Jesus rose from the dead means next to
nothing. It only means something if you believe that he is therefore with you, and can (through prayer, faith exploration, worship, self-giving love and service) become more and more real to you and more and more of a living presence in the way you live (and die). It only means something if it translates into a belief that although life is full of ‘crucifixions’, Jesus being resurrected, real and present means that suffering (like his, and like so many peoples’) is never the last word. Most importantly, a true embracing of the reality of the resurrection is an antidote to the distorted forms of Christianity that are sadly on the increase: those that claim that being a Christian is some form of ‘insurance policy’ against suffering and misfortune. It is a heavy irony that those Christians who say most about Jesus being alive, and the transforming power of the resurrection and the Holy Spirit also often take the view that if you are ill, dying or sinful, you are not praying hard enough, or haven’t been ‘saved’. This is a denial of a true Easter faith that knows instead that we carry our crosses daily; and that WITHIN and THROUGH that crosscarrying, resurrection becomes a reality.
So, returning to what I said at the beginning, don’t be a statistic. Be one of the Easter People: acknowledging that suffering is real and terrible (as Christ’s was) but that the transforming power of Christ’s risen love is always present: a light that shines in darkness and cannot be overcome.
The Revd Andy Davis, Vicar of Christ Church and Holy Trinity, Gosport andy@christchurchgosport.co.uk or andy@holytrinitygosport.co.uk
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W hat hat’’s On . .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
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. They set about fund raising for a task that was to take over three years and absorb over 13,000 volunteer hours. This talk describes the highs and lows of the project. Tickets £3 Telephone booking line 023 9252 3463
Ashley Morgan, Archivist of the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Film Archive presents:
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Gosport Discovery Centre High Street, Gosport, PO12 1BT
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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 0-62 mph: 7.1 secs Pleasurable √ manually, or if you ticked Combined mpg: 48.7 the hands-free tailgate Engine layout: 1998 cc, 4 cylinder, 16 Eye-catching √ option, a sassy little kick valve turbo petrol Roomy √ under the rear bumper will Max. power (bhp): 189 Real-world √ open them up. Max. torque (lb.ft): 221
@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 Some body-roll X sprint in 7.1 seconds is easily CO2: 134 g/km achievable, finishing up with a top Inside, the comfortable Price: £24,455 on the road speed of 142mph. Even though seats are kind to your these figures might make the car backside and feel 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 uncluttered dashboard is dwarfed With the superb automatic earn its place on the podium at gearbox you can officially get an by a massive screen that sits Legs 11. It’s a looker alright. where the speedometer on older average of 48.7mpg out of the Clubman - and the CO2 emissions Minis used to be. The controller The brand new Mini Clubman are 134g/km, meaning road tax is on the central console manages must have been breast fed at a trifling £130 per annum. birth, because it’s far bigger than most of the Clubman’s systems, its siblings. That doesn’t mean it’s so there are fewer buttons on the The state-of-the-art 2015 Mini is dash to confuse or divert you. fat – no way. This car is well a gargantuan step-up from its formed and its proportions are forerunner, and it puts right As the Clubman is the largest of just right. And because it’s not pretty much everything that was the current Mini litter, it has, exactly a shrinking violet, the awry. The Clubman now has more predictably, the most capacious Clubman is likely to win over cabin. To be frank, with a big load doors, better space, good looks, quirkier types who might and it really is exciting to drive. otherwise have gone for mid-size area too, the word ‘mini’ seems The Cooper S version is especially rather outmoded. The whole family car choices, such as the 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 its wheel. oodles of room in the front and The story hasn’t always been respectable space for two adults good for the Clubman, though. The first generation had a useless, in the rear. The boot is about the same as a VW Golf’s, so you’ll get single rear door that meant UK the family shopping in – and a passengers were forced to step toddler’s buggy. into the road. This didn’t help sales and the Clubman therefore The Cooper S Clubman Auto is wasn’t exactly the rock star that easily the most gratifying to drive. BMW, Mini’s owner, was Out at the Mini’s media launch on expecting.
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MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN AUTO
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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 To contact Gosport Neighbourhood Watch www.gosportnhw.co.uk or call 07946 678264
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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.
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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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a
A kindle!
Gosport Bowling Club – Anglesey Road, Alverstoke, Gosport.
TRY BOWLING FOR FREE! The game of Bowls is truly an outdoor sport for all. It can be played by all ages, abilities and gender, making it the perfect sport for all members of your family. Why not contact your local Bowling Club and try for free? For more information please contact: gosportbowling@virginmedia.com
02392521745 http://www.hugofox.com/community/gosport-bowling-club-10588/about-us
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ALVERSTOKE
GOSPORT
£115,000
1 bed on the first floor, views over Work House Lake from the lounge and bedroom, refitted kitchen and bathroom, DG, electric heating, no chain. EPC C
£79,950
GOSPORT
1 bed ground floor with access from the lounge to the communal garden, DG, electric heating, kitchen with window, convenient to Stoke Road. EPC C
£131,950
2 bed first floor, twin aspect lounge, kitchen and lounge have views over Work House Lake. 17’8 x 10’6 lounge, no forward chain. EPC C
GOSPORT
£109,950
1 bed located on the 1st floor, lounge with double doors to kitchen which has window looking towards Jellicoe Avenue, bedroom with fitted wardrobe, DG. EPC B
ALVERSTOKE
£131,950
GOSPORT
2 bed ground floor, lounge with door to terrace which overlooks Work House Lake, refitted shower room, water views from lounge and kitchen. EPC C
RETIREMENT FLATS – USEFUL INFORMATION There are mainly 6 developments in Gosport available for purchase and we currently have properties available in 4 of them. You would need to be over 60 years of age although if buying as a couple the 2 nd person can be 55 years or older. 4 of the developments have a Communal Lounge with social activities with most having a Laundry Room, Lifts and 24 hour call assistance.
£79,950
1 bed located on the 2nd floor in the heart of Alverstoke Village, lounge, modern kitchen with window, bathroom with window, DG, electric heating. EPC C