Big Voice in Lee on Solent, January 2021 by Big Voice Directories

LEE ON THE SOLENT January 2021 | Issue 158 | ÂŁ1.50 where sold

Your local community magazine

Voice

Inside... Recipe, a treat for Burns Night

Elf on the shelf gallery

Mighty Mike! He can run a sprint or a marathon!

www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk 1

01329 825615 @mayfair

NEW YEAR OFFER: Discounts available for work carried out in January and February.

ANY ORDER OVER £250 FOR RETAIL CUSTOMERS - QUOTE WINTER20 FREE DELIVERY

• Decking • Panels • Gates • Accessories • Trade Prices VISIT US AT SILVERSPRINGS GARDEN CENTRE, FONTLEY ROAD, TITCHFIELD, FAREHAM PO15 6QX OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK OR SHARLANDS ROAD, NEW GATE LANE, FAREHAM PO14 1RD OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY (until noon)

Tel: 01329 234 670

andy@borderlandfencing.co.uk | www.borderlandfencingcentre.co.uk to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

Voice

Smalltalk

Looking back at the last New Year edition…. …..my Small Talk was full of things to look forward to including the Olympic Games and Euro 2020. No one could have predicted the year we’ve had! For many of us, it’s probably been the worst year we could possibly imagine, there is really no point trying to dress it up. All that we knew as ‘normal’ has been affected and despite the fantastic news of the vaccine, we still have a long way to go before we reclaim our ‘freedom’. I’m sure 99% of people will be glad to see the end of 2020!! During the initial lockdown I vowed to seek out the more positive parts of 2020 and embrace them. This was quite easy in the glorious summer but when the clocks changed and the nights drew in, it became a little harder. We’ve found ourselves at home more and I’ve noticed some pleasant developments in our family life. We make meals as a family at the weekend, teaching the children to do things like stuff cannelloni or create home-made fish and chips for example. It’s been hilarious and delicious for us, but also eye opening for the kids, who are now trying new foods! We have all taken up hobbies as well. After many years of his guitar gathering dust, my husband set himself the challenge to play 30 minutes per day and is loving it. My daughter is following in his footsteps and learning to play too now, which is lovely. My son is currently addicted to drawing and showing a real talent, whilst letting us see the world through the eyes of a 5-year-old. And for me, I’ve continued my running but have also enjoyed clearing my head with scenic walks throughout the week. So, as we look towards 2021, one thing I’ve learnt this year is that life can be affected to a huge extent by things you can’t influence or control. For a busy mum, running a business and a household it is a recipe for disaster! But the vaccine is rolling out and life will open up again and for those who are lonely or in need of contact it’s so important it does. For all the businesses in need of the economic bounce back, a recovery is something we all want. However, for next year my resolution is not to make a change but actually to try and keep some of the things we’ve gained in 2020. A little less pace of life, embrace the simple things and enjoy the outdoors but hopefully adding some quality time with those we love and miss.

Peach Publications 01329 630630/07909 627177

Editor

Gemma Harvey-Guttridge editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

Advertising Sales

editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

Distribution

This Big Voice Bigazine is delivered to residents and businesses in Lee on Solent. For distribution enquiries please give me (Gemma) a call. Two other editions are also published in Stubbington & Hill Head and Alverstoke. 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 Peach Publications Ltd.

Happy New Year everyone

Gemma x (Positive Polly!) 4

email: editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk | www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

JANUARY ISSUE 2021

Recipes, community, charity, properties and more

CONTENTS 8

Get Puzzled

St Faiths Church

Recipe of the Month

Chat with Coralie

Keep On Running

Test yourself with this month’s crossword

Cranachan, a classic Scottish treat for Burns

Mum’s the Word

Enjoy your ‘elf’

Facilities at your fingertips

not so Silent Night

Mighty Mike, a legend amongst us

Advertise with us!

Reliably delivered by our local teams, reaching over 15000 homes each issue. THREE editions of Big Voice provide exceptional monthly coverage of our area every single month. Call Gemma now on 01329 630630, jump on our website or link up with us on Facebook.

Visit our Facebook page @bigvoicedirectories Visit our website www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

10 all O % ac F ce F ss

THEBATHROOMSHOP For all your bathing needs from stock or next day at affordable prices.

• Showers & Enclosures • Baths & Taps • Vanities & Furniture • Ceramic Wall & Floor tiles

• Mirrors & Accessories • Vinyl & Laminate flooring • Disabled/Mobility bathing

02392 550100

171-173 High Street Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 8BX

We offer a wide range of building, construction and refurbishment services from general building maintenance to construction of extensions and new properties.

• One point of contact • Full project management • Kitchens supplied and fitted • All building and electrical work www.sk-services.co.uk Tel: 02392 550100 6 skservices@btconnect.com

RESTORATION & REINSTATEMENT AFTER FIRE, FLOOD AND STORM DAMAGE

QUALIFIED, TRUSTWORTHY & RELIABLE TRADITIONAL TRADESMEN WHO ARE DIRECTLY EMPLOYED

www.ovencleaning24-7.co.uk

0800 1931992 mail@ovencleaning24-7.co.uk

DOMESTIC or COMMERCIAL CLEANING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Our 24 hour, 7 day a week service is second to none and will fit within your schedule...

FAIR P RIC E, G OO D

All staff checked and are 100% fully trained.

ELLENT SERVICE! EXC D N EA U AL FRIENDLY

PRODUCTS USED

www.ovencleaning.24-7.co.uk

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

Get Puzzled Clues Across 7 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 19 21

Rubbery, flexible (7) Application, employment (5) Well known (5) Compress, contract (7) Large flightless bird (3) Slowly get rid off (8)) Moaners (8) Vat, bucket (3) _______ Banderas, actor (7) Gone ____, circulated rapidly over the internet (5) 22 Most important person (5) 23 Sir Ranulph _______, Polar explorer (7)

Clues Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 8

Release from captivity (7) Speak ill of (8) Lothario (4) Clumsy incompetents (8) Agreement (4) 13 Folding ranger tool (8) Switches baby to solid food (5) 14 Proclaiming (8) Style of bread (11) 15 Dispose of (7)

18 Cheekily sexy (5) 20 Slim (4) 21 Outlook, scene (4)

Compassionately caring for you Compassionately

especially atfor Christmas time. caring you especially at

From a morning cuppa to Christmas time. supper, or compassionate all-round care. From a morning cuppa to supper, or compassionate all-round care. Providing care in the comfort Providing care in the comfort of your own home in West Sussex, Surrey and of your own home in West Hampshire and the surrounding areas. Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire andWorthing: the surrounding areas.

01903 389 098

Fareham: worthing@gacarers.co.uk

01329 690 096

fareham@gacarers.co.uk

www.gacarers.co.uk 8

email: editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk | www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

311 8001 Solent Way 0800 01329 535 001 Computers Lee-on-the-Solent

Unit 7, Fareham Innovation Centre, 4 Meteor Way, Lee-on-the-Solent, PO13 9FU

Feel like throwing your computer out the window?

Fed up with it going slow? Crashing or Freezing? Strange messages popping up? Or you just want to upgrade?

• Virus & Malware Removal

• System Tune-up

• SSD Upgrades for PC & Mac • Wiﬁ & Network Setup • New & refurbished Laptops • PC Troubleshooting • Custom-built PCs

• Data Migration to new PC

• Arranged home-visits

• Disaster Recovery & Backup

E-mail: info@solentwaycomputers.co.uk

www.solentwaycomputers.co.uk HOUSE EXTENSIONS BUILDING REGULATIONS PLANNING PERMISSIONS

A T W E

Based in Hill Head, Fareham 07817 305 658 www.lomaxdesigns.com info@lomaxdesigns.com

Contact Me - For A Free Consultation & Very Competitive Rates

LOMAX DESIGNS LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CONSULTANCY

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

Recipe of the month

Cranachan

A classic Scottish treat for Burns Night Preparation time: 15 minutes. Serves 4 Ingredients: 75g pinhead oatmeal (you can use rolled oats, but the steel cut pinhead variety are nuttier and less porridge-like), 1 tbsp soft brown sugar, 250g raspberries, 500ml double cream, 4 tbsp honey, plus a little extra to drizzle, 4 tbsp good Scottish whisky Method: Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the oatmeal and the sugar then â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;toastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, stirring continuously until the sugar has melted and the oatmeal smells sweet and nutty. Pour on to a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper and leave to cool. Meanwhile, puree 175g of the raspberries until smooth (reserve the best-looking ones). You can leave the seeds or pass through a sieve for a smooth puree. Whip the cream to fairly stiff peaks, then fold in the honey and whisky. Add three quarters of the oatmeal and all the puree to the cream then swirl through to give a ripple effect. Spoon into four glass dishes and top with the remaining oatmeal, the reserved raspberries and drizzle of honey. Serve immediately. Did you know? Cranachan is a Gaelic word for a kind of milk churn.

email: editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk | www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

Mum’s the word

Elf on a shelf The ‘Elf on a Shelf’ phenomenon is becoming increasingly popular. It seems to be something the kids love but the parents loath. For those who are not in the know, the ‘elf’ is sent from Santa to keep an eye on the children on the lead up to Christmas and to help ensure they stay on the ‘nice’ list. Many parents go to town with their elves and create all sorts of crazy situations for the elf to be caught in, but as the days tick by the challenge to better the night before becomes progressively harder. Here is a gallery of some of the best ‘Elf on a Shelf’ ideas I’ve seen this year. I hope you all survived! Keep this mag handy to help you with some ideas next December.

LOCAL GROUPS & ACTIVITIES... Back in the times before COVID, Mum’s the Word used to regularly feature playgroups and activities that parents and care givers could attend with their little ones. As a new mummy I always struggled to find a variety of things to do with my children, inside and out. Over the years I have received great feedback about this part of the article but unfortunately since March it has been difficult for any, if not all these groups to continue. With the arrival of the COVID vaccine and hopefully a more normal life in our sights I would love to reintroduce this. If you run or attend a group that has been able to restart, please get in contact with details so I can help spread the word.

email: editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk | www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

All Aspects of Professional Painting and Decorating

Interior & Exterior | Plastering Professional & reliable Clean, tidy & efficient Free estimates

Call Scott: 07979 003122 or Joe: 07803 805988 Email: allenandhainesltd@outlook.com Company No:12931407

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

St. Faith’s Church

It is the start of a New Year and was suggested I write about the role of St Faiths and the services the church offers to everyone in the parish, whether they are churchgoers or not. St Faith’s is open daily for anyone to visit. You might just want to have a look around or simply spend time sitting in silence, to be with your own thoughts. Just inside the church, to the right, you can light a candle or write a request in the ‘prayer request’ book. All requests will be prayed for at the weekday morning and evening services. In normal times, hopefully soon to return, the church runs activities to support parents with young children and people looking for company and companionship. ‘Rainbow Toddlers’ is held on Tuesday mornings in the Bulson Hall, when parents can meet over refreshments while their young children enjoy themselves with toys and activities under the guidance of friendly, welcoming helpers. From time to time we also hold parenting courses. Thursdays are busy! In the Bulson Hall from 2 - 3pm, ‘Cuppa and Company’ caters for those seeking companionship with others over a cup of tea, whilst Knit and Natter (which I attend, though only to natter!) meets in the Lowry Room from 2 -4pm. This is a friendly group of people who enjoy each other’s company over cakes and tea whilst knitting for worthy causes. As well as its normal daily and Sunday services (8am Holy Communion, 9.30am Parish Eucharist, 11am Sundays@11 and 6pm Evening Prayer), the church is also there for weddings, christenings and funerals. By request, ashes can be laid to rest in the Remembrance Garden and names of loved ones recorded in the Remembrance Book (on display in the Lady Chapel). Annual services are held on or around ‘All Hallows Day’ for those wishing to remember loved ones.

Anyone in the parish who wants to know more about these services can contact the church office. Activities organised by outside agencies include dancing, fun and fitness, Pilates, yoga or zumba for those wanting to keep trim. Jiggly Wrigglers for preschool children, choir for those who enjoy singing together and art classes for aspiring artists. The Parish Centre is also available for celebrations, receptions and meetings. Larger gatherings take place in the Bulson Hall and smaller groups use the Lowry Room. In addition to having well-equipped kitchens and toilets there are plans to provide a bar and to update other facilities in keeping with modern requirements. Bookings can be made through the church office when activities restart. Information on all activities and who to contact can be found in the leaflet rack just inside the church porch or on the church website at www.stfaithslee.org.uk If you, or anyone you know would like to take advantage of anything we offer, please do and spread the news! Hopefully, there will soon be something for everyone, young or old and whatever their circumstances, needs or interests. The church and parish centre are there for the whole community and it’s eager to be used. So, when and if things return to normal, we hope to see more people making use of their parish church. Meanwhile, on behalf of everyone at St Faiths, I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year or perhaps I should say, ‘New-Normal’ Year! Written by Alan Millard for St Faith’s Church

email: editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk | www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

May Special Memories Brighten Your

Christmas Time In lieu of Christmas cards this year a donation has been made to ‘Young Epilepsy’.

LEE ON THE SOLENT

GOSPORT

175 High Street, Lee on the Solent, Hampshire. PO13 9BX

2 Stoke Parade, Stoke Road, Gosport, Hampshire. PO12 1QE

023 9307 4483

023 9250 1128 www.rubyfunerals.com

SOLENT AIRPORT MOTS Illustrious, Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent

OPEN AS USUAL - Adhering to social distancing guidelines

GARAGES

ARE PROUD TO ADD

SOLENT AIRPORT MOTS Illustrious, Daedalus Drive, Lee on the Solent PO13 9YA

TO OUR EXISTING GARAGES: 99b Mays Lane, Stubbington PO14 2ED

Unit 8 Hammond Industrial Estate, off Stubbington Lane PO14 2PT (Behind Solent Tow Bars)

212 Hunts Pond Road, Locks Heath PO14 4PG

• Welding & Body Repairs • Servicing • Tyres • MOT Testing Station • Car Sales & Find a Car • Brakes • Diagnostics testing • Clutches • Auto Electrics • Exhausts • Air Conditioning • General Repairs

CALL LOCAL RATE

0333 3585 999 Proud members of

Where reputation matters

FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE Mon - Fri: 8.30 - 5.30 Sat: 8.30 - 12.30 - hvrgarages.com

LIST

MAZDA/FORD/KIA INDEPENDENT SPECIA

GOSPORTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MAZDA, FORD & KIA SPECIALISTS FOR DIAGNOSTICS, SERVICE AND REPAIR. Offers a free local collection service (Booking Type Dependant) Female-friendly garage

DEALER TRAINED IANS TECHNIC

We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best, personal service in the industry

New TEXT Number: 07554 261371 or call 02392 520893 Text is the easiest and fastest way to book, if calling please leave a message or email if no answer

33 Moreland Road, Gosport, Hampshire (just off Forton Rd) e-mail: INFO@MAZZ-TEC.CO.UK www.mazz-tec.co.uk

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

TUDOR LODGE NURSING HOME Exceptional nursing care in a lovely country house setting CARE HOME

FOR OLDER PEOPLE

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOM E

229 Newgate Lane, Fareham, Hampshire PO14 1AU 01329 220322 www.nursinghomefareham.co.uk

RETIREMENT HOME

CANFORD MANOR NURSING HOME Exceptional nursing a stone’s throw from the beach

‘Normal Life’ Atmosphere inside the homes See our website for video tours

FIND US AT SILVERSPRINGS GARDEN CENTRE, FONTLEY ROAD, TITCHFIELD, FAREHAM PO15 6QX

Tel: 01329 847 386

www.abbeygardenbuildings.co.uk

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

CHAT WITH CORALIE

A not so Silent

Night

13 years ago I felt as though I had something missing from my life. I’d never really been a doggy person, finding that the hautiness of cats amused me as well as them being easier in terms of looking after. But then one day I came across an advert for a 6 month old puppy called Ruby who needed re-homing. Her little face was staring up at the camera and listening to my soppy heart I simply couldn’t resist. I went along to be ‘interviewed’ and was so excited when Ruby responded to me, played with her ‘tuggy’ and her owners agreed that they’d be happy for me to take her. I was thrilled. And since that day she has been by my side ever since. She’s like my little shadow and for those of you who have dogs you’ll know that feeling of having total, unconditional love pouring from her peanut sized head. I cannot imagine not having her there, she’s like one of my limbs now and at night curls up by my feet ready to greet me in the morning with the waggiest of tails and happiest of faces. I’m painting a picture of doggy perfection. Which in fairness for most of the month is true. She has a tendency to yap at the door but other than that she’s honestly the gentlest, friendliest doggy you’ll ever meet. She’s compliant, sleeps for ages and always settles as long as I am there. Until there’s a full moon. And then it all goes a bit wrong. For a couple of nights before and after a full moon it’s a bit like she has been possessed. During the day you wouldn’t notice any change but during the night she can’t settle. She gets up and down. Fidgets. Goes outside. Comes back in again. Snuffles about in the garden. Tries to sleep. Wakes up. Trots around the

bedroom. Whines. I’m literally up and down the stairs like a yo-yo, letting her in and out whilst she toddles in and out and back again. From the research I’ve done it would seem that none of these signs are scientifically proven, rather just speculation from the dog owners who have charted their dogs behaviour. Well, I would challenge any scientist to come and sit in my bedroom and watch what happens to Ruby. Actually it would probably be better if she went to a lab for a few nights and then I’d get some peace! Interestingly, though, studies have shown that during the full moon there are more emergency visits to the vets. Perhaps this is because of owners throwing them out of windows at the frustration of lack of sleep (I’m only joking before the pet police suggest that’s acceptable behaviour), but it would also correlate with stories my brother would tell of when he worked in St James’ Hospital back in the day and how a full moon would render them ‘locked down’ on many of the wards. But, because I love her so much, I’m mostly OK with this unusual trait. It couldn’t have been worse timed this month what with one thing and another (mainly the opening of our daughters new salon in Cherque Farm, Blonde + Boujee which has required a huge amount of work) but I love little Roobs with all my heart and if she wants to truffle around underneath a full moon once a month then it’s a small price to pay for the total devotion that she gives me. So I close this month wishing you all a very peaceful and Silent Night and I look forward to talking to you all again in 2021. Until next month

Coralie x

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

The Difference Between Care Homes and Live-In Dementia Care When deciding between care homes or live-in dementia care, how do you choose the right option for you? When a loved one starts developing dementia, it can be a very scary, uncertain time for all. Not only do you have to deal with the confusion that comes with the disease, but you are now also faced with the daunting task of finding the right care and support. At this point, we would like to reassure you that help is always at hand. Moreover, if you are trying to decide between moving your loved one to a care home or finding live-in dementia care, we can tell you there are benefits to both options. However, before we look at the differences between live-in dementia home care and care homes, let’s first understand what these two terms mean. What are care homes? Care homes are residences that your loved one can move into. They are specially designed to provide care and support to people coping with dementia. These can be of two types: • Residential care homes • Nursing homes Residential care homes - offer assisted living, where residents get personal care and support with tasks like washing and dressing, taking medicines on time as well as supervision around the clock. Nursing homes - provide all the facilities of a residential care home, but they also have qualified nurses available to provide medical assistance if needed.

What are the advantages of a care home? Multiple members of staff available 24/7: One of the biggest concerns many have when looking for dementia care is wanting to know that support is available around the clock. A care home can alleviate that worry by having multiple members of staff available 24/7. No matter if it’s an emergency or just a pair of eyes to make sure everything is okay, care homes can alleviate a lot of this concern. Monitored environment: The reason why there are multiple members of staff available in a care home is that different residents have different needs, with some requiring more attention than others. Whilst your loved one might be entirely independent, there may be others who need round-theclock supervision. Therefore, care homes can be the right choice for these people. The staff at a care home will be aware of the medical needs of every resident, and they will ensure that medications are taken on time or provide proper nutritional care. No housework: As well as providing support, care homes are also responsible for delivering meals and housekeeping services. This can be a significant advantage for older or physically weak residents. Since this service is part of the fee, residents don’t need to worry about paying any additional bills or maintenance costs either. Socialising opportunities: Since a care home is a facility with more than one resident, your loved one has the opportunity to meet other people and socialise. Whilst there is a separate bedroom and bathroom for each person, residents can meet up in shared communal areas like gardens, living and dining areas. What are the advantages of live-in dementia care? As we can see, care homes offer many benefits. So, how does live-in dementia care compare?

What is live-in dementia care? Live-in dementia care, care at home or home care are all different ways of saying the same thing – your loved one can stay at home and get the support they need from a live-in care assistant. The care assistant provides all the support and care that would be available in a care home, except within the comfort of the customer’s own home. 22

Independence: Many people suffering from dementia value their independence. However, whilst a care home can provide several amenities within the residential facility, the freedom for your loved one to live life the way they want to may not be one of them. Now, this is irrelevant if the resident is incapable of managing on their own. Even if they may want to be independent, their physical or mental condition may not allow it.

@bluebirdcaregosport / www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/gosport

However, unless the disease has progressed substantially, most people with dementia only need some additional support at home. Live-in care allows this to happen safely whilst providing companionship and support they need. Familiar surroundings: People living with dementia find their memories affected, so they can find life bewildering and disorienting at times. However, if they are in their own home, the familiar surroundings filled with items that are associated with memories can help ease some of the confusion. Studies have shown that, if people with dementia live at home they tend to have a better quality of life and much higher activity levels. With a live-in care assistant, they can continue living in the home they love whilst getting the care and support they might require. No rules or restrictions: Depending on the care home, residents may need to adhere to a set of house rules for the benefit of the other members and employees. For example, most care homes don’t allow pets, which can be extremely distressing for those that have animals they love and care for. Similarly, others may have a rule about only one resident per room. As a result, couples who both need care have to be separated. With live-in care, the only rules are stipulated by the customer or their family. As a result, they can have their pets living

with them, which can be immensely beneficial to their physical health and mental well-being. Couples, and even families, can remain together, all helping to take care of each other. Affordable care: A lot of people are under the misconception that live-in care is prohibitively expensive. However, the truth is entirely different. With home care, you only pay for the time the care assistant spends with your loved one. On the other hand, in a care home, you would need to pay for the living space, food, amenities, overheads, bills and maintenance costs, all of which would be included in the fee. In fact, you are looking for care for a married couple, home care or live-in-care is more cost effective than moving both to a care home. In this case, they will be paying the fee twice over, whereas in their own home, their living cost would be much less. The only possible expense that comes with home care might be if you need to alter the setting to make it safer or more practical for your loved one. As you can see, there are many differences between live-in dementia care and care homes that could help you decide which one’s the better choice for your loved one. If you require live-in dementia care service for a family member, please contact us, we will be happy to discuss our services with you.

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

Keep on running the back of little training Mike found himself finishing in a very respectable 1 hour and 30 minutes. Thinking that he was more suited to running than football, Mike joined his local running club, Gosport Road Runners. Gosport Road Runners had no track team and so Mike eventually joined Fareham Athletic Club where, after a few training sessions, he found himself in the 200-metre final of the Hampshire Championship in 1987. This was a superb achievement but after being beaten by runners of the calibre of the late Todd Bennett (world indoor 200m champion) and in later races, Roger Black, Kriss Akabusi and Iwan Thomas, Mike decided that he was more suited to road running.

A BIG man in green... Are you ready for the big man in red? After such a strange year, this Christmas will certainly be one that will not be easily forgotten! This month’s article however focuses on a big man in green...’Stubbington Green’ to be precise. Let me introduce Mike Harper. Anyone who has been running for a while will probably know Mike from the racing circuit or more locally, parkrun. Mike is amazing, someone I look up to both as a runner and a human being. I’ve always been envious of his talent and determination to be the best he can possibly be. Mike’s first recollection of racing was whilst on holiday in Devon, aged 10. He remembers that it was only a short downhill race, over rough ground but he soon found himself to be very far ahead, so far in fact they he stopped to ensure that everyone else had actually started. Not only did Mike win first prize, which was a half crown (ask your parents how much this is) but it was presented to him by no other than the famous Irish comedian Dave Allen (again you may need to ask your parents). Forward to his school years and Mike found himself distracted by other sports such as football, cricket and even American Football! Aged 25, Mike’s football team entered the Portsmouth Half Marathon and on 24

There followed many impressive performances back at Gosport Road Runners in cross country and on the road but when his training partners moved on, Mike found himself running alone with few able to push him. Having friends in the neighbouring Stubbington Green Runners, Mike switched clubs where he enjoyed 22 years, many of those as Club Captain. During this time, records fell and his race CV was bolstered by superb performances in all distances including a 4 minute 38 second mile whilst training with his friend Mike Bainbridge. A few injuries along the way slowed him down briefly but careful and sensible rehabilitation saw Mike back on the pace in no time. In 1989 after an eventual transfer to Fareham Crusaders Running Club Mike was persuaded by his 3-year-old daughter to stop eating meat. In 2015, the same daughter, herself now a vegan, persuaded him to follow her lead and Mike joined the Vegan Runners group. His first race as a Vegan Runner saw Mike complete an IronMan event on his 55th birthday. Aged 57, Mike ran the Brighton Marathon finishing in 3 hours 13 minutes, earning himself an England vest in the veteran 55-59 age group. Amazing huh? One of Mike’s biggest achievements (his words) was beating the legendary Seb Coe over ‘The Westminster Mile’ even though it was a fun run and most recently Mike boasts a personal best parkrun time (5K) of 18 minutes 18 seconds. Mike is one of those people who others are pleased to call a friend and always ready to offer advice and support. He is a terrific role model to others, particularly those who have left their better years behind. When the lockdown is eventually lifted and sporting activities return to something like normal, keep an eye out for a lean machine of more mature years leaving youngsters in his dust trail at a race near you. Nick (Absolute GosVegas) cartscartergosvegas@gmail.com

email: editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk | www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

DISCOUNT LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES discount-landscapingsupplies.co.uk

WE CAN ALSO DELIVER! 6 ʼ F/Edge Panel £32.25 | 6 ʼ Lap Panel £18.00 Lap panels from £15.30 | F/Edge Panels from £24.50 All plus VAT Manufacturers 10yr Guarantee 8ʼ Slotted Post £13.25 | 12” Gravel Board £12.83 Concrete Posts from £9.91 | 6” Concrete Gravel Boards from £9.08 Cement £3.42 | Post Fix £3.75 per bag £15.95 per sqm All plus VAT

Marshalls Block Paving from £12.54 per sqm Kiln Dried Sand £3.50 per bag plus VAT

Ballast / Sharp Sand Shingle £32 Per Tonne Recycled Materials from £12.50 Tonne plus VAT Cement from £3.42 per bag

22mm calibrated Indian Sandstone from £18.99 per sqm plus VAT 9 colours available Sawn honed Sandstone in mixed sizes or 600 x 900 from £24.99 plus VAT

Newlands Farm, Tanners Lane, Fareham PO14 2HT Opening hours: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5pm | Saturday 8am - 2pm

prices are excluding VAT/ 07909 627177 to adverstise callAllGemma 01329 630630

Providing Quality Care in Your Own Home

Serenity Care is a family run home care company, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality care to allow people to remain in their own homes

www.serenitycaresolent.co.uk Live-In Care | Personal Care | Overnight Care Companionship | Home Care |Respite Care

Please contact us on Tel: 02392 350274 or Mobile: 07563 172078 email: enquiries@serenitycaresolent.co.uk | www.serenitycaresolent.co.uk

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

Solent Garage Services Stubbington Ltd

We can work on ALL makes and models of vehicles • MOT (up to class 7) • Full 5* Service from £159.99 (inc VAT) - no hidden charges • AIR CONDITIONING • TYRES • PUNCTURE REPAIRS • EXHAUSTS

• DIAGNOSTICS • BRAKES • SUSPENSION WORK • CLUTCHES • REPAIRS • TRACKING ADJUSTMENTS

MOT STATION ACCOMMODATING: MOTORCYCLES, CARS,VANS, MOTOR CARAVANS, TAXIS, GOODS VEHICLES AND MORE

MOT TESTING

Class 1 & 2, Class 4, Class 7

Deals this good don't last forever. Call us today!

Remap All ma ping and m kes From odels £150

01329 667000 www.solentgarageservices.co.uk enquiries@solentgarageservices.co.uk Look out for our Yellow Signs Unit 7 Hammond Ind Estate | Stubbington Lane | Stubbington | Fareham PO14 2PT

Brickwork | Concreting | Fencing | Decking | New Lawns | Artifical Grass Landscape Design | Driveway Cleaning and Sealing With over 20 years experience our team are dedicated and passionate in providing a bespoke service from complete transformations to simple restorations. Fully insured. Please contact us for your fixed quotation with no obligation

07501 370071 | rightchoicedps@gmail.com Before

After

Right Choice

Call Scott: 07979 003122 or Joe: 07803 805988 Email: allenandhainesltd@outlook.com Drives & Patio Company No:12931407

to adverstise call Gemma 01329 630630 / 07909 627177

Services

LGS Lee Garden Services

We specialise in all aspects of: · Patios · Fencing · Water Features · Artiﬁcial Lawns · Bricklaying · Walls · Drives · Paving · Garden maintenance - including hedges, grass cutting and tree work

For a quote, call us today on: 07879

270 974

lgs1williams@gmail.com 30

email: editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk | www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

SOLENT FLOORING

Sit back and relax - we come to you! or alternatively visit our showroom CARPETS, VINYLS, LAMINATES, & REAL WOOD ALL SUPPLIED & PROFESSIONALLY FITTED. OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FULLY INSURED. DIRECT EMPLOYED FITTERS

Showroom now open!! Monday-Friday 9am-2pm If you wish to visit our showroom between the hours of 2pm-5pm Mon-Fri or on a Saturday morning please call to make an appointment.

We supply Top Quality Artificial Grass

‘Solent Twist Promotion’

Stain Free Heavy Domestic Twist with a 7 Year wear warranty, 12 colours, Creams, Browns, Greys. 3m x 4m £240 4m x 4m £320 5m x 4m £395 Price Examples including VAT

To include:- Fitting, 10mm underlay, uplift and disposal of old flooring, Grippers, Door bars, Doors eased, help to move furniture, we even hoover up. The full traditional service

Call today - 0239 876700 or 0800 9177 553 Jason: 07770 411734 Vicky@solentflooring.co.uk www.solent-flooring.co.uk

Unit C1, Heritage Business Park, Heritage Way, Gosport, PO12 4BG Established 25 years. Company Reg 5813534.

over 1000 reviews