Big Voice in Lee on the Solent May 2015 by Big Voice Directories

May 2015 | Issue 91 | Priceless

Learn to let go Let some flow into life

Sensei SAYS

Is karate just for fighters?

ÂŠ Image by Christopher Gibson And available at White Dog Gallery, Lee on the Solent

THIS MONTH..

18 8

28 27

, ealth h , y t u ni omm nd more c , s a pe Reci operties r p

MOTORING AND TRAVEL 27

Porsche Panemera Diesel

It looks like a bloated beast and occasionally handles like one. Read on to find out more about this rating of the new Porsche by Tim Barnes-Clay.

HOUSE AND GARDENS 18

Planning Matters

In the picture

Check out this months round up of planning applications in and around Lee on Solent

Gita Joshi tells us more about how to collect and care for the artwork in our homes.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL 46

Martins Money Tips

CHILDREN, PETS & EDUCATION 10 Sensei Says… … is karate just for fighters? Another insightful look at the martial arts world from local Karate instructor, Rob Wood. 20

Brilliant

A lovely book review from the Gosport Discovery Centre of Roddy Doyles book, Brilliant.

COMMUNITY 8

St Faiths’ Church

Gig Guide

What does Pastoral really mean? Alan Millard investigates and has a super interview with local Pastor Joyce Dawson.

Debt. Not a great topic but don’t hide from it. See Support your local bands and enjoy some fabulous what little gems Martin comes up with this month. live music at pubs in the area during April and May. 4

may issue 2015

Pearl Publishing 01329 630630

Joint Editors Coralie Todd & Sean Middleton editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

Advertising Sales sales@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

Regular Contributors Martin Lewis, St Faith’s Church, Tim Barnes-Clay, James Walker

Distribution This Big Voice Bigazine is delivered to residents and businesses in Lee on the Solent and Cherque Farm For distribution enquiries please give us a call and speak to Sean. Four other editions are also published in Alverstoke, Whiteley, Titchfield Park and Burridge, Gosport and Stubbington and Hill Head 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 BVD Publishing.

“Y came to an end?

Smalalltalk Sm ltalk

our time is limited... … so don’t waste it living someone else’s life”

said Steve Jobs. I wonder how long it took him to realise this before his life

And I wonder how many of us are actually guilty of this in one way or another? It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the needs of day to day life that you don’t stop to look around you and see what you are blessed with, or indeed how you actually got to where you are. You may not be living in a way that is true to yourself and whilst it might not matter right now, eventually your very self will erode away so that you, at worse, forget who you really are, and at best live a life that doesn’t fulfil you. Without casting responsibility and sense totally adrift, why not spend some time with a pen and a pad and just doodle. Draw or write whatever comes to mind about your life. Let it all flow— nothing is right or wrong—feelings, facts and figures. You’ll end up with a picture that might surprise you. One inarguable fact is that we can only be sure of the very moment so grab yours with both hands and jolly well live it in the way that YOU want to live it! Much love until next month Coralie and Sean x

Advertise with us! Reliably delivered by our local teams, reaching over 25000 homes each issue, FIVE 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. Visit our Facebook page Big Voice Directories

Visit our website www.bigvoicedirectories.co.uk 5

Out and about

Lee -on-the-Solent Horticultural Society Holds Three Shows a Year and a number of Social Evenings, also has a Trading Hut for Members opens 10 -12 Noon on Sundays and Thursdays. Contact Membership Secretary 02392 554363

planning permission involvement; the Christmas social event; fund raising activities; liaison with Lee Business Association (LBA).and organises a Monthly Table Top Event in Lee, contact the Secretary for more info 02392 551547 or visit the website www.leeresidents.org.uk

Chambers 7th September (1.45-4.00) in Council Chambers 9th November (1.45-4.00) in Council Chambers

Social Evening 27 May 2015 with guest Speaker Brian Kidd at 7.30. p.m. in Lee Community Centre, Twyford Drive, Lee-on-the-Solent. Talk title " Colour all the year". Come along and join the Society, become involved and join the Horticultural Society Committee, contact the Secretary - Bruce Thomas 02392 551873 for more info.

Lee on Solent Residents Association Open Evening 26th May with guest speaker Jenny Watkins talking about British Divers Marine Life Rescue at 7:30pm at the Methodist Church, Lee High Street. For more information contact Pam Ingram on 023 9255 154.

Lee Historic Waterfront Walk and Talk Walks and Talks take place on the first Tuesday of the month from February to October, starting in Elmore Car Park next to the Fishing Club Compound at 10am. The route is along Lee Promenade to the old swimming pool site, returning back to the car park. Total time is around 90 minutes. Contact Ray Harding on 023 9255 1706.

Lee Players We meet in Crofton Hall Theatre Crofton Community Centre, Stubbington every Tuesday at 7.45pm. Whether you wish to “tread the boards” or help out backstage, please come along, you will be guaranteed a warm welcome. Please call Peter or Sally Appleton on Telephone: 02392 551010 Lee Residents Association Holds several Open Evenings with guest speakers a year, three up to date newsletters; joint events with other community groups,

Gosport Access Group and Disability Forum Meeting This is an informal gathering for people with mixed disabilities, carers and supporters. We have one or two speakers each meeting and time for discussing any access issues of concern in Gosport. Everyone is welcome to come along for a cuppa and join in, from 1.45pm for a 2pm start. Meeting dates for this year are:9th March (1.45-4.00) in Committee Room 1 11th May (1.45-4.00) in ~Committee Room 1 6th July (AGM) (11.30-2.30) in Council

Maria Battley (Secretary) gosportaccessgroup@hotmail.co.uk

SING for FUN Starts the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at St Faiths church, Lee on Solent 19.30 until 21.00 pm . £4. Aimed at young people and adults with learning difficulties, also all ages and abilities welcome. More details contact Phil 02392 360120

List your local event for F REE on our Out and About pages Email details to editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk

Important Phone Numbers COMMUNITY Community Association 023 9255 2841 Crofton Secondary School 01329 664251 Family & Friends Lesbians & Gays 0845 6520311 Lee on Solent Parish Office 023 9255 6445 Lee on Solent Infant School 023 9255 1767 Lee on Solent Junior School 023 9255 0551 Local Councillor 023 9255 2177 Local Council Offices 023 9258 4242 Neighbourhood Watch 023 9258 3637 Police 101 or emergency 999 RSPCA 01329 667541 Tourist Information 023 9252 2944 Victim Support 0845 3899528 HEALTH Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 Dental Helpline 0845 0508345 Gosport War Memorial Hospital 023 9252 4611 Lee on Solent Health Centre 023 9255 0220 NHS Direct 111 NHS Smoking Helpline 0800 0224332

TRAVEL Coastguard 023 8032 9486 Dial a Ride Gosport 01329 223151 First Bus Service 023 9286 2412 Hampshire Highways 0845 8504422 IcanGo 07787 292666 National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950

Love where you live!

By Nig el M ais ey

GIG GUIDE All gigs start at 9pm unless otherwise stated.

April Friday 17th Friday 17th Saturday 18th Saturday 18th Sunday 19th Friday 24th Friday 24th Saturday 25th Saturday 25th Sunday 26th

May

Friday 1st Friday 1st Saturday 2nd Saturday 2nd Sunday 3rd Friday 8th Friday 8th Saturday 9th Sunday 10th Friday 15th Friday 15th Saturday 16th Saturday 16th Sunday 17th Friday 22nd Friday 22nd Saturday 23rd Saturday 23rd Sunday 24th Friday 29th Friday 29th Saturday 30th Saturday 30th Sunday 31st

Monkey Butlers Beyonce (tribute) Mafia Rock of the Pops The Worried Men Fixed Wheel Sultan Sheiks The Startled Monkeys MAFIA Soul Patch

The Bird The Carisbrooke The Carisbrooke The Hoeford The Bird The Bird The Carisbrooke The Carisbrooke The Hoeford The Bird

Fareham Gosport Gosport Gosport Fareham 6pm Fareham Gosport Gosport Fareham Fareham 6pm

Dr Peppers LACB Small Town Hot Heads Go Mad Lewis Creaven Band Dust Bowl Strange Fruit Scary Biscuits Legend Sorted Crackling Jack Cher Tribute Louise (Blondie Tribute) Juicy Lucy The Punk Pirates 8 foot Yetti Fine Southern Gents Roy Peplow Maxine & Lacey Neandertones The Stereotypes Headstock Monster The Business

The Bird The Carisbrooke The Carisbrooke The Hoeford The Bird The Bird The Carisbrooke The Hoeford The Bird The Bird The Carisbrooke The Carisbrooke The Hoeford The Bird The Bird The Carisbrooke The Carisbrooke The Hoeford The Bird The Bird The Carisbrooke The Carisbrooke The Hoeford The Bird

Fareham Gosport Gosport Fareham Fareham 6pm Fareham Gosport Fareham Fareham 6pm Fareham Gosport Gosport Fareham Fareham 6pm Fareham Gosport Gosport Fareham Fareham 6pm Fareham Gosport Gosport Fareham Fareham 6pm

ÂŠ Tim Stephens

St Fait hs’ Communit y

Like most churches, St Faith’s has a Pastoral Ministry Group but, before writing about its work and its coordinator, Joyce Dawson, I thought I’d find out for myself what ‘pastoral’ means, having always associated it with countryside meadows and Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. Joyce explained that its original meaning had to do with ‘shepherding’ in the sense of ‘caring for’ and that she hoped this article would focus on the pastoral ministry of St. Faith’s rather than the Pastoral Ministry Group itself. I promised it would apart from a brief sketch of how her life’s story would account for her interest and current involvement with pastoral care. Joyce, the middle child of three, was born in Worcester. Church for her family was the Salvation Army and it was through this organisation she chose to pursue her calling to Christian ministry. It was at the S.A. officer training college in London

where she met her husband-to-be, Trevor. Commissioned as an officer in 1968, she married Trevor a year later and spent the following decade working with him as a parish minister in the Home Counties where they brought up their two children, Paul and Anna. After further service at Barton on Humber they ended up as training officers themselves at the college where they’d trained.

NHS therapist in the Gosport and Fareham area. Since retirement she has trained as a volunteer advisor at Gosport’s Citizens’ Advice Bureau. Not surprisingly, after joining St Faith’s, her involvement with pastoral care in the church began.

As the group’s co-ordinator, Joyce now works with a team of around ten volunteers for Paul, St. Faith’s priest, whose duty it is to provide Throughout her years of pastoral care for everyone in the Parish of Lee ministry Joyce felt the need to whether they are churchgoers or acquire greater skills and not. At present some are referred by understanding to help people with more complex needs and a move to local organisations, some through word of mouth and others by coming the Salvation Army Counselling Service gave opportunity for further into contact with St. Faith’s through professional training. She qualified at Christenings, weddings funerals or other church functions. the Westminster Pastoral Foundation as a psycho-analytic therapist. In 1995 she resigned from Joyce’s genuine concern for those in need of support was unmistakable. the Salvation Army, worked in She wanted me to stress that London for the NHS as a pastoral care must extend beyond psychological therapist for the next the church to the whole town. She ten years and eventually moved really believes that Christ’s closer to her daughter in Lee as an

injunction to ‘love one another as I have loved you’ means what it says and that pastoral care in the community is one of the ways in which it can be fulfilled. Such care might involve taking communion to people no longer able to attend church or listening to and hopefully helping anyone in need. Joyce was keen for the work of the team to be known and used by anybody in Lee who feels it might be of help to them whether or not they have any connection with St. Faith’s.

know, please contact the St. Faith’s Parish Church Office That pastoral help should extend beyond the church to the whole town was what she wanted this article to stress. So don’t be afraid to pick up the phone if you think the service might be of help to you. The pastoral team, I know, would welcome your call.

Dates for your diary

Before I left I asked if Joyce would be willing to hear from anyone who, Lee Singers. Thursday, May 9th, 7pm. St Faith’s Church. reading this, might want to get in Summer Fete, Saturday June 13th, 10am - 2pm. St Faith’s Church touch with the team. I needn’t have asked. True to her word she said that the pastoral response of St Faiths is Our wonderful St Faiths contributor, Alan Millard can be contacted via St Faith’s available to anyone in the town who Church, Lee on the Solent. requests it. If you think that a visit Parish Office from her or one of the team would be of help to you or to someone you Mondays - Fridays 10:30am - 12:30pm 023 9255 6445 alan.millard@talktalk.net

P uzzle Answers Answers May 2015 SUDOKU

WORDSEARCH

STEP ON IT SCRAMBLE

Sensei Says

Sensei Rob Wood is a Fourth Dan in Goju-Ryu Karate and has taught children and adults for over 20 years in his dojo in the UK South Coast.

Is karate just for fighters? that some readers may have concerns that those “fighters” may be too physical on those that aren’t quite into Kumite as others and therefore might become swamped by those overzealous students. To be honest, if the respect foundation is administered correctly from day 1 then this is Many of the people I take on as never a problem. Students students have varying degrees of understand that when facing an justification for starting out. opponent of junior grade / ability, they should nurture them, build Living in a part of the country their confidence and be where the Navy has a big compassionate in their approach. So, the fighting (Kumite) side of connection with many families All these things go into making a appears to attract youngsters that what we do… personally it’s the part I actually enjoy the most right great pupil and decent person. simply need a little discipline in their lives that may be contributed now. The reason I say “right now” That said, when students face an is that over a long period of time, I, equal adversary and the friendship to Mums or Dads being away on is firmly in place, stand back and like so many others find training service duty. watch the fireworks! runs in trends. For a couple of years I get totally absorbed in I’m not implying that Servicemen Kumite but then I have a transition Looking back on my earlier years children are unruly, but I like to training, friends and I often had think that it fills a gap in their lives to Kata and that will become my passion for a time. This could then some pretty horrific sessions and it where they have the opportunity was inevitable that there were to release some physical pressure, be followed by groundwork, pad work etc. It needs to be highlighted going to be some injuries I’d rather have fun with other children and that, although one aspect becomes spare you the details of. At the end understand the importance of of it though, we’d have a laugh, my focus, it by no means makes respect for other inside a shrug it off and wait for the next the other aspects of training are disciplined environment. less enjoyable or go unattended, it session. Understandably, when we begin to just means that when we cover those parts in class, it actually just So is Karate just for fighters?... go through the age ranges I see absolutely not. You can take what makes the adrenaline get going varying degrees of reasons for you need from a dojo, respect, quicker! joining. Some enjoy the whole discipline, fitness, sport, atmosphere of meeting likeminded confidence, social interaction and Obviously there are students that teenagers whilst sadly there are only join the dojo to learn to fight life skills. those that are being bullied in (for all the right reasons of course!) everyday life. and that’s fine. To be quite honest, The bully victims are the ones that most of them don’t appreciate the effort it takes to even become a really strike a chord with me. It’s reasonable fighter and most will unnecessary in society and fall by the wayside in the process absolutely unforgivable that a (or find a different part that person is forced to find ways of appeals to them). I’m assuming making physical aggression stop.

I like to think of Karate being a path that everyone can or maybe should take. Clearly I’m bias, but the benefits are immense and the fighting aspect is just a single entity in a huge collection of the Martial Art skill.

Needless to say, Karate is not just about facing physical violence physically. The installation of confidence is a huge by-product of being taught. Let’s face it, a confident and assertive person is far more unlikely to be a “target” for the undesirables in the world so ensuring my students can confidently assert themselves respectfully to peers and adults will forever stand them in good stead right the way through life.

01329 559474

P lanning Matters A monthly round up of planning applications submitted since 1 March 2015 GOSPORT COUNCIL 15/00089/FULL

39 Elmore Avenue Lee-On-The- Erection of single storey and first floor rear extensions Solent Hampshire PO13 9EP

Pending Consideration

15/00134/HHGDO

37 Sea Crest Road Lee-On-The- Gpdo part 1 notification - erection of single storey rear Solent Hampshire PO13 8HH extension depth of 3.28 metres maximum height of 3.30 metres height of eaves 2.00 metres

Pending Decision

15/00096/FULL

25 - 27 Pier Street Lee-On-The- Installation of atm (conservation area) Solent Hampshire PO13 9LD

Pending Consideration

15/00083/FULL

The Bun Penny 36 Manor Way Lee-On-The-Solent Hampshire PO13 9JH

15/00102/FULL

Erection of 3 no. 8 metre high floodlighting columns and Lee On Solent Tennis Squash And Fitness Club 41 - 47 Manor addition of 3 no. Floodlights to existing columns Way Lee-On-The-Solent Hampshire PO13 9JQ

Pending Consideration

15/00095/FULL

53 Marine Parade East Lee-On- Construction of vehicular access on to classified road The-Solent Hampshire PO13 9BW

Pending Consideration

15/00141/FULL

64 Gosport Road Lee-On-TheSolent Hampshire PO13 9EN

Pending Consideration

Erection of single storey rear and single storey side/rear extensions and re-siting of outbuilding (conservation area)

Erection of first floor side and rear extensions

Pending Consideration

B ook Review Review “BRILLIANT”, by Roddy Doyle

When Uncle Ben’s Dublin business fails, it's clear to Gloria and Raymond that something is wrong. He just isn’t his usual cheerful self. So when the children overhear their granny saying that the Black Dog has settled on Ben’s back and he won’t be OK until it’s gone, they decide they're going to get rid of it. This sounds like a dark tail and quite heavy for children but the story is told with a light touch and plenty of humour. The children set out on a midnight quest to hunt down the Black Dog and chase it away. But as they set off they realise that it’s not only their family affected by the Black Dog. Loads of other children are searching for it too, because the Black Dog is hounding lots of Dublin's adults. Together – and with the help of magical animals, birds and rodents – the children manage to corner the Black Dog. The conclusion is edgy and tense but reaches a satisfying conclusion. A sensitive and well written portrayal of depression, there is plenty to discuss here about the effect it has on not only the individual but also the family and those around them. The illustrations add to complete package to make this a great book.

171 - 173 High Street Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 9BX

Once you have art work at home you will want to get it up on the walls.

In the Picture

When hanging art works I prefer to use picture hooks. These are easy to use and readily available at all diy When thinking about the positioning of By Gita Joshi, AWAD. www.orsomajor.com stores. These are very the art works in your home you should straightforward to use but if avoid placing paper based works such as prints or drawings, in areas of high you would like a tutorial, there are plenty good. When cleaning your art works use of videos on this subject to be found on an anti static cloth and if you need to use humidity such as a bathroom as this can Youtube. For hanging large works use two cleaning product on the glass, then spray result in damage to the art works. picture hooks to balance the weight of the product onto the cloth and then apply the frame, one at each side. On the back the cloth to the picture glass. You should Watercolours, gouache and pencil avoid spraying directly onto the frame as drawings should not be placed on walls of the frame are D rings with the cord with direct sunlight as this will cause the running between them. I usually hang art you risk the cleaning product dripping down and seeping between the frame art works to fade over time and works from the D ring rather than the and the glass. subsequently depreciate in value. So take cord, as this ensures stability and a day or two to see how the natural light prevents the frame from moving on the So there you have it, no more reason to moves around your home before settling hook. be stacking art work on the floor, get it up on a position for it. Once the art work is up on the wall youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll on the walls and enjoy it! want to look after it and keep it looking The optimum height to hang the art works is such that the centre of the framed piece is at eye level. In very general terms this is somewhere between Looking after your artwork 55 to 65 inches from the floor, depending on how tall you are. If you are hanging several pieces of different sizes in a row you would want an imaginary line running horizontally through the centre of all of them.

In house chat Following on from last month’s article on advice for all the first time buyers out there… I covered finances, what to look for and the offer stage so this month I want to talk about offer accepted, surveys and the sales process – including solicitors. Offer Accepted Great news, you’ve received the call from the selling agent to say that your offer has been accepted and now they are asking you a whole host of questions (or they should be) about your finances, timescales and which solicitors you’ll be using to convey the purchase. If you are prepared and perhaps followed the advice I wrote from last month, then you will already have your finances in place – perhaps even have an Agreement in Principal ready to prove that you can proceed.

FIRST TIME BUYERS - PART 2

Mark Rowe, MD & Owner of RPS Estate and Letting Agents that a Homebuyers report is usually sufficient unless you have chosen to go for a very old property or one that has previous structural defects in some way.

Sales Process & Solicitors The sales process can be long and requires patience as well as understanding from everyone involved in the chain. At the very least, the agent dealing with your property Surveys purchase should be calling you to The three common types of survey are; Mortgage valuation, update you of progress and Homebuyers and full structural. inform you of timescales along The most common type is a the way. The sales process Homebuyers report, this will give requires you to instruct a you a very good overview of the solicitor and my common problems that may recommendation here would be to choose a solicitor local to you arise with most properties. A and hopefully one who has dealt mortgage valuation is the most basic form and is used by with properties in the area that you are buying in. Please try to mortgage lenders to assess the valuation of the property and is avoid cheap online conveyancers, you need personal contact and usually included as part of your someone who’s available on the mortgage set up costs. The full phone and in person. structural survey is a very detailed report and obviously costs considerably more than a Your solicitor will be communicating with the seller’s Homebuyers. My advice here is

solicitor and will be raising enquiries to produce a contract that eventually you will all be happy with. This process, on average, can take between 6-10 weeks. It can take longer if more people are involved in the chain, so be prepared and communicate as much as possible to ensure a smooth transaction. Exchange of contracts is a happy time for all as this sets a completion (move) date and legally binds everyone to moving on that day. Completion day is the time to smile! Once the mortgage monies have moved throughout the chain then you may collect your keys, which are usually held with the selling agent. This is a very brief overview and I hope this gives you a slight head start when buying your first home.

Auto biographies the front, or when peering down engine chucks the monster from 0 to its long, wide, snout, its form 62 mph in 6.0 starts to draw you in. seconds, and carries it to a top Through its proportions alone, speed of 161 the Porsche Panamera stands mph. out clearly in its market The 3.0 litre six segment. It measures 1931mm cylinder turbo (76.0in) in width and 1418mm diesel car is made (55.8in) in height, while its for touring - that overall length is 4970mm (195.7in). And this particular oil- much is obvious. burner model can be recognised The 100 litre fuel tank and claimed by the lettering ‘diesel’ on the 44.1 mpg will take front doors. you across a Step inside, and the plush cabin generous slice of the European reeks of cowhide. The sumptuous seating-for-four and continent without lengthy legroom, both front and the need to stop FAST FACTS PROS ‘N’ CONS rear, provide the comfort you for fuel. To give Touring range √ would expect from a car costing you an idea of its  Max speed: 161mph range in the UK, Power √ over £60,000.  0-62 mph: 6.0 secs the German Space √  Combined mpg: 44.1 goliath is capable of taking four Indeed, every Panamera, has a  Engine: 2967cc 6 cylinder 24 valve passengers from Lands End to Loch Economy √ high level of standard turbo diesel Ness without refuelling. specification. This includes Comfort √  Max. power (bhp): 296 at 4000 rpm Porsche Active Suspension  Max. torque (Ib/ft): 479 at 1750 Divisive looks X Management, which adapts Performance and low consumption rpm are accompanied by smooth running handling to suit your preferred CO2: 169g/km  and low emissions. An additional driving style. In ‘Normal’ mode Price: £62,922 on the road  contributing factor is the auto start/ the car delivers a blend of stop function, which is de rigueur. performance and comfort, and then there’s a ‘Sport’ setting where It looks like a bloated beast and Porsche has never suffered from a the setup is much firmer. occasionally it handles like one. poor image. Sure, like most The Porsche also comes with vivid Bi- automakers, there have been tiny The Porsche Panamera’s swollen blips in its history, but nothing Xenon headlights; parking sensors; exterior is more obvious at the back detrimental. The arrival of the tyre pressure monitoring; automatic of the car; it’s too bulbous to look Panamera Diesel has definitely dimming rear view mirrors; touchathletic. screen satellite navigation and audio polarised the opinion of the petrolheaded purists though. Many don’t But there is no disguising the ability of controls, as well as cruise control. In the vehicle. Two enormous tail pipes addition, the car is available with rear- see it as a 'proper' Porsche, and its jut from the car’s stern like horizontal wheel drive and uses a highly efficient styling certainly doesn’t achieve universal acclaim. steel chimneys; these more than hint eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. at the clout that the corpulent car is That said; it’s an awesome car to go capable of serving up. For the majority of time spent behind long distance travelling in with three The front of the Panamera is far more the portly Porsche’s wheel, it pleases other’s to accompany you. You’re also bound to get lots of looks – but not Porsche-like, with its sweeping curved when its hefty haunches launch the always for the right reason. bonnet and ever-so-slightly ‘hang-dog car forward with as much effort as it -eyed’ headlights. Approaching it from takes to throw a dart. The formidable

Porsche Panemera Diesel

By Tim Barnes-Clay www.carwriteups.co.uk

@carwriteups

Specialising in: Diagnostics testing  Auto Electrics  Air Conditioning  Welding & Body Repairs Brakes Clutches Exhausts General Repairs Servicing Tyres

Also at Locks Heath: 212 Hunts Pond Road, Locks Heath PO14 4PG Tel: 01489 559699

Martin Lewis

Debt For those with existing debts there are record deals available right now to let you cut the cost and save £100s or £1,000s. Yet as the old adage goes, banks are companies that’d lend you an umbrella when the sun shines and ask for it back when it rains. So getting cheaper credit when in debt is tricky – however I have developed credit card eligibility checkers which can help you check what debt cutting cards you’re able to get before you apply. If you can lower the interest cost, then more of your repayment clears the actual debt, not just services the interest – meaning you’ll be debt-free far quicker. So here are the key debt cost cutting need to knows…

@MoneySavingExpert

(a year ago they were 30 months), but as with many things in life longest isn't always best. Aim for the lowest fee card, ensuring you've enough time to clear it. Top picks and golden rules at www.mse.me/balancetransfers.

are as cheap as possible, list them all, including overdrafts, in order of APRs. Focus all spare cash to clear the highest APR one as it grows fastest, and just pay the min on the others. Once that's clear, move to the next highest.

Shift your overdraft to 0% too. Debit cards can be debt cards too - if you're in your overdraft it's often more costly than credit cards, especially if you bust your limit. So there are two ways to get out of this.

I've never seen a debt crisis that isn't solvable - don't give up hope. The solutions above are for cutting debt costs. Yet for some, it's much worse than that. Do any of these apply to you...

a) Switch to a 0% overdraft: Top bank for customer service www.firstdirect.com offers a £250 0% overdraft (you must payin £1,000/month) and for accepted new switchers a free £100 - which should help reduce the overdraft straight away. For some www.nationwide.co.uk 0% overdraft may be bigger, but it's only for a year and is 50p/day after.

I make no apology for saying…. stop borrowing. If you're struggling, borrowing to make ends meet just elongates the problem - making it even costlier and more difficult. The tips below will help, but if you keep adding to the debt nothing b) Shift it to a 0% 'money transfer' credit will fix it. So take a deep breath, do a card. A few balance transfer cards also let budget and examine all your spending to newbies 'money transfer'. This is where it see if you can cut back. pays a lump sum into your bank account, which can then clear your overdraft so Best buys are only best if you can get you owe it instead. Top pick is them. While there are many great rates www.mbna.co.uk which gives 24 months on offer, you need to pass a credit score 0% money transfers for a one off 2.2% fee to get them, and many fail at that (though it's 22.9% rep APR after the 0% hurdle. Worse still when you apply it ends). Yet be careful, follow the balance leaves a footprint on your file and lots of those in a short space of time can hit your transfer rules above and for more picks and full step-by-step help see future credit worthiness. I've given www.mse.me/moneytransfers. evidence to Parliament on this 'antishopping around' system - little's been Can you cut the cost of existing done. loans? It's complex, as you need to factor in that most loans charge up So to fight back on my site we’ve built a free eligibility calculator – which tells you to two months' interest to repay them early. which cards you’re most likely to be accepted for. Just as importantly it does - Who should try? Those who can get this without leaving a footprint on your a substantially lower APR loan (eg, file that lenders can see – so you can more than a fifth off, so from 10% to home in on the right one, minimising 8%), and have a while left to repay. applications. To try it go to www.MoneySavingExpert.com/eligibility. Full options in www.mse.me/ cheaploans. - How much can I save? Someone Shift credit or store card debt to 35mth who is 2 years through a 5 year 12% 0%. A balance transfer’s where you get a loan for £5,000, paying it off with a new credit card that repays debts on the 4.9% loan, could save around old credit or store card(s) for you, so you £1,000. owe it instead at a lower rate. The longest 0% deals for those new to the card company now last nearly three years

- You can't meet even just the minimum monthly payments. - You have non-mortgage debts bigger than a year's salary. - You have sleepless nights or serious depression/anxiety over your debts. If so then you're likely in a debt crisis and that means the solution you need is totally different. The most important thing I can tell you is I've never seen a debt crisis that isn't solvable. It may not always be quick or easy, but there is a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. The first step is to go for free, one-on-one debt counselling help from www.adviceguide.org.uk, www.stepchange.org, www.nationaldebtline.org or, if you're struggling emotionally too www.capuk.org.

Don't pay all debts equally - attack the highest APR. Once your debts

Cowboy & Indian Nite 9th May. Cowboy stew £4 (order in advance)

JOIN US FOR

Sunday Lunch

3 courses - book now! Adults £8.50, Children £7.50 2 sittings, 12:15pm & 1:45pm

8:30pm start