Stubbington & Hill Head Edition
September 2019 | Issue 56 | £1.50 where sold
Yo u
‘Back to school’ checklist! Seasonal blueberry muffins Increase your kerb appeal
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Live local, shop local, be local1
School of Adult & Higher Education
Community Courses in Partnership with Hampshire Futures
ADULT LEARNING
We are delighted to announce further courses from September 2019 for our new community learning project at St Vincent College. • Back to Basics English • Back to Basics Maths • Creative Writing • Criminology • First Aid • Local Community History • Mindfulness • Study Skills • Reiki • Cake Decorating • Mandarin Chinese • Spanish Classical Guitar • Sewing for Beginners • Patchworking...and many more! All our courses are located in the Clocktower building at the front of the College • Local buses stop directly outside the Clocktower and parking is also available Many of our students, who are now at university, started their learning journey with us on our free community courses! Our latest Choices brochure of FREE courses is now available.
For more information, please see our website: www.stvincent.ac.uk/adult-education/ae-courses St Vincent College, Mill Lane, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 4QA jsmith@stvincent.ac.uk 023 9258 3890
Solent Sports Injury Clinic Previously known as Stubbington Sports Injury Clinic
For all sports and non sports related injuries • Chiropractic • Physiotherapy • Sports Therapy • Sports & Remedial Massage • Laser Therapy • Ultrasound • Post Injury Rehabilitation • Strength & Conditioning • Sports event first aid • Sports taping service • Biomechanical analysis • Chinese Acupuncture • Podiatry
*NEW SHOCKWAVE THERAPY TREATMENT* Suzi Le Voi Bsc Hons, MSc, DC, MRCC (Sports) Kerry Bowles BSc (Hons)LicAc, MBAcC, CAUK Paul Reay MSST, ITEC Stewart Redpath BSc (Pod), MSc John Stephens Bsc Hons, MSc, ADV, RAW, Dip, DC Tasmyn Grimshaw VTCT 4, MSMA Skye Deane BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC Reg
170 Portsmouth Road | Lee-On-The-Solent PO13 9AE
Tel: 02392 553302
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THIS MONTH...
y, arit h c y, unit d more m n om s, c rties a e p i Rec prope
CONTENTS 8
Get Puzzled
22
Recipe of the Month
12
Mum’s the Word
24
Keep On Running
19
Watering and Wellies
26 Auto-Biographies
20
Crofton Parish
29
Test yourself with this month’s crossword
Don’t miss your ‘Back to School’ checklist!
Avoid the colour flop!
Things don’t always go to plan…
Seasonal ‘Blueberry Muffins’
Races for everyone, from Gosport to the Amazon!
Tim Barnes-Clay reviews the Suzuki Swift Attitude 2019
Home Focus
First impressions, how to increase kerb appeal
september issue 2019
I
Smalltalk
t’s nice, to be nice........
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 Alverstoke. For distribution enquiries please give me (Gemma) a call. Two other editions are also published in Stubbington & Hill Head and Lee on Solent.
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.
Recently, the family and I went to a local restaurant for dinner. The atmosphere was good, the staff were lovely and the food was delicious. It was safe to say we had a great experience. When we came to pay the bill the manager told us, with a big smile, the whole meal was complimentary! We were shocked, to say the least and when we questioned her as to why, she simply said, ‘it’s just nice, to be nice’. How right she was! It made our day and we have not stopped sharing the experience since. So often in these busy lives we lead it is easy to forget how simple being nice is and how good it can make, not only the recipient of a ‘nice’ act feel, but you too. It doesn’t have to be a gift or have a monetary value, it could just be a random act of kindness. Did you know that being nice has many benefits, apparently it can help ease anxiety, it’s good for your heart and could help you live longer, surely they are reasons enough?! Have you done anything ‘nice’ for someone recently? This month I am determined to pay forward this gesture and I’m looking forward to saying, ‘it’s just nice, to be nice’ to someone as I put a smile on their face. Will you? On to this month’s mag, as always, this edition is full to the brim of great editorial with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for tips to improve your garden, information about what’s going on in the community or a guide on how to improve your home, you will find it here, alongside some fantastic local businesses. If you are a parent like me, check out the annual ‘Back to School’ checklist, it’s always best to be prepared. Enjoy the rest of the summer and remember to be nice!
Gemma x 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 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
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Tel: 02393 780653 Mob: 07979 003122 Email: scottallendecorating@hotmail.co.uk 7
Get Puzzled Crossword 1. 4. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18. 20. 22. 23. 24. 25. 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 14. 15. 16. 17. 19. 21.
CLUES ACROSS
Influenza (6) Perfect for Growth Percussion Instrument (7) A Smart Boy (5) Pancake (5) Gaunt (7) Requiring Small Bra Size? (4,7) Darkened Sky (7) Window (5) Put Off (5) Say Again (7) Demure (6) Grasping Tool (6)
CLUES DOWN
Copes (4,2) Feet (5) Joanna Player (7) Crash (5) Repeat (7) Martial Art (6) Tell Tales (4,3,4) Found (7) Nuptial (7) In the Same Book (6) Little Green Men? (6) Ladies Fingers (5) Incensed (5)
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Word search
Find the hidden words in the word search grid
angel butterfly cup
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Mum’s the Word Are you ready for the start of the school year? Time flies when you are having fun and the school holidays can speed by in the blink of an eye. Keep this checklist to hand and it will help you to avoid those last minute panics by reminding you to get organised ready for the start of the new school year.
Back to School Checklist: Uniform White polo shirts/school shirts School jumper or cardigan Trousers/skirts/pinafore Vests/underwear/socks Lightweight rain coat Winter coat Shoes PE Kit Polo shirts Sports shorts Plimsolls/trainers Sports socks PE bag Extras Name Labels Book bag Water bottle Lunch box Older Children Rucksack Pencil Case Stationery
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Two weeks before school Ensure you have all school supplies Check school shoes fit and buy if needed Get haircuts Plan childcare (afterschool clubs, etc) Complete homework or set goals One week before school Get back to bedtime/morning routine Select first day outfit Shop for packed lunches Prepare and pack PE kit Talk about school to build excitement Day before school Make lunch if needed Iron and lay out uniform and shoes Pack book bag and homework Have an early night Morning of school: Morning routine Healthy breakfast Take first day picture Leave a little early
I have featured these little gems before as they are my best ‘school’ find to date! Name labels that can not only be personalised by design but they can be used to stick on literally anything! I have used them on clothes, equipment, shoes and more…..they even survive the dishwasher!
Get 56 from £12.95 including P&P from www.mynametags.com
WANTED BABY AND TODDLER GROUPS
Next month I will be going back to the regular ‘Baby and Toddler Groups’ feature. If you know of a great group you would like to share with other parents or caregivers, please let me know on: editor@bigvoicedirectories.co.uk
CHILD HEALTH ADVICE CLINICS
At these clinics trained and experienced members of the health visiting team are available to discuss and support you in any aspect of a child or family’s he alth and wellbeing. This includes sleep, behaviour, toilet training, feeding, healthy weights, minor illnesses and more.
TUESDAY
The Genesis Centre, Centre Way, Locks Heath, SO31 6DX
1.15pm —3.15pm Bi-weekly 28/05 and 11/06 Fareham Methodist Church, Kings Road, Fareham 1.15pm —3.15pm PO16 0NU Bi-weekly 04/06 and 18/06
WEDNESDAY Gosport Discovery Centre, The High Street, Gosport
12.30pm —2.30pm
THURSDAY
9.15am—11.15am
Alver Valley Family Centre, Nimrod Drive, Gosport, PO13 8AA
Breast feeding support is available every day 8.00am-8.00pm at Blake’s Maternity Centre, Gosport War Memorial Hospital, Bury Road, Gosport, PO12 3PW. Please ring before you attend on 02392 523651 13
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DEVELOPMENTS
Watering & Wellies
AVOID THE COLOUR FLOP How to navigate your garden through late summer to ensure maximum enjoyment.
You’ve toiled and sweated over your plot and late summer appears ready for you to put your feet up and enjoy the fruits of your labour. But as soon as you’ve popped the lid of your prosecco, your garden has had other ideas. It’s too easy to turn your back on your garden during the lazy months of summer, but this is exactly when you don’t want to take your eye off the ball. You may be tempted to enjoy late evenings outside doing nothing but breathe in the warm evening air (and that is, of course, a very valuable pastime). Just make sure you do a few things so that you’re not twitching and unable to relax if you can see your gardening efforts falling apart around you. Your spring performers will be waning by now and some of your summer flowers may very well need a good deadheading. Pelargoniums, sweet peas and other flowering beauties will keep performing for you if you deadhead then every few days. Fill some gaps by bringing a few houseplants outside for a while. They’ll be grateful for a spot of shade for a few days before exposing them to full sunlight but spiderplants, pelargoniums and dahlias will add some extra interest to your garden at this time. If you have a cottage style garden you may well have delphiniums, lupins or geraniums in your borders. Cut them back now, quite hard whilst they’re on the wane and you’ll be delighted with a fresh flush of leaves and a smaller second flower. Just make sure to give them plenty of water and feed. A top tip when planning your garden is to fill certain areas with lively foliage. It can brighten up the dullest of spots, especially when your summer flowers are lacking. Go for varieties with interesting colours - zesty greens, glittering golds and even purple leaves can look stunning without actual flowers adorning the branches.
Add more mulch. It’s likely that it may have decomposed by now so adding a bit more will prevent weed seeds indeed another layer of compost wouldn’t go amiss either to give your plants an additional boost through the final growing months. Don’t forget your hanging baskets. Trim and feed them now - they’ve been working hard all summer and a bit of a prune and TLC won’t go amiss. Some of the trailing flowers like lobelia may look a little ‘leggy’ but there will be more colour for a while if you treat them. Likewise if you grow lavender, now is the best time to start cutting it back to promote new growth. Go lightly - you’ll want to maintain the plants well-rounded shape. Take only a third of the plant and if you wish pop cuttings into some moist, well-drained compost and add to your cold frame. If you have fruit trees they may be groaning at the branches if you haven’t harvested for a while. Cherries and plums should all be ripe now and ready to harvest. Take the strain off any bowing branches by propping them up so that they can regain their strength. If you’ve got tomatoes, plums, damsons, greengages, gooseberries and the like, you can crack on with preserving them into jams and jellies so that you can enjoy, literally, the fruits of your labours over the coming months on delicious toast, sandwiches and in pies. And if you don’t fancy all this extra work? Then just group all your pots together to give the illusion of colour and growth, get your feet up in that deckchair, make a cup of tea and put it off until tomorrow. After all, if the sun is shining you can always crack on when it’s cooler, right?!
Annie Gardner 19
Crofton Parish
LIFE CAN BE FULL OF SURPRISES! Sometimes, no matter how organised we may be, life just doesn’t go according to plan! Some years ago, we took our children, then aged 7 and 10, to Italy on the train. We planned the journey meticulously and all went well (even the Eurostar ran to time), until we reached the Italian border. The train stopped at the last station in France as expected and the border guards came through to check all passports. That was fine, it took a while, but time had been allowed. The problem was
that French train drivers are not allowed to drive the trains in Italy and Italian drivers can’t drive in France. The French driver got off the train and we watched him walk away but no Italian driver turned up. So, we sat there for almost 2 hours before a driver arrived. And of course, that meant that we arrived 2 hours late into Milan and missed our connection to Venice. What with no more trains that evening, we were stranded with two young children and a couple from New Zealand who we’d met en route and to make matters worse, there were no hotel rooms available in Milan that night due to some festival. After some thought, accompanied by a small amount of panic, we promised the children and our new friends that we would find a taxi large enough to take the six of us and all our luggage the 200 miles to Venice. As I walked off to find such a thing, it did cross my mind that this may, perhaps, have been a somewhat
rash thing to promise! As I walked out of the deserted station and around a corner there stood one solitary taxi, a great big 9 seater one! After a little negotiation and a long ride we duly arrived in Venice sometime around midnight. We all have situations like this as we travel through our lives, but we are in really good company because it happened to Jesus too. On one occasion he was really tired and hungry. He just needed a break, a good meal and time to recharge with his closest friends, but the crowds just wouldn’t leave him alone. Even when he got in a boat and tried to escape across the water they followed him on foot around the shore. Like our trip, Jesus’ day just wasn’t going according to plan, but Jesus didn’t let that bother him. He had compassion on the hungry crowd and what followed was one of the best known of Jesus’ miracles – he fed 5000 plus people with the first century equivalent of a happy meal!
So if you are worried about your future or your life just isn’t going according to plan, trust God, because he’s been there from the outset and will walk with you through all of the ups and downs of your life no matter where you may end up! We just need to invite him to be part of the journey.
Beth Yeandle Mission and Discipleship Co-ordinator Church Office: 01329 661154 beth@croftonparish.org.uk www.croftonparish.org.uk
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Food Matters
Blueberry Muffins Equipment: Muffin cases and tin to bake them in, large mixing bowl, hand mixer Method: Heat the oven to 200c/180c fan/gas 6. Line a 12 hole muffin tin with paper cases. Beat the butter and sugar together until they are fluffy then add the eggs. Beat for 1 minute and then mix in the yogurt, vanilla extract and milk. Combine the flour, baking powder and bicarb in a bowl with a 1/4tsp salt, then tip this into the wet ingredients and stir in. Finally, fold in the blueberries and divide the mixture between each of the muffin cases. Bake for 5 minutes then turn the oven down to 180c/160c fan/gas 4 and bake for a further 15-18 minutes until they have risen and are golden in colour. You can check if they are fully cooked by popping in a cocktail stick to see if it comes out clean. 22
Cool the muffins in the tin on a rack for 10 minutes or so then remove them from the tin to finish cooling. These will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container and can be freshened up in the microwave for 10 seconds or so on high power. Ingredients: 100g unsalted, softened butter 140g golden caster sugar 2 large eggs 140g natural yogurt 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp milk 250g plain flour 2tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 125g blueberries (frozen are OK)
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Keep on Running
Races for everyone.... I’m sure that I make a similar remark with every month that passes and as I sit down to type this month’s article, I again find myself wondering where the last month has gone. A new job has been keeping me busy during the days, as I learn new skills and get used to dressing like a grown up once again, whilst after hours I’m using my free time organising running related events. Race 4 of the ‘Gosport Summer 5K Series’ has been and gone with only the final instalment to go, which will be happening around about the time you read this. Tuesday 13th August will be the
last in our 5-race series and as usual, will be managed by the Nice Work Team who will set up Race HQ once again at the Bayside Cabin on Stokes Bay. We are hoping for some decent weather so that runners and their families can enjoy a post run meal or at least a celebratory drink or two as there is no school to worry about on Wednesday. The series has seen some great performances from local athletes this year with lots of club vests in evidence and a fair few beginners testing themselves over the fast and flat course. Whatever the weather, I will be having a beer (or two) at Bayside Cabin on completion and I hope to share the moment with anyone who fancies keeping an old chap company. In between races, Mrs C and myself have kept ourselves busy with the Gosport Road Runners every Tuesday and Thursday and of course our weekly meetings of the 545 RunClub and The Breakfast Club. The Gosport Road Runners were fortunate enough to have one of our members, Rob Wood, give a presentation on his recent Amazon Marathon adventure, (6 Marathons in 5 days!). It was a fascinating couple of hours and Rob held us all in the palm of his hand with some amazing photos and dialogue. We went home with a new respect for Rob and the Amazon region...and a little loathing of a certain Norwegian (if you were there you will know).
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The 545ers usually meet on a Wednesday at local brewers ‘Fallen Acorn’ which is situated on Mumby Road but with it being summer, it is written somewhere important that the 545 RunClub should have at least one meeting on the Gosport Golden Mile, followed by a swim and a BBQ. This year was no different and we all got to stand in awe as one of our runners ‘Posh Johnny’ showed off his swanky Gucci BBQ that roared into life and cooked everyone’s food whilst we all laboured over hot (or not) charcoals with less impressive results!
Enquiries about any of our shenanigans can be raised by contacting me via the medium of email. Enjoy what we have left of summer and see you at a run somewhere local.
Next up for us will be the second instalment of the Gosport Beer Mile on Sunday 15th September. Teams of four will race ‘The Mile’ having consumed a pint of Fallen Acorn’s finest ale. Last year’s efforts were great fun and often hilarious but good natured and raised a few eyebrows from people out for an early morning constitutional. As with anything we do, it is open to all and supported by friendly and generally lovely people who love their community.
Article written by Nick Carter GosVegas Running and Alton Sports Gosport email: cartscartergosvegas@gmail.com
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Auto-Biographies
By Tim Barnes-Clay Motoring journalist Tweeting @carwriteups Instagram @tbarnesclay
NEW SUZUKI SWIFT ATTITUDE 2019 Suzuki’s Swift is a good seller for the Japanese automaker. And now it hopes the latest Swift Attitude will boost sales even higher. The special edition model is anticipated to account for up to 40 per cent of all Suzuki Swift sales in Britain during 2019 and beyond. The £14,599 Attitude is centred around the mid-spec SZ-T grade but includes a slightly sportier body kit, a new spoiler, a mesh grille and 16-inch alloys. However, where the standard Swift SZ-T trim houses a 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit, poke in the Attitude come from a non-turbocharged 1.2 Dualjet powerplant. This has been harvested from the basic SZ-3, driving the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The Attitude’s engine may sound a bit lame in comparison with a turbo assisted one, but it’s still a fun, nimble hatch to drive. This is because the car only weighs 980kg and has a short wheelbase. The Swift Attitude is forgiving, too. You can chuck the little tyke into corners at the last second without any worry that the Suzuki might have a tantrum. Indeed, the car almost enjoys being driven hard.
Of course, the Attitude is not a hot-hatch, but it’s a seriously engaging supermini – if burning along twisty rural lanes is your thing. Mind you; its off-the-line performance isn’t quite so exciting. A zero to 62mph time of 11.9 seconds isn’t going to mean you’ll be changing your underwear any time soon. The Swift isn’t unacceptably underpowered, though - its light weight helps with this; you just need to stir the gears hard and keep your right foot down to feel the speed. The car is also economical, returning over 50mpg on an average run. When it comes to ride quality, you’ll find the Swift Attitude comfortable, for four-up. And even though the cabin is awash with plastics and the steering column doesn’t have reach adjustment, it offers a lot for just £14,599. Certainly, for this amount, the Suzuki is a sensible second car, or it could even serve as the main car for a small family.
Pros’ n’ Cons Handling √ Ride √ Room √ Straight-line performance �
Fast Facts (as tested by Tim Barnes-Clay) Max speed: 111 mph 0-62 mph: 11.9 seconds Combined MPG: 51.4 mpg Engine layout: 1242cc 4-cylinder petrol Max. power (PS): 90 CO2: 124 g/km Price: £14,599 26
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MAZDA/FORD/KIA INDEPENDENT SPECIA
GOSPORTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MAZDA, FORD & KIA SPECIALISTS FOR DIAGNOSTICS, SERVICE AND REPAIR. AIR CONDITIONING DESIGN, INSTALLATION, SERVICING & MAINTENANCE Energy Sufficient Solutions For Heating & Cooling In The Home Or Office Only a 5% VAT Charge For Domestic Installations
TEL: 01489 790979 Unit 3a Herald Ind Est Hedge End | Southampton | SO30 2JW info@adscooling.co.uk | www.adscooling.co.uk 30
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
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
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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.
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